Where Does My Check Go?

By Donna Messenger

Josh jumped out of bed, quickly dressed, and ran to the breakfast table. “Can we go early, Mom?” he asked as he poured cereal into his bowl. He had cleaned the garage to earn money for the VBS offering. His additional eight dollars this morning would certainly put them over their goal. He was excited to know that their offering was going to buy beds for orphans in East Africa. Miss Loretta said that the kids in this orphanage had never heard of Jesus!

Marilyn finished an email to her daughter at college, turned to the daunting pile of bills and thanked the Lord for His provision – Forry’s good health so that he could work. It was nothing miraculous like missionary stories she loved to read, but simply a testimony to God’s faithfulness. She wrote the amount for their tithe, and then with a few clicks of the mouse, she paid the utility bills. Then she went to the ABWE website to send their monthly donation, grateful to the Lord to be involved in missions in this way.

Mary finished writing the checks at her desk as the copy machine was cranking out Sunday’s bulletin. Friday was always such a busy day! She put the checks to all the mission agencies in an envelope for the treasurer to sign. Even though it was a regular task, each time she made out the checks, she prayed for the missionaries who would receive that support. Their ministries reached to all corners of the globe.

Eight one-dollar bills, an electronic transfer, and a check – all from God’s people who faithfully and prayerfully trust Him to provide so they can give – all of it is used in worldwide missions. But where do those checks go? How many hands are involved in the process to get that support to missionaries around the world? How does Josh’s eight dollars turn into beds for an orphanage in East Africa ? And how did Miss Loretta learn of this opportunity for a VBS project? How did Marilyn know that she could send her gift on the Internet?

Where does my check go?

Twice a day Joe Franz makes a run to the post office, sorts the mail and delivers it to the various departments. The Finance Department is responsible for no small part of the overall activity in the ABWE home office.

Every month, over 10,000 gifts are processed. About half of the checks are from individuals for the support of one missionary, while others are from churches or individuals who support more than one missionary or program – but the total is sent in one check. A number provide monthly support, but pay it quarterly or in one annual sum, thus different times of year might spur greater activity in the Finance Department.

But not every gift comes in the form of a check. Many people like Marilyn are taking advantage of the ease of donating online, both through automatic withdrawals each month and credit card charges. The Donor Relations staff is constantly looking for ways to streamline details and make giving easier for donors.

Gift Entry and Donor Services

It’s important to us to make sure information is processed accurately for each donor. Obviously the motivation to give is founded in an individual’s desire to participate in world missions, but there are tax benefits for gifts to ABWE, therefore great care is given to assure that information is accurately credited to each donor’s giving record.

Checks are sorted when they arrive according to type of gift. Is this check for one missionary or for several different ones? Is it for regular support or a one-time gift?

“I work in donor services getting the gifts ready to be credited to the missionary accounts. I also print the receipts so the donors have them for the next month’s giving. I am just full of joy knowing what I do has a small part in the Lord’s Kingdom.”
—Alice Harpster, Donor Services

Meanwhile, down the hall, Don Davis, Director for Donor Services, jots down notes for this month’s donor update. He shoots an email off to Dr. Loftis with a suggestion for the theme for the thank-you letter that will be sent to donors along with their monthly receipt. Dr. Loftis writes the letter, forwards it for proofing and editing, and then it is sent on to Carol Moser for the letters to be printed and mailed with each receipt.

Don comments on the role of this division, “We work to assure that donors and the missionaries they serve maintain a satisfying relationship. Donors want to be sure missionaries receive support, and missionaries want to be sure we treat their donors well. We try to keep supporters informed about the finances of their missionaries, and to advise them of the many opportunities around the world for them to have an impact for Christ.”

Transferring Funds

Every month after the support income is credited to each missionary’s account, transfers are entered to make regular monthly payments for insurance (health, accident, and life), retirement, taxes, housing and education, for those with children. Every missionary also pays a home office support fee to assist with the operating budget to manage all of these details.

Some transfers are wired to the missionary’s bank in North America so that they can access their funds from ATMs where they serve. Most remittances are wired to hundreds of banks around the world. These transfers generally include their ministry and housing funds as well as their personal salaries.

Accounts Payable

“I often tell people my job is to pay the bills and to keep the missionaries happy. As I go through my work week, it is a blessing to meet the missionaries as they visit the home office. It gives me a better understanding of why I am here.”
—Sara Potter, Accounts Payable

Often missionaries have one-time expenses that need to be paid out of their accounts. They send in a “Request for Services” form (or email) along with an invoice and the bill is paid from their accounts. These one-time payments could be bills or reimbursements, including expenses like car insurance, travel or bills for home-schooling curriculum.

Once she received an email thank-you from a missionary: “Dear Sara, Thanks soooooo much for the explanation and the part you play in our ministry. We couldn’t do it without you and we are sorry for the extra work we put you through. Praying you have a good day!”

What else does the Finance Department handle?

Terry Large manages medical insurance claims for the missionaries. Filing claims is complicated enough at times – try doing it from overseas! Terry is often an advocate for situations when the missionary returns to the field and has unpaid medical bills in the U.S. “It is difficult to impossible for many of our overseas personnel to do the necessary follow-up to get these issues resolved,” Terry comments. Her work is greatly appreciated by the missionaries. “[Some send] nice notes – leave presents on my desk from their host country and even send our department flowers.”

So after the funds get to the missionaries, that’s it, right?

Actually, no, there’s more. Missionaries are obligated to keep careful accounting of how ministry funds are used and turn in reports to the Missionary Finance Department with receipts that are filed for tax purposes. It is time-demanding, but a necessary part of the missionary’s life.

Scott Carter, who lives in Ukraine , recently sent this email to Gretchen Vuurens in Missionary Finance: “I appreciate the Herculean effort put forward by the Finance Department to keep track of numerous funds. It’s a huge job you have, but it sure makes our lives easier on this end.” Gretchen smiled as she read it, “It’s not every day you hear the word herculean!”

Under the direction of Bill Pierson, Executive Administrator for Finance and Operations, Glenn Priddy is the Director of Missionary Finance and coordinates all the policies and procedures that regulate how the missionaries spend money. He gives financial clearance to missionaries so they can leave for the field. When a missionary comes home for furlough, Glenn reviews the figures to determine if the missionary needs to raise additional support.

As you can see, there are numerous financial details that are managed for the missionaries in the home office, so as you pray for ABWE, remember to pray for the staff in the Finance Department.

For more information, visit the Giving page on the ABWE website.

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