C'est Assez!

And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. - 1 Peter 5:4

"Assez" is the french word for "enough;" therefore, if someone were to ask me, "How much are missionaries paid?" I would usually answer, "Assez."

When I served overseas, I was blessed to be part of a very large missionary organization. Due to the gracious, sacrificial gifts of those within our denomination at the time, my wife and I served full-time as missionaries in West Africa. We were neither required, nor was it necessary for us, to return to the U.S. to raise funds for our support. Our needs were met as we were allowed to continue the work where God had sent.

A few years later I helped lead an organization that brought focus, vision, and resources to Kingdom-minded organizations desiring to complete the unfinished task of the Great Commission. In that role, I had the privilege of raising personal support. Due to the sacrificial gifts of ministry partners, my wife and I have been able to continue to serve wherever God leads, while also keeping them informed and involved.

Sometimes I am asked, which I would prefer, full support by an agency or full-support I have personally raised? Truth be told, it has never been (as a pastor, missionary, or mission leader) about support-raised, but rather about support-provided, and I have come to understand that the Lord provides it all.

Will we end our full-time service with a lavish retirement? Well, probably not, but our reward is not on earth anyway. So, thank you, Lord. "C'est assez."

A man with money is no match against a man on a mission. - Doyle Brunson