(and why you’ll want to!) BY ANTHEA ALLEN
I’ve been an MEM supporter since I was a student 30 years ago. I don’t know about you, but I am amazing at good intentions. But, actually getting around to doing them… less so. From picking my way through half-finished projects in the garage to emptying the washing machine, it’s a challenge. But what has this got to do with being an MEM supporter? Simple: a regular giving commitment!
Uncertainty is an unavoidable aspect of life in the Middle East. In a small way, I can help reduce the stress of that by making my donations regular. I review the amount if my circumstances change, but it means that supporting MEM is never found lurking half way down my black hole of a to-do list. And, because I’ve planned my giving, MEM can plan further ahead, because they have a steady income.
Why have I supported MEM for more than half my life?
I became a Christian at University. Being young, free and single, what better could I do than become a missionary? And who are the people least likely to come across the gospel? Middle Eastern women, I thought! Fortunately, an older, wiser Christian raised a brow and asked whether I was doing it for their sake or for mine. My influence as a young, Western woman with a year of Arabic evening classes would be tiny. Then, I came across MEM at a conference.
It is far better for me to work in the UK and regularly support MEM with cash and prayer. That way, people who speak the language fluently and understand the culture can provide a Christian influence directly into the homes and hands of people who are unlikely to encounter Jesus in any other way. My dream of changing lives in hard-to-reach places could come about!
MEM has an incredible vision. They want to increase their reach and impact by millions each year, to reach the younger generations and create a network of media-creating teams across the Middle East. I don’t know about you, but isn’t this exciting?
Whether you can support MEM with £1 a month or £100, I urge you to set up a Standing Order. Make that good intention a reality. I have no regrets about supporting MEM regularly for 30 years and, God willing, I shall continue to do so for another 50!
Here is what your monthly giving could do:
£25 Could pay for 5 Middle Easterners to attend MEM’s event.
£50 Could pay for 20,000 views of MEM’s content on YouTube.
£100 Could pay for 160 event booklets full of biblical content.
Could you join the MEM regular giving community today?
Go to our giving page to set up a regular donation.