Do you follow up after funding appointments? What if people promise to give, but don’t start?

Here is a letter exchange with my friend H. about checking back after appointments. What do you think of my counsel?

Flocks of sheep and herds of goats were the economic engines for shepherds in ancient Palestine. Careful shepherds paid close attention to watch for injured animals or signs of disease. They studied the habits of each animal; they knew them well. Why study their flocks?

Two weeks ago a friend of one of our international staff wrote to ask me how "Joe's" support was coming along. I explained his situation and assured her that he needed to raise $5000. Within a week she wrote to say she was going to give $3100. When I called her to thank her, she hinted she had more to give because she had received a small inheritance…

Made it home safely last night about 7 p.m. On the airplane I recorded these “metrics”:

Appointments: 13 appointments over 7 days in 4 states plus a funeral (interacted with 27 individuals—staff, giving partners, future donors)

Great day yesterday! As I left a giving partner’s home she slid an envelope across the table “for my work.” I thanked this lovely widow friend for her giving for over 15 years—her husband died five years ago. I visited them every 2-3 years and…

Took a risk this morning and asked my gracious but busy host if he would like to have a quiet time before the kids were up. Yes and his wife joined us too. Wonderful time. Recommend it!

Yesterday’s 7 a.m. breakfast was with a periodic, sporadic giving partner who gives when he receives lawyer settlements. He also owns four homes. I said, “You mean you have four mortgages!” Right. So no monthly! But his heart is with us, and he will continue to give periodically as the Lord leads. I have no doubt…

Moving fast! Four meetings yesterday. Spent the morning with a staff-member (where I stayed overnight). We sat at his kitchen table for an hour sharing what God has been saying to us from the bible and talking about the deaths of our dads…

Spent the day coaching two staff couples in their fundraising.  Here is what seemed to connect:

• Bible study entitled “Four Money-words Ministry Workers Must Know Well!” Do you know them? B—, S—, B—, T—. Good discussion and good laughing over the question, “What did Paul the Apostle teach about tithing?” Highlight for me was the wives actively and energetically participating!