For every 100 national workers serving in Asia, there’s a missionary behind-the-scenes, serving in an administrative role—facilitating the work of those national workers. Many of these behind-the-scenes missionaries serve here in our office near Dallas, Texas. And they make it possible for wells to be drilled, medical camps to be held, children to be helped and Christmas gifts to be distributed.

Behind-the-scenes missionaries are extremely important

Each behind-the-scenes missionaries helps bridge the gap between you and a child in Asia or a national worker in Asia. You might never meet a child enrolled in GFA’s Child Sponsorship Program or talk to a national worker, but because of the Mission Support Team, you can receive a photo of a child that you’re praying for or get an update from a national worker.

For nearly 40 years, these behind-the-scenes missionaries have been essential to the work and impact of GFA. GFA has traditionally asked the Mission Support Team to raise their own financial and prayer support in order to cover their living expenses. This model has been one of the strengths of GFA and has helped us be efficient and effective in our mission.

But as we discovered, support raising was taking them away from vital, ministry-supporting tasks and hindering GFA's growth and our impact.

How can GFA stay effective and efficient?

The behind-the-scenes missionaries are still vital and still very effective, but to help the Mission Support Team serve with focus and continue to use the resources God has given us, GFA is going to help carry the burden of raising funds and prayer partners for the individuals of the Mission Support Team.