Commission To Every Nation allows each missionary to determine how their support funds should be expended. We will treat you as the adult that you are!
While each of us trusts God to provide for our needs, we should not foolishly neglect planning ahead. As you are establishing your budget, the following expenses should be part of your planning. They should not be the part that will be funded only if funds are available. We want you to be fully capable of doing what God has called you to do—for the long haul.
We need to know you are fully aware of what you are responsible to provide for yourself (and your family if you are married). Remember that the choice is yours.
Medical Insurance
Medical insurance is a necessary part of your support while on the mission field. To protect yourself, you need to provide for those undesired expenses. Provincial health plans do not offer adequate coverage when you are overseas and may not cover you at all beyond a certain time away. CTEN Canada offers an excellent group medical insurance program which employees based outside of Canada or the USA may subscribe to. There are also other insurance companies that provide various types of coverage and we will be glad to provide contact information to you.
In some countries you may be able to obtain in-country medical insurance cheaper and still be provided a good level of medical care. If you opt to use in-country insurance, you need to consider how you could get back to Canada if you became so ill you needed to be medically evacuated and then obtain medical care in Canada. This could be very costly, especially if there is a requalifying time to get on your provincial care plan.
Commission To Every Nation cannot assume any costs for your medical care.
I understand the value of medical insurance and that I have a responsibility to obtain adequate coverage for my needs.
Life Insurance
Each of us knows we need to be prepared for the consequences of our death. Consider what expenses your family may incur as well as those long-term costs of living if you are not there to help provide for them. Term insurance is normally the least costly way of obtaining this coverage. Commission To Every Nation Canada’s group medical insurance program provides a basic level of life insurance as part of the plan. CTEN can also provide some suggested sources for this form of insurance.
I understand the value of life insurance to my family and loved ones.
Retirement Fund
Of course, no one retires from God's work, but consider this a slow down fund! If you plan early it doesn't take a lot to build up a nest egg for the golden years. One study stated that as many as 70% of missionaries had little or no funds to provide for themselves when they reached an age where they could no longer physically minister.
Commission To Every Nation Canada allows it’s missionary employees to budget a portion of the funds they raise to save for these expenses.
I understand the value of planning for my retirement age and recognize my responsibility to set funds aside for this need.
Other Personal Expenses
Home Assignment Costs - You need to set aside a portion of your income to cover returning to Canada periodically.
Emergencies - While you can't plan for everything, it is wise to set aside some funds to cover emergencies.
Start Up Costs - The amount you will need will vary according to what God has called you to do and where you will be doing it.
Continuing Ministry Expenses - There is little purpose to head to the mission field and not be able to afford to minister. Anticipate these expenses to continue to increase over the years as you expand your ministry.