Scripture: 1 Tim. 6:17–19:
“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”
Are you looking for a new World Missions fundraiser and find yourself fresh out of ideas? Here is an idea that might work perfectly for your corps. Below is a creative brief for an auction fundraiser that was held at our corps called “Care for Kenya.” Check with your division to learn your partners in Missions for World Services and base the title for the program on one of those partner countries.
Pre-Event Details:
- Pick a date for the fundraiser
- Produce a ticket for your event (Canva.com is a great website resource to use for design)
- Secure a cook
- Recruit hosts for each table
- Put together a committee to procure silent and live auction items
- Secure an auctioneer and runners
- Ask someone to be responsible to collect the money
- Put together a set up and tear down crew
How to:
Once hosts are identified, ask them to secure guests to fill their table. Provide each host with 8 to 10 tickets. Ask all of the women to invite their friends and family. When deciding on an amount for the tickets you will want to cover food costs plus an amount for the project.
Day-of Fundraiser Outline:
- Hosts welcome and serve the meal (family style)
- During the meal hold the silent auction
- Show a short video of the receipient of the funds from the day’s events
- Have a live auction or a silent auction
Host Instructions:
- Arrive 30 minutes before the event and remain at your table until your guests have arrived.
- Provide a centerpiece and table covering for your table. Something you already own is great.
- Each table will have a sign with your name and table number. Each guest should be given a seat number that will be used for the silent and live auction.
- Once instructed, make your way to the kitchen and pick up the meals. Serve family style at your table.
Silent Auction:
Items can be placed on tables, each with a silent auction sheet and pen. If someone wants to bid they sign their name along with their table number and seat number. The silent auction begins as soon as guests arrive and during the family style meal up until the live auction begins. The silent auction usually contains smaller items, the live auction offering items of greater value. At the conclusion of the silent auction, time runners will identity the winning bids and secure payment for the items.
Meal Suggestions:
Research a typical meal that would be served in your partner in mission country. As much as possible duplicate this meal.
Doing the Most Good
Read 1 Timothy 6:17–19.
Evangeline Booth is known for the national brand strategy that The Salvation uses—“Doing the Most Good.” One facet of this identifiable message is how it relates to money and our use of it.
In 1 Timothy 6:18 (NLT), Paul encourages the church at Ephesus to “use their money to do good.” Ephesus was a wealthy city and the church probably had wealthy members. Paul advised Timothy to deal with any potential problems by teaching that having riches carries great responsibility. Those who have money must be generous, but they must not be arrogant because they have a lot to give. We must be careful not to put our hope in money instead of in the living God. He encouraged those in Ephesus to give generously but not to become arrogant or prideful in doing so.
The problems and difficulties in our world—locally, nationally, and internationally—prompt us today to give generously to those in need. In what ways do we give? Even if we are not financially wealthy, we can be generously creative in sharing what we do have with each other. World Service initiatives like the ones listed here, allow us to become ‘rich in good works.’
