The evangelist is a gift from the Lord to the church (Eph. 4:11-12) for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, and for the edifying of the body of Christ.  An evangelist comes alongside the Pastor to encourage him and his wife and reinforce what he is preaching.

The only evangelist so-named in the Bible was Philip (Acts 21:8).  We have no record of him planting a church.  Paul did, but he is never referred to as an evangelist.  Philip was involved in 3 endeavors as an evangelist:

1. Preaching the Gospel to crowds of lost (Acts 8:5-6)   We do that as churches plan big days.
2. Personal Evangelism (Acts 8:26-39)  He witnessed extensively one-on-one to the Ethiopian Eunuch, led him to Christ and baptized him. Shirley and I witness to folks along our travels and those He leads us to.
3. Itinerant ministry to churches (Acts 8:40)  Philip traveled from town to town preaching God's unfailing Word, maturing, challenging, and equipping the saints.

This is why we have abbreviated our purpose with the words:  Evangelize * Edify * Equip.   In addition, we are very busy writing books and bringing screened books to put good material in the hands of the preacher and believers.

We rejoice in seeing folks saved, many at the altar making godly decisions, and pastors, their wives, and the saints encouraged.  Then, long after we have left, the resources will continue to minister to them.

But the work of an Evangelist is not a one man show.  While there is a great need for evangelizing, edifying, and equipping, and the fruit is real, the cost is also great to accomplish this task.  God has met us on our initial survival budget, but we realized after four months the need to follow the advice of a veteran evangelist.  He counseled us to raise support to enable us:

1. to support ourselves in times we can't get meetings (holidays, sickness). No meetings means no income unless we have support.
   
2. to go to smaller churches who otherwise couldn’t take care of us, or those who fail to care for our needs,
   
3. to pay for travel emergencies, unforeseen vehicle breakdowns, and rising fuel prices,
4. to save for tire replacement, capital expenses such as vehicle/computer replacement, and rising insurance prices,                                                        
5. to help us cover the rising costs of lodging, food, gas, and tolls for longer trips.
6. to secure more prayer support.  Those who give always pray more for what they give to.  In the spiritual battles we face on the evangelistic trail, we (like any missionary) need folks undergirding us in prayer. 

We stand where you stand and propagate your position everywhere we go.

That evangelist told us that he had raised monthly support which has kept him going over the past 25 years.  Likewise, we need churches and individuals who believe in what we are doing to partner with us to underwrite our work.  We can surely use one-time gifts but are especially looking for partners who will promise ongoing monthly prayer and support that we can count on.

Would YOU consider partnering with us in prayer and support and be one of those?  Pastor, will you consider adding us to your missionary giving?   Our attitude, as always, will be “fruit from our ministry that may abound to your account.” And remember, we stand where you stand.

You can send us support by clicking the appropriate paypal button on our donate page.  Paypal will charge us 3.5% to transfer your gift.  On a $50 gift, we receive $48.25.  That would be a big help. 

But if you would rather not send it by credit card on our website so that all of it comes to us, contact me of your intention at rstarr@mtziononline.org or 717.309.6384 and send checks to:  Randy Starr, 754 E. Main St., Dallastown PA  17313.

For those who support us monthly with $50 or more, we want to say thank you by sending a first-edition copy of every new book we produce as long as your support continues to come.  Your help is greatly needed and appreciated.  Thank you.