Many people make the mistake of thinking the only way to be involved in mission work is to be on the ground in a foreign country. Mission isn't an event – it's a lifestyle. We are called to make disciples of every nation, and that includes our own.

It is possible for us to live like missionaries here, so we can support those working overseas. Below are some simple things we can do to support those that are on the ground around the world.

Cut back on what you do. By sacrificing a little bit every day, we can raise money for those working overseas daily needs.

• Cancel subscription TV service, or downgrade to a plan that saves at least $30 a month.
• Cut out buying ONE soda or coffee a day - make or bring your own.
• Downgrade/cancel cell phone or landline service. Do you need both?
• Cut out one or two fast food meals or “eating out” and save the difference.
• Carpool. Figure out what you save at the end of the month and send the difference to support missions.

Add to what you already do. Simple daily disciplines can also help channel resources to support work overseas.

• Empty your pocket change into a jar each day and send it to a short-term mission team or member you are supporting.
• When you write a check, deduct an “extra” dollar from the checkbook balance. When you reconcile, write a check for that amount for missions.
• Set up a short-term mission “Savings Account” at your bank (savings accounts are usually free) and have an automated amount taken out each month.
• Use coupons and consider the money saved as money for missions.
• Don’t spend rebate checks or cash-back refunds - save the money for missions.
• Money found in the washer or on the street gets saved in the “pocket change” jar.
• Borrow from the library instead of buying books. Save the difference for missions.
• Bring lunch to work and send the money you save to missions.
• Buy generic and save the difference for missions.
• Rent a movie instead of going to the theater and save the difference.
• Stop at the “thrift store” to find what you need before spending money at the department store.
• Sit down and do a budget and include an amount for missions each month.

Make additional money. You don't just have to make money to put it in your bank account. You can make money for the purpose of giving it away

• Sell items in garage sales or eBay - old toys, sports equipment, etc. Ask friends to contribute their items to sell.
• Have a bake sale. 
• Pick up trash, fix it up, and sell it. 
• Bank your raise - that can be the whole year’s worth of savings ($360). 
• Send or tithe your IRS refund check. 
• Kids can offer to do odd jobs for neighbors/friends. 
• Sell your used textbooks. 
• Sell your old cell phone and save the difference.

Use your imagination! Your small sacrifices can make a world of difference for the unreached people around the globe.