Christian Aid helps independent indigenous ministries in poor or closed countries throughout the world. The main focus is to help mission groups doing pioneer missions in areas difficult to reach with the gospel—usually where North Americans cannot go as foreign missionaries.

How do you check overseas groups?
Before any help is sent, Christian Aid makes sure the ministry is biblically sound, financially accountable, evangelistic in practice, and of good reputation in their country. Each ministry is checked to insure that it is not linked--or is a branch of--any foreign organization, but is truly indigenous.

How do you visit groups on the field?
Christian Aid area directors and other staff have traveled to many countries to visit indigenous groups to verify the ministry first hand.

Some staff missionaries were born in the countries they represent, and thus when they return “home” they are able to communicate in the national language.

In some countries Christian Aid has mission surveyors who visit groups to see the work in operation. They are able to see the mission headquarters, and observe native missionaries at work on the field.

How do you maintain financial integrity?
First of all, we do not send funds directly to individual missionaries. We send support to the group’s mission board, who together oversee the distribution of support to the missionaries.

Our intention is to inform at least two persons when funds are sent. This assures accountability, and encourages the mission to be fiscally responsible. Each year Christian Aid requests an accounting of all funds received by each group and how they were disbursed.

How do you learn about indigenous groups?
Our area directors and field surveyors are constantly on the lookout for effective native ministries in their own countries. Trusted leaders of ministries we are helping frequently refer us to other groups they think we should help. Often we receive letters or emails from groups who may have seen our website, or met indigenous groups currently helped by Christian Aid.

In addition, a countless stream of foreign ministry leaders visit our U.S. headquarters. They represent active ministries with anywhere from a handful to hundreds of missionaries on the field.

How do you meet your own operating expenses?
Christian Aid is grateful for those who believe in our ministry and regularly give for our operating expenses. Every effort is made to keep such expenses to a minimum. As a headquarters base for hundreds of mission boards based in poorer countries Christian Aid bears the expense of receiving gifts, providing receipts, sending funds overseas, writing newsletters, and advocating on behalf of indigenous missions.

Christian Aid receives help in many additional ways.

• Once a year the mission sends mailing asking regular supporters to give a special offering for headquarters operations.
• Persons who sponsor missionaries or children are encouraged to add something extra to cover administrative costs. Those sending designated gifts also do the same.
• Certain individuals name Christian Aid Mission in their wills.
• A number of Christians place annuities as deferred gifts. These funds are held in reserve until the donor goes to be with the Lord; then the funds are used for the ministry.

What is the future of missions?
We at Christian Aid are thoroughly convinced that native mission groups will be able to evangelize their own lands and plant a witness for Christ among every tongue, tribe and nation.

"Give us the tools, and we'll finish the task," they say.

The most exciting, challenging, and rewarding era of missions is immediately before us. Your participation now will advance the kingdom of God as never before.