For many years we at AIMS have taught “Faith Promise Giving” and because of it we have seen churches all over the United States invest hundreds of thousands of dollars into reaching the least reached peoples of the world. During a recent training in India, we learned just how much this biblical practice knows no cultural boundaries.

We were in the city of Travendrum in the south of India leading an Equipping for the Harvest conference for Indian missions’ leaders and pastors. While we were discussing the principles of Faith Promise Giving a pastor named Lamech began to share his testimony with us. Lamech attended an AIMS training in 2000 where, among other things, he learned how to teach on Faith Promise Giving. For two years he preached this message. Then in 2002 as he was ministering the Lord spoke to him, “Lamech, you are teaching this, but why is it that you have never put it into practice?” This was like a “slap upside the head” from the Lord. So he decided that it was time to seek God about making a Faith Promise for missions himself.

As Lamech prayed he sensed the Lord telling him to give the equivalent of one month’s salary. He pondered this, then said, “Are you sure Lord, did I hear you right?” Convinced he had heard correctly, he made the commitment having no idea how he would pay for it. Three months later a friend, knowing Lamech’s proficiency in English, brought him some translation work. When he finished the job he was thrilled to discover that his pay was only $10.00 short of his Faith Promise commitment.

One issue stood in the way. Lamech needed to pay his son’s school tuition that week and though he could later pay it from his salary, he decided to use the translation funds. As he prepared to pay the school, the Lord reminded him of his commitment and how faithful He had been to provide for the Faith Promise. As Lamech meditated on God’s faithfulness, he resolved to keep his promise and immediately gave his missions offering. He told us this was a key moment in his walk with the Lord. As he kept his commitment to do his part to see the Gospel taken to the waiting world, the Lord would be faithful to take care of him and his family. Indeed, God is faithful, whether you are in a mega-church in the U.S. or in a village church in India! He is the same!