How many thousands of Christian organizations operate in the United States? An equally important question is…to whom are these organizations accountable? The answer is God and the donors who support them. The reason for asking these questions is to let you, our current and potential donors, know that we are serious about accountability and that we want to be good stewards of the Lord’s provisions to this ministry.
Mustard Seed International (MSI), along with over 1,100 other Christian churches and organizations across the country, are members of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA). The motto of ECFA is: “Applying a higher standard – Serving a higher purpose.” With ECFA, we do not simply pay a membership fee and proclaim that we adhere to their standards. We are audited by ECFA and must submit required financial reports to remain an accredited member. Failure to rise to the ECFA level of accountability can have certain, swift and undesirable consequences. To become and remain a member of ECFA, we must earn that privilege.
You should also know that MSI has a volunteer administrative staff. Several years ago the MSI Board of Directors chose a path less traveled and authorized an all-volunteer office staff. In addition, the Directors chose to raise their own individual support to cover any travel and other expenses they may incur as representatives of MSI. This allows MSI to direct your ministry-designated contributions for ministry purposes rather than administrative salaries.
With our volunteer staff, the day-to-day operating expenses (such as printing, postage and telephone) may be covered in part or totally each year by generous donors who designate a portion of their gifts specifically for operating expenses. Over the past ten years, even our office space has been donated.
What this means is that, as a supporter of MSI, you can have confidence that when you send a contribution for a specified purpose, every dollar of your donation will go towards that designated purpose. In fact, that is one of ECFA’s requirements. We are required to distribute Donor Restricted Contributions in the manner for which they were given.
We are cognizant that the Lord leads His believers to support Mustard Seed through their prayers and financial gifts. In light of the fact that God is leading us to show Christ-like compassion to many suffering, needy and lost people around the world…how can we do any less than hold ourselves accountable to Him and to you?
“For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.” II Corinthians 8:21 (NIV)
We thank you again for your support of Mustard Seed International!
Mustard Seed is a member in good standing of the Evangelical Council of Financial Accountability (ECFA).
