FAQ’s 2018-06-13T16:42:57+00:00

FAQs

How are the HGIM ministries “networked” together? 2017-06-06T15:48:45+00:00

HGIM is formally incorporated and registered as Heart of God International Ministries, Inc., and maintains a valid 501c3 status in the United States; it is the “parent organization” of several segments of the ministry networked together under the corporate umbrella. These ministry outreaches include Heart of God Africa, Heart of God Haiti, Heart of God India, Heart of God Israel, Soldiers Bible Ministry, Jan Ross Ministries, and other initiatives either currently or in the process of being organized under the HGIM umbrella. All aspects of the ministry networked together are governed by HGIM’s Board of Directors which includes the Executive Directors of each major outreach.

Does HGIM only do evangelistic mission trips or are there opportunities for humanitarian relief work? 2017-06-06T15:49:39+00:00

HGIM is an evangelistic ministry; everything we do points to and communicates the Gospel of Jesus Christ. HGIM believes we, as the Body of Christ, are commanded to “go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all living creatures” according to the Great Commission. We take the word “preach” very literally as we are sent to various places across the globe. We strive to maintain a careful balance while ministering to the physical needs of any and all people without neglecting our evangelistic mission. We believe it is our privilege and duty to love and serve God by loving and serving all people without discrimination. 

What is HGIM’s policy concerning the use of national missionaries? 2017-06-06T15:50:16+00:00

HGIM is very careful not to attempt to change or alter the customs of our international brothers and sisters. Because of this reason, we prayerfully seek indigenous leaders to partner with and assist in ministry activities in every area where we work. HGIM is careful and prayerful to only choose those men and women who have proven integrity, both as a Christian and in the community. Because the use of nationals in our work requires each indigenous leader to accept responsibility and accountability for their work among their people, we love to train, teach and help equip national leaders to effectively carry out their calling in their homeland. HGIM’s Executive Directors carefully and prayerfully work with the nationals to lead the ministry activity through constant communication, detailed receipts and reports, and personal visits to assess the growth and additional needs of the ministry while offering encouragement to those who labor in the fields as partners of HGIM.

How is the work of HGIM funded? 2017-06-06T15:50:37+00:00

HGIM is funded by both individual and corporate donors. Additionally, HGIM’s leaders serve without compensation, work out of their own homes and personally contribute financially to the ministry. For more information about HGIM’s finances, accountability measures and IRS filings, please visit our financial oversight site at https://www.hgim.ngo where public information is readily available and broken down so it is easy to understand how each ministry is funded and uses your donations. To make a donation, please use the menu item above. Thank you.

What form of financial accountability do you adhere to and where can your status be verified? 2017-06-06T15:50:55+00:00

HGIM has on its Board of Directors two professional CPA’s who work to govern the corporate finances. HGIM has also applied for and received the GuideStar Exchange Gold Seal through compliance to their rigid standards of transparency by providing all requested information, documentation, photos and videos with GuideStar; all information is made public and can be accessed on GuideStar’s website. Finally, a breakdown of income and expenses can be found for the last IRS 990 non-profit report at www.HGIM.ngo

What percentage of each donation is sent directly to the field? 2017-06-06T15:51:07+00:00

HGIM works hard to ensure that all or nearly all of your donation is put to work in the field. Donations received which are specifically designated to a project/outreach are applied 100% to that outreach. Less than 10% of undesignated receipts are used to help cover administrative expenses associated with banking fees, postage, and other costs of doing business. While no HGIM leader is compensated for their work, each ministry leader personally donates to help offset administrative costs.

How do your Staff’s salaries compare to other non-profit religious organizations? 2017-06-06T15:51:18+00:00

HGIM is unique in that our Executive Staff serves on a volunteer basis, working out of their respective homes; no ministry funds are used for office space, rent, utilities, etc. HGIM missionaries raise support to cover their respective living and ministry expenses. HGIM currently has one paid staff member, an administrative assistant who receives a small monthly stipend for professional services. Otherwise, no leader or staff member is personally compensated for his or her sacrificial service to this ministry. 

How can I know which ministries are genuine and in the center of God’s will? 2017-06-06T15:51:28+00:00

Obviously, you cannot respond to all the requests for support you receive, so what criteria should you use to make your decision? Here are a few helpful guidelines for missions-giving:

  • Do those asking for money believe in the fundamental truths of God’s Word, or are they theologically liberal? Any mission that seeks to carry out God’s work must be committed to His Word.
  • Is the group asking for money affiliated with liberal organizations which deny the truth of the Gospel while keeping the name Christian?
  • Do their members openly declare their beliefs? Too many today walk in a gray area, taking no stands and trying to offend as few as possible so they can obtain money from all, whether friends or enemies of the cross of Christ. The Word of God is being fulfilled in them: “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof…” (2 Tim. 3:5).
  • Ask before you give: Is this mission involved in preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ? The liberal person believes man is basically good; therefore, all that is needed to solve his problems is to change his environment. The Bible says that all rich and poor alike must repent and come to Christ or be lost. Which gospel is being preached by the mission group asking for your support? HGIM believes that it is not in our power nor is it our place to change any environment or culture, but to equip people to live within their environment a life based on faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He is their Provider. He is their Healer. He is their Redeemer.
  • Is the mission organization financially accountable? Do they use the money for the purpose for which it was given? As stated previously, less than 10% of total contributions received actually support administrative expenses. Every HGIM missionary receives funds designated for their support. All receipts and expenses are handled by our accounting office located in New York, yearly reports and tax forms are posted online and visible by the public to provide another level of accountability.
  • Do members of the mission group live by faith or man’s wisdom? Galatians 3:11 says, “The just shall live by faith.” When a mission continually sends out crisis appeals for its maintenance rather than for outreach, something is wrong. They seem to say, God made a commitment, but now He is in trouble, and we must help Him out of a tight spot. God makes no promises He cannot keep. If an organization constantly pleads for money, you need to question if that group is doing what God wants them to do. We believe we must wait upon God to discern His mind and do only what He leads us to do, instead of taking foolish “steps of faith” without His going before us. The end should never justify the means.

Finally, a word of caution. Do not look for a reason for not giving to the work of God. Remember, we must give all we can, keeping only enough to meet our needs so the Gospel can be preached before the night comes, when no man can work (see John 9:4). For most of us, the problem is not that we give too much but that we give too little. We live selfishly and store up treasures on this earth that will soon be destroyed, while precious souls die never having head the Life-Giving Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

What are the qualifications for mission team applicants? 2017-06-06T15:51:40+00:00

HGIM holds a high standard of integrity both on and off the mission field. Because, as members of the Body of Christ, we represent the Kingdom of God as ambassadors in every area of our lives, we require each interested party to go through a pre-qualification interview with the Executive Director of the ministry area to be visited. Once approved, a formal application and trip fee deposit will be required. For more detailed information, please contact the Executive Director of the area of ministry in which you are interested.

Does HGIM offer missions or other training? 2017-06-06T15:51:51+00:00

Absolutely! Each team member preparing for a mission outreach is required to attend HGIM’s mission training sessions as part of their commitment to the trip. These sessions can be on in a pre-determined location or via the web. We also offer training for volunteers in many other areas of work connected with HGIM.

I feel called to the foreign mission field. What steps do I need to take to become an HGIM missionary? 2017-06-06T15:52:05+00:00

First, be sure of your calling. We are looking for those who have a definite call upon their lives to go to some of the most unreached areas for evangelism, church planting, and humanitarian relief. It is not a job, it’s a calling to a life of service to the Kingdom of God. Sadly, if one approaches the mission field as an employee doing his/her job, they won’t last when things get rough. HGIM is committed to train and send out men and women who seek God’s glory by doing God’s work God’s way. HGIM missionaries must be men and women of integrity in the area of commitment to the Word of God and correct doctrine, willing to obey the Scripture in all matters of life and ministry without question. They must maintain a testimony above reproach, both in their walks with the Lord and also with their families. We look for those who are willing to work hard to reach the lost in and around the mission fields where they are placed. Each missionary is also a shepherd of the flock that the Lord raises up. An HGIM missionary will not seek personal edification by building for themselves a following; he or she will protect these new believers and lead them into maturity in Christ, through teaching God’s Word and equipping them to win the lost in the region where they are serving. If you feel strongly about your calling, please contact HGIM at hgim@heartofgodinternational.org. We will pray with you to identify your strengths and to determine how to best use your gifts and calling to benefit the Body of Christ and bring glory to God.  

I would like to inquire about our ministry partnering with HGIM. What steps should I take? 2017-06-06T15:52:19+00:00

Please contact HGIM at HGIM@heartofgodinternational.org and share your request. We will prayerfully consider your organization and, if it is felt your organization would be a good “fit” as a part of the HGIM Network, your request will be presented to the Board of Directors for further prayer and consideration. Further information will be available as necessary.

 

I have more questions that aren’t covered here. How can I contact you? 2017-06-06T15:52:28+00:00

Please feel free to submit additional questions or requests for information to us by using the Contact form provided. We look forward to hearing from you.

Proverbs 4:17 FAQs

ABOUT HGIM

A brief statement explaining the general scope of HGIM.

HISTORY

HGIM’s history from its beginning in 2003 to date.

MISSION

An overview of HGIM’s Great Commission mission statement.

PURPOSE

The purpose of HGIM based on the Great Commission.

BELIEFS

Heart of God International Ministries Statement of Beliefs.

PRAYER WALL

You are invited to share prayer needs and pray for one another.

FAQ’s

Answers to questions you may have about HGIM and the Network.

LINKS

List of direct links to additional HGIM ministry sites and publications.