Are you struggling with debt?

To begin application with Wycliffe, student loans cannot be more than $24,000/single or $36,000/couple. Additionally, unsecured debt cannot be more than $1,200.

Anyone, whether they make $20,000 a year or $200,000 a year, has the ability to get out of debt. That means you can do it, too!

"Debt is obviously keeping people from going out. People have incurred tremendous debts because our culture tells us to live for the moment," says Gindy Miley, Operation Mobilization's U.S. personnel director.  How Debt Hinders

As daunting as the task seems, it should be a high priority, especially if you are considering a career in missions.

Why?

• Well, first of all, God wants us to be debt-free. Romans 13:8 says, “Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another” (NLT). Pretty clear, isn’t it?
• Second, with the exception of educational debt, most missions will not allow you to raise support for unsecured debt payments.
• Finally, debt causes stress, which in turn can lead to health issues and marital tension. Read more about how debt can hinder you from being obedient in this practical brochure from the Caleb Project.

The process of digging out of debt can be overwhelming, and you may be wondering where to begin. Here are a few ideas from Howard Dayton’s book, Free and Clear. There are more resources and ideas at Crown Financial Ministries.

Becoming Debt-Free

It’s time to sit down and prayerfully think through your plan.

1. Start with prayer. Pray for the Lord’s assistance in getting out of debt, asking Him for His guiding wisdom and discipline to stay the course.

2. Take a thorough and honest look at all of your expenditures. Try to determine how much you spend on everything per month. Just remember—every little expense is worth noting, even sodas from a machine! Being aware of how you spend money will help you to gain control of your debt. With each expense, examine whether it is a necessary expense or if there are ways to cut back or even eliminate it altogether.

3. Come up with what Howard Dayton calls a “spending plan,” where you take your income and create a balanced plan, including paying off your debt. Then, stick to your plan! You will need a change of lifestyle, which won’t be easy. But, in the end, the freedom you gain from your debt will be well worth it.

Interested in some additional help? Order Howard Dayton's book or talk with us.