Asking for a Raise

Have you ever had the nerve-wracking experience of asking your boss for a raise? Here's how one young fellow handled it.

Pete went to his boss to ask for a raise, saying that several other companies were after him.

“What companies are those?” asked the boss.

“The gas company, electric company, and phone company,” Pete admitted, sheepishly.

Ouch! That story would be even funnier if it didn't hit so close to home. With the recent hurricanes driving up the price of petroleum products and the onset of a cold winter we certainly can identify with Pete.

Have you ever wondered how missionaries get a cost of living increase?

A good friend and supporter asked me that very question recently. I'd never really thought about that before and didn't quite know how to answer.

New Tribes Mission does not pay me to teach here at our language institute. All NTM USA workers are responsible to raise financial support to pay their own salary and ministry expenses, including those who serve in the USA. My support comes from friends, family and churches who have graciously donated to my ministry.

Although the IRS considers me to be an employee of NTM, in reality I'm more in the category of being self-employed. If you're self-employed then who do you go to for a raise?

Who is the Boss?

I suppose I could ask myself for a raise, but that probably wouldn't do much good. NTM is a “faith-based” mission organization. Every NTM missionary is supported in exactly the same way – by donations from supporters. The bottom line is that our Heavenly Father who feeds the birds of the air and clothes the grass of the fields is the One who takes care of me. Only He can offer a cost of living increase.

So how does that work? Does Joe Missionary just submit a request?

Faithful Prayer Partners

Watching God provide for my needs over the years, I've come to the conclusion that it's only through your faithful prayers that I've been allowed the privilege to be in this ministry. You've asked our Heavenly Father to provide exactly what I need and He has answered your requests for which I'm truly grateful.

An Amazing Year!

This year has been absolutely amazing – unlike anything that I've experienced before in 21 years of ministry! I've had a number of unexpected gifts given to me.

For the last 5 years my support level has been between 60% to 70% of the NTM recommended level of support. Over the last 12 months my support has gone from 70% to 90% of the recommended NTM level.

Had I been traveling around to different churches and promoting the ministry of New Tribes Language Institute, then I could account for that increase. But over this last year I
haven't done anything like that. My only explanation is that God has brought about the increase as a result of your prayers on my behalf.

Good News and Bad News

At a recent staff meeting we were told about all the new construction projects and improvements on our property. That was exciting to hear. But all these improvements don't come without a cost. We were also informed that our cost of living here at the language institute would be increased in coming months.

Our omniscient Heavenly Father knew that all along! Once again, Isaiah 65:24 proves true: “It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear.”

I certainly do appreciate all those who are a part of my ministry through their prayers and support!

Bob Nyberg's Home Page

	Asking for a Raise
	Have you ever had the nerve-wracking experience of asking your boss for a raise? Here's how one young fellow handled it. Pete went to his boss to ask for a raise, saying that several other companies were after him. “What companies are those?” asked the boss. “The gas company, electric company, and phone company,” Pete admitted, sheepishly. Ouch! That story would be even funnier if it didn't hit so close to home. With the recent hurricanes driving up the price of petroleum products and the onset of a cold winter we certainly can identify with Pete. Have you ever wondered how missionaries get a cost of living increase? A good friend and supporter asked me that very question recently. I'd never really thought about that before and didn't quite know how to answer. New Tribes Mission does not pay me to teach here at our language institute. All NTM USA workers are responsible to raise financial support to pay their own salary and ministry expenses, including those who serve in the USA. My support comes from friends, family and churches who have graciously donated to my ministry. Although the IRS considers me to be an employee of NTM, in reality I'm more in the category of being self-employed. If you're self-employed then who do you go to for a raise? Who is the Boss? I suppose I could ask myself for a raise, but that probably wouldn't do much good. NTM is a “faith-based” mission organization. Every NTM missionary is supported in exactly the same way – by donations from supporters. The bottom line is that our Heavenly Father who feeds the birds of the air and clothes the grass of the fields is the One who takes care of me. Only He can offer a cost of living increase. So how does that work? Does Joe Missionary just submit a request? Faithful Prayer Partners Watching God provide for my needs over the years, I've come to the conclusion that it's only through your faithful prayers that I've been allowed the privilege to be in this ministry. You've asked our Heavenly Father to provide exactly what I need and He has answered your requests for which I'm truly grateful. An Amazing Year! This year has been absolutely amazing – unlike anything that I've experienced before in 21 years of ministry! I've had a number of unexpected gifts given to me. For the last 5 years my support level has been between 60% to 70% of the NTM recommended level of support. Over the last 12 months my support has gone from 70% to 90% of the recommended NTM level. Had I been traveling around to different churches and promoting the ministry of New Tribes Language Institute, then I could account for that increase. But over this last year I haven't done anything like that. My only explanation is that God has brought about the increase as a result of your prayers on my behalf. Good News and Bad News At a recent staff meeting we were told about all the new construction projects and improvements on our property. That was exciting to hear. But all these improvements don't come without a cost. We were also informed that our cost of living here at the language institute would be increased in coming months. Our omniscient Heavenly Father knew that all along! Once again, Isaiah 65:24 proves true: “It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear.” I certainly do appreciate all those who are a part of my ministry through their prayers and support! Bob Nyberg's Home Page