Why don’t you ask for money?
OMF International’s policy is that we show our trust in God’s provision by praying for our support rather than making direct appeals. We will make our needs known, but we will not directly ask for money. For more about OMF International financial policy, please read this pamphlet.
What are your financial needs?
Our yearly support figure is US $85,551, or US $7129 per month. This means we need monthly pledges totaling US $7129 before we leave for Japan. These numbers are based on the current cost expectations for two people going through language school in Japan; of course they would increase were we to have children.
What is your current support level?
We have 100% of our monthly support pledged as of May 9.
Now that you have 100% pledged support, is there any need for more financial support?
We have met the minimum requirements needed to go to Japan, so we don't have any financial needs; we do, however, have financial likes. For instance, we would like to have a car and we would like to go on vacation. Any financial support that we receive over the 100% will go towards these secondary items.
Do you have a deadline?
Yes. We are planning to leave for the field in early July 2011, so our deadline for financial clearance (100% pledged monthly support) was May 9, 2011.
What is a pledge? How long does it last?
A pledge is your commitment to give a certain amount, usually monthly, for our first 5-year term—4 years in Japan, and one year of home assignment. After our first term ends, you may choose whether or not to continue supporting us financially.
How do I make a pledge?
There are two options:
- Fill out and mail one of our "yellow cards" if you have one. Ask us to send you one if you'd like.
- Pledge directly through the OMF website. Type “Keith and Celia Olson” in the box marked “Name of person/family to whom you are pledging your support,” then enter your pledge amount and address information and click “submit.”
Yes. You can sign up to have your monthly pledge automatically deducted from your bank account. You can get more information or download an enrollment form if you are interested.
When should I start my pledge?
You may start giving any time, but a pledge commitment starts when we leave for Japan—July 2011, God willing. Any gifts received before we leave help with our current ministry expenses and our moving expenses.
Do one time gifts help?
Yes. We use one time gifts for our ministry expenses in North America and for moving expenses, such as plane tickets. We need about US $6000 to cover moving and set-up costs.
How do I make a donation?
To make a one-time donation or fulfill your pledge, you may sign up for the automatic donation plan, or just send a check, payable to OMF International, with a separate note indicating that your donation is preferenced for the ministry of Keith and Celia Olson in Japan. Then mail your check to
OMF International
Donations Department
10 W. Dry Creek Circle,
Littleton, CO 80120
You may also give by credit card on the OMF International website. However, there is a 4% fee to cover the cost of the credit card transaction, so giving via check or the automatic donation plan is much more cost effective.
I live in Canada. Can I give towards your ministry via OMF in Canada?
Yes. However, regardless of where you live, you should make your pledge through the OMF US office, using the yellow card or the OMF website. You may send your donation directly to OMF Canada; checks should be made out to OMF International. Please write a note that the donation is “Designated for Keith and Celia Olson, missionaries who are being sent from the US,” and send your check to
OMF International
5155 Spectrum Way, Building 21
Mississauga, Ontario L4W 5A1
Since we have many Canadian supporters, we have a separate document with additional details for giving in Canada.
Is my gift tax-deductible?
Yes; in the US and Canada, gifts are tax-deductible.
I can’t give now. Are there other ways I can help?
Absolutely. You can pray for us. We also have an entire page of ways to get involved in our ministry. If you would like to sign up for our newsletter or pledge to be a prayer partner, go to the OMF website, enter "Keith and Celia Olson" in the box marked "Name of person/family to whom you are committing your support," check the box marked "prayer commitment," enter your contact information, and click "submit."
Who can I contact with further questions?
You can contact us, and we can answer your question or direct you to the appropriate person: Keith.A.Olson{at}gmail.com and Celia.Olson{at}gmail.com. You are also welcome to contact the OMF donations department directly: 1-800-422-5330 ext. 242 or donations{at}omf.org. (Use @ instead of {at}; we are trying to keep spam bots from copying and pasting our emails.)
