What does it cost to send a Mission Partner overseas?

Probably more than you would think!

Allowances are set according to the local cost of living, and the family circumstances of the mission partner (MP). The idea is that the MP is given enough to meet his needs, rather than a salary. Another factor to be considered is the standard of living of local Christians - Crosslinks does not want to be seen as the rich western benefactor!

However there are considerable additional costs to the living allowance. 

• For families school expenses may be quite high. 

• Travel expenses for home leave in the UK are also considerable. 

• Medical expenses are covered by an insurance policy that we must pay premiums for. 

• Housing and local transport must be covered. 

• Language schools are another essential but not cheap setting up cost. 

• There are also administration costs back here in the UK and Ireland

The actual figures therefore vary considerably - but total amounts average out at about:

• single person - £20,000 per year

• couple - £30,000 per year

• family - £40,000 per year  ( but can be significantly more because of schooling costs)

There remains a great need for mission partners in many instances - but there are also cases where other means of mission are more suitable. Crosslinks aims to be flexible - see also this faq.