How do you work out how much to pay a mission partner?

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! It also needs to use resources given to it wisely.

Other complicating factors are varying exchange rates, and local inflation. This means that allowances have to be reviewed frequently.

The actual figure arrived at may not seem very much to some MP's - it may seem more than adequate to others. The difficulty is that every MP family is individual. Some may be able to live very simply, others may not. Some will want to buy furniture - others will enjoy making it!

Some MP's may get significant help with, for example, children's clothes being given to them. Others may not. Some may have family reasons for wanting to do more travelling.