The Julius J. Raines Evangelistic Association was incorporated in 1997 by the State of Texas as a non-profit corporation. The Association received its tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service at that time.
After Serving 17 years as a pastor, Julius Raines felt led of God to go into full time evangelism. However, it is an evangelism that is different from the usual concept of evangelism.
Julius Raines is more of an international evangelist or missionary evangelist would be a more accurate term. Each year Julius Raines averages four international crusades.
Our philosophy is what Paul’s philosophy was as stated in 1 Corinthians 9:18
When I preach the Gospel, I may make the Gospel of Christ without charge.
1 Corinthians 9:18
We do not want to receive from them, but give.
Word of Purpose
In a ministry of this nature, there are many questions that arise. How is this ministry funded and where do the funds come from? How are the funds dispersed and what sort of financial accountability exists are other questions that many have asked. Others are interested in what sort of principles is followed in finances or what is the financial philosophy of this ministry.
This page is designed to help answer these questions. Its intention is to help you understand more fully how the Julius J. Raines Evangelistic Association operates so that you may know how to pray more intelligently for the ministry.
All of the principles that guide the Julius J. Raines Evangelistic Association are more fully explained in the By-Laws of the Association.. These By-Laws are not subject to change, which means none of these principles set forth are subject to change, either.
Funding
The Julius J. Raines Evangelistic Association, Inc. is a total faith ministry. This means that there is a total dependence upon God to provide all of the needs of the ministry.
The Association is financed solely through contributions received from individuals, mission groups, and churches. There is no denomination, church, foundation or individual that underwrites the finances of this ministry.
The By-Laws stipulate that there is never to be any charge for any of the ministry of the Association. This includes revivals, tapes and books. Everything is to be done on a free will love-offering basis.
The majority of the funding comes as a result of the Association’s “The Trumpet of the Lord Ministries” newsletter, which is sent out, on a quarterly basis. The newsletter informs about previous missionary trips and future missionary trips. Gifts are mailed in on a frequency that ranges from a weekly basis to an annual contribution.
Some finances are received through love-offerings given for conducting revival meetings, Bible conferences, and seminars here in the States. These form only a small part of the operating budget.
All funds that are received in the mail or from other sources are deposited into the General Fund of the Association. This General Fund constitutes the operating budget for the Association.
No direct appeal is ever made for funds. There is never any solicitation of funds except for other individuals or other ministries. No expenses for trips or projects are made known before the time for them. The only exception is funds for relief in refugee camps, the purchase of Bibles or financial assistance for pastors, evangelists and missionaries in other countries.
The reason for these principles being practiced is that we want God to be our only Source and Supply. He knows all of our needs and will provide according to His Purpose and His Plan.
We further believe that an individual’s tithe should go to their local church. Only gifts and offerings should be used to contribute to this ministry.
Financial Expenditures
The financial expenditures of the Association are considerable. It is necessary to receive financial support every month to help minister in several areas.
Finances must be received to pay for the trip expenses overseas as well as crusade expenses such as interpreter, transportation, etc. The Association also purchases Bibles, New Testaments, tracts and Gospel stickers for free distribution overseas.
When led by God, the Association commits to provide salaries for native evangelists on a continuing basis. National pastors of new churches are assisted for a limited period of time. Land is purchased for church sites, money is provided for church construction and equipment is purchased for missionaries.
The Association pays a salary to Julius Raines and must purchase necessary office supplies, pay for the monthly newsletter, and cover the expenses for the tape ministry.
Financial Accountability
Because of the Biblical teachings in this area, there is a strong emphasis placed upon financial accountability. The accountability to God is taken seriously.
The Board of Directors functions as counselors and advisors in the financial as well as the ministry realm. There was a desire by this ministry to be under authority.
At the end of each year, an independent CPA prepares financial statements of the ministry’s financial activity.
These procedures ensure financial responsibility and accountability. If it is God’s ministry, it is also God’s money. There are some strong convictions about being good stewards of God’s money.
According to the By-Laws, the financial books are always to be on the premises. These books are to be available for inspection to anyone with a legitimate interest in them.
Financial Policies In Action
As previously stated, the overseas crusades are done in poor countries. The people are poor and struggling to survive.
No love-offerings are ever taken for or received by the Julius Raines Evangelistic Association overseas. Any love-offerings that are taken will go to the local crusade expenses or to the local church. In no way is there any remuneration received for these overseas crusades.
Because mission minded people here in the States supports us, this allows a great freedom to serve God. We are free to go anywhere an invitation is received from and there is the leadership of the Holy Spirit to go. God is free to move us and direct us as He chooses.
The policy of this Association is to try and preach in areas where missionaries and evangelists seldom go or have not been. Paul’s philosophy of not building upon another man’s work is a guiding principle of this Association.
The way we are supported also gives the Association a great deal of freedom in the States. There is freedom to accept any invitation that is received.
It does not matter how small the church is. We do not have to be concerned about love-offerings covering travel expenses and providing living expenses. This enables small churches or mission churches to have a full time evangelist come and minister.
Financial Freedom
The Julius J. Raines Evangelistic Association practices financial freedom. By practicing financial freedom, it is meant that the Association will never go in debt for anything.
No trip or crusade will ever be taken unless there are funds available before the trip is taken. As specified by the By-Laws, if the funds are not available for a trip, this will be taken as a sign that it is not God’s Will to make this trip. Until now, no trip has ever had to be cancelled because of lack of fund.
This same financial principle is followed in all other areas of the ministry. This involves purchase of equipment, Biblical material, videotapes, etc..