UIM International (United Indian Missions) is a "faith mission". That simply means that all the individual missionaries are totally dependent on regular monthly financial contributions from churches and individuals for their salary and for their operating expenses. As "faith missionaries", Phil and Linda Benedict and all other UIM missionaries are responsible for raising enough financial support from supporting churches and individuals to pay for their own salary, health insurance, medical expenses, housing, services provided by the mission, and ministry expenses (such as travel, postage, literature, Bibles, office equipment, etc.). UIM does not pay the individual missionaries a salary.

The Benedicts have no other source of income. Neither Phil nor Linda is employed in other work nor do they have any other form of assistance or investment income.

Linda, besides being a homemaker, wife, and mother, gives a tremendous amount of time to assisting Phil in the ministry.

Over the past years there have been those who have faithfully given prayer and financial support so that we (the Benedicts) could have a ministry with the Indian people and others here in northeastern Oklahoma. We deeply appreciate their love and faithfulness. For those of you who so faithfully pray and support us, we say a deep heartfelt "thank you".

Over the past two years or so, several of our long time major supporters have experienced significant changes in their financial situations. Several have either retired, had to go into nursing homes, or have lost their jobs. As a result, they simply have not been able to continue with their support. I know some gave as long as they were able, and we have a deep gratitude and appreciation for those folks.

Both Linda and I are firmly committed to staying in this ministry unless God clearly indicates otherwise. We believe that we are right where the Lord wants us. We plan on staying right here as long as we are physically and mentally able to serve.

We are asking you to do two things. The first is to pray. God has supplied in the past and we believe that in response to the prayers of his people, He will supply again. The second thing we are asking you to do is to consider becoming a part of this ministry by becoming a regular monthly supporter. Regular monthly giving is the backbone of our financial support. The prayers and financial support of God's people are what enable us to stay in this ministry.

1. We will not seek an income or live a lifestyle above a normal conservative "middle class" family.

2. Neither Phil nor Linda plan to seek any other employment to supplement their ministry income. Their time and mental energy will be concentrated on their ministry.

We are required by United Indian Missions to give an account of our ministry. This accountability takes several forms.

1. Monthly and semi-annual reports submitted to the mission.

2. Regular phone, mail, and E-mail contact with the mission.

3. Visits to our field of service by mission personnel.

We are also accountable to our supporters through prayer letters, thank you letters to donors, personal phone and E-mail conversations, and personal visits to churches and individuals.