[#102] 43% of Missionaries Leave by Year 5. Here's What Separates the Ones Who Stay

Nearly half of all missionaries leave the field before year five, and the number one reason isn't burnout or sin. It's funding that quietly runs out. In this episode, Mary Valloni and Mike Kim break down the 5 things missionaries who stay on the field do differently, backed by research across 40,000 missionaries and 600 mission agencies. You'll learn why weekly communication beats quarterly newsletters, how to treat supporters as partners instead of donors, and why getting clear on your vision is what sustains long-term ministry. These are the same support raising principles taught inside Fully Funded Academy. Reserve your seat at Fully Funded LIVE: Two focused days, in person, to build your support-raising plan. Mary and Mike walk you through what to say, who to follow up with, how to invite partnership, and what to do when you get home. September 21-22, 2026 in Plano, TX. Register here: fullyfundedacademy.com/live Join our community: Fully Funded Academy. Get the 7-part Fully Funded curriculum, two live group coaching calls every month with Mary and Mike, support letter and email templates, bonus masterclasses on referrals and missionary fundraising events, and a private community of missionaries walking the same road. Enroll here or get on the waitlist: fullyfundedacademy.com Buy our book, "Fully Funded" Ebook: https://amzn.to/3PntpXR Audiobook: https://amzn.to/4tWgoCM Paperback: https://amzn.to/4tSdPRV Subscribe to our newsletter: https://fullyfundedacademy.com/newsletter Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fullyfundedacademy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fully-funded-academy Website: https://fullyfundedacademy.com