It is wise to ask if a fund-raising group is involved and what percentage of the funds go to them. Once a Christian has asked these questions, the burden of making the decision based on common sense is satisfied. However, the burden of exercising spiritual wisdom can be satisfied only by the application of God's Word. There is a need for balance in a Christian's attitude toward ministry support. Too often a Christian will read a spectacular biography of how God used a particular individual and he or she will use that as an absolute rule against everyone else.
Personal testimonies are exciting and rewarding and can be of great value in providing alternatives.
However, they are not to be used as yardsticks, unless confirmed in God's Word. They then concluded that no Christian should ever let a material need be known. This is noble and admirable, but it is not scriptural. However, just because asking is acceptable doesn't mean that it's God's plan for everyone or that every letter sent to supporters should ask for more money. Again, balance is the key principle.