History

Mike Ashcraft cut his teeth on gritty Third World ministry for 16 years. As a missionary in the slums of Guatemala, he prayed in miracle finances time after time. A fledgling church and school “pulled itself up by its own bootstraps.”

We started in a small warehouse in one of Guatemala City’s roughest neighborhoods — a gangland on cantina row near prostitute street. We finished a in a graceful, colonial house just a few blocks away from the Presidential Palace. A church and a Christian school flourished.

What fueled the rocket launch? Prayer.

But not just regular old customary prayer. Prayer that was energized by scripture. Prayer that was powered by faith. Prayer that was inspired by revelation from the Word of God.

These prayers were so successful, that I wanted to share them with you. Mustard Seed Budget is a ministry dedicated to helping you arrive at success. May your labors never be held back by lack of finances!

96 responses to “History”

  1. Kim | September 26, 2012 at 3:20 am | Reply

    Hi Pastor Mike……thanks for stopping by “Unwalled”…..I’m happy that my post “Unexplainable Season? – It May be the Potter’s Hand” was an inspiration to you. May the Lord strengthen, guide and keep you and grant you good success in your ministry efforts……Shalom!….Kim

  2. It's a matter of prayer | October 17, 2012 at 12:48 am | Reply

    How silly and foolish we Christians are at times. We profess one thing and then failed to believe His promises. The Christian Missionary Alliance use to have a center in Glendale that was started by an elderly woman. In the forties she would take and pick up missionaries from the ships at LA harbor. She began to pray that the Lord would give her $80,000 so she could build a facility for missionaries. One day an oil company knocked on her door in Long Beach. In the city lot an oil was pumped out of her back yard to the tune of $80,000 before it quit. She build and acquired 35 units for missionaries. My family and I stayed there for a short period while I attended Fuller Seminary. God does hear and supplies our needs.

  3. firebrightyoga | October 24, 2012 at 7:38 pm | Reply

    Thanks for stopping by my blog and reading my post! Namaste.

  4. Ken Ranos | October 29, 2012 at 3:07 am | Reply

    Thanks for liking my post!

  5. kingdom777 | October 29, 2012 at 7:56 am | Reply

    Hi Pastor Mike,
    Thanks for liking my posts 🙂 All the best for your ministry. May God bless you in your work to further the Kingdom.

  6. Saved 2 the Utmost aka Mom | October 30, 2012 at 11:14 pm | Reply

    Thank you Pastor Mike for visiting and liking one of my recent posts, “The Suffering Saint”. It’s a blessing each time a new reader stops by. And like the beloved John, my daughter and I pray that you prosper as your soul prospers.

    God Bless,
    Ma Chris

  7. WrestlingPollyanna.com | October 31, 2012 at 4:41 am | Reply

    Thanks for visiting my blog and liking my post. All the best to you in your endeavours.

  8. fredphillips | October 31, 2012 at 4:10 pm | Reply

    Thank you for stopping by and liking my blog. Blessings on your journey!

  9. 1woman2women | November 2, 2012 at 11:01 pm | Reply

    Thank you for stopping by. I appreciate the likes. God bless!

  10. Pastor Kim | November 5, 2012 at 3:11 am | Reply

    Glad you stopped by The Well and enjoyed reading “Secularism a Religion?” Thanks! I pray God continues to bless your ministry.

  11. Sophia Kapcia | November 5, 2012 at 5:47 am | Reply

    Thanks for liking my blog. Really appreciate it 🙂

  12. Jeuron | November 5, 2012 at 1:52 pm | Reply

    Thanks for liking the post about my engagement. This is quite an interesting blog. I beleive that scriptiure and faith-based prayer is the key to unlocking all of life’s blessings. I look forward to learning more about your ministry.

  13. newfound identity | November 5, 2012 at 2:10 pm | Reply

    Thanks for stopping by and liking my post! I’ve enjoyed learning more about your mission.

  14. kenthinksaloud | November 21, 2012 at 4:05 am | Reply

    Thanks for stopping by my little blog. Blessings on your ministry!

  15. Darrell | November 24, 2012 at 11:13 pm | Reply

    I wanted to stop by and thank you for liking one of my recent posts. And thank you for being a blessing to others. May the Lord be glorified!

  16. Ted DesMaisons | November 28, 2012 at 4:01 pm | Reply

    Hi Mike. Thanks for stopping by TEDWORDSblog.com. I’m eager to hear more about your development as a coach. One of the biggest questions I have is how to balance my ministerial side (“I will love you no matter what you do.”) with my coaching side (“I will help you and challenge you to become even better than you can imagine.”). It’s an ongoing practice, but one that honors our Maker, I believe.

  17. Inspire Devotions | November 29, 2012 at 6:41 pm | Reply

    Thank you liking inspiredevotions post the Power of Prayer it means so much to me that people finding see how powerful prayer is and the good that can come of it. May God countinue to bless your life.

  18. Cheryl | December 3, 2012 at 11:11 am | Reply

    Thanks for liking the Van Morrison “Dweller on the Threshold” post.
    Cheryl

  19. fearlessheartministries | December 6, 2012 at 9:25 pm | Reply

    Thank you for taking the time to stop by Fearless Heart and reading “Scratching God’s Name off the List”. I have enjoyed looking around your site and look forward to hearing more testimony of what God is doing in and through Mustard Seed Budget.

  20. SOSmarriage | December 14, 2012 at 4:39 am | Reply

    Thanks for joining your faith with ours!

  21. Carlos Williams | December 17, 2012 at 6:01 am | Reply

    Thank you for taking the time to stop by my blog. I hope I have added something to you that you may continue to pour into others. God bless you!

  22. Hilda Steyn | December 29, 2012 at 9:53 am | Reply

    Thanks for stopping over at my blog, http://www.broomformybrain.wordpress.com. I really appreciate it. You have a nice blog going here!

  23. Pingback: The Very Inspiring Blogger Award… « Already Victorious

  24. Pingback: May Your Labors Never Be Held Back By Lack of Finances! | Bonding Tool

  25. thefaithstandard | February 23, 2013 at 3:31 pm | Reply

    Blessings Pastor Ashcraft! Thank you for stopping by The Faith Standard. It’s still a baby project so your visit is much appreciated. I’ve enjoyed the Mustard Seed Budget and pray our King continues to bless the work of your hands.

    • MustardSeedBudget.wordpress.com | February 24, 2013 at 12:07 am | Reply

      About a year ago, I was a Mustard Seed Budget was a baby project. Keep at it! persevere! It’s worthwhile! We need more Light!
      If I can be of service, with what I have learned in more than a year of blogging, I will be more than willing to give advice and tips. 😀

  26. Rebekah M | February 23, 2013 at 11:07 pm | Reply

    We of beingrebekah.com have nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger award!! 🙂 Look for the details here http://beingrebekah.com/2013/02/23/very-inspiring-blogger-award/

    God bless you!!! 🙂 ~Rebekah M

  27. lisettedefoe | February 27, 2013 at 5:09 pm | Reply

    Great blog! We are former missionaries ourselves. Although we never went to Guatemala, both our daughters have for 3 years gone on outreaches there to minister in Chichi Castenango. The eldest is graduating this year and going into missions full time as well. Thank you for visiting my blogs: lisettedefoe.wordpress.com and lisettedefoe.blogspot.com

  28. lisettedefoe | February 27, 2013 at 5:52 pm | Reply

    Still learning how to work the communicating part. haha. Got all your notifications, just trying to figure out how to respond. Be blessed. http://www.lisettedefoe.wordpress.com http://www.lisettedefoe.blogspot.com

  29. refusingtopanic | March 3, 2013 at 6:54 pm | Reply

    I’ve been influenced a lot by Keith Green (cried the day he died) and George Muller’s writings. I know God led me to your blog! I believe this is the way to do ministry but I have friends and advisers who do not think this is a sound method of obtaining financial provision for ministry. I’ve been lectured on how irresponsible it is to just expect others to support a ministry and not put a definite financial plan in order. This plan, of course, is according to the latest financial planning advice which they want me to pay them for. 😦

    It’s been a bit confusing as my heart has known prayer is the way but my brain has had to wrestle with their arguments. I now believe the plan starts and stops with prayer and whatever needs to be put in practical order, He will show me. I’ve been accused of being too ideological and naive. Maybe, but God can correct that too – through prayer. 😀

    I am so blessed to read your stories and blogs and know that prayer – powerful, faith-filled prayer, IS the best SOP for ministry. You are an encouragement to me. I have only just touched my feet into the deep waters of modern ministry and I am overwhelmed. I can’t imagine trying to navigate those waters with worldly methods. Scary!

    Looking forward to learning more and so grateful for the daily encouragement. Once I launch (God only knows!) I will be seeking Him to attend one of your seminars. Have no idea how that will happen, but He does and will show me when I get there. 🙂
    Blessings!
    Julie

    • MustardSeedBudget.wordpress.com | March 3, 2013 at 9:32 pm | Reply

      Hey Julie, I’m with you. Fortunately, my rent is not dependent upon this ministry! Otherwise, yikes!

      But when I was a missionary in Guatemala, the mortgage payment was dependent upon prayer! Wow that was exciting and challenging and nerve-wracking, if I didn’t believe God! Good luck.

      Yes, you can attend one of my seminars as soon as someone invites me to give one! Ha! Welcome to getting your feet wet!

  30. Diva's in Christ | March 5, 2013 at 6:18 am | Reply

    Hey, Thanks for stopping by on our blog..enjoyed yours as well.

  31. ajaytao2010 | March 7, 2013 at 5:21 pm | Reply

    Nice reading about you.

    Thanks. I invite you to visit my blog Ajaytao2010@wordpress.com. Browse through the category sections, I feel you may definitely find something of your interest.

  32. daniellerainbolt | March 10, 2013 at 12:17 am | Reply

    Thanks for following my blog. Like what you’re doing here. =)

  33. Kavita Joshi | April 11, 2013 at 11:19 pm | Reply

    Very nice blog 🙂 thanks for sharing n visiting my blog 🙂

  34. DivineSpark | April 18, 2013 at 9:21 pm | Reply

    Good…good… I wonder if this is a sign? This is the second time today my blog has been referred to as a ‘ministry blog’. Go figure! Anywho, thank you for stopping by my ‘small ministry’ blog. As a newbie I appreciate every drop of like and comment I get.

  36. Loca Gringa | July 29, 2013 at 10:25 pm | Reply

    Thank you for taking an interest in my blog. There are many great articles and I’m rather proud of my poetry. I’m glad you enjoyed the poems that you “liked” El Pirata de la Pluma is my favourite.

    I’m sure we have many similarities to Guatemala. I’m no minister, just an ordinary human that appreciates doing for others in whatever way I’m guided. Of late I’ve been helping out with a Foundation here in DR. Check my blog tab “Foundations”
    http://locagringa.wordpress.com
    And … say a few prayers for the lot of us and the lot of my peoples in poverty!

    Thank you!
    Gringa

  37. dennie2356 | August 25, 2013 at 7:52 pm | Reply

    God bless….my sister does work In Guatemala-every bit helps.
    Thank you for visiting my blog.

  38. prayingforoneday | October 30, 2013 at 7:02 pm | Reply

    Please accept this Award and give to 10 others.
    You can answer the same questions I did, my answers are in red.
    http://prayingforoneday.wordpress.com/2013/10/30/most-influential-blogger-award-4/
    Most Influential Blogger Award
    I would be honoured if you could accept.
    Thank you Shaun
    ps: If you do not do Awards, could you PLEASE pass this/gift it to a friend who does

  39. Mel | January 16, 2014 at 5:49 am | Reply

    This is a wonderful blog! Thank you for your blog 🙂 God bless, Mel

  40. Mel | January 16, 2014 at 5:51 am | Reply

    Ps: my husband and I also love lighthouses! It also has a significant and special meaning for us too!

  41. Evangelist Jeanie Shepard | July 7, 2014 at 1:08 pm | Reply

    Good day Pastor Mike! Like the masses I too thank you for visiting my ministry blog and like my post “The Hour That Jesus Built.” I am currently believing my God given vision of Jeanie Shepard Ministry to become a Non Profit Org. the buys and gives Biblical reference guides for people who lack knowledge of God. I want to also help those who have knowledge of God to grow in spiritual knowlege and gain a greater understanding of holy things. This is my hearts desire and I had it for a long time. I believe that its in the birthing stage. I know God can cause things to happen over night but I am praying and patiently expecting the manifestation to come to fuition. Please pray with me for the birthing of this vision and the knowledge that I need as well as the funds to see it through. Thank you again! May God continue to bless and increase your ministry. Amen

  42. Pastor Joe Quatrone, Jr. | November 13, 2014 at 11:19 pm | Reply

    Pastor Mike, thank you for following my blog and liking my recent post. As you may know from reading the post, my book “Back to the Basics: A Guide For Christian Living” is marked down this month at Amazon. Since it will primarily get in the hands of readers by word-of-mouth, would you please help me spread the word? I will leave two links for you (to reblog, share on facebook, or perhaps you have a better idea). Thanks. 🙂

    Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Back-Basics-Guide-Christian-Living-ebook/dp/B00KKTTB7E/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1415666778&sr=1-1&keywords=joe+quatrone+jr

    Blog – http://joequatronejr.com/2014/11/11/back-to-the-basics-a-guide-for-christian-living-is-marked-down-this-month

    God bless!

  43. Naomi | November 24, 2014 at 10:33 pm | Reply

    Hi Pastor Mike, Thanks for kindly dropping by my blog and liking one of my posts. I’ve just followed you as I find what you’re doing very encouraging and inspiring. God bless you and your loved ones. 🙂

  44. Lorretta @Dancing On The Dash | April 14, 2015 at 9:56 pm | Reply

    Hi! Thanks for visiting my site and sharing your passion! I realized that my OLD site was linked and you helped me fix that! 🙂 My husband and I are self-employed media missionaries ALWAYS looking for opportunities to be God’s “show and tell” wherever the story needs to be told about His work in the world. I’m going to have a look around here and see what He’s been up to through YOU. Blessings!

  45. Lorretta @Dancing On The Dash | April 15, 2015 at 2:45 am | Reply

    We are “guns for hire” so to speak 😉 We live in Waynesboro, GA and work with missionary agencies and non-profits whenever we can. We’d love to go full-time but God hasn’t opened that door to us yet. Yet. we are here:
    http://www.greenpeas.us

  46. Yoshiko | September 2, 2015 at 9:02 am | Reply

    Thank you to follow my blog and like my poetry. Hope you enjoy it 🙂

  47. hisnamebpraised | January 30, 2016 at 3:38 pm | Reply

    Pastor, thank you for stopping by hisnamebpraised and liking the post “Sin”. Also thank you for the continued blessing of your ministry as in a world filled with inappropriate focus on all things financial, you are putting it into the blessed, biblical perspective. Blessings to you in His name. Doug

  48. Kim Gorman | July 9, 2016 at 1:45 am | Reply

    Thanks for stopping by my blog, and keep up the good work!

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