We are missionaries, but a good portion of what we do is missionary support. As we travel, we are blessed to see the many different ways the Lord works around the world. We also have the pleasure of getting to know, support, and encourage the awesome people who are joining him in his work.
I often hear people wondering and discussing reaching out to missionaries. There are some very simple and practical things you can do as individuals, families, and Bible classes to encourage a missionary.
Five Ways to Encourage a Missionary
Pray
First and foremost, PRAY. Knowing that you have people lifting you and your work up to the Lord is a powerful motivator.
Stay in Contact with the Missionary
COMMUNICATE. If you do take the time to pray, tell the missionary. Knowing that someone is thinking of you, can change the course of an entire day or week. Loneliness is one of the most common things missionaries experience.
Show an Interest in Their Lives
When missionaries visit, TAKE TIME TO LEARN ABOUT THEIR LIVES. Listen to the stories, ask about the culture, challenges, triumphs, and needs. It is hard enough coming back. No one likes to feel that no one notices or cares.
Send a Thoughtful Note
In this technologically driven world, receiving a handwritten note in the mail is like finding hidden treasure. Again, this shows that we haven’t been forgotten and that we matter. Take the time to SEND A HANDWRITTEN NOTE.
Send a Special Care Package
MAKE A SEASONAL CARE PACKAGE. Celebrations vary around the world. They are also so much a part of culture that being a part of them becomes a part of who you are at times. Many missionaries miss these moments the most. Be mindful of the season and make a holiday care package. Send some things from home that are seasonal. For example: candy corn at Halloween, Peeps at Easter and candy canes at Christmas. If there are kids, a few stickers could bring happiness for days. Even better, send things that aren’t so easy to get outside of the US. Here are a few common things people miss:
- Canned Pumpkin
- Evaporated Milk
- Peppermints (that don’t taste menthol)
- Brown Sugar
- Seasonal Napkins
- Cranberry Sauce
- Girl scout Cookies
Whatever you do or think of will be a blessing. These are just ideas to help get you started.
What are some things you have done or heard about in regards to encouraging missionaries?
- Remember Them as if You Were One of Them - April 27, 2018
- When You Feel Too Overwhelmed to Pray - April 5, 2018
- Five Ways to Encourage a Missionary - February 20, 2018
Great ideas! Thank you!
Thanks for reading!
Great ideas!! Thoughtful notes and care packages can go a long way.
They sure do! Now a days anything hand written is like gold too!
I love the idea of sending a care package or a nice note/letter. I think we (I) often forget to encourage missionaries, and forget that they even need that.
Very true, thanks for reading and taking the time to comment!
These are great ideas! It’s so important to remember to encourage those on the front lines of this spiritual battle.
It really is! Thanks for reading!!!
These are some good ideas! I can totally relate having been a missionary and having been on the other side supporting missionaries from home.
Yes, any reminder is like a breath of fresh air!!
I have a few friends who are missionaries and whenever the topic comes up, these are all the things they say, too. They appreciate staying in touch and a thoughtful note–even if it’s just an email–goes a long way to make them feel like they’re still connected. I think with any expat, once you’re out of the country people forget about you. I spent three months in West Africa when I was 18 and a friend of mine didn’t talk to me while I was there. When I asked why, she was like, “Well, you were in Africa!” I was… Read more »
Yes. I know. I knew before we moved abroad. The same thing happened to me when we used to lead the student campaigns. I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment!