THE TOP 5 of MISSIONARY CARE
Whether we admit it or not, there’s an occasional anxiety that pops up in the hearts of those who leave. It says, “no one really cares” or “they’ve forgotten all about me.” When you move away from your current life…job, friends, family…you have to start over and find new community while also trying to stay connected to those you left. Life keeps going without you, and there can be some sadness in that. It’s more than just missing friends or missing out on that social event; it’s missing the continuous community and connection that are tangible examples showing that people care about me.
As a former missionary, I can testify that this struggle is real. I’m not talking about discontentment in the new life chosen, but rather missing real, purposeful connection with people you know (or hope) truly care for you. As I traveled the support-raising trails, people were so encouraging and engaging. praying for me, showing up to dinners and coffee dates. I had deep conversations, not only about youth ministry in Ukraine, but about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I gathered email and mailing addresses of people who wanted to stay in touch.
The phrase “out of sight, out of mind” never rang more true.
I know it doesn’t happen on purpose. I am definitely guilty of it. But once I moved overseas, all that “keeping in touch” didn’t so much happen. Don’t get me wrong, some people did it right and loved me from a far, letting me know that I wasn’t just another piece of spam in their email every month. My first birthday in Ukraine, I was feeling quite homesick. I wrote a blog post with a list of all these American things I was missing and would love for my birthday. I was merely reminiscing and not asking…like I said, I was a bit homesick. HOWEVER, a few supporters and friends read my post and sent me several things off my list. Even a local missionary couple there in Lviv, dear friends of mine, projected a movie in their apartment, cooked me dinner, and made me an American dessert—I had “to watch a in English, in a movie theater” on my list. Cookies from my favorite bakery, a bouquet of flowers, a girls’ night out, and a special video from some friends back home all dropped right into my lap/inbox. Yes, I was loved well for that first birthday away.
What are some ways we can love and support our missionaries well? You don’t have to buy a ticket to a foreign country to show you care (even thought that is always an option); it can be so much simpler than that! After talking with some missionaries, and also living the life, I wanted to give you some simple tips on how you can love on the missionaries in your life. Not only are you going to bless their socks off, you’re going to likely get a whole lot of joy out of it as well!
5 WAYS TO CARE FOR YOUR MISSIONARY:
Respond to their newsletter - Missionaries know that people have given time, money, and resources to help them live and work in the ministry they are doing. That is why they send out that monthly newsletter, to make sure people are informed and feel a part of all that is going on; to show that what you have given to is doing good things for God’s glory. These newsletters take a while to write, format, and send out, and missionaries do so faithfully hoping that someone, anyone, is actually going to read it much less respond to it. So just imagine getting a response to such a newsletter that maybe 10% of people actually read! It’s magic. It’s a simple joy. One word, or even a full sentence or two, shows that missionaries that you not only cared enough to read what she wrote but also cared enough to take the time to respond. It’s quick, easy, much-needed, life-giving connection.
Find information/fun facts about the place where they are serving - “Did you know that Haribo gummies are from Germany?!” Sure, your missionary in Germany probably does know that, but for you to take the time to research about the place he has moved shows him you care. Sometimes it truly is about the little things, those little extra steps to say “hey, I’m interested in you and the life you are living now.”
Two words: Care. Package. Y’all this is such a fun way to bless a missionary. Involve your friends, family, or church and get a group of people together either to donate or to accumulate your missionary’s favorite things…especially the tasty treats…stuff they can’t get where they live now. Then wrap up in send it over to them! What a fun way to show your missionaries you are thinking about them, praying for them, and loving them. My mom is a CHAMP at care packages! She would send me the most wonderful, and most random, stuff, and I received it with joy and thankfulness.
Ask questions & be curious - Not only does this show you actually care about their lives, but it also shows missionaries that you care about the work that God is doing. This is obviously true across all kinds of relationships not just with missionaries. But when someone asks me about my life in Ukraine, whether it be about ministry or how they process their meat (a real question I have been asked), it brings me so much joy. And I feel so loved. Love your missionary today by asking him or her “how does ___ process their meat?” 😉
Support them - I’ve never known a missionary to say no to financial support. It’s Biblical, it’s loving, and it’s one sacrificial way you can be a part of the Great Commission. Whether it’s an unexpected one-time gift or a monthly commitment, I encourage you to put your treasure toward Kingdom work by supporting a missionary.
There you have it folks! How to care for your missionaries in 5 Easy Steps! You don’t even have to do all five. Just do one, and do it well…with a high kick!
Now go out and bless a missionary today!