Ways to help missionaries in the field

Our former missionary friend composed a list of ways you can help any missionary on the field.  We thought it was so good, we’ve borrowed it for some of our presentations 😉  If you didn’t get a copy of a chance to hear it, here they are!

1. Pray!
   We all do it… We say, “I’ll be praying for you,” then forget.  But praying for a missionary is one of the most powerful ways you can give.  We never know what the day holds on the field, and sometimes your prayers are answered at exactly the right moment.
2. Give
   Regularly or surprise gifts.  We know, we know… missionaries are always asking for your money.  How dare they!  But we ask because we need to.  The gifts from our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ are what keep missionaries on the field, we can’t do it without you.  If you can’t go, please prayerfully consider the biblical command to send.  No matter what the gift, even $5 can be an answer to prayer.  All gifts are valuable to those on the field and honored by God.
3. Respond to their newsletter
   First, sign up for them.  Also, read them.  And, let us know!  It sounds silly, but literally every single time we’ve gotten a reply to our newsletters we’ve gotten excited.  Some of them have been something as simple as “Thanks for the update.”  The hardest part for most missionaries on the field is the feeling of being alone and forgotten.  Just hearing that someone has read their newsletter and has been thinking of them can very seriously be the biggest encouragement you can give someone serving on the field.  Also, it’s free and it’s easy, even for those of us who have very busy schedules.
4. Care packages
   This one is fun for everyone.  One of the best ways you can brighten the day of someone serving on the field is to send a care package.  For most missionaries like us, even getting a package of oreos is no easy task… Anytime we get a package in the mail, we are so excited.  Packing the care package can be a fun way to get your kids involved too, and an opportunity to teach them about the Great Commission.  If you are not sure what to send, you can talk to their families about what they like, ask your kids what they would want on the field, or be creative.  We posted a list of things we love on this blog, and it may give you some ideas of what of other missionaries like too 🙂
5. Care for their families
   One of the biggest reasons missionaries leave the field is due to family.  At our Mission we had two (out of a team less than 20) leave this year alone because of family.  We miss holidays and birthdays, and we can’t be around for family emergencies.  Our families miss us too, and it’s hard to leave them and deal with the guilt of not being around.  You can help by caring for the families of those on the field.  Send notes and check in.  Again, even if you are busy, this can be an easy and simple way for you to give huge support to those on the field.

We hope this list can give ideas to those who want to get involved but simply don’t know how.  For those who didn’t get a copy at churches we’ve recently spoken at, sorry, we really didn’t expect such a big interest! 🙂  It’s been encouraging to see how many people want to get involved and help.  We hope this can be a year the Lord stirs all of our hearts for the Great Commission!