7 Ways to Support a Missionary
This week I received a message from someone just checking in on our family. Leaving behind friends, family and familiarity is hard, yet there are moments, like receiving that message, that encourage us to keep trusting the decision to move to the Dominican Republic to serve as missionaries. A reminder that we are not forgotten and we are not alone. We have experienced so many moments of feeling fully supported by others. Texts sent to Jake and Emma Grace to check on them. Offers to feed and care for them when the Coronavirus hysteria began. Messages from friends sent to just see how we are and share what is going on in their lives. Families who give us financial support so that we can do what we are doing. Fifty-four individuals who committed to being on our prayer team and pray for us. Packages sent to us with American snacks, books, and fun things for Scottie and Zoey. All of the encouragement and support are so invaluable.
If you support a missionary, your church has sent a missionary, or if you know a missionary, there are 7 simple ways you can support your missionary friend on their journey. If you are a parent, I highly recommend you involve your children. Fostering a love for the world, cultures, and missionaries is something parents can give their children. Your simple gesture of support has the potential to make a huge difference in the lives of those who serve in another country.
1 - Pray for the missionary and their family. Put up a visual reminder to help prompt you to pray for them. Ask the missionary if there are specific requests. And let the missionary know that you prayed for them. The simple words, “I prayed for you and your family today” are so very meaningful and encouraging.
2 - Reach out to your missionary friend. Ask them how they are doing and what life is like for them. Share with them what you are doing and how your life is going. When you enter a new culture, you lose the feeling of being known. Show your friend that you see them and that they are known by you.
3 - Follow them on their journey. Try to understand their new country/culture by asking questions. Take notice of the ways their new life is similar and the ways it has changed. Knowing that someone is interested in the work you are doing is powerful. If you are able, invest in their journey by making a commitment to them. This commitment can vary from intentional prayer to financial giving (regardless of the amount - even $10 a month tells your friend that you are invested in their ministry and family!).
4 - Foster an appreciation and love for missions to your children. Find ways to engage your children. Perhaps they can write letters, send emails, or Facetime a little missionary (like a pen pal!). Show them pictures and share stories of what the life of a missionary looks like. Celebrate with your child the stories of life change. Show them what it looks like to demonstrate compassion through words and deeds. Read books about missionaries and encourage conversations about what it would be like to be a missionary.
5 - Remember the ones the missionaries leave behind. Older kids, siblings, parents, grandparents, nieces, nephews, friends, etc. The ones at home are adjusting to the new normal too and in some cases have lost part of their support system. If you know one of their loved ones, send them a text telling them you are praying for them, ask if they need something, or show up for them by standing in the gap.
6 - Extend grace. Often times immersing into a new culture and new language can be overwhelming. Your missionary friend may not be quick to respond, hesitate to reach out, or unable to put words to the experience. Assume the best of your friend. Just keep reaching out and praying for them.
7 - Cheer for your missionary friend. Let them know that you are for them, believe in their gifts and talents, and are confident that God can and will use them for His purposes. Living in a new place and being in ministry can be lonely and filled with doubt because the results of your work and effort are rarely immediate. They need someone to stand up and cheer for them. Be that person!
I believe that if you continue to connect to your missionary friend and their ministry, you and your family will not only be able to encourage the individual and the ministry, but you will be blessed. Every person plays a part and the part that you offer contributes to the overall ministry. You become partners in ministry and that is a beautiful blessing.