This post is highlights of a post from Crossworld. To see the full content click here.
Maybe you don’t have the means to be a monthly donor. That’s okay! You can still be a meaningful part of their support team. There are many ways to support missionaries that don’t involve giving money. I have highlighted just a few, click here to read the full article.
Spiritual support
Pray for them and their work
Not sure what to pray for the missionaries you know? Pray for the fruitfulness of their ministry, for protection from the enemy, and for their personal well-being. Pray for their host country and the locals around them. Read their newsletters and pray for their requests. Be sure to let them know you’re praying — that’s one of the greatest gifts you can give them.
Relational Support
Stay in touch
Many missionaries suffer loneliness on the field or feel forgotten by their friends and family back home. One of the loneliest moments is sending a newsletter and hearing nothing in return. You don’t have to be best friends with the worker to reach out to them.
*A word about security. While missionaries need your proactive support, those serving in sensitive areas also need you to communicate with them in a security-conscious manner. Words like missionary, ministry, and church may be off-limits. Each scenario is unique, so ask your worker what’s okay and what’s not. Follow their example, and if in doubt, leave it out.
For some ideas on what to talk about see the original article here.
Advocate for their ministry
Raise awareness about the missionary and their work at your church and in your circle of influence.
Emotional Support
Ask Good Questions
Reach out regularly to ask how they’re doing. Ask good questions to show you’re genuinely interested. Create a safe and trustworthy space where they can share their heart without judgment.
For more ideas about emotional support click here to read the full article.
Physical Support
Volunteer your skills and expertise
Being a missionary is kind of like being an entrepreneur — they wear a lot of hats, from ministry strategist and language expert to Bible teacher, counselor, travel agent, data coordinator, accountant, communication specialist, fundraiser, videographer, IT manager, and host extraordinaire!
Your skills or hobbies could be a huge blessing to an overwhelmed missionary. Tell them what you’re good at and volunteer to help them with those tasks. Your assistance with anything from coordinating travel plans to researching a new tech purchase will allow them stay focused in their areas of gifting and be more effective in ministry.
Every missionary needs encouragement. However you choose to offer support, know that every effort you make will leave a lasting impact on their life and ministry! You’re not only helping a brother or sister, but you’re becoming an indispensable partner in fulfilling the Great Commission. So, let’s hold the ropes and extend hands of solidarity to missionaries around the world, knowing that together, we are advancing God’s kingdom and spreading his love to every corner of the earth.
