It may be forward of me to write this blog, but who better to tell it how it is than one right in the middle of it all? So, if you find the fact that I, a missionary myself, am writing this blog then please just stop reading here. For those of you brave enough to read on:
For a few days I have been thinking about the little things in life, because it is the little things that can make or break a day. For example, if I am having a terrible day, but my friend does or says something unusually thoughtful and caring, I can be cheered up and almost immediately more capable of seeing life from a different or more positive perspective... even in my biggest problems and hurts.
In today's church there are many causes to be supported. We as modern Christians are always looking for the next way to help people and projects in the world that could not go on without our help. It is a beautiful thing to see the body of Christ in action first hand from the vantage point of the missions field. It is truly astounding (big and small) what the church can accomplish when it pulls together behind a common cause.
This blog is not to tell you where to give and focus your time, money or prayers. It is to help you once you have already made that decision. It is written to help you help those who you have chosen to get behind as a church or individual.
That being said, let us commence with the list making, shall we?
10 Ways You Can Care For Your Missionary
1. Communication
This is a major factor. So many times, with life as busy as it can be, we get caught up in the giving side of things and lose the relational side. I assure you that something as small as a FB message or a "how are you" will go a long way once in a while. Missionaries can often feel very alone. They may be linked to organizations and churches (as they should be) but they may really feel as if they have very few friends. Your small note can remind them that they do, in fact, still have friends all over the world. The ones from their home town/church/past can mean a lot when they are feeling caught up in a culture that is not naturally theirs.
2. Prayers
Often times we as the church have a huge fault in that we tend to put people on pedestals. This meaning that we assume those in any type of leadership or full time ministry are somehow spiritually better than we are. The Bible says that iron sharpens iron, so please don't forget we are all metal being purified by God's fire. This is a never ending, life-long process and from time to time even your leaders struggle. They might even struggle for weeks or months at a time. Your heartfelt and sincere prayers are felt and they do help. Your missionary is neck-deep in a pool of cultural setbacks and often times first generation Christian surroundings, meaning that they are fighting spiritual battles on the behalf of others (and nations) on a daily basis. Reinforcements are highly recommended and appreciated in this area.
3. Read Their Updates
I know. I even struggle with this one. Our emails on Monday morning are filled with things that we label and prioritize from the bottom "junk" type things to the top "priority/time sensitive" things. Somewhere in the middle things like newsletters get put aside with full intentions of reading them at a later time when life is a little less busy. We all know life doesn't get any less busy, so please take the time to read that newsletter when you get it. I am not exaggerating when I say you could miss something as serious as "life and death" situations that you may need to be aware of. It is easy... VERY easy to miss out or fall behind on what is happening with your missionaries. Read what they send you. It is important. Along with that goes fundraising, which will carry us on to number 4...
4. Support Them
About 99% of people when they read the title to #4 and possible even this blog's title rolled their eyes and thought something along the lines of "Oh, no... here we go again. The missionary is begging for money". Truth be told, the only way the missionary lives AT ALL is by begging for said money. However, you as the "supporter" also must consider the broader definitions of the word support. Your missionary completely understands that not everyone can give to every cause out there. However, they do fully intend to keep you in the loop because you are their friend. The way they keep you in the loop will often times be by sending you their mass produced updates and newsletters which, yes, will include how people can give to this particular cause. When missionaries ask for your support, please don't roll your eyes and assume you cannot do anything for them just because you can't send $5 this month. What they are asking for is any kind of support you can give. Financial, prayer and even moral support. As I said in #1, it is lonely on the missions field and a small note from home can make all the difference. That being said, one very important way you can care for your missionary is by giving, especially is you have committed to do so. Missionaries understand that life is hard and money is a big issue, but please also understand that they often plan their next month based on your commitments. If you will miss a month of giving, or need to make a change, please do the honorable things, and drop your missionary a note. They will appreciate the ability to plan ahead.
5. Send Something
Your missionary has given up their life and comforts to make Jesus known, often times in a very different part of the world. Sometimes the little things can make all the difference. For example, in Albania it is very expensive to buy peanut butter. So, when other missionaries who travel home to places like England more often than those of us who come from farther away, they will bring back a jar of peanut butter for me because they know it is something that is hard to come by (practically) in Albania. Or like the other day when the missionary family living in another Albanian city sent me a care package of "Sour Patch Kids" candy, it very nearly changed my life. Ok, I know that is dramatic, but if you know me well, you get it. So, when possible, check into the prices of "flat rate" international shipping boxes. Then drop your missionary a note and ask the what little things they miss from home. Filling said box with those items and sending it to your international missionary friend is a great great great way to show that you care. Care packages mean a lot to people the world over whether they are students studying abroad, military stationed in war zones or your missionary fighting the spiritual battles world over. If a care package isn't possible, even something as small as a handwritten note is much appreciated. Pen pals never go out of style. Also appreciated, if possible are pictures (real ones) of your missionary's family and friends.
6. Accountability
It is quite likely that your missionary needs a little accountability in their life, as does anyone else. We all have goals we wish to meet more often than we do. Who doesn't have the desire to read the Bible more often or lose that extra ten pounds or just eat healthier? Drop a note to your missionary and set up a monthly/weekly accountability email where you can encourage each other in those areas you are both struggling in. Your missionary needs someone to spill to about this sometimes.
7. Understand Your Missionary
Missionaries are a unique people. They are a people without a state. For example, I am no longer 100% American. Sure I was born in Texas and I carry the all coveted blue passport, but you will see, as you get to know me again, that there are some things that I do differently or even words that I say in a slightly British accent. I will never be the complete American with no concept of the outside world again. I will also never be 100% Albania. Actually I will probably always be a far cry from it. Your missionary needs you to accept them and love them for who they are now, not who they used to be. Things will change. They will not be the exact person you used to know. They will have matured in many ways, and they will get on your nerves in ways, because they are different than you remember. Cherish them anyway. They need a little TLC when they come home. They are pointed out for being different ALL the time in the international city they live in, when then come home, they just need you to understand.
8. Visit Them
I cannot stress this one enough. Your missionary knows that it is not possible for everyone to be jet-setting all the time, flying all over the world to every exotic location that exists. However, that being said, when a missionary goes two years without seeing anyone they know from their previous life, while others all around them have constant visitors, it is very difficult. All I am saying is if at all you can find a way, make a short visit. It will lift your missionary's spirits in a way you could never imagine.
9. Help Them Visit Home/Other Places
If money is not a problem, but time is because your job is demanding and you just can't even find time in the day to take a shower, then consider giving towards your missionary's furlough visits. I know many a missionary who have gone up to 4 years without being able to exit the country they are working in. It may not be possible to fly an American family living in Russia home, but consider asking them if there is a Christian conference in a neighboring country they would like to attend and see how you can help make that happen. As with any job, your missionary needs a break. The difference is that your missionary is LIVING at work 24/7. Keep that in mind as you think about how you can help.
As for now, that is what is on my heart. If you are a missionary reading this and have something to add to the list or would like to comment on something said here, please feel free to share. I might even extend the list.
Thanks for reading,
Julie
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