8 Ways to Encourage Missionaries {from a Missionaries Point of View}

Guest Blogger-

So, it has been in the 90s until recently and we are gathering our Christmas spirit in this freezing 80s chill.  Santa Cruz, Bolivia welcomes Christmas and summer about the same time which can be a little confusing to our memories of cold, white snow bringing in the celebration of Christ’s birth.
I must admit that bolstering up that lovin’ Christmas feeling has been a little allusive for me this year. I am not feeling it. It is a little hard without any of my personal Christmas ornaments adorning my tree and a grocery store with only half of an isle dedicated to the trimmings of the holiday. The cost of turkey prohibits purchasing it for Christmas dinner and many of the normal sights, sounds, and smells have been left behind for you back home to enjoy.
Please do not feel sorry for me because the fact is that I miss stuff but I am content here knowing that God’s hand has been in the sending. Although it is different, I see beauty in the way Natividad is celebrated here. BUT, I want to challenge you to enjoy the holidays. I mean treasure it, live in it, and be intentional about the moments God has given you in this glorious event that brought about what we stake our lives on!
And while you are at it, think about the cross-cultural missionaries that have crossed your paths. If you do not know any, ask your church for some names of people they support and consider being an encouragement in one or more of the following ways:
1.  While you are sending your Christmas cards mail one overseas.  It does cost more and won’t make it until after Christmas but we do not care!  Mail is a good thing.  A personal letter is also nice.  (Please note that if your missionary lives in a sensitive area there will be word restrictions for their safety.)
2. Start Praying for them regularly and let them know. We missionaries need it.  Living in another culture, speaking a different language, and basically living life in a new way is tough and not for the faint of heart, so I have heard. Please pray for us!
3. Send a little something. Ask them what types of packages are safe to send and what they would like. If they are shy, give them so options or an amount. You might consider sending candy, seasoning packets, seasonal items, a CD, a book, magazines or candles that smell like home. For larger items you might purchase a Kindle (I was given one and enjoy it daily), Amazon gift card, crocs, ministry needs, clothing items (quality underwear comes to mind), a season of a TV series, iTunes credit, or just send cash and tell them to go out to dinner or get what they need.
4.  Send a one-time gift of Support.  With a few exceptions, most missionaries are on faith support.  That means we live on what is given. Most of us are not fully supported and one-time periodic gifts help us stay on the field. BUT if you are not already supporting someone and you feel God tugging at your heart, start giving regularly this month.  How encouraged your missionaries will feel to know they have some new friends on their team. There is no wrong amount, we have had people give $5.00 per month and it all adds up.
5. Set up a Skype date or phone call. We have done Skype calls addressing VBS groups and have friends who Skyped to share in a service. It is fun to hear from friends one-on-one or in a group setting, so think about reaching out to chat. You might even find that your missionary has a Vonage phone with a US number, just ask.
6. A veteran missionary on my field told me he appreciates that his kids are loved on, cared for, and looked after when they are in the states for the summer or for college. Being a continent seems even farther when it is your children. So be sure to reach out to missionary kids that you know of at home.
7. When missionaries are in your area take the time to Listen. Most likely they have fascination stories of God’s hand at work. When people have opened their homes and lives to us, it sincerely means everything. I can think of a number of tables that my entire family looks forward to frequenting again as it was life-giving and encouraging to be with those friends the last time. They listened as we shared and did not hold back either, so we left being mutually encouraged and spurred on. I look forward to those sweet reunions and new friends to treasure upon our next journey home. Be sure to love on the missionaries in your path, so they return to the field uplifted.
8. Take a team or make a visit! If you come, you will have a greater idea of what it looks like to live where we live. You will not only encourage your missionary but you will be changed. Very possibly your heart will break and you will come home with the new perspective the third world offers. It could be life changing; it certainly was for me!
Perhaps within this list, you can tuck an idea or two away to develop the next time God brings a missionary to your mind or across your path. We need you and cannot do this without you!
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.  – Ephesians 3: 20-21

Amy Mozombite

http://mozosonmission.blogspot.com/