Caring for Your Missionary #3

The apostle Paul was very clear about the importance of caring for each other. He wrote to the church at Galatia: “As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”(Gal 6:9) Looking after our adopted missionaries can be difficult because they are so far away. The St Matthew’s Missions Working Group encourages you to think creatively about how to do this. There are many different and special ways that we can care for them. It needn’t take much time or money on your part to spoil your missionary but it will have a big impact on them.

Treat Them

You can help missionaries to feel cared for by sending birthday, Easter or Christmas cards, video recordings, magazines, books, chocolates or things for their children. Missionaries Paul and Sandra King look forward to a yearly ‘Postpak’ of goodies from a link church, and Sue Jaggar, a missionary in the Congo, enjoys receiving chocolate and cheese - rare commodities in Africa. Check first to see what they would like. If you send parcels check first that they won’t have to pay heavy customs duties. Mark your parcel ‘printed matter only’ (if that is what it is), ‘NCV’ (no commercial value) or ‘gift’. Tell them that you are sending the parcel and what is in it.

For missionaries who are departing, try not to give them heavy or bulky gifts to take with them. Small items like cards and photos are a good idea, as they are lightweight and nice mementos of home. If you have the address of where they will be living when they arrive at their posting, send them a small card or gift ahead of time so they will receive it when they arrive. A reminder that people from home care can be a lovely touch when missionaries land in a foreign country.
You could also send resources to help with their work. Missionary Frances Boland said, “It’s most encouraging when link churches send books, ideas and give creative suggestions for reaching activities and presentations for students and children.” Sue Jaggar in Africa welcomes craft things, balls and pencils, as well as puppets to explain Bible stories.
You could also treat them with a visit. A well–planned visit from supporters can be a great encouragement to missionaries. When booking your next business trip or holiday overseas, consider a side-trip that would enable you to call in on your missionary. They will love you for it.

Khim Harris