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Mission transitions
For many Eastern Mennonite Missions workers, this is the season of transitions. Many are gearing up to go out for the first time, while others are getting ready to come home for a summer furlough. This time of many transitions is a prime time for missionary support teams (MSTs) to get involved. May the following ideas spark your creativity to serve a missionary in transition!
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Can you tell which is the poster? |
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Is he for real? |
Far but not forgotten
Missionaries may only be home once every few years, but they don’t have to be out of mind or out of sight! Take a tip from the missionary support team for Barry Freed (an EMM worker in Lithuania). This team has found a creative way to "keep Barry alive" in the hearts of his friends at home. The MST chairman had a photo of Barry blown up into a life-size poster, which he takes along to special events and on visits to congregation members. The MST then takes pictures of the occasion and e-mails them to Barry, with a note about what's happening.
Does it make Barry homesick to be getting all those reminders of what he is missing? He says, "No, it feels good to know that people are not allowed to forget about me even though I am not really present."
Barry's family borrowed the poster for their Thanksgiving gathering, where they took pictures and included their missing son in the group photo! They were even able to send him a picture of his little niece trying to put her fingers into his mouth – as she was accustomed to do to everyone who held her at that time.
Why not try this fun idea to strengthen connections between supporters of your missionary over a long absence. The MST reports that after Barry’s replica has been to “visit” a shut-in, Sunday school class, or friend, those Barry has "visited" seem more inclined to write to him.
Encourage a retreat
Too often, missionaries return to the field from home leave just as exhausted – or even more so – than when they left for “break.” During furlough missionaries often run from one visit to another, trying to find time to speak at churches, visit family, and check in with supporters. Scheduling a vacation or getaway is last on their agenda and often overlooked. As a missionary supporter, you can encourage time for relaxation and help them schedule a week of retreat, with the following resources:
America’s Keswick, Whiting, N.J. (www.americaskeswick.org, 1 800 453-7942, ext. 15)
Christian leaders stay free for two nights each year as space allows, Sundays through Thursdays, September through June. Counseling and three annual conferences available at no cost. Free breakfast. Two lakes, canoes, fishing, hiking trails, indoor pool, sauna/whirlpool and gym.
Elim Retreats on Lake Huron, Mich. (www.barnabas.org/elimretreats)
Five nights (six days) of relaxation and spiritual renewal free of charge to missionaries and pastors. All meals, tennis, swimming, and canoeing are included.
Faith Mountain Cottages, Rosedale, W.V. (www.faithmountain.org, 304 364-4019)
Cottages rent for $50/night for missionaries/full-time Christian workers. Each cottage features a whirlpool bath, gas fireplace, air conditioning, furnished kitchen, secluded back porch, hammock and fire ring. Heavily wooded grounds include a stocked pond, two canoes, a paddle boat, hiking trails, and a pavilion.
Triple Creek Ranch, two locations in Colorado (www.triplecreekranch.org, 815 858-2435)
Free lodging for pastors and missionaries. Meals are not provided. Also offers free retreats throughout the year for couples or women.
Simplify giving
As you plan how to receive funds for your missionary at the start of a new assignment or a new term, here are some hints to make giving simpler for your financial supporters.
Automatic withdrawal
No more checks or forgetting a monthly pledge! Give supporters the option of having Eastern Mennonite Missions withdraw directly from their checking or savings account. This can be done on a monthly or quarterly basis and be designated for a particular missionary. Contact debm@emm.org to receive an automatic withdraw agreement for supporters.
Paypal
Open up a Paypal account to receive funds for your missionary. Some missionaries have incorporated this into their website or blog. To set up an account, visit paypal.
Furlough planning
It is wise to plan ahead for a missionary coming home for furlough. Here are some ideas to help as you support them.
- Two to three months before they return:
- Find out where they would like to stay and if they need help arranging housing. Just because a worker is single, don’t assume that he or she will stay with parents.
- Help to schedule any medical appointments needed during furlough.
- Find out if they need transportation – arrange to borrow a car.
- With the missionary’s permission, work with Leon Miller (EMM Networking Coordinator, leonm@emm.org or 717 898-2251 ext. 260) to arrange with supporting churches for missionary to speak in their service, youth groups, Sunday school classes, etc.
- Plan an appreciation event for supporters (such as an ice cream social or picnic), for supporters to connect with the missionary, hear stories, and be thanked for their support. Give opportunity for them to re-pledge or give for the next term.
- If possible, ask the missionary to bring a simple, small, lightweight thank you gift for supporters. Examples: a piece of currency from the country, bookmark, or picture postcard.
- Find out if workers need help creating a PowerPoint presentation to show in churches. EMM's Communications Department offers some resourcing for presentations.
- Begin to support raise for the next term.
While the missionary is on furlough:
- LISTEN. Take time to hear their stories; have them over for a meal.
- Encourage them to take a vacation or retreat while they are home, and help them schedule it. See the list of resources above for retreat location ideas.
- Acknowledge that they will probably deal with much culture shock and stress. Help them realize this is normal.
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MST resources
Explore resources to help your MST. >
Creative ideas
to support your missionary >
Contact
MST coach at EMM >
Called to care
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