Keep on caring…
Do you ever wonder if you really make a difference in the life or ministry of the missionary you serve? Are you ever concerned that your service is in vain? If you’ve ever struggled with these feelings, I wish you could have pulled up a seat beside me and heard firsthand as I interviewed missionaries on furlough this summer. What an honor to hear many share how blessed they are by their missionary support teams.
One couple shared that when Eastern Mennonite Missions first asked them to form an MST, it seemed unnecessary and like too much work. They resisted at first, but followed through. Now after serving on the field, they can’t imagine how they would have survived without their team.
Some who got a visit on the field from their MST couldn’t say enough about how special that felt. Others shared how much their MST freed them from worrying about finances. Many remarked how much it meant when the MST would write, giving them updates on the church or on everyday life. Some valued their MST’s communication so much that they wish they could have heard from them even more.
Unfortunately, serving as a sender can at times feel like a thankless job. You may not hear these glowing reports too often. You might send e-mails, pray, and balance finances without much feedback or praise. Let me encourage you with some words of hope from 1 Corinthians 15:58:
“Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
The Lord has called you to this ministry of sending and caring for missionaries. Give your all to it, and he will surely be faithful to bring the results, even when you may not see it. May the following resources and ideas be an inspiration to continue in this service to the Lord.
You are making a difference!
~Deb Muenstermann, MST coach
All dressed up, and nowhere to go!
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Greg Martin, Kauffmans' MST member, tries a new “do”
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The missionary support team for Glenn and June Kauffman, EMM missionaries serving in Hong Kong with their children Lia and Austin, helped their home congregation, Bowmansville Mennonite, get a taste of traditional Chinese dress. Together with the Kauffmans they created a “Photo Op” or a chance for the church members to model and be photographed in their choice of Chinese garb.
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Katie Ringler is
pretty in pink! |
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This is a fun idea to try when your missionary comes home for furlough. Have your missionary bring home some traditional clothes from their country, in various sizes. Set up a background and take digital photos to print or e-mail. Supporters will have a souvenir from the missionary’s country and maybe more of a desire to visit there! Use this idea when your missionary shares at a church or at a thank you gathering for supporters.
Rest Stop ‘Raising'
Amanda Tarntino, EMM mission intern to Wales, and her MST came up with a creative fund-raising idea. They set up a booth at a local highway rest stop, providing refreshments for holiday travelers. Along with the baked goods, cold drinks, hot dogs, and coffee, they set up a display explaining Amanda’s upcoming ministry and a donation box for those wanting to give toward her support.
This is a great way to share the missionary’s vision and an opportunity to minister to weary travelers. If you would like to try this idea, make sure you get permission from the rest stop or highway department beforehand. For best results, consider doing this during a time when many are traveling, like during the summer vacation season or over a major holiday. And like Amanda’s pastor and MST member shared, “A group of Christians giving some drinks or snacks with Christ's love written on our faces will have a good impact whether or not you get a lot of donations.”
Twenty-seven ideas to minister to missionary kids!
One missionary family shared this summer how their kids look forward to the monthly package full of books sent from their MST. They almost tackle the delivery man when they see him bringing a package. The books are so special because they are hard to find in their service location.
For 27 more ideas like this one, check out this web link for a creative list that has been used by churches to show love and care for missionary kids:
Ministering to Missionary Children
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MST resources
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Creative ideas
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Called to care
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