Form an e-mail "encouragement chain." This group of people forms a rotation so that the missionary receives encouraging e-mails throughout each month.
When we returned on furlough our child asked where we were from. We realized that our children didn’t have a place to call "home." So we went to the store and let them each pick out their own pillow cases. From then on, no matter where we slept, they had their own pillow to rest on. It can be the one thing that is familiar in so many strange places. It is also a good lesson showing how Jesus is that one place we can go for comfort, wherever we are. I would recommend it for every returning missionary child – and maybe even for the adults, too!”
-Tim Kennel
Send a Christmas package to your missionary. “Our MST gathered or bought a few of our missionary’s favorite things and sent them along with a Christmas card that we had people sign at church one Sunday. We also sent a small 2006 calendar to her; it included some verses written in certain days, as well as some birthdays and anniversaries, so she could stay somewhat connected to what is happening at home.”
–Heather Rissler
"A person in our fellowship is very much into e-Bay selling. She devised a plan by which folks who want to support our missionary couple might offer items for sale on e-Bay, with the proceeds split between the donor, the e-Bay dealer for her costs, and the missionary support fund. This sort of offers a year-round yard sale, without all the junk and work of a yard sale, and a steady flow of funds to the missionary support team. This is starting slowly, but will pick up as time passes.”
-Pres Nowlin
"A few months before missionaries return home, have the sending church and community compile a scrapbook. Each person or family can design a page to include personal updates and photos. The missionaries can “study” this before coming home so they don’t feel so out of touch upon their return. It can also be used as a reference as they settle."
-Jane Hooley
"Don’t underestimate the power of praying children! Children can learn about the nations and be a part of praying for God’s kingdom workers. We have pictures of our missionary kids in their age's Sunday school rooms, with specific prayer requests.”
-Donna Bushong
Provide entertainment for missionary children during long flights or trips by making travel packages. Prepare a bag for each child full of small wrapped gifts, one for each hour of the trip. This gives the child surprises to look forward to throughout the journey.
Help your missionaries set up web logs or “blogs” if they enjoy writing and they are not in a sensitive region. It is even better if they have a digital camera. Blogs are easy to set up and allow missionaries to chronicle current happenings.
"Each week some households in our church are designated as a special prayer group for our families in mission work. During that week they are urged to pray more intensely for the families and encouraged to drop them a letter or e-mail."
-Rossmere Mennonite Church
Find creative ways to remember to pray for your missionary: 1) Use a plant as a reminder to pray each time you water it. 2) Someday, wear a ring on a finger that you usually don’t wear one, and allow the newness of the feeling to remind you to pray. 3) When you sit at a red light, pray instead of getting irritated.
We heard a suggestion to visit your missionary on site, but didn't actually think we could go. When we actually did, it was a sacrifice, but worth every penny! What better way to understand and 'support' them than to go yourself, see where they live, and learn more about their way of life and their vision for what they are doing?"
-Linda Boll
Shop across continents with your missionary! One missionary in Africa shared how much she loves going “shopping” with her supporter in the U.S. All they need is the internet, and together they can browse through on-line stores and share their comments via instant messenger. The supporter then bought the missionary some items that she needed and knew she would like!
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Set up an exhibit and/or food stand at Eastern Mennonite Missions' annual Global Fair, as several missionary support teams did at this year's Global Fair. Your stand can help to promote awareness of and interest in the region where your missionary serves; and if you have items for sale, it can help to raise funds as well.
Contact LaRie Miller for details on the next Global Fair.
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