3 Simple Ways to Encourage Missionaries at Christmas

The following was recommended to us by our friends at The Upstream Collective, a missional network committed to intentional relationships across cultures. It's from Teach Overseas, an "interdenominational ministry that offers you the wisdom of experience with a cutting edge sensibility. Since 1981, we have transformed lives in a dozen different countries through hundreds of summer and year-long programs teaching conversational English."

3 Simple Ways to Encourage Missionaries at Christmas

Christmas is a wonderful time all over the world! People serving God in other countries find this an especially relevant time to share about Jesus. Like you, overseas workers also want to enjoy twinking lights, jingle bells, and the scent of fresh pine and home-baked cookies.

However, unlike you, many missionaries don’t live in places with Christmas trees, gingerbread, or even churches. They don’t hear Christmas carols and upbeat songs in shopping malls; they might not even have shopping malls. Most of all, missionaries miss the warm fellowship of friends and family back home. Combine this with the cold, dark days of December, and you’ve got a recipe for homesickness!
This Christmas, make a special effort to bring joy to those bringing Good News to others. Following these simple steps can make a world of difference!!!

1. Remember. The most horrible feeling for a missionary is to feel forgotten. Take time to send an extra special Christmas card (international postage is 98 cents). If you send a personal Christmas newsletter to someone in a sensitive country, be sure to cross out any words that might be offensive in the host culture.

2. Pray! Christmas is an active time for ministry. Pray for the Christmas parties and outreaches they will be organizing. Pray for divine opportunities and natural opportunities to share about Christ. Send an email telling your missionaries that you are especially praying for them in this season.

3. Give. Extra financial support is always appreciated. Put a missionary on your Christmas gift list and write an extra check for his/her account. An extra $20 to $50 can go a long way. It takes a little extra to host parties and outreaches. Most likely these funds come from an already tight budget. I assure you that most missionaries will pass on the extra blessings they receive to local friends!

This Christmas, you can bring JOY to the world by blessing those serving Him overseas. Thank you for your partnership!