HOW TO REALLY SUPPORT YOUR MISSIONARY

​Oh sure, I support missions. I send in a cheque every month, or I have a recurring donation come out of my account every month. What more is there? Have a look at this list and be challenged to do more.
Your missionaries need so much more than just your financial support.

1.   Communicate

• Get on their email update list.
• Respond occasionally and let them know you notice and care about the important things.
• Telephone or Skype (during their daytime).
• Go visit them (if they want you to and only at their convenience).
  
  

2.   Pray

• Pray regularly, consistently, faithfully.
• Pray over their prayer letters and their email updates.
• Keep their picture on your refrigerator.
• Pray for them what you pray for yourself.
• Pray for their ministry and the people they are helping.
• Let them know you pray.
  
  

3.   Provide Funding

• Provide regular support at a significant level.
• If they are salaried, you may help with special projects or provide special gifts.
• Give thoughtful, creative, personal messages and gifts.
  
  

4.   Meet Needs

• Your missionary will share real needs if she knows you accept her and maintain confidence.
• Find information, resources, materials, expertise, or equipment your missionary needs.
• Identify professionals and tradesmen who will help your missionary at reduced rates.
• Take a small group to go help them on site.
  
  

5.   Make Home Assignment Refreshing

• Review their letters to remind yourself of the key things in their lives.
• Meet them at the airport.  Ask lots of questions.
• Interview them at church.  Meet with them after the service.
• Invite them to your home.  Invite others to meet them.
• Ask to see their pictures.  Pray with them.  Ask lots of questions.
• Help them get the family resituated in and adjust to the culture.
• Loan them your car, your cottage, your home.
• Feed them sensibly.  Respect their diets.
• Take them to picnics, outings, concerts, retreats.
  
  

6.   Help the Kids

• Look after them while they are here and their parents are there.
• Help them get established in college.  Provide them a place to stay for holidays.
• Be a friend.  Introduce them to friends.
  
  

7.   Develop a Support Team and Get Others Involved

• Recruit others to pray for and support them.