4 Heartfelt Ways to Thank Our Missionaries

Are you looking for a way to encourage or thank a missionary you support abroad? The Christmas season is a great time to send your missionaries some extra love. It’s been a challenging year for all, but missionaries in particular face some particularly difficult challenges this year. Whether that be the inability to travel home to see family, financial struggles, or simply the additional needs of the communities they serve, missionaries truly need extra support this year. So what can you do to encourage your missionaries this season? Here are just a few ideas!

1. Prepare and send Christmas Advent candies.

We love this idea from Life is Sweet. Pack a bag of sweets corresponding to each day of the Advent and stuff in an encouraging scripture or quote to help lift them up.

2. Send a thank you note.

Everyone loves a handwritten letter — especially during a time when everything is highly digitalized. Send a letter of thanks, encouragement or even prayers written out. A little bit of snail mail will be a huge encouragement.

3. Put together the perfect care package.

Care packages are a no-brainer, but how do you decide what to send? Every missionary is different, so asking them what they need is your best bet. Often they love favorite foods or products they miss from home. Things to do such as book or movies are great as well! Here’s a list from a long-term missionary that might help get you started: Care Package Ideas.

4. Give a financial gift.

Many missionaries have year-end giving goals they need to meet to prepare for the next year of ministry. Prayerfully consider to whom you should contribute and how you should go about it. Talk with other people in your faith community for advice. Extend the offer to donate to your congregation as a whole.

5. Simply ask.

Sometimes we overcomplicate support in our attempt to be creative. If you’re not sure of the best way you can bless your missionaries this year — simply ask! It’s as simple as reaching out online or by phone and checking in on them. Start the conversation asking how their year has been and what their current challenges are. Ask them what you and your church can do to best support them.