How to Support a Missionary

Many different religions have missionaries to religiously educate people of different cultures. Missionaries also serve people through medical teams and relief efforts around the world. Missionaries depend upon the support of individuals to get to their assigned fields of service. Missionaries need financial support and encouragement from their supporters to stay on the mission fields.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Commitment to a missionary or ministry
• Ability to give financial support

1. Select a particular mission agency that represents a country you are interested in. Mission agencies usually have information available through local congregations or on the Internet.
2. Get to know missionaries from the agency you have chosen by inviting them to speak at your church or small group.
3. Choose a level of support that is appropriate for your family and personal financial situation. This is usually in the form of a monthly commitment.
4. Sign up to send in the monthly commitment amount by check, automatic withdrawal or via a website.
5. Write letters to your missionary to show your support. Children really love getting letters from different parts of the world, so encourage them to write as well.
6. Send small gifts for birthdays and holidays. Remember your missionary is far from their own families during these times of year.
7. Learn as much as you can about the area your missionary is from. Make it a family project to learn about the culture and ministry that your missionary is involved in.

Tips & Warnings

• Discuss the possibility of visiting your missionary at some time while you are supporting them.
• Find ways to help your missionary get other supporters by having people in your home, or giving out information on your missionary's behalf.
• If your financial situation changes and you can no longer send support, let your missionary know of your situation so they can find others to fill the gap.