How to Make Christmas Merry for Missionaries

You can show your support for your missionaries during the holiday season by using these useful gift and encouraging recommendations.

Are there any missionaries in your life who you'd like to support during the holidays but aren't sure how to do it?

Missionaries are sincerely appreciative of your selfless generosity, and they are frequently reticent to disclose personal needs, much less items they might desire as gifts. The holidays are a great chance to let these gospel allies know that their concern goes beyond only their work.

The apostle Paul was delighted when the church in Philippi offered him gifts for his necessities. He said, "ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction" (Philippians 4:14).

The recommendations provided below are some ways you can show your support for missionaries throughout the holidays. Make sure to ask your missionary friend if what you'd like to accomplish is realistic in their location because every region of the world is unique and life on the field is frequently unpredictable. Asking in advance will make sure that your present is actually a blessing even if it isn't a surprise.

Video Calls

In the United States, the holiday season is characterized by numerous memorable get-togethers of friends, family, and coworkers. Why not schedule special time for your missionaries as well? You may arrange a video call with them for a casual discussion in a church group or one-on-one. Consider recording Christmas wishes on your phone and sending them, or uploading your video to a secure YouTube channel, if a video call is not an option.

The missionaries would love to hear from you and stay updated on your life's happenings. To keep in touch with friends in the States and ease the transition the next time you are able to meet in person, one missionary advised families to engage their children in video chats.

Greeting Cards

A simple way to let missionaries know you're thinking of them over the holidays is to send them a card. Aim to personalize each recipient's message by taking into account their location, marital status, and security preferences. While it could be alluring to send a brief greeting, especially if you're writing to several missionaries in an assembly-line fashion, think about how uplifting it is to receive a letter that is meant just for you.

"It's always the thought that counts," a missionary once said, "but cards from supporters who took the time to personalize their messages and encourage me as a single woman away from my family on the holidays communicated their care more effectively than the generic cards addressed 'to you and your family.' And even better were the ones that included personal updates so I could stay in touch with their lives too! ”

Books and other reading material

Each year, new Christian publications are made available in the U. S. Global workers frequently lack access to these new titles, and it can be challenging to keep up with popular discussions about Christian living or ministry. Consider giving your missionary friends a copy of a book or resource that you or your church have found helpful this year.

Christian living, missions, church ministry, lay counseling, Bible study, and theological resources are a few helpful subjects. However, it need not end there! For leisure reading, many families would value high-quality English-language children's books or particular genres.

How to deliver books most effectively? Ask your missionary. Some missionaries may be able to get e-books if they have e-readers. Some people prefer printed versions, which may be purchased from a business like Book Depository that offers free international shipping and doesn't charge customs duties in many nations.

Help them get away

On the mission field, life can be demanding. In addition to a full schedule of ministry, employment, education, and family duties, speaking another language, navigating another culture, and utilizing a foreign system for daily tasks can be taxing.

At the end of the year, this pressure may feel particularly strong. Even with the joys of the season, extra holiday ministries and the loneliness of being remote from family gatherings can add to the exhaustion of a hectic year.

You might make a donation to help your missionary friend take a quick vacation to help them relax and recharge. Even if they can't spend the holidays with family, a trip can help them unwind and do something unique, whether they go abroad or inside their own nation.

One missionary couple revealed that the first year their kids went to college in the US, they started going to a different place for Christmas. As empty nesters, they were able to enjoy the holidays alone thanks to this new tradition.

It might be simple to assume that my missionary friend already resides in an exotic nation or a well-known tourist hotspot. But keep in mind that everyone working in the ministry needs time off.

Care Packages

For the entire family, receiving a package that includes a flavor of home can be exhilarating. Always check with your missionary before sending anything overseas to make sure that your blessing won't become a hardship. International shipping can vary greatly. High customs costs, restrictions on certain products, and parcel theft are commonplace in many nations.

Ask what they might need or want if your missionary can accept packages. Missionaries frequently enjoy the following things:

• Packets of dry seasoning (taco seasoning, ranch dip seasoning, Italian dressing mix, French onion soup mix)

• Favorite treats or candies

• Coffee

• Flavored instant coffee packets, hot chocolate mix, or powdered coffee creamer

• Spices for cooking

• If first aid kits, toiletries, or over-the-counter medicines are not available there, consider some of these.

• Hand sanitizer

• Travel games

• Small candles or perfumed hand soaps and body lotions

• Bacon or beef jerky are examples of non-refrigerated, fully cooked, dry-cured foods. In nations where importing pork products is prohibited, keep import regulations in mind.

• Ziploc bags

• Goods with a seasonal motif, such as napkins, hand towels, or miniature decorations

Travel gear

Pulling luggage through congested streets, airports, buses, and rickshaws can quickly wear it out. Global ministry necessitates a lot of travel. Think about providing your missionary with a new bag or carry-on, as well as updated travel accoutrements like packing cubes, luggage tags, or a travel pillow.

Financial contributions

Consider a special donation if you're looking for a gift that offers the most flexibility. As a rule, missionaries have limited resources, so having extra money to treat yourself or purchase something special can be a tremendous blessing.

Due to IRS laws, mission agencies are unable to process personal gifts; instead, ask your missionary how to send them money in the most effective method. You might even give missionaries an e-gift card to use while they are on furlough or in the field.

The whole family may find encouragement in receiving financial presents. "If you want to bless missionaries, consider their kids," one missionary father advised. For Christmas, one church gave us money for each member of the family. The children were able to choose what they wanted to purchase with the money supplied for them when we brought them shopping.

Ask your missionary if they would want to contribute toward any costs you are aware of that your missionary would benefit from if there are any particular requirements or services. One donor, for instance, paid for a missionary to have a debriefing from a seasoned Christian counselor, which was very beneficial to them personally and in their ministry.

Consider contributing to one of their ministry projects if you want to make a tax-deductible donation at the end of the year.

Whatever you choose to do to support your missionary over the holidays, they will value the consideration and care you showed by remembering them.