The holidays are hectic times for most of us. In these waning days of 2022, we hope to be able to gather with family and friends, reflect on the past, and look forward to the future. And we begin thinking about Christmas gift giving. Some of you have had your trees up since October and finished your shopping sometime in June or July. Others are last minute shoppers like me. I have never been one to shop or decorate early. I love to push limits/. Besides, the further we venture into December, the bigger the sales get. Or so I like to convince myself.
As you write your lists and bake your cookies, take a moment to remember the missionaries and ministries that you support. We thank you for giving to our partners and making their ministries successful.
As you ponder year end gifts, I hope you take the time to personally connect with individual ministers and missionaries. I asked several people who have been, or are still, in full time ministry what are some things that they wish their supporters understood about their ministries, and what were some gifts they would like to receive this time of year from those who love them and support them.
Some of their answers are common sense. Some are a bit surprising. Either way, here are some ways that you can bless those in ministry beyond writing a check.
Pray for them. Be as specific as possible. When you get email prayer letters, take time to take their requests before the throne. They value your prayers even more than they value your money.
If you hear something from the Lord while you’re praying for them, please let them know. And if you wake up in the middle of the night burdened for them, pray hard. And make a note of the time and date to share with them later.
Share what’s going on in your life. They love getting newsy letters and emails. They want to stay connected, and they love hearing about your children’s soccer games, the town Christmas parade, and your dog’s antics. They like to feel connected, like they are still a part of things. It’s fine to send a verse or a link to a sermon you enjoyed. But they’d rather hear from YOU.
Be a good listener. Let them be themselves and not the “real live missionary” many expect them to be. Being in full time service doesn’t make them superhero Christians. There are days they hate their job and just want to come home. Missionary life can be lonely sometimes. Be a true friend.
If you get to spend time with them here in the States, encourage them to rest. Don’t make them feel guilty for not taking every speaking engagement. Honor their down time. We all need time to “be still and know He is God. “
Receiving a care package is fun for any of us. But for friends who are stationed away from the US, a gift from home is a great encourager. Yes, it’s going to cost a lot to mail. But you can’t put a price tag on a taste of home for someone far away.
I hope you will take time to ponder some of the things on this list and provide them for friends in ministry. It is our honor to provide our friends in ministry the kinds of gifts and prayers they deserve.