Until All Have Heard...

Missionaries play a crucial role in spreading the Gospel and reaching unreached people groups around the world. Their work, often in difficult and challenging environments, can sometimes lead to physical, emotional, and even spiritual exhaustion. As supporters, there are several ways we can encourage missionaries in their work, ensuring they remain energized, focused, and supported. Here are five ways to provide encouragement to missionaries: 1. Offer Regular Prayer Support One of the most powerful ways to encourage missionaries is through prayer. Missionaries face numerous challenges—cultural, spiritual, financial, and emotional—and prayer, through the power of the Holy Spirit, provides them with strength and guidance. By regularly lifting them up in prayer, you remind missionaries that they are not alone in their work. It also helps you stay connected to their specific needs and challenges. How to do this: Organize prayer groups or prayer chains specifically for missionaries. Send them updates and specific prayer requests, so you know exactly what areas to focus on. Encourage others in your church or community to commit to praying for missionaries on a regular basis. 2. Send Care Packages and Letters of Encouragement A thoughtful letter or a care package filled with necessities or comforts from home can bring immense joy to a missionary. Simple gestures like these remind missionaries that they are loved and appreciated. Personal letters of encouragement, especially when sent from fellow believers or supporters, can provide a much-needed spiritual boost. How to do this: Send practical items such as toiletries, books, snacks, or small gifts that are hard to find in their location. Include a letter of encouragement, expressing your appreciation for their work and dedication. Personal stories or scripture verses can have a powerful impact as well. Occasionally include photos or updates from your community so they feel connected to home. 3. Provide Financial Support and Resources Missionaries often operate on tight budgets, relying on donations to fund their work. Financial stress can be a significant burden, detracting from their ability to focus on ministry. By contributing to their financial needs, you ensure they can continue their work without constant worry about money. How to do this: Set up a regular donation system through your church or organization to support missionaries. Organize fundraisers or special events to raise awareness of their financial needs. Help them access resources or grants that could make their work more sustainable, such as providing them with necessary equipment or technology.

When God called the disciples to follow Him, they were instructed to drop their nets, leave everything they knew, and follow. Although we may not have “nets” to drop, when God calls His people to GO, much is left behind. Family, friends, belongings, even favorite foods. When God calls families to the field, not only are the parents’ lives changed, but the children’s lives are, too. While saying yes to the Lord is always worth it, it also comes with unique challenges. Case in point: Education. Thankfully, modern missionary families do have some options depending where they are going. What are the schooling options where you are going? Will you homeschool? What are the requirements in the country you are moving to? How about an international school? Or a boarding school? A missions school? Depending on where you are going, the possibilities are endless… or sometimes there is only one. Missionary families must weigh various educational options to find what best suits their child’s needs and their situation, and this can be exceptionally overwhelming to navigate. Where to Start? Do your research. What are the laws where you are going? Is homeschooling legal? What is the national education system like? Are you going to a city that has international schools? Will language be a barrier to your child’s education? If you have older children, is boarding school an option that might need to be considered? This may seem overwhelming, but reaching out to other expats in the area you are traveling to, or even a quick Google search can answer some of these questions for you. Understand that location matters. If you are traveling to a city, you are likely to have more options than a person traveling to a rural location. Evaluate your values. What does your family value in terms of education? What are the things you are close handed about, and what things can you be open handed about? Evaluate your children. If you are feeling like this is all a lot to process, imagine how your child feels! What are things he or she likes about their current schooling situation? How does your child learn best? How can you carry those things through this time of transition? Talk to your sending organization. Many organizations have staff members who are there to help you make decisions that are best for your child. These people are experts on educating children cross culturally. Even if you homeschool in the states and plan to continue that on the field, there are factors that should be considered and need to be processed during this time of transition. Ask questions, ask for support, and listen to their recommendations.

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