Missionary workers and their families are often in harsh conditions that are a challenge emotionally, mentally, physically, financially, spiritually and every other “ly” there is.
Let me illustrate it this way. I ran a marathon once, and when I was thirsty, sore, exhausted, drained and about to quit, there were people along the way who handed out water and cold towels. Midway, a friend came on a bike, handed me a banana and some Gatorade, and encouraged me while I ran. Even better was that friend who jumped out from the onlookers to run with me for a mile. We talked while running (well, I was running as fast as he was walking), and it refilled my emotional tank. Dare I say, I might have quit were it not for a friend.
Ask God to show you whom to encourage. Write them a letter or email. Pray for them. Call them or Zoom them, and pray for them in person.
Anyone can be a friend to a missionary worker that way. Ask God to show you whom to encourage. Write them a letter or email. Pray for them. Call them or Zoom them, and pray for them in person. Be a safe place for them to tell you how it really is. Just listen to them.
You could offer to pay for online counseling for them. Send them a care package or donate to their worker giving page. Host an event and raise money for a project for them. Jump out of the onlookers, and go visit them! Arrange to spend some time to walk while they run. I know a couple who travels to a country to babysit kids so that Mom and Dad can go on a date!
As you care for workers, you become a worker yourself. When you give to a worker, you give to Jesus Himself. As Jesus said: “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.’” (Matt. 25:40, NIV)
