“Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, the he will send forth labourers into the harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38
How can I be involved in missions now? Perhaps this is you:
- I’m married and my husband doesn’t feel the call…
- I’m single, how can I do it alone…
- I’ve got children, what about them…
- I’m too old…
- I’m too young…
- I’ve got too much baggage…
- I’m too shy…
- I’m too frightened…
- Later, I’ll do that later…
Sound like you? Yet, your heart still hungers to be involved in missions. Here are some ways you can be involved right now just the way you are in this moment:
- Pray. Prayer is vital to all ministry. Pray for the specific needs of missionaries. Perhaps you cannot give financially, but you can always pray for the financial needs of missionaries and for their material needs. Pray, too, for them to be encouraged. They face the same daily issues in life as you do…along with some that you may not face, like learning a new language and a new culture…but if they have small children like you do, they need prayer in raising their children just as you do. If they are a single missionary, they may not be sharing this, but it wouldn’t surprise me if they are praying for a mate. Pray for them in the same way you would pray for yourself. Ask the missionaries you know or meet how you can specifically pray for them. Never underestimate prayer!
- Give. Have you ever considered that you may indeed be able to provide for a missionary? Giving is done in obedience to God. And one thing my mother always told me is this, “You can never out give God.” Has God blessed you financially? Seek him for how much to give and who to give it to. Have your children out grown some clothing or shoes? Ask around. I’m sure there is a missionary or orphanage you can pass them on to. Missionaries have material needs just like you. When things like toothpaste, deodorant, or shampoo go on sale, buy two. One for yourself and send the other to a missionary. Get a box together of non-perishable food items. Need more ideas, ask the missionaries what specific needs they have. It may be printer paper or ink, or a copy machine. Be creative! Think of the common every day things you need. Missionaries need them, too. Some may really appreciate a bag of chocolate chips or peanut butter that is unavailable to them in the country they are serving.
- Communicate. One way to really encourage and support a missionary is to communicate with them. Thanks to today’s technology this comes in many forms.
1. Write a letter…yes, by hand…this may take longer, but is still very affordable and highly regarded…a most loved way to communicate.
2. E-mail…quick, easy, and in some cases instant….with Instant Messaging.
3. Call…dial their number…a ten minute conversation could really make their day.
4. Invite them to your home. Perhaps, a missionary is visiting your church. Invite them to your home or meet them somewhere for coffee.
Get contact information from churches or mission organizations or direct from the missionary. Many churches have missionaries they support. Pick one or write them all. Many mission organizations will gladly send your letter on to one of their missionaries. I have been the recipient of such letters addressed only to “A New Tribes Missionary”.
- Help Raise Support. Missionaries most often need to raise their support…be sent out. You may not be able to fully support them, but maybe you have an extra $10 every month you can spare. It may not seem like much, but that becomes $120 in a year! Maybe, you don’t have an extra $10, but you do have friends, family, and a home. Invite a missionary and your friends and family over to your home, giving the missionary a chance to share their ministry and needs they have, pray with them.
-Go. Maybe you don’t have some vacation time coming up and would like to do something exciting. Visit a missionary. See their ministry up close and in person. Take the children with you, make it a family trip. It will be on they will never forget. Single? Get a group of friends together and go. You don’t have to go far to make an impact and be a part of missions. Look at what you can do locally, as well.
Do you have more ideas? I’d love to hear them! Leave them in a comment here.
