5 Things (other than care packages) A Missionary Really Wants
There is nothing that brings a huge smile to this missionary's face quite like a box full of canned pumpkin, Hershey's, marshmallow fluff (can you tell I'm a baker?), American brands of my favourite products, and precious cards from home. And while that smile will last for a moment, it can be fleeting before the homesickness that was lying dormant for so long resurfaces. Care packages can be a fantastic pick-me-up, especially to the homesick missionary going through another wave of culture-shock. I'm asked often about what I'd like to receive in a package, but I'm never really sure of what to reply. Not because there is nothing I miss or "need" that I can't get here (trust me, that list is fairly long...mmm...pumpkin spice), but because of the cost. Care packages can be expensive to send and, depending on customs and VAT in the country the missionary is serving in, even more expensive to receive. So, instead of sending a care package, here are five things that the American missionary serving abroad would appreciate.
The most important thing that anyone in ministry needs is an army on their knees. Prayer is an amazing tool, and I've heard of miraculous things happening all because someone was praying. Missionaries often send out letters and emails containing specific prayer requests. Ask to be on a missionary's mailing list, or contact them to ask specifically what you can be praying for, and then send them a card or letter to let them know you think of them and pray for them often. An email can also be nice, but there's just something about being able to physically hold those words in your hand that make them matter even more.
I was always that child on Christmas day that would be disappointed to open envelopes of cash rather than a brightly wrapped package. Even if that package was just socks, it was well worth it for the surprise of finding out what was inside.That said, I've become a bit more reasonable as an adult. Care packages are great (and sometimes, you just really need a good dose of home), but when it comes to the cost involved, your money is often better put to use elsewhere. Depending on the value and contents, missionaries in some countries actually end up having to pay to receive the package. If you still want to help out, you can always give the money that you would have spent on the package as a donation. If you want to give directly to the missionary as a gift instead of through their organisation, contact them personally. Many missionaries still have US bank accounts that make this really easy.
Can't visit? Set up a time to video chat. Video chatting is as easy as picking up your mobile phone these days. They still get to see a familiar face and share a piece of their world with you. This is a great way to be more involved in the missionary's life and ministry as you're able to get a first hand account of what is going on right now. Just make sure to contact the missionary before calling. There's usually a time difference between countries and you don't want to catch them at 3am. 😬
What the missionary needs more than anything else is your partnership. Whether that means prayer support or financial support, it is greatly needed. A missionary's ministry depends upon these partnerships. The person at home praying and giving is just as important as the missionary on the ground. The missionary is the hands and feet, but their partners make up the rest of the body. Without people partnering with the missionary, the ministry dies. God has created an amazing thing in missionary partnerships. They enable someone who can't go to still be actively involved in a ministry abroad. I've partnered with missionaries in many different ministries and can tell you that it is always the biggest blessing you can receive. If you aren't currently partnering with a missionary, do so. Ask to join their prayer team or financial team, or better yet, do both. Even if you only have $10 a month to give, the blessings that come from a partnership are well worth it for both the missionary and you.
Still thinking of sending that package?
Your best bet would be to order online from a website within their country. For example, www.americanfood.ie/ is a website that you can order American food from in Ireland. It could be that there is something that the missionary wants/needs but can't afford, and this would be extremely helpful. Even consider ordering a gift card (although, you'd still have to make sure to order from a website within their country). You'd have to pay the currency exchange fee from your bank or PayPal, but this often turns out to be much less expensive than sending a package. If you choose this option, make sure to talk to the missionary first to make sure you're getting a website that is really going to be able to ship without costing the missionary any extra.
If you still want to send the package, send it! I've not yet come across a missionary that is ungrateful or did not want a care package, and I certainly love receiving mail from my home country. But if the next time you're looking for a more cost effective way to meet a missionary's needs or put a smile on their face, take some time to consider one of these other options. I know as a missionary I'd be grateful either way.
1. A card or letter letting your missionary know that you are praying for him/her. And actually praying for them.
The most important thing that anyone in ministry needs is an army on their knees. Prayer is an amazing tool, and I've heard of miraculous things happening all because someone was praying. Missionaries often send out letters and emails containing specific prayer requests. Ask to be on a missionary's mailing list, or contact them to ask specifically what you can be praying for, and then send them a card or letter to let them know you think of them and pray for them often. An email can also be nice, but there's just something about being able to physically hold those words in your hand that make them matter even more.2. A video of the people they love.
One of the things I miss the most about home is being able to see and hear family, friends, and even visit with the churches that partner with me. This is especially great if the missionary is in a country with little or no internet service, so they can't video chat with people. Make them a video of family, friends, and people from the church. Have everyone involved say hello or leave a little message. It doesn't have to be fancy. You can even film it with a mobile phone. After filming, email it (if you know they'll be able to access the internet at some point) or put it on an SD card or flash drive and stick it in the mail. Mailing one costs far less and is way more likely to make it to it's destination. An added bonus: if you put the video on an SD card, you can just slip it into a greeting card and mail it safely that way.3. Give the money you would have spent on a care package.
I was always that child on Christmas day that would be disappointed to open envelopes of cash rather than a brightly wrapped package. Even if that package was just socks, it was well worth it for the surprise of finding out what was inside.That said, I've become a bit more reasonable as an adult. Care packages are great (and sometimes, you just really need a good dose of home), but when it comes to the cost involved, your money is often better put to use elsewhere. Depending on the value and contents, missionaries in some countries actually end up having to pay to receive the package. If you still want to help out, you can always give the money that you would have spent on the package as a donation. If you want to give directly to the missionary as a gift instead of through their organisation, contact them personally. Many missionaries still have US bank accounts that make this really easy.
4. A visit or a video chat.
Yes, I know that the odds of a visit happening are quite slim, but it is the most appealing of all of the options thus far. What a missionary really wants more than anything (and possibly even needs) is to see a familiar face from home. If you have the funds, travel. See if it would be possible to volunteer to help with the ministry and make it a mission trip. If you can't visit but know someone who can, encourage them, even donate that care package money toward their plane ticket. This means a lot, especially to missionaries who may be new in the field. It can be hard to adjust at first when you're making new friends and building team bonds. Missionaries want to share the country they're serving in so that you can better understand their hearts for the people. So...if you can...visit them.Can't visit? Set up a time to video chat. Video chatting is as easy as picking up your mobile phone these days. They still get to see a familiar face and share a piece of their world with you. This is a great way to be more involved in the missionary's life and ministry as you're able to get a first hand account of what is going on right now. Just make sure to contact the missionary before calling. There's usually a time difference between countries and you don't want to catch them at 3am. 😬
5. Your partnership.
What the missionary needs more than anything else is your partnership. Whether that means prayer support or financial support, it is greatly needed. A missionary's ministry depends upon these partnerships. The person at home praying and giving is just as important as the missionary on the ground. The missionary is the hands and feet, but their partners make up the rest of the body. Without people partnering with the missionary, the ministry dies. God has created an amazing thing in missionary partnerships. They enable someone who can't go to still be actively involved in a ministry abroad. I've partnered with missionaries in many different ministries and can tell you that it is always the biggest blessing you can receive. If you aren't currently partnering with a missionary, do so. Ask to join their prayer team or financial team, or better yet, do both. Even if you only have $10 a month to give, the blessings that come from a partnership are well worth it for both the missionary and you.
Still thinking of sending that package?
Your best bet would be to order online from a website within their country. For example, www.americanfood.ie/ is a website that you can order American food from in Ireland. It could be that there is something that the missionary wants/needs but can't afford, and this would be extremely helpful. Even consider ordering a gift card (although, you'd still have to make sure to order from a website within their country). You'd have to pay the currency exchange fee from your bank or PayPal, but this often turns out to be much less expensive than sending a package. If you choose this option, make sure to talk to the missionary first to make sure you're getting a website that is really going to be able to ship without costing the missionary any extra.
If you still want to send the package, send it! I've not yet come across a missionary that is ungrateful or did not want a care package, and I certainly love receiving mail from my home country. But if the next time you're looking for a more cost effective way to meet a missionary's needs or put a smile on their face, take some time to consider one of these other options. I know as a missionary I'd be grateful either way.
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