Hello dear friends, family, supporters, and faithful blog readers!
As I find myself in month 10 of being out on the mission field, I’ve realized there are often times you just feel plain forgotten out here, no not intentionally I’m sure. You’re just far away from everything back home; people think you’re too busy, you miss weddings, babies being born, big events, and everyday life.
So to the ones who have reached out, sent pictures, messages, read AND commented on my blogs, asked how I’m doing, sent a little cash my way. THANK YOU!! It really means so incredibly much to me! And to the ones who haven’t, there’s grace. I get it. I didn’t really understand the importance of it until I came on this missions trip.
With that being said I would like to share with you a handful of ways to show love to missionaries overseas. I’ve compiled a list of comments from some of my fellow squad mates out here and a few quotes from long term missionary friends.
Ways to show love to missionaries:
•send a message every now and then. Yes I know that they may not respond for a week or even a month, but know that they so appreciate it when they see a message from someone back home. Let them know what’s been happening in your life. Ask them how they’re doing.
•Send a message of encouragement
•Send bible verses
•PRAY FOR THEM. And when you do send them a message every so often letting them know that you are praying for them, and what you’re specifically praying for.
•Read AND comment on their blog posts, email updates, posts and pictures on social media.
•Send video updates. It’s so nice to see faces and hear voices when we’re far from home.
•Send money to pay for a meal or two on travel day. A missionary budget is small and airport food is expensive.
•If you’re able to, send a little cash their way every now and then. It’s nice to get away and go on a little adventure every once in a while, enjoy a nice cup of coffee( if we can find one), or to even take a taxi to town, but living on a tight budget makes it hard to do that.
•Send pictures. Send pictures of your family, your kids, of an adventure you went on. We love to see faces of the people we love back home.
•Download WhatsApp. A Messaging/calling app that takes the least amount of connection. Get their number, send them yours and send them a monthly update on your life, so when they arrive home they won’t not know what’s happened in your life in a whole year.
•When they arrive home have them over for a home cooked meal.
•Be a listening hear when they arrive home
•If you have the space and they need somewhere to stay, open up your home to them when they come back to the states on furlough for a few months.
“Some ways we felt loved & cared for were calls and messages to check in and pray for us, care packages and cards for us & our kiddos, FaceTimes/Zooms from friends/mom’s group & kids, visits from loved ones and supporters…So very important that the local body/Church cares for the extended missionary body well. “
“Contact was a big deal, cards, letter notes sometimes ya just felt forgotten. Prayers knowing that people were activly praying, they were hearing our prayer requests.”
“I would say things that were most encouraging to me were letters. And a listening ear when I got home.”
If you’ve read this far, Thank you! I now encourage you to if you don’t know already find out who the missionaries are that your church supports and sign up for their updates, follow their social media page if they have one, send them a message. PRAY FOR THEM. And if you don’t already, find a missionary or mission organization to financially support!
Thanks for following along!
With love from a missionary,
Steph
P.S. Missionaries please feel free to comment your thoughts too, anything you want to add.
I love this!!! Yes yes yes.
Hey Sweet Steph! This is so good! Yes, I’m going to do these things….I know missionaries do sometimes feel forgotten. But YOU are never forgotten. You are in my heart and in my thoughts every day. We love you so very much and we are definitely praying for you every day! Wow! You’re going into your last month in South Africa very soon….take it all in, don’t miss a moment of this precious time on the field.
YES to all of it!! Thank you for sharing!
This is so good! It’s such a great reminder that the simple things are big things, especially when you are so far away!!
I’m so blessed to have you as a friend. Watching you fulfill your call these 10 months has brought me to tears so many times. Steph, you are missed so very much by your Defi community. I can not wait to squeeze you! I know the return is often the hardest!!
Oh my sweet sweet Steph!!! I can not wait to hold you in my arms!!! Thank you for writing this!! So many out there doing ministry being the hands and feet of Christ , and they need ministered to also! Know that I love and miss you dearly!! We are counting the days !!! Love your Momma !
We love you, Steph! Thanks for remaining steadfast on your mission He has called you to. It will not be in vain. These things are also so true and real! Thinking of you & praying for you!!!
Okay, making me cry Kate! I miss y’all soo much!! I can’t wait to hug you!
Hi Steph!
What a blessing to be able to watch & read the highlights from your adventure over the last 10 months! I just read something that talked about how travel is the best education you can receive & I couldn’t agree more! I hope my kids are as brave & obedient followers of Christ in their young adult years as our family has watched you be! You’re an inspiration to us & so many others! Blessings to you as you finish up your mission time & prayers for a sweet & blessed reunion with your family & closest friends!
Thank you!! Looking forward to seeing you and your sweet fam when I return home!