Christmas can be a challenging time for missionaries on location, away from family, friends, and familiar traditions. As the homesickness peaks, your support and encouragement is particularly valued. Not only will this uplift missionaries as they share the message of Christ, but it can also help you deepen your relationship with them.  

1. Share a Bible verse with them

God’s word is the most powerful means of encouragement. What have you been reading in the Bible recently? Share a Bible verse you found encouraging, or that reminded you of the precious joy of knowing Christ. Or perhaps you could share something that encourages a missionary to keep going in their harvest field?   

Christmas has often been the time for the once-a-year ‘letter’ contact with long-term friends and an opportunity to remember past times shared. We really appreciate warm greetings like this from so many supporters at Christmas. 

CMS missionaries Bruce and Libby, serving in South Asia 

2. Tell them about a biblical truth you’ve been reflecting on  

Is there a biblical truth that has reaffirmed your faith recently? A missionary’s faith is shaken at times too. Sharing a biblical truth that has helped you could also strengthen their faith, and give their spiritual life a much-needed boost.  

3. Write a prayer for them 

Writing a prayer for your chosen missionary shows them how you’re praying for them. Look up their latest updates and prayer requests in recent newsletters to inform your prayer for them. This shows that you care about them and their work, encouraging them to persist toward a world that knows Jesus.

You guys are the pray-ers fuelling this, the writers sending words of encouragement, and the givers covering the practical costs of my being in Rome to work alongside Christian students who are the ones on the front line of evangelism at university. We’re a team, or, more biblically, we’re united by God in his mission. Let’s encourage and be encouraged by each other!   

CMS missionary Gillian Law, serving in Rome, Italy 

4. Let them know how your church is celebrating Christmas 

Your link missionary would love to know your church’s Christmas plans. While they may be sad not to be joining you, it’s a precious thing to know that God’s people are celebrating the birth of Jesus all over the world.  

5. Schedule a catch-up call or send them a video  

A simple conversation can go a long way towards encouraging a missionary. Contact your chosen missionary and schedule a call with them to catch up. Sharing personal updates will keep them in the loop and enable them to keep praying for you. This will help them know their home community still remembers and cherishes them.  

Sometimes a catch-up call isn’t possible, so why not consider putting together a video from your family or your church? If you’re going to do this, make sure you check your missionary can accept video in their location.  

CARE 

Could you make time over the Christmas period to send some encouragement to a missionary? You can find contact details here or by emailing your local branch.