Churches are pretty good at sending missionaries. We train them, help them raise support, and gather to pray over them. If we’re Baptists, we make sure they get a good meal before they go.
Six months later, they’re still learning the language, they miss their friends, and something as simple as filling a prescription can take most of an afternoon. Back home, the church calendar has moved on. Some missionaries say they feel forgotten by the very people who sent them. We invest a lot in preparing people for the field, and we ought to give just as much thought to what will help them stay.
Jesus commissioned us to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18–20). But as we send them, are we as committed to support them?
In 3 John 5–8, John shows us how a church can share in that work. He urges believers to send gospel workers on their way in a manner worthy of God and to support them so that we become “fellow workers for the truth.” That partnership continues long after the sending service.
Practical Ways to Support
Pray for them by name. Paul asked the Colossians to pray that God would open a door for the gospel and help him speak clearly. Ask your missionaries where they’re seeing those opportunities and what’s weighing on them at home. Bring those requests to your small group and follow up the next time you talk. Colossians 4:2-4.
Make time for a call. Find a time that works across time zones and leave enough room to hear how they’re really doing. Ask what has been harder than they expected or what their kids are enjoying about their new home.
Send a care package. Ask what they miss and what you can ship. A favorite snack, a book for the kids, or handwritten notes from friends can make home feel a little closer. The Philippians sent help to Paul more than once, and he remembered it (Philippians 4:14-18).
Give them people they can count on. Before they leave, ask a few church members to commit to checking in regularly. A small group can remember birthdays, follow up on prayer requests, and reach out when they haven’t heard from the family in a while.
Visit them where they serve. Let them tell you when a visit would help and what would lighten their load. You might help with a ministry need, give parents an evening together, or spend a day with them learning what life there is like.
Think about the last missionary your church sent. When was the last time someone from home called just to see how they were doing?
