Building Relationships with Missionaries

Take a moment to think about.... the last time you had dinner with a missionary family that is on furlough or deputation, the last time you called them up on the phone just to let them know that you are thinking and praying for them, when the last time you took the time to write an encouraging note to those far away from family and friends?

As Jim Elliot put it, " Missionaries are very human folks, just doing what they are asked. Simply a bunch of nobodies trying to exalt Somebody."

Getting to know a missionary is a great blessing, but yet how does one get to know missionaries?
Basically the list is this:

• Start receiving a missionary newsletter.
  
• Write personal letters (missionaries long for news of home)
  
• How about a phone call? (Call them up on b-days or just to encourage them)
  
• Be faithful in prayer. (Pray daily for the missionaries)
  
• Invite missionaries into our homes
  
• Visit missionaries at their field of work.
  
  First, take a look at the list of missionaries that your church supports. Take notice of the following: the country they serve, take in consideration of the age of the missionary and their family, how long they have been serving and what their mission goals are for their future ministry. Now ask questions like, when will they be in the States and when will they be speaking at my church.
  
  Second, grab a pen and paper and start writing a note to a missionary family (perhaps one that has children the same age as your own, or those serving in a country that you have an interest in learning more about, or whatever). Introduce yourself and tell them what church you are a part of, tell them that you are praying for them, give them little bits and pieces of interesting things going on in your family or city. Missionaries love to receive letters, but yet are also very busy so it may take them a while to reply to your note. BE PATIENT.
  
  If you know that a missionary family is coming to speak at your church or visit in your area take the time to offer your home to them. Invite them over for a meal or perhaps even invite them to spend a restful night at your house. Don't use the excuse, "I don't know what to talk about"..... We are all humans that work in different workplaces for the Lord.
  
  Pray not only for them, but also with them.
  
  - I will post another section on this topic of corresponding with missionaries later this week.