Practical Care Ideas

Before the missionaries leave:

• Contact them about their concerns and needs and offer to pray for them (and be sure to follow through!) Check back occasionally to see how things are going.
  
  
• If you live nearby, offer practical assistance such as childcare to help with errands. Be creative.
  
  
• Send a restaurant gift card so they can enjoy a meal out, especially as the time of departure draws near and pressure increases.
  
  
• Send birthday, anniversary and holiday cards and notes of encouragement.


• Ask how you can provide support, and then listen to what they say.


• Be careful not to create a sense of obligation to connect with you before they leave, as their obligations will multiply as their departure date nears.

While they are in their place of ministry:

• Pray regularly for them, and occasionally communicate that they are being remembered before the Father.
  
  
• This is a huge time of adjustment/readjustment, so keep that in mind as you pray.
  
  
• Send an occasional email with some encouraging thoughts and carefully chosen scriptures.
  
  
• If your goal is really to encourage a missionary, keep that purpose in mind. Missionaries don't have times to be everyone's pen pal. Therefore, keep your expectations reasonable concerning the level and timing of return comunication.
  
  
• Ask how you can provide for and encourage their children. Doing something special for a missionary's child is one of the greatest ways to provide meaningful support.
  
  
• Send fun "care packages" on occasion. It is worth the extra effort to investigate beforehand to find out what things they really like, rather than guessing.
  
  
• Keep current on what is going on in their ministry and ask questions that demonstrate as much. (The outreach department at BBC will be glad to help you stay "in-the-know!")
  
  
• Include some highlights about the ministry at BBC in your communication. It is an encouragement to know what God is up to all over the world!
  
  

When they return for a home ministry assignment:

• There will be a significant period of cultural and emotional adjustment. Pray with these thoughts in mind.
  
  
• Be available to provide assistance when missionaries visit BBC to update us on their ministry. Providing lodging, meals, and transportation can be a great help to all involved.
  
  
• Give them space. Help others see the need for the same.
  
  
• If you live nearby, offer to help with finding transportation, providing auto or home maintenance or child care, etc. Be available to help wherever it is needed most.


• When they are at BBC, introduce them to others that may turn out to be friends and encouragers in the future.


• If you have access to vacation property, consider arranging for some time away at no charge to your missionary friends.