Being a Friend to Missionaries 

When I came to New Home 11 years ago, we established 3 goals: 1) We wanted to see and trust God as a big God; 2) We wanted to see God call our young men to preach; 3) We wanted to be a friend to missionaries. Often times, missionaries are isolated on their field with little deep connection with those who support them. As churches, we are really good at sending our checks and even praying for our missionaries, but we often fall short on the personal touch, on being a friend. How can we develop and express friendship with the missionaries we support? Take a genuine interest in them! Learn the names of their children and spouse. Learn their birthdays and send a card or gift. Connect with them on social media and interact with their posts. Call or visit them on the field. When they visit your church, have them stay in your home and take them to supper. Take them fishing or some fun activity. Contact them, ask what needs they have and try to meet the need personally or as a church. In other words, invest in a relationship that goes beyond simply sending a check. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the missionaries you support remembered being with your church and wanted to visit every time they were close? Not because of the size of the offering, but because they were visiting friends! May God help us to be a friend. You have no idea how God will use you and your friendship to encourage and even keep the missionary on the field.

Eric Sutton

For more information about our missions or to make a donation please click the link below.

https://www.abaptist.org/missions