Supporting Her

"I will seek the lost, bring back the scattered, bind up the broken and strengthen the sick... Eze 34:16a

God loves the lost, so He sends workers out to preach the Gospel in all the world. My husband and I were called to go. We are missionaries in Israel, serving here in the Arab community in East Jerusalem, Israel. I am currently listening to a mosque calling the Muslims to sunset prayer. It is raining, and I am bundled up in a blanket in our empty apartment about to say good-bye to the Middle East. The Muslims in the community we live in are conservative; 90% of the women dress in robes and headscarves, and almost all the men attend Mosque prayers at noon on Fridays. It is a dark place spiritually, where hatred of Jews and Christians is prevalent. About 2% of the Arabs here are Christians. We have made friends here who are tougher and more resilient to life and struggles than I will ever be! Local Christians here are persecuted and belittled for their faith. So, why did I come here if it is so tough? Christ laid down His life for me; the least I could do is lay down mine for Him. Though only some are called to go, everyone can assist them in different ways. Here are a few ways you can bless a missionary woman out in the field.

1. Pray for her. Praying for a missionary you know is the most important thing to do to support her. Yes, I said the most important... not that check every month. God can take money from a fish’s mouth, but God has given us an opportunity to work with Him in praying for the Saints around the world. Paul says in 2 Thessalonians 3:1, “Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as {it did} also with you...”. When you pray, be specific. Pray that she would get up rejoicing in the day that the Lord has made, that she finds joy in her daily chores (like laundry and dishes) and joy in her ministry (whether it is her dream job or not). Life is difficult in another country; the normal day-to-day things are so much harder. Ever squat over a hole in the ground to go to the bathroom? Ever live in a concrete house that is colder in the winter inside than outside? Ever try to discourage a man from marrying a second wife? Start a weekly or monthly prayer group at your church and pray about such things. Email missionaries or call with Skype (a free resource) and ask what they need prayer for.

2. Send a note or email to encourage her. Use scripture, too. That always picks me up! Don’t lecture her about her life, but tell her that you’re praying for her.

3. Send packages to her. Missionaries are ecstatic about receiving them. Just recently, we saw the reactions of four little kids getting a package. They ran around the house screaming because they got a machine to help two of the kids (who are legally blind) to read. The two who are not blind, were just as excited! However, the missionary’s new country may tax her on what you send, so ask before sending anything. Some ideas? Newspapers from the missionary’s hometown, postcards, candy, travel size soaps and lotions. Make sure, though, that she can’t get these items in her new country.

4. Support her when she returns. She will most likely come back to the States either for furlough or permanently. Pray about offering her a room or a car for a month or so to help her get settled. Invite her over for dinner, and ask her detailed questions. Sometimes, people feel that since the missionary has had a difficult time in the field, she won’t want to share her adventures, but most of the time that’s not true. We have been changed from our experiences and want to talk about them. If you feel that you and your missionary don’t have anything in common, that is fine. You both can benefit from hearing about each others’ lives. The missionary also needs to hear what changes God has made in your heart as well. Another blessing could be a gift card. I heard of a missionary that got a $1,000 gift card for a clothing store, so she could get a whole new wardrobe! WOW! What a blessing, but you may only be able to give a $20 gift card. Be creative and she will love it! These things will bless her and you as you share in God’s ultimate plan of salvation throughout the world. We are one Body with one purpose, seeing the lost saved. "Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; For I am God, and there is no other. I have sworn by Myself, The word has gone forth from My mouth in righteousness And will not turn back, That to Me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear allegiance” Isaiah 45:22-23.

Written by guest author Deborah Pettit
(Rebecca Grinder's sister)