We know that as believers, we are called to participate in ministry to others — including Christian mission trips to places around the world that haven’t heard of Jesus. But what happens if we can’t go? Whether it’s poor health, a restrictive work schedule, or family responsibilities that can’t be put aside, many people find themselves unable to get on a plane and go.
But did you know that senders are just as important as goers? Without people to supply finances, pray for missionaries, and offer other types of missions assistance, foreign missions as we know it would not be possible. So if you’re one of those who can’t go, let’s take a look at some ways you can effectively send others.
#1: Restrict Your Spending
The less you spend on non-essential items like luxuries and vacations, the more you can give to support foreign missions. One of the hardest parts of being a missionary, whether short-term or long-term, is raising money. It’s draining to constantly ask for support and rely only on the generosity of others for your travel and everyday expenses, so every dollar counts! If we all sacrificed just a few luxuries and redirected that money into missions, a lot of this anxiety and instability would go away instantly.
#2: Become a Prayer Warrior
The term “prayer warrior” might sound cliche, but spiritual warfare is very real. In fact, some missionaries go to parts of the world where witchcraft and other types of paganism are practiced dutifully. Do not be fooled: Satan does not want people to hear about Jesus. Those who are actively preaching, especially in places where the Gospel has not gone before, might as well have a bull’s eye on their backs. Prayer isn’t a cute little thing we do to make ourselves feel useful — it’s a very real way to summon protection over those who put themselves at the front lines.
#3: Provide Relief on the Homefront
Mission work is exhausting on every level: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. When missionaries return home on furlough, it’s an excellent opportunity to help them recover and re-energize for their next trip overseas. Letting them stay at your vacation home (if you have one), providing a meal, taking their kids out for a fun activity, paying for a daytrip away… the possibilities are endless when it comes to helping missionaries get the most out of their much-needed break. The more rest you can provide, the better prepared the missionary will be to return to their mission field.
#4: Go With or Give to Doulos Partners
We have two more Christian mission trips coming up this year. As much as we’d love for you to join us, we also need people who can stay behind and send. If you are one of those people, feel free to get in touch with us to find out how you can be the sender we need.
