So You Want to Visit a Missionary

So You Want to Visit a Missionary?

Unlike a cruise or a week at the beach, the rewards of visiting a missionary far outweigh the sacrifices. Special memories of the visit forge a lasting bond between the missionaries and their guest family. At least two of the families that have visited us entered full-time Christian service. One family even came back to serve on our field, Canada! Others returned home with a clearer understanding of and renewed vision for their part in the Great Commission.

Before you grab your toothbrush and head for the nearest airport, consider a few things.

Why Are You Going?

Have you always had a burning desire to see that part of the world and—well, lookee here—Malcolm Missionary just happens to live in the same place (how convenient)!

Is that really how the Lord would have you spend your holidays?

Perhaps you feel the Lord calling you to the field, and you would like some hands-on experience. What a tremendous opportunity for you and a chance to help and encourage a lonely missionary. Prayerfully consider this decision. Neither you nor the missionary want to be counting the days until you leave.

Where Are You Going?

Maybe you already have a family in mind. Are they friends or someone you would like to get to know? Make it a family choice, if possible. Obviously if it takes two weeks by dogsled to get there, you’ll want to make a second choice. If the place lies deep within a jungle, and your family’s idea of roughing it is visiting a Holiday Inn, think again.

What Should You Do First?

Don’t surprise your missionary. Phoning and saying. "We’re here at Safari Sam’s, What’s the quickest way to get to your hut?" will not be received in a warm way.

Phone the mission board. The board can provide the most up-to-date information on the family of your choice and can tell you if it’s even worthwhile phoning them (e.g., "I’m sorry, but they will he skiing in the Alps during the time of your anticipated visit").

Send a letter of recommendation from your pastor. It should include information, such as whether you are evangelistic, faithful to services, loyal to the pastor.

Phone or write the missionary to ask about visiting and to set a date. The missionary family may need some time to think about it and would prefer to contact you later.

Will you need shots? passports? visas? Ask about those and other necessary evils.

What about Money?

A wise father-in-law once told me, "There is a fine line between faith and foolishness." If you make this trip but have to sell your kids to pay for it, the answer is don’t go. The Lord won’t honor poor planning, no matter how spiritual you feel. Sit down and really count the cost. Can you provide for your own needs while you are there? (Missionaries would be greatly reassured to know that you didn’t arrive totally broke.) Are you prepared to cheerfully contribute toward food and travel costs or anything else that would otherwise financially cripple the missionary? Either design the trip to fit your budget, or save your shekels and go another year.

What Should You Take?

Pack everything you think you’ll need—then put two-thirds of it back. (That should narrow clown your packing to about two suitcases per person.) If you’re headed for the Gobi Desert, you can probably leave the snorkeling equipment at home. (Leave pets, too. Fifi may just end up being some piranha’s mid-morning snack.) Ask the missionaries. They will tell you what’s seasonable—and reasonable—and what’s not.

Are there some articles that the missionary family would appreciate receiving? Bibles? tracts? a care package? You could save them a hefty postage bill by taking items with you if finances and space allow.

What Will You Do When You Get There?

Some things are just common sense—or should be. Help set the table, wash dishes, make your bed (or roll up your mat!), wash your own clothes. (Believe it or not, some missionaries tell horror stories from this department.) A simple "What may I do to help?" will he much appreciated.

Be prepared to do any "field work" with the missionary (e.g., go visiting, draw water, distribute brochures). This is not the time to sling a camera around your neck and hop a tourist bus. There may be times, however, when you sense that your hosts would like a few minutes by themselves (like when those little veins are standing out on their necks). Then feel free to make yourself scarce.

Serving with one of your church’s missionaries can he a source of great personal satisfaction. You both will share eternal rewards!

This article was first featured in FrontLine magazine

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