Missionary Adoption Program

The Missionary Adoption Program is a ministry where we can be a tremendous blessing to our missionary families on the field.  Our goal is to uplift and encourage each member of their family through various means of communication and support.  Our focus is to be a blessing to them and their ministry, and not to be a burden.

Why we should pray for, support, and encourage our missionary families:

Romans 10:13-15

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.  How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”

The apostle Paul presents a powerful message to us in these verses.  “…how shall they hear without a preacher?  And how shall they preach, except they be sent?”  Our missionaries are the ones sent by God to preach the gospel message to millions of lost souls around the world, but we must understand that missionaries are not superheroes; they have needs just like us.

How the adopted missionaries will benefit from this ministry:

·        Your letters, cards, and packages will encourage them.

·        They will be encouraged knowing that someone is praying for them specifically, each day.

·        They will build a great friendship with you and your family.

How you will benefit from this ministry:

·        You will be the instrument God uses to encourage and support His front-line soldiers.

·        You will learn more about missions work.

·        You will develop a great friendship with a godly missionary family.

·        You will receive personal joy in knowing you helped a missionary family with their ministry needs.

How the program works:

For the next year we ask that you focus on ministering to your adopted missionary family.  Here are the things we ask that you do for the missionaries:

·        Pray for their needs, daily; this is the most important thing you can do for them.  The power of prayer is so unused 
         today.

·        Send special occasion cards (birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries).

·        Write a personal letter once per quarter.  (A nice touch would be to write one to each member of the missionary
         family and to get your whole family involved.)

·        Send two care packages to them this year.  (The focus is not on the cost of what you send, it is that you send a      
         package to be a blessing to the missionary family.)

Here are some suggestions:

Care Package Items:

Communicate with your missionary family to learn their individual needs.

When sending a care package:

All missionaries love to receive mail, especially care packages.  Many mission fields have few goodies available to the family.  Here are some suggestions in sending a package:

Do:

·        Clarify with your missionary how the package should be sent, or if at all.

·        Be sure the package is well wrapped.  (Overseas packages undergo a tough journey.)

·        Be truthful about what is in the package when mailing.  (Customs may open the package to verify the contents.)

·        Limit size and weight of package to the smallest size possible, and under 2-3 lbs.

·        Fill out a green Customs Declaration (at the Post Office) for every package sent.

·        Declare as small of a monetary value as possible (to prevent theft).

Don’t:

·        Send jewelry, cash, or valuables.

·        Bother to insure package.

·        Wait too long to send package; use a two-month rule of thumb for delivery.  (Your missionary can give you more
         insight about this.)

·        Send anything that could cause problems for the missionary on the field.

·        Send food, plants, or clothing without first checking with your missionary family.  In some countries it is not
         allowed, or the taxes are very high.

Ongoing:

Pray daily for your missionary’s needs.

Mark birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasion dates on your calendar, right away.  (Remember to allow mailing time.)

Suggestions for each month:

April:                  Write a personal introduction letter.

May:                   Send first care package.

June:                 Spend a day fasting and praying for missionary’s needs.

July:                    Write personal letter #2

August:              Mail Christian magazines (remember the children).

September:       Mail Christmas package (better early than late).

October:             Write personal letter #3 (send Thanksgiving card).

November:         Send Christian music or video of missionary’s choice.

December:        Call or E-mail missionary (remember time zone difference).

January:             Write personal letter #4.

February:           Mail Christian reading materials (magazines, books, etc.)

March:                Call or E-mail missionary (last month of M.A.P.)

Remember to keep in mind that some missionaries may start, or are currently, on furlough here in the U.S.

Suggestions for first letter:

·        Verify addresses and important dates, up front. (If you know of any corrections, please notify the church.)

·        Ask how best to send the package (if this is even possible).

·        Care package ideas.

·        Music preferences.

·        Reading/literature missionary family enjoys.

·        Ask what the children like.

Missions

• Missionaries
• Church Planters
• Special Projects
• Missionaries from CRB
• Mission Adoption Program
• Conference
• Missions Trips
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