Care packages can be a key way to support overseas mission workers. The holidays can be an especially difficult time for those who are a long way from their home and family. Receiving a care package can be a way to both provide for a need they have and encourage them. As the Christmas season approaches, you might consider sending a gift to a mission worker you know or that your church supports. As you do this, we want to share some tips that will help you in caring for mission workers through care packages.
1. Send items that are personal.
A personal item that shows you put effort into making a mission worker feel loved and cared for is always an excellent choice. Something as simple as a handwritten note can be especially meaningful to overseas mission workers because, even if it might seem a bit old school, things that are handwritten show the time and effort it took to encourage the one receiving it. This doesn’t have to be a page-long letter, but even a few personal sentences go a long way; it shows that a real person thought of them and wanted to care for them in some way.
Another idea is to send something the mission worker doesn’t have access to in their host country. This might look like a practical tool that would aid them in their ministry, or this could look like something to remind them of home. One mission worker had this to say when asked about their experience in receiving care packages:
“The things that I loved to receive were mostly food related… [My parents] always asked me if I wanted clothes or other things that reminded me of home, and don’t get me wrong, those were never unwanted things either! But for some reason when it came to reminding me of home, the best way to do that for me [was] eating things that were familiar to me.”
Remember, when it comes to something personal, it doesn’t have to be extravagant to be significant. Even the smallest gesture that shows the care behind it can be deeply meaningful.
2. Send things that are easily transportable and won’t break.
There is definitely a practical side to sending care packages, which is why it is important to avoid sending something that is fairly large or cumbersome to transport. Keep in mind that everything you send to a mission worker will eventually have to be brought back by them, so be cautious of sending a gift that would add a layer of inconvenience to them.
A second thing to avoid would be sending things that are breakable. No matter how nice something is, it won’t be as nice if it arrives at their door in pieces. That being said, sometimes there are items that you just know would be very meaningful and also happens to be breakable. If you are confident that a more delicate item is a good choice, just be sure to take extra care with how you package it so that it can arrive intact and ready for them to enjoy.
3. Contact the agency for assistance with shipping.
Depending on where you are sending a care package, the cost of postage can have a large impact on what you can send. With that in mind, one step you might consider would be to contact the organization your overseas worker is with and see if it is possible for them to send the package on your behalf. They may also be able to offer some guidance on what is best to send or how to send gifts to those serving in closed countries in a sensitive way. It’s important to remember that mission organizations exist not only to support the mission workers within their organization, but also the churches behind them. In exploring this option, please be sure to confirm whether or not this is a viable option for the organization you decide to contact.
4. Get your whole church involved!
It’s important to remember that it’s not just individuals who are supporting these mission workers, your whole church is! It is very meaningful for those overseas to know that the whole church is involved in caring for them, including the children and young people of your church family. So, as you look at supporting your mission workers through sending care packages, consider some ways for your whole church to be involved.
Some examples of what this could look like include getting the kindergarten Sunday school class to decorate postcards to send to them. Another example could be getting the older grades to write Christmas cards or encouraging notes. If you have a youth group, you might put on a bake sale to raise a financial gift for the workers overseas. With this method, please be sure to send the financial gift using methods such as bank draft or go through the agency directly to avoid having mailed cash stolen. Involving all ages of your church also provides an opportunity to teach younger generations the importance of mission work and give them exposure to practical ways they can be involved as well.
5. Not sure what to send? Just ask!
Everyone likes to have their gifts be a surprise (except perhaps your 7-year-old who tries to sneak a peek at the Christmas presents). As much as surprising your mission worker with your gift is nice, it is nicer to give them something that cares for them well. So, if you aren’t sure what would be the most beneficial for them, just ask them! It might seem less meaningful, but it shows your intentionality and that you care about sending them something useful.
Another benefit to asking your mission worker is it can give you a chance to partner or connect with them in unique ways. They might request an item that is not available where they are and would further develop an area of their ministry. Asking also gives you another point of connection with those overseas. Even your email asking what would be helpful can be an opportunity to encourage them and build relationships.
There are so many different ways to encourage and support mission workers, and care packages are an excellent way to do this. We invite you to consider how you can participate in caring for those who are overseas.