I Prayed have prayed
Father, we pray for our brothers and sisters abroad who are sacrificially serving You. Bless them, God, and give them peace this Christmas.
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Even as we celebrate the 12 days of Christmas, let’s be sure to remember the missionaries who are away from home, striving to bring people into the kingdom.

From TGC. Frank Sinatra crooned the words of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Twinkle lights sparkled red and green in the darkness. The scent of woodsmoke swirled around me. Home. I savored the sound, the look, the smell, the feel of home around the holidays.

Join others crying out to the Lord day and night.

 

Then a motorbike swerved in front of me, and the spell was broken.

Sinatra was just playing through my headphones. … I was nowhere near home. Instead, I was 7,665 miles away from my family because I serve as a cross-cultural worker.

Far from Home for the Holidays

In Christmas stories, it’s a common trope that a person is away from home for the holidays. And yet, he or she magically finds light, love, and community in a place that instantly becomes a home away from home. Anyone who has actually spent a holiday away from his or her family knows it doesn’t feel like a rom-com. … Homesickness can be triggered by an image, a smell, or a memory. …

How to Help

Since holidays are hard for cross-cultural workers and missionaries, it’s pretty easy to encourage us during these seasons. Here are some ways you can help.

1. Pray for missionaries.

We serve a loving God who knows us intimately. Pray for us to see God’s love in personal ways. Pray for him to provide little touches of home on a foreign field.

2. Share your holiday events with them.

Is there a Christmas program your church is recording or streaming? … Share links with us. …

3. Send a Christmas card.

Even if you’re not close friends with a missionary, she’ll be thrilled to receive mail from you. …

4. Send a box.

International shipping is pricey, but there’s nothing quite as magical as receiving a box of surprises. …

5. Arrange a Zoom prayer call.

Last year, my prayer team from my sending church surprised me by having the elders and their families join our call. … You can arrange a group from your church or use social media to pull together a group of the missionary’s friends. …

6. Bless families financially.

Sending missionaries a little extra money via a cash transfer app can allow them to take their kids on a trip, buy a special gift, or go out to eat at a restaurant that tastes like home. …

7. Bless singles relationally.

[Singles] can struggle to make holidays special because there’s a lack of continuity from year to year. Reach out to those who are single and let them know you remember them. …

8. Pray for gospel conversations.

Nationals are often curious about Western holidays, which means these challenging seasons are gospel opportunities. Pray for grace and alertness to make the most of invitations to share the reason for the season. …

How are you praying for missionaries overseas? Share your prayers and scriptures below.

(Excerpt from TGC. Photo Credit: Canva)

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Darlene Estlow
December 28, 2022

Father, may we be aware of what our missionaries experience and pray for them and support them in special ways. If we can’t do gifts, perhaps we can write a letter. Help us be aware and bless them.

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rich
December 28, 2022

“And He (Jesus) said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15 NKJV

Its the mission of the church; of course, that means to many pew sitters, “send the other guy, not me, his son, her daughter,” Sorry, the call is to everyone because that is the last and important command Jesus gave to His church, Go.

The author points out several ways we can be involved, not just if it’s convenient, From personal experience, it can get tough living away from home for an extended time. Prayer support is critical.

Start on your knees, there are strong evil forces at work around the globe, and your spiritual brother and sister need a strong prayer covering. Do it for your spiritual family, do it for Jesus,

If you have what you say you have, spiritual Jesus DNA, it shouldn’t be a problem.

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

Father, we forgot those who packed their bags and left home in obedience to Your command. Out of sight, out of mind.
Many promised support to those who went, only to abandon them to fight the good fight alone. We repent of that, help us get back in the fight as You commanded us.

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