December – Week 3
The Season of Belonging
12 Baskets Full
A Family Basket – for those away from home
I would like to set the tone of this message by asking you to imagine yourself in the shoes of the following people and their paired situations:
- You are a missionary. Originally from Canada, but now in Zambia, you have given up snowy Christmas days for a steamy hot summer. The festive season seems so different, but the call to care for the community must come first.
- You are a student. Your days have been long and hard-working, having to sacrifice time with friends because of exams. You are looking forward to leaving Pretoria and returning home to Knysna to spend Christmas with your family. Alas, the flight tickets have tripled in price, and you are now facing the reality of spending Christmas without your close family.
- You are a widow. Three months ago you woke up one night to find your husband suffering a massive heart attack. Your last child has just written matric and your middle daughter is graduating. You smile and go through the motions for the sake of the girls, but it is hard when you hear his favourite Christmas Carol on the radio or see something he would have liked as a gift.
It pained me to merely write out these scenarios as I positioned myself into each of them. It pains me further to know that some of these cases are not merely typed out on a screen but are the very real lives of those we do not know.
But here is the challenge, maybe you think you do not know them when in reality they are daughters, sons, sisters, brothers, mothers, and fathers of those you do know.
Before I go on, let me state that this message is not purposed to bring a burden to your heart but rather rejoicing! May it remind you to be a blessing to someone this festive season, not only by giving presents but by offering your PRESENCE.
Rick Warren, author and pastor, truthfully states that “As Christians we’re called to belong, not just to believe.” Romans 12:5 reinforces this statement as Paul writes: “so we, who are many, are [nevertheless just] one body in Christ, and individually [we are] parts one of another [mutually dependent on each other].” [1]
In my opinion, every human craves belonging. So how can we make them feel like they are welcome in our family of believers?
Let’s get practical!
Be intentional in your conversation
So often we fall into the trap of keeping the conversation ‘shallow’ instead of intentionally going deeper. As we are nearing Christmas and New Year, be direct in asking those around you:
1) How and with whom do they plan to spend their Christmas?
2) If they could change anything about their plans, what would it be?
3) Is there anything they are in need of?
Be attentive to their needs
Now comes the skill of truly listening… As you are asking intentional questions, listen closely and be alert and attentive to the things mentioned that they are in need of or desire. How can you bridge the gap of their needs/desires? Maybe bless them with a basket full of a variety of useful goodies, or get them a voucher instead (this can be for food, clothes, transport, etc). Alternatively, gift them with an envelope with money that can be contributed to petrol or a flight ticket. Maybe even purchase something as practical as 1GB of data for the month so that they can freely video call their family.
Be present
One of the best things you can do for someone is offering them your presence and your time. I often ponder on the impact that has been made in my life from occasions where busy people were able to put their schedules aside and offer me their undivided attention. Whether that was through cell phone calls, or arranging to meet at a coffee shop regularly. This festive season, why not invite people into your home for a time of fellowship, offering a listening ear, a sacrifice of your time. You can even make the occasion fun by combining the evening with games and a meal! (SO much good conversation often happens over a meal).
Be of service
What better way to make someone feel a sense of belonging than to serve them! Jesus displayed this perfectly when he washed the feet of his disciples. John 13: 1-17, starts off by stating that “Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” WOW! What a beautiful heart posture Jesus had towards those around him… With the same spirit that lives in us, let us impact the lives around us by offering acts of service that will encourage or enable belonging. Some acts of service may look like cooking for someone, cleaning their home, offering them lifts – a continual sacrifice of time.
We are not meant to live lone-ranger lives; instead, we are to belong to Christ’s family and be members of his body. [2] Let us BE intentional, BE attentive, BE present, and BE of service so that others can BE-long.
[1] Romans 12:5 – Amplified version
[2] Rick Warren
Written by Ruth Jaehne
December – Week 1
The Importance of "Togetherness"
12 Baskets Full
A Family Basket – for those at home
As I ponder on what the word family embodies, my mind is prompted by the following quote by Walt Whitman: “We were together. I forget the rest.” [1]
Though this line is famous for its romantic connotation, I cannot help but relate it to my own life as I file through former family moments…
The festive season especially can quickly become brim-full of chaos, clutter, and commotion – last minute Christmas shopping, family gatherings, meal-making, etc – resulting in “THINGS” becoming more prevalent than “TOGETHERNESS”. The irony, I personally find, lies in the fact that year after year, I never truly remember the exact way that the Christmas table was laid out, nor the elaborate wrapping paper, nor whether we ran out of salad for the braai. On the contrary, what I do remember, year after year is exactly who I was with.
In saying this, we want to encourage you to pack a basket during this festive season that encourages or enables families to spend quality time together. In the words of the American First Lady in 1992, Barbera Bush, “I think togetherness is a very important ingredient to family life.” [2]
Let’s get practical!
Games for Outside
As adaption to technology and Covid restrictions has heightened, why not find and pack a fun family game that can be played outside. You can even get creative by making up a game, writing the instructions out, and adding that to your basket for others to follow and play!
Sunblock
Always a must, this item is precious to parents who want to protect their children from the hot summer sun! And if you’re unable to purchase sunblock, a Christmas-themed sunhat would be just as much of a blessing.
Sweet Treats
No matter your age or gender, I believe we can all agree that the festive season is made even more festive with sugar! Whether you choose to buy something sweet from the store or make something at home, why not pair your sweet treat up with a personal message or short poem.
Candles, Fairy lights or Battery Powered lights
As a South African, one of the moments of ‘chaos’ we often face is last-minute loadshedding! One way to counteract this is to bless something with candles (and matches) or fairy lights (it is Christmas anyway) or a battery-powered light (you never know if the others are charged until it’s too late).
Ready-made Meals
For large families, busy parents, or studying students, the days leading up to Christmas may seem manic! It is often such a comfort to know that the one thing they do not have to worry about is what is for dinner. Adding ready-made meals or even a variety of snacks to a Family Basket may mean more than you know.
The Gift of Serving
Last but certainly not least, the greatest gift over the festive season should be the gift of serving those around you before they even ask! This may not be as simple as packing something neatly in a basket, but the power of serving can really lift a weight off the shoulders of families this month. Some examples include:
1) Babysitting – so that parents can have some time to themselves.
2) Offering others lifts – so that less money is spent on petrol or buses, but rather on families and other people in need.
3) Cleaning houses – one less thing that parents and families must do (and in my opinion the kindest act of physical service).
In short, let us remember that there is more vigor in togetherness than in that of ‘things’. Which do you remember more, and which do you put more emphasis on?
My prayer for you derives from the letters to the Colossians from Paul the Apostle: “I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God. Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God’s great mystery. All the richest treasures of wisdom and knowledge are embedded in that mystery and nowhere else.” [3]
[1] https://whitmanarchive.org/published/LG/1891/poems/41
[3] Colossians 2:2 (MSG)
Written by Ruth Jaehne
November – Week 3
Teaching as a form of Servanthood.
12 Baskets Full
A Teacher’s Basket – for Teachers
Rebecca Barrow is our guest writer this month. Rebecca, I believe you have a bright future ahead of you as a teacher and my prayer is that you will find your calling both rewarding and a blessing!
Since I was in school, a saying has been tossed around me, going something like “teachers are the most underpaid yet most valuable job in society.” Coming from a teacher, as teachers, we are well aware of this. Many of us still choose to enter this career not because of the pay or because a Bachelor of Education was the most accessible degree to get into, but because there is a yearning, an earnest desire, some might say a heart cry; to help children. To teach is merely a title, but to willingly take care of around 30 children for an entire year, five days a week for approximately 7 hours a day. To learn their personalities, study their strengths and weakness, and at times discipline them to impart content to them in the best way they can receive it and help foster the best self each child can become.
All of us can pick out teachers (and probably name them, might I add) that positively influenced our lives, its no secret that teachers play a huge role in everyone’s journey. Teaching is one of the few professions that is a spiritual gift in its entirety, and it has an immense impact on equipping and unifying people (Eph 4:11-12). Teachers know how far their influence infiltrates and how large the radius of the relationships with their children spans.
Let’s get practical!
How much capacity and ability does one have to teach? Many teachers humbly won’t take credit or accept the size of their role and anointing they have. Supplementing this character trait, teachers tend not to spend much on themselves. As young professionals, their study loans take priority number one, and as parents, the house mortgage or car payments take a considerable chunk. Thus, giving a gift card is a clever way to appreciate a teacher, as it will force them to spend something on themselves for a change. It opens them to a pocket of freedom when they are gifted a spoil to spend on themselves.
Pamper gifts for female teachers are timeless as they allow them to relax and switch off for a while. Another way to communicate appreciation is through a food basket filled with good chocolate and other treats.
Teaching is synonymous with administration thus, stationery such as paper clips, stickers, or marking pens will go a long way. Teacher’s Bags can these days be bought at a variety of stores and is another ideal gift that will be much appreciated.
A letter of appreciation from the child themself or a parent will be the ultimate encouragement to a teacher as it is a testament to the hard work and effort they have put into one of their pupils.
Other individual gifts include a pot plant, tickets to the theatre, or a book from a favourite author.
Teachers affect so much in a child’s life, from how they see the world and learn to their priorities and how they interact with others. Thus, when acknowledging the role of a teacher in your child’s life, you as a parent are teaching your child how to appropriately show gratitude and respect to the person appointed to lead them to drink from the fountain of knowledge and wisdom. Honing this principle in their lives will bear fruit and give birth to a lifetime of kindness and joy.
November – Week 1
A Homeschooling Perspective.
12 Baskets Full
A Teacher’s Basket
Growing up in South Africa, the concept of homeschooling was unknown, at least in the circles we moved. It was only when on the mission field that I met a variety of families doing it. As a qualified teacher, it was an intriguing idea that very much appealed to my passions. I did all kinds of combinations and loved them all: homeschooling only, putting the kids back in a local Zambian school for grades R, 1, and 2, and then homeschooling in tandem with various overseas volunteers for the next seven years before putting them back into a local government High School in South Africa. It taught me to walk in the Spirit, trust God with every decision, and ensured epic family adventures. Then there were the unforgettable books we read, for I chose to do a literature-rich program based on the philosophy of Charlotte Mason. A brilliant and gifted teacher, she pioneered an approach far beyond her time, unknowingly impacting generations to come.
God is concerned with the heart and tells us to guard it, as everything we do flows from it. [1]. Thus, as parents and grandparents, teachers and caretakers, we should understand the grave importance of shepherding the heart of the next generation. It is this straightforward approach that undergirds the whole Charlotte Mason philosophy and Sonlight curriculum I so love. I am also an avid follower of Sally Clarkson and her daughter Sarah, whose books and blogs are invaluable tools to help us nourish our families in every season. Therefore, this month’s basket is dedicated to teachers devoted to raising the next generation, whether serving in public schools or at home. Yet, today, I will focus on home school mothers.
Let’s get practical!
A Break-away
Mothers are as close to real-life angels as you can get, yet they are still mortal human beings who get stressed, distracted, tired, and occasionally sick. A break-away from home duties, home school lessons, even from husband and kids, will do her a world of good. Please make this gift idea priority number one, especially here at the end of the year, whether for a day, a weekend, or a couple of days. There are all kinds of options, like having her kids over for the weekend, whisking her away on an adventure, or making your guestroom available. I like all of the above, although the idea of silence and solitude after a hectic year does sound like heaven to me.
I remember how such a change of pace and scenery helped me to re-focus on God. As I intentionally made sure I was putting Him and His Kingdom first, all else seemed to fall into place automatically. It was often during these times, as I did some unschooling myself, that God blessed me with new strategies and fresh insights for the year ahead — not just for homeschooling, but for our family as a whole and myself as an individual.
Mentor Mothers
I fondly remember spontaneous gatherings of various pockets of home school mothers, sharing successes and failures. Very aware that each family has its dynamics, challenges, and seasons, we were very respectful of each other as we eagerly listened and learned. I always left inspired, rejuvenated, and full of fresh ideas for the new year as I sat at the feet of godly friends and experienced mothers, for many had already trailblazed where I was about to walk. Often, a burden was lifted, a vision restored, hope generated, and a passion re-kindled.
Honing my Hobbies
Mums who home school tend to put themselves on the back burner and their hobbies on sabbatical. Whether it is a creative bend, a sports ability, or an intellectual pursuit, it is essential to know when is the right time to invest in yourself. As we steer our children through their growing-up years, a new dimension and fresh approach are often needed.
I remember taking a mid-week break one year to attend a three-day seminar on writing children’s books. It was quite an adventure, and I thoroughly enjoyed it all: the daily carpool there and back, the variety of lecturers that included university professors, publishing house representatives, illustrators, and successful authors, as well as my fellow wannabe writers. We had big dreams, little experience, and fun stories.
The End
I am sure you have some great gift ideas yourself. Please go ahead and bless a friend, a mentor, or yourself with a much-needed break!
[1] Proverbs 4:23
October – Week 3
The Wonders of Feasting Together
12 Baskets Full
A Welcome Basket
Over the last year, I have been genuinely intrigued by how my entire Christian walk I have never noticed the value food has in the bible: from how sacrifices and festivals in the Old Testament revolved around food to communion and how Jesus explained His crucifixion.
During level 5 lockdown, I spent a great deal of time studying the Gospels and Acts, and I took note of how this theme seemed to continue to linger around Jesus’ life and in the stories of the disciples in Acts. In Matthew 9:15 and Mark 2:19, we see the story of where Jesus was dining with people, including His disciples, tax collectors and many sinners. At this current time, John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting and couldn’t understand why Jesus wasn’t. Jesus replies that wedding guests don’t fast when the bridegroom is with them, but once He leaves, they will fast. And even though we do read about Jesus fasting, I want to be so bold as to say I think Jesus feasted more than He fasted. Why? Because He knew the gift His life brought with Him – John 10:10; life and life in abundance.
It is exciting to see how rapidly the church in Acts grew as God added to their number daily while they praised God, broke bread and received their food with glad and generous hearts. [1] We can see food plays such a huge role in bringing people together. Something special happens when a group of people sit around a table, converse, and eat good food. Happy hormones flow from tasty mouthfuls and hearty chats, and where two or more are gathered in His Name, His Spirit is there too.
Let’s get practical!
From reading Acts 2, I can’t think of a better way to welcome people and make them feel part of a community than eat together? So, let’s get creative with our baskets.
A Picnic:
A picnic fits perfectly in a basket, and shops nowadays are so organized with bite-sized snacks. Checkers, Pick ‘n Pay, and Woolworths have a variety of food appropriate for a picnic. Products such as fruit salad, mini samosas, frikkadels, falafels, juice boxes, cupcakes, and so much more can be made to cater for a group picnic.
A Themed Dinner:
A themed dinner evening. Have a night where dinner is themed around a particular cuisine. Everyone brings a food basket related to that cuisine, and the table will be decked with all sorts of delicious dishes to choose from and share. An example can be a Greek evening where one can fill your basket with tapas such a hummus, pita bread, stuffed olives, artichokes and tzatziki.
A South African Braai:
Nothing is more South African than a braai. One can organize for different people to bring items that will collate into a flavoursome whole. Your basket could be the salad basket containing a potato bake, traditional Greek salad or slaw. It can be a meat basket whereby you bring steak, boerewors and chicken kebabs. These baskets could then be brought together to cater for a mouth-watering lunch.
As I said before, whenever people get together and eat, there are evident connections made. So why not organize a meal with friends and invite newcomers too? This will involve them and welcome them into the community in a relaxed yet intentional way.
By Rebecca Barrow
[1] Acts 2:46-47.
October – Week 1
What is Modern Day Hospitality?
12 Baskets Full
A Welcome Basket
Throughout the Old Testament, we are confronted with the tradition of inviting strangers, even travellers merely spending the night, into the home. The visitors would have their feet washed, they would be fed and often sleep on the home owner’s bed whilst the owner would spend the night on the floor. As this is unheard of in our Western society, today’s question is; what is modern-day hospitality?
Romans 12:13 says, “When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality,” and the CSB version encourages us to ‘pursue hospitality’. To do this effectively, we need to veer away from a collective mentality often perpetuated in church. We generally attend a church for three things; worship, the word and fellowship. But do we ever stop to think about how fellowship is cultivated?
To pursue hospitality, we need to reject the cultural liturgy of consumerism as it looks to church as an opportunity to satisfy a personal need rather than seeing it as an opportunity to serve the needs of others. How often do we walk into the church, uniting people into a collective whole rather than seeing it as a chance to serve on the welcoming team or become part of the guest services? The same goes for a new colleague at work or even new neighbours; we are often so focused on our own lives that we rarely see them as individuals in need of special attention to ensure better integration into the whole.
Approaching and welcoming new people is often just as daunting as being the newcomer. When I introduce myself to unfamiliar faces, I quietly ask God to help me see past my insecurities to love His children as Jesus would. This enlarges my heart with a bigger kingdom perspective and generally changes my outlook and actions.
Let’s get practical!
Top Tips:
When welcoming new people into an environment or community where you are comfortable and familiar, it often helps to give them information about the area. This will be different for a family with children than it would be for a young single. For example, if they are new to church, phone numbers of people they can contact, such as a life group leader or the lady who runs the woman’s breakfast. This will help them to get further connected and more involved in the community. If people are new to the neighbourhood, it is also helpful to give them information about the restaurants, clinics, and hardware stores. Google doesn’t always do an area justice in comparison to personal experiences.
A Variety of Gifts:
Food is always a good idea! Items such as jams, pickled jars, crackers and biscuits are good to give to a family as they last longer. Coffee beans, chocolate, nuts, biltong and dried fruit unfailingly go down well with male newcomers. And for ladies, spoils such as bath salts and moisturisers are a win. Take a look at Lush or the Body Shop for a wide variety of gift ideas. Linked to this could be a voucher to a local café or deli. Coupons are always thoughtful as they give a person freedom to choose what they desire while still feeling cared for by the giver.
Lastly, add something applicable to the environment the new person is entering. If it is a new friend at university, head to PNA and buy some stationery items that they will find helpful such as highlighters and sticky notes. A new work colleague would undoubtedly appreciate a pot plant for their desk, stationery, or an applicable magazine or relevant book.
The End:
I want to encourage you to put yourself in the shoes of a newcomer. What would soften the impact and uncertainty of newness? What would make you feel special and welcomed?
Written by Rebecca Barrow
September 2021
We are taking a Spring break –
See you next month!
August – Week 3
"There is nothing more powerful than being Christ’s hands and feet for people in their darkness hour"
12 Baskets Full
A Care Basket
This week’s Basket Full suggestions and Free Tool were compiled by a friend, Heather, who lost her adult daughter some years ago in an accident involving a drunk driver. Her suggestions come from personal experience as well as gleaned from books and other resources. Heather remembers the helplessness that comes from not knowing how to handle someone’s pain and, therefore, the temptation to avoid the situation all together. But all people will suffer loss at some point in their lives. Consequently, as human beings—and certainly the Church—we should willingly force ourselves to grow in our understanding of how to “be there” for people who go through grief and loss.
Heather writes, “Losing a child is truly a parent’s worst nightmare. Death loss, especially of the sudden kind, is a ‘journey’ that ebbs and flows. Yet, scientific studies continue to show that a network of support is the number one factor to help people pull through difficult circumstances. One recommendation from our family’s experience is to move out of your comfort zone! Sensitively reach out. Help. Make a call. Send a message. Likewise, don’t be afraid to talk about the situation or mention the deceased person’s name or tell a memory or a story because ‘it feels awkward’ or you’re afraid ‘it will remind them’ of their loss or pain or circumstance. Trust me, your words won’t remind us, since we never forget. Besides, we (likely) won’t mind talking about our loved one or situation. There is nothing more powerful than being Christ’s hands and feet for people in their darkness hour.”
Let’s Get Practical
Although each situation is unique, here are some general guidelines when visiting or caring for a family in the early stages of grief or loss:
- Do not underestimate the “ministry of presence” or just being there—present—without the need to speak. Silence is golden.
- Allow the person/family to talk and express emotion—if desired—but resist asking too many questions (and keep things stated in confidentiality).
- Meals are generally appreciated, especially when delivered in disposable containers that do not need returned. J (Be sure to ask if there are dietary needs in the family.)
- Perhaps volunteer to set up a “meal train” for others to sign up and bring a meal at regular intervals. (There are websites and apps available to help you do this.)
- Offer to help with grocery shopping or to run an errand.
- Offer to care for children or pets.
- Assist with Death Chores* after loss (e.g.: funeral arrangements, closing accounts, sorting belongings, etc.). Help and empower—but don’t take over.
- Remember the Awful Firsts*: first holidays, birthdays, special occasions, and the one-year anniversary of the loss. The first year is tough.
- Finally, mark the“loss” on your calendar and remember it annually. Even just a “thinking of you” message will go a long away.
*Coined by author September Vaudrey http://septembervaudrey.com/
Gift Cards: Can be used when needed!
If you work or are unsure of the person/family’s needs, consider dropping off a variety of gift cards/vouchers/certificates to use anytime: grocery stores, coffee/donut shops, restaurants, spa treatments, etc. Some retailers also have electronic options, which can be sent via text message or email. This is also a simple yet special way to say, “I am thinking about you.”
In Memory of…
Another idea is to donate to a charity or cause in remembrance of the deceased person. This could be done in lieu of flowers (funeral) or anytime thereafter. There is no end to the possibilities, so be creative with options that would honour the deceased and be meaningful to the people going through grief/loss
My Memory of…
Also consider writing a note that includes your own personal memory or appreciation of the deceased person. If you did not know the person well, invite the family to tell you a little more about their loved one. Heather writes, “One of the most meaningful things someone (who didn’t know our daughter) said to me was: ‘Tell me about your daughter.’ It was life-giving in that moment to have a platform to talk about our girl.”
Favourite Item: Something with meaning.
Was the deceased person known for something unusual? Did they have a hobby? Favourite pastime? Enjoy a particular flower or plant? Colour? Coffee? Song? Movie? Photo? Holiday destination? Make a gift basket filled with the person’s “favourites” as a creative way to show you remember them and care.
Get-away Opportunity
If you have the ability to provide a break/retreat for a grieving person or family, this is a wonderful idea to give them more privacy to process and grieve.
Last but not least: Don’t underestimate the value of prayer!
Finally, prayer is like Aaron and Hur who stood on either side of Moses holding up his arms during a battle (Exodus 17). We cannot pull through the pain and darkness of loss without God, let alone each other. Consider creating a gift basket or jar with special verses or a month’s worth of daily prayers for the family.
Although prayer is valuable and appreciated, remember to avoid using spiritual clichés like “all things work together for good.” Rather, a simple phone message or hand-written card with “I am praying for you today” or “How can I pray for you specifically?” is appreciated.
August – Week 1
The Core of Caring
12 Baskets Full
A Care Basket
Living in the midst of a worldwide pandemic means that we have been confronted with sickness and death on an unprecedented scale. We have either had covid19, know someone who had it, or worse, have lost someone close to us due to complications associated with covid19.
While in the grip of this pandemic, we still undergo operations, deal with all kinds of heart diseases, get treatment for malaria and cancer, see children suffer from genetic disorders, and fight common colds. Therefore, our aim with this month’s basket is to calm, care for and comfort a family or a friend on their journey to wellness.
As a care basket powerfully communicates friendship, love, and support, I want to emphasize that it is not about the number of gifts, neither how expensive nor fancy they are. Rather opt for simple, practical items, keeping in mind that your patient is unwell, most likely homebound, and possibly bored. A care package in such a difficult and stressful time will not only communicate your heart to help and care but will also communicate God’s heart to help and care for those who are suffering in the body.
Let’s Get Practical
With lots of restrictions on hospital and home visitations, patients and families have had it rough on every front. Still, I want to repeat some general guidelines, keeping in mind that each situation is unique:
- wash hands,
- avoid being in too close contact with a sick person,
- help with grocery shopping,
- take care of pets,
- have the doctor’s phone number at hand, and
- make sure they follow their doctor’s instructions and take their medicine regularly.
Basket Basics: First Things First!
Pray for the sick person in private as well as via phone, by sending them a voice note or a message. Mobilize others to pray for them, if they feel comfortable with it, of course. Add to that a handwritten card with an encouraging scripture verse and you will be off to a good and godly start.
As rest is usually top of the list for any patient, I recommend you scan the guideline above and see how you can practically assist the patient, especially if it is a single mother or elderly person.
If a person needs to stay in hospital for some time, a picture frame of their family will be hugely appreciated and is a clever way to bring home to the hospital.
Fresh Fruit & Veg: For Strength of Body
Before starting with various food items, I would recommend fluids first. Fresh orange juice, energy drinks, and herbal teas can all speed up the recovery process.
Then there are fresh fruit and vegetable, home staples for all ages as the health benefits are huge. Adding oranges, lemons, bananas, and apples to carrots, beetroot, green beans, and a variety of leaves will be both a feast for the eye and the body. Combining that with fresh ginger and raw honey will make for a lovely drink to soothe all kinds of aches. Then there is the old favourite–chicken soup; whether for the soul or the body, it seems to work wonders.
Books, Games & Movies: For Strength of Mind
At any age, boredom can be a real challenge when homebound or on bedrest. A children’s activity basket will be welcomed by both the parents and the child. If the patient can read, I recommend light reading material and magazines, but also books on topics that may interest them. Mind games like crossword puzzles and Sudoku are other good gift choices. When I was homebound for 3 months with Hepatitis B, a friend blessed me with a cross-stitch project. While I have never done it before, I absolutely loved it and soon started all kinds of other cross-stitch projects. I mention movies last, as that is often our first go-to when someone is house-bound.
A Spa-Extravaganza: Relax – God is in control!
I still remember the beautiful pajamas and slippers a friend bought me when I was sick for a couple of months and had to fly back to South Africa. Practical and beautiful, they were a winner as I was in and out of hospital for a couple of weeks. Then there is the bean bag another friend gave. Such a simple gift you may think, but one that will be used again and again, I can promise you that. Other gifts that will be appreciated are bath salts/a bath bomb, body lotion, a face mask, or essential oils. All these will help to de-stress the body and refocus the mind.
July – Week 3
A Missionary on a Mission
12 Baskets Full
A Missionary Basket
Missionaries returning home after living and ministering overseas for a season or two or three, often struggle to re-integrate. This lingering disorientation is sometimes also experienced by missionaries on sabbatical after seven-plus years abroad. How can one feel like a stranger in your own culture and that after such longing for familiar faces and favourite places?
Soon feeling at home in their adopted culture, God blesses His servants with a growing ministry, local friends, and a loving church community. Thus, going back home means having to uproot yourself and your family, making it easy for confusion to set in.
Yet, there is no need to suffer needlessly. Peter Jordan, in his excellent book, Re-entry, compares the return of missionaries from abroad to a space rocket returning into the earth’s atmosphere – describing a bumpy, turbulent and dangerous time in which a rocket can easily disintegrate. Missionaries can experience something similar, whether that is on an emotional, relational, physical, or spiritual level. Remember, we are talking about several changes that may or may not include the following: a change of language, a change of school for the children, a seasonal change, a change of diet, a change of friends, a change of position, months of traveling to supporting churches, having to share a home with another family, possible criticism, or being misunderstood.
Let’s get Practical
Yet, much of this can be prevented – as Peter Jordan points out throughout his book. Thus, I am excited to share a few simple ways in which the body of Christ can come alongside our missionary family or single missionary during this transition period.
Pray – Pray – Pray: At All Times and In All Seasons
Nothing settles my soul as much as the knowledge that part of my team is a seasoned and faithful prayer warrior or two or three! Trustworthy individuals, I can share the details with – whose faith is strong and whose prayers are bold. Someone who faithfully will call my name before God’s throne in every season. Make sure to alert your team of prayers well in advance to pray with you and your family as you start your preparations. Share with them your fears, your excitement, your wish-list! Listen to their warnings and hear their hearts as they share any promptings from God with you.
Money: The Worker Deserves his Wages
Yes, I am going to be this blunt! Blessing your missionary with extra money will be a great encouragement, for often the expenses pile up as they may have to keep two households going: paying rent, electricity, etc. Then there is their vehicle that may need new tyres, a service, or a new windshield because of rough terrain in the area where they serve.
Sometimes they go home because they expect a baby. With or without complications, hospitals can be expensive, and their bundle of joy will need clothes, nappies, and the like. Sometimes they have to settle a child into college or university and extra expenses can quickly pile up. Sometimes they go without all kinds of extras we take for granted. Other times it can add to the money they have been saving to buy a much-needed item that will make life back home a little easier.
Time: Redeem the Time
The one thing most missionaries lament about is that they often feel unheard. People are not really interested in their day-to-day life in another country – it is either too far removed from their own lives, they feel guilty that they are not more involved, or they simply don’t realize how important it is to listen. Let them share in church, give feedback at various home cell groups, lead a men’s breakfast or join a lady’s prayer gathering. Showing their pictures, and sharing their breakthroughs, challenges, and prayer requests is a wonderful way to build the body of Christ. In any case, what a privilege to get Kingdom news from His children on the ground – obedient and faithful to their calling.
The Family: When One Part of the Body Suffers, the Whole Body Suffers
Without my computer, I will literally have no ministry. It is much the same for many other full-time workers in the field. An upgrade, a new hard drive or computer, an SD card, a memory stick, or new Bible software can all add great value to their ministry.
Bless their kids with a cool trip to a museum, sticker books, or some spending money. They may not have many friends back home, so having them join yours or inviting them to join a local football club, will mean the world.
Spoil Mum with a back massage, facial, manicure or pedicure, a shopping trip, or just take her out for tea at a beautiful coffee shop – it will all help her integrate and experience some level of ‘normality.’
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As much of a missionary family’s time is spent giving feedback to various churches, they can travel long distances, meet many people and keep up homeschooling–all while staying in touch with the ministry back home. Offering your cabin in the woods or holiday house at the beach for a week or weekend will give them a much-needed opportunity to make memories, re-charge their batteries, and re-connect with God.
