Magnificent Missionaries
12 Baskets Full
A Missionary Basket
One of the myriads of misconceptions about missionaries is that they are supernaturally endowed to endure what we ordinary squeamish mortals are unable to bear. The following anecdote will set the record straight. Patrick Jenkins and his family lived in a South American jungle.[1] As they were moving from their temporary home to another location, the family took a short break. While drinking tea, a large black beetle suddenly flew through the room with a loud buzzing noise. As it darted between them, his wife let out a startled scream.
Astonished more by her scream than by the beetle, their youngest daughter cried out, “For heaven’s sake, Mom!”
To which his wife resolutely replied, “That’s the only reason I’m here.”
This month we will pack a gift basket for a single missionary or a missionary family serving abroad. As the main goal of a missionary is to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth, they often live in another country or continent, have to learn another language, and embrace another culture.
Missionaries are sent by a local church and are an extension of the Body of Christ, separated to do cross-cultural ministry, just like Paul and Barnabas in Acts 13. In fulfillment of the Great Commission, our mission is still unchanged: “the whole church taking the whole gospel to the whole world”.
Let’s Get Practical
Packing a basket for a missionary is a privilege. I have been on the receiving end of such baskets for many years, having lived in various countries, both as a single and a married missionary with a house full of children. Unable to ever return the love and thoughtfulness I have received over many years, it is a privilege to pay it forward this month. You will notice that I keep jumping between “they, them, their” and “we, us, our” as I feel so deeply connected to this basket.
Spiritual Food: A smorgasbord available!
I am sure you have heard it said, “leaders are readers”. Well, I can say the same about most missionaries. A library of Christian books is not just about being better equipped to serve, but having resources available to young Christians we are discipling. These days the whole world is connected, and Amazon can deliver almost anywhere – albeit at a price. Receiving new publications from a favourite writer, bestsellers or a kindle with new downloads will all be wildly appreciated. That includes Christian bible studies and magazines, one-year subscription fees paid to Christianity Today, new movies the whole family can enjoy, as well as CDs for both kids and grown-ups. As we often traveled long distances, audiobooks were also hugely popular.
Most missionaries I know, love keeping a journal. The variety of beautiful journals available all makes ideal gifts. I easily go through 2 or 3 a year and taught my children from a young age, to do likewise. Finally, not everybody speaks English, and thus a magazine or newspaper in their mother tongue, in my case, Afrikaans, used to be the ultimate treat.
Friendship: Celebrate Friends for a Season, Friends for a Reason, and Friends for Life!
Living abroad can be very stressful on one’s friendships. Some missionaries will experience the proverb, out of sight out of heart while others will testify that absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Living in the midst of a communications revolution certainly makes life on the ‘remote’ mission field much less ‘remote’. Emails, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and a host of other new platforms have hugely helped the world stay in touch. And yet, receiving a handwritten card or letter from a supporter still moves my heart in ways in which the other platforms don’t.
I remember once receiving about 50 handwritten notes from a women’s group, beautifully tied with a ribbon. These tender encouragements warmed my heart and fed my soul for months. Add to this a beautiful collection of blank cards and this will be the ideal gift for a missionary wife – especially if the family travels often. One can simply never have enough Thank You cards!
Tastes & Smells from Home: Celebrating the Five Senses
Sending a love gift to a missionary couple from your home culture simply MUST include staples from home – things you can find nowhere else on the planet. Herbal teas, certain chocolates and other candy, a specific coffee brand, cooking spices, and instant mixes are all firm favourites. If you are from South Africa, the UK, or Australia, please add any of the following: Oxo, Marmite, Vegemite, or Bovril! I know the rest of the world is cringing right now. Sorry, but not sorry!
Often certain products are very expensive in your adopted country, yet you struggle to do without them, like milk – making milk powder a huge blessing. Trust me, don’t hesitate to ask your missionary what they need before you finalize your parcel. Oh, and adding a new recipe or stackable measuring cups, in case you run of ideas, will be more than welcome.
Final Thoughts: Last Minute Packing is Okay
Any gift that will make the ministry easier, like teaching aids for your Sunday school class, colouring books, memory cards, and other stationery, will be appreciated. When a family is involved, simple treats for the kids, like bubbles, a frisbee, or a new board game, will guarantee hours of fun. When a single missionary is involved, remember their room or housemates. Pack double or add something the whole house can enjoy.
A shoebox is a perfect size for a package you plan to post as it is both less expensive and unlikely to cause a stir at customs. Oh, and remember to separate food items from soap, sanitizers, and bug spray. If any liquids are involved, please secure them in multiple zip lock bags. My husband wants to know if I remembered to add ‘biltong’ – beef jerky for my American counterparts – which reminds me, do make sure you keep to all international food product restrictions.
With that, I leave you to pack – enjoy!
[1] 1001 Quotes, Illustrations & Humorous Stories, pg. 461
