How to support a mission worker
What does it mean “to support a mission worker?”
Mission workers need at least two kinds of support. They need to know that people in churches care about them and the ministries they’re engaged in, and they need to have the financial support of the church.
Non-financial support
The mission worker communicates regularly with the church through newsletters sent by the Mission Connections office, and through emails, his or her Web page, blogs, photographs, videos, etc.
The congregation takes an interest in the mission worker, in his or her ministry and in the context where he or she works. There’s a high level of awareness in the congregation about the worker, the partner church with whom the mission worker serves and the country where the mission worker labors.
The church includes the mission worker’s name in the bulletin each week, prints excerpts from letters in the church newsletter, posts photos on the bulletin board and prays regularly for the mission worker.
The relationship between church and mission worker grows. They get to know one another. If at all possible, when the mission worker is on home assignment, he or she will visit the congregation and have a meaningful opportunity to share about his or her experience. The mission worker is responsible for letting the church know when he or she is available. The church is responsible for inviting the mission worker and paying for his or her transportation and hospitality costs.
Financial support from churches
Churches normally support mission workers through the Directed Mission Support (DMS) program, which was designed for sessions to direct their Basic Mission Support toward the support of PC(USA) mission workers. To designate support to a mission worker through DMS, please fill out a 2009 pledge form.
Churches are also welcome to support mission workers or their ministries through Extra Commitment Opportunities (ECOs), of course.
DMS contributions from churches should be sent to their normal receiving site. ECO contributions from churches should be sent to their normal receiving site or:
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Church Remittance Processing
PO Box 643678
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3678.
Write the name of the mission worker and his or her or their DMS or ECO number on the subject line of the check.
Financial support from individuals
To give online with a credit card, go to the simplified giving Web site. Here it is possible to give undesignated support to all mission workers or to designate support to any PC(USA) mission worker. You can also designate support to any mission worker by going to his or her home page and clicking on the “give” button.
By phone – To contribute with a credit card by phone call (800) 872-3283.
Through the mail – Individuals can send checks to:
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Individual Remittance Processing
P.O. Box 743700
Pittsburgh, PA 15624-3700
To designate to a specific mission worker, write his or her name and account number on the subject line of the check. The account number is available online in the Presbyterian Mission Personnel 2008 booklet or online.
How do we decide which mission worker to support?
Choose any PC(USA) mission worker. They all need support. For suggestions on which mission workers particularly need support, call K.T. Ockels at (888) 728-7228 x5977. To find out which mission workers make their home base in your area (making visits to your church easier and less costly), also call K.T. Ockels.
You can learn about the PC(USA) mission workers at their home pages on the Mission Connections Web site. Every mission worker has a Web page except those serving in countries where there are security concerns. You can read thousands of newsletters and see thousands of photographs from mission workers on this site.
Another helpful resource is the 68-page booklet of Presbyterian Mission Personnel 2008 called “Presbyterian World Mission Giving Opportunities.” Call the Presbyterian Distribution Service at (800) 524-2612 and ask for PDS 26484-08-103. It’s free. Please note that this booklet was accurate as of September 2007. Download an updated giving opportunities booklet  .
How much does it cost to support a missionary?
Any gift you offer will be used and appreciated — from 20 dollars from a Sunday school class to the full $53,000 that it costs (on average) to keep a missionary in the field for a year.
How long does the relationship with the mission co-worker last?
The local congregation has complete freedom in continuing the relationship. Ideally, it would last until the mission worker retires or leaves mission service for another reason. It should include recurring visits from the mission co-worker to the church.
Do we have to wait until World Mission Challenge in 2009 to start supporting a missionary?
No. “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” Several presbyteries have already adopted the official goal of 100 percent church participation in missionary support and are already working toward that goal. |
