1) Pray for the people they serve.

Missions are all about people, people that are hurting and lost. Without people in need we wouldn’t need missions. That day, when the whole world has heard and the Kingdom has come, is coming, but until it does we are commanded by Jesus and His love to take His message of salvation and healing to them. Not everyone is called to missions and even fewer can go but without prayer the engine of missions is running on empty. Praying for the needs of people also requires some learning, another free and motivating activity. You need to know what those needs are and if you continue reading I’ll share some of those ways with you.

2) Pray for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in missions.

Missions are God’s work. Without His presence missionaries may get things done but human effort pales in comparison to work done by God Himself. Pray for the guidance of missionaries. Pray that they be sent to the right people at the right time. Pray that the testimony of missionaries is glorifying to Christ through the Holy Spirit. Pray for the strength of the Spirit that missionaries need in the face of the many difficulties life in the field requires.

3) Pray for support.

Everything belongs to God. We are the stewards of what He has given us. If He chose, He could supply every need of everyone on earth. Why doesn’t He? I believe it is because He wants us to love one another through sharing His resources. It is our act of obedience and it is good for us. So even if you are the one in need it does not cost a cent to pray for those who can contribute prayerfully, with service, or financially.

4) Pray for how Christ wants you to respond.

Not everything I am suggesting is right for everyone. We each will be held responsible for our time and resources and especially for how we use the gifting from the Spirit when our day of judgment comes. Prayerfully consider this list to listen how God is leading you. Don’t guilt yourself and feel you must something. We each have our preferences for being close to God. Some love to “do” (soup kitchens or evangelism), some like to “feel” (praise and worship), some experience God through “knowing” Him (pastors and Sunday school teachers), and some are “Be-ers” (meditating or seeing God in nature). No matter your preference you will find God can use you to support missions in your way (the way He created you).

5) Visit missionary websites.

This is one of the quickest and most inspiring ways of learning about the needs of missionaries in the field. With today’s social networking you can get up to the minute information on exactly what the Lord is doing and what still needs to be done.

6) “Like” missionary websites.

Being told we are liked or that what we said or shared has had some positive effect on someone else is very rewarding and verifies our sense of community. If you see a posting or blog from a missionary that has in any way resonated with you, “Like” it. This is a great and very simple way to return the blessing you’ve received from what you’ve seen or read.

7) “Share” missionary websites

Maybe you can’t do much to support missions directly. By sharing a missionary’s site you multiply the opportunities for others who can. If 250 of your friends see a site you shared, there is high probability that some will also like and share. This starts the pyramid effect of 1 becoming 2, 2 becoming 4, 4 becoming 16 and so on. Anyone that supports who was in the chain you started can be counted to you having supported missions!

8) Join missionary websites

I confess, I get a “holier-than-thou” attitude when I get discouraged, lonely, and anxious when needs aren’t being met. I start to think, “Doesn’t anyone else care?” You can help fight this by simply joining or signing up on a missionary website. When someone new is added we feel encouraged and regain hope and focus. Someone is listening and feels what we are doing is important.

9) Post on missions websites

If you join and have the time, why not go one huge step beyond. Say something encouraging to a missionary. Maybe you’ve been touched by what they are doing and shared it with someone you know. Let you missionary know it. If you are in need yourself, let your missionary know. We love people and we serve those who support us as much as we serve those in our mission fields.

10) Tell others.

Talk is cheap. Whenever the opportunity comes up to talk about missions, why not plug your favorite missionary and their website? I’m an introvert, that is why I write articles but once people know what I do, they get curious and come to me with questions and want to know what is happening. This is a great opportunity to suggest they check out websites because I don’t feel like I am the one that has to beg for support.

11) Invite a missionary.

If you enjoy hearing the stories and knowing what God is doing on the front lines, or hidden behind enemy lines, don’t you think others would love to hear also? Why not invite a missionary to dinner with your friends, your small group, or to present to your church? We are in a time of “relationships.” Start a relationship with a missionary, introduce them to your friends and watch your own relationships grow!

12) Do fundraising activities.

If you have no money but plenty of time and you love to organize things you could offer to help do a fundraiser. Again, this is an opportunity for one to be multiplied into many. The “cheerleader” personality seems to be best suited for this ministry. You can leave donation cups in local businesses, have a bake sale, or organize an old-fashioned hymn-sing event.

So you’ve thought about how you can help support missions free and easy and maybe tried some of these ideas out. But something has been stirred within you and now you feel you want to do more. Than do it! Below I’ve listed some websites to get you started. Of course they are websites that support my own mission or those I support.

My blog on using the internet to support missions: Money for Missions

My small donation profile: For a Friend