William Carey, a pioneer missionary, famously stated to Andrew Fuller, “I will go down into the pit, if you will hold the rope.”
Missionaries dedicate their lives to spreading the gospel, often in difficult places that are far from their homes. Their work is physically, emotionally, and spiritually demanding, leaving little room for personal rest or renewal. That’s why furloughs—brief periods when missionaries return to their home countries—are critical not only for their well-being but for strengthening their connection to the church and its members.
These breaks can bring unique challenges. Churches play a pivotal role in “holding the rope,” ensuring that missionaries on furlough are cared for, supported, and equipped for future ministry.
Here are some tangible ways churches can support their missionaries on furlough:
1. Providing Housing: Many churches offer mission homes or temporary accommodations for missionaries on furlough. This is particularly important if the furlough is less than a year in length, as few landlords are willing to rent for less than a year, and the missionary will likely need to also maintain their home on the field.
After a difficult first term in Ukraine, we were incredibly blessed and relieved on our furlough to walk into a townhouse that had been fully furnished and stocked with basic grocery and household items, right down to towels on the rack.
2. Transportation Assistance: Some churches lend vehicles to missionaries during their stay, ensuring they can travel for speaking engagements, meetings, or personal needs without added stress.
Imagine having to rent a car for several months, or having to purchase a vehicle only to sell it again one year later. This can be very expensive, not to mention the added stress of vehicle registration and paperwork.
3. Financial Support: While our missionaries do budget for furloughs, churches often allocate a portion of their budget to cover missionaries’ additional expenses, which could include educational costs for their children, housing, or ministry expenses. Keep in mind that costs in Canada can be considerably higher than on the field.
4. Prayer and Encouragement: Congregations organize prayer groups or send regular letters and care packages to uplift missionaries emotionally and spiritually.
We have been greatly encouraged on furlough to hear that people have been praying for us in specific ways. An offer of a cottage up north for a week, or an invitation to share a meal, have been other tangible expressions of support.
5. Community Engagement: While it would be helpful to give your missionaries a couple of weeks alone to recuperate and “detox,” they will eventually want to reconnect with your church community.Some churches host events where missionaries can share their experiences, fostering a deeper connection between the congregation and the mission field.
Do not be alarmed if the missionary wants to talk about his or her life on the field. This is not unlike you wanting to talk to people about your latest vacation on your way home from the airport, except that the missionaries have just undergone years of intense cultural adjustment and spiritual warfare, and will need time to unpack their experiences. This may require more than a 5-minute conversation, and the asking of many questions.
These acts of support not only meet practical needs but also strengthen the bond between missionaries and their sending churches, ensuring they feel valued and equipped to go back down “into the pit” for the sake of the gospel.
