What are the advantages of long-term missions?
How can I know if God is leading me to become a missionary?
Are there missionaries who have gone even though initially they had no desire to go?
» more related questionsQ: How do I write a newsletter?
A: Keep it brief.
Here I would say that this is very important: Do not write a book, people just does not have the time to read long lengthy newsletters. This would defeat the purpose of sending out a newsletter.
Remember a lot can be said in a short time. Be specific and to the point. Remind the recipients that God loves the whole world and that you have a clear directive from the LORD to go and evangelize. You have done all you could to prepare and that you need partners in the Great Commission. A statement I like to use in a newsletter goes like this. "All that is done for self will pass, but what is done for Christ will last." Remind them that in these last days that we can make a difference in the world. It is always better to get many to give a small amount then a few to give a big sum. The reason being if you lose some sponsors, it will not effect your overall support base as much as would a few with big donations or monthly support. Meaning if you had a hundred people giving $20 each and five drop out you would lose a $100. Whereas if you had 20 people giving a $100 each and you lose five then you have lost $500 from your support base. Nevertheless, the Lord knows your need and He will provide.
The above calculations is figures used by many missionaries, but NEVER FORGET TO KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE LORD AND TO REMEMBER THAT IT IS HIM WHO HAS CALLED YOU AND WILL PROVIDE FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS, Philippines 4:19.
Remember a lot can be said in a short time. Be specific and to the point. Remind the recipients that God loves the whole world and that you have a clear directive from the LORD to go and evangelize. You have done all you could to prepare and that you need partners in the Great Commission. A statement I like to use in a newsletter goes like this. "All that is done for self will pass, but what is done for Christ will last." Remind them that in these last days that we can make a difference in the world. It is always better to get many to give a small amount then a few to give a big sum. The reason being if you lose some sponsors, it will not effect your overall support base as much as would a few with big donations or monthly support. Meaning if you had a hundred people giving $20 each and five drop out you would lose a $100. Whereas if you had 20 people giving a $100 each and you lose five then you have lost $500 from your support base. Nevertheless, the Lord knows your need and He will provide.
The above calculations is figures used by many missionaries, but NEVER FORGET TO KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE LORD AND TO REMEMBER THAT IT IS HIM WHO HAS CALLED YOU AND WILL PROVIDE FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS, Philippines 4:19.
A: Keep a Journal
One of the best pieces of advice I received years ago was to keep a journal in between prayer letters so that I can record ideas, stories and themes for our prayer letters. Then you have a place to go when the time comes to write. These days I keep a text document called "Prayer Letter Ideas."
Keep your letter in short "bites," like a magazine layout. Add a couple of photos. Look at what Americans currently get in the mail. Will they pick up your prayer letter over a magazine or glossy insert that is laid out well? There are a number of good books out on how to write missionary newsletters. Make sure to leave white space, don't preach, pick a theme for your letter. Just some small suggestions.
Keep your letter in short "bites," like a magazine layout. Add a couple of photos. Look at what Americans currently get in the mail. Will they pick up your prayer letter over a magazine or glossy insert that is laid out well? There are a number of good books out on how to write missionary newsletters. Make sure to leave white space, don't preach, pick a theme for your letter. Just some small suggestions.
A: One paragraph per subject
Monthly newsletters are easier to keep short. We try to do ours every six to eight weeks. We arrange it like the current events page in a news magazine and keep it to one paragraph per topic.
Photos, photos, photos! Supporters love to see the children you’re working with, the people who received medical care, or the people that were saved. They also love to see you and your children.
You can use an email service like Constant Contact or MailChimp to deliver an email newsletter. They’re easy to use and some are free. They have pre-made templates you can use. You can put your prayer requests in a sidebar.
Have fun!
Photos, photos, photos! Supporters love to see the children you’re working with, the people who received medical care, or the people that were saved. They also love to see you and your children.
You can use an email service like Constant Contact or MailChimp to deliver an email newsletter. They’re easy to use and some are free. They have pre-made templates you can use. You can put your prayer requests in a sidebar.
Have fun!
A: Think of your readers
Disclaimer: The following answer has not been reviewed or edited.
Make sure you think of your readers. Don’t try to preach, teach or sell them on anything. What will be of value to them? How can you help them understand life in another land?If you are not there yet, how can you share the burden and vision that God has given you in a way that helps them get plugged into it in some way. Tell stories, share your heart and passion.
And please... don’t ask for money in a general newsletter. Remember, if they don’t answer-- that IS your answer. (i.e. NO) Blessings as you labor in the ministry God has called you to do.
In HIM,
Kelly
