Communication

Guidelines

Because of the sensitive nature of some of the countries in which our missionaries serve, some precautions in communication are extremely important for the longevity and safety of their ministries.  All forms of communication (e-mail, land-mail, phones, text messages, faxes, etc.) are subject to perusal by government authorities.  With this in mind, please use these guidelines when keeping in touch with foreign workers: 

Things to Avoid:

• Do not discuss the workers (or their children) by their full name.
• Do not discuss politics or foreigner rights; do not make negative comments about the country.
• Avoid words/phrases like missionary, evangelism, conversion, spiritual warfare, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, or Christian.  Avoid also the specific names of Christians or Christian organizations.
• Do not use stationary with a Christian organization or church heading on it.
• Do not send them the newsletters or prayer letters of other missionaries, or of your congregation.  Do not send them Christian tapes, videos, DVDs, magazines, etc.
• Do not ask them about the distribution of Bibles.
• If you receive correspondence from them, do not send or forward it to others. And absolutely, do not publish it on the internet in any form.

What Missionaries Enjoy Receiving in the Mail:

• News about your personal life.
• Questions about their family, studies, vacations, etc.
• Positive and uplifting words.  Respond appropriately to things they've mentioned in their letters.
• Postcards and cards on special occasions.
• Just write -- you'll make their week!