“God loves you!”—a simple note written on construction paper by a 5th grader can be exactly the kind of boost you didn’t know you needed. Before I left home, I had the chance to visit the 5th grade Sunday school class and share what I’d be doing this summer. Naturally, they had questions like, “How far away is that?” and “What's the temperature there?” A little while later, I got a bag full of handwritten letters from them—packed with encouragement, Bible verses, and classic elementary school humor. Reading one mid-trip that said, “God will help you in your mission of faith” touched my heart in such a deep way. Another one praised my bravery for flying 33 hours away from my family, made me laugh—and also reminded me why I’m here: to share that same love with other little ones across the world.
She said she looks forward to reading them each week. They make her feel encouraged, seen, and lifted up—especially when a mentor replies and shares how they’re praying specifically for the things she mentioned. Knowing that God’s people are praying back home gives her the strength to take the next step. It builds her confidence and even makes her feel proud of what God is doing through the team.
One of her favorite responses said, “I’m praying over your requests this week and asking the Lord to help your team to have unity, Christlike attitudes, and willing hearts to listen to one another.” Another time, someone shared Zephaniah 3:17 reminding how God is mighty and covering us in His love.
If you know someone serving, don’t underestimate the power of your words. Write back. Send encouragement. Share a verse or even a simple prayer. Don’t be shy—be uplifting. You never know how one message might be the exact reminder they need to keep going. Your prayers and encouragement are part of the mission too.