The reverse may also be true, so check with missionary parents to make sure that a pen-pal program is feasible before launching the idea to your class. Older children can help address the envelope, weigh it and research the postage cost. Before the letter is mailed or e-mailed, stop and pray together for your missionary friends. Challenge the children to ask God to use their letter to encourage the missionaries and their family on the very day the message arrives. Caution children not to expect an instant answer, even via e-mail.
Missionaries are busy and often struggle to find time to answer their correspondence.
Create a scrapbook of your correspondence back and forth with your missionaries to serve as a reminder and as orientation for new class members. Celebrate as a group when you receive correspondence from your missionary. Read the letter together. Stop and praise God for His answers and pray for your missionaries' requests. Find other articles in the Passions 4 Missions archives.