5 Tips for Writing to a New Missionary

Those first few days in the MTC can be rough. For the last few months, he has had all of mom's attention, mounting excitement, and tons of free time. Once in the MTC, many missionaries can feel overwhelmed and perhaps forgotten. Here are a few ideas for writing to a missionary during the early days of the mission.

1. Update on life back at home. This may seem like the worst idea. Why remind a missionary of all they are missing? But missionaries don't want to feel left out. Letting them know what brothers and sisters are doing can help them feel connected to the family unit. This can also serve to be a powerful reminder of why the missionary is serving in the first place, to bring the word of God to families everywhere!

2. Plans for the future. Again, why remind the missionary of life back home? Talking about plans for the future can help a missionary get out of a rut by reminding him of the big picture. Life goes on! He has 2 exciting years ahead of him and then even more life beyond that. His family will always be there for him, missing him, supporting him, and anticipating his return (and the years of mission stories you'll be hearing over, and over, and over again!)

3. Reminder of spiritual experiences leading up to the mission. Many missionaries and families experience spiritual preparation prior to the missionary leaving. These spiritual experiences can sustain through the hard transition to full-time missionary service. Let him know that you find strength in remembering these times and he will too.

4. Photos! Everyone loves photos. Plus, it gives him something to show his new companions. This can be a nice way for a missionary to tie home life to mission service.

5. Love. Remind him that you love him, that you support him, and that you couldn't be any more proud or happy with his decision to serve. Your love can be a comforting balm to any anxiety he may be feeling about his ability to serve. Any even if he is taking to mission life like a fish takes to water, it's still nice to be loved.

Bonus! Gifts. There are lots of services that offer same-day delivery to the MTC in Provo. Be sure that cookie deliveries will make him very popular with his new companions.

Any other ideas for writing to new missionaries? Leave a comment!