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Residents and students learn from others about original motivation, long-haul stamina, pearls and pitfalls of living in community, debt, vision for one’s next step to the nations, and helping the needy now tensioned with investing in education to help others later.

A prayer for the dying is a simple way to show your love and a way to ask God for mercy, peace, and His presence for someone nearing the end. If you want to know how to pray for someone who is dying as a healthcare worker, you do not need a perfect script. Instead, relying on the language God gave us in the Scriptures is all we need.   Key Takeaways Begin by asking a simple, respectful question, “Would it be alright if I prayed for you?” Even when a patient’s faith is unknown, offering a prayer for the dying can bring comfort because it communicates your love for them. When words are hard to find, reading directly from the Psalms provides clear, Scripture-rooted language for how to pray for someone who is dying. Psalm 23 offers reassurance of God’s presence and comfort in the face of death, making it a grounding prayer when fear is near. Psalm 51 reminds patients that God’s mercy is abundant, giving those who feel regret or guilt a hopeful prayer of repentance and renewal.   Start with The Quiet Question That Opens the Door When a patient is dying, the room can feel heavy in a way that is hard to explain. You might want to pray, but you may also worry about crossing a line. A simple question can help open the door: “Would it be alright if I prayed for you?” If they say yes, you can offer a short prayer for the dying right there. If they say no, you can still pray for them later on your own. Ministering to someone who is dying can feel like a delicate moment, but if you are feeling hesitant, just remember that it is out of our love for them that we should pray and share the truth with them.      Remember That Comfort Still Matters When Faith Is Unknown You do not have to assume the patient is a believer to offer a prayer for the dying. Many people who do not claim faith still find comfort in being prayed for because prayer shows you love for them. Even so, dying can bring mental and emotional shifts that affect how a person responds. Confusion, agitation, withdrawal, or sudden fear can appear with little warning. It helps to expect that possibility and to stay calm when it happens.  Just be patient and continue to show them your love through your care.    Use Prayers from the Psalms to Help Give You the Words You Need In a high-pressure moment, you may not know what to say. That is one reason the Psalms are such a gift. You can read them slowly, or you can speak them as prayer, line by line. Below are three Psalm passages that work well as a prayer for the dying.   1. A Prayer for the Dying When Fear Is Close (Psalm 23:1–4) “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”  This prayer for the dying gives comfort in the midst of death. If the patient is alert, you can ask if they want you to read it again later.   2. A Prayer for the Dying When Grief Is Heavy (Psalm 34:18) “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”  This is an encouraging prayer you can share with the patient. You can even write it down for them to keep on hand.    3. A Prayer for the Dying When Forgiveness Is Wanted (Psalm 51:1, 10) “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions…Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”  As the end draws near, some patients begin to speak about regret. Others grow quiet but carry a visible weight. Psalm 51 makes for a powerful prayer for the dying because it does not deny sin, and it does not deny mercy either. This is a prayer of repentance, but it is also a declaration that God’s love is steadfast and His mercy abundant. If a patient expresses guilt, fear, or a desire to make peace, you can read these verses slowly and explain the story behind them. Even for someone unsure of what they believe, hearing that God is rich in mercy can steady the heart. And if they want to pray along, Psalm 51 gives them language that is honest and hopeful at the same time.   Pray Throughout The Day One short prayer at the bedside matters, but you can also carry the person with you through your day. A prayer for health and for the dying does not need a room number attached to it. Pray while you wash your hands. Pray while you chart. Pray when you step outside for a breath. You can also read Scripture passages about healing to help give more language to your prayers.   A Next Step If You Feel Drawn to Hard Moments If you find that prayer for the dying is not just something you do, but something that weighs on you in a meaningful way, it may be worth exploring places where both medical skill and spiritual steadiness are needed most. In times of crisis, disaster settings often bring you face-to-face with people confronting loss, trauma, and mortality all at once. Consider serving in disaster relief missions that allow healthcare workers to serve in those fragile spaces, offering both competent care and loving presence.   Related Questions   What prayer do people say before dying? Many Christians take comfort in praying Psalm 23 or Jesus’ words in Luke 23:46 as they entrust themselves to God.   How do you say goodbye when someone is dying? Say goodbye with simple gratitude and a gentle presence, letting them know that they are loved.   What is a simple prayer for the sick and dying? Psalm 34:18 is a short prayer that reminds the suffering that God is near to the brokenhearted.   What’s the best way to comfort the dying? Offer a steady presence, ask permission to pray, and share the good news of the Gospel with them.  

The proper way to cough is to cover your mouth with your elbow, tissue, or shirt. Seems simple, but when teaching kids how to cough properly, it can take some time before they learn to make a habit out of it.   Key Takeaways Kids are more likely to adopt the proper way to cough when they understand why it matters and how coughing on others can make them sick. Demonstrating how far droplets can travel, rather than quoting numbers, creates a visual memory that helps children remember to cover their mouths. Teaching the proper way to cough as one smooth motion, with the elbow covering the mouth before coughing, makes the habit easier to learn and repeat. Some children, including those with special needs or trauma backgrounds, require patience, gentle correction, and individualized approaches when learning how to properly cough. Visual cues and short, repeatable phrases like “Elbow first” reinforce the habit and help turn proper coughing into a consistent routine.   Start with the “Why” Kids Can Understand Most kids do not change a habit because you told them once. They change when the change becomes ingrained in their head. To do that, it’s best to start with the “why.” Teach them about germs and how they can spread. Then emphasize, “When we cough on people, they can get sick. When we cough the safe way, we help them stay well.” Keep it short. Ask a question that lets them participate: “What do you think happens to the wet spray from a cough if we don’t aim it somewhere safe?”   Show How Far a Cough Can Go Without Using Numbers A child will not remember “six feet.” They will remember “it reached the other chair.” Try this quick demonstration with what you already have: Fill a spray bottle with water. Stand where a child might stand when they cough. Spray once into the air at chest height. Then ask them to notice where the droplets landed—on the floor, a table, a chair, someone’s clothing. Then say, “A real cough does something like that. So we aim it into our elbow, like a shield.” Showing rather than telling them how far germs travel when they cough helps create a memorable image in their mind, and it makes it easier for them to remember to cover their mouths.   The Proper Way to Cough in One Move The proper way to cough is easier to learn when you show it as one quick move. Play it out for them slowly. Cover your mouth with your elbow and then cough. Next, invite the kids to mirror you. Look for kids who cough first before their elbow covers their mouth, and let them know that they should try to hold in their cough until their mouth is covered.    Adjust for Children Who Need a Different Approach Some children need more time, fewer words, or a different sensory experience. The goal stays the same, but the path changes. If you’re working with special needs kids, teaching them how to properly cough may take a little more time. In these cases, it’s best to be patient and continually remind them when they forget. For children who have experienced trauma or instability, correction can feel threatening even when you mean it gently. Take it slow and try not to single them out when correcting them.     Make It Stick with Visual Cues and Routine A habit forms when the environment reinforces it. If you can, place a simple picture near the places kids wait of a child coughing into an elbow. A memorable short phrase can also help and could be written underneath the picture. A simple phrase to use is: “Elbow first.” This can help them remember to always cover their mouth first before coughing.   A Closing Word When you teach the proper way to cough, you’re doing quiet work that prevents the next infection. Most people will never notice. That does not make it small. If you want to keep building skills that protect communities, especially when you’re far from home, serving on a short-term mission trip can be a great way to teach kids in underserved communities simple but critical hygiene habits that can have a big impact.   Related Questions   What happens when you don't cover your mouth when you cough? Germs and droplets land on nearby people and surfaces, which raises the chance of others getting sick.   Does coughing into your shirt help? Yes, coughing into your shirt can be a good alternative to coughing into your elbow.   How far does a cough travel? A cough can spread droplets across a room (about six feet).   How do you sneeze in public? Sneeze into your elbow, shirt, or a tissue.  

Have you longed to integrate your Christian faith into your patient care—on the mission field abroad, in your work in the US, and during your training? Are you not sure how to do this in a caring, ethical, sensitive, and relevant manner? This “working” session will explore the ethical basis for spiritual care and provide you with professional, timely, and proven practical methods to care for the whole person in the clinical setting. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qpah9kh1lttg6cm1jjop9/Bob-Mason-Ethics-of-Spiritual-Care-revised.pptx?rlkey=0emve2ja8282nv8xc4uinq1hg&st=9033htwx&dl=0

Missionaries give up more than most people realize. They leave familiar food, friends, the culture they grew up in, and family. If you’re looking for gifts for soon-to-be missionaries or thoughtful gift ideas for missionaries already overseas, the best place to start is simple: send what makes daily life easier or reminds them of home.   Key Takeaways Missionaries face daily cultural, emotional, and practical pressures, so a thoughtful gift can remind them they are supported and not forgotten. The best gifts for soon-to-be missionaries and long-term workers are practical, personal, and easy to send. Familiar food from home and fun experience-based gifts can lift spirits and provide meaningful breaks from the challenges of cross-cultural life. Simple items like games, rest-day kits, helpful tech, and spiritual encouragement can strengthen connection, reduce stress, and improve daily routines. Before sending any package, check shipping rules and customs restrictions to ensure your gift arrives safely and without unnecessary complications.   Why a Thoughtful Gift Matters More Than You Think Missionaries often live with a steady mix of joy and pressure. New cultures bring new rhythms, but also new limits. Food looks different. Language barriers are the norm. Even basic errands can feel exhausting. Over time, that strain can pile up. It’s one reason missionary burnout is so common, even among people who love what they’re called to do. A good gift won’t solve everything. Still, it can say, “You’re not forgotten,” in a way that lands.   Gifts for Soon-to-Be Missionaries and Long-Term Workers Below are seven gift ideas for missionaries that tend to hit the sweet spot: useful, encouraging, and easy to send.    1. Food They Miss from Home Familiar snacks can help give them a taste of home and bring a big smile to their face. Think of items that travel well: peanut butter, chocolate, favorite candies, etc. There’s plenty of American food that is hard to find abroad or is just too expensive, and choosing something that they miss can be a powerful way to lift their spirits.   2. A Missionary Care Package with Small Surprises Sometimes the best gift ideas for missionaries aren’t things you ship, they’re experiences you fund. Send a gift card or digital transfer with a clear note: “For a great dinner out,” “For a weekend coffee run,” “For a movie night,” or “For a day trip you’ve been wanting to take.” Keep it light and specific. Missionaries often hesitate to spend money on themselves. Naming it as fun money removes the guilt and gives them permission to enjoy where they are. For gifts for soon-to-be missionaries, this can be especially meaningful before they leave, when everything feels serious and practical.   3. A Game Night in a Box Mission work is meaningful, but it can also be isolating. A simple game can turn an ordinary evening into laughter with teammates or new local friends. Send a compact card game, travel-size board game, or conversation card deck that doesn’t rely heavily on language. Think UNO, Phase 10, a deck of cards, or a small strategy game that fits in a backpack. It’s one of the more underrated gift ideas for missionaries because it builds connection without feeling like ministry work. It’s just fun. And sometimes that’s exactly what they need.   4. A “Rest Day” Kit A rest day can disappear fast when life is demanding. A “rest day” kit gives them permission to stop without guilt. Include items like a good candle (if safe), bath salts, herbal tea, or a lightweight hammock. Sometimes the best gifts for soon-to-be missionaries aren’t flashy. They just make one ordinary day feel calm.   5. A Little Tech That Makes Life Easier You don’t need to spend big to make daily life smoother. The best tech gifts solve annoying problems. Think: a portable charger, a universal plug adapter, or noise-canceling earbuds. If the internet is unreliable, anything that helps them stay charged and connected counts as a win. These kinds of gift ideas for missionaries feel fun because they’re instantly useful.   6. A Meaningful Spiritual Gift  Consider a durable journal, a slim devotional, a set of printed Scripture cards, or a small notebook filled with handwritten prayers from friends.  Keep it personal and practical. The goal is quiet encouragement they can return to when they need it.   7. A Quality Everyday Upgrade Missionaries often pack light and choose practical over premium. That means some of their everyday items are just “good enough.” Upgrade one thing they use constantly. Think: a high-quality water bottle, durable sunglasses, or a better backpack. Choose something that replaces a worn-out version rather than adding clutter. It’s one of the simplest gift ideas for missionaries because it improves daily life without adding extra responsibility. It’s useful, thoughtful, and feels intentional.   Quick Notes Before You Ship Anything Not every country treats packages the same way. Customs rules change, and shipping can get expensive. If you’re unsure, ask the missionary what works best: a mailed package, a local delivery, or a digital gift.  Also, be careful with high-value items, medications, and anything that can raise questions at customs. A thoughtful, lower-risk package usually arrives faster.   If You Love Supporting Missionaries, Consider One More Step If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to step into the missionary world yourself, or if someone close to you has been curious about it, exploring short-term mission trips can turn support into a real shared experience. Sometimes a single trip clarifies what months or years of interest has been pointing toward.   Related Questions   What would be a good spiritual gift? A handwritten collection of prayers and Scripture offers encouragement they can return to often.   What should I include in a missionary care package? Fun and practical daily items, along with a personal note that reminds them they’re seen and supported.   Are missionaries allowed to receive gifts? Most missionaries can receive gifts, but customs rules and local guidelines may limit what can be shipped or delivered.   What is not allowed in a care package? Avoid medications, perishables, high-value electronics, and anything restricted by customs or local laws in the receiving country.  

Sharing the gospel with a patient or loved one when they are nearing the end of their life is an act of love.  If you’ve ever wondered how to minister to someone who is dying, you’re not alone. Many healthcare workers feel the weight of the moment and fear saying the wrong thing or annoying the patient. That said, the Gospel and the patient’s life are far more important than our worries, and ministering to them can be done in a way that shows our deep care for them.    Key Takeaways Sharing the gospel with someone who is dying begins by overcoming fear and recognizing that speaking about Christ is an act of mercy. Compassionate physical care and clear spiritual truth work together, reminding a dying person they are valued while pointing them to the hope of eternal life in Jesus. Learning how to minister to someone who is dying means creating natural openings, such as offering prayer, without forcing the conversation or waiting for a perfect moment. When someone feels unworthy of salvation, Scripture provides powerful examples like Paul and David to show that grace is greater than even the deepest sin. Even if a person does not receive the gospel, faithfulness means loving them as Christ does, continuing to serve them, and entrusting the outcome to God.   Start by Naming the Fear and Choosing Love When a patient is dying, your instincts are already tuned to protect them from pain. That same instinct can make spiritual conversation feel risky, as if bringing up Jesus might add discomfort. In some cases, that may be true, but that doens’t mean we should avoid the conversation. Sharing the Gospel is an act of mercy. If you’re wondering how to minister to someone who is dying, remember this: you don’t need a perfect script. Trust the Holy Spirit (Luke 12:12), and consider starting with your testimony explaining what you believe and how God has changed you.   Pair Compassionate Care with a Clear Gospel Good ministry doesn’t replace good care. It deepens it. A dying person may feel like they’ve become a task—meds, vitals, documentation, the next room. Loving care reminds them they are still a person. Sit if you can. Use their name. Hold their hand. Especially in hospice centers, patients can feel lonely, and spending time with them can show them the love of Christ.  Then, share the Gospel. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Explain who Jesus is, why He came, and what He did for us. Don’t worry about being perfect, it is not us who saves, but Christ. We are just called to be faithful.  If you are feeling hesitant, that’s normal, and the good news is that there is plenty of encouragement to be found in the Bible about sharing the Gospel that can help give you the courage you need.     How to Minister to Someone Who Is Dying Without Forcing the Moment When you’re at the bedside, you rarely get a perfect opening. So instead of waiting for one, offer to pray for them. It’s a way to show your love for them, and it opens the door for further conversation. You can ask if they are a Christian. If they say “Yes,” ask what they believe, ask for their testimony, and ask what they think of their relationship with Christ. It’s possible that they may not understand the Gospel and have a relationship with Christ, but simply identify as Christians. In this case, gently share the Gospel and your own story. Talk about repentance and invite them to pray with you, asking Christ for forgiveness.    When the Patient Says, “I’m not worthy” It’s possible that a patient might not see themselves as being worthy of Christ’s salvation. They may say, “You don’t know what I’ve done,” or “God wouldn’t want me.” This is where Scripture gives you honest, steady stories. Paul once persecuted Christians and tried to destroy the church, yet he later became a Christian and wrote, “...Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost” (1 Timothy 1:15). David also sinned greatly. He committed adultery and murdered the husband of the wife he committed adultery with. Yet Psalm 51 shows his repentance, and God forgave him. So when someone says they’re not worthy, you can answer: “You’re right, none of us are. We are saved by God’s grace and not by our own works” (see Ephesians 2:8). That’s a critical point to make in these situations when sharing salvation with someone who is dying: not by minimizing sin, but by magnifying the Savior.   A Simple Gospel Invitation You Can Use When the patient is ready, keep the invitation short and clear. You might say: “Acts 2:21 says that ‘everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ And we are told in Romans 10:9 that, ‘if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.'" Then, repeat the Gospel message, invite them to ask God for forgiveness, and pray with them.   If They Don’t Receive It, Don’t Lose Heart Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a patient won’t want to talk about God. They may shut down, change the subject, or tell you no. That refusal doesn’t mean you failed. If you’re learning how to minister to someone who is dying, you also need permission to release outcomes. You can’t control a heart. You can only offer the hope that is within you with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). Continue to serve them as Jesus served us. And pray for them throughout the day.   A Next Step for Healthcare Workers Who Want to Grow in This If you feel drawn to deeper gospel conversations in clinical settings, you may be closer to your calling than you think. Consider exploring domestic mission opportunities where compassionate healthcare and spiritual care are needed and where you can grow alongside others who also want to learn how to minister to someone who is dying with clarity and love.   Related Questions   What are spiritual words of comfort when someone is dying? Point them to Christ’s presence and promise by sharing Psalm 34:18 with them: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”   How do you comfort a dying person? Offer steady presence, honest listening, and prayer that names God’s mercy and peace.   What is a comforting Bible verse for someone who is dying? John 11:25 comforts with Jesus’ words: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live…”   What is a good prayer to say when someone is dying? Ask God for peace and a repentant heart and share Psalm 51 with them.  

Those who hope to honor God and advance Jesus' Kingdom face powerful opposition from spiritual, physical, and psychological enemies. Successful launching and long term fruitfulness depends on recognizing and, in dependence on the Holy Spirit, waging war against those enemies.

Suffering is the ache of life in a broken world, and the Bible has plenty to say about that ache. These Bible verses about suffering trace a bigger story than one hard week or one painful diagnosis. They show a God who draws near, a Savior who suffers with us, and a hope that does not pretend everything is fine. Suffering can shake faith at its roots. You pray, you try to live faithfully, and pain still arrives uninvited. If you’ve found yourself searching for Bible verses on suffering, Scripture offers more than answers: it offers context. From Genesis to Revelation, suffering is not a detour from God’s story but part of how redemption unfolds. A broader framework of a Biblical perspective on suffering helps anchor pain within the full sweep of Scripture, rather than reducing it to a single cause or explanation.   Key Takeaways The Bible presents suffering as part of God’s larger redemptive story, not as a sign of abandonment or failure. Scripture shows that God responds to suffering with nearness, and Jesus Himself suffered. Jesus teaches that hardship is expected in this world, yet peace is found by anchoring hope in Him rather than circumstances. The Bible consistently places present suffering within the promise of future restoration, where pain does not have the final word. Over time, suffering often reshapes compassion and calling, becoming a means through which faith is lived out in service to others.   Bible Verses About Suffering in God’s Unfolding Story   1. God Draws Near to the Broken (Psalm 34:18) “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” The Bible does not tell the brokenhearted to toughen up or move on. It tells them God comes close. Nearness is the first response of God to suffering, not correction or explanation. When pain isolates you, this verse insists that God’s presence has not withdrawn. Bible verses about suffering during grief reframe loneliness as a place God willingly enters.   2. The Messiah Knows Grief (Isaiah 53:3–5) “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief…But he was pierced for our transgressions…and with his wounds we are healed.” Long before Jesus walked among us, Scripture prepared us for a Savior who would suffer. The story of redemption does not bypass pain; it moves through it. Jesus does not analyze suffering from a distance; He too suffered greatly out of His love for us. This truth has shaped countless reflections on pain, including one by C.S. Lewis.   3. Jesus Is Moved by Our Grief (John 11:35) “Jesus wept.” These two words refuse to let suffering become abstract. Standing at Lazarus’s tomb, Jesus knows resurrection is coming, yet He still enters the grief of the moment. Tears are not a failure of faith; they are part of love. Many scriptures on suffering teach endurance, but this one teaches presence. God does not rush past sorrow.   4. Trouble Is Promised (John 16:33) “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Jesus does not soften expectations. He names suffering plainly, then anchors hope in Himself. Peace is not found in avoiding hardship but in trusting Christ. Bible verses on suffering often point to Christ, our hope.   5. Present Pain Is Not the Final Word (Romans 8:18) “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”  Paul does not deny the weight of suffering; he widens the horizon. The Bible consistently places present pain within a future restoration. There are plenty of Psalms for healing that combine the pain we have with hope in God’s mercy.    6. God Works Within Affliction (2 Corinthians 4:16–17) “So we do not lose heart…For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” Calling affliction “light” does not describe how it feels. It describes how it weighs against eternity. The Bible never claims suffering is good, but it repeatedly shows God producing endurance, clarity, and depth through it.   7. Suffering Ends in Restoration (Revelation 21:4) “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore...” The Bible does not end with coping strategies. It ends with renewal. Pain does not linger forever, and God does not stand back from the work of restoration. Every tear is addressed, not dismissed. For many, walking through suffering eventually becomes part of their witness. It can become an opportunity to share their testimony to help translate pain into hope for others who are still walking through it.   When Suffering Shapes Calling Suffering often sharpens compassion. It slows us down, opens our eyes, and reshapes how we see the needs of others. In Scripture, pain frequently becomes the soil where service and calling take root. For some, that next step looks like offering skills and presence to those who are experiencing hardship. Providing disaster relief to those devastated by natural disasters and war can be one tangible way to step into that calling.   Related Questions   What does God say about suffering? God promises His nearness to the brokenhearted and His ultimate restoration of all things.   What did Jesus teach us about suffering? Jesus taught that suffering is part of life but does not have the final word because He has overcome the world.   What is a good Bible verse when going through hard times? Psalm 34:18 offers reassurance that the Lord is near to those who are brokenhearted.   Where is God when we are going through difficult times? God is present with those who suffer and for anyone who calls out to Him (Psalm 145:18).  

Volunteering, in a biblical sense, is choosing to serve others with your time, strength, and resources as an act of love toward God and neighbor. If you’ve been searching for Bible verses about volunteering, you may be wondering whether helping out is simply a nice option or something deeper. Scripture treats service as part of normal Christian life because Christ served us first, and He calls us to serve each other. These verses bring clarity to what God honors, what love looks like in action, and why service matters.   Key Takeaways Service as Discipleship: The Bible presents volunteering not as an optional extra but as a core expression of discipleship rooted in God’s character and compassion. Christ as the Model: Jesus models service through His own life, showing that God Himself has a heart for serving others. Serving Christ Through Others: Scripture teaches that feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and caring for the vulnerable is ultimately service to Christ Himself. Love in Action: God calls believers to use their gifts, voices, and resources to actively support and advocate for those in need. Faithful and Humble Obedience: Christian service may be quiet or costly, but steady faithfulness reflects humility and aligns our lives with Christ’s example.   Why Volunteering Matters to God Volunteer work can feel like something extra you do when you have the margin. Yet the Bible consistently ties service to the heart of discipleship. God does not ask His people to admire compassion from a distance. He calls us to step toward need. Sometimes that looks like small, faithful help in your church. Other times, it looks like showing up in places where suffering hides in plain sight, such as human trafficking. Either way, Bible verses about service and volunteer work make one theme hard to miss: Christians are made to serve.   Bible Verses About Volunteering That Shape a Christian Life   1. Jesus Did Not Come to Be Served (Mark 10:45) “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Though God, Jesus came to serve us. Likewise, we are supposed to follow His example.   2. Service Becomes Service to Christ (Matthew 25:35–40) “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me…” This passage keeps volunteering from becoming abstract. Feeding, clothing, welcoming, visiting—Jesus considers acts of service as being done to Him: “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”   3. Love Shows Up with Hands and Feet (1 John 3:17–18) “But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” Good intentions do not comfort an empty stomach or a weary soul. This is a Bible verse for volunteers who want love to be more than sentiment.   4. Speak Up for Those Without a Voice (Proverbs 31:8–9) “Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Service is not always quiet. Sometimes it means advocating for someone who cannot advocate for themselves. Volunteering can include meeting physical needs, but it can also mean using your voice wisely on behalf of the vulnerable.   5. Your Gifts Were Given for Other People (1 Peter 4:10) “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” You do not need a special title to serve. Your skills, training, and experience can become steady ways to love others well, including in vocational callings like Christian nurses who bring compassion into clinical spaces.   6. Do Not Quit When It Feels Small (Galatians 6:9–10) “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Service can feel quiet, repetitive, and unseen. Scripture does not deny that fatigue; it urges us to stay steady when not much seems to change.   7. True Religion Protects the Vulnerable (James 1:27) “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” Our faith can be seen in how we treat people who are needy and have nothing to give in return. Volunteering becomes a way to move toward those who often get passed over.   8. Generosity Creates Real Partnership (2 Corinthians 9:7–8) “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” Not every act of service involves money, but this passage speaks to the same posture: willing, joyful giving. It also reminds you that God supplies strength for what He calls you to do.   9. The Good Samaritan Rewrites “Neighbor” (Luke 10:33–37) “But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion.” In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus chooses a surprising hero to show that we are called to serve anyone we find in need. This is one of the clearest Bible verses about volunteering in narrative form—see need, move toward it, pay the cost.   10. Service Can Cost Something (Philippians 2:3–4) “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Volunteering is not always convenient. This passage does not shame you for having responsibilities; it calls you to widen your vision so other people’s needs matter, too.   A Next Step That Stays Close to Home Some people hear “missions” and picture a passport. Yet service can start locally, with the same heart and the same gospel-shaped motive. If you’re ready to explore where your skills and compassion could meet real needs nearby, explore domestic mission opportunities and find one you can get involved with. A faithful yes in one place can become the beginning of a life marked by service.   Related Questions   What does God say about volunteer work? God consistently calls His people to serve others with compassion, humility, and practical action.   What does Jesus teach us about helping others? Jesus teaches that serving people in need is the same as serving Him (Matthew 25:35–40).   Why is helping people important to God? Helping others matters to God because it reflects His character and His care for the vulnerable and overlooked (Psalm 146:7–9).   What parable from Jesus is about helping others? The Parable of the Good Samaritan shows what it looks like to love your neighbor through concrete mercy (Luke 10:33–37).  

Medical missionaries often feel powerful emotional burden from moral injury, and it is a leading cause of departure from the mission field. But we have learned proven methods of preventing and dealing with moral injury. Use God’s powerful methods to protect yourself and your team, and to grow in wisdom and spirit!

Missionary support raising is the process of building a reliable monthly team of financial and prayer partners so you can serve without constant money stress. So how much support do missionaries raise? Enough to cover real life, real ministry, and real margin—without inflating the ask or starving the mission. The goal is a number that’s honest, sustainable, and clear enough that you can invite others to join you without feeling like you are asking for too much or too little.   Key Takeaways Right-Sized Support Goal: The tension between asking for too much and being underfunded is normal, and the solution is to build a support goal that matches your specific assignment. No Universal Number: How much support missionaries raise depends on location, sending structure, family realities, and ministry costs rather than a single average. Five-Bucket Framework: A sustainable monthly goal should be calculated across five clear buckets—personal living expenses, insurance, ministry costs, sending fees, and a 10 to 15 percent margin for the unexpected. Personal Realities Matter: Family size, debt, housing decisions, and home-based responsibilities significantly impact how much support you need and must be factored into your total. Partnership-Based Fundraising: Missionaries raise support most effectively by treating it as a partnership—leading with calling, making clear monthly asks, following up personally, and staying connected over time.   Why the Number Feels So Hard If you feel stuck between “I don’t want to ask for too much” and “I’m terrified of being underfunded,” you’re not being dramatic. You’re being realistic. Underfunding usually costs more than money. It pulls attention away from people and into panic. Overestimating can feel awkward, especially if you worry supporters will think you’re building a lifestyle instead of serving. The way through is simple: stop guessing and start building a support goal that matches your assignment.   How Much Support Do Missionaries Raise in Real Life? How much support missionaries raise depends on what it costs to live and serve where they’re going, plus what their sending structure requires. Some missionaries are supported through an agency salary or stipend; others raise monthly donations; many have a mix. In the United States, missionary compensation averages around $50,000, but that figure can swing widely based on location, benefits, family size, and ministry expenses.  A better question than “What do most people raise?” is “What do I need to raise to serve well and stay healthy?”   Build Your Monthly Support Goal in Five Buckets Here’s a straightforward way to calculate how much support you need for long-term service. Start with monthly numbers, then convert to annual if your agency or donors prefer that.   Personal Living Expenses This is the normal cost of being alive: housing, utilities, food, phone, clothing, and local transportation. Pro tip: Keep in mind that moving to the mission field will be costly and should be factored separately from your monthly expenses.    Health Insurance and Medical Costs Insurance is often the line item people forget. Include premiums, out-of-pocket expectations, and routine care. If you’re serving overseas, consider medical evacuation coverage if it’s required or wise.   Ministry and Work-Related Expenses Think supplies, local travel for ministry, training, language learning, hospitality, communication tools, and team development. If you’ll be part of a hospital, clinic, church, or community initiative, ask what you’re expected to fund personally versus what the organization covers.   Sending Costs and Administration Some agencies build in administration, accountability, donor processing, and member care fees. These vary. Get this number early, because it affects your final goal whether you like it or not.   Margin for the Unexpected Margin is not a luxury. Margin is what keeps a flat tire from becoming a crisis. A simple approach is adding 10 to 15 percent to cover inflation, emergency travel, visa surprises, and the kind of ordinary disruptions that are not “emergencies” until you have no buffer.   Family, Debt, and Home-Based Realities How much support do missionaries raise changes dramatically when you add a spouse, children, or aging-parent responsibilities. Family size affects housing, schooling, food, insurance, and travel. Student loans also matter. Some missionaries minimize debt before going; others build repayment into their support goal. Either approach is workable if it’s planned for. If you own a home, you may need to decide whether to sell, rent, or keep it. Each choice changes your monthly number.   A Simple Example Let’s say you estimate: Personal living expenses: $2,500/month Insurance and medical: $600/month Ministry expenses: $500/month Sending/admin costs: $400/month Margin (about 10 percent): $400/month That’s $4,400/month. For some people, that will be high. For others serving in expensive cities or supporting a family, it may be low. But it shows how a clear process replaces anxiety with clarity.   How Do Missionaries Raise Support Without Feeling Weird? How do missionaries raise support in a way that feels grounded and respectful? They treat it as a partnership. Paul thanked the Philippians for their generosity and described it as a shared investment, not just charity (Philippians 4:15–17). That posture changes the tone of every conversation. Here are a few practices that work, especially for long-term support:   Lead with Calling, Then Get Specific People can’t support what they can’t picture. Share what you’re doing, who you’ll serve, and why you’re going. Then explain the support goal in plain language, including what it covers. Clarity builds trust.   Ask Personally More Than You Post Broad announcements are fine, but personal conversations move the needle. A conversation over dinner, or a coffee meeting, is often where committed monthly support begins.   Make a Simple Monthly Ask Many supporters want to know the monthly number. It feels tangible. How do missionaries raise support effectively? They give people a clear option: “Would you consider partnering at $50/month?” Without a direct ask, donors may be confused about what you are asking for and how they can help.   Follow Up and Stay Connected A follow-up is not nagging. It’s stewardship. After someone gives, keep them close with short updates, prayer requests, and gratitude. There are many other ways to fundraise for a mission trip, whether short-term or long-term, but the core stays the same: asking others to partner with you.    A Quick Note for Short-Term Missionaries Short-term needs are usually simpler: travel, lodging, food, insurance, and supplies. The support goal is often a one-time total rather than a monthly amount. Even then, the fear is the same: too much or too little. A clean budget and clear communication protect you from both.   The Calm Way to Move Forward If you’re still wondering how much support do missionaries raise, don’t hunt for a magic average. Build your number, bucket by bucket, and let that clarity shape your conversations. And if you want to be a missionary but are not sure where God is calling you, start by exploring long-term mission opportunities. The support goal gets much easier to build once the assignment gets clearer.   Related Questions   What does the Bible say about supporting missionaries financially? The New Testament describes financial support as gospel partnership, including examples like Philippians 4:15–17.   What is the average salary of a missionary? In the United States, missionary compensation averages around $50,000, but it varies widely based on location, benefits, and ministry needs.   How do missionaries raise support? Most build a team through personal conversations, clear monthly asks, consistent follow-up, and regular updates that invite ongoing partnership.   Do missionaries get taxed? Many do, depending on their employment status and where they live, so it’s wise to consult a qualified tax professional.  

We are all called to serve. But serving well takes more than passion—it takes clarity. These Bible verses about serving others are for mission-minded believers who want to stay rooted in truth, especially when the work gets hard.  Whether you’re stepping into cross-cultural work, healthcare, short-term trips, or simply learning how to serve where you are, these scriptures offer the kind of clarity that leads to action.   Key Takeaways Serving with compassion means recognizing the needs right in front of you and responding with action, not delay. True service doesn’t chase recognition—it gives freely, even when no one notices. Pouring yourself out for others often brings unexpected renewal and strength in return. You don’t need a title to lead—just the humility to follow Christ’s example and serve where it matters. Using your voice to speak up for the vulnerable is just as important as meeting their physical needs.   1. Serve with Compassion (Matthew 25:40) “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” Compassion isn’t about waiting for the “right” time to help. It’s about seeing someone in front of you and stepping in. That might look like sitting with someone in crisis, or learning how to help refugees who’ve lost everything. Jesus makes it clear: when you care for the overlooked, you’re not just doing a good thing, you’re honoring Him. That’s at the heart of these Bible verses about serving others.   2. Give Without Needing Recognition (Luke 6:35) “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great...” Service isn’t a transaction. You’re not planting seeds to get applause. The people you serve might not thank you, and the impact might not show up on a timeline. Give your time, energy, resources, etc. anyway. This kind of scripture on serving others pushes against ego and invites you into a different kind of reward.   3. Pour Yourself Out (Isaiah 58:10) “[I]f you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.” This is one of the lesser-known Bible verses about serving the poor. Mission work is often practical—providing meals, medical care, clean water—but it’s also personal. When you pour yourself out, God doesn’t just use you—He strengthens you. That kind of renewal doesn’t come from strategy. It comes from showing up.   4. Let Go of Titles (Mark 10:45) “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus didn’t wait to be asked. He didn’t check His title before washing feet. He moved toward people in pain. If your role involves leading others, keep this close.    5. Speak Up for the Overlooked (Proverbs 31:8–9) “Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute...defend the rights of the poor and needy.” This is service with a voice. It’s not just about meeting needs; it’s about advocating when others can’t. In missions, that might mean fighting for access to care, helping someone navigate a broken system, or simply listening well enough to tell their story truthfully.    6. Tell What God Has Done (Psalm 66:16) “Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul.” You don’t have to impress anyone or get the words perfect. Just tell the truth about what God has done in you. In doing so, you will be sharing with them the greatest gift that God offers us.   7. Keep Going When It’s Quiet (Galatians 6:9–10) “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Serving others sounds noble—until you’re a few months in and wondering if it’s doing anything. This verse is for the days that feel invisible. Stay steady. You don’t have to measure success in results. Faithfulness is enough. Verses like this are why so many return to Bible verses about serving others when the work gets heavy.   8. Move Toward the Margins (Psalm 82:3–4) “Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute…” This isn’t a suggestion. It’s a charge. These are the people God sees first—those without backup, without protection, without resources. The Bible specifically puts an emphasis on caring for widows and orphans.    9. Use What You’ve Been Given (1 Peter 4:10–11) “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace…” Our spiritual gifts can translate to our roles like nursing, project planning, management and should be used for others and for God’s glory. Just make sure you’re drawing from God’s strength, not just your own. This is one of the most empowering Bible verses about serving others, because it affirms that you already have something worth using and developing.   10. Start Where You Are (Micah 6:8) “He has told you, O man, what is good…to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Don’t wait for a position or a passport. You don’t need permission to serve. You need humility, consistency, and a willingness to act. Whether that’s across the globe or across the street, start small and stay faithful.   Want to Put These Verses into Action? If you're looking for a next step, explore short-term missions. It doesn’t have to be forever, but it could be the beginning of something that lasts. Sometimes all it takes is one small yes.   Related Questions   What does Jesus teach us about serving others? He teaches us to serve with humility as He did when He washed the disciples' feet.   How does God call us to serve? God calls us through the gifts He’s given and the needs right in front of us.   What parable is about serving others? The Parable of the Good Samaritan shows what it looks like to serve all, regardless of who they are.   What does the Bible say about serving with joy? It says we’re meant to serve by the strength God supplies—not out of pressure or pride.