Missions Moments

Since my first missions moments post received such rave reviews, I thought I'd write another one! :)

I know that many ladies are now avid fans of money saving mom, sales, coupons, etc. And I am too, especially after all the good deals I have found. But what do you DO with everything - especially items you might not really need and/or use?

I thought my friend Steph had a great idea when she told me she was donating some of the free items to her church's missionary closet. Many churches have these and they are mainly dependent on church members' donations. What a great opportunity to share our good deals! My mom's church has one and she recently told me they were running low on items. I told her she should get a couple ladies to go drugstore shopping and they coud have it filled up in no time!

Our church does not currently have a closet, but I am hoping that when I have a stockpile of items I might have the opportunity of sharing this idea with the ladies' missionary fellowship. Although we do not have deputation missionaries coming through at this point, we do have people come home on furlough or even families who go visit missionaries on the field.

This is a great way to help missionaries with minimal cost. That may sound selfish and stingy, but it really isn't. It is a donation of time and energy - something many deputation missionaries don't have a surplus of. They may not have access to coupons since they are often gone from home, so it is harder for them to access these deals themselves. Also, it meets real needs they may have for toothpaste, shampoo, etc.

Another idea - does your church have a missionary they send out? do you have a missionary family home on furlough? do you know a missionary who is ready to leave for the field? Many missionaries fill containers to ship their belongings overseas. It has been recommended to us that we also fill it with toiletries, personal care items, make-up, etc. because the prices are nearly double across the pond. So one of my goals is to set aside some of the free items I'm receiving (that don't expire) so that we have a good collection to take with us. Could you help a missionary with this need? (And no, I'm not suggesting myself - I'm only using myself as an example!) Furlough families may have this same need - though they are probably more limited on weight and space.

What an opportunity to give from the blessings the Lord has given to us. And yes, I consider it a blessing to save so much money. Let's find someone, anyone, whom we can bless as well.

On my next post I'd like to suggest more items to put in your missionary closet.....check back next week!