Missionary Ideas

For missionaries serving in a foreign country, audio-translations from General Conference are a cool idea. I  first learned about this when one of my cousins requested some LDS material that would help her with the new language.

You can easily burn a CD of General Conference talks that have been translated into other languages, and this is a great way to help your missionary with the language he is trying to learn.

For instructions on how to do this, click here:      CD Instructions

*Note: these instructions are for a Mac (that’s what I use), so it’ll be a little different if you’re using a PC.

I recently attempted to purchase some clothes for my cousin, who’s serving in Korea. After striking out at several stores, I had to return home empty handed. I thought I’d start posting clothing pieces I come across. This lovely top is from Downeast Outfitters, a definite go-to store for cute modest wardrobes. Be sure to check the specific standards for each mission before committing to anything!

A Variety of Shapes and Sizes

Organizational supplies, while not the most exciting present, are still a good idea when mailing a Christmas package to a missionary. I have purchased the Command brand of hooks and wall mounting supplies, and I really like them. My sister and I found several other types of hooks and hangers that our brother could easily install without damaging walls or doors. Anything to help him get organized!

It seems like it’s always harder to think of presents to ship to missionaries serving in warmer climates. My sister and I searched hard to find things for our brother (who is leaving for Honduras today). One of our ideas was a lightweight, battery-operated fan. I know that when I lived in the Dominican Republic, it was so nice to have a little breeze when trying to fall asleep — the rooms were usually sweltering. When I asked my husband if a fan would have been nice in Brazil, where he served his mission he said he would have loved it, and added that the smaller hand-fans work out very nicely, too. This is a picture of the fan we bought for my brother. I included the batteries in the photo to show the size of the fan (they are D batteries), but my sister and I decided not to send them — way too heavy! You be the judge.

Fleece blankets are very easy to make–

–there is absolutely NO sewing involved!

What’s more, you can pick any pattern you like from your local fabric store. Fleece is usually inexpensive, but depending on the size of the blanket, it may get

expensive to ship, so think twice before mailing your missionary a new comforter for his king-size bed. Best to keep the size modest, but still warm.

In case you’ve never made a fleece blanket, I found step-by-step instructions at the following blog:

http://abigcupoftea.blogspot.com/2008/09/cozy-tie-fleece-blanket.html

 One easy project that I have done for several different missionaries is a checkbox letter. Unfamiliar with this concept? It’s simple: the goal is to create a letter that your missionary can complete and send to her friends and family – the fun part is, she can only choose answers that you have provided. Start with a list of statements (for example “The food here…”  or  ”My companion is…”), and then beneath, like a multiple choice exam, list several optional answers, and tell your missionary to check all that apply. Don’t be afraid to get creative — it makes it more fun! For instance, under the food statement, you could list options such as:    ”…is nothing like mom’s”     or     “…kills a little piece of my heart each day”    or    ”…is probably going to be my Abrahamic test while on my mission”    or     “…watches me as I eat it.”  You get the idea. Be sure to send multiple copies, so that your missionary can send them to friends as well!

This is a cute idea for Elders and Sister Missionaries alike, and it comes from blogger MomoMushy. Compile a mini address book, filled with the mailing addresses of his family, friends, or ward members. Be sure to keep things in alphabetical order, and include several blank pages at the back in case he needs to add an address or two sometime throughout his mission (often missionaries like to keep in touch with companions who return home before they do). Another way to show your support would be to send a him a blank book toward the end of his mission, so that he can collect the contact info of members and investigators he wants to keep in touch with after he gets home. Talk about going the extra mile — you will show him that you care about the people he cares about.

Keep It Clean

A very handy tool for either purse or pocket, tide to go is a perfect little gift for your missionary.  Small and lightweight, it is easy and inexpensive to ship, and can be used in any climate or country.  Whether he’s headed out or on the go, it’s nice to know that quick cleaning power is just a few seconds away.  A Tide-to-Go or similar detergent pen will definitely prove convenient and useful, and will help keep your missionary’s appearance neat and clean.

Make Mailing Letters Simple!

You can can make life a little easier for you missionary by sending him or her a sheet of address labels.  Missionaries are really cramped for time on their Preparation Day, so why not save them the hastle? My husband’s return address was 5-6 lines long, and when I sent him a sheet of return address labels, he used one on his next letter with a note on the envelope that said “Very, VERY helpful. Thank you.” You might even think about sending a sheet of labels with your address — it’ll only make sending letters home more appealling!

Here is just one site where you can order these labels:

http://stamps-n-labels.com/address_labels.html

You can also homemake them with label paper and a printer!