Resources for Missionary Recruits Online by Marty Andry, Doug Lucas, and Chris Bushnell

Writing to Christian Workers in Creative Access Countries

Creative Access Countries, sometimes called "closed" or "restricted access" include countries where it is illegal to do evangelistic work. Some of these nations may have Communist or Marxist governments, or maybe ruled by a religious group hostile to Christianity. It is important for Christian missionaries to receive communication from home. Of all missionaries, these are perhaps the ones who most need encouragement from home.

This creates a difficulty. Those who go to these restricted nations often give up many "rights" among them, the right to privacy in correspondence. When writing people in these nations, keep in mind that it is very likely that your letters will be read by others. Here are some guidelines for writing people in these kinds of situations.

• Don't criticize the government in any way.
• Don't mention missions, missionary activity, evangelism, witnessing, Bible distributions, the national church, support raising, etc.
• Don't send missionary prayer letters, tracts, church bulletins, missions magazines, etc.
• Don't send letters on church stationery or send support information into China. Any sermon tapes mailed should be labeled only with the speaker's first and last name, for example, Sam Smith, not Rev. Sam Smith.
• Don't mention by name any national friends of the missionary or in any way identify national people who might be interested in Christianity.
• Limit our use of Christian language to talking about your own spiritual life and growth. You may be able to quote Scripture and to tell them that you are praying for them. Just remember, moderation is the key.
• Do write letters to the missionary. It will be cherished and bring needed encouragement. Even if you can't say everything you would like to say, please do write. It isa good idea to tape letters closed after sealing them.

You're done! You've completed the course!  Bravo!  Three cheers!!!  Good job!

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