Here are some practical ways to show you care:

• Several months in advance, find out if your workers need help in locating suitable housing. Church members may have an in-law suite or a vacation home available. Check with your Seamless Link Advisor (formerly known as District Missions Consultant) who may have access to helpful information.
• Help them obtain a dependable vehicle.
• Give them a quiet transition time. Before coming home, they have had to complete many projects, turn over responsibilities to coworkers, prepare presentation materials, set up itineraries for their time in Canada, and pack. They will arrive here physically, emotionally and sometimes spiritually drained. Encourage them to take time to rest during their first few weeks back.
• Stock their pantry upon their arrival.
• Treat them to special activities such as a spa experience or massage. Take them to a sporting event or something else they may be interested in. Give the woman a gift certificate and a day of shopping with a woman from the church who can take her to the best places for bargains and help with current styles.
• Treat their children to special church activities such as Vacation Bible School, youth retreats or a church camp.
• Have the pastor or a counselor from the church listen to them and their personal needs. Encourage them and pray for them.
• Help them make their time home as productive as possible. Help them explore college options for their children; help them with health-related appointments. Assist them in finding suitable living arrangements for elderly parents. Encourage them in their educational pursuits.
• Foster personal ties by matching them with a small group coming from the same stage of life.
• Discover their spiritual gifts and use them to enrich your local ministry. Use their expertise in reaching out to immigrants in the area. Consider them to be an integral part of the pastoral team.
• Develop friendships with them. Encourage members of your congregation to really get to know them. Hold a picnic or backyard barbecue so members can meet them in a relaxed atmosphere.