What Those You Send Wish You Knew- An Open Letter to the Senders

(A group of global workers were asked what they wish they could tell you—their senders. This letter reflects their honest, heartfelt responses.)

Dear Senders,

I wish you knew just how much you mean to me. I truly could not do what I do without you. Your calls, letters, messages, and prayers remind me that I’m not alone. It’s easy to feel forgotten and isolated here—to believe that my updates are going unread or unnoticed. When you take the time to respond to a newsletter, ask how I’m doing, or send a card or package, it fills my heart with joy and gratitude. Please don’t underestimate how much hearing from you really does make a difference. I don’t want to just be sent; I want to be known. 

I wish you knew how grateful I am for the sacrifices you make to send me. I know my being here costs you much. I think about it often, and I carry a deep sense of responsibility to steward well what you and the Lord have entrusted to me. Sometimes it’s hard to quantify what is happening here, and I can’t always provide numbers or statistics that demonstrate ministry “success,” but that doesn’t mean that God isn’t working! Even when my updates don’t seem especially exciting or fruitful, know that I am working hard—and fruit takes time.

I wish you knew that it’s impossible for me to live wholeheartedly in two worlds—to be fully present in the community around me here while also keeping up with everything back home. Please don’t mistake my physical absence for a lack of care, and don’t assume I’ve forgotten about you if I miss something or if it takes a while for me to respond. You matter to me, and I truly do want to know what’s happening in your life, even if we don’t talk as often as I’d like. I can’t serve well where God has placed me if I’m always mentally somewhere else. I’m deeply grateful for the people God has placed in my life on both sides of the globe, and I’m doing my best to love all of you well. I hope you can see that, despite my shortcomings.

I wish you knew that there is so much about my life I don’t share—so many stories untold, so many moments I can’t fully articulate. Sometimes it’s out of respect for my host country and community, sometimes to protect privacy, and sometimes because I’m unsure how much you actually want to know. I love when you ask questions and show curiosity about my life because it allows me to bring you into the story. Trust that there is always, always more than what a newsletter or social media post can convey.

I wish you knew when I come home for furlough, it isn’t a vacation. I’m working, traveling, speaking, fundraising, and navigating reverse culture shock on top of it all. I am genuinely happy to see you, but I am also often very tired and in need of rest. Thank you for being patient with me as I try to balance work, reunions, and rest—all of which matter deeply.

I wish you knew how much I’d love for you to come visit me overseas. I know it’s expensive and inconvenient, but having those who send me see where I live and serve is such a gift. Hosting you, taking you to my favorite places, and introducing you to my community here brings everything full-circle and makes the distance between my two worlds feel a little smaller. 

I wish you knew that I am not a hero, nor do I deserve a pedestal or spotlight. I often hear, I could never do what you do, but I need you to know: I am human. I am weak. I have moments I want to go home. This life is harder than you can possibly know, and yet, I cling to the extravagant grace of Jesus and trust that He who calls me is faithful.

More than anything, I wish you knew how much I love you, need you, and count it a profound honor and privilege to be sent by you. Thank you for believing in me and God’s call on my life. May He receive all glory and praise for your sending and my going.

Love, 

Your Sent One

(This letter, along with encouragement and prayers for those who send can be found in "For Those Who Send: Prayers for Those With Loved Ones Serving Abroad" by Heather Fallis, available on Amazon)