Take a Missionary to Lunch Day - January 14, 2027

Take a Missionary to Lunch Day is marked on January 14 each year, providing a meaningful occasion to express sincere gratitude and offer real encouragement to those who dedicate their lives to serving communities in distant lands with deep faith, genuine compassion, and practical help. These committed individuals from various spiritual traditions leave behind familiar surroundings to provide essential support in underserved regions.

Take a Missionary to Lunch Day History

The practice of sending dedicated representatives to remote areas to share spiritual teachings, offer moral guidance, and provide tangible assistance has roots that stretch far into antiquity, long before any standardized term or organized system defined these activities. In early periods, followers of various religious traditions embarked on demanding and frequently dangerous journeys to connect with unknown groups, transmit messages of hope and renewal, and offer help to those enduring hardship. These initial efforts created foundational patterns for cross-cultural service that combined spiritual purpose with direct humanitarian support. As religious communities expanded and strengthened over centuries, these isolated initiatives gradually developed into more coordinated and purposeful campaigns designed to achieve wider influence and systematic impact on diverse societies worldwide.

In 1598, the term ‘mission’ was coined. The Jesuits adopted this word to denote the act of sending people overseas. The word ‘mission’ comes from the Latin term ‘missionem.’ This word is used by Jesus in the Great Commission in the Latin translation of the Bible. The first Christian missionary was the apostle Paul. His work began in about 37 A.D.

Take a Missionary to Lunch Day emerges as a contemporary expression within this long tradition of outreach and dedication, serving today as a personal way to acknowledge and encourage those who pursue similar vocations in the modern era. As far back as 563 A.D., the Catholic Church dispatched missionaries across the world. After Martin Luther launched the Reformation, Protestant missions began in 1517. In 750 A.D., the Muslim faith began its first missionary work. Dawah, which translates to ‘to invite,’ is how Muslims convert others to Islam. In the United States, they do this via prison ministry.

Modern evangelical organizations have placed strong emphasis on sending missionaries to reach every ethnic group in the world, with significant growth in efforts since the 1900s and a major increase following the 1974 Lausanne International Congress on World Evangelization in Switzerland. This event fostered unprecedented collaboration, resource sharing, and renewed commitment among global participants.

Contemporary methods of missionary service include a broad range of approaches such as large public gatherings similar to festivals, intimate home-based meetings, patient long-term relationship building, and complete cultural immersion. Missionaries often integrate fully into local life by participating in commerce, education, relief projects, and everyday activities to build authentic trust and deliver sustainable benefits to the communities they serve.

Why Take a Missionary to Lunch Day Matters

Powerful Source of Everyday Inspiration

Missionaries embody remarkable selflessness and endurance, their lives serving as vivid examples that prompt ordinary people to consider their own potential for kindness and meaningful action. Their experiences of overcoming isolation, bridging cultural gaps, and achieving quiet successes in difficult settings awaken deep admiration and motivate individuals to practice greater generosity, volunteer more often, and extend empathy in daily life, creating broader positive change.

Vital Encouragement for Future Workers

By openly honoring missionary service, this day sparks interest and confidence among younger people who may feel called to similar paths. When prospective missionaries see their potential vocation respected and celebrated, they become more willing to pursue preparation, short-term opportunities, or lifelong commitments. This ongoing encouragement ensures that vital work in education, healthcare, economic development, and spiritual guidance continues to reach future generations.

Heartfelt Appreciation for Their Sacrifices

The holiday provides a sincere opportunity to thank missionaries for the transformative difference they make in places of great need. Their persistent efforts to address poverty, lack of education, illness, and spiritual emptiness, often involving significant emotional, physical, and social costs, deserve genuine recognition and sustained support that helps restore their energy and confirms they are remembered and valued.

How to Celebrate Take a Missionary to Lunch Day

Personal Outreach and Ongoing Encouragement

Request current contact information for active missionaries from your church, denomination, or mission agency. Initiate regular and thoughtful communication by asking about their cultural discoveries, daily routines, challenges and joys, personal interests, and specific ways supporters can assist, such as through prayer, sending resources, or advocacy. These consistent interactions offer important emotional strength and strengthen the bond between those in the field and the community at home.

Generous Financial Contributions

If direct contact with a missionary is not possible, make a donation to reputable organizations that fund mission projects locally or abroad. Contributions support essential supplies like educational materials, medical equipment, transportation, training, and community initiatives, allowing important work to continue in areas of greatest need and extending the day's spirit of generosity.

Direct Meal Invitation or Thoughtful Care Package

Follow the holiday name directly by inviting a missionary to enjoy a pleasant lunch or dinner, either at a restaurant with preferred foods or in a home setting with warm conversation and comforting dishes. This shared time provides relaxation and appreciation. If distance prevents an in-person meeting, assemble a care package containing favorite snacks, personal encouragement notes, useful items, and small gifts to deliver the same sense of care.

Facts About Missionaries

Fearless Dedication Amid Tragedy

Some missionaries continue serving with extraordinary courage even after suffering profound personal loss, such as Elisabeth Elliot who returned to the community that had killed her husband in 1956.

Hidden Heroes in Dangerous Settings

Many work quietly in high-risk areas to protect vulnerable individuals, like Amy Carmichael who created safe refuges in India during the early 20th century to rescue children from exploitation.

Pioneering Modern Outreach

William Carey is remembered as a pioneer who became one of the first missionaries to India in the late 18th century and contributed to social reforms alongside spiritual efforts.

Widespread Unreached Populations

A large number of people in major world religions, including many Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists, have never personally met a Christian, underscoring the continued need for cross-cultural outreach.

Enduring Long-Term Commitment

Numerous missionaries spend decades in one location, such as Mary Slessor who served in Nigeria for more than 40 years starting in the early 1900s, fully immersing herself to achieve deep and lasting impact.

Take a Missionary to Lunch Day Dates