What Donors Want: In Your Newsletters

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I recently received some perceptive comments about my newsletter from a reader who receives many missionary newsletters. She is smart, kind and has world vision. She and her husband support many Gospel-workers.

So I asked her six questions about missionary newsletters. In her own words… 

“A few mission-workers we support have had tragedies, and we supported them in prayer, with extra finances, and emotional support.”

Dear Scott,

After reading hundreds of newsletters over the years, here are my answers to your questions.

Name three things that drive you nuts about missionary newsletters?

1. Too long

2. Preachy

3. No clear, obvious prayer requests

How many times per year do you like to receive a general newsletter?

Assuming letters are an extra burden for some missionaries to write, four times a year is enough. Remember though, I pray over every newsletter, so the more often I hear, the more often I pray. A handwritten note occasionally is not expected, but it is extra special.

What is wrong with long newsletters? I have so much to say! 

Society is trained for short spurts of information, bullet points.  A short letter will more likely be read immediately than if it is put on a pile to “Read later when I have more time.” Make paragraphs short!

Email letters…. how long should they be?

Shorter. A letter on an iPhone looks a lot longer than it is.

Humor. Does it make a difference? Doesn’t it seem unspiritual?

I enjoy occasional humor, when appropriate. 

Is it worth it for a missionary to take time to write well? Does it matter?  

A well-written letter enhances my support. I like newsletters to:

• Give a ministry update.

• Give a family update.  We support the families who are our friends. If the family wants privacy, no problem. A few mission-workers we support have had tragedies, and we supported them in prayer, with extra finances, and emotional support.

• Specific bullet point prayer requests 

• Pictures when available 

Sincerely,

“C” in Minnesota 

There you have it! Follow “C’s” advice and you will bond more deeply with your readers. And they will appreciate not having to slog laboriously through your tomes!