Christmas is coming, and whether or not you’re the sort of person who has everything organised and check-listed to within an inch of its life, Christmas is a God-given opportunity in countless ways. The Nativity story is full of announcements – from angelic encounters to the excited chattering of shepherds – making sure the good news is spread far and wide. So with this as a template it seems natural to make Christmas a time for letting your supporters know how much their encouragement means.
Start now by thinking of creative ways to thank your supporters for everything they’ve given in terms of support—both financial and in other ways—in the past year. Be an encourager back to them by showing how their generosity has been multiplied by God in the work you’ve done.
The number one aim is to let them know how grateful you are for their support and encouragement and how God is using those gifts. No doubt you’ll have plenty of ideas of your own but here are a few others to add to the mix:
If it’s feasible, why not write a personal thank you letter or note to each supporter? This gives you a chance to thank them individually and specifically and to pray for them as you write. If you prefer, you could record a short video clip but remember to make it personal and relevant to that person.
What about a small gift that reminds them of your ministry? Bookmarks or fridge magnets are old faithfuls but you might have some more creative or unusual ideas.
If you’re based abroad, why not give a little flavour of how Christmas is celebrated where you are? Local recipes, customs, or a description of how you might be spending Christmas all help to set the scene and help your supporters feel a little more connected.
If you’re based in the UK, you might want to arrange a small get-together for your supporters or plan a series of visits to thank them in person. Even if the diary’s full, book something in for the early part of the year.
In whatever way you choose to thank your supporters—be it fairly standard or surprisingly unusual—they will all appreciate being treated as a valued part of your support team.
