Take a Missionary to Lunch Day

Take a Missionary to Lunch Day is observed annually on January 14. This day is a dedicated occasion to show appreciation for those who commit their lives to religious service and humanitarian work, often far from their homes. It serves as a practical reminder for community members and congregations to offer tangible support and hospitality to missionaries. By inviting these individuals to a meal, the day fosters personal connections, allowing donors and friends to hear firsthand accounts of the challenges and triumphs experienced on the mission field.

History of Take a Missionary to Lunch Day

The history of Take a Missionary to Lunch Day is tied to the legacy of Albert Schweitzer, a world-renowned physician, theologian, and Nobel Peace Prize winner. The holiday is observed on January 14 to honor Schweitzer’s birthday. Schweitzer famously spent decades as a medical missionary in what is now Gabon, Africa, where he established a hospital and dedicated his life to the “Reverence for Life” philosophy. His tireless service became a global symbol for the missionary vocation, inspiring the creation of this day as a way to honor his memory by supporting modern-day missionaries.

While the exact year of the holiday’s inception is not officially recorded, it emerged within Christian circles as a grassroots initiative to combat the isolation that missionaries often feel. Traditionally, missionaries spend years navigating foreign languages and cultures, sometimes returning home to find they have become disconnected from their original support networks. The day was established to bridge this gap, encouraging people to move beyond simple financial donations toward active, personal engagement. It has since become a standard entry in many religious and community holiday calendars across the United States.

Why is Take a Missionary to Lunch Day important?

This day is important because it addresses the emotional and social needs of missionaries, who often face high rates of burnout and loneliness. While many people view missionary work through the lens of spiritual results, the day-to-day reality involves significant physical labor, administrative hurdles, and cultural stress. A simple lunch invitation provides a much-needed break from these responsibilities and validates the missionary’s personal sacrifice. It allows them to feel seen as individuals rather than just representatives of a cause or a church organization.

Additionally, the day serves an educational purpose for the host and the broader community. Hearing specific stories about life in a different country or a high-needs urban area can broaden a person’s perspective on global issues and human rights. It transforms abstract reports into personal narratives, making the work of the mission more relatable and urgent. This interaction often leads to more effective and informed support throughout the rest of the year, as the host learns exactly what tools or resources the missionary lacks to perform their job successfully.

• A personal meal helps reduce the feelings of isolation many missionaries experience.
• The holiday honors the medical and humanitarian legacy of Albert Schweitzer.
• Hearing direct stories improves the quality and focus of future support.
• Lunch meetings provide a relaxed environment for meaningful spiritual exchange.
• The day reminds congregations that missionaries need emotional care, not just money.

How to Celebrate Take a Missionary to Lunch Day

The primary way to celebrate is by extending a formal invitation to a missionary currently serving in your local area or visiting from abroad. If your church supports specific individuals, you can reach out to the mission board for their contact information or current location. The meal does not have to be elaborate; the focus should be on creating a comfortable environment where the missionary feels free to talk or simply relax. If you cannot meet in person, sending a digital gift card for a restaurant in their host country or a “care package” of their favorite local treats is a thoughtful alternative.

For those who are not personally acquainted with a missionary, the day can be observed by learning about famous historical figures in the field. Reading a biography of Albert Schweitzer or watching a documentary about modern humanitarian missions can provide context for the challenges these workers face. You might also consider using the day to organize a small group gathering where a missionary can share their experiences via a video call. These activities help maintain the visibility of the mission field and ensure that the workers remain a priority in the community’s thoughts and actions.

• Contact your local church to find out which missionaries are currently in town.
• Invite a missionary family to your home for a home-cooked meal.
• Send an e-gift card for a meal to someone serving in a different time zone.
• Spend time reading about Albert Schweitzer’s medical work in Africa.
• Ask a missionary about their specific “on the ground” needs during your lunch.

Take a Missionary to Lunch Day Dates Table