.svg)
Get ready to spread some kindness and appreciation on January 14 by participating in Take a Missionary to Lunch Day! This holiday was first created in 2002 as a way to show support for those who devote their lives to missionary work. It's a great opportunity to get to know missionaries, learn about their experiences and the causes they are passionate about, and treat them to a delicious meal. Whether you personally know a missionary or reach out to your local church or organization, this day is all about showing gratitude and making connections. So mark your calendars and get ready for a heartwarming day of giving back!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2002</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Missionary Lunch Day Origin</div><div class='timeline-text'>Take a Missionary to Lunch Day was first celebrated, encouraging people to show gratitude to missionaries by treating them to lunch.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2004</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>The holiday gained national recognition in the United States, with increased participation observed in numerous states.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Holiday Growth</div><div class='timeline-text'>By its eighth year, Take a Missionary to Lunch Day had experienced significant growth, with celebrations and contributions occurring worldwide.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Expansion</div><div class='timeline-text'>The celebration of the holiday began to see active participation in countries across Europe, Asia, and South America.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Virtual Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, the holiday shifted towards virtual celebrations, with people treating missionaries to digital gift cards and virtual meals.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a missionary potluck</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite a missionary or two to your home and have a potluck dinner with them. It's a great way to get to know them and hear their stories while enjoying delicious food.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Take a missionary on a cultural tour</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a missionary out for a day of exploring your city or town. Show them the sights, take them to local hotspots, and introduce them to new cultural experiences.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a fundraiser for missionaries</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get your community involved and organize a fundraiser to support missionaries. This could be a bake sale, car wash, or any other creative idea you can think of.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Take a missionary out for lunch</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Keep it simple and take a missionary out for lunch. It's a great opportunity to get to know them on a more personal level and show your appreciation for their work.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a prayer gathering for missionaries</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather your friends and family together for a prayer gathering dedicated to missionaries around the world. Share stories, pray for their safety and success, and show your support for their mission. </p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Supporting a good cause</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Take a Missionary to Lunch Day is all about showing your support and appreciation for missionaries who dedicate their lives to serving others. By participating in this day, you are contributing to a greater cause and making a positive impact.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Getting to know missionaries personally</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Taking a missionary out for lunch gives you the opportunity to get to know them on a personal level and hear about their experiences. It's a chance to learn more about their work and how they make a difference in the world.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Sharing a meal with someone new</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Eating together at lunch can be a great bonding experience. By inviting a missionary to join you, you are not only building a relationship with them, but also possibly introducing them to new foods and cultures. Plus, who doesn't love trying new restaurants or dishes?</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Missionaries have existed since the early Christian Church</h3><p class='facts-content'>Early Christians, including well-known figures like Paul the Apostle and Saint Peter, are often considered the first missionaries, spreading Christianity across different regions.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Missionaries often face challenging living conditions</h3><p class='facts-content'>Many missionaries serve in remote or impoverished areas, enduring harsh living conditions to fulfill their missions.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Language learning is a crucial part of being a missionary</h3><p class='facts-content'>Language skills and cultural competence are crucial for missionaries who often have to communicate in local languages to enhance their effectiveness.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Missionary work is not just spiritual</h3><p class='facts-content'>While spreading religious beliefs is a significant part of missionary work, many also provide essential services such as healthcare, education, and humanitarian aid.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There are both long-term and short-term missions</h3><p class='facts-content'>Although some missionaries commit their entire lives to service, others may serve short-term missions lasting from a few weeks to a couple of years.</p></div></div>
Take a Missionary to Lunch Day is celebrated on January 14 every year. In 2024 Take a Missionary to Lunch Day will occur on a Sunday.
2023
Jan 14
Saturday
2024
Jan 14
Sunday
2025
Jan 14
Tuesday
2026
Jan 14
Wednesday
2027
Jan 14
Thursday
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
