- Categories:
- Religious
- Tags:
- AppreciationCareer
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every January 14
- Holiday emoji:
- 🌍
Take a Missionary to Lunch Day arrives every January 14, inviting us to honor the dedicated individuals who serve communities worldwide. Missionaries provide essential services like education, healthcare, and spiritual guidance, often in challenging environments. Take time today to connect with a missionary, learn about their work, and offer a meal of appreciation.
Want to sponsor Take a Missionary to Lunch Day? Learn how
Expected Take a Missionary to Lunch Day Deals
While specific deals for Take a Missionary to Lunch Day are rare, many organizations and individuals use this day to extend gestures of appreciation. Churches and community groups often host special luncheons or dinners, providing free meals for missionaries in their area. Some local restaurants may offer discounts or complimentary meals for verified missionaries as a show of support. Additionally, organizations like Samaritan’s Purse and World Relief, which deploy missionaries globally, might highlight ways to support their field workers through donations or care packages. Consider supporting mission-focused businesses or donating to a missionary’s personal fund. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as January 14 approaches.
Platform Guide for Take a Missionary to Lunch Day
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and share stories of missionaries who have inspired you. Highlight their work and impact.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #TakeAMissionaryToLunchDay. Organize a community lunch and share photos.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #TakeAMissionaryToLunchDay. Share a short tribute to a missionary you know or support.
Take a Missionary to Lunch Day Hero
David Livingstone
History of Take a Missionary to Lunch Day
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.
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 focused their efforts on sending missionaries to every ethnic group in the world, with a huge increase in efforts since the 1900s, and a significant boost since the 1974 Lausanne I: The International Congress on World Evangelization in Switzerland.
Evangelism, big gatherings reminiscent of concerts, home churches, and relationship building are all common ways for Christians to carry out their mission work. Building relationships with native people in a certain community is also possible. Missionaries will become immersed in the culture in order to reach out to the people through commerce, education, relief initiatives, and everyday life.
Door-to-door evangelism is the most popular type of proselytizing. The Mormons adhere to a set of guidelines for sharing their beliefs, outlined in “Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service.” The most well-known aspect of Jehovah’s Witnesses is their door-to-door preaching. Pamphlets, books, and magazines are distributed as they attempt to convert people to their faith.
Take a Missionary to Lunch Day timeline
The Catholic Church dispatches missionaries across the world.
After Martin Luther's Reformation, Protestant missions begin.
The term “mission” is first introduced.
The Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization is held in Switzerland.
Take a Missionary to Lunch Day FAQs
When is Take a Missionary to Lunch Day?
For 2027, Take a Missionary to Lunch Day is observed on Thursday, January 14. This annual observance is a dedicated moment to express gratitude for their tireless service.
How many missionaries serve worldwide?
The global missionary force is vast and diverse, with millions of individuals engaged in some form of cross-cultural service. This includes traditional missionaries, aid workers, educators, and medical professionals, all contributing to development and spiritual growth in communities around the world.
What types of work do missionaries do?
The scope of missionary work is incredibly broad, encompassing everything from disaster relief and community building to literacy programs and sustainable agriculture initiatives. Many missionaries focus on empowering local communities through skill-building and leadership development, fostering long-term self-sufficiency.
Is Take a Missionary to Lunch Day a religious holiday?
Take a Missionary to Lunch Day is not a formal religious observance in the liturgical sense, but rather a secular day of appreciation. It encourages people of all backgrounds to acknowledge the selfless contributions of missionaries, many of whom are faith-based, to global communities.
How to Celebrate Take a Missionary to Lunch Day
Take a missionary to lunch
As the holiday suggests, treat a missionary friend to a delicious lunch. If you are unable to do so, consider putting together a care package of treats to give to them.
Make donations
If you don’t know any missionaries, why not make a donation? There are foreign and local missions that will appreciate the help.
Reach out and offer support
Request the addresses (e-mail or physical) of missionaries from your church or denomination. Start a conversation with them. Inquire about their interests, daily routines, and new experiences. Inquire about how you might assist them in their efforts.
5 Facts About Missionaries That Will Blow Your Mind
Fearless dedication
On January 8, 1956, Jim Elliot was martyred, but his wife, Elisabeth, decided to stay and spread the gospel in the area where her husband was killed.
Secret agent
Amy Carmichael was an Indian missionary who established safe houses for children who were being trafficked.
The instigator
William Carey was the first missionary to India.
Friendly strangers
81% of Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists around the world do not know a Christian.
Going the distance
In the early 1900s, Mary Slessor served as a missionary in Nigeria for over 40 years.
Why We Love Take a Missionary to Lunch Day
We get to appreciate missionaries
Missionaries do a lot for the people they are sent to visit. Today, we get to celebrate their selfless work and valuable contributions to society.
Encouraging a new generation
We love the fact that we get to encourage prospective missionaries. A new generation of missionaries will appreciate the recognition given to missionary work around the world.
It is a source of inspiration
Missionaries inspire us all to be better people. Their selfless actions inspire us to help others and make the world a better place.
Take a Missionary to Lunch Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | January 14 | Thursday |
| 2028 | January 14 | Friday |
| 2029 | January 14 | Sunday |
| 2030 | January 14 | Monday |
| 2031 | January 14 | Tuesday |



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