Take a Missionary to Lunch Day – January 14, 2027

Take a Missionary to Lunch Day
Categories:
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

LinkedIn

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and share stories of missionaries who have inspired you. Highlight their work and impact.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #TakeAMissionaryToLunchDay. Organize a community lunch and share photos.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #TakeAMissionaryToLunchDay. Share a short tribute to a missionary you know or support.

Social Media Tips for Take a Missionary to Lunch Day

Individuals

Reach out to a missionary you know — whether currently on assignment or home on leave — and invite them for a meal. Listen to their stories and offer encouragement.

Creators

Produce a short video or blog post highlighting the diverse work of missionaries, from education to healthcare. Interview a returning missionary about their experiences.

Brands

Restaurants can offer a special discount or free meal for missionaries on this day. Companies can sponsor a lunch for a local missionary organization or team.

Partners & Brands for Take a Missionary to Lunch Day

  1. Samaritan's Purse

    Founded in 1970 by Bob Pierce, and later led by Franklin Graham, Samaritan's Purse is a non-denominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to victims of war, poverty, natural disaster, famine, and disease worldwide. They operate numerous missionary programs.

  2. World Relief

    Established in 1944, World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization that partners with local churches and communities to empower the vulnerable. They focus on initiatives like refugee resettlement, maternal and child health, and economic development, often supported by missionary efforts.

  3. Catholic Relief Services

    Founded in 1943 by the Catholic Bishops of the United States, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the U.S. CRS provides assistance to people in over 100 countries, working to alleviate poverty and promote justice, often through the work of missionaries.

  4. Southern Baptist International Mission Board

    The International Mission Board (IMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention was founded in 1845. It is one of the largest missionary-sending organizations in the world, with thousands of missionaries serving in over 100 countries, sharing the Gospel and engaging in humanitarian work.

  5. Chick-fil-A

    Founded in 1946 by S. Truett Cathy in Hapeville, Georgia, Chick-fil-A is a popular fast-food chain known for its chicken sandwiches and strong faith-based corporate culture. The company often supports community and faith-based initiatives, aligning with the spirit of service and appreciation.

  6. Compassion International

    Founded in 1952 by Everett Swanson, Compassion International is a Christian child development organization working to release children from poverty. They partner with local churches in developing countries to provide holistic care, often leveraging the dedication of local and international missionaries.

  7. World Vision

    Established in 1950 by Robert Pierce, World Vision is a global Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Their extensive field operations often involve the work of dedicated aid workers and missionaries.

Take a Missionary to Lunch Day Hero

David Livingstone

David Livingstone (1813–1873) was a Scottish missionary, explorer, and physician who dedicated his life to exploring the interior of Africa and campaigning against the slave trade. His journeys, which began in 1841, covered vast uncharted territories and brought him international fame. Livingstone's work opened up Central Africa to missionaries and traders, profoundly influencing Western attitudes toward the continent and inspiring future generations of explorers and humanitarians.

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

563 A.D.
The Church Sends Out Missionaries

The Catholic Church dispatches missionaries across the world.

1517
Protestant Missions Begin

After Martin Luther's Reformation, Protestant missions begin.

1598
The Term ‘Mission’

The term “mission” is first introduced.

1974
The Lausanne Congress is Held

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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

  1. 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.

  2. Secret agent

    Amy Carmichael was an Indian missionary who established safe houses for children who were being trafficked.

  3. The instigator

    William Carey was the first missionary to India.

  4. Friendly strangers

    81% of Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists around the world do not know a Christian.

  5. 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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