Should I accept their offer to help?

After a few visits, the missionaries may offer to help you with something around the house or yard. Many Christians are caught off guard by this and wonder if it’s appropriate to accept.

We encourage you to say yes.

Missionaries are required to do a certain number of community service hours each week. Helping you with a task fulfills part of that requirement and gives them a rare opportunity to wear “normal” clothes and do something different from their usual routine.

Even more importantly, serving alongside each other builds friendship and trust. Conversations that feel stiff at the table can become more natural while pulling weeds, organizing a garage, or hanging Christmas lights. Sometimes the most meaningful gospel moments happen in casual settings like these.

Here are a few ways others have accepted help from missionaries:

• Mowing the lawn or pulling weeds
• Washing a car or cleaning a garage
• Setting up a Christmas tree or decorations
• Helping with household projects like window cleaning or moving furniture
• Joining a church group for a community service event
• Assisting with church mailings or food drives

These moments help missionaries see that you’re not just trying to “win” a debate—you genuinely care about them. Your hospitality and kindness can make the gospel you share more compelling.