Writing Exceptional Missionary Newsletters

by Sandy Weyeneth

Those of us who have written countless newsletters have sometimes asked, “Does anyone really read this stuff?” Admittedly, the decision to read or not to read is a step supporters must make. Sandy Weyeneth’s new book, Writing Exceptional Missionary Newsletters, helps missionaries do their part by writing great newsletters supporters will want to read.

William Carey Library, P.O. Box 40129, Pasadena, CA 91114, 2004, 125 pages, $14.99.

—Reviewed by Bob Wright, appointee advisor, TEAM, Wheaton, Illinois.

Those of us who have written countless newsletters have sometimes asked, “Does anyone really read this stuff?” Admittedly, the decision to read or not to read is a step supporters must make. Sandy Weyeneth’s new book, Writing Exceptional Missionary Newsletters, helps missionaries do their part by writing great newsletters supporters will want to read.

Weyeneth logically begins her book by listing six reasons why newsletters are important. She points out that in addition to thanking donors, letters can educate them, inspire them and even give them good ideas for their own ministries. Even though she could have given other reasons, the ones she does list are pragmatic and logical.

About half of her book is devoted to “Tips for Excellent Writing.” Reading through her eight tips brought back memories of my earlier ministry as a high school English teacher. Rather than trying to impress her readers with technical language she illustrates each principle with actual letters. One of her helpful hints is “Write with Vitality,” and she not only suggests but illustrates such ideas as using action verbs, writing short paragraphs and varying the length of sentences.

In chapters three and four Weyeneth deals with questions every missionary has asked: Is my mailing list too long? How often should I write letters? Should I send letters first class? Rather than simply giving answers, Weyeneth inserts humor and appropriate quotes. Even in this section she illustrates her own principles by writing well and drawing the reader into the issues.

I especially appreciated her section on using e-mail. She does an admirable job of surfacing the drawbacks as well as the advantages of electronic communication. I was surprised that she is more enthusiastic about sending letters through the postal system than about using e-mail. While I agree with her logic, I anticipate that her next book may well deal with how to be more effective in electronic communication.

Weyeneth occasionally inserts a quiz or an opportunity to try out a certain principle. Since her book is not really a workbook, I felt such insertions weakened her overall approach. She also sprinkles her book with quotes from other writers who have addressed the topic of missionary newsletters. Such quotes were unnecessary since most people aren’t familiar with the books she quotes. Besides, Weyeneth’s own credentials give a great platform for her opinions and ideas.

Writing Exceptional Missionary Newsletters will be on my list of recommended reading for new missionary appointees. Weyeneth has given the missions community a helpful tool that will enhance communication and inspire appointees and veteran missionaries alike.

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Copyright © 2005 Evangelism and Missions Information Service (EMIS). All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced or copied in any form without written permission from EMIS. All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced or copied in any form without written permission from EMIS.

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