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Writing Newsletter ArticlesComing up with newsletter articles does not have to be difficult. You will either need to write your own text, or you can borrow someone else's writings. I am going to encourage you to write most of your own stuff in your regular newsletter, and after you read this page with its tips, you will see that it isn't too hard. Remember these tools are mostly about maintaining and building your relationships. You don't have someone else talk to your family and friends for you - do you? Of course not. There is a place for getting material elsewhere, and we will discuss that. 
Writing your own Newsletter ArticlesYour newsletter article (or called "text" or "copy") will be the part of the newsletter that changes every month or issue. The rest of your it stays the same as your template. Your readers and supporters want to hear about YOU. So here is a simple outline to follow with some ideas. You will be surprised how quickly you can fill up a page! In your first paragraph, tell them about . . . The Past:Start out somewhere early in the writing to THANK THEM for their interest and/or support. Craft your newsletter writing so that you are making it about THEM, as you fill them in on the journey. Give them the feel they are on the journey with you, because they are!Be sure to set the context for your readers. Remember someone may be reading this newsletter for the first time. Include a paragraph on where you are serving and what you are doing. (If this is going to remain constant for a long period, you may include a paragraph in your template instead.) Also, if you had asked for prayer or support regarding a specific issue in the last newsletter or two - be sure to give them an update on what the current status is on that particular situation. Again, word this in such a way as it would still make sense to someone if they didn't know you and were reading your monthly newsletter for the first time.
TIP: Don't assume your readers remember anything!If you have a blog or web site, put a more detailed report of your journey and recent past works up on this site and refer your reader to those links. Your newsletter article is another place where you can thank them for their care and support. THIS IS ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS FOR YOUR NEWSLETTER - TO COMMUNICATE YOUR GRATITUDE. The PresentThis will often be the largest portion of writing your newsletter article, but it doesn't have to be. If you are involved in a long term project there may not be a lot to update on certain months. Update your readers on what is happening and what you are doing. This doesn't have to be just the mission work - it is great to include family update, or even National news/updates that affect you and your work. You may also want to include any information from your organization (YWAM, Campus Crusade for Christ, etc.) If you are doing a simple text newsletter with Notepad you can refer them to any web tool you have for recent pictures, etc. Or, include a pic or two in your newsletter if your software allows that. One missionary I support does a simple letter with a letterhead and simply puts in a regular old fashion picture once in a while!Remember this newsletter article is for "public" consumption. Although this is the place for prayer requests, be sure you keep your audience in mind. We highly suggest you have a smaller list for a more intimate and personal newsletter for your most committed and loyal supporters. Click here for more information on this topic.
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The FutureIn each correspondence you can include something about what is coming up, short or long term. You may be about to launch a new project or working on a fresh vision or aspect to something. Let them know early and ask for prayer and input - include them in the development of the project so that they feel a part of what is going on. If it includes a new capital campaign to raise money (which is separate and above the regular giving) be sure to fill them in and ask for support. As with any support, be sure to tell them the details of how and where to send the money.Be sure to update them if you are planning to be in their area in the near future so you can begin to get them excited in anticipation of seeing you and hearing reports first hand. You will also want to let them know if you have travel plans so they can be supporting in prayer and money as is needed.
Borrowing Content for Newsletter ArticlesMany missionaries hold back from actively raising support because they don't feel like they are far enough along, or have the exciting stories to tell yet. If that describes you, it will serve you well to learn "borrowed credibility." Any part of your organization's activity you can claim as your own. Let your readers know what is going in your organization. Simply because you are a part of the organization it is natural for you to share about it. Don't misrepresent yourself, just pass on the information about what your International, National, or more local branch of your missions organization is doing. You can also borrow from a friend's or co-workers newsletter. Pass along their note something like this: "We are excited here in Cebu Philippines about what is happening, and a co-worker of mine shares it better than I could . . . " - then include their article. You get the point.Another source of material for your newsletter can be what is happening in your city, country, or part of the world that affects your ministry. When we served in the Fiji Islands the military takeover of the government had a direct affect upon our ministry project, so news about this was pertinent to our supporters. It affected US (US = our supporters and "us" - the missionaries.) Challenge your paradigm to remember it is about a partnership with them, NOT just them "helping" YOU. Your readers/supporters want to feel like they are part of something significant.
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