Introduction
In Japan, April marks the start of the year: new employees are welcomed at company entrance ceremonies, job transfers take effect, studies begin, and many people move house. The cherry blossom season is lovely, but many people also feel the worry of an unfamiliar setting and the sadness of leaving loved ones behind. For Christians, it is a time to pray for one another, confident that God is present even in a new place. This page gathers 17 messages: from family, from church, words of farewell, and a few very short lines for a text. Choose the ones that fit the situation, add the person's name and a memory, and send them. If your affection comes through, that is already the best encouragement.
Messages from Family Sending Someone Off
A family's words are the closest and the most lasting. Along with your encouragement, quietly say that a place to come back to always remains open.
"Congratulations on your first job, [name]. On the morning of your first day, you will surely be nervous. It is all right if some days go badly. God sees you. Every morning I will pray for you before you leave."
"[name], when I heard about your transfer, I felt a little sad, but I am sure you will meet good people in your new post. Don't worry about things at home. I'm waiting by the phone whenever you want to call."
"[name], all the best for your new life on your own in a new city. Are you eating properly? Don't overdo it, and come home when you are tired. Wherever you are, we are praying for you."
"[name], happy new school or work year! When everything changes, body and heart tire more easily. Don't aim for perfection. Go slowly, one day at a time. God sees even your smallest steps."
Joshua 1:9
"Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.”"
To Joshua, who was to lead the people after Moses, God said to be strong and not to fear, because he would be with him. For someone heading to a new place, what reassures most is the promise that God is present wherever they go. Add this verse at the end of the family card as a prayer of sending. Read all of Joshua 1.
Messages from Church for a Transfer or a Move
To someone leaving the church, say your thanks and that you remain a family despite the distance. Saying that you pray they will find a church there reassures them.
"[name], I heard about your transfer and I feel sad. You have encouraged us so much at worship and in service. I pray that you will soon find a church in your new area and make good friends there."
"[name], congratulations on your new life in a new city. You must be busy with the moving preparations. Take care of your health and don't push yourself. Even from far away, we remain the same church family."
"[name], thank you for supporting the church up to now. May God's blessing rest richly on your new work. Come and see us whenever you like, as if coming home."
"To [name] and family: we pray with all our hearts for the start of your new life. School for the children, work, there will surely be difficulties before you settle in, but may God provide all that you need."
Psalm 121:8
"Yahweh will keep your going out and your coming in, from this time forward, and forever more."
"Your going out and your coming in" means the day we leave home and the day we return to it, and God keeps both. For someone leaving a familiar place because of a transfer or a move, this verse is a great encouragement. It suits a group card from the church as a prayer of sending. Read all of Psalm 121.
Words of Farewell
These are words to say on the last day at work, at school or at church. Express your thanks precisely and send the other person off with words that look ahead. One minute is enough.
"[name], thank you for everything. Because of your warm words, I realized how welcoming our workplace was. In your new post too, you will make those around you smile. Take good care of yourself."
"Having worked with you, [name], is a great treasure for me. I won't forget that you listened to me in hard times. I cheer you on with all my heart in your new destination. I hope to see you again someday."
"Your leaving the church today saddens us, but we believe it is the road God has opened. Thank you for supporting us through your service and prayers. Wherever you are, may God be with you."
"[name], congratulations on graduating. The days spent here will surely be a treasure for what comes next. In your new school too, take care of yourself, loved by God. We pray for your path."
Isaiah 41:10
"Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness."
Do not be afraid, for I am with you, I am your God. God promises to strengthen, help and uphold those heading to a new place. At the end of a farewell speech or letter, this verse slipped in gently carries the prayer of the one sending into the heart of the one leaving. Read all of Isaiah 41.
Short Lines for a Text
Even short, these lines carry your encouragement. Here are phrases you can send as they are on your phone.
"A good start to your new life. In joys and in worries, may God be with you."
"[name], well done on your first day of work. Don't push yourself, and get used to it slowly. I'm praying for you."
"Hang in there with the move. May this new city become a place of peace for you."
"Congratulations on your transfer. May God keep your days in this new place. Write to me whenever you like."
"For this new year, may God's blessing rest on you. I'm cheering you on."
How to Write Your Own Message for a New Life
Fit your message to the situation. A first job, a transfer, studies or a move each bring different joys and fears. A line that mentions the situation touches more.
Don't stop at "do your best." In a new setting, most people are already doing their best. "Don't push yourself" lands more gently.
Add a promise of prayer. "I pray for you every day" is a great support for someone who lives far away.
Mention the local church quietly. "I can help you find a church near you" gives the feeling of staying connected to the community.
Do not write anything that claims to know their future. Avoid "everything will go well" and choose prayer: "may God be with you."
Keep farewell words under a minute. One thanks, one memory, one prayer: these three elements are enough to leave a mark.
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I send a message to someone starting a new life in April?
Around the entrance ceremony or the move, that is, late March and early April. Since it takes a few weeks to settle in, a second check-in at the end of April or before the May holidays will also be appreciated.
What can the church do for someone leaving because of a transfer?
Many churches pray for the person during worship and give them a card signed by everyone or a small gift. Being able to recommend a church in their new city reassures them even more.
I want to encourage someone but don't know what to write. What should I do?
Begin with an honest line such as "I'm cheering you on" or "I'm praying for you." You do not need to write a beautiful text. When the heart is in it, even simple words come through.