We met with MRN (Missions Resource Network) last night, and we believe they are a God-send! They are exactly what their name implies: they provide a network and resources to those of us who are completely new to missions. They have an intensive training course that will first train us to BE disciples and then train us to MAKE disciples. They also work with all of those who will be supporting us along the way - equipping the "senders" to keep us accountable, to mentor us, to pray with us, to encourage us. Missionaries are sometimes put on a false pedestal when people think it is just the missionaries doing all the work, and that pedestal will come crashing down if they don't have a support network. It is the supporters back home in coordination with God Himself who do so much of the labor - it just isn't always as evident as what is happening on the mission field. My hope and prayer is that WE won't have to beg anyone to partner with us but rather that God will lead some of YOU to beg to labor with us on this journey Because then I know it is HIS leading and we will never be alone.
