RSVP by March 31st. to Marilyn Peters

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“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

In our society, we strive to be independent and responsible for ourselves, giving in to increased pressure to be able to “make it on our own.” And even if we do recognize a need for one another, our preference is to be the one assisting rather than the one in need of help.

Yet the kingdom of God is so contrary to our culture at times! While the world tells us to function independently, God’s Word contains a paradigm of interdependence in the body of Christ and mutual “edification” (a fancy term for encouragement and support) – because it’s not in our strength that the supernatural happens, but often in our weakness.

As I’ve stepped into the role of MST Coach for Eastern Mennonite Missions, this concept of interdependence and relationship has become core to my understanding of the three-stranded relationship of missionary, EMM, and MST. And as I’ve prayed for a better understanding of this relationship, the closing phrase of Ecc. 4:12 gave me an image of it: “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

The missionary, EMM, and you! We form the cord – strong in our own rights as strands; stronger still once we’re woven together by a common vision and purpose.

- MST coach, Marilyn Peters
Contact Marilyn

What's in your hand?

This year those of us on staff at Eastern Mennonite Missions’ Central Administrative Office have been reflecting on the theme: “What’s in your hand?” We are having interesting conversations and chapel services related to this theme, and we are often reminded to not underestimate God’s ability to use the simple things we find in our hands.

As I interact with those of you who are raising finances to send workers, I am keenly aware of the frequent impression that there’s not much (enough) in your hand. The task you face is, at times, challenging.

The story found in Matthew 14:13-21 speaks to this sense of inadequacy in a way that has recently challenged my understanding of faith and provision. The crowds have gathered around Jesus and the disciples become concerned about their need for food. They were able to scrounge together five loaves and two fish, but knew this would not be sufficient.

Jesus’ actions, as recorded in verses 19-21, are the pivotal point to this potential crisis – He takes the meager loaves and fish, looks to heaven, gives thanks and then begins to break the loaves and hand these broken pieces out to the disciples. He doesn’t have very much available, but what he has, he presents to the Father, expresses gratitude, and begins to put to use.

To me, Jesus’ posture is often what we need in our situations as well: to present what we have to God, to give thanks for it no matter how seemingly meager, and to trust him for multiplication. These are simple acts, yet they challenge us to grow in our faith and in recognition of our dependence on God.

I’ve had to wonder just how long Jesus and the disciples were occupied with breaking bread and fish until all five thousand were fed. This miracle took faith as well as consistent and persistent action on the part of Jesus and the disciples. I don’t believe it happened in the blink of an eye – there was probably some sweat involved – but God joined in their action and the need was met.

May you as an MST be filled with this kind of faith and persistence as you watch God perform the miraculous with your tasks at hand.

A Year in Perspective

Many of you have just sent missionaries back to an assignment after a few months of home leave. Other MSTs have just waved goodbye to people who are now experiencing their first days in a new land. Some of you are anticipating a missionaries’ home leave sometime between now and next summer.

In the midst of all the different scenarios, one thing remains true – the missionary needs you over the next year! So, how do you plan ahead?

You might get a calendar to gain perspective over the next year. Note significant dates on the calendar now, and add others as the year progresses.

Items for the MST might include:

• MST meeting dates. Decide on the dates now and work hard at keeping them. (MSTs should meet at least quarterly.)
  
• Fund-raisers.
  
• Timing of care packages.
  
• Potential visits to the missionary.
  
• U.S. holidays.

Items for the missionary might include:

• Birthday and anniversary of the person(s) you support.
  
• Arrival and/or departure dates of travel.
  
• Start of school for children or teachers.
  
• Significant work/ministry dates, speaking engagements, training events, etc.
  
• Retreats or vacation time.
  
• National holidays of the country.

Make the calendar fun by using color codes or stickers. If you’re printing the calendar yourself from your computer, you can even add digital pictures of your missionary.

Hang the calendar in a prominent place in your home (or office) so that you can plan and pray throughout the year in an informed way.

Bring the calendar to MST meetings so you can plan effectively.

And watch the days fly by!