ELKHART, Ind. (Mennonite Mission Network) — August signals the release of a new edition of Mission Mosaic, a directory calling individuals and congregations to partner with Mennonite Mission Network through prayer.
Mosaic, a prayer directory that highlights Mission Network ministries and workers, was last published in 2006.
“Mosaic reinforces the connection between people in the pew, mission workers and programs,” said Marietta Sawatzky, Mission Network prayer network facilitator.
The new directory contains pictures and ministry descriptions for each international mission worker, descriptions of and participant testimonies from Christian Service programs, introductions to U.S. Ministry staff and programs, and an overview of Mennonite Media ministries.
This edition also includes an expanded focus on International Partner Associates, individuals and agencies who work alongside mission workers in a ministry administered in part by Mission Network. These IPAs accompany Mission Network in over 50 countries around the world.
The focus on IPAs is a cutting-edge exercise in mission.
“We can expand our own outreach by partnering with others who are already there. It’s a new chapter in the way we work around the world,” said James Krabill, Mission Network senior executive for global ministries.
The Mosaic is used by Mission Network prayer partners, individuals who have formally committed to pray for workers and ministries, and others who wish to learn more about and pray for Mission Network. The directory includes a guide for daily prayer.
“Prayer is the centerpiece that pulls the church together,” said Sandy Miller, Mission Network director of church relations. “Ministries and workers are only effective when people are praying for God’s spirit to be released and God’s will to be done.”
One prayer partner, Linea Geiser, recently was surprised to be awakened in the middle of the night, feeling called to pray. Geiser had woke up with a couple of Mennonite Mission Network workers* on her heart.
“I couldn’t remember their first names, but I just prayed for them as I had often during my days as prayer coordinator for Mennonite Board of Missions [a predecessor agency of Mennonite Mission Network] years ago,” said Geiser.
The next day, Geiser received an urgent prayer request via e-mail for a daughter of the same mission workers she had prayed for who had been seriously injured in a fall.
“I just realize that God’s nudging to pray for specific people and situations is amazing,” said Geiser.
Throughout the long healing process, the young girl remained in the thoughts and prayers of staff, prayer partners and countless other individuals around the world. Prayer requests and updates on her process were regularly circulated by Sawatzky as prayer network facilitator.
Today, after an extensive surgery and many prayers, the girl is healing well and the family has been able to continue their mission work abroad.
*Due to security concerns, the workers choose to remain anonymous.