Focus

Sometimes people have told EMM workers Mark and Sarah Schoenhals, with a twinge of regret in their voices, that all they can do to support the work in Isaan, Thailand, is to pray. Others wish they could do something, besides “just praying.”

The transfer of leadership is a work of God’s grace that holds its unique challenges. It was 1988 that Joe and Yvonne Garber left for a three-year term to a place in Tanzania that the Tanzanian Mennonite Church had invited them to serve.

The world is changing, and God is not surprised. He is on the move, shifting things and using Christians from the Global South and East to take the lead in global missions. It’s their turn, and we can partner with them.

We recognize that while we have gifts and resources to offer, we have much to learn and gain from others’ contributions and from walking this path of discipleship together.

There are many benefits to a good partnership. Partners focused on a similar mission can provide us with skills we don’t possess alone, help us see from new perspectives, and expand the reach of our efforts. Throughout our history, we have partnered with hospitals, schools, children’s ministries, churches, and mission agencies around the globe who are motivated to share the transforming love of Christ.

Owen* preached his first message in the local language. He worked hard and his language ability has really expanded since then. Ever since he shared his first message, it seems as if his language has hit a turning point.

On Tuesdays, Kara and Andrew* help a woman from a local church in her evangelistic endeavors. One week, two leaders from the neighboring province, whom they worked with in the past, were there to assist them in expanding that work into their province. Suddenly, Andrew felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit saying that he should take the team with him to this church.

EMM workers Peter and Christy have heard the Arabic phrase inshallah a lot among their time serving among Muslims. This phrase means “if God wills it.” Every time, Peter and Christy hear someone say “inshallah,” it reminds them of James 4:15, which says: “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

The pandemic is still taking its toll on Europe. Germany is still under a shutdown with only the essentials open. Despite the pandemic, Charlotte was thankful to be able to still complete an internship. Due to the pandemic, Charlotte had to find an internship in Germany. As Charlotte describes it, “God’s plan always exceeds expectations.”

Almost a year had passed since Jon and Heleen Yoder returned to Alabama from Sierra Leone. The past year has been interesting for them, but they are very grateful for God’s faithfulness and His work of restoration in their lives. But they decided it was time for a change again.