Exciting Opportunities Emerge in Mongolia Support Group

	Marilyn Houser Hamm

What happens when congregations from North America – 9 congregations in eastern Ohio– come together with the church in Mongolia, and WITNESS workers Marlow and Vicky Ramsay, exploring together a longer-term possibility for the work in Mongolia that engages all of them in significant relationship to one another?

For the past 9 years, this exciting relationship has been taking place. At the Mongolia Support Group’s annual meeting in Ohio in mid-September, participants enjoyed seeing the video of Clete Yoder’s visit to Mongolia and a report from Mike and Nikki Hamsher on their experience in Mongolia last May, which included slides. Participants spent time in prayer for the ministry, our workers, and for International Ministries staff. An offering for the work received over $5,000.

Later, at a Leader’s Meeting, discussion centered around the creation of a new covenant for the group – and a new name, Mongolia Mission Partnership – that would signify their intentions of becoming more than a group that would raise money for the work in Mongolia. The group is moving in the direction of Partnership, with more commitment to, and involvement in the shaping of the programme and in sending workers. A committee is working to plan for events for the coming year. These plans include budgeting for two lay persons and 1 pastor to visit Mongolia in the coming year.

The group is hopeful that partnerships can expand further, and that new enthusiasm will be created to strengthen this ministry. God’s Spirit is working - bringing ‘across the street’ and ‘around the world’ together.

Pray for the Mongolia Support Group and the work in Mongolia. Their story will inspire and will assist emerging groups who are ‘taking a new road’ in partnership ministry.

Are there other partnership possibilities waiting to emerge and to be nurtured into active and vibrant congregational ministries? Yes! Congregational Partnerships is receiving possibilities on a continual basis, both national and international. Call me at 1-866-888-6785 to find out more.

God is working in new ways among us. Blessings to you in discerning God’s calling.

Marilyn Houser Hamm
Executive Director, Congregational Partnerships
MC Canada WITNESS