Transformation. It’s a word you’re probably familiar with—especially at the start of a new year. If you’re like me, you’ve set some goals for 2019 that you hope to hit this year. Perhaps one of those goals is “getting in shape.” Or maybe you’ve made the audacious goal of reading through the Bible in a year. Whether your goal is physical, spiritual, or both— the end result should bring about the same outcome: positive transformation.

It’s no different for what we hope to achieve through the missionaries we send out. When we train missionaries,  the goal is never to train them to make the cultures they serve more like Christian Americans, but more like Christ . To put it simply, disciples make disciples. When individuals are transformed by Christ, they have the power to bring about societal transformation. Once that pebble hits the water, the ripple effects are long-lasting.

Paul made this point in 2 Corinthians: 

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit … For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ (3:18; 4:6).

Did you catch that?  When we focus on God, we become more like Him. And when we become more like Him, the people you and I encounter can’t help but be attracted to us. Light always conquers darkness.

God’s idea is for this world to be different. 

The way He does that is by changing me and you.

At the end of last year,  I received some amazing news that I want to share with you . For the past 10 years, MRN has had the privilege of serving in Rwanda. During that time, the missionaries on the ground focused on loving the people around them and sharing the Good News in tangible ways. Day after day without fail, our missionaries and Rwandan partners worked with street kids, provided clean water to communities, started a technical school for genocide survivors, and discipled girls leaving prostitution. 

Even though illegal, prostitution is rampant due to the high poverty rate in Rwanda. Many university students supplement their income through prostitution just to survive and make ends meet. Though it may be hard to believe that’s their only option, it is very much the reality. 

While our team was serving in Rwanda, they encountered two such young women trapped in the prostitution industry who came to us through Peace House—a partnership program designed to teach life skills. These young women not only learned how to sew and start their own small business, but they also became believers of Jesus.

As they were being transformed, God led them to men who also loved Jesus.  Now they are happily married and actively discipling other girls who are leaving prostitution.Pictured below, you will see these two beautiful women on their wedding days. 

When looking at this picture, I immediately noticed the crowns on their heads and was reminded of Isaiah 60:1-3:

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes , the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.  They will be called oaks of righteousness , a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor (NIV).

These young women are now oaks of righteousness firmly planted by the Lord in their culture. As they grow and blossom, their impact will continue for generations to come .

What a powerful display of societal transformation! And it all started with people who heard the call and were obedient to follow. But it didn’t stop there.  That calling was able to be fulfilled because of generous donors just like you! Because of your continued support we are able to train and send missionaries all over the world to make the same kind of impact.

Our goal this year is to send 30 more missionaries to make an even greater global impact.  Will you help us reach this goal ?

Will you help us bring the Gospel to the unreached and under-served areas of the world who so desperately need to hear there is hope in Christ? Will you help us proclaim the Good News to the poor, bind up the brokenhearted, and proclaim freedom to the captives? 

We cannot do what we do without you. Your gift will help us bring about positive societal transformation . Let that ripple effect start with you!

Grace and peace,

Dan Bouchelle
President

P.S. Please click here to make a donation . Your gift will make a radical difference in the lives of others.