We pray that this update finds you growing in the grace of God. 

“I wish there is more that I could do for your ministry, but I am limited in my resources.” I often hear a similar statement from our partners here at Mission Resource Network. I sometimes respond by saying “you can wrestle in prayer for us!” When I face an inquisitive look, I tell about one of my favorite heroes in the Bible. His name is Epaphras. Not much is written about him. However, what is written about him makes him one I want to emulate.  Epaphras was a coworker of Paul’s from Colossae (Colossians 1:7-8) What is most significant about Epaphras is the way Paul describes him. “He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all of the will of God, mature and fully assured. I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis” (Colossians 4: 12b-13).  The word which is sometime translated “wrestle” can also be translated “to contend with adversaries, fight, struggle, or strive to obtain something.”  Epaphras was a prayer warrior engaging in a spiritual battle for the souls of men and women. 

Would you be an Epaphras for emerging leaders around the globe who partners with us in our Emerging Leadership Initiative (ELI)? ELI is a ministry of MRN that comes alongside trusted national leaders equipping them to create safe environments in which God shapes emerging leaders through coach/mentoring, networking, discovery and focused development of core competencies. The goal of ELI is to honor God by multiplying healthy leaders for the future of the church in their own cultures. 

• Ask God to multiply experienced leaders and young emerging leaders in Russia, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and India.

• Pray for strong, vulnerable, and trusting relationships with MRN staff and these leaders as together we coach, mentor and learn together. 

• Ask God to raise up emerging leaders with a deep trust in God and a commitment to follow where he leads.

• Pray for spiritual freedom for these servants as they are used by God to train, equip and empower a new generation of disciple-makers for fresh expressions of faith.

• Ask God to provide us with spiritual discernment to identify the emerging leaders he is calling us to journey with in their growth and service. 

Pray that God will raise up servant leaders with the heart of Christ!