Staying connected

Friends Network missionaries embody the relational, communal work of the church. They are routinely found at gatherings, in living rooms, and around restaurant tables, with people. Talking, sharing, teaching, and praying.

But cultivating that same culture within our organization presents a unique challenge. Our staff, missionaries, and board members are separated by thousands of miles and multiple time zones.

Our Director of Member Care, Gwen Schroeder, has done a wonderful job creating points of connection where members of our team can build relationships and encourage one another in life and ministry. A typical month might include:

• An all-team meeting featuring field updates and opportunities for professional and spiritual growth

• A “Connect” meeting for the newest cohort of missionaries, all of whom are navigating significant transitions

• A “Kids Connect” meeting, where missionary children get to know one another and form unique friendships through their shared experiences

• A U.S.-based Bible study for board and staff members, recently repatriated missionaries, and missionaries on furlough

• Men’s and women’s Bible studies, led by missionaries in the field

• Field meetings where missionaries discuss ministry strategies and goals in their respective cities and countries

• And lots of texts and video calls between individual staff members and missionaries throughout the week
  

Missionary Rachel Hyer expressed her appreciation for these efforts, especially Gwen’s intentional and relational approach:

“One of the things I appreciate most about Gwen is that she genuinely cares about us—not just about what we’re doing, and never as though we are simply a box to check. She makes time for me as a friend, cares about my husband, intentionally spends time with our boys individually, and helps us feel connected to the larger family of the organization even from so far away.”

This is the unseen work behind the missionary newsletters, videos, and presentations—and it is vital to the long-term health of our missionaries and the growing churches they serve. Thank you for your gifts to the Mission Support Fund, which make all of this possible!