We are Network Supported Missionaries with the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. Our work does not receive funding from the budget of the Synod or the budget of LCMS World Mission. Instead, we are supported directly (although funds are tracked and managed by LCMS World Mission) through family, friends, and supporters just like you. You are the people who commit to pray for us, encourage us, and financially support the work God has put before us here in Kenya and Tanzania. We have always served under this model, so it's not new to us or to our supporters.
One great thing about serving in this way is the very direct connection we have to so many people and congregations across the United States - people who pray for us regularly and encourage us with letters, cards, and care packages, people we have relationships with who know and recognize us when we are able to visit them. The direct connection is one of the most powerful aspects of this model. Some of our congregation partners list me as an "Associate Pastor" and we do feel that a significant part of this ministry is sharing with those in the United States the good news and amazing accounts of what God is doing here in East Africa. Finally, under this model there is no limit to how many missionaries can be sent! Anyone who feels that call and is qualified can be sent as a missionary - God raises up their own network of support that isn't limited by any organization's budget.
We are thrilled to be YOUR missionaries to this part of the world. Below is a statement recently issued by LCMS World Mission to describe the network-supported model.
-Shauen
"What is the network-supported model?
"Missionaries that are serving through the network-supported are sent by the LCMS with the backing of many faithful prayer and financial partners. They walk together with the staff of LCMS World Mission, who train the missionaries in stewardship, process and maintain all donor gifts, make logistical arrangements, consult with the missionaries on their communication with their network, and help the missionaries form more connections, strengthening the ministry network. These various networks send missionaries to the field to which God has called them and sustain them throughout their ministry.
"Career missionaries employing the network-supported model may fill a variety of roles. They may supervise, disciple, and mentor GEO missionaries, train indigenous evangelists and pastors for mission and ministry, oversee human care initiatives to share the Gospel in word and deed, plan theological education programs, or serve in other ways.
"As they begin their service with LCMS World Mission, these new missionaries spend time in the United States connecting with supporters and building a network of partners who will walk alongside them as they answer God’s specific call to a new ministry. When missionaries begin serving under this model, they also receive training and guidance from LCMS World Mission. This time is a valuable period of getting to know members of the body of Christ who will support God’s work through the specific ministries of missionaries.
"Once they are on a mission field, missionaries maintain regular communication with their network, so they can continue to pray for the specific needs of their missionary family’s ministry and celebrate with them when they see God working in people’s lives."
-LCMS World Mission