Missionary Resources Connection
Enhancing the health, ministry effectiveness and
longevity of service of missionaries and their families
Our History
Missionary Resources Connection began in response to a perceived need for missionary care in the Columbia, South Carolina area. In March 2000, several individuals with a shared vision for providing member care services began to meet informally for prayer and discussion. They identified several potential avenues of care for missionaries and their families that would address the high rate of preventable attrition that has been a concern in missions circles for many years. These included services that would provide opportunities for:
-
Training workshops and seminars
- For missionaries on such topics as “Sharpening Your Interpersonal Skills,” “Parenting in Missions,” etc.
- For area churches on how to enhance effective missionary care
- For area professionals on missions-specific medical, psychological, financial and legal issues - Renewal through retreats, Bible studies, and opportunities for fellowship
- Resources for housing, cars and other practical needs
- Referrals to area professionals for quick access to doctors, dentists, schools, etc.
These early members also laid out foundational values that would characterize the new organization. Their desire was that the organization be community-based, interdenominational and non-proprietary. They also desired a focus on preventive care that would address the needs of the whole individual and the whole family.
In January of 2001 Missionary Resources Connection was incorporated in the state of South Carolina. A generous donation enabled us to open an office and hire a part-time administrator. A board was formed, by-laws written, and 501(c)3 status obtained by the fall of the same year. Dr. David L. Wickstrom, PhD, was appointed interim director.
Since 2001 the organization has experienced rapid growth. We are developing a support base among area churches and individuals. Our offices have had to be relocated three times out of a need for additional space. The staff has grown to include six members, and new programs and services are being added each year. These now include:
-
Workshops and Training
Sharpening Your Interpersonal Skills (several times per year) -
Retreats
MK/TCK Re-entry Retreat (for college kids, Aug. each year)
Re-entry and Renewal “R & R” (for adults re-entering the U.S., Jan. 2007) -
Missionary Women’s Bible Study ongoing throughout the year
-
Fellowship opportunities family get-togethers, fellowship luncheons, banquets, etc.
- Resourcing & Referrals ongoing assistance in locating housing, cars, furniture, medical providers, schooling contacts, jobs, legal advice, etc.