ResourcesNews_Article200311


Staying Connected DR. BOB WALDRON, Executive Director
In his Pulitzer prize-winning book, Killer Angels, Michael Shaara claims that Stuart's failure to keep General Lee apprised of the movement and placement of Union soldiers contributed heavily to the South's loss at Gettysburg. Deprived of critical reconnaissance input, Lee was forced to operate in the dark.



Good information enables informed decisions, not just in military battles but also in world missions. When Christians are aware of the outreach plans of congregations, schools and missions ministries, they can avoid costly duplication of efforts and better utilize their human and financial resources. The result will be better stewardship in their service to the Lord. To help advance better missions stewardship, Missions Resource Network has accepted the request of missions departments at several of the colleges and universities in our fellowship by agreeing to serve as a communication and networking hub for missions. Dr. Evertt Huffard, president of Harding Graduate School of Religion in Memphis, describes the important role our Christian schools have played in teaching missions and inspiring young people to consider missionary service. He states, "What is needed, however, is a networking of information and resources that the schools cannot provide. Missions Resource Network is uniquely positioned to be a true resource for all the schools and missionaries." Missions Resource Network now lists on its website (www.MRNet.org) the mission teams forming at our Christian schools, as well as planned internships and campaigns from the various campuses. Such data will keep decision makers in our churches, schools and ministries better informed. Mark Hooper, the director of missions at Freed-Hardeman University, states, "Having an organized and unified evangelistic strategy for reaching the world with the gospel has always been a weakness in the churches of Christ. Missions Resource Network helps us to correct this by collecting and sharing information of what is being done and what remains to be done in the world for the spread of the kingdom, as well as helping with strategic planning. We need MRN!" Huffard continues, "When you need information for insurance or short-term mission trips, MRN is the place to go. If you are forming a team to a specific country, then MRN can network you with potential members for this team. I am grateful for the vision and service MRN is providing the church and I pray they will be able to do even more in the future."