Month: January 2026

Almost-Home for Christmas

Posted on by Emily Belvery

(From a mission partner in Central Asia)

“On Christmas Eve, I went with other teachers to sing some carols and bring gifts to a couple friends. One thing I didn’t know before moving here was that the people we serve are often the more well-off people in the neighborhood. We stood, lighting our candles before entering each huge front gate, praying in the silence before the first notes of the songs that the Lord would enter these homes with us, and fill them with his light and peace and joy — so much more than all the money in the world could buy.

It doesn’t work, culturally, to stand out in the cold on people’s doorsteps for too long. We were quickly invited inside at every house we visited while caroling. It was so wonderful to be able to have tea with my language teacher and to get to visit her at her house for the first time.

At night, after returning home, I sat in front of my tiny Christmas tree and sang alone in the candlelight — and while the most comfortable, homey thing in the world, it also made me ache as I thought of my family  gathered together around their own tree. There are so many homes that I have called mine. It becomes increasingly difficult to know that I can only be in one of them at a time, and yet, I know that none of these “almost-homes” are where I’m supposed to belong forever. The way the snow here takes my breath away, the laughter of the children on the street, the sunset over fields, the wind across the plains, the longing in my heart at all of it — they’re just glimpses of the home that is waiting: the home I have because of Jesus.

It is so amazing to remember how God makes his home here; not only in the stable where he was born, but in the midst of our messy lives and last-minute cleaning before the guests arrive. He makes his home in the houses of the people here, to whom his light shines, even in the midst of the darkest night. He dwells with us, and home is where he is.“

Praying for Kids on the Mission Field

Posted on by Emily Belvery

“For many years now I have been involved in a ministry called “Moms in Prayer.” Women of all ages gather in their homes or churches to pray for their children, grandchildren and other people’s children. It is often based around the age of the child or the school the child attends. This ministry is worldwide and crosses all denominations. One of the most powerful experiences I have encountered in this ministry is praying Scripture for my child. We often have lots of ideas of what we want to pray for our children or other family members, but what we want is not always what God knows is best.

We can be sure when we pray Scripture that it is God’s will for our loved one. Isaiah 55:11 says, “so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

So how can we know what to pray for our loved one on the mission field? It is always good to pray for the specific requests that your missionary asks and know that God will answer according to His plan. But here are a few additional ideas that are listed in Scripture for every believer. Feel free to insert your loved ones’ name into the verse, personalizing it for them.

  1. Pray for protection and safety from the enemy:
    • There are many Scripture passages talking about God’s protection for us from Satan and his evil plans.
      • Psalm 91 – pray the whole Psalm inserting your loved one’s name.
      • Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with ______ ; do not be dismayed, for I am ______’s
        God. I will strengthen _____ and help ______; I will uphold ______ with my righteous
        right hand.”
      • Psalm 20:1 – “May the Lord answer ____ when he/she is in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect _____.”
  2. Pray for open doors and the power of the Holy Spirit to work faith in people’s hearts:
    • Scripture tells us faith is a gift from God, so pray that the Holy Spirit would work this gift of faith in the lives of others and that your loved one has open doors to share the Gospel.
      • Colossians 4:2-3a – “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for _____ that God may open a door for _____’s message, so that _____ may proclaim the mystery of Christ.”
      • 1 Peter 3:15 Help _____ in their heart to “revere Christ as Lord. May _____ always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks the reason for the hope that he/she has. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
      • Romans 1:16 Help _____ to “not be ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”
      • Psalm 96:3 Pray that ______ would “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!”
  3. Pray for boldness to proclaim Christ:
    • 2 Timothy 1:7 Pray that God would give _____ “a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
    • Hebrews 4:16 Pray that _____ would “then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that _____ may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
    • Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
  4. Pray for rest/refreshment/reliance on Christ:
    • Pray that your loved one is daily reminded that it is not his or her work that brings results, but that it is important for missionaries, and all of us, to learn complete dependance on Christ and to practice Sabbath rest.
      • Psalm 23:2-3: He makes _____ lie down in green pastures. He leads _____ beside still waters. He restores _____’s soul. He leads _____ in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
      • Matthew 11:28-30: Pray that _____ would “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
      • Philippians 4:6-7 Pray that _____ would “not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
      • Philippians 4:19 “And my God shall supply all ______’s need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

As you pray for your missionary loved one, remember who Christ is! He is Creator; Sustainer; All Knowing; All Powerful; Good; Love; Light; Judge; Faithful and True; Holy; the Great I AM; Our Righteousness; The Lord; Our Mediator; Son of Man; King of Kings; Wisdom; Majestic and Mighty; Everlasting and so much more. God is in a category of His own – incomparable with anyone or anything else. So, your prayers are being heard and will be perfectly answered according to our great God’s will. What joy and what assurance there is in that!”

Lectio Divina: Scripture Reading for Formation

Posted on by Emily Belvery

MCN supports our missionaries and staff in personal Bible study by using an organization-wide prayer and Scripture reading initiative. Board, staff, and mission partners all read the same chapter of Scripture over and over throughout the week using the Lectio Divina process. This way of reading Scripture encourages slowing down and allowing God to speak to us through His Word.

In other words, Lectio Divina is a way to read Scripture for formation rather than just information.

The Process MCN uses:

  • Begin by praying for the Spirit to lead you as you read. Jot down notes in a journal as you spend time with the Lord.
  • Lectio (Read): Read aloud the section of Scripture.
    • What words or phrases come up as a word from Jesus to me?
  • Meditatio (Meditate): Read aloud the section of Scripture again.
    • What in my life needs to hear this word from Jesus? 
  • Contemplatio (Contemplate): Read the section of Scripture aloud for a third time.
    • Is there an invitation from Jesus in this word to me? 
    • How does God’s Word affirm, challenge, or redirect my life/ministry? 
  • Oratio (Pray): Read the section of Scripture a final time and conclude in prayer. Include intercessory petitions as well as personal praise and thanksgiving.

Additional Questions to Consider:

  • What strength or encouragement does this Word offer?
  • What message do I need to carry with me this day? 
  • What in this Word calls me to repent? 
  • How does this Word challenge me? 
  • What is this Word asking me to do or change in my life? 
  • How must I change my life in order to take this Word seriously and put it into practice?

To begin 2026, MCN is reading through the book of Judges, one chapter per week. Why not join us?