Passing the baton ...

        who is waiting to take it and run?

    It’s May. Wonderful, crazy May. Moms know how hectic this time of year can be. Before you are engulfed in year-end activities and obligations, steal a few quiet moments to look back—and to
look forward.
     Reflect on all the wondrous ways God has heard and moved in your children and in your school this year. What about next year? Our hope and prayer is that every Moms In Touch group will keep praying until Jesus returns. Our group leaders are essential in helping us meet this goal, but we know as kids change schools, moms change MITI groups. Are you “graduating” to a new school next year? Is it time to pass the baton of leadership? Who is set to take it from you?
     Paul counseled Timothy, “The things which you have heard from me … entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2 NASB). As you prepare to move to the next MITI group, entrust your current group to another dedicated mom. Pray about your choice, and begin mentoring her and training her as a co-leader. Share your own experience with her; maybe even provide her with member sheets and a MITI booklet.
     “How faithful the Lord is,” writes Jennifer Ross, Tennessee State Coordinator. “He sent women my way who supported me and encouraged me, who modeled lives of prayer. One was an older mom who plopped the MITI Leader’s Guide in my lap at a MOPS event. Another was a leader who challenged me to start a group for my son’s school, but she didn’t stop there. She poured into me and held my hand while we were getting that group going.
     “Which mom are you investing in? What mom are you pouring yourself into? Who is poised in the race ready to receive the baton of intercessory prayer from you as you carefully place it in her hand so she can run the next lap?”

Bridging the language gap

     Imagine being transplanted to another country where few people speak English. What if an opportunity arose for you to connect by phone with other English-speaking women in that country to share about Moms In Touch? Our MITI “bridge calls” in April did just that for Korean-, Spanish-, Cantonese- and Mandarin-speaking women in the USA. On three consecutive Saturdays, women connected, shared, and encouraged one another in their first language.
     On the first call, two Korean leaders from New York and New Jersey met over the phone and reported, “We thank God for the work of the Holy Spirit among Korean moms through MITI. Bridge calls can strengthen leadership.”
     The following week, nine Spanish-speaking women connected over the phone. These women spent time sharing testimonies of answered prayer for their children and schools, and learning about all the wonderful Moms In Touch resources available in Spanish. Best of all, moms were inspired to continue praying, and one mom wants to start a Spanish MITI group in her area!
     The final bridge call with six Chinese women was hosted in both Mandarin and Cantonese. A mom from New Jersey and one from San Francisco have been in English MITI groups, but both want to start Cantonese groups! The moderator is excited about mentoring these new leaders.
     Praise God for what He is doing among women of all cultures and languages across the USA. Keep these sisters in your prayers as they are hungry for the opportunity to pray for their children and schools in the way they know best: in their heart language.

Thanksgiving in May

A time of remembering … a time of giving

Every May we invite MITI groups to dig out their member sheets for the year and devote their last Moms In Touch hour to thanking God for all His big and small miracles throughout the year. Some groups like to include a breakfast or lunch together.
     We looked back through our archives, and oh, what fun! Fifteen years ago, Moms In Touch had an office staff of one. And she was a volunteer. In 1993, we “lost our secretary because she had to go to work.” In 1994, we thanked God that “even a computer” was donated. How we praise God that today because of your generous contributions, members of our office staff have computers and paychecks. And whether volunteer or paid, every member of our staff is committed to a common goal: ensuring that every child and school is covered in prayer.
     Leaders, as the women in your group give a thanksgiving offering of prayer, let them know that a thanksgiving offering of support will also be taken to further the work of Moms In Touch. Be sure they know it is strictly voluntary, and that our thanksgiving overflows for your generosity. Please mail your group’s gift to Moms In Touch International, PO Box 1120, Poway, CA 92074-1120. (You can also donate online if you wish.)

Luau MITI style

     Imagine yourself surrounded by surf and sand, the water is clear and the message is even clearer: Stand Firm! Join Fern Nichols, founder and president of Moms In Touch International, September 18 to 20, 2008, in HAWAII! That’s right, MITI is going tropical with an event on the beautiful island of Kauai—a  time to reflect, listen to the Lord, laugh, relax at the beach and  nurture your passion for prayer. And what’s Hawaii without a  traditional luau? MITI will host a private luau for you and your family  on Friday night.

Other MITI events

     If you can’t make it to Hawaii, join Fern Nichols for a MITI Stand Firm event in Denver, Colorado, October 24 to 25, 2008. You will experience a joyous time of renewal. As one mom summed up a MITI event, “This was a holy weekend—joy, laughter, forgiveness, tears, friendship, learning and fun—all wrapped together by the hands of God.”

     Yearning to travel abroad? Fern is overjoyed to participate in the Jubilee Swiss Conference, November 13 to 15, 2008, celebrating 15 years of Moms In Touch in Switzerland. Executive Vice President Marlae Gritter will offer expert leadership training. The Swiss moms are praying that many women from around the world will come and join them. Would you like to pray for this conference? Send your email address to amstuck@datacomm.ch to receive specific prayer requests.

Resources

Brand New! The Grandmother’s Bible Designed just for grandmas and filled with prayers for grandchildren and 365 devotions (four from Fern Nichols!), this beautiful new devotional Bible is a must-have for all grandmothers. Two lovely styles are available: a beautiful floral hardcover Bible ($34.99) and a lilac, leather-bound Bible with a pocket to display a photo of your grandchild ($49.99). Leader's Guide Are you “passing the baton” of leadership to another mom next fall? Be sure she has the Leader’s Guide, filled with important tips and suggestions for effectively leading a group, as well as insight and guidance for her daily quiet time with the Lord. Available in English, Spanish and Russian. $22. Moms In Touch Booklet As summer approaches, make sure you have plenty of MITI booklets on hand for moms interested in leading or joining a Moms In Touch group in the fall. This booklet is all a mom needs to start her own MITI group! $5. (And when you start, please register your group.) CLEARANCE SALE! Dove & Sparrow, creator and vendor of our wonderful MITI T-shirts, caps, candy jars, magnets, and dozens of other gifts and resources, is having a clearance sale on ALL apparel and jewelry. Most items are 30 to 40 percent off! Stock up now on hoodies, sweatshirts, denim shirts, polo shirts and all other apparel. Order today, as some quantities are limited!

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