Links is part of NMI's emphasis on care and connection and is a Nazarene system to assist districts in providing additional care and connection to globally deployed Nazarene missionaries who are far from home. Each year, globally deployed Nazarene missionaries opt-in to participate with a district through Links. Links encourages us to "link together" through prayer and connection with Nazarene missionaries serving in every region.
“The regular communication and prayer support from our loved partners makes us feel connected and valued, even when we are far from home. This truly exemplifies the body of Christ in action, where each member contributes to the well-being of others, ensuring we can effectively carry out our mission work.”
“We really enjoy connecting with districts and churches. We have made great connections in our 19 years on the field.”
“We greatly appreciate the connections made through Links! The support through encouraging words and prayers are all tremendously important as we serve where God has planted us.”
Links began as Box Work on the Southern California USA district in 1916 and grew to become a vital part of NMI globally. In 1976, the Links program was introduced, expanding Box Work to include the adoption of a Nazarene missionary. It is anticipated that each Links participant (district/country/field and missionary) will faithfully participate in the following ways: - Pray for each other.
- Communicate with each other at least three times a year.
- The district/country/field will invite the Links missionary to speak at events in person or online. In-person invitations to speak do not need to be limited to the year of the Links assignment.
Care and connection through Links with missionaries can be a simple act of kindness. One USA/Canada district, West Texas, made a wonderful investment in the lives of some missionary youth on the Eurasia Region. One brother and sister duo received multiple birthday cards with small gifts. The senders went above and beyond by including personal notes to each of these youth. The value of the notes cannot be underestimated, as they referenced specific details of these young lives; whether it was a passionate hobby, their standing in school, or plans for university. One note even referenced a friend who had been ill.
This kind of connection helped these missionary youth to feel seen, known, encouraged, and valued. On behalf of the missionary families everywhere, we thank all Links districts around the world for the way they love, honor, and care for missionary families and the special ways they love our children and youth.
Thank you for investing in these front-line servants who represent you and your church around the world.
Did You Know? In the early days of Links, there was an acronym associated with the word Links but it only worked in the English language. Nazarenes worship in over 200 languages each week and NMI is a global organization with leaders around the world. While NMI is no longer using the acronym, we are still using the word Links (not all caps) to encourage us to link together through prayer and connection with Nazarene missionaries serving in every region.
|