As we approach the end of another year, we want to thank you for the various ways in which you have supported the work of God’s people in Romania and remind you that all donations postmarked prior to January 1, 2011 are tax deductible.

The little one below is one among hundreds of kids loved well as a result of your participation with the ministries of Missio Link International (Romania) and Missio International (United States). In her eyes, I hope you can see both hope and gratitude.

Thanks for your ongoing support, your faithfulness in prayer, and your willingness to sacrifice your time and your talents for such as these.

May you know the love of God and his presence in a special way during this Advent season.

Kenny Woodhull
President/Executive Director
Missio International
www.missiointernational.org

Dear Ministry Partners,
Not many — if any — of us were involved in the historical events of Romania’s Revolution during the winter of 1989. What began as a candle-light vigil outside the private residence of a persecuted pastor ended days later in the overthrow of a ruthless dictator. More than a 1,000 Romanians perished during this tumultuous period of personal sacrifice and national drama.

Today, some of the very same Romanians who participated in the historical events of 1989 are participating in a Revolution that will just as surely have significant implications for years to come. That quiet revolution is the deep work of God evidenced in transformed lives through the work of his people in Romania—and this revolution is one in which you are participating!

• Because of your partnership twenty-eight abused girls are being rescued and restored today through the tireless work of Missio Link International’s Deborah Centre.
• Because of your partnership there are today more than 175 church leaders involved in a biblically-based training program coordinated by Missio Link International. Three years ago the program started with a few more than forty people.
• Because of your partnership this summer several hundred Romanian youth heard the Gospel in terms relevant to their lives and in a context—camping in the TransylvanianAlps—that fosters their faith and bolsters their capacity to witness to skeptical friends.
• Because of your partnership orphaned children are today experiencing Christian love and attention through Harmony, a one-of-a-kind music ministry sponsored by Missio Link International.
• Because of your partnership more than 150 pastors and spouses will enjoy this month a four day Spiritual Formation retreat.

How radical is that? You are participating in a Revolution! For all of us here who are the Missio International team and for everyone there in Romania who are the Missio Link International ministry family, I say thank you — thanks for standing arm and arm with God’s people and participating in this quiet but powerful Revolution.

Kenny Woodhull
President-Executive Director, Missio International

This letter will not receive the Media attention of the President’s January 20 State of the Union address, but as President of Missio International I would like to take this opportunity to speak directly to your kingdom investments.

More than anything we—I include here our principal ministry partner, Eugen Groza—want to thank you for your continued involvement with us through this challenging economic period.  Many non-profit organizations—both here and around the world—were forced to close their doors last year due to financial reasons.  And though program budgets have been reduced due to the financial environment, because of your willingness to invest in the work of God’s people in Romania none of the projects associated with Missio Link International had to terminate ministry activity last year. Thank you for your generous and sacrificial giving that has made this a reality.

Because funding and financial issues remain central to the ongoing fulfillment of our collaborative mission, we want you to know that we fully understand how tight things are for you—in your families, businesses, and churches.  And we want you to know what we are doing in response.

First, we want to insure you that all our ministries are constantly evaluated not only for spiritual integrity and fruitfulness, but as well for financial efficiency in the ratio between direct and indirect costs.  Our goal, in this regard, is to keep administrative costs—inclusive of all costs incurred in Romania and America—as low as possible.   Secondly, in accomplishing this goal, we are pleased to say that 90% or more of your donations have been, are being, and will be disbursed for direct ministry costs, with never more than 10% being set aside for ministry support services here or in Romania.  As with a “tithe” this small portion each month enables Eugen and I to address the essential but oftentimes overlooked support functions critical to the integrity and accountability of our collaborative ministries.

To further reduce administrative costs we have recently developed a financial office in Atlanta, Georgia that will receive and receipt all donations in the most cost effective manner through a blend of professional and volunteer services.  A long-time ministry supporter and Certified Public Accountant is managing the details.  Please note the new PO Box for our finance office: PO Box 725432, Atlanta, GA 31139.

Our funding model is responsive to current global economic realities and reflective of our seasoned (now in our 17^th year) approach to ministry.  We are keenly aware of the economic complexities challenging our world.  We are also keenly aware of the growing critical needs and kingdom opportunities that exist in Eastern Europe. And we want you to know that we are not only doing everything we can to embody the life of Christ in effective ministry, but we are also doing everything possible to be good stewards of the resources you continue to entrust to us.

Again, thank you for your partnership!  And now to close my presidential address: I pray God will bless you and that he will continue to bless the work of his kingdom people in America and in Romania—and everywhere the name of Jesus is proclaimed as Lord!

There is a lot going on with our ministry partners in Romania and with our Knoxville-based facilitating work on their behalf. You can find out more at our new websites, each with a brand new MLI video at Missio Link International (www.missiolink.org) and Missio International (www.missiointernational.org).

First of all, please note the name change from USAffairs to Missio International.  For quite some time the USAffairs board of directors has entertained changing the name to something that would more clearly reflect our commitment to the mission of Missio Link International.  Over the years (1994-2008), people who do not know us have suspected that USAffairs might be a government organization or an international dating agency!  The new name also reveals Missio Link International’s ongoing commitment to channel all its US-based work through the staff and volunteers who comprise Missio International.

Secondly, our offices have moved from Maryville to Knoxville, TN.  Please note the new address and phone number as indicated on the website. If you are ever in the area please come and visit.  The new office is a great tool for our work with Missio Link International.

Finally, we want to thank you for your involvement with God’s people in Romania and remind you that the critical needs they are addressing there are in no way diminished by the world-wide economic slowdown.  Young girls continue to find themselves victims of abuse.  Local congregations continue to invest in the equipping of leaders.  Abandoned children still need the assurance that they are loved by God.  And just like our own, Romania’s young people continue to wrestle with deep issues of identity, trust, and purpose.

MLI’s essential conviction is that all life’s needs and all joys find ultimate meaning in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus-and in him alone.  It thus remains our honor to continue to support and assist the men and women of Missio Link International in their vital work among the people of Romania.  Thank you for remembering them in your prayers and in your tithes.

Respectfully yours,
Kenny Woodhull
Executive Director, Missio International (formerly USAffairs)

We’re pleased to bring you a new video featuring an introduction to the ministry of Missio Link International and Missio International. In addition, to this post, this video will be featured prominently on this site’s home page and the MLI home page.