The Ruscio family was sent to Madang, Papua New Guinea, as global partners in the summer of 2024. We asked Frank how their family has been blessed by individuals and Growth Groups from Faith that have “adopted” them through various seasons of their training and ministry. Here’s what he shared.
During Frank’s training, their group provided a vital piece of equipment.
“I needed to start my final flight training and buy a helicopter pilot helmet, which was super expensive. My Growth Group decorated a shoebox and on the outside of it were the words, ‘blessings for your brains.’ They set it out for months at their meetings and as people were able, they added money. Eventually, it was enough to cover the cost of the helmet. We had no idea about it until they mailed the whole box to us. We were so blown away by their generosity! I still have the box — I love it.”
Another group helped the Ruscios remember faces from Faith.
“They sent a photo book and inside was a picture of each family, their name and a note. It was incredibly thoughtful, kind, and just encouraging to read through it every now and then. Often, it’s hard to remember everyone in a group, so it was also very helpful. When we were back in town visiting Faith, I recognized everyone from that group even though I hadn’t seen them for two years. That’s a big deal, because after a few years away, a missionary can feel a little bit like a stranger walking into their own church.”
The Ruscio family also appreciates smaller and simpler efforts to stay in touch.
“It is really encouraging just to get little updates from people. We send out updates every month or two. I think some supporters and friends think we’re too busy for them to bother us, or they’re not important enough to us. And so, we might go a whole year and never hear from them. But even a one-paragraph update on what’s new with them is so encouraging and goes a long way in keeping the relationship alive. When you read a global partner’s email update, always hit ‘reply’!”
When we work together to support and encourage partners in ministry around the world, the blessings go both ways! If your group would like to get started adopting a global partner, contact Tim Widmer or Nathan Thiry for information and suggestions.
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Extending Christlike Hospitality Across Continents Lois Belch and Natalie Widman are longtime missionaries—and longtime friends. Lois grew up in Venezuela as a missionary kid, returning there in her early 20s with her husband, Dav...