One of the most significant parts of the mKainos ministry is the mentoring relationships between the older and younger MKs. This year, the older MKs have once again committed to fundraise for scholarships to give to the younger MKs, as they prepare for college.
MKs are once again putting in all of their efforts to help younger MKs. These Missionaries' Kids (MKs), who started mKainos, a ministry for MKs, are once again in the process of carrying out the annual mKommit project to fundraise and give scholarships to younger MKs.
Simply because their parents were called to the mission field, with no choice of their own, MKs have had to go to the mission field as well and live a missionary lifestyle. From a young age, they have had the opportunity to experience many different languages and cultures, and from that, also develop unique talents. But they've also had to endure through financial hardships, hurts from parents, and isolation due to cultural barriers.
Most MKs choose to receive higher education in the U.S. due to the fact that many of the places that they may have lived in do not offer a high quality university education. Hence, eight years ago, mKainos was started in the U.S. and these MKs have been meeting regularly and holding annual retreats, during which they are able to better understand their identities as MKs, and also network and fellowship with other MKs. One of the most significant parts of this ministry is the mentorship between older and younger MKs.
Since last year around the holiday season, these older MKs have been participating in the mKommit project. Last year, they raised $12,215, and another anonymous giver pitched in extra to make the total $20,000, allowing scholarships for 15 MKs. At the time, Bobae Lee, one of those who received a scholarship, said, "With this scholarship, I'm able to take another step forward into my calling for medical missions."
"We're excited to see how our younger MKs will be moving forward with the gospel, and the specific callings that God has given them according to their cultures, education, and society," said those who were part of mKommit. "Our hope is that they'll continue on their parents' calling as missionaries, and continue to bring glory to God."
"It's our time to give to the younger MKs the undeserved grace and love that we've received so far," said Sangwon Shin, a pastor at Disciple Church. Like Shin, members of mKommit are involved in various fields, including pastoring, education, medicine, and other professional fields. And though they themselves may not be financially stable, they still choose to give to the younger MKs. Global Partners, a mission organization, is also helping the MKs in fundraising, tax deductions, and other aspects.
To be a part of this fundraising process, individuals can send in donations by mail or online. If by mail, donations can be sent to P.O. Box 75459 Los Angeles, CA 90075 to mKommit. Checks should be made payable to Global Partners, and "MK Scholarship" should be specified on the memo line. To contribute online, visit www.youcaring.com/mkommit2014.
mKommit has set a goal of raising $12,000 this year, and they've raised $3,200 as of December 2. Their fundraising deadline is December 22. mKainos will also be holding their annual retreat this year from December 26 to 30 at Malibu, CA, during which about 100 MKs are expected to attend.
