MSN Testimonials

I was amazed and humbled that Wilsie and I were invited to an MSN retreat in April of 2001. We were working with a congregation in Hobbs, New Mexico, as they struggled to get by some difficult times, and the experience helped us to hang in there to let the Lord work with us and through us. We will forever be thankful for the concern and care for all of us who were invited.

It was an eye opener to learn that other ministers were facing equal -- if not more difficult -- times than we were encountering. The MSN team was wonderful to encourage open dialogue and to mold all of us together as we sought wisdom from the Lord and as we brainstormed ideas that might help the situations. The MSN team gave helpful suggestions and insights we have used many times.

The schedule allowed for prayer and for encouraging words to be expressed as stories were exchanged in a loving, supporting, non-threatening atmosophere.

Wilsie and I believe in the MSN effords and once again express our thanks for helping equip ministers to face difficult times.

--Eli and Wilsie Borden

It took all I had to talk my wife into actually attending the MSN -- we were signed up but she kept looking for an excuse to back out. We had been beaten up so badly she did not know anyone she wanted to trust. Charles Siburt loved us into attending, and as soon as we arrived we were engulfed by hugs from the Siburts, Sharps, Wrays and Faulkners. The weekend of opening up with other ministry couples and getting some needed coaching from the ministry team made all the difference for us -- in both our marriage in our church life. MSN taught us that others have walked the painful road we were walking, and that we weren't walking the road alone -- MSN was there for us.

--Scott and Suzanne Sager

So many good things happened for us during our sabbatical, but we agree that the MSN retreat was in the top two things we appreciated so much during that time. Safe vulnerability with support is a rare ingredient in our lives. We felt as one in ministry throughout the retreat and it left us feeling more so that way when we came back to the work in Boerne. I even listened to Tanja caution about something I was preparing to do with our church. Imagine that. Some couples might be accustomed to that, but it's not always been our way. I loved hearing my wife talk openly and passionately during the retreat. We loved being with the MSN team, and want to thank those who brought us together for the gift of love and appreciation.

--Randy and Tanja Couchman