MOVERS, SHAKERS,
PARTNERSHIP MAKERS
How Do Life-Changing Partnerships
Get Started?
By Marsha Hill
At the Partnership Latvia training, the BBI and Partners staff wore matching vests. Being so visible led to wonderful conversations with those we'd served, and put faces with names from our emails and phone calls.
Months of work go into Partnership Latvia. Yet, PL is like the launching of the (partner) ship. Building this "ship" begins long before the first meeting between Americans and Latvians.
"SHIP" BUILDING TAKES TIME
Here's the process: President Chuck Kelley and VP Marsha Hill request meetings with pastors and mission committees wherever they travel. Sometimes a conversation in an airport results in an introduction to a church.
While Chuck and Marsha call on different people in a prospective church, the BBI support staff sends BRIDGES and invitations to banquets and prayer meetings.
A church with an active missions program may move quickly to send a team to Latvia. Most churches need two to three years (and multiple return visits) for final approvals.
WILL YOU BE MY PARTNER?
The American church decides to send a team. Now, Executive Director Almers Ludviks and Church Partnerships Director Peter Eisans meet with churches in Latvia to choose a good match. They know a good partnership requires that the pastor and congregation are committed to joint ministry and hosting teams from America.
PREPARING FOR A GOOD LAUNCH
As PL approaches, both churches, in the U.S. and Latvia, have many questions. What ministry should be planned? Can this handout be translated? Will you help us understand what the other church wants us to do? How should we raise travel funds? The questions mount as the launch date nears!
The BBI/Partners staff patiently field the frequently asked questions and research those without immediate answers.
IS IT ALL WORTH IT?
The answer is yes. The glowing faces, some tear-streaked, at Partnership Latvia's celebration service attest to deep connections made. But beyond that special moment is the humbling realization that God has used BBI/Partners to mobilize over 900 Americans and Europeans to go to Latvia, see the needs, and lend a hand.
The Lord graciously allows us to be part of His Kingdom plan. What could be better?
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