If there is one place that I want to be on earth, 10 times out of 10, I would choose to be with my family.
There is something about the people that love you, something about them that is totally freeing and life giving. That's where I wanna be.
Upon arrival to Nicaragua, I heard more than once, "We love having Athens Church here with us! Everyone gets so excited when y'all come!"
With a welcome like that, you would think that there's no ice to break, but believe it or not, it takes work – this is a relationship.
In 2010, Church to Church began partnering domestic churches like yours with sister churches internationally to see the building of the Body in ongoing, Kingdom based relationships. They take work.
In great, hard working relationships, there is great fruit.
You have to build an initial foundation, communicate well and see each other regularly face to face in order to keep a healthy, working and building relationship. This is what we are about and that's exactly what Athens Church is doing in Nicaragua.
"Man, you guys keep coming back and we not only love it, we are really built up and encouraged in it! We always look forward to seeing you all and working together as we develop a better relationship with you guys!" Don Straka, our host told us this a number of times.
A warm welcome, genuine, transparent love, and a desire to continue in a relationship is evidence that boundaries have been broken down, a foundation has been laid, and work has been done to build and maintain this relationship!
What I saw when we walked through the barrios and visited with the Nicaraguans, the full-timers and translators there was exactly that, they were right where they wanted to be, building a family, building the Kingdom – together.
I want to invite your church to build a relationship with a sister church overseas (we now offer partnerships in 13 countries), invest in and build this larger family that we call the Body of Christ. To find out more, or to begin your partnership, send us an e-mail at [email protected].
If you or your church can't partner with us but you would still like to take part, you can pray for me, encourage me (be creative) and you can also support me financially! Please join with me in some capacity, because I want and need your help. I would love to serve you and extend my family as you are empowering me to do so across the world!
