All partnership projects are initiated by the church on the Mesoamerica Region, not by North American church officials or anyone else -- all projects are a reflection of that church's or district's desire to reach their community for Christ and to grow strong disciples in their own cultural context.
Partnership projects enable you to be a part of the mission team, to focus on specific countries, to direct your giving to specific projects and opportunities, and to see the results of your investment.
If your church chooses to invest in a long term congregational partnership we will guide you through the process and assist you in developing a healthy relationship with a church or district on the region.
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| A goat kid for a rural community in SE Guatemala |
In the US, partnership donations are tax-deductible through either Nazarene Compassionate Ministries or the Nazarene Global Ministry Center.
What is the difference between partnership projects and congregational partnerships?
Partnership projects may involve supporting one-time needs, like digging a well, equipping a computer lab, or funding a building. They may also be a part of an ongoing ministry, such as purchasing livestock to assist a village to become more self-sufficient, supporting a child development center, assisting a church planter, or providing a scholarship for a pastor seeking ordination. Involvement in these projects provide resources so that these ministries, led by local Christians (often at great sacrifice), can continue. They can be funded by individuals, small groups, or churches.
Congregational Partnerships are centered around the development of long-term relationships, and are sometimes referred to as 'sister churches.' These ongoing partnerships have opportunities for individuals and teams from both partners to participate in a variety of ways -- praying for each other, ministering alongside each other, and encouraging and supporting in each other's visions for ministry. These partnerships are set up with a specific church or district, and will have a designated point person in the field to be the primary contact for your church. We have a written guide that can help you think through the benefits and challenges of this kind of a relationship.
Selling traditional textiles at the market -- a result of a micro-enterprise loan!
My church is interested in scheduling a missions trip -- can you help us with that?
If your church is considering developing a congregational partnership, we would be happy to arrange a trip to help you connect with the field you are considering. If that's not the case, then we suggest that you contact www.workandwitness.org to schedule a Work and Witness/Integrated Ministries trip (with evangelism, compassionalte ministries, children's ministries, construction and other components) on the Region.
Can my small group or Sunday School class fund a partnership project?
Absolutely! We will work with you to find a project that will fit your interests and budget. Many options are available -- if you don't see something that interests you on the project page of this blog, please contact us at marpartnerships@gmail.com.
A new well for Hermano Martinez, Nicaragua
I recently donated toward a specific project that I found on your blog. Will I receive a report on how the money was used?
We will make every effort to obtain a written report and pictures, but it's not always possible. Not all of the project leaders have access to digital cameras or to the internet. But we do want you to know how your gift was used to bless and build God's Kingdom -- so, if you need some information, let us know!
How much of our money goes to the field?
A small amount of each donation, not to exceed 10%, may be used for project supervision on the field and for administration.
Waiting for church to start in a Costa Rican rainforest
What is a Vision Tour?
A vision tour is a short (usually a week or less) trip that church leaders take to the field to explore the possibility of a congregational partnership. You'll be guided by staff from the field, meeting the pastor and others from the MAR church who also have an interest in a partnership. As a rule, there is no 'work' component to these trips, but it's a time to get to know each other, pray together, and seek God's leading. Usually accomodations wil be in a hotel, and participants will cover all their own expenses as well as the expenses of field or partnership staff.
We recently took a missions trip and would like to develop a congregational partnership with the church we worked with. Is this possible?
Get in touch with us and we'll research it for you. Often it is possible, but it needs to be approved by regional leadership.
Why are partnerships important?
Partnerships personalize missions! It's all about learning from each other and developing awareness that the Body of Christ isn't just our local church. By having relationships with sisters and brothers from another area of the world, the Holy Spirit will open new doors to ministry in both of our communities!
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