Partnering with the local church
Churches have always been the centre around which Mission Without Borders’s work takes shape.Reaching people for Christ
Churches have always been the centre around which Mission Without Borders’s work takes shape. A committed local church anchors our programmes in a specific community where there are already committed Christians seeking to reach people for Christ.
“Mission Without Borders is committed to the value of working alongside and strengthening the church. We believe that church plays an important role in the spiritual growth and the well-being of a community,” said Alexandru Danilenco, director of the Mission in Romania.
“The churches make their infrastructure, relationships and connections available to the Mission and the Mission helps the church and people in need with material aid such as donated goods, Operation Christmas Love parcels, food and more.
“We wouldn’t be able to do what we do – or even exist at all – if it were not for church partnerships.”
The gospel in action
An after school club is a good example of Mission Without Borders and churches working together to provide life-changing opportunities for children. The Mission provides the necessary financial support, while the church steps in with the volunteers and a physical space to meet in.
Our annual summer camps couldn’t happen without teams of volunteers giving their time so generously to impact children’s lives.
Alexandru added, “The Mission organises the venues, curricula, administrative matters, and more, and the church provides the volunteers needed for a week, who work around the clock using their gifts and talents to make sure the children are having fun and that they’re safe and loved. Most importantly, they get to model Jesus to the children they have the privilege of serving.”
Through programmes such as after school club, summer camp and family sponsorship, many people become interested in Christianity and as a result, join their local church.
“People are not always ready to listen to the gospel unless they can see it in action – and that’s what the Mission does through its programmes,” Alexandru said.
Rooted in eternal values
Church partnership also ensures that even if Mission Without Borders discontinues its work in a particular area, there will still be a community of people there, committed to sharing the gospel and blessing the next generation.
Alexandru said, “We don’t want our work to have only a temporary impact. We want it to be rooted in eternal values, empowering individuals to grow spiritually as they pursue God’s will for their lives.
“Only eternity will be able to tell the number of lives that have been touched by the extravagant love and generosity that both the Mission and the church have faithfully shown to the poor.”