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When strangers become friends I come from a small, rural Midwest area, but the Ecuador partnership has brought expanded focus on God’s mission in my life. “Expanded focus” may seem to be a contradiction, because focus connotes sharpening but expand means to broaden. But both are true for me. The partnership has expanded my focus on God’s mission in the world. More than before, I understand that it’s important that I exemplify the grace and peace of Christ where I live, where I go and with the people I meet. Now after 10 years of both personal and conference involvement with this partnership, when others ask me about getting involved in a similar partnership, I say: 1) Be prepared for self-examination. North American Mennonites don’t have the solutions. In fact, we may be creating some of the problems. For example, I enjoy my lifestyle. I can go where I want and do what I want. Yet I wonder how my lifestyle affects or influences other cultures, as when other cultures attempt to imitate North American ways. 2) Be prepared for witnessing. Christians of other countries are not bashful about the power of God in their lives. They are quick to mention the good news of Jesus in their lives and tell others about it. They often testify from a position of weakness. 3) Be prepared to learn. God is moving in the lives of people around the world. That movement is in strange and mysterious ways. One life touches another, that life touches another and so on and so on, and before you know it, that touch comes back to embrace you. Who knows where God’s Spirit will lead. Are there problems in partnerships? Of course. The decision-making is cumbersome and language is a barrier to understanding. Different cultures have different ways of doing things, which is challenging. A lot of time is involved. As with any group decisionmaking, it takes energy, but in the end the directions are mutually benefi cial for the partners. But the benefits are enormous. As a result of being involved in this partnership, I’m more aware of how the church globally is involved in the social, political, economical and spiritual world of people. The simple fact of people meeting people is crucial. Four work teams of 15 people each have gone to Ecuador. Twelve people over 10 years have represented our conference in partnership meetings. And we have had opportunities to host our guests from Ecuador in our homes. These connections with other Christians have strengthened my faith and my vision for mission. I would recommend that other churches explore a partnership in order to gain a vision of God’s work in the world, which you will receive from that engagement. Grant Nebel is associate pastor of Washington (Iowa) Mennonite Church and former chair of the outreach and service committee of Central Plains Mennonite Conference. Grant Nebel is associate pastor of Washington (Iowa) Mennonite Church and former chair of the outreach and service committee of Central Plains Mennonite Conference. In this issue: Features Additional Articles Viewpoints |
