Sometimes God begins a new partnership with a simple question: “Lord, what are You already doing here – and how can we join You?”
In late February, a small team from Northway Community Church (NCC) in Williamsport, PA, traveled to the capital city of a creative access country in Central America to discern God’s direction for a long-term partnership. Along with Joey DeNune and Deb Moffitt, I spent several days meeting with local pastors and ministry leaders, guided by Mission District Leader Pastora Jenny. For each of us, it was our first visit to this beautiful Latin American nation, and the experience far exceeded our expectations.
Before the trip, we assumed our partnership would primarily focus on strengthening the three Free Methodist schools in the capital and supporting local churches. Those ministries are doing meaningful and inspiring work, and visiting them was encouraging. But as we listened, prayed and spent time with leaders on the ground, we sensed God gently but clearly redirecting our focus.
Again and again, our hearts were drawn to the pastors themselves.
Reflecting on Romans 10:15 – “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” – we recognized that local pastors are the everyday carriers of the gospel, and God was inviting us to come alongside them. While strong leadership development already exists within this country and throughout the Free Methodist Church in Latin America, NCC was invited to partner in caring for and supporting healthy leaders in this country.
Joey, one of the NCC leaders, shared a powerful image that captured what we were sensing – a mighty river of the gospel flowing through the nation. When pastors become burdened, overwhelmed, discouraged or exhausted – often amid growing challenges in a country resistance to the gospel – the river’s flow slows. When that flow is restricted, everything downstream is affected: churches, schools and efforts to transform communities.
But when pastors and their families are encouraged, strengthened, resourced and supported, the river flows freely again. The impact spreads, kingdom work flourishes, and the potential of partnership becomes truly exciting.
Many of the pastors we met work tirelessly, providing for their families while faithfully shepherding their congregations. Even in exhaustion, their commitment to sharing Christ remains unwavering. Our church feels called to walk with these pastors in practical ways – through prayer, encouragement and a long-term partnership marked by the interdependence God intends for His church.
As this partnership grows, we trust the river of the gospel will flow with greater power, bringing life and renewal to churches in Central America and in our own church in Pennsylvania.
