United for Impact: The Power of Collaboration in Ministry

The power of collaboration cannot be overstated, especially within the context of ministry. By fostering relationships and sharing experiences, we unlock a multitude of benefits that enhance our collective impact and strengthen our global community.

Here, we explore the key advantages of such collaboration and the transformative potential it holds for our ministry.

1. Learning from Unique Perspectives

We serve in various contexts across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. In each of the communities we serve, we must consider the unique culture, religious background, needs, and resources that are already present. Working closely with our Mission ONE leaders around the world, how we approach ministry and initiate projects can vary from one community to the next.

Yet, despite these differences, we believe the biggest asset we have is each other. Sharing our experiences and applying what we’ve learned throughout the years continues to propel us forward in our work. Different cultural contexts and unique challenges faced in various regions can inspire new approaches and strategies that might not have been considered otherwise. By sharing best practices and successful initiatives, we can implement proven methods to overcome obstacles and achieve our goals more efficiently.

Our partners from India and Nepal connecting on a recent trip

2. Building a Supportive Network

Collaboration builds a sense of solidarity and unity among our leaders around the world. When we foster a network that values connection, we create a supportive network that transcends geographical boundaries and becomes a source of encouragement and guidance. Partners can celebrate successes together and pray for each other during challenging times. The bond formed through collaboration enriches our ministry and fortifies our resolve to make a positive impact for the Kingdom.

With our leaders living across the globe, it’s important for us to take steps towards cultivating this supportive network. One way we do this is by connecting our partners virtually when they may be going through similar situations or we feel one’s experience could offer encouragement and strategic support.

This October, we are thrilled to announce our largest initiative in strengthening our network. The Summit: A Mission ONE Gathering will bring together all 10 of our partners from around the world for the first time for a Mission ONE-led conference in Thailand. Our time together will be spent in training, fellowship, and worship. We will provide opportunities to share testimonies and experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of one another and how we can work together to further our impact around the world.

3. Embracing a Shared Vision

At the heart of collaboration lies a shared vision. When we unite in a common mission, our collective efforts are amplified. The shared vision provides direction and purpose, ensuring that all actions and initiatives align with the overarching goals of the ministry. This unity of purpose creates a powerful force for change, enabling us to tackle complex challenges and achieve significant milestones that would be unattainable individually. By connecting our partners and fostering a collaborative spirit, we harness the full potential of our collective efforts, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond what any single entity could achieve alone.

Each of us, together, desire to transform communities to look more like the Kingdom. We are focused on finding creative solutions to support the long-term impact of the local church in order to extend its reach for generations to come. Because we are united in our ministry efforts, we are united in our impact. Praise God for what He has done, and what He will continue to guide us to do—using the past to teach us in the present and draw us near to His will in the future.

“I love the way Mission ONE is a sort of global laboratory, that there’s all these different areas and places where we are trying new things. And when we have that really intimate connection with local leaders, you’re able to just kind of say, “Hey, we found this in the laboratory here that might work for you over in your context,” and that’s going to happen in a really kind of conversational way. That’s a really nimble and agile way to be able to serve local communities in the way that Mission ONE does.” –Dave Curtis, Mission ONE Board Member & Donor

Collaboration in Action

Within our ministry, we have two car rental projects. One is located in Kenya, and the other in Togo. The car rental in Kenya began in 2021 and utilizes four vehicles that are rented out by drivers for the allotted timeframe they choose. It generates a profit of $1,500 per month which covers the business expenses and contributes to the overall ministry needs—supporting our network of 19 missionaries and paying for the ministry office space. In addition to providing a reliable service to the community, this project also employs seven individuals.

Our local leader of the car rental in Kenya

Our car rental in Togo began in 2022 and originally operated two vehicles through a ride-share platform popular in the area. After customers requested a ride, our partner drove them to their destination. Though still profitable, the downside is this system took 18-20% of the profit from each rental. In an effort to maximize this opportunity and support the impact of the ministry long-term, including our network of 150 pastors, we decided it was time to adapt.

To do that, we applied what we learned through our project in Kenya to the car rental in Togo. In late 2023, we connected our two partners, alongside our Programs Manager, Bikonzi Moise, and discussed how we could relaunch the car rental in Togo to operate as its own entity, without the ride-share platform. After much collaboration, encouragement, and questions-answered, our partner in Togo felt confident in both the benefits and the next steps in making this possible. After completing the necessary paperwork and installing new GPS systems in the two vehicles, we officially relaunched the car rental in Togo as its own business last quarter.

Our local leaders of the car rental in Togo

After advertising the new business in the community, we’re thrilled to report that momentum is building. One of the vehicles was recently rented for two weeks. The other, a white car, is also often rented for weddings in the community. Allowing the vehicles to be rented for longer periods of time enables us to generate a larger profit while also providing flexibility to both the renter and our team on the ground. Not to mention, we’re no longer sharing the profit with a third-party. Increasing our revenue stream allows us to cover the business expenses and save for the ministry and the ongoing needs of our network of missionaries.

We’re thankful for the ability to apply what we’ve learned, and can’t wait to see how God continues to use the car rental to further the impact of the Kingdom.

“We thank God for Mission ONE’s vision. Today, we can say that the car business is the best. We believe the future is very bright. Glory be to God!” –Mission ONE Leader in Togo