OUR WORK
Click on the map to learn more about our local teams and the community-transforming work in each country.
We are global and local
We partner with local indigenous leaders and missional organizations around the world as they listen to the communities they are already serving and identify their greatest needs.
We listen to those in need
We partner with the Global Church to transform communities to look more like the Kingdom of God and reach unreached people groups through the expression of the local church.
We develop culturally relevant theological resources
We create curriculum and train leaders on how to build healthy missional relationships and restore honor to all peoples by helping them understand the gospel through their own cultural lenses.
We respond by sustaining local communities
We assist in planning and promoting locally-sustained projects and initiatives that aim to transform communities from the inside out. Whether it be through a small business, medical clinic, school, immediate relief, or local church plant, our partners are empowering not only this generation but also those to come.
Recent blog posts
Our partners are constantly starting new projects, raising support or sharing the joy of the Lord, stay current with these recent blog posts.
How the Tax Hikes Impact Everyday Kenyans
Healthcare Crisis in Pokot
We Need Your Help Now
How You Can Make a Difference
In any relationship, the foundation laid at the beginning is critical for long-term success. At Mission ONE, we partner with local leaders and missionaries worldwide to transform communities into reflections of the Kingdom of God. Our approach to expanding Kingdom impact involves prayerful consideration and thorough communication with local ministry leaders before formalizing a partnership. Only after building a trusted relationship, rooted in the love of God, and aligning our goals and vision, do we move forward together.
The Role of a Formal Partnership Agreement
A key element in establishing this foundation is a formal partnership agreement—a vital document that ensures all parties are aligned and equipped to pursue our mission with unity and purpose.
Clarity and Alignment
One of the most significant benefits of a written partnership agreement is the clarity it provides. When two organizations come together for a common goal, assumptions can lead to misunderstandings if not addressed early on. A formal agreement ensures that all parties share a clear understanding of the partnership’s objectives, responsibilities, and desired outcomes. This clarity extends to the vision, mission, and values that guide the partnership, ensuring everyone is on the same page from the start.
Accountability
A partnership agreement also fosters accountability. Each party knows what is expected of them, and in the event of a conflict, the written agreement serves as a reference point to resolve issues efficiently. This reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings and helps ensure that each organization fulfills its commitments, leading to a more effective and fruitful partnership.
Setting the Stage for Open Communication
Starting a partnership with a written agreement sets the tone for open and transparent communication. Discussing and agreeing on the details and expectations upfront establishes a culture of honesty and collaboration. This openness is crucial for maintaining trust. The process of drafting the agreement provides an opportunity for both parties to ask questions and suggest adjustments, strengthening the partnership and ensuring equal contribution.
A Glimpse into Our Partnership Agreement Form
While the content of the partnership agreement has been thoroughly discussed during the relationship-building process, the form we use solidifies the most important terms of our partnerships with local leaders. Below is a summary of the key components included in our partnership agreement forms:
- Commitment to godly character, cultural intelligence, and organizational competence
- Overview of each party’s mission, vision, and values
- Detailed expectations of the partnership, including roles in ministry, organization of leadership and team, terms of reciprocity, communication plan, quarterly reporting requirements, and an explanation of fund distribution
- Review process after four years to determine whether to extend or renew the partnership
- Signatures from both parties affirming the principles and guidelines set forth
Mission ONE Learning: What We’re Discovering Through Partnership
With over 30 years of experience, we at Mission ONE have learned that building strong partnerships requires continuous reflection and adaptation. We haven’t always gotten it right, but each challenge has been an opportunity for growth.
For example, while we have long utilized partnership agreements, we previously lacked built-in moments of review. This oversight meant we were not consistently checking in with our partners to ensure that our goals remained aligned as circumstances changed. Recognizing this gap, we’ve now incorporated regular reviews into our agreements, allowing us to consistently evaluate and reaffirm our shared vision with our partners.
Here are some of the key lessons we’ve gleaned from our experience:
- The Importance of Cultural Sensitivity: We’ve found that being culturally intelligent isn’t just about understanding different customs—it’s about genuinely listening to our partners’ perspectives and incorporating that understanding into our agreements.
- Continuous Communication is Key: Even with a clear agreement in place, ongoing dialogue is crucial. We’ve learned that regular check-ins and updates help prevent misunderstandings and strengthen our relationships.
- Flexibility Enhances Partnership: While agreements provide structure, we’ve discovered that allowing room for flexibility—especially in response to unforeseen challenges—has been vital for the long-term success of our partnerships.
- Shared Vision Leads to Shared Success: The most successful partnerships have been those where both parties are deeply committed to a shared vision. This alignment has been foundational in ensuring that our joint efforts bear fruit.
“For we are co-workers in God’s service.” –1 Corinthians 3:9a
In rural Togo, a car rental business with a vision to support the local church has been re-launched. Together with your support, this project now operates independently, maximizing its impact on the ministry and the communities it serves.
Creating Sustainable Solutions for Pastors
Our network of over 150 local pastors serving in rural communities across West Africa is mostly married with children. They spend their time ministering to unreached communities and praying with those in need. However, financial support is limited, and many struggle to meet their personal and family needs.
The car rental business aims to address this challenge by generating income that helps fund the pastors’ personal needs and provides resources for their communities.
Independent Car Rental Business
Initially, the car rental business partnered with a local ride-share platform. While beneficial, this partnership took 18-20% of the profit from each ride. To maximize growth and ensure more funds go toward the ministry, we re-launched the car rental as an independent entity!
With guidance from a successful car rental business leader in Kenya, our partner in Togo smoothly transitioned to this new model. The necessary paperwork was completed, and new GPS systems were installed in the vehicles.
Customers can now rent cars as drivers rather than passengers. This change allows for longer rental periods, generates more profit, and gives our local partner greater flexibility to visit other pastors. Importantly, 100% of the revenue now supports operational expenses and ministry needs.
Sustaining Spiritual Growth
While the car rental business is helping address the financial needs of the ministry, we remain committed to spiritually sustaining our network of missionaries through Biblical training.
The collaboration between our partners in Kenya and Togo has been instrumental in this process. The successful car rental business in Kenya provided valuable insights and support, highlighting the importance of sharing knowledge and resources. Both of these local leaders look forward to the upcoming conference in Thailand this October to gather in person, share insights, learn from each other, celebrate successes, and plan future initiatives. This gathering will strengthen our bonds and enhance our collective ability to serve and make a meaningful impact for the Kingdom.
This is how your support is building the Kingdom of God here on Earth—restoring hope where it was once lost by providing new opportunities to learn both in trade and faith.
Thank you for being such a blessing to pastors and communities in West Africa!
In West Africa, animistic beliefs and practices, including voodoo, hold significant influence over the cultural and spiritual landscape. Deeply rooted in tradition and passed down through generations, these belief systems shape the worldview of many communities across the region. Amidst this backdrop, our network of over 150 local pastors is making a profound impact, offering hope and transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit.
A Network of Faith and Compassion
Together with our dedicated leaders, we established a robust network of missionaries serving rural communities across Benin, Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Togo. These pastors are persistently called upon to pray over those tormented by evil spirits, entering villages where fear and darkness have long held sway. Armed with the authority of Christ, they offer hope and the light of the gospel to those in the shadows of despair. Individuals and entire villages are being set free through the power of the Holy Spirit!
Here’s a story Sessi, a man who restored his hope through the local church:
Sessi, a devoted husband and father of six, faced severe hardship after losing his job. His wife struggled to feed the family, and despite his desperate search for new employment, he found no opportunities.
Sessi found himself turning to alcohol, seeking solace in his despair. It was during this difficult period that he encountered our local church leader. The local minister encouraged Sessi to abandon alcohol, reminding him that trials are a part of life and urging him to be patient, assuring him that God would provide for his family through other means.
The church prayed fervently for Sessi and his family, even offering financial assistance to support his wife’s business. Gradually, blessings began to flow. Sessi’s wife saw her business thrive, and Sessi, inspired by the church’s support and God’s grace, stopped drinking and recommitted himself to prayer.
Today, Sessi helps his wife with her business and holds steadfast faith that God will provide him with a new job. His journey through hardship has strengthened his trust in Jesus.
Equipping Pastors to Share the Gospel
To sustain and amplify this impact, we prioritize the training and support of our local pastors. Last summer, we had the privilege of participating in a pastors’ conference hosted by our local partner in Togo. With the support of Mission ONE, we provided Biblical training to 120 pastors serving rural communities across Togo, Benin, Ghana, Nigeria, and Ivory Coast.
These conferences are vital for equipping local pastors with sound doctrine and ensuring they are prepared to share the hope of Jesus with unreached people groups. As the first representation of the gospel these communities receive, it is crucial that these local church plants are built on the foundation of God’s Word.
One of the most valuable aspects of the conference was delivering the training in the native languages of French and Ewe. This allowed for a more effective communication dynamic and empowered the leaders to share the gospel within their own cultural contexts. Additionally, we spent time worshiping together as the body of Christ. This served as a reminder to the pastors that they are not alone in their work; they are part of a larger network of believers who can relate to the struggles and joys of planting local churches where there are none.
Looking Ahead with Hope
As we look forward to the next pastors’ conference planned for this summer, we are filled with anticipation for the continued growth and strengthening of our ministry network. These conferences provide an intentional time for pastors to process their experiences, be refreshed in their knowledge of God’s Word, and return to their communities ready to continue the work of building the Kingdom of God in the hardest places.
Everyone who participated in the last conference expressed their gratitude for this intentional time away. They left feeling refreshed and ready to continue their mission, strengthened in every aspect of their lives—not just as leaders, but as spouses, parents, and brothers.
Thank you for your faithful support, which makes these conferences and ongoing training possible. Join us in continuing this vital work, equipping and empowering pastors to shine the light of the gospel in the darkest places.
“May God bless Mission ONE. We have hope that tomorrow will be better. The future of the community will be very bright!” —Local partner in Togo
With your partnership, the future of these communities is indeed very bright.
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
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TRAINING
We develop curriculum and train leaders in new ways that are more relevant to peoples that have historically been difficult to reach with the gospel. Learning to teach the Bible through a different cultural lens gives people ownership of the gospel, rather than feeling like it's just a story from another culture.
Our staff of writers and theologians have developed incredible resources for both our partners, their work, and change agents in the US. Check out the many books and training resources available.