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In the remote region of Pokot, Kenya, access to healthcare is not just limited—it’s nearly non-existent. For thousands of people living in this rural community, our three medical clinics are the only source of vital medical care. With the nearest hospital over 80 miles away, these clinics serve as a lifeline, providing essential services that would otherwise be completely out of reach.

The Critical Role of the Medical Clinics

Every month, the clinics in Pokot provide care to over 2,600 individuals—mothers, fathers, children, and elders who depend on us for their health and survival.

The clinics offer a wide range of services, including:

These services are vital to the health and well-being of the Pokot community, yet the demand is overwhelming. The clinics are consistently operating at full capacity, and without additional resources, they risk being unable to meet the needs of those who depend on them.

The Urgent Need for Support

As the only healthcare provider in the area, these clinics are facing an urgent need for supplies and medications. Without these critical resources, they simply cannot keep up with the growing demand for care. If we’re not able to provide essential equipment, many in the community will be left without access to the medical care they desperately need.

To address this urgent need, we have launched a campaign to raise $83,345 by September 30th. These funds will be used to purchase the following essential supplies and medications:

These necessities can mean the difference between life and death for the people of Pokot. Without them, these clinics cannot continue to provide the level of care that this community needs.

How You Can Help

The situation in Pokot is urgent, but you have the power to make a difference. By supporting our cause, you will be directly contributing to the health and survival of thousands of people. Your gifts will help us purchase the supplies and equipment needed to keep the clinics up and running.

Help us reach our goal of $83,345 by September 30th. This is a critical moment, and the people of Pokot are counting on us.

Thank you for standing with us!

Since 1991, Mission ONE has partnered with a local ministry leader in Kenya to spread the gospel and drive community development throughout the country. Led by Wilfred and his wife, Rahab, this ministry reflects Mission ONE’s mission to empower local leaders to share the love of Christ and build sustainable, thriving communities in Kenya.

Our partnership with Wilfred’s ministry began with our founder, Bob Schindler, who first met Wilfred during a trip to Africa in 1988. Wilfred’s testimony and passion deeply moved Bob, igniting a vision that would eventually become Mission ONE. This divine connection launched one of Mission ONE’s longest-standing partnerships, which continues to flourish today.

For over 30 years, Mission ONE has been engaged in international missions work, partnering with communities around the globe to share the love of Christ and address both physical and spiritual needs through the local church. Throughout this journey, we’ve learned valuable lessons about how to carry out missions work effectively, respectfully, and sustainably. Whether you are just beginning your mission journey or seeking to deepen your understanding, here are five key insights to guide your international missions efforts.

1. The Importance of Building Trusting Relationships

In missions work, building trust is foundational. It’s not enough to simply arrive in a community and start working. Establishing genuine, trusting relationships with local leaders and community members is key to achieving long-term impact. We’ve learned that these relationships, developed over time, lead to deeper understanding and more robust partnerships.

For example, through our ministry in a remote village in Kenya, we’ve spent decades investing in both local ministry leaders and community members. In doing so, we were able to build trust and gain insights into their specific needs and cultural context. This mutual trust and respect enabled us to collaborate effectively on projects that were relevant and welcomed by the community. We now have an All Girls School that is completely transforming harmful society norms for young girls in this community and growing each year. Trust opened the door to this meaningful change, making it crucial in every aspect of our missions work.

2. Cultural Sensitivity and Adaptability

A critical lesson we’ve learned over the years is the importance of cultural sensitivity. Every community has its own customs, beliefs, and ways of life. A successful mission requires a deep understanding and respect for these cultural differences. Being culturally sensitive fosters mutual respect and creates a more effective partnership.

In our early years, we sometimes assumed that what worked in one community would naturally work in another. However, we found that a one-size-fits-all approach can often hinder community growth. Instead, listening closely to the communities we serve allows their specific needs to guide our focus. This cultural awareness has helped us build stronger relationships and develop programs that are beneficial and sustainable for the long term.

3. Clear Communication and Partnership Agreements

Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful partnership, especially in international missions. It’s vital to have open and honest dialogues with local leaders, discussing expectations, roles, and project scope upfront. One of the best ways to ensure clarity is through formal partnership agreements.

At Mission ONE, we have found that written partnership agreements help set clear parameters and guidelines for collaboration. These agreements outline the expectations and responsibilities of both parties, allowing for transparent and productive working relationships. Learn more about how and why we develop our partnership agreement forms at Mission ONE here.

4. Sustainability Over Short-Term Impact

While it might be tempting to focus on short-term impact, sustainable change should always be the ultimate goal of international missions work. Of course, there are times when our focus must shift to immediate relief. When disasters strike and communities lack critical care and basic necessities for survival, the most important work we can do is step in to meet those needs. However, generally speaking, short-term solutions often fail to bring lasting change.

We’ve found that empowering local communities to take ownership of projects leads to more sustainable outcomes. By equipping community members with the tools and knowledge they need to continue the work independently, we help create a foundation for lasting change. Sustainability has become a core principle in our approach to missions.

5. Flexibility in the Face of Challenges

International missions work is rarely straightforward. Unexpected challenges, such as political instability, natural disasters, or funding issues, can arise at any moment. One of the most important lessons we’ve learned is the need for flexibility and adaptability in the face of these challenges.

For example, during the 2020 pandemic, we had to pause our six-month sewing program for young girls in Kijabe Town, Kenya when several participants contracted COVID-19. We quickly shifted our focus to providing support and resources to meet the community’s most pressing needs at that time. By staying flexible, we were able to continue supporting the community and resume our work when conditions improved. Flexibility allows us to navigate obstacles and continue serving effectively, even in uncertain situations.

International missions work is a journey filled with joys, challenges, and profound learning experiences. From building trusting relationships to prioritizing sustainability and staying adaptable, these five lessons have shaped our approach at Mission ONE over the past 30+ years. We hope these insights will help guide others who are called to this important Kingdom work.

If you would like to learn more about our efforts, we would love to connect with you. Contact us today to discover how we can partner together to make a global impact.

Together, we can continue transforming communities around the world to reflect the Kingdom of God, making a lasting difference for His glory and the honor of all peoples.

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:

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:

“For we are co-workers in God’s service.” –1 Corinthians 3:9a