REFLECTIONS FROM BEN ON HOW REAL CHANGE COMES THRU YOUR PARTNERSHIP
Partnership is a word I use a lot — both at the FH Canada office and personally. Whether in marriage (my wife and I just celebrated 42 years), a friendship, or a business relationship, a strong partnership makes all the difference.
By definition, a partnership goes two ways. It’s give and take and requires commitment, even through the ups and downs (just ask my wife!). With true partnership, both parties will be forever changed.
This is partly why we refer to the developing communities we work with as “partner communities.” As we walk together on a seven to ten-year journey to self- sustainability, we rely on local leadership and their vision to direct the process. We work together, using shared knowledge of what has and hasn’t worked in the past, and deciding what new practices will be well received.
And back home in Canada, when we help churches, businesses or social groups partner with a developing community (see an example on page 6) we emphasize a concept of mutual transformation, where both parties enter the relationship willing to learn and be changed by each other’s stories and by God’s work among them.
In this issue we highlight how anyone — from a small-town seven-year-old to the reigning Miss World Guatemala — can partner with FH by using their voice and influence to make a very real difference. We’re also excited to announce a major conference — “Helping Without Hurting” — in partnership with the Chalmers Center that explores how to work with vulnerable people without undermining their dignity. It’s sure to inspire and challenge all participants.
Finally, we’ve included a special sponsorship and education update that shows the impact of the long-term partnership of sponsors, teachers, parents and students. As a sponsor, it can sometimes be hard to see the impact of your monthly donations, but these stories are made possible though your support and encouragement.
Be blessed,
President/CEO
