As the church-partner relationship begins, it is an introductory one of friendship, discovering and understanding one another’s heart and values, that grows into a membership role, actively visiting and supporting projects on the ground, and develops to become an anchoring presence, influencing vision and direction as well as pulling new partners on board. (see diagram)

If you are interested in starting a relationshsip with Hands at Work in Africa then please contact our nearest office or email us at partnerships@handsatwork.org.

FEATURE CHURCH PARTNERSHIP - ANCHOR

Zion Christian Centre Halesowen, United Kingdom

‘The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step' so someone once said. Well our journey as a church in terms of involvement with HIV/AIDS and Africa began with several single steps and now we feel like we're running towards the challenge! It began with a lady from our church who stumbled across Hands at work whilst doing a law degree and then came to beat my door down saying ‘we must get involved.' Our hearts were already being prepared as we were wrestling with how we as a church from the UK could engage with poverty and HIV/AIDS. So I went out with a small team; was blown away with the need, challenge and the response that Hands were making and so we began partnering in Zambia and for the past few years have sent several teams a year out on building work, healthcare, children's support and educational training.

We have seen lives impacted, communities regenerated and our own hearts transformed. We have always come back with far more than we've ever been able to take out and I would urge every church leader and every church to play your part, this is on the heart of God, we have a clear mandate from scripture and this connects into the heart of people who are bring stirred with the desire to make a difference.

We now feel that the next step for us is to help other churches get involved, so we partner with teams, share resources and do all we can to release others into the mission.'

Leon Evans, Senior Pastor