My husband, daughter and I are in the middle of a summer filled with family visits. Neither of our families are local, so visits are always special and we are loving our time together. And the truth is, they spoil us. They take us out to eat, buy things for Jazmine, pay for our groceries, and buy us Starbucks....just to mention a few.
BUT...that is not why we enjoy the time. What we enjoy and ache for when we say goodbye....the conversations had over coffee, walks to the park, books read to Jazmine, cooking together, eating together, laughing together, crying together. I know we are where God has us to be and we love our community here in Tennessee, but I just wish Jazmine had more time with her grandparents, aunt, uncles and cousins.
So that is the backdrop for my thoughts.
Our home church just got back from visiting our World Orphans church partner in Kenya. It was a sweet time filled with the churches spending time together and ministering alongside one another. Were there gifts and treats given? Sure. By now there are deep friendships and thoughtful gifts are given both ways. Are there finances involved in the relationship? Yes. The US church helps fund some of the ministries of their church partner. BUT...this is why I love the World Orphans model of church partnership...the money is a part of it, but not what the relationship is about. The yearly (or bi-yearly, quarterly...however it goes) short-term trips are part of a much bigger context of relationship.
So just as we are grateful for the gifts our families give, the churches are grateful for the gifts from their church partner. But, because of the long-term commitment and real relationship, I believe that like with my family, that what I love, miss, and long for is the time together, that is what is at the heart of a true church partnership.
So I don't think we need to be afraid of the gift-giving aspect of church partnership and short-term trips. We have to be wise and thoughtful, just as we do within our families. But just as our families love to give gifts as an expression of their love, I believe there is a healthy place for gift-giving within short-term trips and church partnerships. The key is the context of relationship.
I am so thankful for the way our families care for us physically....but what I'm longing for and waiting for is that next visit when we can spend time together. And it's beautiful to watch those types of relationships grow among our World Orphans church partners...to hear accounts and read trip reports that speak of growing, deep, and abiding friendships. There is gratitude for the gifts and the funds, but the longing is for the next time of fellowship.
