How to Connect with Your Partners

August 26, 2014

Alabama Baptist SBOM

In ALL connecting points, be sure to follow security information provided by your partners! If you have multiple partners, follow individual security information.

Communicate with your partner family

Ask how you should identify them to your group
Learn about security needs – what you should/should not write and say about them and their work
Learn as much as you can about them – be interested in them
Ask to be put on their newsletter list and/or get info about blogs, websites, etc. and find protocol for sharing information
Educate members of your group to understand the need for security and the preferred means for communication
Learn about the IMB’s Affinity Groups and where your partners fit in with these

Praying

Share all updates in worship services, small groups (Sunday School, missions organizations, etc.) and if possible in publications and websites. Use caution when publishing names and locations of partners
Pray for personal needs of family
Pray for request related to work needs, relationships
Pray for the Believers with whom they work and those who are not believers
Encouragement
Send notes to each and all family members being very positive and encourage in all areas
Call/Skype them
Send ‘care’ packages – if possible – to their field of service
Remember Birthdays, anniversaries, special occasions and send messages, cards and/or gifts when possible
When they come home for stateside, visit them, send notes, call to check on them
Invite them to visit you and share with your group

Culture Information

Learn about the culture of their place of service –language, geography, religions, housing, transportation, what kind of work do the people do
Research the People Group with whom they work
Use resources like a) a book about World Religions b) Operation World, with prayer needs for every country
Find information about the country/area where they live (Lonely Planet travel books are great, online resources are also good)
Look for people in your community who are from the same area

When you and your partner are ready for a project/visit to their location

Talk with your partner(s) about what is needed and how you can help. Remember that you need to support their work and fulfill their strategy.
Make a travel plan and budget
Be sure to check on the need for visas, their cost and turn-around time
Decide who should go, not who wants to go
All team members who travel, must:
Participate in Level A Security training (Check with Global Missions Office)
Watch Child Protection Video (provided by IMB)
Have a current Background Check
Completed a Volunteer Information Form

Help in planning your trip and in the trainings and orientation is available with the Global Missions Office of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions (SBOM).