2011 Partners Magazine Spring Edition

Building Partnerships on our Strengths

Dear Friends,

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.” – 2 Corinthians 9:10

Welcome to the 2011 spring edition of Partners Magazine.

In recent years, ABM has renewed its partnerships with the Anglican Church in various parts of Africa – Ethiopia, Zambia, Kenya and Sudan.

In this edition, we look at how the church is responding to the drought and famine crisis now devastating the east of the continent and what has already been put in place within their communities to address the effects of extreme environmental conditions.

Building upon our Partners’ strengths and capacities is very much an integral part of our holistic approach to mission. Not only do we supply the “seed to the sower”, but our programs aim to make the most of existing skills and capabilities, and develop these to their fullest potential.

In communities where we work there are often people who, in spite of their poverty, possess many strengths. Adopting this approach ensures that they are not disadvantaged and are more able to contribute to the projects. This makes up part of the process towards sustainable development which we apply to all our community development program areas.

By helping to build our Partners’ capacities through Church to Church projects such as theological education, ministry development, the Encounter Program as well as pilgrimages and other activities, we also help them to “increase the harvest” to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.

You will also find an article about the Anglican Alliance, an initiative which grew out of the Lambeth Conference in 2008 as a way for all Anglican churches in developing countries to better connect with Anglican agencies and others involved in advocacy, humanitarian relief and development around the world. ABM is excited to be associated with the Alliance which will strengthen the ties we have built within the Anglican Communion through our work in mission.

Partnerships and relationships underpin everything that we do here at ABM. To better understand our Partners, to be able to reciprocate from both sides, while working towards common goals improves our capacity to serve God and his people.

On behalf of ABM, thank you for your continued support and contributions to our various appeals over the past few months.

God bless,

The Revd John Deane
Executive Director

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