Kindgom Collaboration: What Missions Is Meant to Look Like
A MESSAGE FROM ANDY BACHERT, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (COO)
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which
God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:10 (KJV)
Early in my mission experience, I noticed something that didn’t sit quite right with me. Mission organizations often operated in isolation, focusing solely on their projects and initiatives. This siloed approach seemed at odds with Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, where he reminds us that “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ… For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body.”
The truth is it doesn’t matter which organizational “badge” we wear. What matters is that our work, whether done through Friends in Action International or any other ministry, leads people to Jesus Christ. No thread stands alone in the grand tapestry of God’s kingdom work.
Our partnerships exemplify this vision in action. When we partner with organizations like Milandila Community Missions in Uganda, we’re not simply constructing buildings but helping build a sustainable ministry platform. What began with building their home grew into constructing a team guest house and now extends to renovating their clinic. Each project represents deepening relationships and expands ministry opportunities in a community eager to hear the gospel.
Similarly, the aviation hangar we’re building for New Tribes Mission (Ethnos360) in Papua New Guinea isn’t just a steel and concrete structure – it’s a vital link in the chain of gospel outreach to remote communities. When we drill water wells with Mexico Medical Mission, we are not just providing clean water but creating opportunities for living water to flow into communities.
These partnerships exemplify what kingdom collaboration should look like: different parts of the Body of Christ working in harmony, each contributing their unique gifts and resources. At Friends in Action International, we’ve learned that the strongest partnerships are built on mutual respect, shared vision, and a deep commitment to seeing Christ glorified.
As we look to the future, we see God opening even more doors for collaborative ministry. Our role is not to compete with other organizations but to come alongside them, strengthening their hands for the work God has called them to do. Whether it is construction, water resources, or other technical needs, our partnerships allow each organization to focus on its core calling of sharing Jesus. At the same time, we provide the technical expertise they need.
To our faithful supporters who make this work possible through your prayers and generous giving – thank you. Your partnership enables these broader collaborations that are advancing the gospel around the world. As Paul wrote to the Philippians: “I thank my God every time I remember you… because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:3,5).
Together, we are not just building structures – we are building bridges for the gospel. We are not just meeting physical needs – we are creating platforms for spiritual transformation. As we Move Earth to Share Heaven, we remain committed to strengthening existing partnerships and developing new ones, always to see more people reached with the transforming message of Jesus Christ.
