The Eternal Effect of Partnerships: Fulfilling Our Purpose

“But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” – Hebrews 3:13 (KJV)

For the past two decades, I have served leadership roles with Ethnos360/ New Tribes Mission (NTM) in Papua New Guinea (PNG). In these positions, one of my primary responsibilities has been to encourage, motivate, and empower team members so they can be effective in their ministry for the Lord.

Empowering, however, does not happen in isolation. In this process, meaningful partnerships become essential, providing team members with access to resources, expertise, skills, and experience that our own organization cannot offer. Too often in missions, there is a tendency to look only inward for solutions, rather than seeking the help and support of other organizations.

Over the years, Friends In Action (FIA) has been one of those invaluable partners. They have provided expertise in areas such as diesel generators, equipment purchasing, bush building projects, shipping, and other highly technical needs. Beyond their knowledge, FIA has also sent skilled teams. These teams allow the missionaries to stay focused on Ethnos360/NTM’s primary objective: planting churches in the remote regions of PNG.

The construction of a new hangar for Ethnos360’s aviation program in PNG best illustrates this partnership. Without strong partnerships, a project of this scale would have been nearly impossible. Several Christian mission organizations came together to make it happen; local missions provided manpower and equipment, an international group contributed technical engineering drawings, another sent a team to pour the foundation and cement pad, and FIA supplied a team to erect the 20-foot- high steel structure.

This new hangar is a tremendous blessing. All active aircraft are housed under one roof while freeing up the older hangar for maintenance work. Our engineers are excited about the additional space, and our pilots are grateful for improved access to the aircraft. In a country like PNG, where aviation is a lifeline for the missionaries in remote areas, this facility directly strengthens the work of the gospel.

Even more important than the physical blessing is the spiritual encouragement these partnerships bring. Working side by side in the fellowship of Christ, sharing testimonies of God’s faithfulness, and seeing His people united in a common purpose deeply motivates both the team and the missionaries. Partnerships like these are a beautiful expression of the unity in Christ. His body works together so that His name may be glorified among the nations.

KOEN VERDONCK, for the past decade, has led the NTM aviation program in PNG as CEO, serving with Ethnos360 and partnering closely with Friends In Action (FIA). His leadership has strengthened the mission’s capacity to advance the Gospel, and he has seen the powerful results of God’s people working together in unity. In April 2025, Koen and his family concluded their overseas ministry with Ethnos360 and returned to Europe. Today, they serve through Christian Retreat Center Connect, offering care and encouragement to Christians in ministry.