My Business is my Mission

Community development & ministry through the lens of business

One Collective is a global organization that focuses on bringing people together to create holistic, long-term solutions in communities all around the world. With a focus on collaboration and sustainability, we are constantly seeking out best practices in the development field. One of many areas of organizational emphasis includes business entrepreneurship and social enterprise.

Andrew babyak

Assistant Dean of Business, Messiah University

Andrew Babyak is a professor at Messiah University, and serves as the assistant Dean of Business, overseeing graduate and undergraduate programs. His research interests are focused on leadership, international business development and entrepreneurship. Having spent six years in Senegal, West Africa, Andrew brings a unique perspective to missions/business as ministry (BAM), both in his classes and in this interview.

Give us some background about yourself. How did you initially get involved in the business world?

“Starting in high school, I got involved in various entrepreneurial projects, and found it very life-giving. At the same time, I felt a definite call to ministry. But growing up, I always heard it was one or the other - you choose business, or you choose ministry. I remember people telling me that full-time ministry meant getting a ministry degree, yet my passions and my giftings were tied to both entrepreneurial business activities and ministry. I didn’t view them as different things - for me, they were part of the same call and passion.

A few years after college, my wife and I moved to Senegal, where I got involved in university ministry as well as business and entrepreneurial consulting work for local business owners.  While there, it became clear to me that the combination of business and ministry is, in my opinion, the most effective way to actually reach people in most communities. I found it provided a natural way to connect and provided legitimacy in the eyes of local community members for why we were there, along with building trust.”

How have your experiences shaped how you view - and teach - business as ministry now?

“From my experience, conversation surrounding business as ministry needs to start by taking one or two steps back and reorienting how we view it. One of the concepts I often hear people discuss in Christian circles - especially in higher education - is ‘faith integration’, or making sure you integrate your faith into everything you do. I always push back on that idea. I don’t think it is a helpful starting point, because it assumes that the two - business and ministry - are separate and distinct. Instead of ‘faith integration,’ what we do in our lives should be about ‘faith emanation.’

Faith integration is more focused on answering the question ‘how do we integrate faith into this activity?’, which can lead to faith feeling like an afterthought. Faith emanation, however, means everything you do - whether it’s work, time with your family, starting a business, watching a game on TV, or church on Sunday morning - is changed as a result of your relationship with Jesus. Faith emanation inherently changes how you go about your life in every aspect. Everything you do is for God and through his power. That changes everything.

With faith emanation, there is no longer a dichotomy between ‘business’ and ‘mission’ - business becomes my mission. And this is especially relevant to cross-cultural ministry, because it centers around utilizing the skills and abilities we have to serve God and others - whether through business or something else - in a way that shows our faith and builds trust with community members. I also believe BAM is so important because business is a central part of every community anywhere in the world - it contributes to the local economy, provides jobs, and offers helpful services.”

What are some of the challenges you’ve seen and faced surrounding the idea of business as ministry?

"There is truly a danger of doing too many ‘good things’ in any ministry context - including cross-culturally. One of the big challenges is losing sight of Jesus and our purpose. If I’m serving overseas, I am not exempt from mission drift - getting so wrapped up in my day-to-day that the task becomes more important than the larger vision and purpose. When I was in Senegal, I found that when I spent time in Scripture and prayer daily, and then went through the day trying to let the Holy Spirit guide me, everything was so much more productive, and the conversations I had with others were more in-depth.

Business as ministry specifically, and ministry in general, doesn’t just happen because you’re a Christian in a specific context. It’s a daily commitment to follow Jesus. The same thing is true in the States - whether you’re a business professional or a pastor. We can get so caught up in doing the good things we’re doing that we lose sight of God.”

What approaches don’t work well in relation to business as ministry? What approaches do work well?

“The biggest misconception I see is the idea of ‘if you’re doing business as ministry or business as missions, being profitable isn’t important.’ I think profit is important for any business venture, in part because we are called to do everything with excellence as followers of Jesus. 

The biggest misconception I see is the idea of “if you’re doing business as ministry or business as missions, being profitable isn’t important.”

There’s one model of BAM where you set up a company, but it mostly functions as a visa platform - it’s not meant to ever make money. There’s a second model where you run a business, but it’s a half-hearted effort - if it breaks even, great. But in both of these models, locals begin to wonder - ‘how are you still here? Your business isn’t very busy. You’re not there that often. How are you making money to support this lifestyle?’ I’ve seen both of these models lead to a loss of trust and perceived integrity towards the cross-cultural worker.

The third model, which I think is the most God-honoring, is to really give the business a go. Now, this is a lot easier said than done because a lot of startups don’t work. But practicing good business principles, and continuing to try and make what you’re doing successful, adds legitimacy in the country where you’re serving, and with the people you’re serving. This model also encourages co-creation with locals and for locals, and when profits are generated, provides local job and livelihood opportunities.

See how One Collective is leaning into the same business principles Andrew discusses

It all comes down to integrity and transparency. It’s important to do what we say we’re doing, and be clear about the purpose of why we’re doing it. If you’re there to start a business, ideally that means you’re there, at least in part, to help boost the economic activity of the area, region, etc.

The other approaches I’ve seen work well in BAM are the ones where national partners are put on payroll when the business itself makes money. I’ve seen what happens when national partners are supported through fundraising with outside dollars - it works for a while, but it’s not sustainable long-term, and it doesn’t foster ownership of the local business and community. 

Because of this, it’s important to be strategic and contribute towards sustainable projects, especially when dealing with finances and national workers and national believers. When a business is sustainable, it gives locals who are involved in it a growing sense of ownership, and amazing things happen as a result of that ownership.”

What encouragement or challenge would you offer to people who are involved or interested in business as ministry?

“My biggest encouragement would be to connect with an existing cross-cultural ministry organization that is currently involved in these types of efforts. I’m not just saying this for the interview - it’s my firm belief that you should really find an organization that you’re aligned with, and work in their structure. You’ll learn a lot through them. Often, people who want to go overseas are so independent and entrepreneurial that they always want to start something on their own. But working with an organization that has been doing it, and doing it well, provides much needed support and guidance. So my advice is to find an organization that’s aligned with what you want to do. The extra hoops to jump through are there to help you.

I personally have a definite “Maverick” spirit, and I still think the lone ranger mentality is one of the greatest dangers for someone who wants to be effective in business and/or ministry.

I’ve ultimately come to this conclusion because of my value for sustainability and effectiveness. If you serve with an established organization, it’s easier to navigate challenges as they come up, and to find others to take over the work you’re doing if/when you decide to transition out. We never know what’s going to happen in the world, or in the geographic location you may be in. The support as you go - spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physically - is a huge benefit of going with an organization.

If you’re a student, it’s a great time to spend a summer, a semester, or a year abroad. If you’re looking to serve longer-term, consider a vision trip with the organization you’re exploring. If you’re looking to make a career transition, find an organization you align with and work under their umbrella. And again, I’m not just saying this for the article. I 100% believe it. 

At the end of the day, I think we all struggle with putting ourselves first and having an inward focus. It doesn’t come naturally to look for the needs of others, in our local community or globally. But I also think as God opens our eyes and gives us more passion for our daily lives, he will also give us opportunities to serve like we would never expect. My challenge for myself and for everyone else is to never settle with what you’re currently doing, but always ask God for next steps and how you fit in this whole picture of cross-cultural ministry and community development.”

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Clarity for the Future and Creating Safe Spaces

Emma’s story of serving with one collective

Emma narber

2022 Intern in Athens, Greece

One Collective is a global, Jesus-centered nonprofit that focuses on a holistic, sustainable approach to ministry and development around the world. Over 250 staff serve in various communities on the ground, and any given year around 30-40 interns join established teams to join in the work happening. If you’re interested in serving with One Collective, talking to a serving coach here.

When Emma said yes to a cross-cultural internship with One Collective, she was hoping the experience would provide more clarity about her passions, purpose, and post-grad plans. Her time serving in Athens, Greece did exactly that. Below are Emma’s insights about serving in a new environment, discerning the future, and relying on the Lord in the midst of it all.

What was a problem or issue you faced before interning with One Collective?

“Before I was introduced to One Collective, I was in a season of uncertainty and figuring out where the Lord was leading me next. It was my junior year of college, I was double majoring in Filmmaking and Peace and Conflict Studies, and I didn’t fully know how God would provide opportunities for me to use these passions. It was a season of asking what the Lord was doing and where he might be directing me. At the same time, I had been going through a personal situation where some relationships had been broken off. These things together left me feeling pretty alone and questioning where the Lord was leading me next.  

Working with my mobilizer, and through time in prayer, I felt God was leading me to join One Collective in Greece. For my internship, I worked with refugee women and got involved in anti-sex trafficking in Athens. My time serving helped answer the questions I was having in life.”

How did your internship impact these questions?

“First, through my experiences working with vulnerable women, I felt God cultivate in me a desire to create safe spaces for people who needed them. I went into my internship asking the question, ‘what does life post-graduation look like?’ - and working with women who were displaced from their homes, and had experienced significant trauma or abuse, opened my heart to being part of creating homes and safe spaces for others.

Second, while I was in Greece, I contracted COVID and had to go into isolation for 10 days, where I felt the weight of being by myself in a foreign country. That was a difficult experience, but it also provided space for me to dive deeper into Scripture and spend time with God in prayer. That time in isolation introduced me more to the power of God’s word, and how impactful simply being with the Lord can be, especially when feeling lonely or isolated.”

What surprised or challenged you about your internship experience?

“I’ve had opportunities to travel quite a bit, so being away from home has typically excited me more than been difficult for me. During my internship in Greece, however, I found it hard being away from home - I missed my community and the proximity of people I knew well and who knew me well. It was a huge challenge, but I also think this helped me better see and empathize with people I met who had been displaced, moved away from, or lost their homes in much greater ways than I had. Although homesickness was a personal challenge, it also greatly influenced how I now see and work with people who are away from home.”

What did you learn about yourself while living and serving in Athens?

“I would say rather than learning something completely new about myself, I uncovered more of who I was, and saw how little pieces of who I was were actually a much larger part of my heart and story than I had realized.

First, the arts were something I’d always enjoyed and had been part of throughout my life, but also something I’d often put on the back burner. I have always loved dance, art, and theater, and the fact that the team in Athens was doing creative ministry in various ways with refugees confirmed how much it was of value to me. Seeing how the arts were integrated into ministry so well uncovered more of my heart for creativity within ministry.

Second, I uncovered more of a heart for long-term ministry presence. When I spent some time with Nea Zoi, the anti-trafficking organization One Collective partners with in Athens, I was told it took 10 years of consistently building relationships and reaching out for anyone to come and ask for help. That gave me a new appreciation for ministry that doesn’t quit when things are hard or don’t go as expected. I generally hate waiting, and learning more about a ministry like this was a reminder that there is no wasted time in the waiting. 

Third, I learned that I can be a peaceful presence to others even when I don’t feel all that peaceful. There were many times where I didn’t feel as at peace as I would have hoped - I was navigating new challenges, living in a new country, and experiencing a lot of different emotions with that. But at the end of my time there, multiple people from the team I worked alongside shared with me that they felt I was a peaceful person and that my presence brought peace to the larger team. It helped me recognize that in times where I might not personally feel peace, the Lord is greater and can allow me to exemplify more of his peace and Shalom.”

How has your internship continued to impact your life?

“Like I mentioned earlier, I found I had a deep passion for creating safe spaces and environments for people to feel safe and welcomed in, and I wanted to learn more about how to do so. That passion led me to pursue grad school to learn more about what it means to create environments that help people from all different backgrounds feel safe. The Lord has opened doors for that in the day-to-day, too - right now, my neighbors are refugees, and I’ve gotten to practice being a welcoming presence in capacities I wouldn’t have been able to before my internship.

Part of my job now also involves overseeing serving opportunities for students at my university outreach center, both short-term and long-term, and I’ve learned a lot of practices from One Collective about doing cross-cultural ministry well that have influenced how I do my job.

My internship also prompted me to keep learning more about human trafficking in the U.S., particularly sex trafficking. I’ve pursued ways to advocate for the work that’s being done by Nea Zoi in Greece, but also on behalf of other local anti-sex trafficking organizations. I’ve seen myself grow in awareness and advocacy, and also tangibly in learning to love my neighbor and learn from other people’s stories.”

What advice or thoughts would you share with someone who is interested in serving but isn’t sure?

“I would say, why not serve? I think oftentimes we come up with a lot of excuses for reasons why we shouldn’t serve - whether that’s money, expectations from family or friends, or something else. But at the end of the day, the Lord will provide for you all that you need. Saying yes to serving - whether that’s for a few weeks or a few years, and whether it’s overseas or in your neighborhood - makes a difference. The Lord will use your yes, and I think you’ll be in awe of how he uses it. Plus, One Collective is an incredible organization to say that yes with, because from my experience, they really take the time to learn about and empower communities.”

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Getting People in the Same Room

In Elgin, ILlinois, usa

Bobby jackson

Elgin, Illinois

Bobby Jackson and his family have lived in Elgin, Illinois for over 10 years - and in 2019, he joined One Collective as a Catalyst for Elgin. With a passion to do more than simply manage long-standing problems, Bobby resonated with the idea of bringing locals together to determine long-term solutions for existing problems. Four years later, he continues to see the result of bringing people together.

“Our team is made up of collaborators - we focus on bringing people together to solve problems. There are a lot of great organizations in Elgin, but for a long time, they didn’t talk to each other, which resulted in many resource ‘gaps’. I’ve found that different groups don’t instinctively put their resources together in ways that would be mutually beneficial. As a result, much of what I do is simply creating spaces where people can have conversations that build trust and establish relationships to solve problems.”

One long-standing problem in Elgin is chronic homelessness. To address this issue, the team in Elgin has hosted countless initiatives bringing together existing nonprofits and agencies, churches, and local governmental officials.

Through these facilitated spaces, a collaborative case management team across local organizations has been established, multiple city- and county-wide summits have been held on the topic of housing, homelessness, and affordable housing, and previously unknown streams of funding have been found.  Perhaps most importantly, it has led to a shared community-wide plan to not just manage, but end homelessness.

“I’ve seen the power of people simply being in a room together. It has resulted in 16 organizations meeting every two weeks to talk through each unsheltered individual that needs assistance along the continuum of care. It has resulted in us hosting a housing and homelessness summit for over 40 agencies, churches, etc - and the county officials who attended finding it so useful that they took it over and now hold it semi-annually. And these types of meetings recently resulted in four attendees developing a relationship and applying for a grant together and winning it - receiving over 2 million dollars in funding from the state for food and housing for asylum seekers in Elgin.”

“I’ve seen the power of people simply being in a room together”

While the team in Elgin focuses on long-term solutions, they have also found a new way to meet a need that was falling through the cracks: a winter shelter for people who live on the streets.

“The winter shelter is our newest initiative, and while it’s not the long-term solution, it is born out of meeting a tangible need and our community relationships. There is a local church that was previously hosting a winter shelter for the past few years, and it had to take a step down from doing so because it was too much for their church to sustain alone.

Our team recognized that, since we’re collaborators and have relationships with many churches in the area, we could figure out a way to do this in a sustainable fashion.”

“Winters here are brutal, and the reality is that unsheltered and houseless people will freeze to death if they don’t have a warm place to stay. Our vision is to have the shelter open every night and be able to coordinate volunteers and funding from over 10 churches in the area.”

“Alex, our housing and homelessness coordinator, has been the main person overseeing and coordinating volunteers, and running the shelter himself. He grew up in this area, and now he’s giving back and serving the community. He’s pouring his life into others. On top of this, we are contracting a woman who is currently living on the streets to help run the winter shelter - creating more of a sense of self-governance.”

“We are strong believers in self-governance and raising people to be their own agents of rescue - raising people from the demographic we serve to serve their peers. At other shelters, this woman would typically just be a client of the shelter, but instead she’s staying up and helping with registration, check in, check out, clean up, etc. Alex first identified her, and is now focused on equipping her to succeed.”

Alex Madrid

Elgin, Illinois

Alex shares, “In running the shelter, we wanted to establish a culture of respect right away. In other shelter setups, people’s bags are often searched, or they go through a metal detector, etc. With this shelter, we’re not doing that - we’re choosing to trust people and promote dignity.”

“We don’t want to violate their space simply because they need a warm place to sleep.”

“What we do instead is ask for mutual respect - and it’s been encouraging so far to see people give that mutual respect - both volunteers and people who are coming to sleep at the shelter.”

“The goal of this shelter is not simply to complete a task, but to build and create space for relationships. I’ve had multiple people come up to me and start sharing their hearts and stories with me, just because I’ve made an effort to learn their names and ask how they’re doing. It’s been so encouraging to see that level of relationship and trust being built come out of meeting a very practical need. And I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”

“Looking to the future beyond the winter shelter,” Bobby notes, “I’m most excited about getting closer to zero people homeless.”

“The winter shelter is an important  immediate focus because it brings the city closer to zero people out in the cold on their own, and also offers us more relational currency and trust from others that we practice what we preach.”

“One of the things our team prioritizes differently from everyone else though is our metric of success. Every other organization works to serve more people impacted by the problem. We work to solve the problem at its core.

Our goal is not to serve 50 people this week and 60 next week - our goal is to serve 40 people next week because we found long-term housing solutions for 10 people. That’s a very different approach than other organizations who are trying to grow their reach in terms of people served. If your model is only based on the number of individuals served, then you are not incentivized to find housing for them. I love that part of what we do - we’re not here to simply serve more people, we’re here to solve problems collaboratively, and make the overall lives of people better.”

“Ultimately, my vision is to get to the point where in Elgin, we’re known for something like economic development instead of homelessness - because we’ve solved homelessness and no longer need to focus on it.”

The ongoing developments surrounding homelessness in Elgin is one example of deep, long-term, transformative impact that sends ripples across a community. Your support is part of what empowers this work to continue happening - in Elgin and throughout the world. Thank you!

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The Impact of Strategic Partnership

Partnership Case Study from Chibolya, Zambia

Around the world, long-term partnerships play a vital role in creating change that lasts - but the path to

establishing these partnerships can be challenging. How can a church, business, or university come

alongside a specific community well?

Over the last 3 years, Calvary Community Church in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, has been a vital part of Jesus’ transformational work in the village of Chibolya, Zambia, partnering intentionally with a focus on education.

This partnership journey began with Ben and Kristen, two members of Calvary who serve in Chibolya with One Collective. As Calvary learned more about Chibolya through Ben and Kristen, they discovered a deep need for professional development of local teachers.

Mapalo Trust school in Chibolya was founded by three local Zambian teachers who saw a need for the most vulnerable in their community to have access to education, and for years the school had provided a space for children who otherwise would not attend school to learn in a safe environment. The teachers working at Mapalo had identified a deep desire for professional development in order to provide the best education possible to their nearly 200 students, and Calvary made the commitment to partner with them in this endeavor.

With a vision for long-term partnership, Calvary started by raising up a team from the congregation to visit Mapalo and conduct an initial assessment. Around the same time Calvary started making this opportunity known to congregants, Chuck and Linda Moehring began attending the church.

When the couple heard about the need for those with professional development experience to consider coming alongside teachers in Zambia, they share, “We immediately felt this could be God’s call”. Linda had over 15 years of experience in professional development education, and both had recently retired and were looking for ways to meaningfully engage locally and internationally. After meeting with Ben and Kristen to learn more, their conversations quickly confirmed this was the opportunity they had been looking for.

Chuck and linda

“From my years of professional development working in the States, one of the things I’ve [Linda] learned is that you can’t just walk into a school and ‘do’ professional development. You have to plan, and you have to work to understand the culture of the school. You have to build relationships with the teachers in order for them to trust you.”

With this in mind, that fall Calvary sent Linda and Chuck to Chibolya to conduct an initial assessment for the school, and to build relationships with the teachers. The Moehrings spent the week in classes observing the teachers, asking questions, and visiting other Zambian schools to gain more context for the needs and resources that were readily available. The teachers also asked them to teach for a few of their classes so they could learn from their teaching styles and methods.

“From my years of professional development, one of the things I’ve learned is that you can’t just walk into a school... You have to plan, and you have to work to understand the culture of the school. You have to build relationships with the teachers in order for them to trust you.”

From their visit, Chuck and Linda developed a list of recommendations for the teachers at Mapalo, including immediate needs, intermediate needs, and long-term areas of focus for growth - one of which included constructing additional classrooms to allow for full school days and ability to better focus on different age groups. “Not only did the teachers work to quickly address the immediate needs that didn’t require additional resources, but they started addressing some of the intermediate needs, all within two or three months. We were shocked at how quickly they got so much done.”

Meanwhile, Calvary’s congregation rallied together to give $25,000 towards expanding the school. David Fogleboch, the missions pastor at Calvary, notes, “It was amazing to see how much the congregation gave - it’s not so common for that sort of money to be raised so quickly.” Through Calvary’s partnership, Mapalo also now has access to an established educational curriculum. Calvary has been able to consistently provide books for students where there weren’t any before, enabling teachers to focus on developing reading comprehension skills and literacy in students. And as of today, the process of building three more classrooms is underway.

Calvary going to Mapalo Trust was not a one-time visit - the church has continued to regularly send teams of educators in the congregation to support the teachers at Mapalo - often led by Linda and Chuck. In between visits, Chuck and Linda facilitate regular video meetings with teachers at Calvary and the headmaster of Mapalo in order to plan, strategize, and continue learning in real time where the school is at and how the church can best continually support the teachers in professional development.

Chuck and Linda share, “we had been wanting to serve cross-culturally since we were in our 20’s, but it took an entire professional career to find our niché. This opportunity to partner with the teachers at Mapalo through Calvary and use our skills served as a reminder to us that God has been in this partnership since the beginning.”

Looking to the future, Calvary and Mapalo are excited to see how this partnership impacts the next generation, through reading comprehension skills, learning about Jesus, and continuing to support professional development for the teachers of Mapalo.

If you’re a church, university, or business looking to partner deeply with a specific community, One Collective has opportunities for you to do just that. Connect with our Partnership team here!

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Leaning Into the Uncomfortable

Hope’s story of serving with one collective

hope trainor

2022 Intern in Cowley, England

One Collective is a global, Jesus-centered nonprofit that focuses on a holistic, sustainable approach to ministry and development around the world. Over 250 staff serve in various communities on the ground, and any given year around 30-40 interns join established teams to join in the work happening. If you’re interested in serving with One Collective, talking to a serving coach here.

Hope knew she wanted an international internship in college, and felt confident she knew what she was getting into when she decided to go. However, much of her experience was unexpected - in the best way possible. Below are Hope’s thoughts on what she learned about ministry, relationships, and herself in the two months she lived in Cowley, England with One Collective.

What was a problem or issue you faced before interning with One Collective? How did your internship impact it?

“I am a go-getter . Before my internship, I had a tendency to get too involved in pretty much everything. I had a daily schedule where every hour was planned out, and if something ran over, it would mess up the rest of my day. I was proud of my productivity level, and I thought it was a point of pride to never say no to anything. I didn’t foresee this being a problem when I first said yes to an internship with One Collective. When I arrived in Cowley, I expected a very similar, structured schedule. I thought the Catalyst, Lola, would have every single thing planned out for me and the other interns.

But when we met for the first time, Lola instead told us, “I want you to do what you feel you have been gifted to do. Whatever you feel your gifts are, I will help you use them.” In addition to participation in the existing ministries, she encouraged us to pursue a personal project based on our own passions. I hadn’t thought before about where God had gifted me - I just said yes to whatever was in front of me. Lola has created space for us to reflect and breathe. My internship helped me understand the value of a “no” and that it can ultimately enrich what I’ve said “yes” to elsewhere. At the start of this new season, I was given the chance to lean into the reflection of my passions, gifts, and calling to choose my yes’s and no’s wisely. 

What surprised or challenged you about your internship experience?

Having the open space to decide what to do, and what not to do, was a big challenge for me. I wasn’t used to it. But the “in-between times” held some of my favorite moments. It was really hard for me to learn to be still,  but ultimately, the times of practicing how to be still were some of the richest moments of my internship.

Another challenge was exercising my muscle to choose and discern - discerning how God gifted me and created me. Rather than doing things because someone else had asked me to, and out of a desire to be valued by them, I was challenged to take hold of my value in Christ, seek what he was leading me to do, and be open to what is mine to do versus what is something I could do.

What did you learn about yourself while you were serving and living in Cowley?

“There were three things I learned - huge perspective shifts - that still impact me today. 

The first shift in perspective was my view of ministry. Growing up, I’d been involved in helping at my church, packing food boxes, helping out at homeless shelters, etc. I thought I had a pretty good idea of what serving was about. People told me that they saw the spiritual gift of service in me, so I thought I must be pretty good at it. During my internship though, Lola would talk about how the entire ministry of Jesus was built on relationships, and it made me realize I had been viewing ministry mostly through a “project” focus, rather than a “people” focus.

The second thing that shifted was my perception of self. I had viewed ministry as transactional in large part because I didn’t believe I had any inherent value myself. I believed that people were friends with me only because they were receiving something from me and not because I had my own value. Lola pushed me into my journey of exploring who I am: a daughter, warrior, leader, and servant. She impacted my personal and spiritual growth, and continued to emphasize that I was beautiful and had value both in God’s eyes and in the eyes of those around me.

Finally, my view of relationships shifted. Building deep relationships while in Cowley made me realize that I had only viewed relationships before my internship as transactional. I assumed they were based on what I did, not who I was, which prevented my relationships from going deep. My internship and Lola’s mentorship taught me about transformational vs. transactional relationships. Transformational relationships mean acknowledging the value of both people in the relationship, you and the other person. That was the piece I was missing. I loved my friends, family, and others around me, but until I was able to realize that I too could be loved for my own God given value, my relationships were limited.

How has your internship continued to impact your life?

When I returned to college after my internship, I engaged differently in some of the same things I was doing before, such as leading the prison ministry. I brought back with me a new, more relational approach to everything I did. In my personal life, I started to see relationships  grow in so many ways that they hadn’t before.

I’m continuing to learn how to be intentional in seeking out the voice of God, who He created me to be, and how He’s calling me to grow. I can see my own value and worth through the eyes of Jesus. I came back from my internship with a new recognition that God has created me beautifully, wonderfully, and with a passion.

Before my internship, I was always looking for the ‘next big thing’ - I would always be asking “what’s next God?” instead of “what do you have for me now, God?”. Through my internship, I learned to look for God in the mundane, and create space to be open to what God has for me in the everyday. That decision to be open has not gone to waste - I’ve seen God move powerfully in the everyday, and I’ve realized that nothing is too small for God to use in great ways.”

What advice or thoughts would you share with someone who is interested in serving but isn’t sure?

I know everyone has a different walk and story - but I would honestly tell you to just go for it. Even if you don’t feel like you’re called to “long-term” international ministry, if you step out into the uncertain and unfamiliar, God will appear in ways that you haven't seen him before.

I know a lot of people are worried about stepping into something uncertain - and what might go wrong or be difficult. I would challenge you to make a list of all the things you’re worried about, and then make another list of all the things that God could do. Weigh those things together - and ask the question “If I go, what could God do?”  When weighing the options between our fears and God’s plans, it’s often evident that we have nothing to lose. If you could only take one piece of advice away, it would be this: don’t say no to an opportunity like this out of fear.

If you give God even two months of your life, in a new place, in a ministry with people you’ve never met before, he will meet you there.”

Serve for a Summer

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The Long Work

Women’s empowerment in central asia

One Collective is a global organization that focuses on bringing people together to create holistic, long-term solutions in communities all around the world. With a focus on collaboration and sustainability, we are constantly seeking out best practices in the development field. Two of many areas of focus include community development and women’s empowerment - both of which are heavily emphasized with our teams in communities in Central Asia.

Lily*

Serving in Central Asia

In a Central Asian cultural and religious context where women are particularly oppressed, Lily* and other One Collective workers saw the need for change - both on the community level and within individual hearts. Now, Lily has lived in Central Asia for 7 years, and in this conversation, she shares more about her experiences, expectations, successes, and failures along the way with women’s empowerment and community development.

*Names in this story have been altered for security reasons.

Can you share a bit about your early experiences with how women were treated in this culture?

“I first came over to focus on engineering, so I didn’t have a specific women’s empowerment vision. All I really knew is that women were looked down upon here, and were treated like second-class citizens. There was a very naive part of me thinking, ‘I get to show that I’m a young woman that’s single, unmarried, and I have this degree. Maybe I can be an example for local women that there is a different way to live than just being married at 18.’ That was my expectation, but definitely not how things panned out.

Once I had learned enough of the local language to start going into nearby villages, both men and women were surprised to see me - the sentiment I felt was, ‘she’s the engineer, really?’

But I also saw how big of a difference local followers of Jesus made in this cultural belief. There was one instance where I and a dear, older local believer our team works with went into a village to do a water engineering project. I was the only woman working with a group of men, and this local believer was in many ways my advocate. In this culture, it’s expected to shake hands or nod and greet everyone, depending on your gender. As a woman, I couldn’t shake hands but I did nod to everyone - and none of the village men acknowledged me in return.

I was showing where the tap stands should go and the men in the village disagreed… because they wanted the taps closer to their individual houses. I tried to explain more of the reasoning behind what I suggested, but they just went to talk to the local believer and told him ‘we’re just going to wait until a different man comes back and we’ll tell him.’

But this local believer advocated for me and said, ‘No, she’s the engineer. She knows what she’s doing, and we should listen to her.’ I just love that story because it points to how following Jesus can really change the way you interact with and advocate for women. This 60 year old man who loves Jesus stood up for me, because he recognized that the tension was based on the fact that I was a woman.”

So if you started with an engineering focus, why did you start to shift to more of a women’s empowerment and community development focus?

“Over time, we shifted focus from water engineering projects to more general community development. That was for a lot of reasons - but one is because with water engineering projects, we usually only had access to form relationships with the mayor and maybe a few other people in a village. We had even less access to women because usually it’s the men digging up the pipelines, etc.

To add to that, when we did just a water project, and then tried to stay after to build relationships, people would ask ‘why are you still here in our village?’ We wanted to have more time in the villages to invest in key relationships. With community development, we are better able to reach both men and women. That was one of the reasons we shifted focus, because we felt that integrating women’s voices into community change was critical.

Practically, our approach looks like beginning two separate projects - a women’s project and a men’s project, to create space for women to give their own unique input on what the community needs and priority areas of focus are. We offer the same amount of time, same amount of money, and the men and women separately get to decide on a community development project that they will focus on. We wanted to affirm that women’s voices matter, and show that they have the ability to impact their community in unique and necessary ways.”

Once you settled on the strategy of incorporating women’s voices into community development projects, what were some of the unique challenges you faced in this context/culture?

“Gathering women in villages was harder than we thought. In the villages, because this is such a segregated society, women have very little mobility and autonomy. They’re not allowed to go many places without their husband’s permission. And the husbands weren’t giving permission to their wives to come to the women’s community project meetings because they were suspicious, asking ‘what is this new thing?’ or saying ‘my wife has work to do at home.’

What helped address this problem was allowing men - like the mayor, or the husbands of different women, to come see what the women were doing, and normalizing that the women were just doing the exact same parts of the program the men were doing. For example, at both meetings, the group creates maps of what their village is like now and what they’d like to see. The more that the men saw and understood, the more they'd be okay with their wives attending.

Another challenge is having women be really invested into the process - there is a male mayor of the village, but there’s also a leader of the women in each village - from this language, it would translate in English roughly to “woman mayor”. Getting this woman, or another key woman involved to invite other women has been helpful to get other women involved. Many women are hesitant to speak up and share their thoughts in these meetings. Sometimes the women feel like they can’t contribute - ‘I’m just a regular housewife’ - and we reply by saying ‘no, your voice matters, I want to hear what you think about what we’re talking about.’ So it’s been helpful for us to do things like go around the room and ask individually what each woman has to say, or asking ‘what do you think about this?’”

Where have you seen evidence of transformation in your work? What has been effective?

“As we have seen these different projects progress, I’ve seen an incredible difference - like in my experience with that local believer standing up for me - when someone is a follower of Jesus. Even with men and women who aren’t believers, we’re seeing their hearts changed. There is hope. A lot of times in this kind of culture and context, it’s easy to wonder ‘what can really be changed?’ Here, what I see most often is that none of the stories of transformation are full village transformations (yet) - but it’s family to family to family transformation. That’s often how Jesus works - through one life to others.

The cultural traditions and religious context these women live in say that women are lower or that they are possessions. The way we’ve seen mindsets change the most in these women’s lives is when we partner community development and women’s empowerment with sharing about Jesus. There are ten local believers we partner with who regularly go to nearby villages to build deeper relationships and share about Jesus, and three of those are women.

One woman, Jala, has been a believer for the past seven years, and as she visits women in different villages, she always talks about how much God loves them, and values them, and created them. Usually these women she visits start crying, because they’ve never heard that before. It’s a whole new concept to them - they say, ‘really, there’s a God who loves me?’

“Usually these women she visits start crying, because they’ve never heard that before. It’s a whole new concept to them - they say, ‘really, there’s a God who loves me?’”

The larger community development meetings are great, but going to individual houses and speaking directly to the women, saying ‘God values you, and God says you are worthy’ - that is also important - and the combination of both is even better. It’s a very holistic approach.”

What are some elements of women’s empowerment that people tend to forget or not think about?

“When it comes to women’s empowerment, if you only focus on women - like Jala telling other women that they have worth and value - this is great. But if these women don’t hear this from their husbands, it’s just going to be words. So it’s important for our local believers to also be sharing with men the value women have, about treating their wives well. We have amazing stories from that…

..I think men are such a big part of women’s empowerment and I didn’t realize that before. That was one of my misconceptions, that women’s empowerment means just working with women. But it’s important to include men because they will get so much more out of their own lives and their own identities when women are empowered. Both of their identities are transformed.”

What advice would you give to people who are working with, or might want to work with, women in areas where there is a history of oppression?

“People say it all the time, but it’s true - it takes time. We’ve been taking this community development approach for five years now, and we’ve made lots of mistakes.

With that, I would encourage people to make the mistakes. I think many of us - myself included - are so scared to get it wrong, that we get paralyzed. I can be afraid and wonder ‘what if I get it wrong? What if I set back women’s empowerment by 10 years with this mistake?’ But I don’t think that fear is from God - it’s my own worries and thoughts. The truth is, the only way we have gotten this far is because of the mistakes we have made. You have to try something, and start somewhere. That’s the only way that we can start making those mistakes to learn what does and doesn’t work.

“Make the mistakes. I think many of us - myself included - are so scared to get it wrong, that we get paralyzed.”

My other challenge for people working in these contexts would be to find local people - find local women who already have that desire for their community to change - and ask questions about their lives and how they see themselves. It’s important to understand what the deepest felt problem is - because even if you recognize women don’t feel like they have value or worth, the reason why they don’t feel that could be for a multitude of reasons. If you’re trying to challenge someone that they have value, you have to first understand why they don’t feel like they have value. So my encouragement would be to start talking to local women and asking them those questions. When I say “just start something” and you ask “but how? But where?”, this is where you start. You start by finding women that are in these situations, and you start asking questions.

I’ve talked a little bit about it, but something I haven’t emphasized enough is the power of Jesus transforming hearts. All the different stories I have, you know, he’s a part of that. Yes, it is the holistic approach, it is the community development projects - but it’s also God transforming hearts. That’s where you’re going to get true, lasting women’s empowerment.”

Want to get involved?

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It’s Not What You Think It Is

Best Practices and Challenges for Christian Anti-Trafficking Work

One Collective is a global organization that focuses on bringing people together to create holistic, long-term solutions in communities all around the world. With a focus on collaboration and sustainability, we are constantly seeking out best practices in the development field. One of many areas of organizational emphasis includes anti-trafficking work, with teams working in Europe and Latin America.

Joy Lee

Humanitarian & Disaster Institute, Wheaton College

Joy Lee works with the Humanitarian and Disaster Institute through Wheaton College. As part of her Master’s degree, she wrote a short paper discussing the relationship between American Christianity and anti-sex trafficking work. What started as a class assignment born out of personal curiosity has since grown into a key interest and passion in her life. Now, Joy is completing a much more in-depth article for a journal focused on Christian relief and development work. In this interview, Joy shares more of the background for her research, main takeaways, and how to apply these key points of learning as followers of Jesus.

Can you share more about the background and context that led to your interest in anti-trafficking?

“My interest started through my previous job, where I learned about the history of women in sexual slavery under the Imperial Japanese military - often referred to as “comfort women.” As a Singaporean-North American, this shed light on my home country and family's context of Singapore during World War II in Asia. I learned this was a forgotten history that still impacted many former comfort women survivors. Through this job, I had the privilege to bring awareness to their unheard stories and advocacy for justice, and contribute to peacebuilding programs.

It was influential for me to read primary accounts from some of the women who survived this treatment, and are now activists for their own cause, reparations, reconciliation, education, and raising awareness about what happened. But many of them were born in the 1920’s, and this group is aging out. Having encountered them and seeing their heart for women today who have experienced sexual violence, it made me want to continue their legacy. That was a big part of motivating me to continue that work through my research.

The other motivator for me was, as a Christian, thinking about God being a God of justice - who sees the unseen and hears those who cry out but are unheard. It was both of those things - my cultural identity, and my identity as a Christian.”

Tell us a bit about the context for your research. How did it start?

“The professor for the class I initially wrote this paper for made the point that “we all theologize, we all speak of God, so what does it mean to be reflective on that?” That really got me thinking about how we don’t always practice what we preach, and we are often unaware of how our theologies inform our actions, yet so much of what we believe shapes how we think about and therefore do things.

There’s something about our faith that motivates us to see people who are hurting, and I think that’s really important. But this also means how we understand God “seeps into” how we do and approach work - and a lot of anti-sex trafficking organizations are faith-based. So specifically, I’ve been researching the doctrine of personal salvation - the belief that we are all individually saved by God out of our sin and brokenness - and how that impacts anti-trafficking work done by Christian organizations. How does that belief shape organizational identity and marketing? How does that belief influence the interventions that are valued, practiced, and prioritized?”

Can you share some of the things you’ve learned through your research?

“One thing I’ve found is that the intervention of rescue (i.e. rescuing those who are being trafficked) is very controversial, and can be easily mishandled by well intentioned faith-based nonprofits. There’s often this approach or narrative by Christian organizations that looks like ‘busting down the doors, saving poor women’, especially in Asia. However, my research points to this approach, especially coupled with strict shelter care programs, as being a harmful approach because it infantilizes and objectifies women - it makes them out to not have agency.

I feel the underlying issue here is a savior complex. But this mindset is not in line with best practices.

On the flip side, as I’ve read more from Asian-American theologians, I’ve found more productive approaches are defined by a thread of empowerment. I think that reflects Jesus better and speaks to the heart of God more. In place of objectification or believing we are the “saviors” of others, we should think about the importance of the Imago Dei (the theological belief that we are all made in the image of God) and work to humbly empower others by coming alongside them as they exercise agency and freedom of choice. It has led to me and others asking the question “What does it look like to listen to survivors of sex trafficking, to women, who are sharing what they hope and desire and what is harmful for them?”

You mention a common approach that American Christians take to anti-trafficking - can you explain that narrative, and why it doesn’t lead to successful results?

“I believe there’s a slow shift away from this, especially with a widening awareness about ethical storytelling, but the common narrative I’m describing follows the imagery of ‘there is a damsel in distress and a hero who saves the day.’ A story you often see in the news or from organizations goes something along the lines of: a poor, scared, young girl was kidnapped from her family and is being sex trafficked. There are very specific details about this young girl’s life, going into depth about her traumatic experiences. Often local government officials where the girl is rescued are portrayed as corrupt and, or best, indifferent.

And then the nonprofit comes it - maybe along with local law enforcement - to bust down the doors and rescue her from her captors. This girl is scared, but they give her a hug and she’s immediately comforted. If the organization is overtly Christian, you might hear how this girl is smiling, happy, and now knows that Jesus loves her.

“The hero narrative, that ‘we go on this quest, we save them, we get them out, everything is better’ is very enticing. It’s very emotionally interesting. But the reality is, trauma healing is not linear.”

If you talk to many organizations who take a long-term, relationship-oriented approach to anti-trafficking, you’ll hear them all say that change is not linear. Women coming out of trafficking might experience positive change, but maybe a trigger happens and causes setbacks. Their journeys “loop”, they aren’t straight lines.

The stories about dramatic rescue and governments with corrupt people, that are often portrayed in popular media - those stories are not untrue, but in the context of all the anti-trafficking work going on around the world, they’re the exception. When we make these exceptions out to be the norm, we’re really misrepresenting what’s happening, and it skews our understanding of what’s happening most regularly in anti-trafficking.”

What has your research indicated as best practices when engaging in anti-trafficking work as Christians, then? What advice would you give to those Christians practitioners daily engaged in anti-trafficking?

“The first thing is, It’s very clear from survivor scholars that it’s important to keep complexity in the story. Everybody’s story is unique, and it’s not always going to be “now they’re out of that work and they have a 9-5 job, work with other survivors, are doing great, etc”.  For example, there are women who return to sex work because they can’t make enough money in other ways to get them out of the cycle of poverty.

I think as Christians, we do have good intentions and we want to get people out of the negative situations they’re in. But when we think about sex trafficking, we need to think of it less as a personal morality issue and more as a result of cycles of poverty tied to broken systems.

Second, for practitioners, the resounding advice from all researchers is to listen to survivors - believe what they say they need, what they think is good for them, etc. It is important to have emotionally safe communities, like a rehabilitation center, but if women aren’t allowed to leave them, it can become its own sort of prison. If survivors still feel like they’re under control, they’re not going to thrive and find their own agency and independence.

For example, if a woman has a lot of friends at a bar where she was previously trafficked, and wants to go back to visit them, take the time to discuss this with her. It would likely be harmful to tell this woman ‘you can never step foot in that area again.’  This is a woman with her own agency. Our desire to reform and bring positive change can not be held above someone’s human right to their own decisions and agency.”

What challenge or encouragement would you give to people who care about anti-trafficking work but are not “on the ground” engaged in it? How can they help?

“I would encourage everyone to revisit and examine their own intentions and motivations for caring about or doing this work. What about our story has brought us with interest to caring about this issue? What might our mixed motives be? While writing this paper, I’ve had to ask myself, “what am I doing? What ideas do I bring into this research from my own background - and how does that affect my perspective on this issue?  Why am I researching this?” Take time to self-reflect. Externally, learn from or support the work of organizations that demonstrate holistic care, empowerment, and a systemic understanding of the issue.

For people who are interested in advocacy and communications, or just generally want to support this work, I would say to remember that a label does not define the whole person. They are a person first - someone who wants to flourish in life. With that, it’s important to honor the stories of survivors. From a marketing perspective, this is hard - one of the big outstanding questions surrounding this topic is, ‘what does it mean to keep complexity in a story in such a fast-paced, short attention span culture?’ Even if the women never read these stories written about them, we should still want the story to be honoring, because as Christians, we care about upholding the image of God within them.

There are layered realities to who someone is. For example, a woman may be a woman, but she is also an able-bodied woman, a Cambodian woman, from a specific social class, but trafficked in a neighboring country. And all of these layers of who she is impacts her lived experiences and intersect with each other. Trafficking impacts people in different ways because of the different parts of who they are. Thinking about sex trafficking in this intersectional way helps us to have more than just a simple story in our minds for what is happening. It may also help us imagine what could happen if survivors took the lead in combating sex trafficking. 

Finally, I would encourage people to research any anti-trafficking organizations they want to invest in - with their time, money, etc - and look for those positive themes of empowerment and agency building.”

Want to get involved?

Interested in getting involved in anti-trafficking work around the world? Contact a serving coach

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Change-Maker

The Legacy of Libbie

Libbie

Change-maker in Chibolya, Zambia

When Kristin and Ben first came to Zambia they met a vibrant, passionate woman named Libbie. Libbie had lived in a neighboring community all her life. “I love Zambia,” she told us; “What I want is a community where they should know the word of God.” She wanted to do something for her community “so they could have the skills to sustain themselves.” But she simply didn’t have the resources to do that alone.

Libbie was someone who could make things happen. She began to work collaboratively with One Collective and the dynamic team that had started to serve her community by following the ways of Jesus.

Libbie set to work helping young women discover their own potential and rise out of the bondage of domestic violence, abuse, and prostitution.

Libbie was a source of support, joy, and hope to all the vulnerable people of her community. She shared her resources, her time, and herself with the people she loved, helping them to know and understand the ways of Jesus.

Libbie died on April 23, 2022, but her legacy of hard work, determination, perseverance, and hope lives on for all in the community of Chibolya.

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Setting the Stage for Lasting Change

In chibolya, Zambia

Ben and Kristen Choitz

Chibolya, Zambia

Six years ago, when Ben and Kristin moved to the village of Chibolya, Zambia, they quickly observed the spiritual, economic, and physical challenges facing the community.

At the same time, they also saw great potential.

Through Ben’s role as a Catalyst, they began their work by getting to know people in this community of 4,500 people, and over the next few months identified several challenges locals faced - poor education, joblessness, lack of clean water - as well as existing resources. One prominent challenge that emerged was a lack of resources specifically for women.

“For many women in the community,” Ben observed, “prostitution is the only option that allows a woman to earn a living. You’re born in a place and it’s the only way you know to survive. You have no choice.”

“I saw the abuse,” says Kristin. “I would go out into the town each night seeking to engage these women who felt prostitution was their only means of support – the only way they could make a living.”

Coming alongside the women of Chibolya quickly became an area of focus, and Ben and Kristin explored methods to tangibly provide opportunities for women to create sustainable streams of income outside of prostitution. “I began establishing long-term relationships with local women. I offered regular Bible study groups, mentoring, and options that offered training and skills towards establishing sustainable livelihoods.” Kristin shares.

One initiative that emerged from this has been an ongoing women’s empowerment program.

This program provides business and entrepreneurial training, as well as skill development in budgeting, leadership, and long-term planning for vulnerable women. With principles from Scripture as a foundation, this program not only provides an answer to the question of “how”, but goes deeper to the “why” - and has paved the way for relationships to grow beyond the program itself.

Throughout the past five years of this program’s existence, women who otherwise didn’t see a future beyond prostitution have learned to lean into their strengths, grow in self-awareness, and contribute to the economic growth of Chibolya.

Sylvia is a woman who completed the program last year.

As a single mother with six children, it often felt like the cards were stacked against her. But in the midst of illness and poverty, Sylvia persevered.

She has a unique gift – baking muffins – which she has now turned into a successful business as a result of having completed the women’s empowerment program. She is now able to pay the school fees for all her children, and freely shares her secrets of success with other women in the community – offering them hope and prayer for a brighter future.

This program has proven to be successful, durable, and long-lasting – a true testament to the transformational work being done in Chibolya and the support and generosity of trusted friends and donors. Instead of competing with other locally driven initiatives, it has complemented them.

Ben and Kristin couldn’t do this work alone. They have also observed older, more mature women in the community taking an active role in reaching out to the younger women.

Often with experiences shaped by hardship, these women help to guide each other, teaching them to have self-respect and self-worth. They joined in the mentoring process offering the younger women an alternative way to live.

As Ben and Kristin’s work has continued to expand, they began to realize a central gathering place was needed to serve as a hub - a place to host business trainings and discipleship courses, to provide a safe place where community members could meet, learn, relax, and pray, and to be a central, consistent location for coming together.

In an answer to prayers for the right space - in March of 2022 a building was purchased and offered as a place where this vision could become a reality!

Once fully refurbished and equipped, this ministry center will offer courses ranging from English as a second language to computer skills for local youth, as well as host the Women’s Empowerment Group.

In addition, there are plans for it to house a coffee shop, space for mentoring and Bible study groups, and outreach. As the work continues to expand, this building will offer a common meeting place for those from all over Chibolya.

Thanks to your generosity, this ministry center will be a reality by the start of the New Year!

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Generosity that Multiplies

From Robert and Tessa Swarthout

Robert & Tessa Swarthout

One Collective friends and supporters since 2011

“Empowerment for us is moving people out of victim-hood and into ownership of their own lives and shifting their reality.”

Like many One Collective friends and supporters, the Swarthouts began their journey with One Collective by supporting two members of one of our local teams. “And then,” Robert told us, “we got an invitation to attend a One Collective event.”

“It was great timing - we had just sold our business, and we thought, ‘this sounds like fun.’” But giving support to One Collective was totally different than their support of the field workers – which never ceased for Robert and Tessa.

During this event, Robert and Tessa were introduced to One Collective’s model of holistic community transformation: seeing people as Jesus does – responding to their spiritual and physical needs in a holistic way and in the context of specific communities – from local leaders to those on the margins of society who seem invisible.

“We realized that a gift to One Collective creates independence within the culture of a community rather than being reliant on outside resources for their sustenance and livelihood.”

Robert and Tessa were attracted to the One Collective strategy that Catalysts are using to empower communities around the world. “Seeing the Catalysts come together with local community leaders – listening to their needs and responding to particular situations, what could be more efficient?”

“Giving is about paying it forward.” Robert said. “I was brought up in a family that gave every week to our church – and that’s important.” But by investing in One Collective, Robert and Tessa were able to see their gifts put to work through a well-designed, well-established model that empowered the people to take control of their lives. “That’s important to us.”

“Empowering people to have ‘drive’”, Tessa told us,”to achieve their goals; finding the dreamers in a community and helping them to become successful – that just means so much to people.” Tessa and Robert were able to visit other One Collective communities and see first-hand how investing in and working with local leaders could generate new growth and new activity in the community and beyond.

“We saw the difference One Collective has made,” Robert said, “or we wouldn’t have continued to support this ministry. One Collective handled our gift just the way we hoped.”

“To know that we helped...that we empower people to take ownership of their lives and away from victim-hood; to open up options for people to create a sustainable livelihood that has an impact well beyond our original gift. That’s why we give to One Collective.”

Learn more about Giving

Learn more about how your generosity can make an exponential impact

Learn More about Giving

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Empowering Innovation that Transforms a Community

In buffalo city, south africa

Scott worley

Buffalo City, South Africa

When a problem builds up for generations, it can feel impossible to find lasting, sustainable solutions. How do you avoid settling for short-term fixes to long-term problems? How can you go deeper and disrupt those harmful cycles, to see a community truly transformed long-term through the ways of Jesus?

In Buffalo City, South Africa, a Catalyst - Scott - has been a key leader exploring how long-term change can take place in his community - and because of your support, he is implementing innovative solutions to employ young adults and teach them valuable skills for their future.

“Finding employment in South Africa has been difficult for over a generation. This remains one of the main problems the country faces today. Especially in impoverished communities, single mother households are the norm, putting youth at a disadvantage. Because it’s so hard to find a job, young adults get disillusioned and angry and it leads to all kinds of drug abuse, destructive activity, and crime.”

“One of the ways we’re working to change this is through piloting an entrepreneurial training program for young adults. Our ultimate vision is to roll this out specifically for youth in impoverished communities, and change this cycle. It’s a long-term solution that approaches the massive problem of unemployment by empowering mindsets to be changed and think outside the box.”

“What excites me the most is that this isn’t just about providing opportunities for young adults to create work for themselves or for others in the community - it also creates space to ask the important question of ‘How can I innovatively use my passion and purpose in life to make a living and bless my community?’ We’re not doing what we do just to have good programs. We want to empower mindsets to be changed and think outside the box.”

“We’re not doing what we do just to have good programs. We want to empower mindsets to be changed and think outside the box.”

This is an opportunity to invite as many people to the table as we can who have traditionally been divided - government, private enterprises, and individuals. There’s such diversity in South Africa, and great potential for this generation to create an integrated South Africa. These teenagers can lead the way - and your support is what empowers this to take place, through innovation and through the ways of Jesus.”

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Rebuilding Hope Together

In uzhhorod, ukraine

doug landro & president scott olson

Reviewing Construction in Uzhhorod

Around the world today, people face incredible challenges, and knowing the right way to help when situations are complicated can be challenging. When communities or people face moments of crisis - having context and relationships already established is a critical part of providing support that is impaction and sustainable.

That’s why even before the current conflict began - your support was empowering the work happening in Uzhhorod, Ukraine. Following the ways of Jesus - our team and community Catalyst Doug were already working in partnership with 14 local churches and 21 local organizations on holistic support across the city - helping to create sustainable solutions for people on the margins of society.

“Even before the war, the team in Uzhhorod had put together an alliance of 40 churches and organizations. Together, we were addressing physical, social, and spiritual needs... This work included programs that provided discipleship to local and international university students, job skills training, visiting and praying in under-resourced communities, and supplying clean drinking water and vital medicines.”

On February 24th, 2022, Doug and the team were there to see first-hand the repercussions of the invasive attack by Russia, as millions of Ukrainians were forced to flee their homes and their country seeking shelter and safety. Of those seven million refugees, nearly one-third remained in Ukraine as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), desperate to defend and eventually rebuild their homeland.

“What can we do about this?” Doug asked himself and Jesus. As the influx of IDPs and refugees, mostly from Kyiv and Odessa, overflowed into Uzhhorod, the need was clear; temporary housing shelters to accommodate the thousands of people who needed support immediately.

As shelters quickly filled up, Doug and the team in Uzhhorod began to see more and more family units seeking shelter – women and children who did not want to part from their husbands who were defending the country during this time of war. Temporary shelters helped - but didn’t support the needs of these families long-term. “This wasn’t the healthiest or even the safest thing for them.”

So once again, following the ways of Jesus, One Collective’s team was standing ready to work on solutions. Over the summer, a Tiny Home Project was begun in Uzhhorod. The plans for the homes and the community were drafted by a local architect - and construction, which will be done by local workers, includes 18 tiny homes, fueled by solar energy, with heating, kitchens, bathrooms, furnishings, a community center, a common play area, septic fields, sidewalks, fencing, and parking. A safe, self-contained community where families can stay together in dignity until a time when they can return to their homes and rebuild their nation.

When One Collective President & CEO Scott Olson visited Uzhhorod and the Tiny Home Project earlier this year - he saw firsthand the incredible work being made possible with your support. “I believe with all my heart that this work is going to be life-changing for hundreds, maybe even thousands of people, who right now, have nothing.”

Because of your support, Doug and the team with One Collective were situated in exactly the right place at the right time - ready to provide the community of Uzhhorod and thousands of people with hope in the middle of an incredible challenge. Following the ways of Jesus and because of you - this work continues to grow today. Thank you.

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Working Together to See the Invisible

in Santiago, chile

Rachel & Alonso Silva

Santiago, Chile

With so many difficult things going on around the world today, it can be easy to lose hope. What happens to the most vulnerable when nobody sees them? Where does Jesus show up, even to those who fall through the cracks - those who are invisible to much of the world? Rachel and Alonso, leaders in Santiago, Chile, have asked themselves the same question - and today because of you, they are part of the answer. When they moved to Santiago, they noticed that the faces of the most invisible in their community belonged to youth who ended up in governmental care facilities.

“For a very long time, we have both had a heart for the most abandoned in society, the most invisible in society. This is exactly what these kids were. It’s a cycle that has lasted for generations - these kids are put into the system because of drugs or violence in the home. They’re raised by the government - but it's not a family. It's not a loving environment. It's not an environment that allows you to prosper. Most of them don't finish high school - they have their own kids, but since they were never equipped to care for them, the next generation gets put back in the system, and the cycle continues. We’ve been working with the government for over 10 years now, and as a partner, we’ve proven that we’re not someone who just comes for a day to take pictures for social media.

Because of this trust, we’re able to coordinate regular volunteers from 10 different churches, hold workshops for kids that focus on growth and spiritual development, build bridges between government workers, and mentor kids one-on-one. Yanira is one of these previously invisible girls who we started building a relationship with when she was 12 years old. She was brought under the government’s protection because her parents were addicted to drugs and alcohol, and as she became a teenager, Yanira began to follow the same path she saw in her parents, getting drawn into the complicated web of addiction. But we’ve seen how, in the middle of everything, Jesus hasn’t let her go.

At 16, she began a one-on-one mentorship with one of our volunteers, and weekly they battled through her addictions, celebrated her victories, and persevered through her relapses. A year later, Yanira was placed in a smaller family residence where she was able to get more personalized love and attention. Yanira is finally seen as an individual with a unique identity and purpose. She has been given the freedom to flourish, to find her identity as a child of God who has so much richness to offer the world.

We believe that the change we long to see in Chile will happen with those we come alongside. It’s not about receiving help from us, it’s about working together to find solutions that empower marginalized people and break harmful cycles for good. Because of you, that change is already happening today. A lot of the young people we have invested in now have dreams to become foster families for others stuck in similar cycles. Their lives are being transformed by Jesus and his love, and they have so much to give. Together, we are able to represent commitment and perseverance. These kids have been abandoned enough. Our vision is to be hope and family for these children and youth.

When we can put aside our differences to come together and love like Jesus did, there’s something really transformative that happens for everyone. Lives are changed, cycles are broken, and entire communities can experience lasting change. We’re so grateful to be a part of that with you. Thank you.“

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Hope in Complex Situations

in athens, Greece

When a community contains many vulnerable populations, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. Is it possible to meaningfully care for each marginalized group at the same time? Can a plan be implemented that actually takes into account each group without stretching resources too thin?

Danielle kelly

Athens, Greece

Central Athens, home to more than 70,000, is a community full of people asking these questions. The struggling Greek economy has led to high rates of unemployment and poverty, resulting in many individuals now experiencing homelessness. At the same time, Athens is faced with an influx of refugees fleeing danger and persecution, with little social support.

Danielle is a Catalyst with One Collective who has been tackling the challenge of coming alongside each of these groups head on. It wasn’t easy for Danielle or the diverse team she works with to find a common thread in their work - with so many people facing significant hardship and isolation, discerning where to start was challenging.

Over time, however, they found that mental health support was vital. Working to build coping skills, address trauma, and restore dignity all became guiding factors for the work. It was also recognized that the work could not be done alone. Danielle and her team intentionally began working with local partners to come alongside individuals experiencing homelessness, refugees searching for a better future, and those exploited in the sex trade. 
 


“Through collaborating with local partners and utilizing the skills of our team members, we have been able to develop programs that allow us to support the marginalized in Athens together, gradually incorporating the use of art, music, activities, and discipleship – and by following the ways of Jesus.”

With time, a partnership was formed with a local Greek church to offer services to those in
the homeless community. Weekly shower and laundry services, a feeding program, and
optional Bible studies were hosted through the church. When the services began, only a few would attend. But then, Chet began attending - a man from another country struggling with drug abuse. As Chet learned about Jesus and benefitted from the various services, his outlook began to change, and others in the homeless community noticed the positive shift in his behavior. 


“His transformation was significant - as he talked and lived among the others on the street, they wanted to know what made him so different from how he was before,” shares Danielle.

As a result of Chet’s change, more people from the homeless community started attending the Bible studies, curious to see what they were about. They have continued to regain dignity through practical assistance and hear about a hope that comes through following Jesus.

Danielle and her team have also recognized great need and opportunity within the refugee community and women trapped in the sex trade. After experiencing difficult journeys to Athens, the majority of refugees lack a safe place to discuss their struggles and process their stories. For women in the sex trade, abuse and systemic barriers often prevent them from leaving prostitution, trapped in an industry that is technically legal in Greece. Although these issues are multifaceted, Danielle and her team have found innovative ways to come alongside these populations - such as art therapy classes, building trust in relationships, and offering practical assistance to vulnerable women.

Working with diverse populations is not an easy task, or a problem with a straightforward solution. Stories such as Chet’s are reminders, however, that in the midst of the complexity, there is good, lasting work happening - and your support is making this possible today. Thank you for your partnership that through the ways of Jesus - creates deeply rooted change designed to last for generations.

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Finding Healing & Unity Together

In tulovo, bulgaria

Margie Brown

Tulovo, Bulgaria

Just off of the neatly paved streets, past the crowds and the noise, hidden in plain sight, you will find oppressed and marginalized people in communities around the world. Often these people face cycles of poverty, segregation, and division that have lasted for generations.

What does it take for people in these communities to find lasting change? What does it look like when people in a community start to see and love the invisible people next to them? Below you can read a story from Margie, a Catalyst serving in Tulovo, Bulgaria, about how healing and transformation is beginning in a divided community.

“One of the defining things you will notice about our community here in Tulovo is the division between people groups. Inside our small town, things look as you might expect – shopping, stores and schools. There is a population made up of almost entirely ethnic Bulgarians, but in Tulovo nearly half of the population is set apart from the city intentionally. This second group is made up of people called Rroma. The Rroma (often called Gypsies) are a people without a home – settling where they can in Europe and beyond.”

“They often live in extreme poverty and without basic rights. In most countries, the Rroma people are unwelcome and unwanted – and here in Tulovo, this discrimination is at the core of cycles of poverty, division, and segregation happening today.”

“One thing I have found helpful to understand about the Rroma here is that they have a very “day-to-day” view of life. The effect that outlook on life has is that cycles form easily - and people are often stuck dealing with the same problems their family has been carrying for generations. For the Rroma and others who see the struggles they feel face, it can feel hopeless.”

“A great example of this is education. For a people group in survival mode - focused on the next day, the value of a traditional learning experience just isn’t there. It’s not hard to see how this contributes to the cycles of poverty and harmful stereotypes the Rroma face.”

“But segregation and division are not the end of the story for the Rroma or Tulovo. Lasting change is beginning here, and we can see a future where our community finds unity and healing.”

“Right now, we are working on a number of key initiatives focused around education and discipleship. A lot of this work focuses on school support and encouraging kids and teams to really pursue their education. Through the recent addition of a community center, we have a building that provides space to meet and gather on community initiatives - working together with younger Rroma and underprivileged Bulgarian children as we develop an after-school program for them.”

“Segregation and division are not the end of the story for the Rroma or Tulovo. Lasting change is beginning here, and we can see a future where our community finds unity and healing.”

“Something I am noticing more and more in our community is that young people in particular are beginning to dream a little bit. We had a group of girls come to us and express that they wanted to become hairstylists. Another young woman, Mira, came to us and said that she wanted to help build a preschool program, because she sees the impact that would have on the future of our community. Those examples are simple - but for a people group focused on survival, they show that healing and change is already happening today. We are also seeing community members, local schools, and local government begin to take hold of the idea that the community can find ways to bridge the division that has been present for so many years.”

As the people in our community learn to work together and see one another without longstanding stereotypes - healing and unity will be made possible. This is the model Jesus showed us - looking at the real person, showing them their value, and empowering them to help others too. When people are empowered to tear down the walls of division and work together - the whole community can be transformed. In Tulovo and around the world today- this is happening because of your support. Thank you.

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Empowering Communities for Exponential Change

in quito, ecuador

aaron passmore

Quito, Ecuador

“When you look around at the communities where One Collective is at work today, I think one thing you’ll notice right away is that no matter where you visit around the world, there are oppressed and invisible people on the margins of society, looking for a better future. Alongside that need though you will also find incredible strength in the form of local leaders, partners, and Change-Makers who are passionate about seeing their community transform.

Serving in our community (a subset of a city of roughly 2 million), really forces you to be focused and to rely on empowering people to transform the environments that they are a part of. I think healthy people create healthy community, and that community produces more healthy people. Those ideas of empowering people to change, and transformation being exponential are at the core of the work happening in Quito - and also what One Collective is doing around the world.

Here in Quito, the needs that we are working to address often center around people groups who are in vulnerable situations - and working in those spaces can be complicated. One of our main focuses is youth, and in our ministry homes, sometimes they come to the door because the government sends them there, sometimes a family member says ‘hey, you know, this kid’s living on the streets and we don’t have a way to help.’ But no matter how the process begins - building relationships, inviting them into a community, and giving them a safe place to grow are the first steps to seeing change come about in their lives.

Those steps lead to much more. A story we see again and again is that when people are equipped with resources, space, and relationships that empower them to change - they want to take that same transformation they have experienced and bring it into their wider community.

This is the model that Jesus showed us first - how one person who is empowered to transform can go and transform others around them, whole areas, and ultimately lives and communities around the world. 

One of the things I love most about being part of One Collective is that we know that we can’t do it all on our own. Each of us have different things we are gifted at, and we can bring those things together around the ways of Jesus without any one person being the hero. 

One of the biggest things that One Collective continues to focus on is empowering people to serve in the ways that fit the context of their skills and experience. As an organization there is a lot of time and effort that goes into training people well before they go into new places around the world - but then also making sure they are well supported once they are there serving. That sense of being equipped is one of the big reasons why I think around the world you see leaders focused on empowering others for long-term change. 

That’s so critical. When we’re thinking about transformation happening within our communities, our role has to be focused on empowering others. That idea is what equips leaders to work well and collaborate well with other ministries, businesses, governments, and partnerships too.

Here in Quito and around the world - exponential change is happening today.

It’s happening because of your support - because leaders are being empowered to follow the ways of Jesus - and as One Collective, we are all bringing our skills, experience, and passion to transform lives and communities together.”

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The Impact of Investing in Generosity

From jared and lori blong

Jared and Lori blong

One Collective friends and supporters

“For us the giving journey began with a question. We reached this point in our early thirties where we knew we needed to do more than just partner with our local church - but we didn’t yet have an understanding of what that generosity could look like.

We heard a speaker who was talking about the role of generosity in transformation - he said: ‘In the work Jesus is doing around the world, there are those who play (serve), those who pray, and those who pay.’ At different times in our lives we are all in one or two of those categories -so we both began to pray through what direction we should take, and we realized that following Jesus’ example ultimately means being part of all three.

We want to make sure that we’ve made decisions in our life that allow us to be part of all that Jesus can do through us, and in that season - we knew that the next step for our family was to explore giving on a new level.

So we found ourselves asking ‘How can we be strategic and steward our giving the way we would steward other investments?’

One of the things that became immediately clear was if we were going to be able to be part of impacting lives and communities around the world - we were going to have to have some financial planning. So we began contributing to a Donor Advised Fund - a resource that allows us to manage our generosity the way we would our other investments. That’s how we began our relationship with giving and One Collective.

When we first started, it was sacrificial for us to put money aside, but our capacity and that fund have both grown over time as the Lord has brought some success business-wise and entrepreneurially to us.

One thing we’ve learned over and over again in business is that passive investments never get it done. Real growth and real change happens when leaders put skin in the game, and that’s what we love about One Collective. We know that our generosity is being stewarded by people who are deeply invested in strategy that follows the ways of Jesus, and that no one person is here to be ‘the hero’.

We all have this opportunity to answer the call. Some of us have two fish and five loaves. Some of us have 200,000 fish and a million loaves - but we have an opportunity to bring our passion and generosity before Jesus and let him do the multiplication.

With One Collective, we have the opportunity to join what Jesus is doing around the world as partners - to be part of creating lasting change in communities where the need is great. That is the impact that generosity can make, and it’s so exciting to join others in following Jesus’ call in this way.”

Learn more about Giving

Learn more about how your generosity can make an exponential impact

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A Vision for Sustainable Change

In fresno, california

hector chavez

Fresno, California (Hidalgo)

In many communities around the world today, great need is a daily reality. Often education, training, and opportunities are limited - and for people growing up in the middle of these difficult situations, a vision for change can be hard to see. What happens when local leaders - people who have grown up in and understand the needs and strengths of a community - are empowered with a vision for sustainable change?

Below, you’ll read a story from Hector about his journey alongside Nancy - both serving in Fresno, California. You’ll see how because of your generosity, leaders are being empowered to find innovative and sustainable solutions to big needs in communities around the world.

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“As you walk through the neighborhoods of Fresno, one of the first things you’ll notice is how different life can be just a few streets away. It’s a city where some areas get a lot of attention and support, while others are sort of pushed to the sidelines. Often people grow up here without a vision for themselves - without clear pathways for growth or change, and that was true for me too.”

“I grew up in a small neighborhood in Fresno called Lowell, and while I was still in Middle School, I met a woman named Nancy who cared for the people there. I didn’t understand what her job was at the time, but I knew that she cared - and that when people in the community needed support, she was someone they could go to.”

nancy donat

Fresno, California (Lowell)

“As I got older, I learned more about Nancy - learned about her role as a Catalyst with One Collective and the vision to see Lowell transformed. I watched as she brought leaders from our community together with the needs that were present here, and I grew to understand that there was a way forward for our neighborhood, and for myself.”

“There was a moment when I realized that I wanted to do more than watch our community change - I wanted to be involved myself. I started to ask what it would look like to work like Nancy - bringing people together to find sustainable fixes to the problems I had seen all my life.”

“Just blocks away from Lowell, the neighborhood where I grew up, is a community called Hidalgo. It’s a place with a lot of similar problems. When I was younger, my connection was always to Lowell -but as I started to think more about what it would mean to serve people in this city, I realized that Hidalgo was a community that needed significant attention and love too. For years, Nancy had worked in Lowell - and Hidalgo needed that same kind of care and attention. The community needed someone that really understood the problems that people were facing and could work alongside them to create lasting change.”

“Over a year ago now - I started work with One Collective in Hidalgo as a Catalyst - and a lot has changed since then. I’ve been on a journey to get to know the people of this community and the needs that they face, and though the community is small - the needs are diverse and urgent.”

“In a short-term sense, we’re looking at meeting “immediate needs” in the community - things like access to COVID related healthcare and the effects of the pandemic on our community. In the long-term sense though, we’re trying to look at the big picture - trying to engage the community to have ownership over the things that will improve their lives and community over time.”

“I’ve come to recognize that creating a shared vision for transformation in the community is critical. Like me - many people here care deeply about helping others around them, but lack a pathway forward. I know now that change is possible. When passionate people and other leaders work together to create a sustainable way forward - the whole community can be transformed. In Hidalgo and Lowell - this work is happening today because of your support. Thank you.”

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Innovative Solutions that Create Lasting Change

in South Asia

So much is happening in our world today. When you look around and read stories about how difficult things are, it can be easy to lose hope - but that’s not the full picture. In communities around the world - the ways of Jesus are transforming lives today. Lasting change is happening, and cycles of poverty and injustice are being broken.Because of your generosity, leaders are being empowered to find innovative and sustainable solutions, and here’s a story that from a One Collective leader in a secure community in South Asia.

“In our community, the need for lasting change is obvious. Most families live in poverty here - they have skills and abilities, but are cut off from opportunities to better their situation. Many have a dream of going to school and gaining an education, but they are unable to because of financial barriers that exist community-wide.

An average family shares a small home, and their combined income is around $150/month. This income meets basic needs, but often family members take on temporary manual labor to make ends meet. Growing up nearby - I saw firsthand how these cycles of poverty and lack of access to education and opportunity were repeated over and over, and out of that grew a passion in me for seeing them transformed. That’s why our ministry today is concentrated on the oppressed and marginalized in the community. I believe that many families can finally experience hope and transformation - as all of their needs are met.

We are already beginning to see evidence of this transformation. When I started working with One Collective, a church was established here, and one of the core objectives was to bring real freedom in person's life and in the community that can only be possible in Jesus. Now, more than twenty people from Hindu and Buddhist backgrounds are worshiping God together - and this has created an incredible space for discovering God and growing deeply through Bible study.

Lasting change begins with bringing people together - finding skills, strengths, and passion and equipping local leaders with the resources they need to transform the community from the inside out. So we began by gathering a group of people from this new church community and sharing this vision with them. A man named James was there that day and shared with me an idea related to his background - beekeeping. He talked about how apiculture could provide income for anyone willing to learn. The key to the idea is that anyone who has land in our rural community can begin beekeeping - So just a few months later, we held a training for 7 local farmers at my family’s property nearby.

At this training, James began by explaining how keeping bees, in addition to normal farming, could increase the impact they were able to make in the community by providing jobs to others. Every time a farm begins, a job is created and more families have access to sustainable income. Because of the generosity of partners with One Collective, we are now able to help with funding to expand this business.

We began with just a few hives - but today that number has grown to over 15. By the end of this year, we plan to have 50 - and by 2023, we expect to have nearly 200 hives. This has created great excitement in the community - the farmers and people that are involved are passionate and see clearly the impact this project can have.

Alongside that success, something else is happening too. More people from the community are joining together in following Jesus. That church - which began as a bridge across religious differences has become a core part of the growth happening. Together these believers are opening the door for hope and transformation to spread.

In our community here in South Asia - lasting change is happening economically as businesses start, emotionally as families find purpose in their work, and spiritually as people encounter Jesus for the first time. Thank you.”

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The Gift of Generosity

From Tony parmer

tony parmer

One Collective friend and supporter

“It was almost 20 years ago when my family’s estate became my responsibility,” Tony recalls, “and I had some concerns and anxiety about what to do with it and my money.”

Tony’s concern is very common - blessed with resources to help others coupled with a life of generosity and service, she wanted her giving today and planning for the future to reflect her faith.

“Throughout my life, I’ve had a heart for the oppressed - especially young women. And through close friends I learned about and soon started to give to the work of One Collective,” Tony says.

“You know, I became a teacher and advocated for kids doing social work in Kansas. That was my career before returning to Colorado and my family’s estate. I’ve always tried to be generous, and when I inherited so much I knew God had given me this to help others. I just wasn’t always sure how to do that.”

“In One Collective’s ministry I saw the Gospel coupled with really helping people with physical necessities, mental health, the harmful consequences of abuse - and these were the things I had spent my life working to address,” Tony says. “For some time I struggled with what my ministry was, but that’s really changed. I feel God has given me a ministry of sharing my resources with others in need, and that makes me feel terrific.”

“I enjoy giving and I know God put me in the place to give now and in the future... this is  something I never dreamed I would be able to do.” “And having access to One Collective’s help with my planned giving relieved my fears. It was such a relief - such a burden lifted - when I was able to make plans for my giving today and in the future.”

Tony adds, “At that point in my life I was filled with tears of joy and gratefulness for the way One Collective helped me.”

Learn more about Giving

Learn more about how your generosity can make an exponential impact

Learn More about Giving

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