Broadway Baptist Church -- Buenos Aires Mission Partnership
History
In the summer of 2005, ten members of Broadway Baptist Church traveled to Buenos Aires and worked with two Baptist churches, one with a membership of around 100 and another with about 500 members. Both are located in a lower income area of Buenos Aires, and both have ministries to the poor in their neighborhoods. While there we:
- Did painting in both churches.
- Led courses on the use of art therapy for local hospital counselors. Course led by BBC member who is an art therapist.
- Helped both churches set up a basic computer network.
- Began developing a spirit of Christian fellowship between our church and our two sister churches by preaching and worshiping in the churches.
- Explored possibilities of working with national Baptist groups in Argentina. These did not pan out.
In 2006, five members of our church returned to work with the same two churches. They:
- Taught a series of classes on Christian education with young people.
- Helped lead one of the churches through a strategic planning (SWOT) process.
- Had daily meals in the homes of church members.
- Did basic computer training in Excel and PowerPoint.
- Led devotionals in group gatherings and led music in church.
- Bought items from artisans within the churches with hopes of helping them to sell their wares on an ongoing basis.
Goals
To strengthen the bond of fellowship between our churches.
- To serve the churches there in ways that are helpful to them, both in strengthening their churches and in strengthening their ministries in their neighborhoods.
- To deepen the spiritual lives and broaden the Christian worldview of BBC participants.
Plans for 2007
We hope to send two teams of around ten each. We already have ten people committed to go. Possible projects include:
- Upgrading their computer equipment to enable them to provide an internet café to their communities, which will increase economic development possibilities and allow them to connect with their neighbors.
- Continuing to help train their Christian educators.
- Working through Rotary International to acquire newer equipment for their community dental clinic.
Funding
BBC has covered on average 50% of the expenses for participants. Non church members are required to pay the full cost of their trip.
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