How did the partnership with Keynsham Elim and CASA Grace begin?
Our partnership with CASA Grace began when my sister Jane Jones worked for Eurovangelism (TEN’s original name). The CASA Grace team were looking for support to run and fund a Christian summer camp for children supported through their ‘Families in Need’ programme. Their desire was to give these dear children—living in extremely difficult circumstances—the opportunity to enjoy a fun holiday while hearing the good news of Jesus Christ.
At that time, Jane and her husband Mark were youth leaders at Keynsham Elim. They felt this would be a wonderful opportunity for the young people in our church to get involved—and so it began! Now, twenty-one years later, we continue to support CASA Grace by running these Christian camps.
What has encouraged you the most about your church partnership?
To hear so many children and teenagers say how much they have enjoyed the camp—some even calling it the best week of their year—is incredibly special. Most of all, we see lives changed as we share the eternal hope of the gospel. Not only are the children impacted, but many of the team members from the UK also say the experience has been life-changing for them.
What’s your advice for churches considering a partnership?
Simply go for it—it’s what we are called to do. Yes, there are people in our own communities who need our support as a church, and that is vitally important. But we are also called to reach out—to go into all the world, as it says in Acts 1:8.
To partner long-term with a Christian organisation in another country has proven to be such a blessing, as we see the fruit of God’s work unfold over time. If God is in it, He will provide and faithfully meet every need.
Find out more about Church Partnerships here.
Contact Lucy Reid at lucy.reid@ten-uk.org or telephone our office on 0117 961 5161 to start a conversation.
