What does it mean to be part of The Bucket Ministry team? We are a group of like-minded, ordinary individuals sharing God’s love through the gift of clean, safe drinking water, but with dozens of team members scattered across the globe, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, our ministry had yet to gather all team members, both U.S. and international, in one place.
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” – Matthew 18:20
When the pandemic began limiting our ministry, our team quickly became more accustomed to using video conferencing regularly. After an in-country partner suggested all team members meet virtually, our U.S. team set to work organizing this exciting opportunity.
Last Thursday, The Bucket Ministry U.S. team met on a Zoom video conferencing call with several of our international in-field partners. All participants were able to fellowship with like-minded individuals despite oceans and country borders separating us.
Seven campaign regions were represented in the call: the Amazon, Guatemala, Honduras, Kenya, the Kibera slums, Nigeria and Uganda. With participants located in Africa, South America, Central America and the U.S., some participants joined the call during their evening, while others joined in the early morning. Altogether, the call had 18 participants.
This was the first time our partners from around the world were able to meet in this manner. They were able to introduce themselves and share the work they are doing in their region.
Some members of the team had been affiliated with The Bucket Ministry since it began in 2012. Others just joined the team in the past couple months. Gathering in this manner allowed the sharing of wisdom and experience from those who have worked in this ministry for sometime. It was an encouraging and uplifting time for all involved.
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
In-country partners shared the work they were currently doing and their plans for the future. In some areas, long held spiritual beliefs of people groups prevented true relationships with TBM team members. In many of our mission areas, team members are working to provide food and hygienic materials to those in need due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Being able to share these experiences and struggles is important to the growth of our ministry as we constantly become better equipped to grow God’s kingdom.
After this successful first team member call, we plan to continue having these group meetings monthly to build community and relationships across international borders. Praise God for the ability and technology to connect despite 1,000s of miles separating us!
These meetings are only open to TBM staff, but there are several other ways to be involved in this uplifting and encouraging community. To learn more, please email [email protected].
by Emma Aly
