One of the greatest blessings of our recent reverse mission trip was the opportunity to build relationships and explore new partnerships. At the Santiago Partnership, partnership isn't simply part of what we do. It is the foundation of everything we do. Every ministry, every opportunity, and every life impacted is possible because people and organizations choose to work together toward a shared vision.
Thanks to a connection through Bethany Covenant Church, we had the opportunity to meet with the team at Adelbrook to learn about their ministry, share ours, and explore ways our organizations might collaborate in the future.
For 126 years, Adelbrook has been serving children and young adults with autism and developmental disabilities. We learned that the organization began with a generous donor known as the "Rose King of New England," who was inspired by a pastor to help meet the needs of children in his community. That spirit of compassion continues to shape Adelbrook's work today.
Their ministry is incredibly comprehensive. Adelbrook operates educational academies that mirror public school environments while also helping students develop practical life and transitional skills within the community. They provide residential group homes throughout Connecticut for adults who can't live independently, along with a wide range of support services and programs for individuals and families.
One of the most inspiring parts of our conversation was learning about the innovative ways Adelbrook helps young adults prepare for future employment. They have created businesses where participants gain real-world work experience, including a bookstore and a "barkery" that produces specialty treats for dogs.
As we talked, a new idea began to emerge.
What if our organizations partnered one day to open a flower shop? It could provide meaningful employment opportunities for Adelbrook's young adults while also creating a retail space to sell flowers grown through our initiatives in Ecuador. While still just a dream, it is the kind of dream that grows out of shared values, creative collaboration, and faith. It is certainly something worth praying about as we look toward the future.
Another promising relationship developed during our visit to Pilgrim Pines, a Covenant camp and retreat center in New Hampshire.
Their team shared how they have become a valued resource within their community by serving youth, families, churches, and organizations throughout the year. During the summer, their schedule is filled with week after week of camp programs. Throughout the rest of the year, they host retreats, welcome community groups, and rent their facilities for gatherings and events.
As we learned about their ministry, we also discussed opportunities for Pilgrim Pines to help share the story of what God is doing in Ecuador. Through camps, retreats, and relationships within the Covenant community, they could introduce others to our ministry and inspire future mission teams, supporters, and advocates.
These conversations reminded us that partnerships often begin with something simple: listening, learning, and dreaming together.
While no one can predict exactly where these new relationships will lead, we are excited about the possibilities. Whether it's creating meaningful employment opportunities through a flower shop, connecting more people to the work being done in Ecuador, or discovering entirely new ways to serve, these partnerships can extend our impact far beyond what any one organization could accomplish alone.
At the Santiago Partnership, we believe ministry is strongest when we do it together. This trip reminded us that God is continually opening doors, bringing people together, and creating opportunities for collaboration in unexpected ways.
We are grateful for these new connections and excited to see what God will do through them in the years ahead.
