The engagement between Christians in Benin and Mennonites in Europe and North America reported here was built on initiative that originated in Benin. Further, it was nurtured through an investment on three continents to building meaningful relationships. This commitment provided the bedrock for developing partnership arrangements that respected the subjectivity of each of the partners and advanced the dignity and accountability of all those involved.
The fruit of this engagement has bolstered the faith of all who had the privilege of sharing our modest gifts, and reminded us that we must never “despise the day of small beginnings.” Every engagement in relationship and in the journey of building authentic partnership can (and most likely will) grow to bear fruit that may someday surprise us. No investment we make today, however modest, is insignificant.