Kate Borders
Sr. Director of Operations

 At World Orphans, it is one of our deepest joys to see how God uses partnership to cultivate hope, even across cultures and great distances. Authentic friendship becomes the vessel for this hope, as beautifully demonstrated by Pastor Chris and Pastor Eli and their wives, Linda and Nancy. Pastor Chris from Reed City, Michigan, says of his 10-year relationship with Pastor Eli from Guatemala City, “There really haven’t been walls; we’ve been able to be vulnerable with each other from the beginning. We talk about real things; we know and can relate to the ups and downs of ministry.”

This depth of connection in the midst of ministry challenges requires a willingness to be transparent and vulnerable. In this case, both pastors have a desire to know and learn from one another. They are both quick to ask questions and also genuinely share the joys and struggles of their lives.

Pastor Chris notes that the annual trips his church takes to Guatemala have become more like visits to extended family than a traditional mission trip. Spending time there provides new perspectives and a safe environment to evaluate his own priorities and values, renewing his team’s sense of purpose. “[Our church team] comes home challenged but also very hopeful,” Pastor Chris shares. “The friendship [with our partner church] helps us see the ways we need to grow and change, but also reminds us that God is at work all over the world.”

This shared hope stands in powerful contrast to the physical circumstances Pastor Eli and Nancy minister in, which many would describe as hopeless. On their very first partnership trip to Guatemala, Linda was reading in Psalm 27 and came to verse 13 that says, “I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Linda confessed that she initially struggled to see the Lord’s goodness in the midst of the poverty and violence she was witnessing. However, in spending time with the Guatemalan church, God began to impress on her that his goodness—a reason for hope—is reflected in his people.

For the church in Guatemala City, being able to share the raw realities of their community with Reed City Church has brought vital encouragement. Pastor Eli said, “We have felt strengthened and encouraged [by them] in the work that we do in the community, in spite of the many difficulties and challenges we face.” 

The goodness of God is often most evident when his people are vulnerable and authentic. The Lord works through our relationships, especially our shortcomings, to bring strength and encouragement to others. Sharing your life and your heart is a challenge and can be frightening. But the payoff—deep encouragement, mutual growth, and enduring hope—is worth the risk.

As Pastor Chris says, “Don’t commit [to vulnerability in friendship] if you aren’t willing to be wrecked. But if you’re willing to do the hard work of real relationships, you will see God work in powerful ways.” It is in that powerful work, in the soil of authentic relationships, where hope flourishes.

PICTURED: Back L-R: Linda DeMott, Nancy Bello, Cami DeMott, Chase DeMott, Pastor Eli Bello, Pastor Chris DeMott Front: Alejandro Bello