What will it look like to make a difference in the world?
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The three things that Deep Water does are worship God, small groups and compassionate ministries. Within compassionate ministries, the goal is to strategically use our skills and resources to serve the poor both locally and internationally.
Presently we are working to find the right international community to concentrate our efforts on. Working with local contacts, this will likely include sponsoring children, supporting a local church(s), sending medical mission teams, sending development and teaching teams and other development projects in the area. By doing so, we will support the people in ways that show holistic understanding of the community and will enable the building of connections and support for local churches and organizations. Working together and building for the long term, we will create lasting change within the community.
We are beginning to collect money to enable the project’s successful launch. One of the initial activities for the project will be a missions trip to assist in the understanding of the needs of the community and the evolution of the service plan.
Involvement in the lives of the poor and those who require development opportunities is a central focus of the Christian faith. The Bible talks extensively about the responsibility to reach out and serve both those who live close and those in need throughout the world. This truth drives all we do and shapes our international ministry. By reaching out and serving people in their areas of need, we will make the change in the lives of individuals that shows them the love of Jesus.
You are invited to be a part of the process. Sign up to the International Community Project email list to find out about the service opportunities. Donations should be made to Deep Water Church with the note of designation to the International Community Project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q – I am not a part of Deep Water Church. Can I be a part of this project?
A – Yes, absolutely. In all of our activities, this project included, there are opportunities to be a part of what we are doing. It is our goal to allow as many interested people as possible to be a part of the change that we are working towards.
Q – Why are you focused on one community? Are there not many areas and places in other continents that need our help?
A – By focusing on one area we are allowing ourselves the opportunity to make a measurable difference in the short and long term. Working with continuity will allow us to understand the area’s needs and build on our past efforts to make more out of our efforts than separate, unconnected projects could.
Q - How the international community be selected?
A – Several factors will guide the selection process.
Proximity to Halifax: The mission will include people of Deep Water traveling to the community to work, so it is prudent to focus on an area that is accessible and safe for travel. Our hope is to include people of all demographics in our efforts, including children and teens. This requirement has focused our search on areas in Central and South America.
Language: People within the community may not all speak English, but there will need to be a viable means of communicating with the people.
Infrastructure: Given the skills within Deep Water, selecting a community that has infrastructure, such as a hospital, a school, etc. will allow us to maximize the value we can provide.
Size: In context of the infrastructure requirements, we are looking for a small community where we can make an appreciable difference in the lives of the people. There are several areas which already have development resources focus, so we will find an alternate opportunity.
Partner Organizations: We will be researching, in cooperation with Compassion Canada, World Hope International and Global Partners, to find the most suitable opportunities. Through the prayerful guidance of Deep Water, we will select a community and begin.
Q – Will you be accountable for the money donated? Will I get a tax receipt?
A – Yes. The money received will be channeled through Deep Water Church and through the Wesleyan headquarters. Deep Water is currently applying for charitable status federally; the money received for this project will be treated with the same attention and integrity as all church receipts.
