The Ayta Abellen Partnership grew out of a conviction that even a small church could make a big difference in the lives of a people group if they would think and act collaboratively. In 2002 Tom Bassford was pastoring a small church in the Kansas City area and Roger Stone was beginning a translation work with Wycliffe Bible translators among the Ayta Abellen people in the Philippines.
Through a series of conversations the two men discovered they were both looking for the same thing; a long-term partnership. For one it was an opportunity to mobilize and connect the people of his church to a people in need. For the other it was the opportunity to share in the work of reaching a people with the good news both in word and deed.
It began as a small effort to simply build relationships and ask the question, “How may we help?” And now six years later our efforts have provided tuberculosis screening for the village and a school scholarship program that makes it possible for 25-30 students per year to attend school. We’ve been able to build two translation offices and four different teams from the US have had the privilege to travel to the village and be a part of this work.
All the while Roger and Vangie Stone continue to live in the village among the people and translate the Word of God into the heart language of the Ayta Abellen people. Together we’re making a difference and proving that any one or any group can make a significant and lasting difference anywhere in the world if they will simply think and act collaboratively.
For more information on how your church can become involved in a similar partnership contact us at Significant Matters by email at tom@significantmatters.comor by phone at 816-419-3291.