Collaboration

Characteristics

People need space in which to live. We are created in the image of God, but many people live in unjust and inhumane conditions. To share the love of God, our work must have a holistic approach:  the Good News that God offers us reconciliation is the message we bring; this message can be experienced through the activities of material, spiritual and social engagement.
a. Working together in trusted relationships: God created us for community. Thus, we are part of a fellowship.
b. Reconciliation work: We want to proclaim the Good News of God’s love through word and deed. Recipients of God`s grace are called to become God’s agents. God creates a new community of believers, advocating for reconciliation, both within the community, and in intercultural or cross-cultural environments.
c. Working for Justice: We focus on the weakest in society, their rights and promotion. We do not seek quick solutions, but choose to live in solidarity, to set an example, to give loving support and to act non-violently.
Our employees must be people with a certain stability, a good education who are prepared to pursue these goals in a healthy way.
d. Material aid: see Emergency Aid
In all these areas mentioned above, our workers can respond to the need in various forms.
Our employees have a variety of occupational skills, life experiences and a broad outlook on life. They work in cooperation with local partners in a variety of ministries. We serve others in Jesus’ name. Professional, social and cross-cultural competence is to be used holistically and should especially benefit the poor and the exploited.

Long-term workers

Our desire is that people may experience Jesus Christ in everyday life, in their work relationships, and in personal relationships, both at home and abroad. We serve by building relationships, by working for reconciliation, by discipling people and by supporting people materially.

We invite workers to serve with our partners for several months or for longer periods. In general, we offer such ministries in collaboration with well-known and trusted partners. SMM want to enhance serving opportunities, especially investing in reconciliation and peace building projects (eg in cooperation with the DMFK).

Short-term workers

The SMM offers interested parties the opportunity for life-changing experiences. We place workers in organizations and communities with whom strong relationships exist already. During the application process we identify the best ways to prepare short- and long-termers for their assignment (or point them to suitable preparatory courses and seminars). We offer coaching during the assignment as well as evaluation and debriefing upon return.

Peace workers/ short-termers need to cover all their own costs. They are usually supported by their sending church. SMM helps to organize such a support group.