The Day We Almost Turned Back

April 1, 2008

The Day We Almost Turned Back

April 1, 2008

by Nate Dell, Work Teams Coordinator

The rhythm of music echoes in my memories of the day we almost turned back.
Skeptical of the long drive deep into the Sierra Leone bush, I voiced my opinion: "It's getting late, and we don't even know how far away the village is. I don't think it's worth continuing."

Short on fuel, everyone hot and dusty, it just didn't seem wise to keep going. "How many patients can the medical team see in just an afternoon anyway?" I reasoned.

But just a few minutes later, we began hearing the beat of drums in the distance. As we topped a slight rise, the windshield filled with children's faces-dancing, singing, everyone drumming on wooden logs or hollow bamboo ... others on any spare tin can or plastic jug they could find.

The whole community of Karina was waiting for us, and a festive mood pulsed through the crowd as they saw the white faces of our medical team.

Factors outside our control led to our tardiness, but my concerns melted away when we saw the village neatly set up for our arrival and our makeshift clinic wonderfully arranged. They even called off the ceremony they had prepared so the doctors could see as many patients as possible in the limited time.

Ecuadorian physician Fernando Espinosa roped off an area in the shade of nearby trees and began seeing the first of about 200 children, referring the sickest to the main clinic and effectively keeping the overall volume in check.

The other doctors and members of the team jumped right in with practiced efficiency, learned from the two previous weeks of mobile medical clinics in Ghana.

A farewell song, two goats presented as gifts from the community, and the smiles of more than 130 adult patients and 200 children who were treated gave testimony that the long drive was well worth the effort!

Director of Church & Donor Partnerships

Position Summary: The Director of Church & Donor Partnerships strengthens Reach Beyond’s ministry by cultivating purposeful, trust-based relationships with churches, pastors, donors, and mission-minded individuals. Serving as a storyteller, encourager, and connector, this role invites the Body of Christ to join in God’s mission to reach those with little or no access to the Gospel.

Working closely with the Mobilization and Development teams, this person helps raise up new workers, strengthen church partnerships, and resource strategic ministry initiatives—always with a posture of discernment, prayer, and long-term stewardship.

Location: Colorado Springs or remote

Employment Type: Full time with employer-paid benefits, including medical coverage, retirement plan, and paid time off.

What This Role Does (Core Responsibilities)

1. Church Partnership Development

This role serves as a relational bridge between Reach Beyond, churches, and missionaries.

The Director:

Maintains strong relationships with existing partner churches and develops 2–4 new church partnerships annually
Shares the vision of Reach Beyond, helping churches understand and engage with the needs of the unreached
Equips churches with resources that support missionaries and foster long-term, healthy partnerships
Collaborates closely with missionaries as they engage their sending and supporting churches

2. Donor Ministry & Stewardship

This role views donor relationships as ministry and discipleship, not transactions.

The Director:

Manages relationships with approximately 12 key donor accounts
Walks alongside donors with discernment—guiding them through education, cultivation, solicitation, and appreciation
Communicates clearly about ministry priorities, impact opportunities, and project funding goals
Maintains accurate, timely records in the donor management system to ensure thoughtful follow-up and accountability

3. Representation & Engagement

This role serves as a public voice and relational presence for Reach Beyond.

The Director:

Represents Reach Beyond at 3–5 regional or national events annually, with intentional follow-up for every connection
Communicates the story of God’s work in Reach Beyond through stage presentations, small groups, and media opportunities
Participates fully in staff meetings, chapels, retreats, and organizational prayer rhythms

4. Reporting, Collaboration & Administration

This role balances relational ministry with faithful stewardship and teamwork.

The Director:

Provides quarterly written reports tracking progress toward mobilization and development goals
Works closely with the Mobilization and Development Directors to align efforts and communicate organizational priorities
Upholds organizational policies and maintains healthy, proactive communication across teams

You must be authorized to work in the United States.

We participate in the federal E-Verify program. See more information at:

https://reachbeyond.org/e-verify-right-to-work.pdf
https://reachbeyond.org/e-verify-participation.pdf

Why Join Reach Beyond? At Reach Beyond, we cultivate a culture rooted in relationship, collaboration, and dependence on God. Our mission is to see unreached people transformed in Christ through media, healthcare, and community development. As the Director of Church & Donor Partnerships, you’ll play a vital role in advancing God's mission and have the opportunity to grow personally and professionally while making a lasting global impact.

All applicants must be able to sign the Reach Beyond Statement of Faith.

Apply Now: Join us in fulfilling God’s calling to bring hope and transformation to the unreached. Complete the application here. Contact [email protected] if you have questions.