There is Power in Partnerships

God has blessed Assist in so many ways through the eighteen years of our existence and as our nineteenth year begins. We've completed over eighty (80) medical projects in forty-two (42) countries around the world. Only God knows the many lives that have been saved as a result. Also, these endeavors have inspired and deepened peace and understanding in Muslim countries as Americans come and help.

Our assignment in addressing the needs of this world has taken us to dangerous areas like Kabul, Afghanistan, Israel and in some of the poorest and neediest places on our planet. Yet, for missionaries and Americans working in these troubled and dangerous places, these great gifts of outstanding critical care medical equipment and training ensure their capacity to stay in the country and continue the essential work they are doing.

Many times when these American workers are involved in these projects it inspires the national authorities to renew their visas and to see them as they are, friends of the people. A tangible act of love and mercy which saves the lives of the children and residents and enables the medical staff to work at their best levels, brings understanding and affirmation in powerful ways. Some Egyptian doctors on loan to the Islamic Republic of Djibouti highlight this great dynamic.

One evening, during the installation, we took the Egyptian doctor working with us as our translator to dinner (we also included his wife and two children). About halfway through our meal he stood and asked for the attention of the entire team.

"You're the first Americans I've ever met," he said. Then, he teared up and continued, "And you're nothing like I thought you would be."

I could go on and on with saving children through our work in orphanages in Romania and Africa. However, the point of this is: THESE ACHIEVEMENTS COULDNOT HAVE BEEN DONE BY ASSIST INTERNATIONAL ALONE. THERE IS A POWER IN PARTNERSHIPS.

The Scripture says something about doing things alone, noting that when two work together it is ten-times more powerful. We have found this to be universally true, and as a result, Assist rightfully gives the credit to the many organizations, companies, churches and individuals who have partnered with us over the years. THERE IS POWER IN PARTNERSHIPS!

On most of our projects Assist takes little or no credit for what's been done. All the credit goes to the hospital, organization or partners we're working with no matter where we are; Tibet, Sudan, Sri Lanka or Djibouti. For example, when we partner with Rotary International, we are happiest when Rotary gets the credit. ASSIST INTERNATIONAL IS CALLED TO GIVE AND SERVE ... AND THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY FOR US TO DO THIS IS THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS.

So, from the individuals who support us to hospitals, churches and organizations, we would never have accomplished all this without your help. However you view your relationship with Assist, we view you as an essential partner. Thank you for all you've done.

I hope you'll agree THERE IS POWER IN PARTNERSHIPS.

Bob Pagett - President