Good things happen when water folks get together to do some deep listening. Living Water’s for the World recently invited our leadership teams to take part in a hybrid meeting as we prepare and make plans for 2023. The gathering consisted of listening sessions with network staff, moderators, and partners who shared on a number of topics including how COVID has impacted our work together, how best to use technology to build stronger water partnerships, and LWW’s partnerships in Haiti and the US.
The theme for this gathering was “LWW: Walking Our Why.” The ways we partner on water have changed as we’ve continued to learn together and the last 2 ½ years especially have brought many lessons. As we accompany each other, remembering and reflecting on our why is an important part of our journey together. In preparation for this meeting, we asked everyone to bring a photo that showed why they choose to share with LWW so much of the time, talent, and treasure God has given them. Sharing our why pictures with one another created a beautiful collage as a foundation for our discussions.
One of the many highlights of the meeting was the message that LWW board member Reverend Donovan Drake (Westminster Presbyterian Church of Nashville) shared with us about knowing our why. Donovan reminded us that the people come together, and the parts come together as well. It’s all holy ground.
LWW’s Financial Administrator, who is retiring at the end of October. Carie is pictured here with LWW’s founder, Wil Howie.
LWW staff and volunteer leaders listen as Pablo Siliézar of Guatemala and Denis Evangelista of El Salvador shared about what goes into successful partnerships when some of the relationship building and the project work happens using communication tools such as Zoom, WhatsApp, and Facebook Live.
As we plan for 2023, we are mindful that LWW can’t (nor should we) go hard on 15 new things this coming year but we can lean in together on a few key areas that will have a big impact. This listening opportunity is part of the process to help us identify next steps for the coming year. We give thanks for the privilege it is to serve together. May the listening and learning continue.
