A unique partnership in southwest Georgia bridges cultures

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ELLAVILLE, Ga. — A unique partnership each summer in Southwest Georgia shows that church unity isn’t limited by cultural boundaries.

Twelve Hispanic churches gather each month for a time of fellowship and worship. The churches are scattered across central and Southwest Georgia, making it a truly unique cooperation. They call themselves “Churches Walking Together.”

It’s a good description of what they do each summer as they organize a camp for their children and youth with a special purpose.

“The point is to teach youth and see people go on missions around the world,” said Ovidio Cabrera, who heads the organization. Cabrera is also the Southern Regions Consultant for Hispanic churches for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board.

Churches Walking Together has put on this camp for many years, but they’ve gone through a lot of challenges to do it.

But a few years ago, the churches found a unique home at Friendship Camp.

The campground is located outside of Americus, Georgia and is owned and operated by the Friendship Baptist Association.

What the churches didn’t know when they asked to book the facilities is that the association also runs a missions internship program each year called Advancing in Ministry. The program recruits high school and college students who want to glorify God by fulfilling the Great Commission, offers them a stipend, and then disciples them on an active mission field at Friendship Camp.

FBA Associational Missionary Charles Stoops saw an opportunity to strengthen the program while supporting the Hispanic camp.

“It is the perfect fit for FBA,” he said. “Through our AIM program, almost 70 years of summer camping experience, and our administrative support, our Hispanic brothers and sisters have the necessary tools and resources to offer an effective camp for their youth. On our side of the equation, FBA now has the opportunity to help the next generation of missionaries and ministers grow in their faith through an immersive cross-cultural experience without leaving home.”

This year, Churches Walking Together brought 121 people to the campground, including 98 campers.

But even though 23 leaders came with the kids, the AIM Missionaries still played an important role.

Liz Aguirre, one of the camp directors, said, “Honestly, we could not do our camp without the help of the AIM Missionaries.”

According to Aguirre, the interns are crucial behind-the-scenes staff when it comes to serving food, cleaning up, and setting up games. But she has also seen them step in to lead Bible studies or share their testimony when needed.

It’s this part that has led to a truly cross-cultural partnership. She says that their campers almost always list something the ‘AIM kids’ said as a highlight of the week.

I think it’s extra cool that we get this feeling that Jesus isn’t just about me and my culture but He is for everyone. And that spirit of brotherhood that you get from other believers, it’s really cool,” Aguirre added.

She’s not alone. It’s a favorite week for the AIM missionaries.

Kayden Poole, a 2022 and 2023 alumna of the program, said, “It’s a lot different than your normal life. You get to see how different cultures blend.”

Poole’s own faith is strengthened and encouraged by listening to camper testimonies.

This year was important for testimonies; the camp ended with five first-time salvations and eleven decisions for special service in Christ’s kingdom.

The partnership has seen growth not just in the missionaries and campers, but also in the campground itself. Churches Walking Together helped support Friendship Camp’s new Quad Cabins, which helped house both the mission interns and some of the camp volunteers this year.

Overall, the cooperation has given a new perspective on what it means to be united in the family of God. Aguirre says visiting Friendship Camp is “like a family reunion.”