


On this cold (snowy day in Virginia), we’re remembering warmer times in Puerto Rico. Here’s a brief recap and an invitation for continued partnership written by our Coordinator, Mark Snipes.
In early November, a group of nine pastors from Virginia embarked on a transformative journey to Puerto Rico to build deeper connections with congregations on the island. Throughout our trip, we visited ten different congregations, each with its own unique story and vision for how it is serving and impacting the local community. We listened closely as church leaders shared about their incredible work, the challenges they face, their dreams for the future, and their hopes for potential partnerships with others who share their mission.
What stood out most during our time in Puerto Rico was the unwavering commitment of these congregations to their communities. Despite facing their own struggles and limitations, the churches we visited are thriving in their mission to serve the most vulnerable, offering everything from food and clothing ministries to educational programs, mental health support, and community development initiatives. We were inspired by their resilience, creativity, and the deep sense of calling that drives their work.
The overarching goal of our trip was to establish a lasting and meaningful partnership between CBFVA and the congregations of Puerto Rico. We believe that such a partnership will be mutually beneficial: CBFVA has much to give, including financial support, shared resources, and opportunities for mission work, but we also have much to learn from the Puerto Rican churches, whose creative approaches to ministry and community engagement can inspire and shape our own work back home. This partnership is not just about meeting needs; it’s about walking alongside one another, sharing in the joys and struggles of ministry, and building relationships that will help strengthen our common mission.
One of the most exciting aspects of this partnership is the opportunity for Virginia congregations to become directly involved. If your church is interested in exploring the possibility of a partnership with a Puerto Rican congregation, we invite you to consider joining us on our next trip to Puerto Rico in the Fall of 2025. This trip will offer an opportunity for deeper engagement with local churches and will be an ideal introduction for anyone interested in participating in a longer-term mission partnership.

Mark Snipes
Coordinator