Launch and ongoing development

The team was able to finish the beta version of the website in record time and we launched it around the New Year of 2023. The platform allowed members to sign up, undergo verification through references and curators, invite others, list their ministries, and search for ministries using filters such as type, location, needs, and services.

After completing the core features, we worked on adding the features that were highly requested in the feedback based on their priority. The main challenge was to make the platform more than a database – an alive and dynamic place one often comes back to. Here is a short list of these features:

• Multi-language support
• Sending direct messages to ministries or specific leaders
• An interactive map with the ministries, drawing inspiration from the now-defunct Canadian project, Waybase
• Sharing resources, either downloadable or available for shipping; resources, unlike ministries, are available to all, but only members interact with likes and comments
• Notifications for various scenarios that aim at creating new collaboration situations, like when a new ministry is registered in a radius of 50km around a member’s location for example
• Save a set of filters and subscribe to get notified for every new ministry that fits that profile
• Custom labels for members to organize their own lists of ministries

To make the platform an even more dynamic hub, we plan to implement these features:

• Smart notifications on homepage to foster partnerships by directing members toward relevant opportunities
• Open the platform for the global community of refugee workers
• Develop an undisclosed mode for profiles of members in closed countries where security is the main concern
• Centralize event planning with a public calendar where members can register to events and add their own
• Interest groups on the platform integrated with Facebook Messenger to facilitate ongoing, topic-centered discussions among members
• Social logins to simplify registration process

We’re currently engaged in discussions with the Refugee Highway Partnership Global (RHP), an extension of WEA dedicated to refugee ministries. Our dialogue centers on merging the capabilities of our platform with their extensive global network. A collaborative decision led to the transition of their annual Roundtable registration for each continent to our platform. Participants now complete a unified registration form, which enrolls them both on our website and for the Roundtable.

Significance

Typically, when a Christian leader seeks reliable partners in a fresh territory, they turn to the "gate keepers", those familiar with the main participants in that area. This can add days, sometimes even weeks, to their research time. Conferences and events often bridge the gap, helping Christian leaders connect and initiate collaborations. Frequently, organizers of such Christian events possess vast lists of ministries, often tucked away in a Google spreadsheet. Our platform is designed to channel the right information to the right people, enabling them to form new partnerships smoothly and within a trustworthy setting.

In spring 2023, a Christian leader from Ukraine reached out, explaining that his family had been in Europe for half a year, and due to martial law, he was unable to leave Ukraine. An exception was made for those driving humanitarian aid into the country. He inquired if I was aware of any European organizations dispatching humanitarian aid to Ukraine. I immediately accessed our platform, used the "Services" filter, chose "Humanitarian aid", and found three organizations. I reached out to all three, and two were willing to assist the Ukrainian leader.

Stories of organizations and churches forming partnerships continue to emerge in areas where they might not have connected otherwise.

In reflection

The journey from Krakow’s conference to the launch of the refugee ministries hub was nothing short of inspiring. The combined passion and involvement of Christian leaders from various backgrounds have transformed a mere concept into a powerful tool that bridges gaps and fosters unity. The challenges faced, be it the blackouts in Ukraine or the vast geographical and linguistic barriers, were overcome by team work and continuous commitment.

As the platform continues to evolve, our aim remains to harness the power of partnership and digital connectivity and to enhance the impact of Christian refugee ministries worldwide.