Wherever we go in the world, whether it's to Montenegro or an impoverished neighborhood close by, our "work" is first, foremost, and ultimately about building relationships with the people.  Constructing buildings, handing out food and other basic necessities, or helping transform the landscape around a missionary haven are all very important.  They provide for some very basic needs that people everywhere share:  the need for shelter, food, and peaceful rest.  But we provide these services always in the context of building relationships with the people who receive them. The "gifts" of service that we provide very often open the door for us to share with the people an even greater gift:  the gift of eternal life that they can have through Jesus Christ.

Mike Cantrell has posted some pictures of our Montenegro team on the Stoneworks International web site.  (You can see the photos here.  For more information about Stoneworks in general, click here.)  Many of the photos show our team in the process of establishing relationships with the youth that we have come to serve.  Small steps, but important steps.  Building a foundation of trust and respect, with the hope that through those relationships the love of Christ will be demonstrated, and that the lives of those youth will be eternally transformed.