“Koinonia of Columbia” Vision Statement
Koinonia, in partnership with Eau Claire Baptist Church, envisions a networking of compassionate people connected through our foundational beliefs that all people are created in the image of God and that we are called to live and work toward the common good for all. Inspired by Old Testament prophecy and the promise of continuing New Testament fulfillment, this community of believers longs for God’s kingdom to come on earth in the community of Eau Claire, as it is in heaven through prayer and partnerships.
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Well-being for our children through safe and healthy communities:
In the words of Zechariah, “This is what the Lord Almighty says, ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts, do not think evil of each other…I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem … Once again men and women of ripe old age will sit in the streets of Jerusalem each with cane in his hand because of his age. The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there.’”(7:9-10, 8:4)
Equal access for all to all resources:
In the words of Ezekiel, “Wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live… It will become fresh and everything will live where the river goes…On the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food and their leaves for healing.” (47:9, 12)
Economic empowerment:
In the words of Amos, “The time is surely coming, says the Lord, when the one who plows shall overtake the one who reaps, and the treader of grapes the one who sows the seed; the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and all the hills shall flow with it. I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel, and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine, and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit. I will plant them upon their land, and they shall never again be plucked up out of the land that I have given them, says the Lord your God.”
(9:13-15)
“Koinonia of Columbia” Mission Statement
Koinonia is a movement of people who seek to be a racially reconciling, healing Presence in the Eau Claire community. Anchored in our steadfast dependence on God and one another and through the faithful stewardship of Eau Claire Baptist Church, we aspire to:
• foster safe environments for children to learn, grow and reach their potential.
• encourage all individuals to know and celebrate their God-given skills and talents, operating according to the asset-based model.
• promote local economic activity based on community needs.
• develop quality, affordable housing with paths toward home ownership.
• facilitate experiences of community (“koinonia”) at a level in which it is indistinguishable as to who is giving and who is receiving.
