Each year at outreaches and disaster relief efforts in the United States and around the world, the Convoy of Hope partners with others to bring hope and salvation to those in need. By combining supplies and volunteer workers the Convoy is able to minister to more people more effectively.

"Partnerships are a blessing," says Michael Roussell, a national director of the Convoy. "We want to work with other groups and be as much of a help as we can. Reaching the lost goes beyond any one individual or group."

Volunteers for the Day of Hope pray for the event before it begins.

Earlier this year, the Convoy teamed up with World Relief and the National Association of Evangelicals in Washington, D.C. In April, the Convoy partnered with the Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches of North America to minister to 3,000 people in Tennessee — 800 accepted Christ as their Savior.

"When churches and entire denominations commit to working together, exciting things happen," says Clive Calver, president of World Relief.

The Convoy also utilizes the power of partnerships within the Assemblies of God. In April, Evangel University in Springfield, Mo., held an outreach called the Day of Hope. With guidance from the Convoy, volunteers from Evangel and nearby Assemblies of God Theological Seminary worked side by side with local churches to distribute 10 pallets of food and offer free clothing, haircuts, games, medical assistance, voter registration and a basketball tournament to 1,000 guests.

"Future church leaders [the students] saw first-hand the power found in bringing hope to hopeless people through ministries like the Convoy of Hope," says Randy Jumper, residence director at Evangel. "What a blessing to see young people giving their all to see people led to Christ."

Mike Ennis, executive vice president for Convoy of Hope, is looking forward to about 40 major Convoys this year.

"In the coming weeks we will be ministering in places like Louisiana, Michigan, Kentucky, Virginia and more — in addition to efforts overseas," he says.

— Katy Attanasi