Relational

This week we are focused on the third element of the program: relationships. Relay Exchange mothers lead girls to Jesus in the context of relationships—mothers and daughters, mothers linking arms, and girls cultivating lifelong friendships. Relay Exchange small groups are designed to be an avenue for mothers to support and be supported by other mothers of girls. The groups foster friendships between girls and create long term, often lifelong, friendships that are centered on a shared and growing faith. The skills and activities built into the curriculum create shoulder to shoulder opportunities for creating bonds that can only be formed in shared experiences. Groups talk a lot about how to handle life’s challenges, but even more, they tackle challenges together. 

Over the years, the unique nature of the relationships formed in Relay Exchange groups has impacted mothers and girls alike. Mothers build confidence by teaching skills. Girls see their moms in a new leadership role. Both mothers and girls grow together spiritually. While the original intent of the program was to influence our own daughters in the early years when influence is easily accepted, we have been overwhelmed with the benefits and importance of our own daughters forming strong bonds with other like-minded mothers in the group. In this way, truth is not limited to a single household, but flows into the hearts and lives of the girls from multiple sources. The eternal value of this depth of relational investment cannot be overstated. 

The Relay Exchange program equips mothers to introduce and coordinate this ministry in their own neighborhood, church or school. In this way, rather than micromanaging groups and leaders, we are empowering women to invest in the next generation of girls in their own communities. The Relay Exchange ministry welcomes all mothers and daughters to join groups as members, regardless of where each may be in their personal faith journey. Group Leaders, however, are required to sign a statement of faith, which is an integral part of the Leader Agreement. Want to learn more? Head over to www.relayexchange.org!