Arrowhead and Young Life weren’t strangers. A partnership was already blossoming and trust was building when we were presented with a dilemma. Young Life had signed a hotel contract for their All-Staff Conference four years previously, during an economically strong season. Pricing and contractual terms reflected that season and, like so many organizations, they couldn’t sustain that pricing during the current economic climate. They were staring down a potential, very costly cancellation.
Arrowhead reviewed the contractual terms and compared them with what we were seeing from other destinations. It was evident that should we not be able to reach an agreement with the hotel on a fully renegotiated contract, Young Life could cancel the original contract and rebook at a new destination and still save money.
But relationships and open communication matter. No one wanted to see a cancellation. Young Life chose that hotel in that destination because it was the best fit for them. The hotel wanted the business and didn’t want to see them walk away. In a situation that could have resulted in broken relationships, Arrowhead mediated an outcome that not only was acceptable to both parties but also strengthened the relationships. Blessed are the peacemakers.
Young Life successfully, and economically, held that All-Staff Conference at the originally contracted hotel. The money saved was certainly significant and a great testimony of good stewardship. But the trust that was maintained between the parties was the true hero of the story. May we all be peacemakers so that we may be called children of God.
