When Jesus spoke Acts 1:8, Samaria represented an entirely different area located north of Judea. Samaria also represented a people group different than the pure Jews of Jerusalem. The people of Samaria looked different, talked different, and were the offspring of Jewish and Assyrian relationships from over 700 years prior to the days of Jesus. The Samaritans even had their own temple, separate from the one in Jerusalem. Samaria for us represents the area outside of Missouri, yet still within the borders of the United States. Different states have their own unique sub-cultures, loves, and state pride that are different from ours. Missouri Baptists have state-to-state relationships with other state conventions and the North American Mission Board. For example, we are in partnership with the Montana Southern Baptist Convention and the Minnesota/Wisconsin Baptist Convention. These strategic partnerships enable us to help churches in those states bring the gospel to the lost.