Bruil Zimbabwe Nepal Fam. Asia Italy

Brazi . B qu Z,Ur z ·ml tW , Nep, 1•ra11 i F rar f\..SH I talf-sia

'l'I 1a1 t atb Thf\i Su _,, 11 Sri I HERALD C

THE Colombo's Chiltl,811 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••• .. THE BRAZIL TEAM 0 An eye-opening experience ...... 6 Cover illustration by Anthony Viney THE ACTION TEAM CO-ORDINATOR Steve Woolcock, organising the next Action Teams...... 8 A YEAR OUT A challenge to all young people ...... 8 N THE CARCASSONNE FRENCH TEAM Life and language ...... 1 0 DOUBLE TAKE Taking another look at some of the issues this month ...... 11 THE CARCASSONNE FRENCH TEAM T Clowning in Carcassonne ...... 15 THE ZIMBABWE TEAM and a church was born in Esphezini ...... 1 6 THE LILLE FRENCH TEAM Total Commitment ...... 1 7 E THE NEPAL/THAILAND TEAM Teaching in two cultures ...... 18 CALL TO PRAYER Updating the Prayer Guide ...... 1 9 N fe!~ ! :;:t~~! Tw'f: rtr!~'t~;! ...... 2 Q IN VIEW News from home and overseas ...... 22

BETHEL BRIDGE Linking communities in Nepal ...... 23

T The BMS shares in mission with: Albania Angola Bangladesh Belgium Brazil Bulgaria El Salvador France Hungary India Indonesia Italy Jamaica Nepal Nicaragua Portugal Sri Lanka Thailand Trinidad Zaire HERALD PRICES 1994 Zimbabwe Bulk Church Orders If you order the Missionary 1S Herald through your church magazine secretary, the cost of a year's subscription (which is ten issues) is £3. 70.

Individual Orders If you order the Missionary Herald directly from BMS you also pay for postage and packing, and the cost of a year's subscription (which is ten issues) is £7 .40.

Overseas subscribers pay the postage and packing rate applicable to their location .

October 94 [IJERA.LD HERALD

BAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY

There is no substitute for first-hand experi­ ence. No amount of talk, description, mis­ sionary visits or audio-visual aids can take the place of actually visiting another coun­ try to "do" mission. For 75 years BMS Summer Schools introduced successive generations of young people to mission. There many heard the call to go overseas and others went back to their churches as enthusiastic sup­ porters and ambassadors of world mission We never thought we'd through the BMS. Times change. Young people are not learn so much ... content just to hear about mission, they want to get involved. They long to show ach year, on four continents, BMS Christ's love in action. They are no longer 28:19 Action face the challenge of prepared to wait for tomorrow to be Christian service and witness. accepted as responsible enough to play a They find it tough, they meet opposi­ full part in the life of the church. They are tion, they shed tears, they laugh, they Eare depressed, they cry and they sing. But they tired of being described as the "church of stay with it and are loved and accepted by people tomorrow", seeing themselves as part of from such different backgrounds. Christ's living, active body today. And they see the fruits of their work. How So for five years the BMS, through its many young people in Britain can say they have helped to plant a new church? The Zimbabwe 28: 19 Action Team programme, has been team can. making it possible for groups of young peo­ Most of all, they learn so much. "We went feel­ ple to work in overseas situations along­ ing we would be giving a lot and helping people in need. We never thought we'd learn so much side national Christians. They've done and come home so rich." evangelism, church-planting, teaching and Are we surprised that our young people have so social work. They've worked with street much to offer? Are we surprised at their Christian kids, old people and the down-and-outs. maturity? And are we ashamed at the way we push them on to the sidelines of our church life? And through it all they have surprised Young people are people, not a different species themselves as they have realised how of human being but full members of the human much they have to offer. They have devel­ race. oped skills they never knew they pos­ Christian young people are Christians, not rele­ gated to an inferior part of the church but an inte­ sessed. They have grown in confidence and gral part of the whole, the Body of Christ. They deepened their faith. ■ have a valuable, responsible and refreshing role to They've surprised us too by their maturi­ play in the work, worship and witness of the ty and their understanding of the situations Church both locally and worldwide. We need only look at the reports in this maga­ in which they have been working. It zine from BMS 28:19 Action Teams for 1993- remains to be seen whether any of them 1994 to see how true this is. Many of our British will return overseas as long-term mission­ Baptist churches now have first hand experience of aries. Certainly they are already making a the teams: "We were most impressed," said one church after a visit from one of the teams on tour difference at home as they offer refreshing in the UK after working overseas for six months. new aspects of mission to the churches.

October 94 IIJE R.ALD HERALD

continued "I am writing to express the from page 3 appreciation of so many people for the way the group has worked here. The young people were well briefed and had pre­ pared their material thoroughly. "They excelled themselves with sketches, slides, prayers and songs. It was a much­ needed spiritual shot in the arm for many of us who, at times, feel jaded with the 'normal' round of support for BMS. The members of the team are a credit to the BMS and to their Lord. I would recommend a visit from such a team to any church or school." Colombo's C

ne of the hardest through prostitution. We "Although we "It was impossible things about leav­ worked with some of the 2,000 came from ing Sri Lanka was children in Sri Lanka who are not to fall in love leaving behind the involved in child prostitution, such with these grubby street kids of some as young as three, and different 0Colombo. There are thousands sold by their parents to tourists backgrounds, children with smiling of street children in Sri Lanka, for as little as £4 a night. there was so and although the situation is It was impossible not to fall faces and bright hardly like that of Brazil, it is a in love with these grubby chil­ much to gain great problem. dren with smiling faces and from our eyes," said the BMS Cinammon Gardens Baptist bright eyes. They were all so friendship. " Church is in the heart of warm and friendly and eager to 28:19 Sri Lanka Colombo. It is in one of get to know us and look after the wealthiest 4 us in this often strange and team. areas of the capi­ scary island. tal city, and at Initially communica­ the same time in \ ., tion seemed to be a an area of great \ problem, because poverty. j ~ the childr~n didn't Amongst · speak English and the sprawling ...._ when they talked to houses and us in Tamil and I grand offices live ' Sinhalese, we would some of Sri Lanka's smile and feel slightly poorest people, whose W' left out of the joke they all home is the streets. Whole '- seemed to be having at our families sit out on the streets expense. It wasn't long before with nothing to do all day but we could ask in Tamil and beg. The luckier ones have the Sinhala what their names were, resources to set up small stalls but this wasn't much good - no selling peanuts or mending one has the same name and the shoes, while others earn money names were all very long and for drugs, arrack and daily food complicated. It seemed hopeless

October 94 [IJERALD HERALD

but eventually we did learn scratched each other with. The Far left: Coconuts pro­ their names and they learnt first time they had a doll to vide a refresh­ ours. play with they didn't know ing drink for As our Sinhala improved we what to do but found great Becky and Sara. delight in pulling off its arms were able to talk more but we Left: The team really learnt the importance of and legs and dangling it from a in saris - cross­ non-verbal communication. We piece of rope hanging from the ing cultures. would play clapping games and ceiling. swing the little ones around, At the pre-school, one of our climb trees with them and just jobs was to show them how to sit on the streets with their clean their teeth. It became the families, cuddling the babies, highlight of the day. Many had and playing with the little chil­ completely rotten teeth and had dren while their mothers would never used a tooth brush share their food with us. The before. Every morning when we generosity of many Sri Lankans arrived at the school they never ceased to amaze us. would make signs with their In Colombo our main role fingers wanting reassurance that they would be able to clean their teeth that day. It took two of us to supervise this task as children would eat the tooth­ paste and want to come back for another go. ildren After morning school our contact with street kids was far from over. After a short sleep to recover from the morning was to help at the pre-school activities we'd be off to one of a visit to the bank, but the ' How much (for under 5s) run by the the satellite churches of street kids would provide a church for street kids. Up to 25 Cinammon Gardens to work at protective circle around us Westerners children would turn up every a day-care centre for two to and escort us to our home. It could learn weekday in their best clothes. five year olds from slum areas. was also very useful when we from people With the teacher we would try As we got off the bus back at had bags of heavy shopping to discipline them so they could home (Becky and Alison lived or shoes that needed mend­ living in then fit into a normal school - at the manse in Cinnamon ing, because they would the third not easy when you are not an Gardens) we'd be almost always help and we felt pro­ world ii expert at Sinhala or Tamil. The knocked to the ground by the tected and safe with them. only they children were extremely lively street kids - it was hard luck if Our time with the street and it was very hard to get we were tired as we were kids will always remain with could over• them into the same room unless expected to play with them and us. We went to Sri Lanka come their you had a camera in your help the older ones with their feeling we would be giving a sense of hand. (They loved having their English homework. lot and helping people in superiority photo taken). Although we came from such need. We never thought we'd It was amazing how con­ different backgrounds there was learn so much and come and see tented they all were - when you so much to gain from our home so rich. How much beyond think of how demanding friendship. Living at the Baptist Westerners could learn from Illiteracy, Western children are for the lat­ manse could sometimes be quite people living in the third est fashion or toy. All the street lonely as the pastor and his world if only they could prostitution children had was each other wife are extremely busy, but the overcome their sense of supe­ and home• and bits of rubbish to play street kids would always be at riority and see beyond illiter­ lessness.' with. Their games were quite our bedroom window demand­ acy, prostitution and ■ ingenious. It is amazing what ing attention and being homelessness. you can do with a dirty plastic delighted at anything we could Another group of people bag and a few stones! Life was show them (personal stereos we found it very difficult to never dull. We had to have eyes were particularly popular). leave was the old ladies of in the back of our heads to On a few occasions we had Matale - but that's another stop the children from injuring a fright from the men and older story! one another with the iron bars boys who lived on the streets. they used for hitting, or the They could be rather threaten­ dirty pieces of wire they ing, especially after we'd made Alison, Becky, Janet and Sara.

October 94 [l]E RALD HERALD

Imagine

I being thrown together AN EYE-OPE with five other Christians

and having to live , work

and socialise with them faith - and made a commitment to pray daily as a team. for the next ten months! Through ups and downs in our relationships, we discovered some of our own strengths and Imagine weaknesses. We realised that we could learn from our differences and turn them into positive finding that your faith is ways of using our gifts. For example, Mitch, from Germany, just about the only thing picked up Portuguese very quickly and this was useful when he was willing and able you have in common! to preach in Portuguese from early on. After our month's language Sounds far-fetched? training in Brazil, we did some practical work extending and This was the experience painting a small church in Joinville, Santa Catarina. We were surprised when the of the Brazil church was so grateful and one member commented, "You 28: 19 Action Team didn't only paint our church, you also brightened up a bit of our hearts." and one that affected, This made us realise that all contributions to church life, whether practical or spiritual, changed and challenged are important and it encouraged us to offer more of ourselves. them all. As our Portuguese improved, e had mixed we were able to do other work expectations including children's holiday about our time bible clubs, door to door work, in Brazil but no street evangelism and church one anticipated services. We enjoyed it, finding Wthe difficulties we would face in the Brazilian people open and our teamwork. We had the fun to be with. I unusual predicament of bringing As we gave more, we gained together two different cultures - confidence and were challenged one team member was German to continue and to play a more - on top of adjusting to each active role in our churches back other's diverse characters. From home. Through the commitment these difficulties, acceptance of of the Brazilians we worked each other would be something with, we learned not to be we would all learn throughout ashamed of our faith especially the year. with our non-Christian friends. Debbie, Matt, Karen, Mitch, We latched on to the only We were constantly looked Katie and Richard, common feature in us all - our up to in the Brazilian churches

October 94 [I] E R.ALO HERALD

Below: "We were able to do chil­ dren's holi­ day bible clubs" Bottom: NING EXPERI• Mitch and Debbie per­ forming their fa mous banana sketch

as Christian role models. to appreciate the strong points · Although a little intimidating at in them. first, it made us check that our We saw physical deprivation lives did reflect what we in Brazil, but because we were believed, individually and as a working in the more affluent team. south of the country, the needs Despite the pedestal we were were predominantly spiritual. put on, we learnt a lot from the We were able to see the needs Brazilian churches. Young peo­ of well-off people in Brazil and ple took on positions of respon­ we feel that returning to sibility within their churches Europe, we are realising the like evangelism, music, youth equally important needs here groups and publicity. We began too. This was re-emphasised to rethink our involvement in when we met some Brazilians our own churches and the who have come to Britain as responsibility that we should missionaries with a desire to take on as members. meet the huge spiritual need We had a good insight into here. the world church, both by The 28:19 scheme has been a working in 15 Brazilian beneficial experience for each of churches and more recently, 31 us. We have learnt from the in England, Scotland and Wales team relationships, the work we as part of our tour to share our did and the churches we visited. Brazilian experiences back As we go our separate ways, home. For some of us, this was we will begin to see more how an eye-opener in seeing how these ten months have affected other churches, apart from our us as individuals. However, we own, operate. It made us think each feel that our faith has about how the practice of our been challenged and has home churches isn't the only or become more real in our every­ best way, but it also helped us day lives. ■

We began to rethink

our involvement in our own churches and the ■ responsibility that we

should take on as

members.

October 94 [l]ERALD HERALD

28:19 ACTION TEAMS • A YEAR OUT! Steve Woolcock Are you looking for a chal­ lenge, an opportunity to live out your faith in another part of the world? Are you between hen I decided to problems in other countries. 18 and 25 years of age and take a year out The experience also radically able to take a year out? If so, with the BMS changes the individual in terms BMS 28:19 Action Teams and to go on a of confidence, faith and outlook could be the answer. 28:19 Action on life. Now entering its fifth year, Team I had no idea of where It is a real privilege to be in the BMS 28:19 Action Team the whole experience would the situation to advance and programme has helped many lead me. I must admit that I extend the scheme so that more young Christians put belief into never thought it would be young people like myself can go action in places as far apart as straight back to Baptist House. and serve God. El Salvador and Nepal, Brazil On graduating from and Thailand, France and Warwick University I had no 28:19 Challenge UK Jamaica, Albania and real idea of what I should do One of the ways we are already Zimbabwe. with my future. I needed time furthering the scheme is by They've been involved in to decide and I felt that I introducing the 28:19 Challenge social work and youth work, in wanted to do something for UK team. This gives young teaching and evangelism and someone other than myself, and Christians from overseas and in a variety of other kinds of for God. I was accepted by the the UK the opportunity to work church work. And what's BMS to go to Lille in Northern together in Britain motivating more, they've been appreci­ France. I lived young Christians about mission. ated. "Send us another team and worked in Challenge UK is a very excit­ next year," has been a com­ Lille with a ing project and I feel very for­ mon reaction from national Christian com­ tunate to be able to work Church leaders after having an munity dedicated alongside it, as well as with this Action Team working with to helping people year's overseas teams which are them. who were home­ going to Albania, Zimbabwe, So these young Christians less, and people Belgium and Jamaica this have an opportunity to share with drug and month. ■ alcohol prob­ lems.

Action Team Co-ordinator Spending nine months on an Action Team really changes your outlook on life. Speaking from personal experience I can say that it has made me more open to God's will and his plan for my life. I looked for the way in which he wanted me to go, and I didn't have long to wait. Becoming Action Team Co-ordinator has given me the opportunity of being involved in a scheme I really believe in, but from the other side. I have had first hand experi­ ence of how God can use these teams and how, through them, he spreads his word and love overseas. The teams also have a huge impact on churches in Britain. They increase awareness of world mission and the social

October 94 [II E RAL D HERALD

something of their knowledge involved in and experience. But each their home readily admits that they receive churches, more and learn more than they putting into ever able to give. action some of Living in another country is the lessons a learning experience in itself. they have Ruth Robinson and Mark Those going to work in the learned overseas. Binney were members of the 28:19 Action Team - the "Salt two-thirds world confront The 28:19 Action Teams for Shakers" - which went to poverty face-to-face. There 1994-95 have completed their India and Bangladesh in they meet real people, not just training and are leaving for 1991-92. the victims the western media their assignments overseas. In Shortly after they returned loves to portray. They meet addition, there is the new ven­ they got engaged and were happy, generous people who, ture of a 28:19 challenge UK married on 23 July this year although poor, will share their team made up of young peo­ at London Road Baptist Church, Lowestoft. At the last crust of ple from overseas churches wedding they decided to bread with and from the UK. Their chal­ make a collection for the their guests. lenge is to interest at least work of the BMS in India and They meet 10,000 British young people in Bangladesh. Christians world mission. At the moment they are working out So what about next year? both university finalists. Ruth is studying sociology and their faith Are you able to take a year psychology at Hull University within a culture out? Are you prepared to be and Mark is reading theology and environment so different challenged and changed by in Durham. from that of the UK. But their working with Christians in "We are hoping to spend a worship is nevertheless lively another country? Are you year working in a church in and their witness relevant. ready to spend one month in Newcastle after graduation and then probably on to So not only is the overseas training, six months overseas teaching and ministerial experience exciting, enriching and another two months tour­ training," they said. and challenging, it is a time of ing the UK sharing your expe­ "We both learnt a lot personal spiritual growth and riences? And if not you, do through the time we were of growing Christian maturity. you know of any young people with the BMS and it certainly Time and again Action who might be interested? If so, challenged us into future full­ Team members say they give them this magazine when time service." ■ intend to become more you've finished with it? ■

October 94 [l]ERALD HERALD

Life and Language

It's certainly been any misconcep­ has our respect for both mis­ tions about the sionaries and national an experience! state of Christians alike. They make Christianity in such great sacrifices in their France are based commitment to spreading the The nine month onM the belief that it is a strong gospel. Roman Catholic country. We also feel better equipped, scheme has taught us all a Indeed the statistics (about 80 after our experience, to know per cent of the population are how to support missionaries lot and the six months spent baptised into the Catholic abroad (letter writing, prayer church) would appear to sup­ etc) and are inspired to encour­ in Carcassonne gave us an port this view. age our churches in Britain to However, we discovered that do likewise. insight into life on the mis­ a very small percentage, maybe We not only feel strongly seven or eight per cent, are about mission abroad, our time sion field. actually 'practising' in any way. both in France and during our This 'nominal Christianity,' tour has made us aware of the along with an need for mission work in Despite reports attitude of self­ Britain. sufficiency com­ We've been challenged to of how hard mis­ mon to affluent take an active part in evange­ ' Western society, lism and outreach at home and sion work is in makes mission have realised the importance of '\ r,­ work in France very difficult. the church's role in this. \ France, we were not pre- Through the evangelistic As individuals we learnt a I events that we were able to great deal such as coping with organise, which were almost life in a foreign country with a 1 pared for the difficulty which ~ invariably met with apathy and different language whilst also a lack of response, we began to living away from family and faced us and long-term mis­ realise how hard life is for friends. We now appreciate long-term missionaries, who home life and no longer take it sionaries working there. have to learn to trust God and for granted. to persevere, in the face of We've all been Christians for We knew that France was great discouragement. a number of years but our faith They are often working in has developed and deepened. a hard and spiritually needy small churches where the For some it's been an oppor­ commitment of church pastors tunity to experience God's country but not quite to the is sometimes poor. This prob­ working in a very real and per­ lem is accentuated by low sonal way and also that degree that our six months attendance figures. Christianity is a 100 per cent I French Baptist churches suf­ commitment with God con­ fer too from a lack of support stantly at the centre of every­ out there has shown us.,._ from nearby churches, because thing. most of them are also strug­ It's been a valuable time to gling and often too distanced learn to trust in God for every­ geographically to be able to thing and through everything. provide any mutual encourage­ God has a plan for our lives ment. and wants the best for us so we Through these problems our can leave our worries in his understanding of the role of hands. ■ mission work has deepened as

October 94 [l]ERALD DOUBLE TAKE

Discussion Starter

The Zimbabwe Team testi­ The Brazilian Team also fied "We each, without said how, on their return Double exception, grew in our per­ to the UK, they visited 31 sonal relationships with different churches to talk God:' Why was that? about their overseas Take 1Would this still happen if their lives 6experiences , and how "it made us were one long Action Team? And think about how the practice of Double what do you think would cause our home churches isn 't the only you to grow in your relationship or best way." (p7) . Even if you Take with God? (See p16). don't have the opportunity to share in overseas work, how could Similarly, the Sri Lanka you participate more in the life of Team said "We never other churches in this country? thought we'd learn so What do you think you would much and come home so learn from this? Is it something rich ." (See p5). What you would want to do? riches could we all covet from Third World countries? Do you agree with the Lille Action Team that, What are the similarities "This lack of letting God and differences between affect our lives is why the community of many churches here (ie in Christians in Lille and a 7Britain) are bringing few, if any, sect? (See Total new people to faith in Jesus."? 3Commitment in France, p17) How (See Total Commitment in France, does living like this influence one's p17) Do we know the main factors lifestyle and priorities? involved in bringing people to faith? ■ The Brazil team said "We began to rethink our involvement in our own churches and the respon­ sibility that we should 4take on as members." (p7) . What have young people to offer in our churches? Do you encourage young people to use their gifts in your church? If your answer is 'no ', why not? What are your Double Take is a way of the Herald to con­ objections? using sider, more deeply, the theme which is high­ Do you think the situation lighted each month. of the church in Britain is Whether used privately, Ill different from that in within a missionary or France? (See house group, or as part of Sunday worship, the Carcassonne Team, p10). hope is that a better 5How typical are they both of being understanding of the mission fields? issues will lead to a change In attitudes, to a commitment to prayer, to involvement in mis­ sion and to action. DOUBLE TAKE

...... Bible Study ......

older people today? 'young'? Are your young people Verse 51 - Jesus' indepen­ encouraged to hold such appoint­ Double dence was not rebellion. Name as ments in your church? Do they many things as you can you per­ want to ? And if not, why not? ceive to be expressions of young What objections are raised to Take people and youth culture today. young people being given posi­ How many of these are out and tions of leadership, and how valid Double out rebellion, and how many are they? ■ merely a statement of indepen­ Take dence? Mark 3: 13-19, Matt 17: 24-27 Have you ever thought about the Jesus as a youth and a age of the disciples? Jesus, him­ young man self, at this stage would have been in his mid to late twenties, Luke 2: 40-52 and given that he was the Master These verses are the only clue we or Rabbi, he would have been have to Jesus' life between being older than most, if not all of his a baby and a full grown man, apprentices. The miracle of the although a lot of stories were writ­ four drachma coin's appearance ten and published in the apoc­ to pay the temple tax for Jesus ryphal Gospels, which did not and Peter throws more light on make their way into Scripture. this question. This temple tax The feast of the Passover was stemming from Exodus 30 : 11 - one of the great festivals which 16 had to be paid by those who Jewish men were required to keep were 20 years old or more, and in Jerusalem. Whole families given that all of Jesus' disciples would travel there so that the were present on this occasion, the town swelled from its usual popu­ implication is clear that all of them lation of 25,000 to around 60,000 apart from Jesus and Peter were to 100,000 people. Huge caravans less than 20 years old. of people travelled together, both What responsibilities did Jesus for companionship and security, give his disciples? How are some and so it is not surprising that of these things reflected in what Mary and Joseph did not notice the Action Teams did? that Jesus was missing until they Are there any similarities were on their journey home. between the disciples being What does this passage show thrown together in a group, and us about Jesus' early relationship the members of the Action Teams with his Father? coming together? What problems What does it say about Jesus' would they both have to deal I growing up and reaching adoles­ with? cence? See verse 50 especially. At what age do you give peo­ Name some of the questions and ple these responsibilities in your problems he would have had to church? Take a look at your dia­ face? Would these have been the conate. How young is your same as every other youth? youngest deacon? And what about If children aged about twelve in other church appointments - your church were to display this Sunday School leaders, same attitude, what would your Housegroup Leaders, Leaders of reaction be? mid-week meetings. How many of How does this passage reflect the people currently doing these young peoples' experiences of jobs are what could be termed

October 94 [I] E R ALD DQUBLE TAKE

Action Points ---World-- 1V11ss10N --Link---1

Finally, don't forget SOMETHING FOR EVERY­ BMS's own Youth ONE. Enclosed with this Project, Sawadee! Herald magazine is a which is raising money leaflet on BMS Action for various aspects of Teams. If this is not 6work in Thailand - working with applicable for you, please pass it AIDS sufferers, helping tribal on to an eligible young person. communities and our own Thailand Action Team. The pro­ The Brazil team said of ject book is available now from the church in Brazil: BMS Didcot. Don 't delay further. "Young people took on positions of responsibility within their churches like 2evangelism , music, youth groups and publicity." (p7). How could you encourage your young people to take on responsibility in your church? Find ways of opening up avenues of service.

How do you view young people in your church? Do you tolerate them until they grow up and become responsible 3adults, or are you looking for their potential, and seeking to use their gifts? Actively encourage your young people to get involved in the areas of service where they have gifts.

How often do you write or pray for your Link mis­ sionaries and workers in other countries? Is this something you could 4improve on - and perhaps involve your young people? (See Carcassonne Team , p10). Who organises the Youth a activities in your church? Are events organised for young people, rather than by them? Talk to your 5young people; ask them what they want, and what they enjoy doing. You might be pleasantly surprised! DOUBLE TAKE

w~!.~ -~-~-p......

Have you heard about National Mum Oh no, do you really think we'd be worried about Youth Sunday, 20 November? It is something's happened to you. Well you can forget a special day when young people her? that party on Friday; can be given the opportunity to you 're not going. To th ink demonstrate the energy, enthusi- Dad Well , we've checked all we spent all this money asm, insights and special gifts the likely places and still on a decent holiday and which they possess and which can not got anywhere; there's you ruined it. enrich the local church community. nowhere else left. Mum And what on earth are Mum Well there is one place. you doing in here love? Picture the scene. You've been The church we went to on holiday with your parents to the other day; she liked Rosie I'm sorry, really I am . I Menorca. the mosaic in it and said wanted to get a photo of she wanted to get a the mosaic; I didn't Mum Jim, have you seen decent photo. realise you'd be worried. I Rosie? thought the plane wasn 't Dad Do you seriously think going until later. Dad No, I thought she was she'd go voluntarily into a with you. church? We 've been try- I came in to get the ing to get her to do that photo and these people Mum I haven 't seen her since for ages. were singing. I joined in this afternoon, when we and they let me, they left the hotel. Mum Well, it's worth a try; actually let me. Then I you've been everywhere started to teach them Dad Oh no, where has she else. some songs I know, and gone to? the time just flew. Mum, OUTSIDE THE CHURCH they listened to me and Mum Anything could have hap let me join in and I do pened; she might be an y Dad Is that our Rosie singing? love singing; it felt reall y where, beaten, murdered, good, like I was doing battered , oh, my, oh no Mum Yes, she's got a lovely something in church. (becomes hysterical). voice, I never realised before. Dad There'll be plenty of time Dad Calm down love, she for singing on Friday can 't be far away, calm Dad She should really be in when you 're grounded, down. Now let's think, the church choir, she now come on home. what's the most likely sounds great. place she'd be? The Hannah Piddeck, 1994. disco, the beach, in the INSIDE THE CHURCH Taken from National Youth Sunday Resources swimming pool? Pack. It is available from Baptist Publications, PO Rosie Hi Mum. Box 44 , Didcot, Oxon, OX11 8RT, price £1.50. Mum Yes, that's right, let's There is also going to be a National Youth Work I think rationally. Well, she Mum Don't you 'Hi Mum' me. Week 21 - 27 November organised by the National Youth Agency. More info from them - 17 - 23 may be at the hotel. She What on earth do you Albion Street, Leicester, LE1 6GD. Tel 0533 took quite a shine to that think you 're up to? Your 471200. waiter. I'll start there, you father and me have been search the beach. driven mad with worry. MORE DATES FOR YOUR DI ARY 5 - 8 May 1995 ABY Assembly at Plymouth. All How dare you wander off young people aged 16 - 25 are eligible and wel- TWO HOURS LATER like that, with no thought come to attend . for how we'd feel. 6 - 8 June 1995 - a Conference for full-time You th Dad Well love, I don't want to workers at Hothorpe Hall , Leicestershire. More details from the Baptist Union of Great Britain alarm you , but I think it's Dad For goodness sake, Youth Office, PO Box 44, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 8RT time we called the police. Rosie, didn't you know nearer the time.

October 9-i [I] ERALD HERALD

Clowning in Carcassonne

An Action Team Experience

Sarah, Becky, Sian and Adrian n a sunny mormng language difficulties. in March, the traf­ Another challenge we set fic in Rue Les­ ourselves was the Children's pinasse came to a Club. This took place during standstill as a jug­ the holiday set aside for skiing. 0gling Coco the Clown enter­ We planned a variety of events tained passers-by. No, not from around a circus and animal a travelling circus but one of theme, including the Stories of the Carcassonne Action T earn Creation, Noah and Daniel. We which had planned a children's organised memory verses, craft, holiday club beginning that games and quizzes. We widely morning. The Baptist Church publicised the week's events in had been transformed into a and around the town in an Big Top, the venue for the attempt to attract as many chil­ week's activities. dren as possible. This church was where we, a Despite this publicity only 28:19 Action Team, were based half of our Sunday school class Below: "Children were at a loose end for six months. We were work­ turned up. We enjoyed carrying during services ... " ing in Carcassonne in the South out our planned activities but of France alongside Ian and we also found the week frus­ Bottom: The Carcasonne Team Pauline Thomas, a Baptist trating due to the lack of Missionary couple. Children's response. We envisaged the work was an area which Ian week as an ideal opportunity, specifically wanted us to of reaching many children from develop. This began with the non-Christian backgrounds and creation of a Sunday school. we were measuring the success Around ten children aged of the club in the light of the between 18 months and twelve expectations. years were at a loose end dur­ We learnt that often the out­ ing Sunday morning services, comes we expect differ from while their parents tried to con­ those of God. This became evi­ centrate on the address. Many dent on the Sunday when the came from Christian families children took the morning ser­ but a few didn't. vice. They eagerly presented all Sunday school is important they'd learnt in a simple but for all children, .but for those powerful way. from non-Christian back­ The time spent with these grounds it is their only oppor­ children was an important part tunity to learn about Jesus. of our six months in France. French Church and State are This work at a younger age is a legally separated and religious good foundation which can be II education is prohibited in the developed as they grow older. French school system. We were Their simple acceptance of the concerned that a lack of struc­ importance of Jesus in their tured activity would result in lives is a lesson we can all learn boredom and lead to negative from. attitudes towards the church. Jesus has instructed us all to No Sunday school materials have a similar childlike attitude are available. So we had to pro­ when it comes to our Christian duce our own programme. This faith if we want to enter His was a challenge, considering the Kingdom. ■

October 94 [IJ E R.ALD HERALD

... and a church was born in I ESPHEZINI You can't spend six months

in Zimbabwe without it hav­

ing a profound impact upon

your life. That's what the e experienced monies and then share the BMS 28: 19 Action Team many different gospel through a simple mes­ things in sage, which was met with a discovered when they Zimbabwe and tremendous response. found ourselves During the course of each Win situations we never dreamed week we saw the wonderful started to preach, teach and of being in, but the power of way in which God touches peo­ God saw us through each one. ples lives. We witnessed miracu­ evangelise. We took part in evangelism, lous healings and saw people, preaching, teaching and were freed from the spiritual bondage involved in completely new of ancestral worship. aspects of Christian ministry. A church was born in We each, without exception, Esphezini that week and 160 grew in our personal relation­ people gave their lives to Jesus. ships with God and have bene­ We continue to pray for the fited greatly from the power of God to be seen in opportunity to try our hand at that place. different skills. It was a wonderful and What stands out most was exciting way to end our work the last working week of our in Zimbabwe and an experience stay in Zimbabwe. We were which we are ever thankful to involved in a church planting God for giving us. crusade in Esphezini, a rural Returning home to the UK area on the outskirts of has highlighted the way God Bulawayo. has changed us both as a team As part of a team of 1 7 peo­ and as individuals. We have all ple we found ourselves taking grown more confident in God the life-giving word of God to and have greater expectations the people of Esphezini. By day of what he will do in and we would visit the local com­ through us. We have become munity in their homes, sharing more aware of the need to take the gospel and praying for the prayer seriously, and to be sick, inviting the people to the unconditionally obedient to evening meetings which we held God. Seeing him work so dra­ 28:19 in a tent. The task was made matically in Zimbabwe has I easier and the outreach more brought us to a heightened real­ effective by PA equipment isation of the need for revival donated to the National Baptist in our own country and we are Convention of Zimbabwe by more committed to serving him the BMS. wherever he puts us. The evening meetings were a We thank God for the way time of excitement and a strain he allowed us to be used in the on the vocal chords as from expansion of his Kingdom and 7.00pm to around 10.00pm pray that we may continue to Peter, Graham, Edward, Keeley, each night we would praise allow ourselves to be used as Tom and Rachel God through choruses and testi- willing servants in his work. ■

October 94 [IJERALD HERALD

Total commitment in France AND IN THE UK?

Can you imagine eating lifestyle left mo,e out serving." We found this to T hisof a mark on our be so true in Lille. every meal, every day with lives than any of the Seeing this lifestyle made us work we were realise how little, here in Britain another 15 or so people? involved in. At first it (where the French consider a was a shock living in a way so revival to be already underway different from what we were and soon to overflow into Can you imagine living in used to. We soon realised that Northern France) we let God these people have invented affect the way we live. We like the same house as all these nothing in the way they live. to keep time for ourselves and They simply have a lifestyle particularly our money. Many people, some of whom had rooted in the community way give the recommended tithe, of life of the first Christians. then consider the rest to be our "All the believers were own, well-earned money that no home at all before they together and had everything in God has no right to. common. Selling their posses- Having seen this alternative were invited to live here, oth- sions and goods, they gave to way of total commitment, we anyone as he had need." would suggest that this lack of ers who are heroin addicts? What we saw in these pea- letting God affect our lives is ple, living in a country with why many churches are bring- Can you imagine nobody very few active Christians, was ing few, if any, new people to total commitment. A growing faith in Jesus. In Acts, where number of people (presently 14) there was a great commitment being rich, nobody being are on the 'community team' and love for God, people came and committed to the commu- to faith in great numbers. poor, but everybody having nity way of life, saying a corn- "And the Lord added to their plete, not partial "yes" to God's number daily those who were enough? This was life in Lille, call, until the day they die. being saved" (Acts 2:476). They are not single people, but Similarly in Lille, hundreds have Northern France where one families - a big commitment come to faith during the 20 where children are involved. years that have passed since a They have given up the chance local pastor first said a of the 1993/4 28: 19 Action of being rich, some to share complete "yes" to God's call. what they have with those who We have a lot to learn in Teams spent six months of arrive with very little, others to Britain from these totally corn- trust totally in God's provision. mitted people - they put the last year. It didn't take long to realise majority of us to shame. Total ■ that they have not been influ- commitment makes us feel enced by some weird sect, but uneasy because we have areas simply have a great love for of our lives that we want to God. If we have this true love keep for ourselves and not for God, then action inevitable allow God to affect. But the follows. As somebody recently time has passed when it was commented: "You can try to enough to feel uneasy about serve God without loving him, this. It is time to do something Steve, Ruth and Rob but you cannot love him with- about it. ■

October 94 [l]ERALD HERALD

After a short time in Kathmandu, where they Teaching in two painted a mural on the wall cultures of a children's ward in a

United Mission to Nepal

hospital, the 28: 19 Action of ourselves. We developed a successful comedy act where Team moved to Pokhara to Sylvia was the straight man and Rachel the idiot. Sylvia still described people work in the Gandaki as "the one with long straight hair and brown eyes ... " Board ing School for the first As well as English, we taught aerobics and dance. In return, part of their assignment. they helped us to make a tradi­ tional farmer's shirt. Sylvia got annoyed at the temperamental fter the initial shock Saying farewell. "Goodbye" machines operated by foot ped­ of confronting a in Nepal is different. We were als. The house mother didn't class of 40 students invited to a farewell ceremony help by saying, "You won't get standing up to greet just before the end of term and a boyfriend if you can't sew!" you the moment ended up being presented with But we loved it there. The girls Ayou enter the room and waiting so many flowers and garlands were so caring and helpful. in silence for a reply, we settled we could hardly see over the Claire and Alex went up to down to the teaching with rela­ top of them all. Almost every the mountains for a month. tive ease. child presented us with a We stayed in a Karen Our time-tables kept .us busy flower. It was all we could do Christian village with an and, in the case of Claire and to stop the tears from falling American missionary called Edy Alex, very fit too. Claire ended although Alex managed to add who has been in Thailand for up teaching 20 periods of PE a a little entertainment by over 30 years. We taught at week and Alex taught aerobics addressing the students as Sahamit School, a local village and dance to classes 7,8,9 and "guys", which in Nepali means school for children from the 12. Rachel managed to add "cow." different hill tribes. The school "spice" to her science class by The second part of the takes children from kinder­ sending ten year olds on a wild team's assignment was in garten up until 10 years of age. goose chase having prepared an Thailand where the religion, the We mostly helped teach English orienteering lesson with a com­ culture, the weather and the through singing simple English pass that pointed south. And countryside are different. songs and playing games which Sylvia entertained everyone with Sylvia and Rachel taught the children enjoyed. her attempts to learn students' English at the Lahu Baptist Then we moved to Chiang names. She ended up describing Convention and the New Life Rai to teach at a school for the them as: The short one with Centre in Chiang Mai. hill tribe children. We taught black hair and brown eyes ... " The New Life Centre consists the older children English, I Sports day was one of the of three hostels for girls from which was great fun, especially highlights. The emphasis was the hill-tribe villages. It provides the lesson where we borrowed not about winning but doing education and security for girls a plastic shopping trolley and your best. The day was com­ who have escaped from brothels plastic food in order to practise pleted only when the "adults" in Bangkok and for others who a shopping role play. The sight entertained the students with were in danger of being sold of some of the older boys push­ games like wheel-barrow and into them. We taught them ing a trolley around the class­ camel races, which were all the English right from basics. Since room was one to remember. more interesting because the we didn't speak any of their female teachers were wearing languages we used the tried and sans. tested method of making a fool Claire, Alex, Rachel and Sylvia

October 94 IIJE R.ALD HERALD

WEEK barely cope with the ter missionary societies CALL TO demand for patient care. as we strive together to These hospitals serve share with God in his PRAYER 44 communities where even mission of love; for the October 30 - November 5 the lowest charges are mission departments of For a man's life does beyond the ability of BMS partner churches BRAZIL; RONDONIA, ACRE, BRAZILIA not consist in the some patients to pay. who themselves commis­ abundance of his AND GOIAS However, none is turned sion missionaries to serve possessions. away. in the world and for local Luke 12:15 Goias is the most recent UMN is seeking to Baptist churches that State which has asked survey its medical ser­ they may see mission not ., ,, ., . for help. The State capi­ vices this year to work as home or overseas but true, tal, Goiania, is growing out a more satisfactory truly world mission. but it is hard for us, fast and the Convention strategy that will provide so used to the abundance aims to plant churches in health care appropriate to WEEK of things in our part of many towns in the inte­ all needs. Community the world, rior. They are asking for health programmes are a and the feeling of security church planters, associa­ vital part of UMN medical 47 tion workers, seminary they give, services. November 20-26 to understand that others teachers and help with Isobel Strang is SOUTHERN AFRICA can live full and satisfying the Baptist hospital which extremely busy and is still being built. Tim lives involved in health ser­ This area, stretching from and own little. and Rosimar Deller have vices as a physiothera­ now moved to Goiania Southern Angola in the pist. She is training west, across Zambia and Lord, shake us out of where they are involved Nepali medical staff in Zimbabwe to complacency in church planting and basic physiotherapy skills Mozambique in the east, show us where real life is theological education. and travels between the Brasflia is the federal is not a traditional area of rooted UMN Hospitals for this BMS work, but we have and helps us to use what capital of Brazil. The purpose. Ian and Sally establishment of this cap­ been establishing links in you have given Smith, Ruth Berry, and several ways. that our life in Christ ital on the central high­ Katie Norris have all been Dr Suzanne Roberts, may be shared with lands of Brazil, has in the UK following vari­ formerly of Bangladesh, is others. played a large part in the ous courses of study in development of the inte­ working in Mozambique preparation for a return to to work in a community WEEK rior of Brazil. Baptist Nepal. churches in the capital health project. Steve and Pam are alive and vigorous WEEK with many church plant­ Seymour are in 43 Zimbabwe setting up a ing projects and a grow­ October 23-29 ing awareness of social Baptist World Aid project. HOME 46 We have also entered needs. David and Sue November 13-19 Jackson are teaching in into partnership with Most of the new BMS the Baptist Theological WORLD CHURCH National Baptist management structures Seminary. Convention in Zimbabwe are now in place. We quite glibly talk about and are looking for peo­ However, the new pat­ WEEK one world and one ple to work with them. terns in the department church, but the sad fact We are hoping that a concerned with con­ is that so many of those young person from stituency support are only 45 barriers between nations Zimbabwe will be joining now being finalised. At are seen within the the 28:19 UK Challenge Didcot there are those November 6-12 Church, the body of Team. charged with a variety of NEPAL: UMN - HEALTH Christ. We need a fresh tasks to encourage the vision of the Christ who churches in their pro­ Patan Hospital is looked came to reconcile, to grammes of mission edu­ upon as UMN's key hos­ build bridges, to make cation. They provide pital in the Kathmandu whole and Christians area and attracts many a written and audio-visual around the world need to material for all ages and patients from near and work together in our regularly visit associa­ far. It continues to be Lord's name to help cre­ tions and churches on developed, and there is ate one world. staff-team visits and other hope that it will generate Let us pray for new speaking engagements. funds from its private ways of work and service Within the UK there is sector which may as the servant church in a network of area and enhance medical care in the world. Let's pray for national representatives rural areas. There are Christians living in situa­ whose task is to stimu­ smaller but very signifi­ tions of danger because late interest and involve­ cant hospitals in Tansen, they profess Christ as ment in their area. and Okhaldunga which Lord and Saviour; for sis-

October 94 [I] ER.ALO HERALD

Another quiet working

STILL QUIET CBFZ compound, Kinshasa

t's been another quiet work­ work and that delays everyone day, held together with bits of ing week on the CBFZ com­ else. The day gets away to a string. I gave him a pair of san­ Ipound. I slipped in the slow start and you're lucky to dals. They'd been given by "working" bit deliberately. A have them in by midday. Same friends and were too small. friend asked whether, apart effect when fuel is in short sup­ Though slightly large he wore from prying on neighbours, ply and vehicles are queueing at them for several weeks. One making notes on wildlife and petrol-pumps. Taxi-bus drivers day he turned up barefooted. holding fruitless discussions go on strike if the gendarmes "What's happened to your with the odd-job man, I did are taking too much off them. shoes?" I asked. any work. So I hasten to cor­ On a normal day folk like to "I gave them to a woman rect any impression given that leave by three to join the thou­ who asked for them." productivity hereabouts is a bit sands trying to get home. It'll "But you need them for on the low side. often take two hours. So output work," I said. The CBFZ compound has a can be dodgy, depending on the He asked for the money he working bit and a residential way the wind is blowing. had been putting by. "I'll buy bit. The working bit is the Some families live on the some more shoes on the mar­ Community's central offices and compound but work elsewhere. ket." the residential bit consists of Pastor Enguta superintends our "But Jean, you were saving flats over the offices, a block of Kinsasa Region, based at Lisala that in the hope of renting a apartments, and houses, old, church. Dr Mengi works for the room." new or not-so-new. Old means ECZ , teaches at the Faculty of I expostulated further, to no turn-of-the century, wooden, Theology and pastors the effect, so I gave him his money prefabricated in Britain. New French speaking part of the and sent him away. means local cement-block circa International Church. Thomas I reflect that it had cost me 1980s, and not-so-new means Nlandu is General Secretary of nothing to give him the sandals. somewhere in-between. the Bible Society of Zaire. I still had a choice of footwear. So, some people, like the Jean (as in French), the odd­ He had not only given away his Community President, Pastor job man, does casual work paid only shoes, he had also said Koli, the Medical Co-ordinator by the day - very biblical. It goodbye to his hopes of renting Dr Motingea live and work keeps him off the streets a bit. a room. Was he even crazier here. Joint Missionary Affairs He's capable of putting in a than people thought, or had he Secretaries, Steve and Elizabeth good day's work cutting grass. performed a genuinely noble Allford likewise. They make it He's also capable of goofing action? Either way it was sober­ II easier for other people to get off if you don't give him a spe­ ing to recognise that I hang on around, receive supplies, be cific job and check that he does to my possessions like grim informed and generally get on it. He sometimes behaves a bit death. with their job. They rate a high strangely. "Is your chap all I have digressed. What do I score for output. right?" or, "Isn't your bloke a do myself? Well, you wouldn't The office staff, outside and bit .. ? " they ask, voice trailing be reading this if you didn't domestic workers, come in away. He looks scruffy, which think I was earning my keep, daily, weather and transport is hardly surprising because he's now would you? permitting. If it's raining at five living rough. But he has in the morning the bus and redeeming features. From our special correspondent, taxi-bus drivers don't go to He pointed to his shoes one Owen Clark, in Kinshasa.

October 94 [l]E RALD HERALD

LETTER TO "Unemployment is about Nicaragua Baptist CHECK OUT 75 per cent. Severe Convention signed a part­ THE PM drought in the last few nership agreement in OCTOBER 1994 months will badly affect 1990. Peter and Sheila RRIVALS The Baptist Union of harvests and our Society Brewer are our workers JoyKnapman Great Britain and the has made a grant from there, involved in theolog­ from Sri Lanka BMS have both written our own Relief fund. ical education and based letters to the Prime However, we know that in Managua. DEPARTURES Minister sharing a con­ such "band-aid" relief For more information Ian and Sally Smith to N epal cern for Nicaragua. In the does not tackle funda­ on Nicaragua's debt Action Teams BMS letter, written by mental issues. "For problems write to: Debt to Belgium, Jamaica, Zimbabwe and David Martin, Director of meaningful change, wCrisis Network, c/o Albania. Operations, he said: investment is vital in Christian Aid, PO Box I T$ "You will be aware infrastructure and 100, London SE1 ?RT; - John Passmore that Nicaragua's interna­ income-generating pro­ Tel: 071 620 4444. to Italy Slan WIiiiams tional debt amounts to jects. If production and to Italy over $2,500 per person exports can be increased, ~~~:i1a1 and is six times their and perhaps tourism David Martin 1993 GDP. Interest pay­ developed, then desper­ > to Jamaica ments are equivalent to ately needed improve­ more than 120 per cent ments in the national of their national yearly economy could begin. ACKNOW EDG exports. We understand that z (for gifts and legacies received between "In view of the statis­ about a third of 1 and 3 1 July) tics, we would urge you Nicaragua's debt is with to appeal vigorously to Russia. Obviously, that LEGACIE the treasury ministers of country has its own - Bayes, Mrs Ethel C 250.00 the Paris Club to cancel severe difficulties and Carwright, Miss M A 2,099.52 Doughty Mrs Violet 1,000.00 all of Nicaragua's debts would be reluctant to Evans Miss M M 250.00 contracted before cancel its debts. Would it Evans Miss Elsie M 1,000.00 Greenwood, Miss E 500.00 November 1988. be possible for Britain to Griffiths, Mrs Glenys 1,000.00 "We would thank you propose that in return for Guyan, C 30.00 for the role you have Russia's cancellation of Johnston, Miss B 2,501.74 Martin, Miss Margaret 6,014.71 taken in encouraging Nicaraguan debt that Mason, Revd Walter H 100.00 other nations to cancel Western creditors would Pugh, Miss E M 500.00 Robinson, Leslie V 1,000.00 debts owed by the cancel an equivalent Smith, Miss Nellie 74.80 world's poorest countries. amount of Russian debt? QUESTION­ Stimpson, Miss Annie 50.00 Stokes, Revd Leslie 825.00 We hope this advocacy Both of those nations Taylor, Mrs Olive 23.65 will continue on behalf of would then see some NAIRE nations unable, by them­ benefit. ANONYMOUS GI selves, to break the cycle "As you and the A big thank you to all of international debt and Chancellor, together with who filled in and sent GYE 141.17 London W6 15.00 poverty. your advisers and col­ back the Herald question­ Worthing 5.00 "I have made frequent leagues in the G7, exert naire. So far we've had visits to Nicaragua and influence in world-wide about 1,000 replies. have first-hand awareness economics, we urge you All sorts of people not NEW PM of the grim economic to seek radical solutions only made the effort to outlook there. The per to the debt burden so answer the questions but The BMS has written to capita GDP is $425 that the South may trade also took the opportunity (much lower than the on fair terms with the to make comments. the new prime minister bf World Bank definition of a North. "I've read the Herald Sri Lanka, Mrs Chandrika per capita GDP of a "Our Society takes a for more than 40 years," Bandaranaike Kumuratun-_ severely indebted low­ keen interest in these was typical of some of , ga "to express good wish~ income country) and, of issues and we will be cir­ our older readers. es as you and your col­ course, many families culating news of any There was also the leagues take up the have to survive on an new young reader who II developments to the responsibilities of govern­ uncertain income that is 3,000 Baptist churches in finds "it a good read and ment. well below the average. England, Scotland and helpful." "Please be assured of For many ordinary Wales, which support our We are now processing our prayers as you work Nicaraguans conditions work." the information which is for peace. May you be get steadily worse. They Copies of the letter going to be invaluable as able to introduce mea­ have felt no benefit from have been sent to the we continue to develop the aid given to their Chancellor of the the magazine. Some time sures to draw all peoples country in recent years Exchequer and to the soon, in the Herald, we of the island into a since so much of it has local Didcot MP, Robert shall offer a summary of process of reconciliation been swallowed up in Jackson. our findings. and reconstruction ... " debt repayment. BMS and the

October 94 [l]ERALD HERALD

RELIEF AID "There is an ever increas­ BMS women missionary home." ing demand for help from candidates until 1966. Copies, price £4.50 our churches, especially The Baptist Missionary Ernest Madge served (£5.00 by post) - this those in rural areas." Society has sent a further as General Overseas includes a donation to The CBN has asked for Secretary of the BMS BMS - can be obtained £10,000 to Baptist World emergency aid for 31 Aid for relief work in until 1976 when they from: Stephen Bull, 1 churches and pastors and Rwanda. This is as result both moved to Budleigh Gibraltar Lane, Swavesey, of gifts being received for its food for work pro­ Salterton where Ernest Cambridge, or Revd Jim from churches and indi­ gramme. was pastor for the next Clarke, 82 Cannon Street, viduals. six years. They are both Lt Downham, Ely. The Society earlier now "retired" but remain contributed £15,000 active members of THE MADGES Budleigh Salterton Baptist directly from its emer­ AIR MILES gency Relief Fund. ON SAFARI Church. BMS General Director, The members of the church thought the Safari Thank you, to all those Reg Harvey, writing to Members and friends of who sent in "air miles" Baptist ministers, said: Supper was a good way to Budleigh Salterton Baptist mark the life's work and following our request in "We are grateful for more Church took to the road these columns. As a gifts coming in from the Christian witness of a for a Safari Supper at the much travelled lady. result, BMS was able to churches and designated end of August. It was no book two flights at a sav­ for Rwanda. These latest mere- social event. They ing of £450 to the gifts will be sent through were celebrating the 60th The Society. for Rwanda relief rather anniversary of the depar­ So keep sending them than replenishing the ture of Edna Madge CAMBRIDGESHIRE in. BMS spends a lot of Society's own fund. There (Edna Down as she then CONNECTIONS "ith the money each year on air are huge needs in the was), one of their mem­ Ba1nist Missionary Soeiety 1792 flights so each air mile you 1992 area, so do not feel that bers, for China as a BMS 8y Su:phcn S till send us will help to keep it is too late and be missionary. Edna qualified costs down. assured that money will as a State Registered be despatched for aid Nurse at the Royal Devon work in Rwanda or with and Exeter Hospital and the refugees across the as a Midwife at the borders in Zaire and Salvation Army Mothers' LUDHIANA Tanzania. " The BMS has also Since its inception the sent £10,000 from the Christian Medical College Relief Fund to the Baptist and Hospital Ludhiana has Convention of Nicaragua always been in the fore­ (CBN) to help those suf­ CAMBRIDGE front in perceiving the fering from a long-term health needs of India. New drought. This is making CONNEC­ initiatives have been born worse a situation of out of these perceptions. poverty in Nicaragua TIONS The Christian Dental where the CBN is having College founded in 1992 is great difficulty in paying Edna Madge (Down) 1934 Cambridgeshires connec­ no exception to this. its pastors. tions with the BMS from Statistics of one dentist to "The rainy season, Hospital, Clapton, the Society's foundation 85,000 population speak which normally starts in London. She left for in 1792 up to 1992 has of the need for qualified May, has not behaved as Taiyuanfu, Shansi, on 17 been celebrated in a dentists in India. expected," reported the August 1934. She was book written by former Two years on the Revd Elias Sanchez joined there the following BMS missionary, Stephen College is now fully recog­ Garcia, CBN General year by her fiance, the Bull. nised by the Punjab Secretary. Revd Ernest Madge, who Starting with the first University and results for "We are facing a grave had remained behind to secretary of the Society, the first BDS examination fl drought which has study for his BD. They Andrew Fuller, "Cam­ have revealed a 100 per affected approximately 20 were married in Taiwan in bridgeshire Connections" cent pass rate. per cent of the crops of 1935 during a lull in the describes the "excite­ Two students had dis­ the northern, south-west­ air raids which were ment, challenge and ded­ tinctions in Anatomy and ern and western parts of already a feature of the ication, not to mention Dental Materials and all the country." Sino-Japanese war. dangers and sacrifice of achieved more than 60 per In fact, in some parts After many years, those Cambridgeshire cent. of the west, drought including more exciting men and women who As the Medical College damage has reached 100 and anxious times in have played an important celebrates its centenary per cent. "This situation is China and India, they role in the Society's 200 we thank God for such a affecting the work of our returned to the UK in year history - and the promising start for this pastors and churches," 1959 when Mrs Madge support given by those new college. said Elias Sanchez. became Secretary for who 'held the ropes' at

October 94 IIJERA.LD HERALD

BETHEL BRIDGE 26mm diameter across the river about 60m. With various attach­ ments they pull themselves across H Lactlankima is a Mizo Christian in a horizontal position. When working in Nepal. He is helped by they need to take a heavy load the BMS, in part through the across, or women and children they are pulled across by a long '.'fv!oving Mountains" project, in a Jomt venture with the Mizoram rope. While I was on the site I had to supervise both banks,' Baptist Church in north-east India. The bridge he is helping to con­ because I was unable to cross by myself. They had to pull me struct is funded by Tear Fund. across. This means of crossing the river is their last resource even for a expert local perso~ crossing the river it is extremely The survey of the proposed tiresome. three bridges were completed in After crossing the river from September 1993 while I was doing my Nepali language Jhanlang, at about 200 study. The HDCS metres, there is a (Human . _,. _ . very old wooden Development · - · • ,i; .. },. bridge stretch­ Communication), , ·/(~;~*' ing over one a branch of ·' · Jj.)'" s~r~am which . 'h Joins the NCF where I am working, Ankhu river. employs one The bridge Civil Engineer has no (Nepali}. He, proper along with the handrail, BPC (Butwal and no Power proper main- Company) sur­ . ~-- ,...,.. tenance. It veyors did the sur­ \ , _ ~ - ' ~ hangs at about V;ey. f.k'.,<> ._l ._ 40 metres high 0 ,,,r_,p_\,,- · ;_,. / ., • and spans 25 After the survey he . , , ✓A .• ; · ,. started the design of the · metres. At the begin- suspension bridge. I joined him ning of this year one woman February 1994. We called our new fell from this wooden bridge and bridge "Bethel Bridge." The was killed. More than four people Engineers of Butwal Power have fallen from this wooden Company are our consultants for bridge and have been killed. Even each step. All the paper work w~en we finish Bethel Bridge they was done by us in their office. will have to cross this wooden On 16 May 1994 with my friend bridge to go to Lapa village. Ringa, nine pastors and elders On 23rd May 1994, people from from Jhanlang left Kathmandu by Jhanlang and Lapa were on both bus with the tools and plant for banks of the Ankhu river with tools the construction of the bridge. in their hands. They were over­ From the last motor road they joyed to turn dreams into reality. carried the equipment. It took Also they can earn money in their three days to reach Jhanlang. own village. There is no income The Bethel Bridge we have to generating project in this area so construct is between Jhanlang this bridge construction is a real and Lapa Village over the Ankhu blessing. When they have to sell River. The existing means of their agricultural products they have to travel at least 4-5 days, I crossing the river are very poor, rough and dangerous. During the after which it has very low value. dry season the local people make When they work in our project they a temporary wooden bridge every can earn Rs70/- per day £0.95). year but it is not strong enough. Since the project is small we can­ Many have already been lost not employ all the villagers, but the whilst crossing this wooden village leaders help us to employ bridge. This year, in April a twelve ~hem turn by turn. Due to problems year old boy fell off the bridge In the Khinti project the Himal and drowned. When the river is Hy?ro Co~pany are going to help high they have to dismantle it. us in erecting Bethel Bridge. They stretch a wire rope of

October 94 [l]E RALD Special Offer - Buy I O or more Calendars

and get a 10% discount, order your prayer

Guide before 1st November 94 and save I 0%

199 5 BMS Calendar and Prayer Guide

1995 Calendar - Available now! Prayer Guide - Available mid October

All profits from the sale of this 1995 calendar will The 1995 Prayer Guide helps put World Mission

go to support a BMS Young People's Summer on the agenda both for personal devotions and

Action Team in Albania. The cost is only £3.50 corporate meetings. In a pocket size booklet,

including packing and postage. Each month has a each week's spread will take you to an area of

full colour photograph and imaginative illustration of people BMS linked work. Complete with daily prayer topics, names

and places around the world where BMS is working and wit­ of BMS missionaries, national church leaders, and informa­

nessing alongside national Christians. There's plenty of space tion and maps of the area of their service, as well as prayers

for writing in engagements, and a meditative prayer for and meditations. A must for all who want to keep in touch

reflection. Buy one for yourself and another for a friend. with what God is doing worldwide! Costs £1 including p&p.

ORDER FORM FOR 1995 CALENDARS ORDER FORM FOR 1995 PRAYER GUIDES

Name ...... Name Address ...... Address ......

...... Post Code ...... Post Code ...... Church ...... Church ......

I wish to order ...... BMS 1995 Calendars at £3. 50 I wish to order ...... BMS 1995 Prayer Guides at £1.00 (The price includes P&l'. 10% discount on 10 or more Calendars) (The pri ce includes P&]'. Order your BMS 1995 Prayer Guide before 1st November 1 994 and save 10% - 90p each)

I enclose£...... (cheques made payable to BMS) l enclose£ ...... (cheques made payable to BMS)

············································ ·· ····················· ··· ······ ············ ·· ·· ··········· ··· ··· ······················· ·············;·························· ············· ············· ··········································· ·················· ········· ······················· · Baptist Missionary Society, PO Box 49, Didcot, Oxon, OX 11 8XA. Tel. 01235 5 I 2077. BMS is a registered charity.