We soon learned that the gospel is more effective if it is accompanied by putting the teachings on caring for one another physically and emotionally into practice. The response has been huge. When people feel loved they become more and more drawn towards the message and therefore to the One the message is about.
– Peter & Esther
SERVING TOGETHER SERVING TOGETHERTOGETHER A CHRISTIAN BRETHREN WORLD MISSION MAGAZINE • VOLUME 17 • ISSUE 6 • DECEMBER 2016 Trends in World Mission
Bravo Hotel Calling Our Mission Journey Walking and Working God's Way AMT is a service agency facilitating the involvement in world Volume 17 • Issue 6 • December 2016 mission of churches of Christian Brethren in Australia. ISSN 1443-2390
Publisher AMT Editor Andrew Chan Production Andrew Chan This Issue Graphic Design Steve Byers Editorial 3 Printer Kingswood Press Bravo Hotel Calling 4 Our Mission Journey 8 Walking and Working God's Way 12 Serving Together is a bi-monthly publication as a service In Everything Give Thanks 16 to churches of Christian Brethren and their missionaries. Encounter Short-Term Mission 18 © Australian Missionary Tidings (AMT). No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written Donald Clive Adams 22 permission. Unless otherwise specified, Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version Keeping Track 23 © 1978, 1984, International Bible Society, used by permission Frontlines 24 of Zondervan Bible Publishers.
Contributors are permitted reasonable liberty within the boundaries of a biblical, evangelical Christian faith, and opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor or AMT or Christian Brethren assemblies.
SUBSCRIPTION SERVING Australia (GST included) TOGETHER Bulk Bundles $26 A CHRISTIAN BRETHREN WORLD MISSION MAGAZINE • VOLUME 17 • ISSUE 6 • DECEMBER 2016 Individual $30 Overseas Airmail Trends in Asia/Pacific $40 Elsewhere $45 World Email Version $18 Mission
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2 ServingTogetherDecember2016 LET’S COMMUNICATE BETTER
Editorial by Andrew Chan
I look around a coffee shop a better understanding work when they don’t need on special occasions like during lunch and what of what it means to to be there, or drinking Christmas or significant do I see? I see a worrying communicate effectively regularly after work in bars birthdays. Depending trend. A number of patrons with oral communicators in with ‘mates’ (or alone) on the previous family are staring at the screens ways which are culturally when they have partners relationships, this may be of their smartphones or sensitive and most likely to or families waiting for very intentional, and that tablets, possibly reading a reach the hearts of targeted them? The dynamic of the is also tragic. But for those link from Facebook where communities. I couldn’t nuclear family of the West of us with healthy and some blogger is bemoaning help but think that what is not easily grasped by the positive family bonds, let the ubiquitously observed the western world — the extended families of an us continue to hold them fact that an increasing ‘literate’ and ‘educated’ Eastern background. Many dear and foster ongoing number of patrons in world that we all-too-often migrant families from Asia, communication with one eateries or at home are just take for granted — needs for example, even though another. We know that with staring at the screens of is to understand that how they have been in Australia technological advances the their smartphones or tablets we communicate on a for several generations, world is much smaller and instead of talking to each day-to-day basis may not still maintain strong links people can be much closer other over a meal... I cannot be the healthiest for us in with the mother country than ever before — let’s throw the first stone, as that the long term. It may also through correspondence not take that for granted will be hypocritical, but I’m impede evangelisation of with and travel to visit and let the pace of modern just saying that as a society our immediate neighbours. relatives and friends. They life run rough-shod over we need to (re)learn the art In Jesus’ day, as also still also participate in cultural us. Let us strengthen of communication, be that happens in most native activities with new friends neighbourly bonds so that face-to-face talking or at communities today, of similar ethnicity in there are fewer instances least through grammatically truths, lessons and history Australia. It’s encouraging of lonely elderly folk who correct text, and not just are passed down orally, that many are sharing these are discovered in their via SMS abbreviations and memorised as stories and experiences with their dilapidated homes months emoticons. sometimes committed western friends, and some or even years after they to song. also marry cross-culturally. have died. I’ve been reading Harry Box’s ‘Don’t Throw The home is supposed What saddens me is how This Christmas, make an the Book at Them: to be a place of peace, many people today have effort to (re)connect with Communicating the purpose and promise, a an attitude of ‘we have our a loved one or neighbour, Christian Message to fortress of safety, security own family now so we’ll do especially if he or she doesn’t People Who Don’t Read’. and solitude. So why our own thing’, and they know the true meaning of I highly recommend this are people in the West may not see their parents God’s great gift to man in book to anyone who wants spending longer hours at and other relatives except His Son Jesus Christ.
ServingTogetherDecember2016 3 BRAVO HOTEL CALLING by Fiona Emery
“Hotel Delta, Hotel Delta, Bravo Hotel calling. Do you have any traffic?” Does that sound like a foreign language to you? These were the radio call signs of our village location and our mission headquarters, respectively, and this was how we communicated with the outside world for many years while we served in PNG. We had three radio schedules a day where we could check in, the last one for the day being at 6:05pm for 20 minutes. No email, no internet, no satellite or mobile phones. Outside of that time, we were on our own — medical emergencies, security problems, whatever, had to wait till morning. As you can imagine, there were some very long nights. OK, I can hear you saying, “What century were you living in?!” Admittedly it was last century, but only Literacy is the key 30 years ago! How far and isolated areas. Some of and it is exciting to see the toddler and five-year-old we have come in the last what I will be highlighting way God is working. both being carried on the couple of decades. may have been happening shoulders of villagers. Back in many places already, When we arrived in PNG then, the tribal children When considering trends but for tribal missions, in 1986, we flew in a 185 hiked two hours to go in world missions, major developments in technology things are really starting to Cessna to a tiny airstrip to the local school and definitely have to be accelerate. ‘Where have we in the Eastern Highlands, most didn’t go much past discussed. Most of our been?’, ‘What is happening and then hiked three hours Grade 3. The literacy rate NTM ministries around the now?’ and ‘What do we see to the village, with my in general was extremely world, and particularly in as future trends?’ are the baby being carried in a low in the outlying areas, PNG, are in quite remote questions being asked here, string bag (bilum) and my and possibly in most of 4 ServingTogetherDecember2016 Back pack Seth, 1986
Hiking into the tribe in 1986 Hiking into Simbari with Joel, 1986 PNG. Many missions and realized that we would need organizations had ventured to be on the field for most, into the highlands, with if not all, of our adult life in some successes, some order to get the job done. misconceptions and some mistakes, but the work was In just a couple of decades, very slow. Let me just say the present-day trend in here what admiration I mission has seen a move have for the pioneers who toward short-term mission went before, the many trips being a popular individuals who braved alternative for young treacherous conditions, people. This is a great way malaria and the like, to for young people to be try to reach the people of exposed to mission work PNG, often with little or and the needs on the field. Precision landing no support. Even when Young people spend their challenged to do mission them to maturity, in a we arrived, 30 years ago, summer holidays visiting a work, going on to train and much shorter time frame the process of learning the mission field and working return to the field. We still than we could ever have tribal language, creating on a project. This can need those who are serious done 30 years ago. With an orthography and then be a help to missionaries and committed to mission the advent of computers, a literacy program for an on the field. However, unwritten language, and the main impact is on work long term; but these the internet, solar power, developing Bible lessons, the ones making the trip, new ones are coming to advanced aviation and took around 20 years on rather than on the ones the field equipped in a a higher literacy level in average, with about 30 they go to. Through these whole new way, ready to PNG, our missionaries years to complete a New mission trips, a number of take on the task of planting have been able to move Testament translation. We young people have been churches and bringing to itinerant status and ServingTogetherDecember2016 5 translation, Carol Gutwein Kaptain says that when she started in the 1970s, they typed the translation on a manual typewriter with seven sheets of carbon paper (that was their backup). If revisions were made, the entire page needed to be re-typed; it was very time consuming. With word processors on computers, we are taking less than half the time to input the translations. Also, instead of having our desks piled with loads of books for exegetical Bible class and leadership training study, they are now all on our computers in digital format, and we have programs that allow every book to scroll to the same reference at the same time. A New Testament used to take over 20 years to complete, but now we have many people completing them in less than half that time... It is our conviction in NTM that a strong mature church will need to have a literate congregation and written Scriptures to study.” Working on translation with a computer Another exciting trend in PNG today is the training and sending of national Bible teachers and church leaders to train and teach their own people. Even though this has been happening over a number of years, the interest has greatly increased across many language groups as well as established churches in towns. Training leaders in effective chronological Bible teaching has gained a lot of interest as lessons Translation team for Simbari are translated into Pidgin eventually phase out of the communication between In NTM-PNG alone, English and now into village, completely handing the local church and in the last five years, we simple English. NTM is over the administration of the itinerant missionary have completed 10 New running teacher training the local church, in some possible. More ‘mother Testaments in mother and information seminars cases in 10 years. Remote tongue’ literacy classes tongue languages. This for pastors, teachers areas are being reached by are being run, and most quote came from our PNG and leaders around the helicopter and many have children now have a chance translation consultant: country. So many have mobile phone and internet to go to school, at least up “As far as how technology testified to having a much capabilities, making to Grade 8. has sped up the work of clearer understanding 6 ServingTogetherDecember2016 Faithful men teaching others
Women learning across generations Literacy class with national teacher of the Scriptures and an We should be asking excitement to share that God how and where we with their own people. fit. Many countries are not open to foreigners So, what can be expected coming in as missionaries. for future trends in mission? National Christians are It seems the sky could needing to lead the way in be the limit technology- countries where many still wise. National citizen-led haven’t heard the gospel, outreaches and church but the borders are closed plants will be happening to outsiders. We need to more, rather than expat find ways to support those missionaries forging the churches and Christians. way; more Bible translations Friendship-based will be reaching even the evangelism, living Christ out Baptism - Churches coming to maturity most remote areas — all in our community, getting future of missions depends in? And how can they believe exciting prospects. However, to know those around us — on how we allow God to use in the one of whom they have past, present or future, I many of whom will be from us today. not heard? And how can am struck with the fact a different culture — this is they hear without someone that God is building His the way for the missionary “I tell you, open your eyes preaching to them? And how church and our commission of the future. The task remains the same — to be is going to get harder as and look at the fields! They can anyone preach unless witnesses of Jesus Christ politics, governments, laws are ripe for harvest.” they are sent? As it is written: in ‘our’ Jerusalem, Judea, and wars try to limit the John 4:35 "How beautiful are the feet of Samaria and the uttermost spread of the gospel, but those who bring good news!” parts of the world, by the this has never stopped God “How, then, can they call on Rom 10:14-5 power of the Holy Spirit. from working before. The the one they have not believed ServingTogetherDecember2016 7 OUR MISSION by Peter & Esther JOURNEY
We can only write from our own experience. We have been on the ‘cross-cultural ministry’ journey for over twenty years and have seen some changes along the way.
Training were in it for the long haul. local people joining the visiting teams come for Those who trained with team to reach different short periods of time, When we were first called us also had a long-term people groups (within ranging from just a day to into this work (1987) we view in mind. Preparation the same region we are two weeks. Some single launched into a lengthy is important and, if we located) has increased. volunteers come for longer preparation period which look at those taking up a Also, the duration of a periods, but in our case ended up lasting seven career in medicine, law or ‘term’ of service used to they are challenged by visa years — we eventually some other profession, we be four years — this has restrictions, so a maximum arrived on the field in also see them deliberately now become much shorter stay is only 60 days. Quite 1994. Our preparation preparing and training for with workers returning often the volunteer then included finishing our many years. to their home countries exits to a neighbouring secular qualifications, three for speaking engagements country to obtain another years of theological and or family events more 60-day visa. We are seeing cross-cultural ministry Fewer western often (bi-annually or more visitors who just stay training, plus some further long-termers annually in some cases). for a few days to ‘observe’ months of training with The term ‘furlough’ has rather than become two organisations which Over the past 25 years we been replaced with ‘home ‘immersed’. would be called ‘sending have seen the number of assignment’. agencies’. Our preparation western people making was systematic and a life-time commitment A year or two required the sacrifice of to cross-cultural ministry More short-term visitors time and resources, but decline (at least in our Many of the younger we wanted to be well geographical area). At the Another trend has been generation of western prepared and knew we same time the number of that more and more volunteers come for one
8 ServingTogetherDecember2016 or two years and then move on to another place or return home. This reflects the mobility of the younger workforce in general. It is rare now to see people stick with the same firm all their lives, both in the secular world and in the cross-cultural ministry world. Whereas my grandfather worked for 50 years with one firm, many people now will have worked for ten or more companies before they ‘retire’. There are positives and negatives with this. One of the positives is that there are many fresh ideas and enthusiasm, whilst a negative is that valuable lessons learned and their experience is lost when they move on. From my perspective they are really coming into a very fruitful place, beginning to master language and culture, and then they often move on. A group from one of Hohidiai children's homes Many of them I hope will gain more experience and internet service via a see that no one was held training and return again, newsletter every six to satellite dish and a patchy responsible for her murder but this seldom happens. twelve months used to be The value of long-term mobile phone service — no was also heartbreaking. acceptable, now supporters workers or career cross- landline yet. There are a are wanting regular updates cultural workers cannot be few things we have noticed With the availability via social media and other underestimated, as they with the introduction of of technology also means. A real positive is carry a wealth of knowledge technology in the area. comes more and more that an urgent need for and experience and Visitors want to stay communication from those prayer or funding can wisdom, especially if they connected via social media who partner with the work. quickly reach supporters. have been immersed in the and often find it frustrating This is good in that they The downside is trying culture and have worked in that the connection can be better informed to meet the expectations partnership with nationals. drops out or is too slow. and feel closer to the work. of supporters and never The mobile signal has The down side is that this knowing if the supporters resulted in many mobile also creates an expectation are satisfied with the Technology phones making their way of quick replies to emails level of communication. into schools and villages. and of more and more Some have extremely When we arrived on Sadly, this means access to reporting. The reporting is high expectations, and the island where we are pornography, and we have good for accountability, but when these expectations now serving, we had no seen cases of sexual assault, can be burdensome when are not met they stop mobile phone service and rape and murder increase it requires too much time supporting the work. In only a very basic internet in our area. I have sat and and distracts the workers some cases they become connection through a wept holding the hand of from the other aspects rude, complaining that they satellite phone. Slowly a six-year-old girl, raped of ministry that are also have not been treated as services have improved and beaten, struggling to urgent and important. they wanted to be. This is and we now have a slow take her final breaths. To Whereas a posted usually because of a lack
ServingTogetherDecember2016 9 Flood damage
Hohidiai teachers and children of understanding about — we were working with the demands on the cross- desperately poor refugees cultural worker’s time or who needed physical, because the motivation to emotional and spiritual help. help was more to receive We soon learned that the thanks than to bless others. gospel is more effective if it A lot of grace is required is accompanied by putting on the part of the cross- the teachings on caring for cultural worker, so I usually one another physically and Viktor then and now send a note of apology emotionally into practice. and thanks for previous The response has been Partnership houses in secure locations. support. huge. When people feel We broke this mould and loved they become more Our first terms of service lived among the people, but our style was met with and more drawn towards were with an international resistance by the old guard. Holistic ministry the message and therefore sending agency and the to the One the message Since 2002 we have been leadership was always When we first entered the is about. In our first term with another organisation western. Growth of the country back in 1994 we of service we saw just a that has indigenous work and involvement with were involved with a team handful of people come to leadership, and we work which focussed primarily Christ. Now though, dozens co-working nationals were and live side-by-side with on sharing the good news are coming to Him every both very limited because of our national co-workers. verbally. The response was week. We have had more this. The hierarchy, policies, This partnership and trust quite limited. In 2002 we baptisms this year than in all rules and regulations were has seen the organisation returned to the country the previous years. The local from a time gone by and grow very quickly and has to a new location and the workers, the whole team are did not seem appropriate. seen abundant fruit in the needs were much different ‘on fire’. Westerners lived in large number of people cared for
10 ServingTogetherDecember2016 and the number of people Holy Spirit coming into the Kingdom. This is a very positive Another thing I have change and a necessary one observed and experienced to see the local leadership over the decades is that blossom and shoulder the there is a higher dependence work. We have also seen on the Holy Spirit. the huge value in providing In Scripture Paul was opportunities for local staff prevented from entering to travel to conferences, an area by the Holy Spirit where they receive quality and sent to another. In the teaching and meet people past, and sometimes even from other areas of the now, a high dependence has Hohidiai staff country and establish been put on programs and networking relationships. methods, whereas what we We have also seen a closer see being really effective is cooperation with other the demonstration of love agencies in recent times. to people which flows out of the Spirit-filled life of the worker. Whilst programs Denominations and status and methods can be good, don’t matter they are no substitute for being led by the Holy We have also found that Spirit. The importance here on the ground it of prayer and worship is does not matter what your also paramount, and over denominational background the years I have seen that is. The important thing this aspect of intimacy is to be tuned in to the with God is growing and A grant provided these dental chairs Holy Spirit and to stay overflows into acts of close to God and to Jesus. love and service. I have Race, economic standing, also seen the instances job description and of miraculous physical education levels all fade healings, deliverance, and into insignificance when emotional healing increase you are working together in over the years. Forgiveness love to reach those in need. of one another that requires This has become more and the power of the Holy more the case as revival Spirit has also seen amazing in this area takes hold. We breakthroughs. rejoice when husbands stop beating their wives, when Fun times children are loved, when Now drunken fights stop, and when broken marriages and These are exciting times to families are restored. The be serving cross-culturally. important thing is the heart, Lives are being dramatically and if the heart is connected changed, and love for our to Jesus then differences Saviour, together with that are not core issues just a desire for an intimate do not matter. We have a relationship with the Holy team of about 140 and I Spirit, has resulted in know only some of these sacrificial, fruitful service dear ones’ denominations. really take off in this part of The ‘putting aside’ of the world. Many people are denominational differences coming into the Kingdom seems to be a stronger trend because the message is not now than in past decades. just verbal but holistic. Our pool, the local river
ServingTogetherDecember2016 11 WALKING AND WORKING
GOD’S WAY by Noela Elvery The commencement of my do field recording, being every male missionary. The their work among Chinese missionary life was in 1961 responsible for all expenses women found themselves women which was crucial to when I applied to Gospel — travel, board and gifted for work in teaching the growth of the church.” Recordings, a faith mission lodging — I also proved and evangelism, which providing recordings of the faithfulness of the One would have been impossible gospel messages in local who had called me (even in their churches at home. Transport to the field languages on 78 rpm as He led me into other There would be many times records to reach non- ministries) to continue to when women missionaries In the 1900s missionaries readers. Joy Ridderhof, trust Him without “making could go where men travelled by ship, which the founder of the personal needs known”. could not, simply because took three to four months organization, set the faith of that assumption they to reach their destination, policy of making personal From a woman’s were women, inferior but by the mid-20th needs known only to God, perspective, the following and insignificant, and century sailing time was believing and proving, as quotes from a book written ‘could not do much harm’. reduced to weeks. Sailing many who went before about the beginning of However, these women was still the cheapest means her, that “God’s work, done missionary work in China who responded to God’s of transport. Family and in God’s way, would not are interesting: “In 1900 call found themselves freed friends would gather on lack God's supply”. So as there were two women to use their God-given the wharf, holding on to a new recruit sent out to missionaries in China to gifts, and it was considered streamers and even singing
12 ServingTogetherJune2016December2016 hymns and the plaintiff and dangers faced like the to enter countries, and we nationals was and is farewell “God be with account in Hebrews 11. were accepted by other important, but in many you till we meet again” as Prayer was a key to opening missions and local church cases the expatriate, the last streamer snapped fields of opportunity, groups. We basically signed without prior consultation, and the missionary was resulting in many on to abide by policies provided equipment (like aware of departure. After conversions. Believers, and practices of that printing presses or radio all the hectic round of churches and schools were mission until the Lord led studios) or training on how meetings, farewells and established as workers otherwise. In other words to maintain them. So the packing, travelling by ship completely trusted the One we committed ourselves lament of many nationals gave opportunity for days who had called them. What to the Lord for full-time were “We didn’t ask for or weeks to relax before a challenge to us as we missionary work, believing this — they provided it, but reaching the destination to read of their sacrifices as He would continue to direct didn’t train us how to use face new challenges of a they walked in obedience our steps. It is true that it”, or “We can’t get the different culture, language to the Lord. Today most sometimes we believed the spare parts.” How many and living conditions. missionaries are required Lord was leading us in one times have we heard the to have Bible college and/ direction when the mission nationals saying “We don’t In more recent years, most or theological training, gave other directions, to have the resources we need travel is by air, now being secular qualifications, which we would need to — vehicles, funds, supplies cheaper than ship as well age restrictions, pledged acquiesce. With culture — our people don’t have as reducing travel time. support, and a set time on constantly changing, many money even though they However, the down side the field before furlough. of the policies previously are willing to serve.” of air travel can add to the demanded by a mission stress of farewells, checking Whilst education has been have needed to be relaxed In the Democratic in hours before departure, in the forefront of missions or changed in recent years, Republic of Congo many concern about charges and nationals have been which has given more missionaries owned a car or of overweight baggage, encouraged to pursue freedom to overseas workers. motorbike and utilized the security checks, and the higher levels of education, service of MAF or AIM Air wait inside immigration sadly in many countries Some of the obvious for travel to their outpost without seeing those who employment opportunities changes experienced over and to reach other areas. came to farewell you. for personnel with degrees the past 50 years have been The local people often The flight to the arrival has been limited. Some a shift from long-term benefited from and became destination would be workers expect — even missionaries to short-term dependent upon such within hours, with little demand — to be salaried at service. This does not transport. However, when time to adjust before a higher rate than the local mean less commitment on the missionaries withdrew getting involved in the new evangelist, which has caused the part of the short-term due to civil war and lack surroundings or working many conflicts. Many worker, but often this is of security, airstrips could again after furlough. nationals for economic governed by the limitation no longer be maintained, reasons seek employment of visas and family needs, vehicles were confiscated outside their country, and such as children’s education or sold to those who had Training thus those with leadership or ageing parents. One of money. National workers abilities have been lost to the many opportunities who previously depended The trail blazing the home country and to which is open to short- on flights or vehicular missionaries of the the ministries within the termers is teaching English, transport for outreach no mid-1800s (some were local church. whereby many otherwise longer had these available teenagers or older people) unreached people are and lacked funds to buy embarked on their lengthy hearing the gospel. or hire vehicles. Without journey like Abraham of Long-term and Short-term the expatriate missionary old, “going, not knowing and their resources the whither”. There was no Looking back, along with Expatriate and National local people often found it stipulated time frame my contemporaries having difficult to go beyond their — many never had a completed Bible college In the late 1960s there area. We know, however, furlough or returned to and linguistic training, we was an emphasis on the there are those who have their homeland, as so many believed the Lord had called Timothy principle of walked or ridden a bicycle succumbed to sickness and and led each one to serve training nationals. Some to continue their outreach death. Amazing stories are Him under the leadership fell into the trap of ‘either/ and ministry despite the told of those who went of a particular mission. It or’ — either we preach lack of the expatriate’s before — the difficulties, was under such an umbrella or we teach, when both vehicle or air service. sacrifices, loss of lives, that visas could be obtained were needed. Equipping
ServingTogetherDecember2016 13 There are now fewer recordings. With digital expatriates in many media there is the need for countries, the reasons being means of charging batteries. that in many instances Whilst it is true that many visas are limited, civil living in villages have access unrest prevents expatriates to mobile phones, the lack entering, or their presence of electricity or means for would endanger the regular charging of batteries nationals. Handing over poses a big problem. To use the responsibility of solar energy is dependent work established by a upon the sun to charge mission or missionary the battery. For many often means that funds non-readers, to find a are also withdrawn, or specific recorded program Acira off to distribute recordings nationals who have been on a digital player poses entrusted with finances, as another problem. Each in our western countries, communication medium sometimes mishandle or has a positive and negative just borrow without the side, and we need wisdom means to repay. This is to know how, when and why accountability is a with whom to use such pre-requisite, along with in ministry. regular auditing, for anyone handling finances. In our high tech, instant messaging age, as distinct from 1854 when Hudson Technology changes Taylor (the founder of China Inland Mission, Without a doubt the now Overseas Missionary Women with player face-to-face encounter Fellowship) wrote letters is the ideal means of that took two or even communication, but we four months to reach can’t underestimate the London, there is in most value and contribution areas ‘instant’ contact of the printed page and with updates and prayer audio-visual means of requests. Nowadays, when communication. Repetition emergencies arise, in being the mother of terms of health, security or learning, these other forms otherwise, most can reach a of communication provide facility or passage of safety for the message to be read, within hours or days. seen or heard over and Cassette players & Mp3 over again. In the past 50 years technology has made Open to change huge advances, and in the field of my involvement has For the most part of gone from 78 rpm records over 40 years my focus through to audio cassettes, was on recording gospel then to the digital age messages and Bible of CDs, Mp3 and more teaching programs in advanced technology. various languages, geared especially to non-readers. The focus of our In 1985, together with Julie involvement is on sharing Loudon, we set up an audio the Good News with non- ministry base in north-east readers and providing DR of Congo. In 2002 we Bible teaching for isolated were suddenly faced with Sponsored children believers by means of audio the challenge of providing 14 ServingTogetherDecember2016 humanitarian aid to a large Change or decay group of internally displaced people (IDPs) from the Overseas missionary base in Nyankunde, DR involvement has changed of Congo, where a horrific dramatically over the years, massacre took place. Over and as culture changes 900 people fled in just the we also need to be willing clothes they were wearing, to make changes which walking for 10 days to a are culturally relevant place of safety. We were and comply with the first asked to provide audio requirements laid out by recordings from the masters governments, agencies and which we had stored in even local churches, as we Kenya. The next request partner with and often need Maternity facility was to provide school to come under the direction fees for 300 children who of local authorities. Sadly, needed urgent help, having we see some churches and witnessed atrocities beyond organizations subscribe our understanding — these to the fact that “change were children with only and decay is in all around one parent or who were I see...”, but they are orphaned. reluctant to make changes, and so the decay is evident With the financial help because there is no change. of many Australians, land was eventually purchased for gardens and buildings Diaspora where there is a church (poorly constructed but As never before, there are Primary schools still functional). In the open doors and unlimited past few years two primary opportunities for reaching schools and a secondary out to ethnic language school have been built to groups who have come to accommodate 900 children. Australia. By no means is Additionally, there are a it an excuse for not going medical dispensary and overseas, but in God’s a maternity facility, all economy He is bringing staffed by local Congolese. many different ethnic groups The schools and medical to our country. Well might facilities are supervised by one ask what we and our local committees. churches, who have been entrusted with the message Through the generosity of of hope, forgiveness, peace, Pygmy children Australians, school teachers love and eternal life, are and medical staff have doing to reach out to these been partly supported. people. Many will be taking In addition, over 200 Christmas and Easter orphaned or needy children holidays, but have yet to are sponsored annually. learn the true meaning of We also have a project these events. in Pygmy villages where land has been purchased, Overseas mission fields have two schools have been come to our shores. We have built, and pygmy children all been commissioned to go now have an opportunity — here or overseas “there’s a for education. Teachers’ work which none but you can salaries come from do; when Jesus calls, can He Australians gifts. depend on you?” Noela recording for records ServingTogetherDecember2016 15 IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS NSW WOMEN’S MISSION CONVENTION 10 SEPTEMBER 2016 by Mandy Juraev
1 Thessalonians 5:18 in the missionary speakers who hope, joy and peace through thankful for, no matter King James Version reads, shared with us how they the Holy Spirit. Psalm 46 how small. “In every thing give thanks: have learned to be thankful reminds us that “God is our for this is the will of God in diverse circumstances. refuge and strength, an ever- Ros Baird has been working in Christ Jesus concerning present help in trouble” with her husband Steve you.” For many of us, this The afternoon began with and to “Be still, and know in Mindanao in the has been a familiar verse a keynote address from that I am God.” This is Philippines since 1997. since our childhoods. But Janice Collins who reminded why we can give thanks in Most recently, Ros has what does it really mean to us that Thessalonians was everything. been based in Brisbane give thanks in everything? written by Paul, a short- Our first missionary speaker while her daughter, Kaitlyn, What about when our term missionary, to the was Sharon Thomson who, completes her education, circumstances are difficult, Thessalonians, a church together with her husband and Steve travels back and even hostile? How can we which was faithful to John, works in computers forth to the Philippines be thankful for situations Christ in a hostile pagan and care-giving for Bible to support the small that are not as we would environment. She also translation with Wycliffe struggling church there. like them to be? pointed out that Paul Bible Translators in the They are thankful for himself suffered greatly for United States. Sharon the ease of international ‘In Everything Give the gospel (2 Corinthians shared with us her very travel and communication Thanks’ was the theme of 11:24-26). personal journey of learning in this day and age, but this year’s NSW Women’s thankfulness through caring also for doors opening for Mission Convention held Yet, “in everything give for her mother over the new outreach in nearby at Oatley Gospel Chapel thanks” does not only apply past five years. By keeping villages, the opportunity for on Saturday 10 September. to missionaries and suffering a regular Thankfulness local Christians to teach It was attended by around Christians. For all of us, Journal, Sharon has learned Scripture in local schools, 100 women from 18 intentional gratitude can that thankfulness lifts the and work teams from different churches, and be the antidote to fear and heaviness and there is Australia who have come to featured five different hostility, producing in us always something to be support them. 16 ServingTogetherJune2016December2016 Speakers (L-R): Ros, Luba, Janice, Sharon, Cherie
The next speaker, Cherie hands and feet of Jesus and integrity was tested and had been back in Australia Snellgrove, also works in to provide a loving Christian stretched at times, Luba only 10 days and shared a the Philippines with her family atmosphere for these shared her thankfulness for little of her journey, both husband Dave, but in an children where there is God’s answers to prayer outward and inward, as urban setting in Manila. always food, laughter, love in the development of a she and Andrew have been They have founded Safe and hugs. discipleship ministry among involved in mobilising and Haven, a community centre the young people of that equipping Christian youth and children’s home, which We then heard from Luba city. As Hudson Taylor said, to walk alongside those who provides temporary homes who has recently returned “When we work, we work. walk alone. She reminded for neglected, abandoned to Australia with her When we pray, God works.” us again from Psalm 146:7- and abused children. Cherie family after spending eight 10 of God’s heart for the testified to how good God is, years teaching English Finally, Janice shared with us marginalised and ended the even though it has not always to postgraduate students again how thankful she and day with the final words of been smooth and easy. She in a university where her her husband Andrew have that Psalm, a fitting end in is thankful that God called contract did not allow her been to be part of what God keeping with our theme them to the Philippines with to speak about religion is doing in Cambodia over of thankfulness: “Praise a sense of urgency, to be the or politics. Although her the past two years. Janice the Lord.”
ServingTogetherDecember2016 17 ENCOUNTER – SHORT-TERM MISSION by Keith & Bronwen Cruickshank
“My first encounter with short-term missions. cross-cultural mission work • encouraging participants was on a Short-Term and local churches to Mission Trip. Now I am become more Christ-like directly engaged in cross- and missional in their lives. cultural mission work for • providing a pathway at least six months a year.” to longer term mission Bob Allen service. • supporting missionaries GLO and AMT have by doing tasks they are launched the initiative unable to do. ‘Encounter – STM’, to • providing encouragement organise and promote Short both to missionaries Term Mission trips which and the people they are will commence in 2017. working with. Rosie Moore Encounter’s goals in STM include Encounter Co-ordinator Smithton, Rosie will teams, please contact Rosie • involving growing Encounter has enlisted the establish the central point for an application form numbers of people in help of Rosie Moore in the of communication and at encounterstm@gmail. short-term mission teams. role of STM Co-ordinator. co-ordination for all parties com or 0434 927 866. • providing effective Since 2013 Rosie has involved: the Encounter training and discipleship served as Office Manager Team, Team Leaders, Team STM Experiences so both senders and of the GLO Ministries Members, and STM Field Hannah Ellis receivers are seen as College at Smithton (Cross Leaders. I have been on quite a few valued participants in the Connect). short-term mission trips and process of mission. If you would like more each time I have learnt very • facilitating local churches While continuing with information, or would like different things. At first it was to plan and conduct her responsibilities at to apply to join one of the about seeing firsthand the 18 ServingTogetherDecember2016 Join a Team! Encounter Philippines 6-25 April Team Leader: Bob Allen This team will visit two bases in the Philippines, Catbalogan and Guiuan, where Bruce and Angela Jenyns and Paul and Gerrah Kulikovsky have been serving for many years. The team can take up to 10 team members aged 16 and above.
Encounter India 10-24 May Team Leader: Andrew Cowell The primary goal for the Encounter India Short- Term Mission Trip is to equip local church planters Encounter Philippines and evangelise university dramatic effects of poverty in many different ways, so be the Philippines as a GLO students. and experiencing what it prepared to be adaptable, to be student. To be honest, I felt is like to be in a totally challenged and to be changed. I wasn’t going to be very Encounter Spain different culture. The first useful while I was there; I 1-16 July few trips were so exciting James Lee didn’t think that I had a Team Leader: Trevor Allan and interesting, and a good STM is not just about the useful skill set. When we were Trevor and Manoli Allan opportunity to practise some experience of a new place, there we did a lot of talks, are AMT missionaries of my newly learnt ministry culture, language or food. It kids programs and walking who are involved in church skills. However, as I got a bit is also more than sharing our around handing out tracts. planting, pastoral care older and was considering ups and downs with others in Everything went really well and evangelism, and social work outreach in Galicia in mission work for myself, my our local church. To me it is but I still doubted why I was north-west Spain. Trevor focus changed to an interest in a combination of two things actually there. cultural and language barriers that I take great pleasure in: will organise the program travel and fellowship. It is the which may include working as well as struggles that One afternoon we had a street missionaries might face. combination of these two joys in a camp situation, program and walked around in my Christian life that makes participating in the telling people about Jesus. I believe that no matter what STMs so valuable. Even with activities of the AguaViva I had a few people come stage you are at in life, short- those who are so different in church, and walking parts up to me and question me term mission trips can be for their thinking and mannerisms, of the famous Camino de about the difference between you. If you are 17 and have we become one as we share our Santiago path to the shrine being brought up as I was no idea what is out there in faith in Christ. of James the apostle, where the big wide world then there and being a Christian who tradition has it that his is a lot for you to learn; if you This is what sticks with me followed Jesus. As a result remains are buried. are a young adult considering even many years after my of this conversation, I was mission work there are great last STM: a greater picture of able to tell them how we can Encounter Myanmar things for you to learn too. If the body of Christ. And this have a relationship with God. November you are older and wanting encourages me to look away At first I didn’t think I was Team Leader: Craig Stokes to understand what your from things of the world and going to be able to be used in Craig has led a number missionary friends are going instead look forward with any way; but the trip made of teams to support and through, then short-term urgency to God’s Kingdom. me realise that my Creator encourage workers in mission trips are for you. knows my strengths and my Myanmar who care for Whatever your reason for Jonathan Cassar weaknesses and is able to use about 100 young students going, God can teach you I wasn’t sure what to expect me accordingly. in two hostels. More many things and challenge you last year when I went to definite dates to be advised.
ServingTogetherDecember2016 19 Consider “Working Together” with Stewards when “CROSS-CULTURAL your church has financial needs. WORLD VIEW RESOURCES”
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20 ServingTogetherDecember2016 CAN YOU HELP AMT? Mueller College of Ministries AMT has a missionary villa next to the office in Holland Park West. We are looking Theological Education Enquiries: Phone (07) 3897 2706 for energetic individuals and church groups Email: [email protected] who are willing and able to help on a www.mcm.qld.edu.au rostered basis to clean the unit as required. As the unit is rented on a variable basis, 75 Morris Road Rothwell Qld 4022 you will be notified in advance when your services will be required. If you can help please call Debbie on 07 3219 1800. educate . equip . enrich WOULD YOU Mueller CollegeVision Statement: of Ministries LIKE TO WRITE Serving and honouring the Lord Jesus Christ by serving our senior citizens. We provide, at three complexes on Brisbane’s southside (The Plains, Eight Mile TheologicalPlains; Beth Eden Education, Graceville; and Janoah Gardens, Manly West), the full spectrum FOR SERVING Enquiries: Phone (07) 3897 2706 of accommodation and residential care services for seniors, embracing:
Independent Living Units – 1-, 2- and 3-bedroomEmail: [email protected] TOGETHER? Serviced Apartments – 1-bedroom, with meals, www.mcm.qld.edu.au once-per-week cleaning and flat-linen laundry provided Are you passionate about mission? Residential Aged Care - low care, high care, respite75 care Morris and dementia Road care. Rothwell Qld 4022 Have you had a short-term mission Telephone: 07 3737 5000 experience you would like to share? Website: www.bethanycc.org.au Or years of long-term mission educate . equip . enrich experience on which you have been EMMAUS reminiscing? AMT is always looking BIBLE COLLEGE for fresh articles we can include in the magazine, so if you can write 500-1500 words, and have good Ignite your passion... photos to complement the text, we would love to hear from you! Mueller Collegestudy of Ministries @ emmaus Please email Andrew: [email protected] Theological Education Enquiries: Phone (07) 3897 Emmaus2706 is Member Institution of the CRICOS Approved for International Students - CRICOS Code: 02948J 82 Waterloo Road Macquarie Park NSWEmail: 2113 [email protected] +61 2 9876 4370 [email protected] EmmausCollegewww.mcm.qld.edu.au
[email protected] www.emmaus.edu.au and teach their Awards. 75 Morris Road Rothwell Qld 4022 ServingTogetherDecember2016 21 educate . equip . enrich
Mueller College of Ministries
Theological Education Enquiries: Phone (07) 3897 2706 Email: [email protected] www.mcm.qld.edu.au
75 Morris Road Rothwell Qld 4022
educate . equip . enrich DONALD CLIVE ADAMS 25 August 1930 to 25 September 2016
MV Doulos After finishing elementary school at Holland Park could help fund a church building for a church State School, Don attended Industrial High. His plant in Chirrakakod. brother Allan got him a job in the Evans Deacon drafting office, but Don hated being cooped In 1966 Don met an OM team in India, and up indoors and begged for another job. He got their prayer life, love for Jesus, and enthusiasm an apprenticeship with Jorgensen’s Electrical for reaching out to people forged a deep bond Contractors. Once he got his ticket as an between Don and members of OM. In 1972 the Electrical Fitter and Mechanic, he started his own first OM ship Logos visited India, and Don was contracting business at 19. At first he had to get enthusiastic in helping to work with OM teams, around with his ladders on a cycle, but later was then and in following years. able to buy a blue Austin A40 utility. In 1976 Don and Mavis and their children (Brian, Don loved working hard, he loved contracting, Kathryn, Robert and Keith) returned to Brisbane. and he loved being involved in camps. More Don went back to India to try and keep his visa, importantly he loved people and helping people. but had to fly back to Australia after a few months Over the years he invested enormous amounts of after suffering a heart attack. time and energy in helping and encouraging those Back in Brisbane Don built a home for the family, he met. big enough to hold meetings underneath, and In October 1955, Mavis Smith went to India as held Bible studies in his ministry of encouraging a missionary nurse. While Don had been friends young people to get to know Jesus and follow with the Smiths for 10 years, somehow Mavis had Him at all costs. He continued his extensive never come to his attention. But, as she prepared ministry of itinerant preaching. No congregation to leave Brisbane, he met her at ECM and then was too small or too far up-country for him to go at his sister Esme’s wedding, as Esme had asked and encourage them. Donald Clive Adams was born on Monday 25 Mavis to be one of her bridesmaids, and paired The OM office shifted from Sydney to Brisbane August 1930 to John and Elsie Adams at Wylma her with Don as one of the groomsmen. Street, Coorparoo, now Holland Park. and moved in under the house, and Don threw As Mavis left for India, Don began to panic and himself into that ministry as well, forging links John and Elsie had eight children. Jack, Allan, felt that he may have missed his opportunity. He with a new generation of OMers from Australia. Marjorie, Kevin, Merle, Valda, Donald and wrote to Mavis and showed the letter to Mavis’ Don became a marriage celebrant, and worked Esme. John was a station master, and the large mother, who told him he had better get the letter hard at that, encouraging young people in their Adams family didn’t have much during the great into the post. Don and Mavis conducted their marriage relationships. depression, often making do with little as most entire courtship through the post. In December people did through those years. 1958 Mavis left India and returned to marry Don As Don and Mavis aged, things began to catch up with him. The house at 32 Keats Street was sold Don was a risk taker from the beginning, but not on 21 February 1959. On 12 June that year they in June 2012 so they could move into The Plains so much after he had children of his own. He boarded the ship for India and began a new life as Retirement Village, and in December 2015 Don once complained that his elder brothers were a missionary couple. moved into care. allowed to do anything, but when he wanted to go They settled in Irinjalakuda in Kerala and began and chop down trees his Dad wouldn’t allow it. to care for the boys in the orphanage established On Monday evening, 19 September, Don had a The older Adams children started attending the by early German missionaries. Don always seizure and was taken to hospital. He stopped Coorparoo Gospel Hall, and Don went with them. regretted delaying three years to follow God’s call responding to treatment, and apart from speaking He was 13 when he gave his life to Jesus in Eric to India, as he never achieved the mastery of the briefly with Mavis once, was unconscious until Hudson’s Bible class, and he followed Jesus at Malayalam language that Mavis did. But he loved he was called home to the presence of Jesus on 110% all his life. Don then joined the folk from those boys, and they loved him right back. Many Sunday 25 September 2016. Coorparoo who went to start the Holland Park of them have adopted him as their Dad, giving In his later years Don struggled with his health, Gospel Hall on Nursery Road, and was a member themselves the surname ‘Adams’ in honour of and even his faith. He of all people was most there till it closed in October 2006. Don and Mavis. conscious of his own failings. He once said that In his teens Don attended a camp at CYC Don worked together with a number of Indian if anyone were to criticise him, his answer would in Burleigh, and it was there he met Brian brothers, starting camps as a way of discipling have to be that they didn’t even know the half Smith, who recalls playing cricket with him and training young men. He met a number of it. In the end, his hope was only in Jesus in about 1944. That was the beginning of a of students attending the local university in who never failed him. His memorial is not in long relationship with the Smith family, and an Irinjalakuda, and had Bible studies with them, any organisation, but the massive investment in enthusiastic interest in CYC and camp ministry for leading them to the Lord. He preached widely, and the lives of people that God in His grace made most of Don’s life. once sold the family fridge so that the proceeds through Don.
22 ServingTogetherDecember2016 KeepingTRACK I DECEMBER 2016
DEPARTURES ARRIVALS ALLEN Trevor & Manoli, January 2017 REED Richard & Rachel, 21 December 2016 BAKER Woody & Bev, January 2017 STEVENSON Janine, late November 2016 HOWELLS Paul & Debbie, December 30 2016 (to USA then Philippines) RONALDS Mark & Alex, January 2017
THOSE CURRENTLY ON HOME ASSIGNMENT IN AUSTRALIA COLLINS Andrew & Janice, [email protected] THOMSON John & Sharon, [email protected] YEOH Seng Hock & Luba, [email protected]
THOSE CURRENTLY BASED IN AUSTRALIA WHILE SUPPORTING THEIR EXISTING MINISTRY OVERSEAS BADCOCK Jan, [email protected] FILMER Leigh & Tamara, [email protected] (on study leave) KULIKOVSKY Paul & Gerrah, [email protected] LOADER Les & Kay, [email protected] PYATT Simon & Anni, [email protected] (based in New Zealand)
SHORT TERM WORKERS Name Commending Assembly Ministry & Location Time Away Gordon & Ruth Harriott Faith Community Church (Buderim) Transform the Nations; Myanmar July 2016-2017
ServingTogetherDecember2016 23 These extracts from recent letters and reports from missionaries are printed in the order in which their names appear in the AMT Daily Prayer Guide
PREPARING FOR TRANSITION again encouraged. The coffee harvest is in process so the town Richard and Rachel Reed, Zambia was overrun with people on Saturday. We would ask you to continue to pray for Santiago and Mayerley, as well as Angel There’s no doubt that packing and Sara. Also for Libardo and Gloria — Libardo has been up is hard, and many days recently diagnosed with bowel cancer. we feel like we ought to be staying on at Kalene rather than Back here in Tulua we continue to see God at work. There are heading to Australia in just seventy days. Fourteen years of new people at almost every meeting. In all our time here we heavy involvement in a mission hospital results in a feeling have never had so many people from other churches turning of ownership, and it becomes an exercise of the will to up. There seems to be a thirst for simple down-to-earth acknowledge that this is God’s work and we are simply passing Christianity. Nothing of pomp and ceremony with gimmicks. through. Of course we don’t intend to leave and never be heard People are looking for Bible-believing Christians who teach of again; rather, we hope to be raising awareness and support the Bible. for those who will continue on at Kalene. On Sunday we will celebrate three more baptisms. A young There are many plans for future projects and improvements, but fellow who works in the police force has been wanting to all require funding and capable people in place to see them come be baptised, but couldn’t get time off in the last baptisms. to fruition. This includes a complete demolition and rebuild of He has a week’s leave, so we will baptise him on Sunday the maternity unit (in stages, with stage one already underway); a evening along with another elderly couple who have been new kitchen/food store block; construction of an administration attending. They have been believers for over 20 years, but the block; and the continual addition of new staff houses. congregation they were going to didn’t place a great deal of importance in baptism. As Kalene Mission Hospital makes plans for future sustainability, staffing needs have arisen in several areas, including accounts, Samuel and Alissa were finally able to get their car released pharmacy, nursing/midwifery, medicine/surgery, maintenance, this week. The father of the girl in the accident wouldn’t senior management and hospitality. Please pray with us as the reconcile with them, so instead took the case to the courts. current management team continues to search for the right That meant that Samuel and Alissa had to get several people to fill these positions and continue a long tradition of documents together to get their car released. The Court compassionate, Christ-centred medical mission. only releases vehicles on Wednesday so their car ended up being impounded until they got everything together, which If God allows, we hope to visit Kalene during the coming years included a trip to Cali. Late Wednesday afternoon Samuel got — and possibly even return sometime in the future once all the order from the Judge to release the vehicle, and then on our children have launched into adulthood. Please pray with us Thursday morning he was able to get it out. The girl wants that we will be wise and supportive in our future involvement her motorbike like new, so please pray for a fair settlement. with Kalene, and that God will graciously supply the personnel needed to continue His work of healing both bodies and souls. Most of you will have heard of the referendum held here last weekend to vote for the peace agreement between the government and one of the rebel groups. To the surprise of both GOD IS OVER ALL camps, the majority voted against it. The Yes vote was defeated Byron and Lyn Johannesen, Colombia by a mere 0.6 percent of the vote. There is anger from one half of the population and rejoicing from the other, but it appears We have a great God Who both sides are now scrambling to put together a plan B. It is over all things. There is seems the No side didn’t think they were going to win and the nothing hidden from His sight. Yes side didn't think they were going to lose. God is an expert at bringing man’s plans to nothing. Some are saying that the Since we last wrote, we visited Acevedo. We had a good trip Christian church had a big part to play in the No vote as they both ways. The road was even worse this time, so that meant were completely ignored in any of the peace talks, while most taking it steady. We had a good time out there and were once other fringe groups were included and their anti-God agendas 24 ServingTogetherDecember2016 were received with open arms in the peace deal. God is real. Next year it will be 10 years since we saw God overcome impossible odds to allow us to buy this overgrown To top it all off, our President received the Nobel Peace Prize ruin and slowly turn it into a home and a quiet place of and some lawyers have sought to have the No vote leaders refuge from the hustle and bustle around us. It is the longest charged for ‘fraud for promoting the No vote’. I have ever lived in one house or place in my life, so Chiang Mai is very much home at this time for me, but more so for It’s a great thing to know that we have an inheritance that Mitchell and Songkran who were born here. awaits us in Heaven. I have just finished writing an email to a missionary wife who is learning Northern Thai and has made friends with a group A GOOD FURLOUGH of Northern Thai ladies that meet for drinks every Friday. Liz Pfeifer, Philippines None of them understand anything about Christianity or are really interested, but they like telling stories. So she asked I’m writing this update a few days them whether Songkran could come and tell them stories before the end of my furlough, from the Bible and they agreed. Songkran had an interesting surrounded by half-packed time last week telling the first of seven stories from the life suitcases. My emotions are mixed — of Joseph. The ladies have asked Songkran to come again I’m going to miss family and friends next week, which is the best possible outcome, and if they when I leave Australia, but I’m also remain interested then we have many stories that all join looking forward to returning to the together and follow the great story in the Bible right through Philippines and seeing friends there. to Jesus’ return. As she tells the stories she can ask questions and check what they really understand, and that helps us to Wycliffe Australia offers a sabbatical to long-term members make sure it is consistent with the meaning in the Bible and for the purpose of personal enrichment, spiritual and physical we can make changes when needed. We have been praying restoration. I was able to include a 12-week sabbatical during for years for an opportunity like this and we are excited that the middle of this furlough. As someone who doesn’t find God has being working away to make this happen. relaxing easy, taking such a long period away from ‘work’ was a challenge, but I also discovered the importance of including This weekend Songkran won’t have a chance to go as we will moments of rest in the midst of ministry. be going three hours north to celebrate the 20th anniversary of a Christian mission that has served the poorest of the I spent about half of the sabbatical in New Zealand — rural poor in many ways, and especially in agriculture. I have spending time with friends, having some personal debriefing, had the privileged to work alongside them off and on over spending time at a retreat centre, and also travelling around the years. Most of the staff themselves come from the same both islands enjoying God’s wonderful creation. villages they serve and it’s very humbling to see how they serve God with so little themselves. I am looking forward The months before and after the sabbatical included sharing to catching up with friends and celebrating village style, with individuals, groups and churches about my ministry. with freshly killed village pigs and chickens plus exotic spicy I have also provided some computer support for Wycliffe dishes served with mountain rice. Australia and continued some involvement with SIL in Asia. The missionary that started the ministry left to serve other It’s been a good furlough and I’m feeling refreshed and people in other countries about four years ago. He was a ready to return to serve in computer support/training in Asia. good mate and I am looking forward to a good catch-up While some aspects of the role remain the same, I do expect as he is coming back especially for the event. Making good to have less involvement with day-to-day computer support friends can be hard as people come and go for all sorts of requests. My time will be spent connecting with staff to reasons, and this is one of the downsides of living here. determine their needs and the best way to meet these needs. God has been good in bringing a new circle of expat friends There will also be involvement with projects as needed. through Mitchell’s school, and there is one guy from QLD in particular who is great value and we yarn away about all Thanks for your prayers, support and encouragement. sorts of things, including sport. It is a great blessing to me even if it is a great mystery to the Thai Mums who can’t figure out what we could possibly be talking about. GOD’S AT WORK IN THE SMALL THINGS OF LIFE Scott and Songkran Breaden, Thailand Mitchell has just had two weeks of school holidays and will go back tomorrow, and we will be in the normal routine of It’s early in the morning here, the taking turns to take him to and from school through the ever air is clear and cool, there is a increasing traffic, which is worse when it rains. Now that symphony of birdsong punctuated the wet season’s ending and the cool season’s coming, the by the determined crowing of roosters. morning run to school on the motorbike will be chilly with From the sounds outside we could be thick coats, but the afternoon pick-up will be beautiful instead on a farm or a small village instead of of baking hot and smoky as it is for the rest of the year. the second largest city in Thailand, and for me this connection to the ‘bush’ is a daily reminder that We regularly thank God for protection while riding the ServingTogetherDecember2016 25 motorbike, as on average there’s about one motorbike death a co-workers, Acira and Berocan, returned alone in July to DRC day here in the city, and on most weeks we can see some kind after time spent with us in Uganda, as we couldn’t get visas for of accident as we go about our normal routine. We thank God entry into NE DRC. for so much that He has given us and for the team of people with whom we work. We see God at work changing people’s The first killings were very close to the area where the sponsored lives one small step at a time, and making a difference in the children live and the property where the school, health facility world in the same way. In what God has called us to do here and church are located. Acira and his wife Berocan fled their we don’t see much that is spectacular, but we see many small home during the evening hours, along with many others. Rebel things, and for some reason it is deeply satisfying to see God attacks take place in the darkness of night hours and often working His will out through the ordinary things of life. people gather together in one place for safety. The following weekend it was estimated at least 80 civilians were brutally killed with machetes, and the fact that the killers got past military TRUST THE PLANNER checkpoints is causing huge suspicion. Three days of national Roger and Lisa Cowan, Specialists mourning were declared by the government, and student groups issued a three-day ultimatum to the UN to leave the country as We have been in Perth for “it had proved useless and negligent to protect civilians”. It has 2½ years, pastorally caring been estimated that from October 2014, and not taking into for Aussies serving in SE account recent killings, that at least 1,120 people have been killed Asia. Pioneers has formed a new in this area, another 1,500 abducted, and more than 34,000 partnership with MAF in Arnhem Land, so we have a few families forcibly displaced. The cases of sexual violence against new teams that have come under our care. It is our desire to women and children could not be counted. see God’s servants thrive while overseas, even when they are suffering. Often God uses what He is doing in our own lives It is in this context that Noela Elvery and I feel the need to to challenge others. Paul teaches this truth in II Corinthians continue with the work started after the Nyankunde massacre 1:4 that God ‘comforts us in all our affliction, so that we in 2002. There are nearly 900 children enrolled in the Manzali may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with schools, with over 220 orphaned and displaced children the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.’ sponsored by Australians. We can help significantly with administration while in Australia. The financial support from We have been challenged lately about ‘how’ we trust God. sponsors allows children to attend the school and helps pay wages We find that we often get through difficult circumstances by for teachers who don’t receive anything from the government saying that God has a plan, He has a purpose. (Which is true!) unless schools are registered — and registration is a very, very We quote Romans 8:28 to remind people that God is working long procedure. The medical clinic operates at a loss, and we all things together for our good. There is an overarching plan. continue to pay the wages of staff who courageously work in this However, we feel like we are often getting through these trials difficult environment. Those who can pay for treatment are asked by putting our trust in God’s ‘plan’ and ‘purpose’ instead of to do so of course, but we don’t want anyone dying because God Himself. Do we just encourage others and ourselves they lacked money to pay for life-saving medicine. A number with the idea of God’s plan instead of reminding them of of Pygmies also camp on the outskirts of the school property Who God is, which includes all of His character? His steadfast and, along with sponsored children, do not pay for their medical love, His mercy, His goodness, His holiness, His fatherly love, treatment. The maternity staff continue to save many lives. His faithfulness? We don’t want to just trust the plan but the Planner and the Purposer. We are still trying to understand It is very important in such an environment for children to have how we are to practically put that into place. And, of course, some sort of security, the opportunity of a Christian education, part of His plan and purpose is verse 29 of Romans 8. It is food, clothing and a place to sleep. As you can imagine, there we who are being conformed to the image of His Son. That is was much to discuss with our friends as we met in Uganda in part of His plan, and it usually takes pruning, trials, weakness June — four co-workers from DRC and two long time friends and suffering to bring it about. As we have been learning these from Kenya (one living in Nairobi as a displaced person and truths for ourselves, we are trying to spur God’s servants to married to a Kenyan). It is true that some of the happenings keep put their full trust in the Planner! us awake at night, but we have a bed to sleep in and food to eat. Acira and Berocan, in particular, need our prayers — they do not need to live in this area as they come from another language INSTABILITY IN DR CONGO group. However, they choose to do so and serve God and their Julie Loudon, Specialist people with incredible courage and faith in extremely difficult circumstances. They believe, as we do, that God is sovereign The Ituri Region in the North and nothing happens without His direction or permission. I well Eastern-Kivu Province of Democratic remember the last time we sang together at Nyankunde before Republic of Congo has been the focus the tragic events of 2002: “Father I place into Your hands the of ‘ethnic cleansing’ for years and civilian things I cannot do, Father I place into Your hands the things that desperation is increasing. Sadly, women I’ve been through, Father I place into Your hands the way that and children have been the target of many I should go — For I know I always can trust You.” We re-echo attacks, and if they survive women are left these same truths with our Congolese friends during this ongoing traumatised, terrified, often maimed and no longer wanted by instability and continual warfare. We have a responsibility to help their husbands. The latest attacks occurred after our friends and where we can and especially to PRAY. 26 ServingTogetherDecember2016 NOTICE OF MEETINGS UPDATES NSW (Regional) CORRIMAL C A, 59 Collins St, 11.00; (5.00); 6.00 Doug Baly, 2 Kulgoa Rd, WOONONA NSW 2517, 0408 262 447, [email protected]
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