...... : ...... ' :· ·::·· :: ...... :: .. : ·:· ;· :: . ':· _: .. ::::., .:·: :::.;: ;:; ,'' ...... ··...... :··.f· .... :: .·::.:·: ., ..... ' 28:19 ACTION TEAMS AND : '. CHANGED ··.· LIVES . :
FROM ISOLATION TO RECONCILI ATION
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------··- ~ ~--- ~ YOUNG ... :· .. · ZAIRIAN .· ·· . REFUGEES . : : SPEAK OUT! : · ~~------..;.------PL-US rx:::::>-u:BI E TAI C H E R A L D IT TOTALLY CHANGED MY LIFE! Clare Hutt's experience of a 28:19 Action Team in Jamaica ...... 3 NOW I KNOW WHERE I'M GOING! From the streets to security - a story of a young man's journey ...... 4 Cover. Carey the Android from the LOUD Tour, WELCOMING PEOPLE IN 0 1992. The tour arranged by Co,mmunity life in Li/le ...... 6 BMS with the Oasis Trust, challenged young people YOUNG, GIFTED AND OVER THERE about world mission. It was John Passmore on the 28:19 Action Team Programme ...... 7 seen by over 6,000 people, many of whom made a 28:19 REFLECTIONS TWO YEARS ON commitment to get involved Keith Holmes explores the questions raised by his experience ...... 9 N in God's mission of love to the world. DOUBLETAKE Our pull-out section on Young People and missi ON TO A WINNER T Helen Matthews looks at the impact of 28:19 Teams on UK churches ...... 15 PLEASE STOP HELPING THE PRESIDENT Two young Zairian refugees to London share their concerns ...... 1 6 CALL TO PRAYER Updating the Prayer Guide ...... 1 8 E FUND FOR THE FUTURE Finding a visio n ...... 19 IN VIEW News and Views ...... 2 0 XPECTATIONS AND XPEIUENCES N Steve Holloway, presenter of XPECT, the youth video, on mission ...... 22 MAKING WAVES 23 lain Hoskins, Baptist Union of Great Britain Youth Officer, speaks out...... 23 The BMS shares in mission with: Albania France Nicaragua Angola Hungary T HERALD PRICES MADE Sri Lanka Bangladesh India Thailand Belgium CLEAR! You will by now know that the Indonesia Trinidad Brazil Jamaica Zaire Herald increased in price to 35p £1Salvador Bulgaria Nepal £1Sa lvador Zimbarbwe a copy this year. We realise that whilst we told Church Magazine Secretaries of the changes, we didn't tell you the reader! So, to clear up any confusion, here is the scale of prices of Herald subscriptions for 1993. s BULK CHURCH ORDERS If you order the Herald through your Church Magazine Secretary, the cost of a year's subscription (which is ten issues) is £3.50. INDIVIDUAL ORDERS If you order the Herald directly from BMS, you also pay for postage and packing and the cost of a year's subscription (which is ten issues) is £7.10. April 93 ll]ERALD BAPTIST THEOL □mcA, ~r:~~,Mt'\RY LIRR/IP Action Teams GHtl;)i, .. ·- ! RECEIVED APR O 8 1993 nu aoseHUKON SW!IZIBLA~O " -i:e next century of mission is now." So states Lois McKinney writing in the current issue of Missiology: An International Review. She believes that "missionaries in the 21 st century are not far off creatures from outer space who will someday inhabit our planet. They are today's children from around the world who are learning about missions in church education pro grammes." She is right. That's why this month we devote our pages almost exclusively to young people in mission. A large number of 20th century BMS mission aries were inspired and recruited through BMS student through 28:19 Action Teams Summer Schools. Many of the "enthusiasts" for · mission on the General Committee and in our churches also caught the "mission bug" at IT TOTALLY CHANGED Summer School. But that was yesterday. The MY LIFE! Schools lost their popularity in the early '80s and we have had to find something new to replace Clare Hutt went to Jamaica in 1990 as part of the 'pioneering' them. 28:19 Action Team. She is now studying Divinity at Aberdeen University. Young people were drawn in large numbers to the 28:19 and LOUD tours designed particularly Looking back I can see how the 28:19 experience has for today's youth. During both tours they were totally changed the direction of my life. Firstly in terms of challenged to think about the future of their lives career - from doctor to divinity student! The experience of and their Christian commitment. The response studying at the Department of Mission at Selly Oak Colleges, Birmingham, before going to Jamaica, provoked was tremendous. A large number of enquiries a lot of questions and challenged me to take this study were received about Christian service at home further - hence I'm here now and really enjoying grappling and overseas. with those questions and a host of others. The 28:19 Action Teams grew directly out of I am particularly keen to study missiology further and the first tour. Already many young people have looking at Liberation Theology raises the very questions of how we study theology at all - how much does our received a "taste" of mission overseas, some for tradition influence our thinking? What insights of faith six months and others as part of summer teams. can we learn from the world-wide church. Anyway all this The experience has changed them. "I shall never has led me on to spend next year at the Baptist Theological be the same again," is the most frequent com Seminary in Switzerland. I never knew I'd have the ment we receive. Some of them will eventually confidence but can't wait to study in a more international ■ environment. offer for longer term missionary service. Most of What about when I finish studying? Well the idea of the others will spend a lifetime feeding back further overseas work is a real possibility. It may be a their world church experiences and their mis scary prospect but as I have more and more contact with sionary enthusiasm into local Baptist people from different cultures, I feel God is really speaking churches. to me. My time in Jamaica has given me the courage to face "The next century of mission is now." What God with the hard questions of life and death, and to young people discover about the world church realise the closeness of Bis presence working in the world. today is crucial as we move towards 2001 and I returned from Jamaica very fired up with concern for beyond. April 93 ll]ERALD Jamaica social and environ lifestyle. mental issues, I have a real concern for the realising that our world-wide church but realise lifestyle is also part how little I appreciate the of our Christian situation in other countries yet am eager to learn more of the experience of Christians across the world. to live with but gradually that energy "My time in Jamaica has given me the has been channelled courage to face God with the hard into my own lifestyle and into raising some of questions of life ... and death." these issues in the University. The Gospel is spiritual, freeing individuals, but it is also social, Street affecting the outreach from Li/le Baptist Church, France dimensions of our socio-political system. That we can be used here and now by God in His work of building his Kingdom is mind-blowing and exciting. Looking back sharing NOWII with the Jamaican congregations gave me a real sense of the dynamism and vitality of the Christian faith. It's easy to forget the harder WHERE 1'1 times whilst on the 28:19 Team but they were all very character building situations to learn from. by Jean-Luc Malotte Jean-Luc My experiences have opened up knew isolation and struggle many opportunities such as through living on the streets of working in America with economi Lille, France. Last year he found a cally disadvantaged children and new life. now as a community worker II running an after school club on KNEW AT the age of 13 that one of the local estates. my parents were not my real The six of us are still good parents. I felt so confused! friends (believe it or not) and it's IMy brother and sister told me great to be able to meet up and what they had endured before the still feel that team support and three of us were placed. I was six encouragement. months old and they were several Jamaica now seems a very long years older. way away and its hard to evaluate In a little village in the Pas-de how it has changed me - perhaps Calais, our family was quickly you need to ask that question to picked out by the neighbours and the people that know me and my social workers. Our parents were April 93 [l]E RALD France After three months, I became aware of some petty drug trafficking in the restaurant and I got involved. I served the customers and smoked my hash behind the kitchen. The chief cook was the general dealer and the owner injected herself with heroin. When I finished work, sometimes at one o'clock in the morning, I was in a sorry state! One day, I chucked it all in, walked out and went off to see what was happening in Lille. It was November 1991. I stayed for one week in a hostel ... and I said to myself: "Better the slave-galley than the hostels!" I quickly joined a gang of drop-outs who hung around the station. About a dozen of us squatted in an apartment close to the Commercial Market. We ate what we'd succeeded in nicking from the supermarkets. We got high on hash or shoot (heroin), according to our finances, by the light of a candle and we curled up on our mattresses. One evening, someone turned up with a stolen car. We filled it up by siphoning petrol from another car and went for a ride, which ended up .... in the police station. I was high and row trembling. After raiding our squat, they released those who, like me, had no drugs or arms on them. Our squat had been bricked up, but our gang found another one a v1 GOING! little further away. I had become familiar with "Abej-Solidarits" (the social drunk day and night and the with my new parents and their ministry of Lille Baptist Church) atmosphere at home was bad. I three boys. However, in 1986 - I and one day, I thought, "I've just cried and yelled in a corner was 15 years old - I lost my about had enough. Before it turns because of noise and hunger; my adoptive father. ... and I lost my bad, I want to settle down and brother and sister were beaten by head! I dropped out of school and make something of my life." I my parents who were aggressive started to hang around the bistros asked the Abej team for help and through alcohol. One day, a with my mates. I gave a lot of they suggested to me that I should neighbour, cheesed off with all the grief to my foster mother who be looked after at "!'Alliance", ■ yelling, got in touch with the resigned herself to appealing to an one of the places of community police. All three of us were placed educator. I was placed in the life of "la Communaut de la with other families by the Social home of a Belgian where they Reconciliation" (Community of Services. I was six months old, tried to make me study using Reconciliation). I arrived there on puny and closely watched over by every trick in the book. 5 January 1992, ready to a doctor. Impossible! Nothing could be get out again if it What I had heard about my done! I no longer wanted to! In real parents didn't make me want the end, I found work in catering. to know them. On the contrary, I lived in an apartment with two everything had gone very well or three friends. April 93 ll]ERALD France resembled a "home" .... When I take stock, I can say that this stage of my life was an incredible chance. In April, it was possible for me to be taken on as a 28:19 kitchen hand at the Sernam. I Action work in the self-service, preparing Team working in the dishes, doing the washing-up, Litle, cleaning the cookers. The France atmosphere is good and I hope that I shall be kept on permanently. I am, little by little, letting myself be tamed by this WELCOMING PEOPLE IN community and learning about life full of faith in God. A 28:19 Action Team is currently community day in day out with However, I almost spoiled it all by several relapses. My problem? helping the community in Lille. those welcomed in from off the A desire to steal money and to This is how the Team members streets is hard. It demands a lot blow it immediately! The past leaves its mark. One day I took feel about it. of time spent looking after them, advantage of the growing trust in being patient, and usually not me and I forced open a drawer Community life is all about seeing many positive results as where I thought I might find some money. I was suspected of doing sharing Jesus' love practically people do not change overnight. it. I denied it ... but was even so with others, and therefore one of For example, Monsieur given several days to reflect on it ... outside of the Community. I spent the most important aspects of Jean has been living in La Corde several terrible nights in a squat, the community life here is for a year now, whereas before near the Porte d' Arras, haunted by the knives and syringes of those welcoming in the homeless, the he was an alcoholic on the who, by force of circumstances, I less fortunate, drug addicts, ex streets for 15 years. He still found myself among once again. It prisoners, etc., from Lille. drinks and begs and when he was a great shock. Looked after anew at l' Alliance, I became very Through this they are able to returns home drunk it is very keen on honesty. I even made sure offer these people not just a roof hard to see what has changed. my Metro tickets were punched. I over their heads, but also the However, I think that we've am not going back~!I am happy to commit -t.,_, chance to be part of a family learnt so much more about the my life to the again. importance of every life from Lord and to see what He will do Living here now, we are living in the community and that with it. able to see the end results of where people are suffering and Another thing: the reunions with my brother Joel. The last people who have been helped by broken we need to learn to keep time I'd seen him was when I was the community. Mustapha who on giving and forgiving however six months old. We described ourselves over the telephone and lived at La Corde last year spent frustrating it seems at times. arranged to meet at the station. six months in prison two years "Now then, is it you, my back due to stealing. The brother?" we both said simultane ously. He showed me photographs Mustapha you talk to now is a of my real mother, of my sister's very different man from the drug wedding, etc ... Briefly, I understood better from where I addict that he describes in his came, but I know even more testimony. where I am going! Seeing how the community really does help those in need is from Vivre Ensemble, the magazine of the Community of Reconciliation. exciting, but for us, living in the April 93 ll]ERALD Action T earns John Passmore, 28:19 Action Programme Co-ordinator continues for those above the age range or for those who wish to work as individuals. YOU G What do the Teams actually do? This ranges from helping build a house in favelas in Brazil to GIFTEDAND working in the Neurology Department Library of a hospital in India; from teaching in a school for missionaries' children in Asia OVERTHERE to helping those who have For three years, the 28:19 Action Team Programme has thrown young people in at the deep end of world mission. The scheme raises questions. Can young people contribute anything? Are young people too green to make a good impact? What do young people get from their experience? Is it worth education or employment. They dropped out of formal education the money? had no particular qualifications or in Jamaica to read and write; from Here, Johh Passmore, the 28:19 training but were enthusiastic about producing radio programmes for a their faith and had energy to offer local Christian radio station to Action Team Co-ordinator, reflects on to the task of mission. digging a baptistry; from working how ahd why the scheme came about The 28:19 Action Programme in a Centre for the Rehabilitation and on its future. was designed to provide a vehicle of Paraplegics to joining an evan for these young people to become gelistic team at the Winter involved in mission and work in an Olympics; from typing reports in overseas situation for a period of an office ,and ea taloguing the Why did the Action Team Programme six months. archives to working on the streets come about? of a city with alcoholics and drug There were always a number of people in Who applies to be on a team? abusers. ■ the 18 to 21 age range asking if there were This scheme has been running for opportunities to work overseas. Then the three years and the majority of What is the benefit of the 28:19 Tour with Steve Chalke and Martyn people on the teams are taking a scheme? Joseph challenged many young people to year out between school and For many of the young people this get involved in world mission. college. Some have finished further will be their one opportunity to be We realised that our existing volunteer studies or even given up jobs to join involved first-hand with an scheme only catered for those who had the teams. overseas church. Yet there are some skill or expertise to offer whereas the The age range is from 18 to 25 others who are maintaining the majority of those applying were taking a years old. That may seem narrow link with the country they visited year out between school and further but the existing volunteer scheme and are planning to go back again April 93 ll]ERALD Action Teams for short visits. return as changed people a good balance between For some it has meant changing following their experience with supervision and allowing the the course of study they had the partner church and they are young people a free hand to previously planned and they're now better able to understand express themselves. now training with a view to what it means to be a follower of 1 further missionary service. Christ. What about the money Six months is a short time and involved? Is the Programme that is recognised both by the How is team preparation cost effective? volunteers and their host organised? The 28:19 Action Programme is countries. Yet it would be unfair The young people come together not cheap for the BMS. Although to say that the young people are for one month of training and the young people make a contribu not able to make any contribution preparation before they leave. tion to cover their travel and during that time. Even in They learn to work together as a training the BMS is responsible for countries where volunteers have team and are given resources to their accommodation and living had to learn another language help them deal with situations allowance. This is a large they have tackled that problem they are going to encounter. investment in young people but and been able to communicate In many cases the host country along with helping our partner even to the point of some leading wait to receive the Team before countries it provides an outlet for services and preaching. making final decisions about what service which informs and It has been good for the host they will actually be doing and enthuses the churches. country to see people giving up where they'll be living. The time and even paying to come and volunteers are then able to help in How does the 'informing and join with them offering what they the process of deciding where they enthusing' part work? will be best used and the things On return from the partner they most successfully can do. country the teams spend two months touring the UK sharing So is it a scheme that's their experiences with the coming up roses? churches as part of the World Not all experiences have been Mission Link Programme. This is positive and there are some places valuable in communicating the where the scheme has not worked task of mission to British as well as in others. But five of the churches. It also enables young countries who have previously people to see that they can have a received Teams are asking for part to play in world mission have in the work of mission. more! This says something about through the experiences of the It has challenged young people how they feel the young people teams that visit them. in some countries to see young have made a positive contribution There is a period of debriefing people coming from Britain to join in their countries. and preparation before they with them and do some of the jobs The scheme hasn't always been embark on the tour and along which no-one else really wanted to easy for the young people. Some with written evaluation sheets do. have struggled through the six which the team members complete months overseas. Although there we are able to build up a picture So the learning is a mutual is a medical examination as part of the scheme which is, of course, experience? of the selection process two changing and developing each A team of six young people members have had to withdraw year. joining a small struggling church from the scheme before its even for a short period has been a completion due to medical Has the Programme tremendous encouragement to the reasons. mushroomed? II people. They've seen what is This scheme has grown from one possible and have been challenged What supervision are the team in the first year to four teams to take on new ways of outreach. Teams given overseas? currently working overseas. With The young people from Britain In many countries a BMS present resources it is difficult to have also been challenged and missionary is on hand as a support see how the scheme could grow realised that they do not have all person with overall responsibility much larger but we hope to the answers. They have seen how for the Team whilst in that maintain the level at four teams much young people in other country. Where there is no BMS for the next year. countries are doing and contribut missionary then one of the leaders ing to their own churches and the of the Church takes on the respon volunteers' own spiritual life has sibility. This has worked well John Passmore is now Secretary for been deepened as a result. Many and we hope we have maintained Europe and Action Team Co-ordinator. April 93 [IIERALD Jamaica REFLECTIONS TWO YEARS ON: How has my time with the Team unhealthy; probably reflecting changed me? Keith Holmes, also part of the the complacency of British It is difficult to say. It could 28:19 Action Team to Jamaica Baptists more than the sacrifice easily be underestimated. I in 1990, explores the questions offered by missionaries. thought about Jamaica at least raised for ~im by the Missionaries are seen as the once a day for over a year without expenence. heroic figures of the church, trying! The country is still on my whereas in fact they are mind, especially the joy and hope HUMAN! that people seemed to have, even in situations which appear THE TEAM EXPERIENCE "hopeless" to our eyes. Jamaica opened up the In Jamaica mutual support complexity and variety of human between members of the team experience, making me more was crucial to a successful six open-minded toward the way months. Team co-operation was those of other cultures see the then stretched to the limits world. It was a valuable time of during the two month tour in the listening and thinking, which has UK. Being forced to get on well enabled me to see life from a third commitment through baptism which took with each other was a useful world perspective. I am shocked place on 18 September 1991. Since then I experience for college life, and by how few people have a whole have become more confident in expressing contributed towards helping me world view. my faith, and I feel better able to develop my to see things from several per Jamaica increased my sense of faith without having to conform to the spectives, whilst not compromis urgency in working for a fairer opinions of others. ing my own position. It also world. I am now the chair of The ministry of Jamaican pastors and lay developed leadership skills. "Christian Aid" in the University preachers will have a great impact on my The team continue to be a with responsibility for organising life. Living in a country where Christianity source of mutual support and meetings, fund-raising events and is present at every level showed me how encouragement - we have met up Christian Aid Week. much we have to learn from the Jamaican regularly in the vacations since. Jamaica tested my faith; - God church here in Britain. The scope certainly Friends for life! became more "real" as I depended exists for the Jamaica Baptist Union to send on Him day by day. I have found missionaries to Britain. Funding made THE DIRECTION OF MY making time for God more of a available in this way could be extremely LIFE struggle at college, however. It is profitable for increasing our understanding easier to think that you are less of Jamaica's hopes and difficulties while Seeing the church at work in dependent on Him at home, when increasing the perceptives of the church as a Jamaica was an encouragement in effect He and my need for Him world church. to me. The commitment of the is never changing. Mission is not really radical enough at the pastors was indisputable, and I Jamaican churches forced me to moment. Missionaries expect to return to found the churches to be vibrant think and rethink what I believe, England after five or ten years and continue and at the heart of community and I readdressed the part where I life much as before. Furthermore the high life. wanted to make a public status awarded to missionaries in Britain is Jamaican Christians have April 93 [l]ERALD Jamaica challenged me to make a "28:19 was a thoroughly worthwhile life-changing commitment to God which with His help I hope to live out to the full. As well as Jamaican love, experience, which has seriously challenged many warmth and hospitality having a great effect on me, living with assumptions. The year has had an enormous impact on daily risks also forced me to rely more on God. my life as a Christian, particularly creating a world-view This experience has helped me to value some part of my and a sense of urgency and radicalism in mission." Englishness, whilst being ashamed to be British on other counts, Keith Holmes especially slavery and colonialism has made me think about how in Jamaica. At the same time I much of what we do in church is developed a new perspective - cultural. This ranges from seeing Britain from a Jamaican leadership to attitudes to young point of view. Ever since people, preaching methods, style childhood I thought it was "good" of worship and language used. It to "buy British", as if somehow has made me less critical of we should protect British industry. unusual forms of worship in By becoming Jamaican and Britain or worship that I do not supporting Jamaican people I find helpful. I am now able to "fit started buying Jamaican, rather in" to a wide range of Christian than imported goods. I had a services where I find there is funny dilemma at Christmas time usually some way that I can countryside tend to be much less - I wanted to buy someone a bar benefit from the different ways critical of preachers than British of chocolate, so immediately got a people express and interpret faith. people. How important are Cadbury's bar, instead of a locally While the church in Jamaica is knowledge and understanding to made one. In this way local vibrant and preaching excellent, it the Christian faith? Uneducated products become devalued. I is difficult to know how deeply people have as much access to should have bought Jamaican. people are relating what they hear God's love! Hope, to every day life. As in Britain The implications for the church FINAL THOUGHTS beauty and there are double standards. The in Britain are major. Preaching in vibrancy in difference is the standard of Britain tends to be academic and Working with a church abroad Jamaica education. Jamaicans in the removed from day to day experience. This must be a handicap to making the faith relevant to ordinary people. Our faith is more than a cultural ideology to spread to the ends of the earth, and yet can "Christianity" as it exists today be extracted from European culture and "fed" in a pure form to those of non-Christian cultures? CONCLUSION II 28:19 was a worthwhile life-changing experience, which has challenged many assumptions. The year has had an enormous impact on my life as a Christian, par ticularly creating a world-view and a sense of urgency and radicalism in mission. April 93 ll]E RAL D Double Take church abroad has made me less DOUBLE TAKE critical of unusual forms of worship, or worship that I do not TAKING A SECOND find helpful." (p10) Write an order of service for your (1)(1) ,,,,,' LOOK AT ideal service. What have you put in? What have you left out!? Swop r:·:::~ ,. .. _£:.,; :.~ THIS MONTH'S these around in your group (unnamed). Can you recognise ARTICLES who has written what? Is the type of worship we are comfortable in just an extension of our personalities? If so, does YOUNG PEOPLE INVOLVED IN changing our mode of worship MISSION mean changing our personality? 1-1-- mmv~ "Our1 lifestyle is also part of our G)Q) Christian witness." (p4) This would be true for Christians of all ages, but is there a particular lifestyle for Christian young people? Q() In your opinion, are there some Christian lifestyles that you think act against the message of the Gospel? ~~ 5 WORLDVIEW Keith, again, says "I am shocked by MINISTERING TO 00 how few people have a whole world THE2 WHOLE PERSON view."(p9) See "I know where I'm going!" (p6) What do you think he means? How do you think Jean-Luc felt, What is your world view? Do you when, suspected of stealing think it is whole? money from l'Abej, he was sent back to the world he'd come from to reflect? What were the motives of the people who did this? Was it a lesson that could be learnt any INTO ACTION other way? What were the risks, Since6 the 28:19 Action Teams seem for both parties? to be such a success (p?-8), do you think something like this ought to be compulsory for all young Christians? 3 XPECTATIONS Steve Holloway comments that he didn't see anyone in a pith helmet whilst in India. (p22) What do you think a missionary looks like? Or a minister? A deacon? A social worker? Why do we stereotype people, and want to put them in our moulds? 4 WORSHIP Keith Holmes says "Working with a April 93 [l]ERALD Study Be strong, share in suffering (2:1, 3) Do you think that the society we live in puts too much emphasis on allowing children to enjoy their ch ildhood? And, if so, does this mean our children do not understand the demands and responsibilities of adulthood? 2 Timothy 1:3-7;2:1-9,20-26. about their various gifts and talents? Are they overlooked in The word of God is not preference to older people's fettered (2:9) aul was nearing the end of his life abilities? Pwhen he wrote this his second letter Imagine your church is hosting a Do you agree with lain Hoskins 28:19 Action Team. What tasks to Timothy, who was still a young man at (p23)? Do you think we try to would you give them? channel the efforts of young the time. Paul calls him "my beloved people into our mould, into what child", that is, one who was born into God did not give us a spirit of we think they should be doing? timidity (1 :7) God's family through his ministry. Shun youthful passions, aim at righteousness .... (2:22) It is said that evangelism amongst Bearing in mind that this was a one's peer group is most effective Are youthful passions the same the letter written to a young man, go in the first six months after world over? And are they always through this passage and list all Steve conversion. Why do you think this wrong? What do you think of the the commands Paul gives. Even Chalke, as might be? young Zairian's comments (p17) in allowing for the fact that we all the defrosted What characteristics and which he says that young people in have different callings within the evangelist, in features do you like least about London are very badly behaved? body of Christ, can you imagine th e LOUD young people? List your answers. Try to rephrase this verse in terms yourself talking to young person Tour, October, Are there any things on this list a young person would be happy like this? Give reasons for your 1992. you think God might actually like? with. answer. Are there things here that you do not think appropriate to say to a young person ? A godly upbringing (1 :5) Is there a case to be argued that having a Christian home background is actually a disadvan tage, because young people then have no idea as to what they have been redeemed from? How do you think Jean-Luc's story (p5-6) might have been different if he had been born into a happier home? In your group ask at what age did members become Christians, and from what backgrounds did they come? II Rekindling the gift (1 :6) When a particular job needs doing in your church, what are the criteria you use in selecting someone to do it? Is "age" one of these? Do you think, both as a society and as Christians, we are guilty of being "ageist"? Do you think young people have abilities to offer in the church? Name some. What do you think young people themselves feel April 93 ll]E RAL D Action he gospel of Jesus is all about taking risks, and not getting Tengulfed by the status quo. It is about moving out into the unknown, and not building a house on sinking sands. Taking a step into the unknown may bring about all kinds of reactions within us; it may thrill and excite, or it may send a feeling of sheer panic down our spine. Generally (although certainly not exclusively} it will be our youth who will be most prepared to step out for Jesus; to throw aside the restraints that having a family, a mortgage and paying into a pension scheme bring upon us. As Joel prophesied it will be our young men and women that are the visionary members of our church communities. If you don't have many young2 people , or if you're losing them, are you prepared to do something to stem the flow? Conduct a survey amongst the older people in your church asking them what they will do to encourage young people at your church. Ask a youog person to take3 part in some activity you're involved in , either Christian or secular. CDQ) (Above) Write a lette, to a young Street ACT.ION POINTS person4 you know, however evangelism in Barcelona vaguely. Maybe a student from Q() during the your church, studying away from Olympics home, or just the son or daughter (Top) of a friend. Singing the Conduct a sucvey amongst Good News ::::J=:J on a the1 young people of your church, Barcelona II and ask them how they see your street church in one, five and ten years How much do you ,eally time. Ask them about what they know5 about young people? Do you 00 like now, and what they would like think your vision is coloured by TV to change. news, or newspapers? Scan your Then ask yourselves how far are local newspaper for something you prepared to act on what good young people have done. they've told you. If they ask for OJ something you th in k absurd or impossible, analyse what it is that makes you think it is absurd or impossible. April 93 ll]ERALD Worship 18th - 20th June 1993 at Fe/don Lodge Centre, Herne! PRAYER Hempstead, Herts WHAT NO ...... Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come, A weekend of practical training for and the days draw nigh ..... and the dust all youth leaders and motivating returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. youth towards World Missions. Ecclesiastes 12: 1, 7. e RESOURCES Also practical sessions to help face the challenge of current trends in While I am young, Lord, Youth and Missions youth culture and the media don't let the days pass me by. by Paul Borthwick. Pub. Victor together with Bible teaching, I only have one life, worship and new ideas for your and it's very easy to fritter it away, A Mind for Mission youth group. always wanting to experience by Paul Borthwick. Pub.NavPress. Speakers : Paul Borthwick ("The something new, Indiana Jones of Youth Ministry"); something I haven't tried before, Both these books are obtainable Peter Swaffield, Oasis Trust, and sometimes just for the heck of it. through Alliance Book Services, lain Hoskins, Baptist Youth Lord, you understand about the P.O. Box 21, Brackley, Northants, Ministry. exuberance of youth, NN13 6BJ. 0280 705590. the acting first, For further details on both these the thinking after, conferences, contact Baptist Youth the crazy schemes, Ministry, PO Box 44, Baptist the hare-brained ideas. House, 129 Broadway, Didcot, Help me channel all my energy, TWO Oxon, OX11 BRT. Tel. 0235 all my high spirits and vigour CONFERENCES 512077. into the great river of your Holy Spirit. As I grow older, Lord, COMING UP: renew me from within. Help me to think 'young' and not get ground down RESOURCES by the mill of life. 15th - 17th June 1993 at FOR YOUTH Let me keep in proportion The Dukeries, Mansfield, Notts the things that claim my time and money A MIND FOR MISSION GROUPS house, garden, car, church meetings, and help me to realise that Offering youth specialists special The BMS Young People's Project people and relationships training featuring stimulating, lively "Where Angels Dare" has, for the are much more important. conversations with other Youth past two years, been exploring the Get me out of the rut in which I live my specialists from different areas of hard questions of world mission. daily life, youth ministry and opportunities to Part IV of the Project pack will be to say 'yes' instead of 'no', share seminars on important issues available late spring. It will be sent to be flexible and open to your Spirit's facing Youth ministry today. out automatically to those who leading, Preceded on Monday 14th June by have already received Parts I - Ill, wherever that may take me. an Intensive 8 hour course, investi but if you have missed out on this, gating how young people move please write to BMS and reserve a And when I am old, Lord, from being led to being leaders. Part IV pack. We also have a few let me not despise youth. Speakers : Paul Borthwick, Part Ills left. Let me not complain, Minister of Missions at Grace nor be angry, or bitter, nor put down their ideas Chapel, Lexington, Massachusetts; Apart from this project pack, we do and find fault with their Nick Mercer, Vice Principal of have a lot of youth resources. If there is something specific you frivolity and enthusiasm. London Bible College; Chandu May I remember Christian, Principal YMCA National would like to help you with your Ill I was young once. Youth work, eg . ideas for Youth College, responsible for training in Help me to listen to them, services, dramas, games, Bible Youth and Community work; lain even though I may have heard it Hoskins, National Youth Officer of studies, please write in to BMS all before from my generation. the Baptist Union of Great Britain, telling us what you require, and we and Anne Foreman, Director of the will do our best to meet the needs. May I find my rest in You Church of England Youth Service. content to know You are continuing to build Your church 28:19 THE ACTION as You know best, in each and every generation. For more information on the Action Teams, write to John Passmore, BMS, PO Box 49, 129 Broadway, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 8XA, or phone him on 0235-512077 April 93 IIJE RALD Action Team When BMS 28:19 Action Teams return home they are expected to visit many local Baptist churches in the UK. How are they received? Helen Matthews has been looking at this question. he 28:19 Action Teams, most impressed with the calibre of from Brazil, Asia and these young people and the things France, spent two they presented in the Services were months visiting churches refreshing in style and content." Tand schools throughout Britain. And Gerry Denston, minister of Through drama, sermons, visual South Street Baptist Church, aids and music they shared the Brierly Hill sums up his reaction Susannah joys and frustrations of their six with one word: "Great!" He has Beasley-Murray months missionary work. already booked another team for El Salvador Action For some members of the next year. Team 1993 Teams, this was the hardest part! The young people themselves The young people spent hours have continued to be challenged in travelling, and often their accom their faith as they have toured modation was on church floors. Britain. Living, travelling and However, they were able to working in small teams has improve their skills. Several of sometimes been difficult. Much them confessed to great of the time they were very tired. nervousness in addressing a large However, the experience for number of people - but they were them all has been one they will Kay Heaps not spared! not easily forget. As several of the El Salvador Action The T earns also shared their team members have said, "Life Team 1993 experiences with the BMS General will never be the same again!" Committee. Many Committee At present, teams are in El members were enthusiastic about Salvador, Jamaica, Italy and Touring British Baptist Churches the young people - especially those France. who had hosted them in their churches. Other comments have testified to their effect upon the churches. "It does seem this package that the BMS now offers is a winner," says Richard Steel David Mitchell from Newport, El Salvador Action Isle of Wight. "People were April 93 ll]ERALD Refugees 'PLEASE STOP HELPING THE PRESIDENT.' Wilma Aitcheson, former BMS missionary in Zaire, has been involved with settling and housing Zairian refugees arriving in London. Two young refugees reflect on their home country and their current situation. The country is being ruined by for six months, until we managed white people (expatriates) and by to trace her. She is the sister of a soldiers. I would ask that white woman whose husband was people stop helping the President killed. because they are helping him to remain in power and that is nor good for the country. A YOUNG MAN IN FEAR OF When I arrived in London, I HIS LIFE was welcomed by the government. This didn't surprise me as London This is the testimony of a young is a place where visitors are man who has fled Zaire. He now welcomed, those who have fled lives in London. His reflections on from their countries. If the his experience are both powerful government wanted to kill us they and disturbing. could, but they welcome us. Here we can speak about politics I am a young Zairian man. I chink without fear. chat Satan and his followers (e.g. For my family who are left in political and military authorities) Zaire - I am very concerned about have ruined Zaire. I fled from am a 17 year old Zairian girl. Living in them - they are in great difficulty. I fled from Zaire last year Zaire I pray that God will help them. I because of the unrest there. am a Christian and I help people IThe responsibility for the who go to church. I share with unrest lies with the President. I them the name of God. The would like him to share power church in London welcomed me. with other leaders, and for I go to the Baptist church at II someone else to be President now. Anson Road. We need a good leader who can In class, we talk about my get Zaire going, just as it was in country and how it will be made the past, when the country became better. Young people in London independent. For example Etienne are very good. I like them. Tshisekedi is Prime Minister. He 'The church in London is a good man and could make welcomed me.' progress but the President is Wilma writes: This young girl stopping him. Even today soldiers was separated from her sister are killing and stealing. We need a when she fled. She arrived alone leader who has wisdom to run the in London, and was cared for in a country. local authority children's home Apri /93 [l]ERALD Zaire due to the threat of difficult financially. When things persecution, harassment, fear of are difficult, it's my faith in God torture and death. which enables me to continue. A friend helped me to escape Jesus Christ is looking after me, from prison. In order for Zaire to even when life is difficult. The change, we need a change of greatest obstacle here in London is heart, a change of mentality. the English language. A story of two churches People need to change. At this I think that, in general, young Self Street Baptist Church had time, Zaire is being torn apart by people in London are very badly known its Link-Up missionaries for a dictatorial powers and those who behaved and I think that we as long time and were delighted on support these power. Private and aliens should not follow their hearing that they were due on Home secret armies of those in positions example. I ha ve talked to young Assignment. of power are threatening ordinary people here and have di scussed The churches in the Link-Up Group people. For those left in Zaire, life things like politics, sport and met to work out a programme for the is very difficult. Illness is rife and finance. visit. Self Street said that it would organise hospitality. It felt that the very little medication is available. I go to the Gospel Church Saturday meeting for all the churches There's no work. People are dying of God, at Shoreditch. There in the group should be at Self Street. like fli es. Pharmacies have been people are bei ng brought to God Also, since the missionaries knew its looted. and the church is very good. We young people, they should take the Here in London, I am safe fr om meet in Shoreditch Tabernacle Self Street Sunday evening service all of this but I am finding it Baptist Church. and after church young people's group. The Link-Up visit came and seemed to go well . The missionaries had a full programme and renewed "It's my faith in old friendships. "But," they commented, "we didn't really get to God which know the other churches in the Link Up group. Wherever we went we met enables me to members of Self Street. We enjoyed it, but we still don't really know the other churches, or they us. What a continue." lost opportunity." Help Road Baptist Church had known its Link-Up missionary for a long time too. When the Link-Up group was formed they did a presen tation to the other churches in the group about the Link-Up missionary and the country she was working in - The refugee experience of London - safe the other churches in the group were but finding life difficult really pleased, and complimentary! When the Link-Up visit was being planned Help Road asked if the missionary could stay with one of its members but suggested that the other churches offered to provide meals. The programme was arranged - Saturday meeting with groups from each church taking part, Sunday services and smaller weekday meetings in the different churches, and a Youth Meeting which would be at Help Road since the missionary had met some of the Help Road II Youth Group before. Putting all the plans into action was exhausting but, at the end of the visit, all the churches said it had been one of the best visits they could remember! The missionary commented "It was really good meeting and getting to know all the churches." She had also been impressed by the youth meeting "there were young people involved from all the churches." Apri/91 [l]ERALD N ews missionary vision to go into all the out ways to give by talking to your By that baptism into his death we were buried world, beginning with India, and church's Missionary Secretary, or [ spread the Good News. writing directly to BMS.) with him, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, so also we might set out on a new life. w May 23 • 29 June 6 - 12 Romans 6:4 BELGIUM AND YOUNG PEOPLE FRANCE This whole issue of ~ These two countries, the Herald has been Saving God, <{ Ml our neighbours across the about young people in mission. for give us for wanting Channel, need our prayers as Pray for the young people in your success without effort, [ much as areas of traditional church, that they may give missionary work. themselves fully to God, being resurrection without death Q_ Pray for Joyce and Stuart Filby in open to the leading of His Spirit, and mission without price. Belgium, where their hard work is and being willing to spend time in Remind us again producing the first shoots of mission for Him. growth. Several young people have Pray for Youth Leaders, who hold how much your mission of love 0 come to the Lord, and Stuart has such a key position in these costs, held his first baptismal service (in a formative years, that they may help children's paddling pool!) show us how we need to bury self and encourage young people in ~ Pray for Jane and Les Bromley, their charge. before we can set out on a new going to work at Ferrieres. The 28:19 Action Teams that life. Remember Chris and Christine went out to France, Italy, Jamaica Spencer, who have recently moved and El Salvador last year have now Encourage those .J to Le Havre after many years of returned. Pray for them as they who are living in the darkness of .J service in Zaire. now travel round churches in uncertainty; Also for Robert and Catherine Britain, telling of their experienGes. Atkins, who are still striving to Pray for the next group of young help them to see more clearly unding a vision lies reach more people with the Good behind Fund for the News? FFuture. In a rapidly No-one! Along with supporting changing world, new opportunities long-term BMS commitments, the for world mission appear every Fund for the Future is enabling us day. BMS needs to have money to respond to these immediate available to respond to these needs. opportunities as quickly as they A big, bright and bold publicity campaign is hitting the churches this month! We hope that you have seen the posters and leaflets telling you more about the vision for Fund for the Future! Each month, your minister will be receiving creative ideas for how to include various aspects of the occur. Jenny Fund in your worship services. The Gomez, a Who could have foreseen that DJ at the Baptist ideas can also be used in House Radio Bulgaria would need a British Station, Groups, Women's Groups, Men's Nicaragua Baptist minister this year to get Groups and Youth Groups so involved in church planting? Who Mission please ask your Minister for a opportuni ties in would have imagined that 1993 Tirana, copy! Albania was the year when a Baptist church could be started in Tirana, Albania? Who could have planned that a Baptist Radio station in Nicaragua, begun in 1992, would be so suc cessful that its equipment would need upgrading in 1993 in order to News THE FIRST The Revd. UNICEF "Poverty and Carme_n the Family", brought GRADUATES Pena more attention to the Garay at situation of street ordinat7;; children. The document The first university says "In 1990, 7.5 graduates from the million children and College of Christian adolescents between Theology in Dhaka, the ages of ten and 17 Bangladesh. The ten worked in Brazil, repre students have passed senting about twelve their BTh degree. per cent of the eco Congratulations to nomically active them, to the Chairman, population. Almost 40 the Revd RN Baroi, per cent of this group and the Principal, Dr consisted of young Simon Sircar. people between the ages of ten and 14 Four of the years of age. " Under first the 1988 constitution, i0~:0L'S12W! ~ ~!!Iii graduates, children under the age and governments. College of of 14 are not allowed to A motion put forward NICARAGUAN Christian work. by the Church of Theology, BAPTISTS Dhaka, Although more than England Oxford Bangladesh 46 per cent of these Diocesan Synod urged ORDAIN children between ten the General Synod to and 14 work eight challenge the Church WOMAN hours a day or more, Commissioners to sell the majority receive, at the C of E's £1.69 best, minimum wage. million shares in the January 30 was a The low wages are company if Nestle does special day for Carmen the result of high not end its promotion Pena Garay, pastor of unemployment and low of baby milk. the Hebron Baptist education levels. The BMS General church in Juigalpa. According to UNICEF, Committee decided to Carmen became the 46 per cent of children support the boycott of first ordained woman and adolescents in Nestle at its November minister of the Brazil have less than 1992 meeting. Nicaragua Baptist four years of education. Convention. Baptists POWERLESS EPS LatinAmerica Press from across the country CHILDREN'S gathered in the auditorium of the LAWIN Baptist Theological BRAZIL BOYCOTT ITALIAN College in Managua for ,, BAPTISTS a ceremony that ran ON NESTLE from 9 am until the Although a comprehen REJECT afternoon. sive law to defend INTENSIFIES The three part children's rights was GOVERN programme included passed two years ago, morning worship, street children continue An intensification of the MENT HELP followed by Carmen's to wander Brazilian boycott of Nestle presentation of her cities, living in acute products has been thesis on "The Ministry poverty and subject to called for. The At its meeting in of Women since the violence, including delegates of the February, a special time of Jesus". She death by vigilante International Nestle assembly of the Italian then had to face squads. Boycott Committee, Baptist Union rejected questions from the Brazil has reached the representing 14 the offer of help from a assembled ministers II point where people "are countries, heard that government "Eight per and church representa afraid of the children despite its promises to Thousand"tax tives. Before lunch, a and this is shocking," - restrict marketing whereby the Union, vote was taken and said the Revd Julio practices, Nestle - along with Catholic and Carmen's suitability for Lancelotti, co-ordinator which controls over 50 other Protestant ministry was approved. of Youth Ministry in Sao per cent of the $8 Churches could have At the afternoon Paulo. billion world baby milk received state aid to service, Carmen was "It is necessary to > market - still uses support its social ordained. plant seeds of hope, tactics such as free ministries. The issue of She was presented not death, for the child supplies, inducements the church/state rela with a book of letters ren," he said, referring to doctors, direct tionship was hotly written to her by Baptist to the frequent murders z advertising and debated in a two day women ministers of street children. misleading information meeting. around the world . A recent report by - for health care workers Letters from BMS and April 93 ll]ERALD N ews the Baptist Union of were sent to every May I reply, through the have to take place as a con Great Britain were Baptist church in the Herald, to the article by John tinuation of instruction for delivered by David country in March. The Dyer on Lay Training (Dec membership and in doctrine. Martin, BMS Overseas first in a series of three 1992). The background to many is Secretary for Central posters, a folder and totally uninstructed or they America. multiple copies of Dear John are escaping from sects or leaflets arrived on the distorted faiths. With the doormat of each I thought I would like to privilege of being a member Minister and remark on your recent article and having democratic rights ANTI-SEMITIC Missionary Secretary. and make some observa to be handled they enter a The materials reflect tions. new experience not common GRAFFITI the urgent need to It contains some generali to their social or political life. finance bold new sations, some of which may The use of lay enthusiasm in SMEARED ON mission work around arise from editorial trimming. involvement in the adminis the world. Service The first misrepresentation to tration of the sacraments CHURCH IN ideas help church be identified is about needs considerable caution ITALY leaders to introduce students and seminaries. In and wisdom. various parts of the my experience there are Fund in their worship many students attending David Meikle Sao Bernado do Campo Antisemitic graffiti was services - and each seminary classes and they Sao Paulo, Brazil. daubed on the walls of Minister will receive a are more than anxious to do the Grosseto Baptist monthly service idea so. This in itself demands Church in Tuscany, until October, when the great dedication. Most of CHECK OUT Italy. The Protestant Fund closes. u them, as you are aware, have community had taken a The goal is £2 million. to work to survive and to pay stand in the previous For more information the fees. The seminaristas DEPARTURES weeks "on the basis of on projects supported who have the most pressure by the Fund and other are those who study and David Stockley to Albania Bible texts against the Chris and Christine Spencer resources contact Jim attend in the evening. This is reappearance of anti to France Neilson on 0235 - 0 often the cheapest but Lee and Evelyn Messeder to Brazil semitism and in 512077 perhaps not the best Mark and Andrea Hotchkin defence of the equality to Belgium for language study, in of all ethnic groups." structured form of training. preparation for work in Guinea• They have to work, prepare Conakry on secondment to the The perpetrators also Leprosy Mission sermons for Sunday and of scribbled the word Suzanne Roberts to Mozambique "mason" on the course have reading and on secondment to ACRIS KESWICK preparation not to mention Peter Clough to Nepal (volunteer) letterbox of the on the Isle of Wight Angela Sinclair to Ve/lore (volunteer) minister, Sergio Tattoli, visitations all which have to Les and Jane Bromley to Belgium 1993 be fitted into an already busy on leaving a copy of an ARRIVALS antisemitic tract. For Mr day. 27 June - 2 July The mention of the larger Tattoli this episode Stephen Green from Zaire churches obscures the real highlights the need to God's Great Salvation Ruth Montacute from Zaire reflect on the Christian frontier of evangelism and Ann Bothamley from India action which has to do with Derek Punchard from Brazil roots of antisemitism. Morning Bible Isobel Strang from Nepal "Only a superficial the small group churches, David Stockley from Albania Readings from often in favelas. For instance, reading of the Bible can Hebrews and Evening VISITS lead to the devious there is only one church Meetings within the whole ABC district conclusion that Jews Angus MacNeill to Zaire of Sao Paulo which has more are racists, believing with John Passmore them to be superior to than one paid pastor. Many to the USA and Jamaica congregations have, in fact, Tom Bowman to Sri Lanka and Nepal other people. In fact, Revd Alec Motyer Gath Mawson to Nepal and India the Old Testament no pastors at all. Numbers Revd Steve Motyer are often less than 70 prophets affirmed LEGACIES unequivocally the members and it is not made Westbrook Crusader clear that the income of £40 universal dimension of Alfred Rix 3,331 .00 Centre a month may apply to less the Biblical faith," he Oakhill Road, Ryde W BKing 26.94 said. than half the members and Mr.s Elizabeth K Gulliver 50.00 also be for the total survival Miss M I M Causton 1,000.00 World Mission Alice Sarah Lloyd 4,702.49 income of a family. This has Daphne Ann Munson 6,963.00 Speakers and World direct relevance to the OM Gale 2,152.15 Church Exhibition Miss M Macintosh 500.00 financial independence of the ED Morgan 14,633.15 ■ BOLD NEW congregation and the estab EA Jessop 834.21 Other information lishment of a church building. Lorna Joyce Hyde 5,094.54 KB Brown 11 ,053.07 INITIATIVE from Lay involvement in the function of these favela FOR FUND churches is therefore GENERAL FU ND essential. Often they cannot FOR THE Ernest Maton 0983 Cardiff: £20.00; Cardiff: £20.00; afford to support and Aberdeen: £50.00; Anon for Zaire FUTURE 526578 maintain a minister. The Fund: £1 ,000.00: Charities Aid: Leslie Gregory 0722 challenge which is being £17. 77; CAF Voucher: £50.00; Anon: 328076 £3.00; CAF Vou cher: £50.00; faced cannot be accom Darlington: £4.00; Darlington: £35.00; plished by the structured Kent: £10.00; Weston-super-Mare: Exciting new Fund for £5.00; Anon: £10.00; the Future materials courses mentioned here but April 93 ll]ERALD xpect Steve Holloway was a co-winner of a BMS competition to "front" a new video for young people. XPECT - The Video, looking at the relevance of mission today, was released in 1992. So what does he think? slightly clearer in my mind about the missionaries' normal routine. However a visit to India and Bangladesh to film XPECT - The Video corrected a few misconcep tions. Being a full time evangelist meant that I knew, spiritually, what mission was about. I didn't know, however, that it wasn't merely preaching to 2,000 locals each day. I learned that it was often a long, hard and demoralis ing journey through "secular" work in order to earn the right to be heard by just one person. It is a common and often natural feeling to think that the world only exists where you are. I remember being on holiday and working out the exact time it was back in England. My friends were at school. For obvious reasons a ne of my earliest Filming afternoons were spent asleep and wry smile of smugness and XPECTThe memories is of Video -with the evenings were for talking to contentment emerged. I realised spending some time on Steve each other a lot. I remember at that point that God was at holiday with a group Holloway watching these "pioneers" and work there as well as where I was. 0 and Meriel of missionaries in Thailand. At de Vekey thinking, "I could handle this." I I then understood God's the time I had great difficulty was later informed that they also omnipresence (a word used to understanding exactly what these were on holiday. This clarified show that I did learn something at missionaries did. They seemed to one situation but still left me none Bible college). This was then spend the mornings singing and the wiser as to what they really heightened during the making of praying, the lunchtimes devouring spent their days doing. XPECT. God really does care for colossal amounts of food, the As time went on I became each person no matter who or April 93 ll]ER.ALD Youth where they are. He loves and died for a small, abandoned child in a C, MAKING WAVES Calcutta slum, as well as for me. Since then my perspectives on z mission and evangelism haven't wildly changed but they have - FROM IAIN HOSKINS, NATIONAL YOUTH OFFICER OF BAPTIST deepened and broadened. This UNION OF GREAT BRITAIN. has led to a greater desire to reach people everywhere and not just concentrate on this country. The Good News is international. This oung people involved in mission are consuming the images in turn has led me to plan a visit they have been given. The majority of them don't do things to Uganda to serve and teach there, and explore the possibilities U) Y intuitively; they take what's on offer. We offer them 28:19 of ministry in other countries. Action Teams and they go on them. We offer them time with Oasis, In hindsight, I didn't see anyone in a pith helmet or any other w doing mission at home, and they enter into it fully. But it is not young stereotypical missionary people creating mission themselves; rather it is young people "uniform", only people seeing a need and addressing it. In fa ct responding to what they have been offered. So they work in offices, people just like you. Perhaps I'll go out again. Perhaps I'll see you homes, churches and schools. They are doing ------there. what we've told them to do, going where Steve Holloway CJ we've sent them. We tell them this is the need. As Christians we should respond to z that need. And they do that - respond to that - need. But is this work something they would naturally have taken upon themselves as their contribution to mission? It would be wrong to say that young people don't have concern for all that is going on in the world today. Of course they have concerns, en particularly about the world and the environment, more so than some adults. Middle class kids have had their sense of privilege heightened. But for a lot the humanitarian response is sometimes a greater drive than the Christian response. Young people, indeed people of all ages, have many reasons why they want to be involved in mission. But they cannot escape answering the questions: What . are we going there for? Are we just going to make clones of ourselves? Will we help the people we're with discover Jesus? II Are we allowing young people to be Christians in the way God wants them to be, as He has liberated them to be? Are we brave enough to Steve's experience led to a "greater desire to reach people everywhere". say to our young people, "how is God telling you to live out mission in your world today?" Older people need to be less prescriptive as to how they think. We may have to let go of our cherished notions. Let the young people discover the Jesus of the Gospel, and what He wants to do in their lives for themselves. April 93 ll]ERALD Yes, I do want to make a world of difference. Please accept my gift payable to the BMS Fund for the Future. 0 £5 0 £10 0 £20 0 £50 0 £100 0 £250 GiftAid 0 £ __ Other Name Address Postcode Hom~ chwch Please detach and send to: BMS Fund for the Future, PO Box 49, Baptist House, 129 Broadway, Didcot, Oxon OX 11 SXA . Baptist Missionary Society is a Registered Charity. MH