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Victoria & Tasmania Newsletter May 2011
Global Interaction's biannual newsletter for churches.
Please circulate to all members of your congregation.
To receive copies to insert in your weekly bulletin email us. |
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In this issue
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 As followers of Jesus, we take seriously God’s desire for all people to hear the Good News in a way that makes sense to them in their culture. Global Interaction exists for this very purpose: to partner with the local Baptist church as it seeks to fulfil its global missional aspirations.
As I write this, I am preparing to conclude in my role as State Director with Global Interaction and finalise arrangements so that Val and I can join the team in South East Asia. It brings with it a range of emotions - sadness for what’s being left behind, yet anticipation and excitement about what is ahead.
It has been an absolute joy the past few years to serve alongside the Baptist churches of Victoria and Tasmania as we empower communities to develop their own distinctive ways of following Jesus.
In recent years I have been greatly encouraged that together as members of the Australian Baptist community we have had the privilege to be involved in God’s movement among a number of least-reached people groups. We are encouraged by stories like that of Egg and Bee's below.
Stories such as these are possible due to the faithful efforts of Australian Baptists – those who pray, give and go.
When you actively support global mission – through prayer, giving and going – you are joining in the astounding work of God. He is transforming individuals, communities and whole people groups.
Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel,
Mark (with wife Val)
State Director Victoria & Tasmania
 Four years ago, Cathy, a Global Interaction cross-cultural worker, met Bee and Egg at their egg stall in the local market. After a few years of building friendship, many discussions and much prayer, both Egg and Bee became followers of Jesus.
Together, with the support of Cathy, they are now exploring what it means to follow Jesus in ways that are relevant to the Thai culture.
They have a real heart for the lost. Bee said to Cathy: “You have to teach me well so that I can share the stories of Jesus with my friends.”
Egg and Bee have begun to notice small ripples of interest about Jesus in their village. They have invited key community leaders to their home to share a meal. At a recent community festival, a number of people showed interest in finding out more about Jesus. Egg and Bee have been following up with these people to share and pray with them. Bee is also setting up a space in their home to facilitate sewing classes for young women. She wants to create spaces where she can share her faith with her neighbours.
Egg and Bee hope to see the gospel spread to all their neighbours, and dream of the day that the first church in their village is formed.
For many years Global Interaction's May Missions Month has been a time when Baptist churches around Australia join together in a celebration of global mission. Our website has a range of resources and information to help you facilitate May Missions Month in your church.
Contact your State Office for more information
There are a number of candidates and cross-cultural workers currently in Victoria and Tasmania who are keen to share their stories with you (some profiled below). Please contact your State Office to arrange a time for them to visit.
Mark and Val
South East Asia
Mark and Val served in South East Asia in the 80s, and for the last five years Mark has served Global Interaction as State Director. They know God is calling them back to cross-cultural service and look forward to leading the teams in South East Asia.
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 Steve and Glenda
Malawi
Steve and Glenda have been involved with Global Interaction since the 80s, serving in Zambia and Malawi. Steve has since been working as Regional Minister for the BUV in Western Victoria. They are preparing to return to Africa to lead the team in Malawi.
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 Graeme and Pat
South Asia
Graeme and Pat worked in South Asia in the 70s and 80s and are now preparing to return. They already know many of the folk there and look forward to assisting them in the office and training centre activities. |
Global Interaction Projects
Our cross-cultural workers need and appreciate the regular financial and prayer support of faithful partners. Supporting a project is an additional way to partner with our staff and their ministry. Your support of a project equips our cross-cultural workers to connect with their community and share Jesus’ love in culturally appropriate ways.
Click here to see the full range of projects and support.
For more information call the Projects Administrator on 03 9819 4944.
South East Asia
In order to create more opportunities for people to meet and experience Jesus, Luke and Felicity desire to open a café. The café will also provide employment and support the local economy. Your gift will help with the set up of this cafe.
Project costs
Dining table & chairs: $540
Crockery sets: $25
Drinks fridge: $1,000
Sofas: $200
Total fundraising target: $47,000
Project code: Islf601
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Cambodia
Cambodia has one of the world’s highest rates of disability. Steve trains physiotherapists in a clinic which provides free treatment. Your donation can help provide medical tests, equipment, transport, medication or even an operation for someone who cannot afford to pay.
Project costs
X-ray: $10
Transport to and from clinic: $4
Back operation: $7-800
Total fundraising target: $10,000
Project code: CMwe415
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We need people who love Jesus and are prepared to do all they can to see that others have the opportunity to love Him. We need people who can build relationships, get to know others, and share life and faith in real ways. We need these people in all areas, and some specific needs are listed below. Do you know someone who can get involved?
CHURCH PLANTERS
ROLE: Support the development of faith communities that reflect the local cultural context
WHERE: Mozambique, South East Asia, Cambodia, Central Asia, Silk Road Area
HOW LONG: Long-term (7+ years)
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VOCATIONAL TRAINERS
ROLE: Provide vocational training (mechanics, IT, agriculture etc) while also engaging with the local community
WHERE: South East Asia, Central Asia, South Asia
HOW LONG: 1-2 years or long-term
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ADMINISTRATORS
ROLE: Provide vital administrative support to cross-cultural teams while also engaging wtih the local community
WHERE: Mozambique, Central Asia, Silk Road Area, Malawi
HOW LONG: 1-2 years or long-term
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TESOL TEACHERS
ROLE: Through TESOL education, build relationships with locals and provide much-needed English language classes
WHERE: Silk Road Area, Central Asia, Thailand, South East Asia, Cambodia, South Asia
HOW LONG: 1-2 years or long-term
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We are dependent on God for all that we do, and prayer forms the foundation of our work. Each person who prays for the staff and ministry of Global Interaction is an important member of the Global Interaction family.
Click here for more information about how you can pray for the work of Global Interaction.
- Pray that there will be a revival among the unreached people groups as they begin to discover the grace and love of Jesus.
- Pray for strength, encouragement and discernment for all the Global Interaction cross-cultural workers as they seek to speak the name of Jesus.
- Pray for more churches and individuals to partner with Global Interaction’s work both prayerfully and financially.
Global Interaction in Victoria and Tasmania
p. PO Box 377 Hawthorn VIC 3122
t. 03 9880 6161
e. victas@globalinteraction.org.au
w. www.globalinteraction.org.au
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