Dave (50 something) is a long-termer. In fact, he’s been part of the
Global Interaction family for almost 20 years, and S.I Team Leader in
South East Asia. Andy (20 something) is a short-termer serving as part
of the S.I team, learning language and culture and discerning a call to
cross-cultural mission. Here they share what they are learning from
each other and God as they work side-by-side.
DAVE
ANDY
Andy and I enjoy getting together – though we keep very
different hours. I send him texts during the day, and I often
get replies around 1am! My life tends to be fairly regimented
in terms of time, whereas his is much more spontaneous. Being part of a team that has a cross-section of generations
is a great privilege. Personally, one of my favourite things
about being part of a team is the ability for people older than
me to share wisdom and offer guidance.
Some years ago I was in a similar position to Andy – getting
my first cross-cultural experience as a single young man in a
country vastly different to Australia. I enjoyed the freedom to
ride around on my motorbike meeting new people, exploring
different kinds of ministries, staying up late talking to new
friends, eating at questionable roadside stalls … and paying
the consequences. As someone who is relatively new to the cross-cultural
mission scene, the guidance of people like Dav e is invaluable
as I dive into culture and language, as well as understand
more clearly how we ‘do’ mission in our location. Living life
alongside him has been inspiring as I continually see his
commitment to the people we serve among.
I guess largely because of my previous experience, I’ve tried
to give Andy the same kinds of freedom to explore and
experience new things. I’m amazed at the opportunities God
has opened up for him. I’m excited to see his humble, learning
attitude and how he has grown in this new world. Most of all, it
has been inspiring to see his faith grow along with his passion
to see the least-reached come into a relationship with Jesus.
As a young man, I needed someone to help me reflect on
the things I was learning and experiencing. Hopefully I’m
filling that kind of role for Andy now. We enjoy sitting down
together and debriefing what he has been learning, what
he is feeling, what God is saying to him. It is fantastic to see
his excitement and passion. I look forward to being a part of
what God has in store for Andy over the coming years, even if
it does involve 1am text messages.
resonate · issue 30 · page 5
I’ve really appreciated Dav e's guidance as he has helped me
explore cross-cultural ministry, as well as discern the leading
of God in and throughout this time. Although I should warn
you, don’t be fooled by his gentler manner! Dav e ’s not afraid
to ask the big questions that will have you pondering the
possibilities for days.
I love to see Dav e interact with the local people as his
passion and desire for them to meet Jesus shines through. He
is teaching me to meet people at their place of need, face
challenges head on and deeply care for the people God sends
his way.
I couldn’t ask for a better example of what it means to serve
God cross-culturally with passion and faith!