Global Interaction’s first
five cross-cultural workers,
commissioned way back in 1885
were all single young women.
Ellen, Martha, Marion, Ruth and
Alice were nicknamed the Five
Barley Loaves - what are so few
among so many? I doubt they
would ever have conceived the
impact that their ministry had!
STATUS OF
GLOBAL INTERACTION
FAMILY UNITS
25% Singles
(I will never forget when young children
at church started calling me ‘Aunty
Karen’. Their innocent inclusion of me in
their church family melted my heart.)
One element of our family life together,
indeed a crucial element, is our
collective call to mission.
As Aussie Baptists, we’ve particularly
committed ourselves to sharing with
those who’ve least had the opportunity
to hear it, beginning with nine people
groups in Asia and Africa. We either go
ourselves or support those who go.
Many of the go-ers are singles. And
being single provides some wonderful
opportunities, for example they:
›› Find it easy to devote time to culture
and language learning
›› Can easily connect with a local
group or family and receive and give
hospitality
›› Have plenty of time to make friends
›› Can make and change plans quickly,
without having to negotiate needs
and priorities of others
›› Have low financial support needs.
However, while many singles recognise
the opportunities and benefits to their
ministry, the longing for marriage does
not end. They may feel peace and
contentment for a while, then… crash.
Another wave hits. Regret. Sadness.
Loneliness. A married pastor once
told me that marriage was God’s plan
for character development. I’m sure
singleness does this too, just in a
different way. I believe it can develop
compassion and empathy as we share
God’s love to people, perhaps those in
more trying circumstances than our own.
For those seeking to be a part of God’s
mission cross-culturally, I urge you to
go. However, you do not have to, nor
should you, go alone. You need to be
part of an organisation that takes the
needs and opportunities of all people,
singles and marrieds, seriously. Here
are a few pointers:
›› Look for a track record of singles not
just as helpers but as fully-fledged
team members and leaders
›› Connect with other singles in the
organisation, even if they are in
other locations
20% Married, no kids
55% Married, with kids
SO, SHOULD YOU WAIT
FOR MR OR MRS RIGHT?
Probably not. Just get on with it.
You don’t want to spend your life
missing out on what God may have
in store, waiting for what may or may
not come to pass. If you are blessed
by meeting a partner in the departure
lounge or in a village fruit market, be
thankful. If not, still continue in the
adventure God has for you.
›› Be part of a team of people who
support each other well
›› Find a mentor who is al ͼ