Last year Global Interaction, with the support of Baptist Financial Services, launched
its first discipleship app called Ekteino. Mary Ackers, Youth and Young Adults Pastor at
Salisbury Baptist Church took up the four week challenge to stretch out - to impact
her world and the people around her for good. We asked her to reflect on how the
stretching went…
What did you like about Ekteino? What surprised you?
Ekteino had a definite purpose going through the daily challenges.
It really felt like a journey of discovery! I also loved that it was
relevant to local and global mission. Regardless of where your
passion for missional activity lies, there is something for everyone
in this journey. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I got out of the daily
challenges. I sometimes struggle with daily devotionals, as they
can be anecdotal and superficial, but with Ekteino it was different.
A Bible reading with both active and reflective responses fit the
bill for a daily Bible time for me.
I also liked the look and feel of the app. I could take notes and
save them for future reference and I enjoyed the other media
(stories, videos, etc.) that gave insight into the
concepts explored. How has it impacted you?
In the past, when I’ve thought about ways to ‘stretch-out’ into my
community, it’s felt like a huge challenge and at times has been
overwhelming. Going through Ekteino gave focus and direction to
my thoughts and I felt much more encouraged about the number
of missional opportunities already in my community. I’ve really
begun to think differently but also listen to God’s leading. I now
do a lot more noticing and thinking about what was happening
around me and less getting caught up in my own head. It has
been encouraging and eye-opening.
Ekteino has given me some great tools and strategies for
engaging with my neighbours and seeking out ways to stretch
out into the world around me.
This was really one of the most engaging devotion-type exercises I’ve
done and I really enjoyed it! I only wish there was more!
Take Global Interaction’s Ekteino challenge! Over four weeks, discover more about
God, His plans and how you can partner with Him in our world through intentional
action and reflection.
Download from your favourite App store
(yep, it’s free!)
VISION AUTUMN 2017
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