Vision Spring 2016 | Page 2

LETTER FROM HEATHER Dear Friends, Welcome to the Spring 2016 edition of Vision. There’s a phrase that you hear quite a bit around the market places of Cambodia, ‘Same same…but different.’ It’s used when talking about tomorrow’s weather, when comparing two products, or for just about anything! As you will see in this edition of Vision, you might even use it about Global Interaction’s ministry among least-reached people groups in various parts of the world. ‘Same same…’, our workers faithfully sharing the eternal message of Jesus Christ among the people where they live. ‘…but different,’ reflecting the unique way in which that Gospel takes hold in each particular community and context. We share the latest from Papua New Guinea where Australia Baptists began sharing the Good News in 1949 that God has used to grow a movement of over 400 Baptist churches. That same Gospel continues to shape new generations as they respond to Jesus. There are also stories from our newer locations where Gospel seeds are being sown for the first time and faith communities are beginning to emerge. We dare to believe that the Spirit will move amongst these nine people groups as happened and continues to happen in PNG; same same…but different! We continue to create resources to equip you and your church to fulfil your part of God’s mission. This month we launch the ‘Ekteino’, a discipleship app. This resource will engage you and your friends in a month of reflection and exploration of God’s call on our lives. We are most grateful to Baptist Financial Services for their support to bring the idea to your phones. I am reminded again and again of the privilege to serve the Lord and be part of His work, especially amongst those who have yet to hear of His love in a way that makes any sense to them culturally or linguistically. We pray that this edition informs and encourages you. Blessings, Heather Coleman General Director > We believe God’s greatest gift is a life-transforming relationship with Jesus. > Our passion is to share the gift of Jesus and see Him embraced by all people around the world. > With deep compassion and cultural sensitivity, Global Interaction exists to empower communities to develop their own distinctive ways of following Jesus. Global Interaction is the international cross-cultural sending organisation of Australian Baptist churches. We send people to share the message of Jesus, establish and nurture faith communities and to provide Biblical training and leadership development. Operating for over 130 years we have been known as Australian Baptist Foreign Mission (ABFM), Australian Baptist Missionary Society (ABMS) and now Global Interaction. We are an affiliated body of Australian Baptist Ministries. The national office is in Melbourne and there are teams in each state. Editor: Janie Alcock Printing: Classic Press, Bayswater Front cover photo: 2016 Baiyer River baptisms by Geoff Cramb Global Interaction Inc PO Box 3085 Auburn, VIC 3123 Vision is distributed free to subscribers twice a year. Donations toward the costs are appreciated. Overseas recipients are required to cover postage or subscribe by email. ©2016 Global Interaction Copyright: All material appearing in Vision is copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part is not permissible without the written permission of the publisher. 03 9819 4944 [email protected] www.globalinteraction.org.au NSW/ACT 02 9868 9250 QLD 07 3354 5603 SA/NT 08 8357 1755 VIC/TAS 03 9880 6161 WA 08 6313 6300