Vision Winter 2018 | Page 2

LETTER FROM CHRIS Dear Friends, Global Interaction works in partnership with Australian Baptist churches, as together we follow Jesus’ call to make ‘disciples of all nations’. Experience shows us that an effective approach to cross-cultural ministry is to build a team. Global Interaction places great importance on mentoring Team Leaders, and developing teams who will nurture and support one another during the challenges and triumphs of their ministry. We believe members of a team each bring a diverse range of gifts to the ministry that can enrich and complement the whole team initiative. This winter edition of Vision shares news of our growing cross-cultural team in Cambodia and reports on the progress of the Bible translation team in Papua New Guinea as they bring the Word to the next generation of followers of Jesus. Enjoy these stories and be encouraged as I am. Our teams share a collective vision for vibrant faith communities among least-reached people groups. Their work is an extension of our local vision for global mission – to reach those who otherwise have little or no chance to hear the message of Jesus in a way that makes sense to them. This ministry is made possible with the support of an extended prayer and partnership network – our teams are so reliant on the Australian Baptist community. To all who have partnered with Global Interaction during May Mission Month – thank you. The theme of the Vine and Branches, from John 15:5, was well received. Indeed, He is the Vine and we are the branches, without Him we can do nothing, but as you will read; together we can do so much more! Grace and Peace, Chris Barnden Interim 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 for each state. Editors: Andrea Fleming and Teagan Dwyer-Riviere Printing: Classic Press, Bayswater Cover Photo: Cambodia, taken by Di Marshall Inside Cover Photo: Silk Road Area, taken by Susan Campbell 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. Global Interaction Inc PO Box 3085 Auburn, VIC 3123 ©2018 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