AROUND THE TEAMS
Stories from our Global Interaction
cross-cultural teams serving among
least-reached people groups.
K people of the Silk Road Area H people of Central Asia
I attended my neighbour’s birthday. She had prepared
a celebratory ‘bish barmak’, noodles and meat
served with tea with great chunks of floating cream…
yes, I did enjoy the company! We talked about past
prophets of this region whose power people still call
on today for healing. The conversation prompted the
friend to ask what religion I am. My neighbour quickly
responded on my behalf, stating, “She follows Jesus.”
Woohoo I thought, there’s a win! Over the past months, we’ve had a number of
opportunities to spend time with the family of an
H friend, Mr A, who we met at a local café not long
after we arrived. His parents live with him and his
family in their small apartment and they have a son
who is only a few weeks younger than ours. Our work
here is to share the love of Jesus, and we know that
this takes time. As we build relationships and settle
into this new place and culture, we are experiencing
new things each day, but we are also offering new
experiences to the friends we are making here. With
this particular family, we have played tennis together,
which was a first for some of them.
From Eliza
The conversation went on and led to a discussion
about Noah. Curiously, the friend knew the story and
together we shared the story with my neighbour.
This whole experience encouraged me and I am so
inspired to continue in my language learning, to share
more stories in the heart language of new friends…
Connecting with people, in their heart language and
learning to share culturally appropriate stories are the
first steps to sharing Jesus.
“In His own ministry, Jesus illustrated the
essential principle of teamwork and being
a team player. His small team of just twelve
were a truly successful team that went forth
to spread the message of the Gospel.
We must learn to become team players.
Whether leaders or members of the team,
each plays a significant role. Our
cross-cultural teams, are invested in
multiplying themselves; growing as a
team, together witnessing the glory
of His Kingdom.”
Val Holt, Director of Member Care
7
GLOBAL INTERACTION
From Pete and Nomes
With every opportunity to share something new,
to teach something new, we know that we are
stepping closer to the time where God will open the
opportunity to share Jesus, to teach from the Bible
and to speak of a new life in Christ.
Yawo of Malawi and Mozambique
From Melanie
Mama Shakila sits under a shelter made of bamboo.
She has been there since sunrise and will stay until
evening. She feels blessed to have a garden; the soil is
fertile and close to the river. Her tomatoes are growing
well. She has begun to sell the Chinese cabbage;
the money coming in makes her heart swell. She is
doing it, making her way in life. Mama Shakila has five
children and wanting the best for them, she works
to make it happen. Suddenly she jumps, waving her
arms and shouting. Rocks flying and goats scattering
everywhere, far enough away to miss the rocks but
close enough to enjoy Mama Shakila’s tomatoes.
She will battle goats the entire day. The hippos will
come at night. Can she beat them? I do not know, but
we sit together and pray. We pray over the field, for
her kids, for her husband and for their future. Mama
Shakila trusts God and she won’t stop now. I will
continue to love Mama Shakila, and help her to help
herself. My charity is not needed, my friendship is. We
learn from each other, journeying together in our faith
and praying for other local women, waiting on God for
His answers.