Engage winter 2015/16 by BMS_World_Mission

HIGHLIGHTS

Engage

Chris Hall

WELCOME What did you think of our cover image? Did you think those were men’s items? The fact is they are all items a female mission worker might own – and challenging our assumptions about women in mission is what our cover feature Woman on a mission (page 12) is about. This issue is about everyone being involved in mission, women and men, ‘official’ mission workers and ‘ordinary’ Christians. We learn that we are all called to ministry (page 7) and communicating God’s love (verbally and non-verbally) with those who don’t yet know Christ can help transform their lives (page 9). You may be doing this already where you live, but is God calling you to share his love overseas? If so, read Go Serve (page 22) on what a call to mission means and how BMS World Mission can help. Have a blessed 2016.

BMS World Mission PO Box 49, 129 Broadway, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 8XA Tel: 01235 517700 Email (general): mail@bmsworldmission.org Email (editorial): magazine@bmsworldmission.org Website: bmsworldmission.org General Director: David Kerrigan Managing Editor: Jonathan Langley Editor: Chris Hall Regular contributors: Fiona Castle OBE, Aidan Melville and Sarah Stone Guest columnists: Peter Dunn, Duro Ayanrinola, Fernando Soares Loja and Anair Bragança Soares Siqueira Design editors: pepperfish.co.uk, indigoninja.co.uk and Ruth Povall Printed by: Halcyon Print Management, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9BD The views and opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of BMS World Mission.

THE LANGUAGE OF LOVE

WOMAN ON A MISSION

If mission is about our message, communication is key. What do we do when this is difficult? How do we bridge the communications gap?

From undermining gender prejudice to raising a family abroad – when you’re a female mission worker, behind every challenge lies an opportunity.

HOW I SURVIVED MOZAMBIQUE’S CIVIL WAR Carlos Tique Jone asked God for protection when the Government forced him to fight in the civil war. God delivered. Now he’s an international mission worker.

THE BIG INTERVIEW: BARONESS COX Christian peer and human rights advocate Baroness Caroline Cox talks to BMS World Mission about persecution, sharia law and reforming the House of Lords.

REGULARS 03 06 07 07 08 18 22 25 26 28

MISSION NEWS 24 HOURS IN… LYON KEEP ENGAGED FIONA CASTLE OVERSEAS PARTNER: YLLI BEQIRAJ BMS REVIEW OF 2015 GO SERVE. A CALL TO MISSION? GO PRAY IDEAS FOR YOUR CHURCH OPINION: ADDICTION – HOW SHOULD CHRISTIANS RESPOND?

30 FIVE MINUTES WITH LALRINGHANGA KHIANGTE 31 REVIEWS

Baptist Missionary Society Registered as a charity in England and Wales (number 233782) and in Scotland (number SC037767) © Copyright 2015 BMS World Mission ISSN 1756-2481 Printed on material from sustainable forests

MISSIONNEWS

CAN YOU TRUST BMS? RESPONDING TO

DISASTER IN BURMA Over one million people were affected by widespread flooding in Burma in 2015. BMS provided food aid for some of those most in need.

Cyclone Komen wreaked havoc across the Bay of Bengal in July, leaving hundreds of people dead and hundreds of thousands displaced. Burma was particularly badly affected, with 12 of its 14 states impacted and three declared as natural disaster zones. Through your giving, BMS was able to provide emergency food supplies for 740 severely affected households. “The flooding in Burma did not dominate UK headlines in the way other disasters have but, without a doubt, life for thousands living there is now extremely precarious,” says Steve Sanderson, BMS Manager for Mission. “We are very grateful to everyone who has given to our disaster fund as you have enabled us to reach out with God’s love. Thank you.”

BURMA

Charities are currently under fire in the media. Here’s a statement we released about why you can trust BMS World Mission.

Trust is important. It is the foundation of all strong relationships. Over the last 223 years, BMS has built up strong partnerships with churches and individuals. We want that bond of trust to continue. In the light of recent media reports questioning the practices of some charities, here are three reasons why you can trust us. 1. BMS is committed to both ethical and responsible fundraising. That means that we won’t pass on your contact details and we won’t bombard you with unwanted communications. You can give with confidence to BMS as we follow the codes of conduct of the Fundraising Standards Board. 2. Partnership is important to us. We don’t only send mission workers, we are committed to working closely with trusted local and national partners overseas. To ensure this is effective and fruitful, we have policies in place to prevent bribery, to learn from the successes and failures of previous projects and to ensure that every penny spent overseas is used in the best way possible. 3. We are dedicated to pursuing excellence in everything we do, and that involves all aspects of governance, including financial governance. In order to fulfil our passion to maintain high standards in a rapidly changing environment we have policies in place looking at areas like risk management, ethical and environmental investments, ethical banking, and pensions. We don’t put our money into unethical investments, no matter how financially rewarding they may be. For the full story, visit: bit.ly/trustbms WINTER 2015/16 | ENGAGE WINTER 2015/2016 ENGAGE

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BMS NEWS IN BRIEF BIRTHS:

Nathan James Judkins, to Claire-Lise and David

NEWS MISSIONNEWS

MOVING OVERSEAS: To Amsterdam: David and Dorothy McMillan To Chad: Claire Bedford To France: Christine Kling

CHAD

YOU’VE BUILT A MATERNAL HEALTH CENTRE!

To Lebanon: Claire and Michael Skinner To Peru: Daniel and Regiane Clark, with Ana Sophia

Thanks to the generous gifts of UK churches and individuals, lives will be saved in a new maternal health centre that has been built at Guinebor II Hospital (G2) in Chad.

To Thailand: Helen and Withaya Boondeekhun

Christians across the UK raised £165,000 for the new centre – which not only paid for the construction, it paid for equipment and furniture to set-up the centre too! “It is a huge encouragement to the local population and the hospital staff. They are really excited for the future of the hospital,” says Malc White, who oversaw the construction of the centre. Two midwives from G2 have been teaching women in local communities about the importance of antenatal care, having regular check-ups and giving birth in a safe environment. The team hope that this education, coupled with the new facilities on offer in the maternal health centre, will help save the lives of thousands of new mothers and their babies. And in a country with some of the worst infant and maternal mortality rates in the world that is very good news.

GOODBYES: From Guinea: Eric and Sarah Harris-Bafende

MEETING THE REFUGEE CRISIS

AT ITS SOURCE We’re responding to the refugee crisis where it matters most. You can help.

We would love to say that the answer to the refugee crisis is simple, but it isn’t. The fact is, the images of refugees, that have so impacted our collective consciousness over the past few months, represent just the outer edge of a much larger humanitarian crisis as it approaches our own borders. Responding to the needs we now see on our doorstep is important, but we must not forget the humanitarian disasters that are driving people towards Europe. It is in these areas, at the source of the suffering, that BMS is responding. BMS has been providing relief for people displaced by the crisis in Syria for the last four years. Within Syria itself, we have provided food relief to people displaced by the violence, and our main focus has been in Lebanon, where over one million registered Syrian refugees are trying to make a life. There, through a trusted partner, BMS has been providing food aid, blankets and heating for the cold winters and safe spaces for refugee children to learn. We are also responding to refugee situations in countries such as Iraq, Italy, Thailand and Uganda. Every time you give to BMS you are helping to support this work. Thank you.

SYRIA/WORLD

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WORLD PRAY FOR THE SUCCESS

OF THE SDGS In the last issue of Engage we gave you a simple guide to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Now, we’re asking you to pray.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

SEXUAL VIOLENCE

SURVIVORS’ VOICES HEARD BMS-sponsored research into gender based violence during the Central African Republic conflict has led to the release of a powerful report with the potential to help survivors and inspire leaders to take action. The BMS and Tearfund study was carried out in April and May 2015 by trained local volunteers who spoke to sexual violence survivors about how their experiences had affected them and how they can be helped. Results of the report, To Make Our Voices Heard, were released at a launch event in September 2015 in Bangui which brought faith leaders, government ministries, UN agencies, and other local and national representatives together to discuss the response to sexual violence in the conflict. “The release of the report attracted support from key decision makers,” says Steve Sanderson, BMS Manager for Mission. “It is anticipated that it will influence policy on transitional justice, peacebuilding and protection in Central Africa.” BMS hopes the release of this report will inspire a call to action by faith, government and international leaders alike, to make every effort to end sexual violence in Central African Republic and around the world. Keep up-to-date with all the latest BMS news by subscribing to our weekly email update. Go to bmsworldmission.org/update

Ten years ago, thousands of Christians marched and campaigned to ‘Make Poverty History’. You don’t have to look far to see that poverty is sadly still with us. It has, however, been considerably reduced by the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) the world has been working on for the last 15 years. At this important time, as the MDGs’ deadline ran out in 2015 and the 17 new SDGs now come into play, please pray that across the world governments, businesses, and those in positions of influence and power, as well as NGOs, would get behind these new goals and work tirelessly together to achieve them.

FINDING JESUS IN FRANCE BMS church planters Claire-Lise and David Judkins have led their friend Marie* to Christ.

“Today, I have taken my place in God’s kingdom.” These were Marie’s words after praying to receive Christ with Claire-Lise and David. Marie met Claire-Lise in January in Brive-La-Gaillarde, France, where they both live. Having got to know Claire-Lise, Marie attended a Christian discovery course called My Life Workshop led by the Judkins – and when they asked her if she would like to commit her life to Christ she said yes. “What has really staggered and blessed us is seeing how God has been working in Marie’s life,” says David. *name changed

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24 hours in…

LYON

IF YOU’RE VISITING THE FRENCH CITY OF LYON, WHERE SHOULD YOU GO? BMS WORKERS JOHN AND SUE WILSON SHARE THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS.

SEE THE CITY’S ROMAN PAST Open air celebrations of faith can be a somewhat delicate issue in France, as the remaining Roman amphitheatres remind us. Herod Antipas who beheaded John the Baptist was exiled to Lyon and this may also have been the fate of Pontius Pilate. Growing numbers of Christians in the city came under persecution around 177AD when at least 46 died either in prison, through torture in the arena, or beheading. The result of these troubles brought Irenaeus to Lyon and the rest is history…

WORSHIP. EAT. WORSHIP.

BE WOWED BY THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS A great time to visit Lyon is at the beginning of December when it hosts one of Europe’s largest light festivals. Originally a festival to thank Mary, the bearer of the “Christ light”, for protecting the city in times of danger, today the festival brings millions of visitors to see the amazing lighting effects that give value to such a historic city.

GO DOWN TO THE RIVER TO PRAY In the daytime, you can walk alongside the Saône or Rhône rivers, which merge at the southern end of the town. This area of confluence is developing, with amazing new architectural designs bringing life and vitality to a part of the city which was previously an industrial wasteland. Some of the most exciting initiatives by Christian churches are happening here too. Hundreds were brought together this summer from all of the churches to celebrate our faith in Christ in the open air.

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Lyon was not only the capital of Gaul, but remains to this day the gastronomic capital of France. If you come and join Lyon Baptist Church [which John and Sue lead] on a Sunday, you may well find many people staying together for a meal between the two services. Having tripled in size, the congregation no longer fits into its building. The duplication of services has meant that meeting together for meals as well as mid-week gatherings allows the congregations to remain in table fellowship.

IT’S JUST AN ILLUSION Whilst visiting Lyon, don’t be fooled by the optical illusions of paintings that can take up the whole side of buildings and give the illusion that there are houses, roads or people, that are not really there. Whilst the city itself only has a population of half a million, the metropolitan area of Lyon gathers together nearly two million people. That gives plenty of scope for church growth and evangelism and that is no illusion!

Get updates on the work the Wilsons are doing in Lyon by visiting bmsworldmission.org/jswilson

KEEP

Fiona Castle

ENGAGED Find us on facebook BMS World Mission It’s our birthday! On 2 October 1792 a group of ministers in Northamptonshire gathered to form a society which we now know as BMS World Mission. Click like or put a comment below if you want to wish us a happy birthday. Like · Comment · Share

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Stephanie Brown Love this so much! Christopher Adhikary Due to BMS we became children of God in Bangladesh. Especially I would like to remember the great contributions of Rev William Carey. Lalsangliana Kingbawl Happy Birthday BMS from Mizoram, India

BMS World Mission Have you taken a stand against gender based violence? Watch this short video looking at the myths and misconceptions about domestic abuse from Restored. http://bit.ly/1HvrkYN Like · Comment · Share

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Lynn Lindsay Thank you for sharing the truth.

YOUR TWEETS Adam Stacey @adsta84

Two utterly inspiring days @BMSWorldMission board meeting. So many gifted people making transformative change across the globe. #Blessed

Tim Edworthy @bigrevtim

Love fact of a mission org with core value of working with ‘most marginalised, least evangelised, most fragile countries’ @BMSWorldMission

Keep engaged at facebook.com/bmsworldmission twitter.com/bmsworldmission and @bmsworldmission

Speaker and writer

WE’RE ALL IN MINISTRY WHATEVER JOB WE DO, WE SHOULD BE SERVING CHRIST THROUGH IT.

have never forgotten a comment, made many years ago by John Stott, which really challenged and encouraged me. He was asked, by a young man, to pray for a colleague of his who was “going into the ministry.” “What ministry?” asked John Stott. “Well, he’s training to be a vicar,” came the reply. “But we’re ALL in ministry,” the wise scholar responded. “If we belong to Christ, we are all serving him wherever we are and whatever we’re WE SHOULD doing.” AIM TO DO And it’s true! OUR WORK Whether we’re serving in a shop, FOR CHRIST’S sweeping the GLORY streets or running a multi-million pound business, if we 100 per cent belong to Christ, we should aim to do our work for his glory. Some people feel inferior and marginalised because of the work they are doing, but God doesn’t see us that way. He sees the heart. Many people’s work makes them enablers. For instance, being teachers in mission schools in foreign countries, might not seem very sacred, but they are enabling the local mission workers and NGOs to carry out their work confidently, knowing that their children are being well taught and lovingly cared for. This can be true for teachers anywhere. I was told a lovely story recently, by a church pastor, who was re-introduced to a former neighbour whom he hadn’t seen since he was a child. This lovely Jamaican lady was thrilled to meet him again after so long. “I knew God’s hand was on you” she said, “so I prayed for you every day for twenty years.” What a ministry! An unknown warrior prayed faithfully, without ever knowing if she would discover an answer to those prayers. We might not know, till we reach eternity, whether our lives helped others, but we need to remain faithful to his calling, wherever that may lead us.

Fiona Castle OBE is an international Christian speaker and writer. Her late husband Roy was an entertainer and TV presenter.

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OVERSEAS PARTNER

Ylli Beqiraj

THE TOUGH PATH TO MINISTRY YLLI BEQIRAJ’S STORY OF HOW HE BECAME AN ALBANIAN BAPTIST PASTOR AND BIBLE TUTOR, SUPPORTED BY BMS WORLD MISSION, IS AN EXTRAORDINARY ONE.

rowing up in Communist Albania with a Greek Orthodox mother and a Muslim father – Ylli Beqiraj’s upbringing was complicated. But when he was only six, his father died and life went from complicated to very tough. Ylli’s family had hardly any money after that. His Muslim relatives threatened to take him and his brother away from their mother if she got a job. They survived on a small state pension. Ylli would clean some houses that his Muslim uncle owned, but only got a meal as a reward. As a teenager, Ylli earned money by selling cigarettes and furniture. When his aunt got him work at a Muslim charity, he felt like a Muslim. At the same time, a friend of his who had recently become a Christian invited Ylli to church. Moved by the service, Ylli went to the front and prayed to receive Christ. Ylli immediately quit the Muslim charity, much to the anger of his uncles. Two years later, aged 17, he got a job translating

Ylli Beqiraj (left) meets Novosele-Vlore whilst distributing aid following floods in Albania

for mission workers and was invited by them to preach. He grabbed people’s attention and did very well. Ylli soon knew that God was calling him to be a pastor. Today Ylli is a Baptist minister. BMS has supported him since he became pastor of Vlore Baptist Church in 2012 and will continue to support him as he also serves as a tutor at the Albanian Bible Institute in Durres. Life’s not been easy, but the Lord has always been there for Ylli. “God has been so faithful,” he says.

A new BMS creation care resource Beautiful wallpaper images to download every month Worth signing up for bmsworldmission.org/worthsaving

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THE

LANGUAGE OF LOVE

BRIDGING THE COMMUNICATIONS GAP If mission is about our message, communication is key.

aving a severe stammer wasn’t just embarrassing for Busani – it affected his whole life. He had significant self-esteem issues when Lois Ovenden did some speech therapy work with him in Zimbabwe. He was studying theology but would never speak, let alone preach. Eighteen months on, Lois, a BMS World Mission worker got an email from Busani. “I am writing to thank you for the great work that you did in my life,” he wrote. “I have done preaching at class and a lot of people are commenting about the improvement they see in my life.” Thanks to Lois, Busani was able to

communicate with people in a way he had not been able to before. Understanding others and being understood is key to being part of a family, a group, church or community. For most of us it is something we take for granted, but for some it is a massive hurdle to overcome, one that can leave them frustrated and isolated. How do we ensure a person knows they are heard, understood, accepted and valued? Helping people communicate effectively through speech therapy is what Lois did in Zimbabwe with clients like Busani and now does in Gulu, Uganda.

Language When mission workers go overseas they need to understand and be understood to make a meaningful connection with the communities they serve. Philip and Rosemary Halliday are chaplains at the Massy Language School in France, which is training BMS mission workers and others to develop vital language skills.

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“Speech therapy is helping people communicate who, for some reason, find communicating difficult,” says Lois. “So it might be a child who is late developing speech, or it could be an adult who has had a stroke and their speech or language is affected. It is anything that prevents someone being able to communicate effectively, and my job is to try to get them to communicate in some way.” Lois is starting to build up a list of patients who would not normally have access to speech therapy, as the treatment is not fully recognised by medical professionals in Gulu. One of her patients is Joyce, a 65 year old woman whose ability to speak and comprehend others has been affected by a stroke. “I’m trying to find a way to help her communicate her wants and needs to her family,” says Lois. This is not an easy process, especially since Lois is still working on her own language skills; but with each session Joyce is learning more ways to remain connected to her community. Joyce lost most of her ability to read after the

Publishing The Dar Manhal Al Hayat Christian publishing house in Lebanon seeks to address the dire need for Christian resources in the Arab-Muslim world by publishing and distributing both translated and locally written books. BMS is currently providing financial support with a view to empowering the Church there.

stroke, so therapist and patient practice matching pictures with everyday objects. To help with this process Lois takes a few fruit and vegetables for Joyce to match pictures with the real life examples. This may sound like a simple lesson, but after her stoke Joyce has trouble making these connections and communicating them with others. Joyce has a long journey to recovery ahead of her, but the speech therapy is slowly restoring the independence that was stolen by the stroke. Lois believes helping people to communicate through practices like speech therapy plays a vital part in securing people’s wellbeing.

IF YOU CAN’T COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR FELLOW HUMAN, THERE’S A HUGE AMOUNT OF YOUR HUMANITY THAT IS LOST “If you can’t communicate with your fellow human, there is a huge amount of your humanity that is lost,” she says. “There is something about sharing your thoughts and feelings and needs that if you are unable to do so leaves you isolated. It leaves you disconnected from those around you on a practical level – not being able to describe your needs but also on an emotional level. We’ve all had the experience of being misunderstood, but if you are not even misunderstood but not understood at all, it’s a huge barrier.”

Translation Understanding God’s word in your mother tongue makes a huge difference in helping people apply it in their lives. BMS supports translation work at the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary in Beirut which is allowing people across the Middle East to read attractive and inspiring text in their own language. We are also funding the distribution of Christian literature in Iraq by the Dar Manhal Al Hayat Christian publishing house in Lebanon to help communicate God’s love in Iraq.

The barrier of being understood is one that many children with disabilities at Hope Home in Thailand face when they arrive. Most have conditions that can affect the way they communicate. BMS mission worker Judy Cook, who works at the home, says that building strong relationships with each child is the key to understanding their needs. “It is the language of love for most people,” she says. “They have all got their own ways of showing what they want and when they want it. It is knowing the children and understanding that and then responding to that appropriately.” Nine year old Ray* was at Hope Home and is now living with a foster family. He has mild autism and severe listening difficulties. In the past he has struggled to communicate, which sometimes led to him becoming very frustrated and upset. This does not happen so much now as he has picked *Name changed

Lois Ovenden is helping her clients in Uganda overcome their difficulties communicating.

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up some sign language from Hope Home staff and has developed his own version of it, which is understood by other children and staff. Recently, Ray joined a football club and Judy visited him there. “He was sitting on the side holding the hand of the coach but watching and interacting with

Theological Training BMS is helping bridge theological gaps across the Spanish and Portuguese speaking world through our online theological course the Timothy Project, providing training for those unable to attend Bible college.

everybody,” Judy says. “It was the first time I had seen him do something with his own age group. All the boys were talking to him and he was chattering away to them in his own little language. They probably didn’t understand half of what he was saying, but he felt he was understood because they were interacting with him.” Judy believes what you communicate is just as important as interacting with others. “It is essential for us as Christians to show through the way we communicate that we love people and we care for them,” she says. “And that doesn’t have to be written or verbal language. Just by the way we act, who we are and being ourselves, they know that we value them. It’s a two-way process.”

The two-way process of communication is important for BMS as an organisation, too – not only overseas but here in the UK. We are planning a new access policy to ensure that in our resources, our website and at events we help organise – through subtitles, sign language, audio and other means – as many as possible can access and understand what is happening in the overseas mission they are supporting. And the question of communication is even more fundamental than the issue of access. BMS Communications Director Mark Craig believes his

IT’S ESSENTIAL FOR US AS CHRISTIANS TO COMMUNICATE THAT WE LOVE PEOPLE AND WE CARE FOR THEM department has a vital role to play in ensuring there is not a communications gap between the Church in the UK and the Global Church – the Church that churches are supporting through BMS. “It is vitally important that Christians and churches in this country do not feel isolated from world mission,” he says. “That is our job in Communications – to help make a connection with what a church is doing in Bournemouth with what BMS is doing through the Church in Bangladesh; with what BMS and Christians are doing in Nepal with what Christians are doing in Newcastle. We want people to feel they are part of the

World Church and that we need not only God’s help but also each other’s as we build his kingdom.” For Mark, communications is more than just being understood. It is getting across why mission is important and should be supported. “For communications to succeed, we need to build relationships and through those relationships support will come,” he says. “We also need effective storytelling – attractive images, well-written and effectively delivered communication helps people not only understand the importance of what you are sharing, but also brings it alive for them.” Whether it is helping a stroke victim in Uganda feel understood or chatting to our next door neighbour, as Christians we can share God’s love through the way we communicate with others. How can you bridge a communications gap today?

Teaching Former BMS mission worker Bethan Shrubsole left a legacy of hope in Kasese, Uganda, when she helped to empower local Christian, Moreen, to take over her work teaching children with disabilities to communicate through music therapy. Moreen continues the good work Bethan started at Rwenzori Association of Parents of Children with Disabilities (see Engage, Spring 2015).

Words: Chris Hall

Strong relationships are key for Judy Cook in communicating with children at Hope Home in Thailand.

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WOMAN ON A MISSION FROM UNDERMINING GENDER PREJUDICE TO RAISING A FAMILY ABROAD – WHEN YOU’RE A FEMALE MISSION WORKER, BEHIND EVERY CHALLENGE LIES AN OPPORTUNITY.

“W

e’re all called to mission. To be Christian is to be a mission worker – to look at the world around you and ask yourself how you can transform

it by God’s power.” This, according to experienced BMS World Mission worker Annie Dupree, may indeed be true – but it does feel as if there’s something distinctive and special about those who are called to ‘do mission’ as we traditionally think of it. To travel to the farthest corners of the globe, integrate into a completely alien culture, and spread God’s message and God’s love in a place far from home. It might seem a daunting task to many of us: the language barrier, the culture shock, the distance from a close-knit support network of family and friends. But on top of that is the added strain of being a female, frequently entering into cultures in which women are still oppressed or simply marginalised and considered ‘less than’. For although in the UK it’s now widely accepted that mission is women’s work as much as it is men’s, that isn’t always the case in the new country a mission worker has agreed to call home. Annie has been based in Albania for the last year with her husband and three children, following a stint in north Africa. She’s experienced first-hand the ingrained societal prejudices against women that still exist – and yet she sees this as an opportunity to change attitudes in a positive way, rather than something that constrains her. “As a woman you have a unique opportunity to challenge how women are perceived in the culture you’re in,” she says. “Albania is changing, but Africa was much worse – there

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was an underlying belief that women are not as valuable or successful as men.” Annie tells the story of how she worked with a man who said to her one day, “You know, you really are quite intelligent for a woman.” To which she gave the perfect response: “You know, you really are quite intelligent for a man.” “It’s important to understand what’s going on behind those opinions,” she says. “He was a strict Muslim and so didn’t believe women were as valuable as men. “Only through my close relationship with him could I gently challenge his idea that women don’t have gifts that can be used.” Jeanie Herbert, BMS Regional Team Leader for East Asia, previously spent 15 years doing mission work in India. She paints a similar picture when it comes to challenging gender stereotypes in a different culture. “I was working on a project encouraging families to send their kids to school,” she says. “I went with my male colleague to a meeting with a local pastor, who was lovely. But for six months of meetings, he would only speak to me through my male colleague. “God gave me the grace to cope with that and not to push against it, even though I wanted to. After six months, my male colleague left and a relationship did build – the pastor began to talk to me directly. I’m so thankful God gave me the resilience to be patient.”

CHALLENGING SINGLE STEREOTYPES Jeanie’s frustrations were often related to her single status, in a country where singleness for women was frequently

regarded as nothing short of a tragedy. “I partnered with a local church in Mumbai, and it was difficult for them having someone come as a single woman in their thirties,” says Jeanie. “They’d really love to see everyone married in the Church. Against what Jeanie calls “a backdrop of oppression and humiliation in wider society”, she thinks there is progress being made. “There are signs that things are moving forward. They see the experience you can bring as a single woman, like mine in education, and they respect that.” In fact, Jeanie’s singleness brought more opportunities to church communities, opening the congregations’ eyes to the possibility that single people could be used, rather than pitied and ignored. She says: “I did some training in another school, and the pastor saw what I was doing and said, ‘I need to look again at the single women in my church. I realise they could be doing things. I don’t need to wait until they’re married.’ “He saw that I was using my gifts in education and realised he needed to change his way of thinking. It was lovely to see that.” Amy Peterson, Assistant Director of the Honours

Programme at Taylor University and writer and researcher on women in mission, acknowledges this double-sided coin, whereby the obstacle that is perceived as holding women back in mission is the very thing that is helping them: “Yes, women continue to face challenges due to working in patriarchal cultures where they are viewed as less reliable, knowledgeable, or powerful than men. “But historically, many women have found that working in cultures where they are regularly dismissed as weak and insignificant has been a boon to them. Because they were not viewed as a threat to local power in the same way that foreign men were, they were able to infiltrate new cultures even more effectively.”

THE OBSTACLE PERCEIVED AS HOLDING WOMEN BACK IN MISSION IS THE VERY THING THAT IS HELPING THEM

MISSION AND MOTHERHOOD Annie, as a mother of three, has had different trials to overcome – and in turn, different opportunities have

presented themselves. “While Dan, my husband, was training to be a pastor, we lived at my mum’s for three years, so I’m very close to her. Not to have that support at our fingertips here in Albania is incredibly hard. “But actually, needing help gives you a way into your

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community. Our neighbours share our garden, so there’s an Albanian lad who plays with my son as soon as they get in from school, and we look after each other’s kids. That’s a great way in.” Annie also describes how it’s tough for her children, aged four, nine and ten, to go to an international school and spend time with peers from wealthy families, and yet witness the extreme poverty in their local community. However, she also sees their understanding of this divide as integral to their upbringing. “We want our children to understand the poverty that surrounds us – that it isn’t right, it isn’t normal,” says Annie. “So we can be agents of God’s love, who say, ‘how can we change this situation?’ “We don’t want to get comfortable or get used to these things.” For Annie and her husband, mission is something they experience together, as a family. She says: “Our overseas mission journey has always been with children. For us it’s been a great thing. “What’s wonderful about BMS is it involves our whole family. It’s not just Dan and me doing a job – the kids are part of this just as much.”

A HISTORY OF MISSION Women being missionaries certainly isn’t a new phenomenon – although it often feels that way. Rosie Button, lecturer in mission at Redcliffe College, says: “There has been a long and illustrious history of women’s involvement in mission. “In fact, women went overseas on mission in the 1800s and 1900s because this gave them more of an opportunity to 14 bmsworldmission.org bmsworldmission.org

serve God in ministry roles than they were allowed in their churches back in England. For example, Amy Carmichael in the late 1800s went to Japan and then India, where she remained for 55 years.” However, because mission was persistently seen as a ‘man’s domain’, women had to remain somewhat undercover, according to Amy Peterson. “Prior to about the 1820s, the word missionary was a male noun; there were missionaries, and there were missionaries’ wives,” Peterson says. “But, for a woman to be a missionary herself was against ‘the whole tenor of Scripture’, and ‘missionary labours [were] out of her sphere of duty’ – or so a writer in Christian Lady’s Magazine claimed in 1836.” This didn’t stop Victorian women from rolling up their sleeves and getting stuck in alongside their missionary husbands – far from it. They just had to downplay their involvement to the folks back home. “These wives maintained a self-depreciating demeanour in reports sent back home that masked their participation in work that was traditionally done by men,” says Peterson. Perceptions have changed over the centuries, slowly, as women’s rights have increased and their gifts become more recognised. Safety has often been cited as a reason for concern when it comes to women doing mission overseas, but Button discounts this as a legitimate reason for them to be pushed aside. “I honestly do not think women are held back from going to dangerous countries,” she says. “Usually people contemplating going to another country on mission are pretty strong, independent characters.” Peterson agrees: “In my experience and my reading, I’ve found that women have always been as fearless as men –

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sometimes more so.” For those considering it, Button recommends going through an experienced organisation, such as BMS. “I would encourage anyone going, including single women, to belong to a mission society or agency because they can offer back-up and support,” she says. Contrary to all the more dangerous, glamourous problems one might foresee a female mission worker abroad facing, the reality is often a lot closer to home, according to Button. “Although it sounds mundane, I would say the main challenge to women in mission is just the same as being a working woman here in the UK: balancing children and ministry, marriage and ministry, holding multiple identities and not getting burned out.” That said, there are fundamental differences in attitudes to women and how these affect day-to-day interactions, particularly in some societies. In parts of the Middle East, for example, men’s views of western women have been shaped almost exclusively by depictions in Hollywood films and pornography. And those differences can’t simply be ignored – they must be engaged with. “I think our role is to gently challenge outdated or skewed views of women,” says Annie. “Sometimes it’s about helping women to take leadership roles; sometimes it’s about taking those positions myself; sometimes it’s about raising up both

men and women. “There’s a sense here that all childcare and household roles are a woman’s domain. So even little things like Dan dropping off the kids instead of me is setting a good example,” Annie says. “As a woman there’s a responsibility to challenge inequality – but in a positive way.”

AS A WOMAN THERE’S A RESPONSIBILITY TO CHALLENGE INEQUALITY – BUT IN A POSITIVE WAY

LASTING IMPACT

Despite the day-to-day difficulties of integrating into a place a world away from the familiar, despite interacting with cultures where institutionalised sexism still persists, both Annie and Jeanie describe their experience of world mission as an overwhelmingly positive one. And while mission will always be the work of both genders, Jeanie could see how, just by being there, she helped the women in that community to recognise their true value as God’s children. “There was the opportunity to encourage women, to help them discover their gifts, to draw alongside unmarried women who felt, in that culture, the disappointment and difficulties of being single,” Jeanie says. “Living positively as a woman can speak into contexts and lives in a helpful way – even without using words.” Words: Helen Coffey WINTER WINTER2015/16 2015/16 || ENGAGE ENGAGE

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BMS WORKER PROFILE © Nuno Ibra Remane

Carlos Tique Jone

HOW I SURVIVED MOZAMBIQUE’S

Carlos Tique Jone asked God for protection when the Government forced him to fight in the civil war. God delivered.

Carlos Tique Jone

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was working in a mining company in Beira when the Government soldiers arrived. They ‘requested’ that the young men join the army. At that time, in 1985, our president, Samora Mosies Machel, used the phrase ‘o país chamado para nós’ to describe enlistment. It means ‘the country called for us’. I didn’t want to go. Fighting in the war was at its height and I knew that being a soldier meant I might not survive. A lot of young people died. Many soldiers went to the bush to fight the Renamo geurillas and never returned. Several of us were arrested and taken from Manica Province to train in Tete Province, some 300 miles away. Travel between Mozambique’s provinces was very difficult because of the war, so the government soldiers took us through Zimbabwe. As we drove, I searched for any opportunity to run away, but one never came. We had to travel all night to Zimbabwe and reached the border in the morning. But I didn’t know where I was. After that we went on to Tete’s capital where we met the local commander at 11 pm.

BASECAMP

asecamp was a place unfit to house people. There were no bedrooms or any rooms. When they took us, we didn’t have a chance to get our clothes. No extra trousers, shirts, nothing. The clothes on my body were all I had with me. All they gave us was one military uniform. I thought again about running away, but because it was very far from my province it wasn’t possible. I wouldn’t have made it far. The first thing the government did was take your ID. For you to travel from one city to another you had to have ID and a letter saying where you lived, where you were going and how long you would be there. When you got to your destination, you presented the letter to show that you were there. I didn’t have any of those documents when I was in the training camp, so it was impossible for me to run back home. I just accepted that this was where I was staying. Maybe after the training finished I would have a chance to run away. But at that time, I stayed and completed the training process to become a soldier.

It was a place unfit to house people

MIRACLE

efore going to be a soldier I had accepted Christ as my Saviour. During the training I always prayed to God for protection and to show me what I’d do afterwards. When training ended, we gathered by the fire. Then he began selecting people for different parties. The commander came to me and said, “You, hiding at the back. Stand up.” I didn’t understand why he singled me out. I was in the group with friends who I met during the training. I was selected between two men who were my friends and put aside. But I didn’t understand why. After that, all of us were told, “those soldiers who we’ve selected will be staying here in the city and become the military police.” Our job was to control the others – soldiers who maybe would try to attack the city or run away from the fighting. If we found them our job was to capture them and take them to the camp where they were either punished or sent back to the bush. So that is what God did in my life. I stayed in the city, controlling the other soldiers and protecting the commanders in the city and in their homes until I was released from service.

You, hiding at the back. Stand up

COMBAT

only had to fight the Renamo soldiers once. They attacked near the city and it was our responsibility as military police to go and see what was happening. It was a difficult day. We were sleeping when the camp siren rang. We woke up quickly and put our uniforms on. Each of us took our gun. When we went, I thought we were going to see what was happening, as was our routine. And after that we’d go back to camp. But that day, when we went to find out what was wrong, the commander said we needed to go after the Renamo soldiers and fight them. I was afraid. I thought, “Today is my last day to live.” But again God protected me. We went, we fought the Renamo soldiers and we all returned to camp without injuries.

PRAYER

was praying that God would protect me. “I know that you are my Father and I am your child,” I said. “I’m here because I’m obeying the country’s law, but I know that you can protect me.” I remember that one day I was sleeping and in my dream came a verse from the Bible. At the time I didn’t recognise it. It was Psalm 121: 8, ‘the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and for evermore’. This is the message I received from God. But when I left the military, I remembered that God was answering my prayer with that verse, that he had really protected me from the time I went to be a soldier until I came back home. I went home alive and without injury, so I knew, as I know now, that our God is wonderful and he can do everything for us.

Carlos Tique Jone was speaking to Vickey Casey

Today, Carlos is a BMS international mission worker who helps to teach project management skills and works with locals to develop livelihood projects in and around Manica province.

WINTER 2015/16 | ENGAGE

BMS REVIEW OF

NEW MISSION INITIATIVES, RESPONDING TO A MASSIVE NATURAL DISASTER AND MISSION WORKERS GETTING MARRIED – IT HAS BEEN QUITE A YEAR FOR BMS WORLD MISSION. Solidarity with Ukraine

Responding to the Nepal earthquakes The biggest earthquake in Nepal’s history and arguably the biggest natural disaster of 2015 hit on 25 April and was followed by another earthquake on 12 May. Our mission workers were thankfully all safe, but there was widespread devastation with many in the country losing everything. Over £516,800 was raised through our Nepal earthquake appeal which provided emergency relief such as food and shelter and will go on helping communities as they rebuild their lives. Thank you for your generosity.

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The Ukraine conflict is one of the biggest to face Europe in decades, but largely goes under-reported. In April, 60 delegates and observers from around Europe attended the London Consultation, hosted by BMS and our partner Mission Eurasia at Lambeth Palace, to discuss how the Church could respond to the humanitarian challenges as well as the religious freedom concerns the conflict has raised. A resolution was signed by delegates, which called on the global Christian community and humanitarian agencies to acknowledge what is happening in Ukraine, and to develop a practical response to support the Ukrainian people.

2015 © Graphies.thèque – fotolia.com

Standing up for Dignity Our initiative to combat gender based violence (GBV) was launched in 2014, but really made an impact in 2015. Legal work to help those who have suffered abuse access justice got underway in Uganda and Mozambique, and BMS sponsored research into the extent of sexual violence in the recent conflict in the Central African Republic. The themes of Dignity were shared at ministers’ conferences and got a powerful response. Churches started to discuss the issue of GBV and many have signed up to the Dignity Church Charter to take a stand in their local communities.

Fun and inspiration at Baptist assemblies BMS produced and co-organised the Baptist assemblies in Wales, Scotland and England in 2015. The Baptist Assembly in Peterborough was quite different to previous years with more of a family feel and proved to be very popular.

Saving new lives in Chad Thanks to your generosity, we reached our target to build a muchneeded maternal health centre at Guinebor II Hospital in Chad. The centre was finished in August and will be operational in late 2015, providing a better level of care for mothers and babies in a country with one of the worst infant and maternal mortality rates in the world.

Working together in mission

Three weddings, one couple Annet Ttendo and Damien Miller fell in love while serving with BMS’ legal team in Mozambique. In 2015 they got married and had three ceremonies – the main one in Uganda where Annet is from, and then celebrations in Mozambique and the UK. The weddings of the year!

In 2015, BMS and the Ascension Trust signed an agreement of co-operation, that could provide training and enable Street Pastors to do effective outreach not just on the streets of the UK but abroad. The first example of this is Street Servants, being developed by Benjamin Francis in Kolkata, India.

Goodbye BMS, hello BMS We have said sad goodbyes to some longterm mission workers this year, including the Butterworths in Nepal and the Williamsons in Peru. But a great new batch of mission trainees are now at our International Mission Centre preparing to serve overseas in 2016.

WINTER 2015/16 | ENGAGE

Q&A

THE BIG INTERVIEW CHRISTIAN PEER AND HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCATE BARONESS CAROLINE COX TALKS TO BMS ABOUT PERSECUTION, SHARIA LAW AND REFORMING THE HOUSE OF LORDS.

BARONESS Baroness Caroline Cox has served in the House of Lords for over 30 years and is a former Deputy Speaker. She is well known for being a champion for human rights and religious freedom.

COX

Q A

Was it a surprise when you were awarded a life peerage in 1982?

What I always say about myself is I’m a nurse and social scientist by intention and a baroness by astonishment. It was a great shock and a gift from God because I wasn’t into politics. I didn’t much like politics. So much so that I was the first baroness I’d ever met. It came as quite a shock. The House of Lords is a wonderful place to be a voice for those who don’t have a voice. I have tried to use that arena to be a voice for the voiceless.

Many think the House of Lords should be changed to an elected chamber. What do you think? The more I’ve been there, the stronger is my commitment to having a second chamber, which is not elected, but which is appointed. The purpose of the 20

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House of Lords is to be a refining and revising chamber to make sure that law is good law and policy is good policy. And for that in one house you do need experts. There are people in the House of Lords who would never stand for election, wouldn’t be in a position to stand for election, like the chief of defence staff, former ambassadors, presidents of royal colleges – people who have great experience and great wisdom. I think it could do with some reform. In its present format it’s far too large. I personally think that there have been rather too many political appointments and rewards for support for political parties. But I think for a house of expertise you need an appointed chamber, and the Lords at its best has enormous value.

As chief executive of Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust (HART), you often travel into war zones to help the persecuted. How do you cope with that danger? Our Lord said, “he who is not prepared to leave husband or wife or others for my sake is not worthy to be my disciple. And he who lays down his life for my sake will find it.” I’m always very nervous before I go, but it’s our calling. And to be with our brothers and sisters in persecution I think is a great privilege.

WE’VE GOT TO REALISE AS CHRISTIANS, THAT ONLY THE TRUTH WILL MAKE US FREE

You contributed to a book on the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta [Magna Carta Unravelled], which argued that religious freedom is possibly under threat in the UK. Do you agree with that? The thing that concerns me is the growth of Sharia law, Sharia courts and Sharia councils, the way in which they inherently enshrine gender discrimination in a very systematic way. I think it is a cause for concern in a country where we are meant to be promoting gender equality and eradication of inherent gender discrimination.

Would you say politicians or Christians would perhaps be wary of tackling this issue because they might be afraid of offending Muslims? We’ve got to realise as Christians, that only the truth will make us free. If there’s something happening which is cause for concern, we have to speak up about it. We cannot let cultural sensitivities override the law of the land or fundamental principles and values. We are letting things happen in our country which are a real threat to our spiritual, cultural, and political heritage. I think we have to address those concerns, not be intimidated by giving labels which are designed to intimidate.

Do you feel persecution is getting worse around the world? There has always been persecution. Since the earliest days of the Church, Christians have suffered persecution. But there is clearly an escalation of a very well-resourced and very fundamental form of persecution. There are many people around the world suffering very real forms of persecution. I think we need as Christians to speak for all who suffer persecution. The biblical mandate is to heal the sick, feed the hungry, speak for the oppressed, not just the Christian hungry and the Christian oppressed.

How do you think the UK Government responds to issues of persecution and human rights? My concern with the UK Government is that very often I don’t think it is as effective in addressing regimes which carry out atrocities with impunity as it should be because, presumably, other interests take precedence. And that is a continuing issue for any government, how they balance interests with genuine measures to address impunity of humans who may be carrying out atrocities.

You successfully campaigned in 1988 for a commitment in law that state education was broadly Christian. Since then we have become a more secular country. Do you still think this is important? I think it’s enormously important that our country is based on Judeo-Christian values. I think a lot of the British population would like to maintain their fundamental values. And therefore I would stand by the argument that I made at the time: that we should make sure young people know their JudeoChristian heritage. Obviously they should, especially as they get older, understand and appreciate other faith traditions too, to increase understanding and appreciation and cooperation and good community relations. But I think the importance of understanding the heart of the faith which has helped this country become what it has – to undertake some of the most important global initiatives such as the abolition of slave trade, undertaken largely on Christian principles and Christian ideas of freedom. I think we need to cherish those positive and very precious values in our Judeo-Christian heritage and ensure that our younger generation understands and appreciates them. Baroness Cox was talking to Chris Hall

Magna Carta Unravelled is available from wilberforcepublications.co.uk

WINTER 2015/16 | ENGAGE

A CALL TO

MISSION IS GOD CALLING YOU TO SERVE HIM OVERSEAS IN 2016? TEAM LEADER FOR PROGRAMMES GRAEME RIDDELL EXPLORES WHAT CALLING IS AND HOW BMS COULD HELP IF YOU ARE BEING CALLED.

DREAMS AND VISIONS Imagine waking abruptly in the night following a dream of a man asking you to come and help. You respond immediately by getting up and packing your bags, knowing that God is asking you to go and preach the gospel to this man and his people group. If this kind of thing happens to you regularly then your name might be Paul and you are about to embark on a tour of the best package holiday destinations the Mediterranean can offer. The Apostle Paul’s dramatic calling to Macedonia in Acts 16 is one that some people mistakenly point to as the benchmark of an authentic call to mission service. “Have you heard the voice of God?” “Have you had a Macedonian experience?” That God calls some people into overseas cross-cultural

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mission in the most dramatic of ways is certainly true. However, for the majority of people the process is far less dramatic and often involves a growing sense of trying to work out where God would have them serve him (whilst not losing sight of living in the present and serving God in the here and now).

WHAT IS CALLING? So what is calling? Whenever anyone asks the question, “Am I called to mission?”, then it is worth stopping and thinking how we might answer. Our primary call as Christians comes at the point we put our faith in Jesus and it is to be his followers and disciples. And it is in placing all our ambitions, hopes

A CALLING TO OVERSEAS CROSS-CULTURAL MISSION But what if you have a sense or notion (indeed even a dramatic vision) that your secondary calling or vocation might be to serve in a cross-cultural mission context overseas. Here are some practical steps you could think about doing: • Pray and ask God to help you interpret and act on the sense of call that is growing within you • Speak with Christian friends, family and your church leadership – ask them to pray and discern with you • Read and learn more about mission through biographies, books, blogs and prayer letters • Go on a short-term trip – a BMS Insight team bmsworldmission.org/insight or volunteer placement bmsworldmission.org/shortterm might help you discern if this is something that God might be leading you to longer term

• Get involved in church or community ministries that enable cross-cultural interaction with people of other backgrounds and faiths

and desires under his lordship that the way is paved to considering our secondary calling which is to glorify God with our gifts and talents, time and resources through the vocations we feel led to. Working out this vocation can often lead to the mistake of thinking that to do God’s work involves entering full-time Christian ministry or going overseas as a mission worker. Whisper it quietly, but that job in the office or classroom, factory or outdoors might be the very place God wants you to be and stay as a mission worker. It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need to travel to the ends of the world to care for your neighbour or to share the good news. In fact if you are not already doing this in your current work place it isn’t going to come any more naturally overseas.

• If you feel led to a particular people group or place in the world, find out more about those places and people and start to pray for them • Begin to find out if there are any languages you might need to learn, explore what skills you have that you could use overseas and whether you might need to do further training or gain more experience

CAN BMS HELP? As well as praying and exploring individually, one of the other things you could do is make contact with BMS to have an initial conversation about what you feel God might be saying to you about serving him overseas. We love to meet with people with a heart for mission and through the process of exploring issues of faith and character, ‘calling’ and mission commitment, resilience and competency, to discern together if there might be a role where God could use you in mission service overseas with BMS. Turn the page to find out more.

WINTER 2015/16 | ENGAGE

NEW LIFE AFTER LOSS SO YOU THINK GOD MIGHT BE LEADING YOU TO EXPLORE CROSS-CULTURAL MISSION SERVICE OVERSEAS.

WHAT DO YOU DO? 1. Visit the BMS website and the ‘Serve overseas’ pages. Read about the different programmes we have and the current opportunities we are recruiting for: bmsworldmission.org/serveoverseas 2. Get in touch with us by phone (01235 517651) or email (opportunities@bmsworldmission.org) or fill in an initial contact form online: secure.jotformeu.com/form/43152424834350

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? 1. We’ll ask you to fill in a simple form that tells us a bit about you, which will help us discern if your skills and background match up with any of our overseas partners’ needs. 2. There will be initial exploratory interviews where you can ask your questions and where we can find out more about you. 3. We will also speak with your sending church to enable them to contribute to the discernment process. 4. If together we feel that it is right to proceed AND we feel there is a role we can find for you to serve in we’ll take up references and medical clearance and for long termers there will be a final selection event. 5. If selected, you will then undertake a period of training at our International Mission Centre (IMC) to prepare you for your placement overseas.

For more information about serving long-term overseas with BMS see: bmsworldmission.org/longterm

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Following the death of her husband, Christine moved from France to Scotland to start a new life in 2010. Having been invited to an Alpha course she became a Christian shortly after. Christine had a sense that God might be leading her to full-time Christian work and so she started to undertake training at the Scottish Baptist College. In 2014 Christine travelled on a BMS Insight team to India and later undertook a short-term placement to France on the BMS volunteer programme. These trips as well as the guiding wisdom of friends and church leaders prompted Christine to give up her senior project manager job with Hewlett Packard and to apply for long-term service with BMS. Having just completed her training at the International Mission Centre, Christine is due to arrive in France in early 2016 where she will help develop an online learning platform for the French Baptist Federation whilst serving as an assistant minister in a French Baptist church.

CALLED AS A CHILD For Claire Skinner the call goes back even further, to her childhood. Claire wrote on her application form to BMS: “I have always felt drawn to missionary work and I have only recently felt that now is the time to proactively push at doors. My Mum was a missionary with YWAM through her 20s and when I was 18 months old my Mum and Dad went to Hong Kong to work as missionaries with Jackie Pullinger. I have always felt that I have been blessed with a rich heritage in this sense and a feeling of one day being drawn into missionary work in the Far East myself.” Claire and her husband Michael will arrive in Lebanon in January 2016 after training at IMC. Using her project management and writing skills, Claire hopes to support a BMS partner working with the most marginalised and least evangelised including those caught up in the current Syrian crisis.

PRAY ON EVERY OCCASION, AS THE SPIRIT LEADS. FOR THIS REASON KEEP ALERT AND NEVER GIVE UP; PRAY ALWAYS FOR ALL GOD’S PEOPLE. (EPHESIANS 6: 18 GNB) We encourage you to photocopy this page for your church or cut out the sections to use in your regular prayer times.

PLACES: Nepal It has been a hard year for the people of Nepal. April saw one of the most devastating earthquakes in its history, killing more than 9,000 people and injuring thousands more. The aid response was overwhelming and rebuilding projects are underway, but it will take time for the country to recover fully. In September the constitution was finalised after nine years of deliberation, negotiation and debate. While it is hoped that this will bring stability and security, only time will tell how this will work in practice. Nepal is also home to one of BMS’ largest national team of workers. From occupational therapists and counsellors through to teachers and project managers, our workers are transforming communities, one life at a time.

PRAY FOR: • The BMS team in Nepal, for health, safety and a reliance on God • Our partner organisations, International Nepal Fellowship, Nepali Church Council and United Mission to Nepal • Wisdom and discernment for politicians and leaders

PROJECTS: Action Teams This year’s Action Teams started their six month overseas placement in October. Thirty five young people are now serving in Christian ministry in Albania, India, Kosovo, Mozambique, Nepal, Peru and Uganda. This will be the first taste of crosscultural mission for many of them and it will have a lasting impact on the rest of their lives. Experiencing new things, battling culture shock and living in close quarters with other team members require wisdom, grace, patience and determination. Please pray for these young people for whom BMS Action Teams is a life-changing experience. To hear about what they are up to, have a read of their blogs at actionteamblogs.org

PRAY FOR: • Team relationships and the development of real friendships • Spiritual growth and maturity for each team member • That the teams would be an encouragement to the communities they are serving in, and vice-versa!

PEOPLE: Gemma Leadley Gemma has been teaching at Grace International School in Dhaka, Bangladesh, since December 2013. Among her pupils are the children of mission workers, which enables their parents to serve in other roles. In her recent prayer letter, she wrote about her experiences so far: “It is exciting to meet people from all over the world, with such different backgrounds and experiences, bringing with them specific gifts and skills, with the same aim to serve God and the people of Bangladesh. “I am excited to see where God will lead us all with new things to learn, to share, and to develop, for we hope and pray for God’s glory and honour in this nation.” Gemma writes prayer letters and maintains a blog. Both can be found on her profile page at bmsworldmission.org/gleadley

Get regular prayer points and resources from BMS at bmsworldmission.org/prayer

PRAY FOR: • Gemma, that she may know God’s leading in her decisions • New members of staff at Grace International School • The people, both in and outside the school, whom Gemma is serving

Aidan Melville is sub-editor for the BMS Prayer Guide

WINTER 2015/16 | ENGAGE

IDEAS FOR

YOUR CHURCH ACTIVITIES

KIDS CARE: Treasure hunt in Peru

The KIDS CARE treasure hunt continues! This time the journey takes us to Peru, where we will learn all about what it means to treasure God and hear an exciting story from a young boy living there. On this adventure we will learn how the choices you make each day matter to God. In The treasures of learning we will meet a boy named Elias, who is faced with difficult decisions in his life. Learn how God takes care of him through it all.

In this issue, children will learn how to demonstrate their love for God through their decisions and behaviour. They can snack on delicious plantain chips, play ‘Pin the wool on the llama’ and plan a skills auction for church members to support BMS work in Peru. So join us for this KIDS CARE Peru treasure hunt and download this exciting issue and the activity pages from bmsworldmission.org/kidscare Also, remember that every FACE magazine can be found in our online library. To download FACE, go to bmsworldmission.org/face

BIRTHDAY SCHEME Do something wonderful on your birthday –

share the gift of life! The BMS Birthday Scheme has for decades supported medical work and health ministries around the globe, and we still need your help! We all enjoy receiving gifts on our birthday, and the Birthday Scheme is an opportunity to be a blessing to others by making your own gift and supporting some of the most marginalised and disadvantaged people in the world. Here at BMS we are really passionate about the work of the Birthday Scheme, so we have refreshed all of our materials with a brand new look! These were

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sent to all current Birthday Scheme secretaries in November. The new DVD includes two videos, one that explains how the Birthday Scheme works and another that focuses on the life-saving work at Guinebor II Hospital in N’Djamena, Chad, one of the projects supported through the Birthday Scheme.

If you don’t have a BMS Birthday Scheme at your church and you would like to start one you can find out more and order an information pack by contacting Pam at resources@bmsworldmission.org or 01235 517617.

FUNDRAISING

Thailand Freedom Bakery appeal

r on one yea

In December 2014 we launched our Thailand Freedom Bakery appeal, and we have had an incredible response! With your support, we have raised over £31,000. Sarah Brown, a BMS worker, has been able to run a 12-week professional baking class which has given vulnerable women essential skills and vocational training. This provides them with an economic alternative to escape life in Bangkok’s red light district. Since graduating in June, the women have been making amazing custom-made cakes, transforming their lives and moving forward without the stigma of the past.

The congregation of Gunton Baptist Church in Lowestoft, Suffolk dusted off their oven gloves for a baking competition to raise funds for the Freedom Bakery appeal. In the competition and following sale, they raised over £230 for the appeal, with this fantastic toadstool cake winning the competition. More cake-based fundraising was found in Taunton Baptist Church in Somerset, where they challenged the men and young people of the church to don their aprons and work the mixing bowl to make cakes for an auction. If you or your church are running an event to fundraise we would love to hear about it! Contact Chris at cheron@bmsworldmission.org or call 01235 517634 and let us know all about it. Paul and Sarah Brown are doing difficult, challenging but vital work in Thailand. Through their project they are able to empower Thai women to leave behind situations that have put them at risk. You can find out more about the Freedom Bakery appeal at bmsworldmission.org/freedombakery

Are you looking for a new challenge in 2016? We want to say a big THANK YOU to everyone that completed a sponsored event for BMS in 2015! A special shout out goes to Malc and Will Reddaway, who completed the RideLondonSurrey 100 cycle race. They rode 100 miles in 5hrs and 18 minutes and are still smiling!

They also managed to raise over £700 for Claire Bedford serving at Guinebor II Hospital in Chad as well as other BMS work. We have spaces reserved for the RideLondon 2016 event on 30/31 July. Please contact Suzanne at slinnell@bmsworldmission.org if you are interested in taking up this challenge or are considering doing a different sponsored event.

Monday 1 February 2016 The world desperately needs prayer. Every year, BMS staff and mission personnel set a day apart to pray together for our work. It’s a huge encouragement when churches join us too, whether on the Day of Prayer itself, in Sunday services, prayer groups or individually. Our programme of prayer and a responsive PowerPoint resource will be available to download from mid-December at bmsworldmission.org/dayofprayer Please pray with us.

WINTER 2015/16 | ENGAGE

Opinion

ADDICTION: HOW SHOUL WHETHER IT IS DRUGS, ALCOHOL OR THE INTERNET, ADDICTION CAN CONTROL AND DESTROY PEOPLE AND THOSE THAT LOVE THEM. HOW CAN THE CHURCH HELP?

UK: WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?

ow should Christians respond to addiction? The question causes me to ask another one – how would Jesus respond to addiction? While it is not evident that Jesus met people with addictions, his encounters with a range of people do help us to answer the question. Let me invite you into a story. John, now 30 years old, had struggled with addictions since his mid-teens and had made a commitment to Christ some years before. His addictions led him to stealing to feed his habit and so he was viewed with suspicion and mistrust in the neighbourhood. John found himself marginalised in his community, but in the context of the family of God he

Duro Ayanrinola Ghana

discovered something very different. Jesus’ encounters with the marginalised are marked by grace and compassion. He was known for having the company of tax collectors and sinners of his day. He chose to be present with them, rather than distance himself from them. In making himself physically present with them, Jesus also demonstrated love in his words and actions. He reached out to touch the leper, and he spoke words of compassion to the woman caught in adultery. Too often today, the addict is met with critical and judgmental thoughts and words in our society. This attitude serves to distance rather than build bridges. John’s experience of Christian

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United Kingdom

community was one first and foremost of acceptance and love. This love was not about turning a blind eye to his struggles, but rather challenging and helping him to experience freedom. Jesus encountered the woman caught in adultery (John 8) with love, but also challenged her lifestyle – “Go and sin no more.” When it comes to addiction, we need to believe in and work towards what Jesus said when he quoted from Isaiah – “He has sent me to proclaim release for the captives” (Luke 4). Peter Dunn is Director for Mission at BMS World Mission

AFRICA: ADDICTS NEED DELIVERANCE

yetunde, a quiet, easy-going behavioural problems) are found all young man, relocated to Lagos over the world, including Africa. There after the death of his parents. are people known to be addicted to His new friends introduced him to alcohol, tobacco, gambling and sex. smoking, which he initially resisted Today in Africa, the list has increased to until one day when, out of curiosity, include most of what people in the West he grudgingly consider as addictions: experimented with pornography, drugs, HIS DELIVERANCE a stick. With time, video games, work, he graduated internet etc. CAME WHEN HE to marijuana Medical research TURNED TO JESUS and could no confirms the dependency longer control of addicts and how his smoking habit. Sometimes he found difficult it is to break free of its bondage, it difficult to attend functions where he even when they are aware of the could not smoke. From this story, we harmful consequences for them and see that addiction is a trap or bondage. those around them. Addiction is more Anyone trapped cannot set himself free; than a psychological, sociological and that person needs help. behavioural problem; it has a spiritual Addicts (whether to substances or dimension which is the result of human

Peter Dunn

depravity. Addicts need more than rehabilitation. In Africa, some churches combine deliverance services with Bible study as a way out and it is very effective. Therefore, addiction could be likened to Paul’s experience. He knew the good, but could not do it. His deliverance came when he turned to Jesus. The Church in Africa must minister to the total needs of addicts both medically and spiritually. Through Jesus, addicts can break the chains that bind them and habits that constrain them. They can live victoriously in his power. More importantly, the Church must live redemptively for addicts to see the redemptive Saviour. Duro Ayanrinola is General Secretary of the All Africa Baptist Fellowship

D CHRISTIANS RESPOND? PORTUGAL: DEPENDENCY ON GOD

eople may see addiction from different perspectives. As followers of Christ, I believe we should see addiction as an opportunity to show God’s love for all people by serving our neighbours as Paul taught,

first those from the family of faith and then those in need, no matter what their religious affiliation. In Portugal, many churches have acted directly to help people to overcome their addictions. They have also indirectly helped by financially supporting organisations, guided by Christian values and led by believers, which specialise in restoring those whose lives are being destroyed by alcohol or drugs. In some cases these organisations work along with the Government in In Portugal, possession of a small amount of drugs can lead to a social programmes. fine or a recommendation to get treatment if there are signs of Through the years, addiction, rather than a criminal record or time in prison. several teenagers who

Anair Bragança Brazil

he Bible states “Jesus died for all” (2 Corinthians 5: 15). He loves everyone regardless of their sins. The example Christ left us was of grace and compassion. Christians must answer drug addiction by building relationships with addicted individuals, treating them with compassion so that they might have a real encounter with Jesus. Churches should also be continuously promoting prevention projects to protect youth from the risks of getting close to drugs. In Brazil, drug addiction has become a major social problem. In all main cities across the country there are gatherings of crack users. These places are known as “cracolandias” (cracklands), where hundreds of people gather to freely use drugs.

Fernando Soares Loja Portugal

are churchgoers have fallen to the temptation of getting involved with alcohol and drugs, and a few of them have lost their lives. But there are many stories that end up well, with former addicts recovering, getting a new meaning for their lives, and realising that they need a fresh start with God in control of their lives. For many, drug addiction has been replaced by a dependency on God and that is the supreme reward for those believers who have worked hard to save the lives of so many people. Fernando Soares Loja is President of the Portuguese Baptist Convention

BRAZIL: PREVENTION AND COMPASSION In this context, Brazilian Baptists, through the Junta de Missões Nacionais, have shown compassion through Projeto Cristolândia. This project has a positive approach taking care of the individual in different dimensions: physical, emotional and spiritual. The project takes place in three phases. The first phase, nominated mission, happens near the cracolandias in order to allow access for homeless people. We work in the pursuit of real friendship with each one who approaches the project, demonstrating love, offering food, showers, clothing, the Word of God and the opportunity to voluntarily leave drugs. During the second phase our focus is detoxification and discipleship. The third phase aims to reconnect the individual to society

(work, family and church). We often have former addicts, whom we have helped, working as volunteers in the project. We would like Christians to unite and address drug addiction issues. We suggest an approach similar to ours, since we take care of all participants as a whole, for free, and we respect each individual’s recovery time. Our results have been relevant. Anair Bragança Soares Siqueira is Executive Manager of Social Action at Junta de Missões Nacionais in Brazil. For more on Cristolândia, go to missoesnacionais.org.br or cristolandia.org

The views expressed are the writers’ own and do not necessarily reflect those endorsed by BMS World Mission.

WINTER 2015/16 | ENGAGE

Arts

Five minutes with...

LALRINTHANGA

KHIANGTE

DR LALRINTHANGA KHIANGTE, ASSOCIATE GENERAL SECRETARY FOR MISSION AT THE BAPTIST CHURCH OF MIZORAM, TELLS US WHY BMS WORLD MISSION IS SO SPECIAL TO THE ONLY CHRISTIAN STATE IN INDIA.

Why is BMS important in the history of Baptists in Mizoram? We are always thankful to BMS for sending our pioneer missionaries F W Savidge and J H Lorrain. They came two times. The first time they came, they came to the northern part of Mizoram in 1894. They stayed for four years and they left again for England. The second time they came to Mizoram, they came to the southern part in 1903. That was the beginning of our Baptist history. When they arrived, there were some Mizo Christians already and there was a small Church which was not properly organised yet. Savidge and Lorrain got that Church more organised. And so we call them the founders of the Baptist Church of Mizoram. We consider them pioneer missionaries. That is why we are thankful to BMS for sending them. Many other missionaries also came after them, continuing their ministry. Missionaries from BMS stayed in our state for almost 70 years. It’s hard to believe there’s a state in India where most people are Christians… All Mizos in Mizoram are Christians – 100 per cent. But we also have some groups of people who are not Mizos in Mizoram. Those groups have many people who are not Christians yet. When we take the percentage of the whole population, we cannot say 100 per cent. But if we talk about only Mizos, we are 100 per cent Christian. Are Mizos involved in going to other parts of India and speaking about Jesus? Yes, very much. I look after the mission department of the 30

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Baptist Church of Mizoram. As of now, we are supporting 1,000 mission workers in different parts of India and also beyond, in some foreign countries. Mizo Baptists are very missionary minded. We take mission very seriously, according to the Great Commission Jesus Christ has given to us. We believe it is our responsibility to reach out with the gospel to those who haven’t heard it yet. Do you think that is related to the fact that missionaries came to you? Exactly. The pioneer missionaries, Savidge and Lorrain, their vision was to establish a Church in Mizoram, which is self-supporting, self-administering, and self-propagating. And see, their vision has come true. Now we are selfsupported and we are sending out missionaries. Their dream is being fulfilled in being a very missionary minded Church. Considering our economic condition, considering the population of our church [160,000 members], we send quite a good number of missionaries outside of our state. What is your heart for India? What do you want to see happen in your nation? When you look at the percentage of Christians in India as a whole, it is still very low. I want India to be a Christian nation. That is what we are praying for.

Lalrinthanga Khiangte was talking to Sarah Stone

Arts

REVIEWS

Eager to Love: The alternative way of Francis of Assisi Richard Rohr Book

ISBN: 978-1473604032

Hodder & Stoughton Rating: If you’re looking for a biography of St Francis of Assisi, then this book may not be the place to start. But in Eager to Love, Rohr takes some of the lessons from the humble saint’s life and beautifully articulates why, now more than ever, they are still profoundly relevant to our lives today. Rohr emphasises the importance of seeing the sacredness in all things, the necessity of suffering and the rewards of living simply. He challenges the norms of Church culture, yet celebrates the traditions we uphold that reflect a deeper spirituality. Rohr’s style is refreshing. Avoiding anecdotes from his own life, he instead draws on Scripture and the life and teachings of St Francis and his follower Clare to convey his messages, doing so with grace, intelligence and a little wry humour. He describes how adopting a simpler, more contemplative lifestyle is easier to achieve than we might think. Though very accessible, some knowledge of Rohr’s previous work will help you access some of the deeper concepts that he explores in this volume. Full of wisdom and well worth a read, even if Rohr isn’t your usual cup of tea. Review by Aidan Melville, Communications and Design Technician at BMS World Mission

Pocketful of Faith

As Family We Go

Guardians of Ancora

Tim Hughes

Rend Collective

Album

App (iOS, Android, Kindle Fire)

Integrity Music

Scripture Union

Rating:

This album is true to the Tim Hughes style we’ve come to know and love: lyrically simple, theologically accessible, easy on the ear and largely contemplative. I wouldn’t say much of this album is particularly anthemic, nor can I see many of these tracks being catapulted to the top of every church’s worship practice list. Having said that, if I close my eyes I can almost visualise the thousands of welly-wearing 20 to 30 somethings meeting with God through the likes of The way, Symphony and Hope and glory in various muddy Big Tops in summers to come. The title track, Pocketful of Faith, echoes Hughes’ current transition into church leadership, and is a plea to focus on giving the little one has, hoping God will make something beautiful from our humble and, often times, largely fearful and inadequate offerings. These songs are written from a genuine place of awe and reverence for God, which naturally leads one into quiet, personal reflection, as with Hallelujah (friend and king). If that’s what you’re needing, rather than an upbeat, lively injection of passion for the Lord – I would give this one a listen.

Rend Collective return with more of the foot-stomping folk-rock anthems they do best. While comparable folkies Mumford & Sons have hung up the banjo and taken a sharp turn into the ‘rock’ side of ‘folk-rock’, Rend Collective drift more gently in that direction with As Family We Go, with a harder edge to its production than we’ve seen before. There’s a good clutch of songs that were just made to be played at festivals, particularly in the first half – a prime unwashed arm-waver being found in the form of opening track Celebrate. That said, some of the wonderful rawness of The Art of Celebration, Rend Collective’s 2014 album, has been lost with the slicker production here. One and only opens as what promises to be a beautiful piano-led ballad, only to be frustratingly interrupted with synthesisers, and the appearance of a gospel choir in Your Royal blood, a re-working of Nothing but the blood of Jesus, feels a little dated. But there’s plenty of joy to be found here, and I’d like to see anyone listen to this album sitting still. Definitely one to lift the spirits as the winter draws in.

Ancora is a city where you are one of the guardians. Your task is to explore Bible stories and then give Ancora the stories to power the city (a bit like screams do in Monsters Inc). As you go you collect currency, which then helps you to get to the next story and level. The game play when exploring the stories is pretty good – you dash around in a gymnastic style (lots of climbing and jumping) which is incredibly cool. You can customise your character and get achievements as you move around the story. But, there are a few design flaws. When you fall, the animation can be a little bit disturbing, leading the game to glitch a tiny bit and you end up disappearing into a wall. I liked the timeline of the Bible, showing you when each story took place and that you can also find out more about the story you’ve just played. The fun part of the game is testing your knowledge of Bible stories. You can also share your thoughts on the Bible too. Guardians of Ancora is probably the best children’s Bible game I have come across. It will appeal mostly to children aged 5 to 7 years old.

Review by Sarah Goodwin, PA to the General Director of BMS World Mission.

Review by Imogen Wells, a writer for a Christian charity in Oxford

Review by Noah Hall (aged 9)

WINTER 2015/16 | ENGAGE

We’re recruiting

for 2016 - 17

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gap year of a LifeTime Preparing young people for a life of mission for the last 25 years

“such an amazing year!” For more information go to facebook.com/bmsactionteams or bmsworldmission.org/actionteams AS A CHRISTIAN MISSION ORGANISATION WE AIM TO SHARE LIFE IN ALL ITS FULLNESS WITH THE WORLD’S PEOPLES BY: ENABLING THEM TO KNOW CHRIST, ALLEVIATING SUFFERING AND INJUSTICE, IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE WITH PEOPLE AS OUR PRIMARY AGENTS OF CHANGE – MOTIVATING, TRAINING, SENDING AND RESOURCING THEM.