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After years of work by Global Interaction, the opportunities for the Yawo people could be at risk.
Missions feeling the pinch Addressing a recent Global Interaction Directors Meeting, General Director Heather Coleman observed “we are entering a time of remarkable opportunity and significant challenge.” Global Interaction, the global mission arm of the Australian Baptist Ministries, has teams working across Africa, Asia, the Middle-East and Outback Australia. “Opportunities abound as we begin to see the fruit of years of pioneering work,” Mrs Coleman said. “People are coming to Jesus and faith movements are beginning in both Muslim and Buddhist settings.” This ministry takes years of patience and dedication, building trust, respect and love. Mrs Coleman spoke of Simon*, an orphan who became headman of a Yawo village in Africa.
“For years Simon shared a friendship with Global Interaction team member Ian Dicks, sharing life, praying and discussing the scriptures.” “When Simon’s relative plotted to overthrow him and threatened his life he turned to Ian as he fled the country.” “Later, in South Africa, Simon was caught up in ethnic violence and again fled. He eventually and miraculously found his way back to Malawi and reclaimed his position as headman.” “As he travelled he remembered the story of Joseph and opened the Bible Ian gave him, recognising that the God who protected and delivered
Joseph was the One who protected him too.” “He sought out his friend Ian and told him about his encounters with God. Late last year he chose to be baptised and now is an enthusiastic follower of Jesus, part of a movement of Yawo people turning to Jesus!” At the same time the General Director noted the two greatest challenges facing mission: the need for more workers committed to long-term ministry and the financial consequences of the falling Australian dollar. “We are currently in a period of our history where those who are retiring after long faithful service outnumber those being sent out. The harvest is plentiful; the workers are few.” The falling dollar means doing ministry overseas costs a lot more. $100 becomes $70 causing workers to be under supported and Global Interaction is feeling the impact
of providing the extra money to cover the gap. In a letter to pastors, Heather wrote, “our teams around the world have examined their budgets and made savings. In Australia, staffing levels have been reduced.” “Our priority is to reduce expenditure while maintaining key ministry goals. God has called nine families who are preparing to go and another eight waiting in Australia to return to crosscultural teams.” “There are opportunities for many more. But a significant budget deficit stands in the way.” This May Global Interaction is calling all Western Australian Baptists to join in specifically praying for more long-term workers to join Jesus in the harvest and to give sacrificially to secure the future of God’s mission to the least reached. * Name changed for privacy reasons.
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We are stronger when we work together.
BAPTIST CHURCHES WESTERN AUSTRALIA