Global Magazine #1 2018

OPERATION MOBILISATION MAGAZINE no.1 2018

“ The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free.�

LUKE 4:18 (NLT)

Sharing the love of Christ among the least reached

Operation Mobilisation transforming lives and communities

IN THIS ISSUE

LUKE 4:18

no.1 2018

DEAR FRIENDS,

On the cover:

Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.

Photo Credit: Ellyn Schellenberg

3 4

World News OM International

Letting God lead us forward

7

OM United Kingdom Creative Connections

8

OM United Kingdom

“I believe God will help me”

10 12

OM Ships

Latin America for the least reached

OM Near East

Refocus on Church Planting

14

OM Blog

15

OM Africa

Bibles and Bullets

It’s a small world after all

Operation Mobilisation Registered office The Quinta, Weston Rhyn, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY10 7LT.

“ The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim Good News to the poor.”

“THE HARVEST IS PLENTIFUL BUT THE WORKERS ARE FEW. ASK THE LORD OF THE HARVEST, THEREFORE, TO SEND OUT WORKERS INTO HIS HARVEST FIELD.” MATTHEW 9: 37-38

Towards the end of last year, I had the great privilege of visiting some of our teams serving in the Middle East. I gained a fascinating insight into the challenges and opportunities that our workers have in sharing and demonstrating the love of Christ among people who mostly have never heard of God’s amazing plan of redemption.

Through the crises in this region we have seen millions of people displaced and it is in the midst of this suffering that OM teams continue to have many opportunities to demonstrate Christ’s love.

Our teams are seeing increasing interest by many who have a desire to study God’s Word and meet with other like-minded seekers. We long to equip and send more British Christians to this part of the world and help reach out to those in such great need.

Many of us on the OM team began reading through the Bible again at the beginning of this New Year. As we read again Jesus’ words in Matthew’s Gospel and especially Matthew 9, I was struck by the depth, but also the simplicity of what the Lord is saying to us, his modern day disciples. The harvest is still plentiful, yet how much am I, are we, really crying out to the Lord of the harvest for more workers to be raised up and sent out to places like the Middle East?

Will you join me in (re)committing ourselves in making this one of our central prayers in 2018? That we might spend more time crying out to Him in urgent prayer, and that He would raise up and send out more Gospel workers for the glory of His name.

Thank you for continuing to stand with us as we cry out together to the Lord of the harvest,

t: 01691 773388 e: info.uk@om.org w: www.uk.om.org

Yours in Christ,

Scotland 210 Kennedy Street, Glasgow, G4 0BQ. Northern Ireland The Lodge Studio, 2 Bridge End Road, Templepatrick BT39 0DB.

Matthew Skirton, OM UK Director

Registered as a company limited by guarantee no. 2564320 and charity no.1008196 (England and Wales), and SCO40988 (Scotland).

OM RIVERBOATS

Editor: Kris Johnstone Stories and images: OM International

Give thanks for the successful launch of the Andante in January.

Find the latest port schedule and prayer points in the current issue of OM Heartbeat to fuel your prayers.

© Global magazine 2018. No part of this magazine may be copied or reproduced in any form without written approval from the publishers. Country file information taken from Operation World, 21st Century edition.

WORLD NEWS

by Ellyn Schellenberg

WORLD NEWS Serving the Rohingya

declared the Rohingya influx of refugees in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, as “the world’s fastest growing refugee crisis and a major humanitarian emergency” and “a textbook example of ethnic cleansing.”

OM Bangladesh

A stateless Indo-Aryan people from the Rakhine State in Myanmar, the UN describes the Rohingya as one of the most persecuted minorities in the world.

Denied citizenship in Myanmar, the Rohingya have been forced to flee into Bangladesh to escape mass killings, torture, rape and forcible transfers.

Between 25 August and 29 October 2017, an estimated 607,000 people from Rakhine State in Myanmar crossed the border into Cox’s Bazar, and every day more make the journey. The UNHCR has now

Through establishing an on the ground partnership, OM Bangladesh have been assessing the situation to learn how OM can best make a difference to bring practical relief and hope.

Each person our team speaks to tells a story of loss, pain and grief. Much uncertainty remains as to whether they will ever be able to return home, be reunited with missing family members, attend school again or find another job. But in the midst of so much suffering, one truth remains: they deserve to hear that they are loved and that they matter.

GLOBAL 2

twitter.com/OMUnitedKingdom

vimeo.com/OMUnitedKingdom

Please pray for healing for these Rohingya families and others like them in camps in Cox’s Bazar and across Bangladesh.

GLOBAL VILLAGE AT KESWICK 2018 After seven successful years across Europe and three years in the UK, Global Village (OM’s interactive missions simulation) is pleased to announce they are working together with the Keswick Convention this summer.

With the theme of ‘SENT: Serving God’s Mission’, OM’s Global Village will provide a practical element to the

If you, or someone you know, would be interested in helping us deliver this Working alongside the exciting new venture for Convention’s Base Camp and 2018, get in touch. All willing other agencies, OM’s Global volunteers are welcome, Village will allow Conventioners however we are especially the opportunity to catch a seeking amateur actors, glimpse of missional life at carpenters, electricians, home and around the world. make up artists, costume If you’re planning to attend the designers, stewards, Keswick Convention 2018, visit reception staff and more. www.uk.om.org/globalvillage www.uk.om.org/ gv-volunteers for more information.

Convention’s programme during Weeks Two and Three.

Panoramic shots and pressing prayer updates, keep up to date and in touch via social media. facebook.com/OMUnitedKingdom

To this end, OM plans to provide basic relief provisions but also create several safe spaces in the camps for the most vulnerable. Spaces for children, where they can play and process the trauma in a protected area, and where their parents can engage in conversations with trained debriefing staff.

instagram.com/OMUnitedKingdom

give

Look out for an opportunity to respond to the Rohingya Crisis through OM’s Mercy Appeal in the coming weeks

OM BLOG

“Be strong and of good courage; be not frightened, neither be dismayed; for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

by Garrett

An excerpt from our OM International blog, written by OM workers describing mission from their perspective. Visit blog.om.org to read more.

BIBLES AND BULLETS

The OM Africa Trek is uniting African fields with discipleship on the move.

W

estern Christians who have been on short-term mission trips almost always return with a fresh perspective of the global body of Christ. Indeed, exposure to gospel efforts in a wide array of cultural contexts other than one’s own is a primary benefit of short-term missions, as the global Church becomes more unified in truth and action.

L

ife as a follower of Christ has never been more of a battlefield, especially for those serving within the conflict zone of eastern Ukraine. I was asked to go to eastern Ukraine to document the vibrant communities of Jesus followers that are growing at astonishing rates despite the on-going conflict. I, along with many others I talked with, had been unaware a conflict still existed in Ukraine. But this forgotten war between Ukraine and the Russian allied separatists in the East has been on-going since 2014.

The chaplains are known as the ‘hero pastors’ among the people they serve, because despite the imminent danger,

GLOBAL 14

by Andrew Fendrich

“ ONE CHAPLAIN SINGLE-HANDEDLY RESCUED 1,500 PEOPLE WHO WERE TRAPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF A BATTLE.”

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

IT’S A SMALL WORLD AFTER ALL

BLOG.OM.ORG

We spent time in small villages where we found children playing and church services being held in the courtyards of homes – with the sounds of machine gun fire and mortars going off in the distance.

OM AFRICA

the chaplains continue their ministry. During heavy shelling, they act as rescue teams by going into villages and homes to help families trapped in the midst of the conflict. They load the individuals into vans and drive them to safety, and they continue to transport people until either all have been rescued, or their vehicle breaks down. One chaplain single-handedly rescued 1,500 people who were trapped in the middle of a battle.

The chaplains provide practical mental and physical support. These leaders have also established new church communities and host church services.

They thank God for the opportunities the conflict has provided for them to reach the hearts of a broken people: civilians and Ukrainian military alike. The chaplains we interviewed had all been captured, jailed and tortured; but by the grace of God, they were released and immediately went back to work spreading the gospel and rescuing their flock out of extreme danger. These men don’t view themselves as heroes; they simply see themselves as servants of God doing what He has called them to do, whatever the cost.

pray Raise up in prayer those working in life-threatening regions around the world

The Africa Trek, a six-week or three-month programme that takes participants on a journey through multiple OM Africa ministries and cultural environments, is no exception.

“For us on the Trek, in some ways I see those three months as having a much bigger effect on us as we had discipleship,” says Lukas from Germany, who participated in a 2016 Trek. “It affected the lives of the people we met, but in the long-term it had a greater effect on us.”

The Africa Trek begins with discipleship training, focusing on the importance of living out your faith and developing your relationship with God. The focus quickly turns to missions, however, as the team moves into rural Africa, where OM ministries labour among some of the least reached people groups on the continent.

In rural Malawi: dusty, well-worn roads leading through village centres and alongside rows of mud and clay thatch-roofed houses.

In the tropical Tanzanian bush: a wealth of pineapple gardens covering the landscape with a tapestry of thorny red flowers.

In north western Zambia: punters directing long canoes through a maze of channels in a vast wasteland of swamp.

Whatever the backdrop, the picture is the same: a group of believers journeying together and taking God’s love to the lost.

And along the way, blessings abound for Trek participants and OM ministries alike.

“We’re willing to help a field or ministry with whatever they need,” says Africa Trek leader Nick. “It can be a boost for ministries—especially new ones—to help them expand into new territory.”

As the Trek combines with field ministries to increase the gospel footprint in Africa, the participants themselves—referred to as Trekkies—walk away with a spiritual growth that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.

“ I SEE THOSE THREE MONTHS AS HAVING A MUCH BIGGER EFFECT ON US AS WE HAD DISCIPLESHIP.”

“God softened my heart,” says 2017 Trekkie Deborah. “I’ve changed in the way I accept His love and love other people.”

JOIN AFRICA TREK If you have a desire to be discipled on the move, to see Africa and help OM share the Good News with Africa’s least reached – then why not join the Africa Trek?

Enquire today: www.uk.om.org/shorts

AFRICA TREK* May - July 2018 Sep - Nov 2018 Jan - April 2019 * A Mini Trek option is also available.

OM INTERNATIONAL

LETTING GOD LEAD US FORWARD OM is known for action, not reflection; for pioneering, not reminiscing. Still, we are wise to celebrate milestones and learn from our past, whatever will serve us well for today and tomorrow.

“ OM WAS BIRTHED OUT OF PRAYER, FUELLED BY PRAYER AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE POWERED

BY PRAYER.”

“One who is faithful in very little is also faithful in much…” Luke 16:10

by Lawrence Tong, International Director

G

od alone deserves the glory for OM’s story. Despite the founding generation’s inexperience, God laid a solid foundation of ideals and principles that have withstood great testing:

• OM’s passion has always been to mobilise ‘ordinary’ people into mission. Short- and long-term programmes made it possible for people from all backgrounds to serve together.

• From the early days, there has been a sense of urgency to reach those dying without Christ, driving us to redeem time and opportunities for evangelism. May we never compromise in this area!

CHALLENGES WE MUST FACE

home office staff, especially in administrative roles, struggle to raise support for their strategic work that directly affects every team and ministry worldwide. I believe that solutions exist, but we must seek them together.

• OMers were known for being able to accomplish a lot with very little. It was never proof of spirituality; rather, it has been about being good stewards of what the Lord has entrusted to us, whether ministries or materials.

Our world’s culture is changing so rapidly and broadly that it challenges biblical convictions.

Though we now find ourselves a minority, we must not waver in our conviction in the Word of God. But we are also confronted with gross injustices, a tsunami of the poor, and increasingly antagonistic governments.

In recruiting, there has been a shift toward a kingdom theology that speaks of justice in economic, political and social relationships.

This has wide-ranging implications. Today’s generation is looking to work with mission organisations that represent their values; if OM does not address issues close to their hearts, they will find someone else to work with.

OM has contributed to the modern missions movement in several ways. One is that we broke from tradition in mobilising workers.

Life experience and passionate commitment are valued as much if not more than higher education alone. OM also created short-term opportunities for ordinary people with a few weeks to offer—trips that have been life-changing and has been adopted by other missions.

In light of these, we are determined to increase our impact, while handicapped by our work’s long-term sustainability. Our capacity to sustain (let alone increase) workers from non-traditional missionary sending countries is insufficient.

Many workers come from smaller churches and regions with limited economic means, so funds must come through other means, such as being bi-vocational in business. Essential

Secondly, training has always been handson, side-by-side and continuous. Crosscultural understanding, language acquisition and ministry skills are developed in active ministry rather than in classrooms of theory.

“ THE UNREACHED ARE THE FINAL FRONTIER FOR MISSIONS, AND REACHING THEM WILL NOT BE EASY.”

Thirdly, OMers employed innovative methodologies often only recognised in hindsight: smuggling literature through the Iron Curtain, using ships as a demonstration of global faith, organising massive mission conventions for teens and more. Recently, this has included agriculture and small business enterprise to sustain the work and bless poor communities.

• Leaders were passionate about training people and releasing them to serve in or start other ministries. More than 200,000 people have served with OM over the last 60 years. More than 100 mission organisations have been birthed by OM graduates. Thousands of Christian leaders trace their mission roots back to OM. • OM was birthed out of prayer, fuelled by prayer and will continue to be powered by prayer. Whether it was our own needs or those of nations, we threw ourselves at His mercy. It was in nights of prayer where vision was cast, ideas were developed and faith was strengthened. This intensity and frequency of intercession must continue.

pray

Continue to give thanks for 60 years of OM’s global ministry

GLOBAL 5

OM INTERNATIONAL

LETTING GOD LEAD US FORWARD OM is known for action, not reflection; for pioneering, not reminiscing. Still, we are wise to celebrate milestones and learn from our past, whatever will serve us well for today and tomorrow.

“ OM WAS BIRTHED OUT OF PRAYER, FUELLED BY PRAYER AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE POWERED

BY PRAYER.”

“One who is faithful in very little is also faithful in much…” Luke 16:10

by Lawrence Tong, International Director

G

od alone deserves the glory for OM’s story. Despite the founding generation’s inexperience, God laid a solid foundation of ideals and principles that have withstood great testing:

• OM’s passion has always been to mobilise ‘ordinary’ people into mission. Short- and long-term programmes made it possible for people from all backgrounds to serve together.

• From the early days, there has been a sense of urgency to reach those dying without Christ, driving us to redeem time and opportunities for evangelism. May we never compromise in this area!

CHALLENGES WE MUST FACE

home office staff, especially in administrative roles, struggle to raise support for their strategic work that directly affects every team and ministry worldwide. I believe that solutions exist, but we must seek them together.

• OMers were known for being able to accomplish a lot with very little. It was never proof of spirituality; rather, it has been about being good stewards of what the Lord has entrusted to us, whether ministries or materials.

Our world’s culture is changing so rapidly and broadly that it challenges biblical convictions.

Though we now find ourselves a minority, we must not waver in our conviction in the Word of God. But we are also confronted with gross injustices, a tsunami of the poor, and increasingly antagonistic governments.

In recruiting, there has been a shift toward a kingdom theology that speaks of justice in economic, political and social relationships.

This has wide-ranging implications. Today’s generation is looking to work with mission organisations that represent their values; if OM does not address issues close to their hearts, they will find someone else to work with.

OM has contributed to the modern missions movement in several ways. One is that we broke from tradition in mobilising workers.

Life experience and passionate commitment are valued as much if not more than higher education alone. OM also created short-term opportunities for ordinary people with a few weeks to offer—trips that have been life-changing and has been adopted by other missions.

In light of these, we are determined to increase our impact, while handicapped by our work’s long-term sustainability. Our capacity to sustain (let alone increase) workers from non-traditional missionary sending countries is insufficient.

Many workers come from smaller churches and regions with limited economic means, so funds must come through other means, such as being bi-vocational in business. Essential

Secondly, training has always been handson, side-by-side and continuous. Crosscultural understanding, language acquisition and ministry skills are developed in active ministry rather than in classrooms of theory.

“ THE UNREACHED ARE THE FINAL FRONTIER FOR MISSIONS, AND REACHING THEM WILL NOT BE EASY.”

Thirdly, OMers employed innovative methodologies often only recognised in hindsight: smuggling literature through the Iron Curtain, using ships as a demonstration of global faith, organising massive mission conventions for teens and more. Recently, this has included agriculture and small business enterprise to sustain the work and bless poor communities.

• Leaders were passionate about training people and releasing them to serve in or start other ministries. More than 200,000 people have served with OM over the last 60 years. More than 100 mission organisations have been birthed by OM graduates. Thousands of Christian leaders trace their mission roots back to OM. • OM was birthed out of prayer, fuelled by prayer and will continue to be powered by prayer. Whether it was our own needs or those of nations, we threw ourselves at His mercy. It was in nights of prayer where vision was cast, ideas were developed and faith was strengthened. This intensity and frequency of intercession must continue.

GLOBAL 4

pray

Continue to give thanks for 60 years of OM’s global ministry

OM INTERNATIONAL

“ LIFE IS MESSY AND VIBRANT AND CREATIVE, AND OUR LIFE AS A MISSION ORGANISATION NEEDS TO BE IN TUNE WITH THAT.”

OM UNITED KINGDOM

‘Letting God lead us forward’ (continued) by Lawrence Tong

Internally, we can become victims of our own success and put administrative efficiency over innovation. Management and administration exist to serve ministry, not the other way around.

Life is messy and vibrant and creative, and our life as a mission organisation needs to be in tune with that. Not everything that really matters is neat and controlled; if we lose sight of this through increased bureaucracy, we can become ‘armchair OMers’, which is definitely not good stewardship!

OM’s mission is to see vibrant communities of Jesus followers among the least reached. That will only occur in partnership with the whole Body of Christ. Mission is a collective effort with local churches and mission organisations everywhere. OM has done well in this regard, and yet so much more needs to be done in cooperation. It will also require a paradigm shift in our recruiting. Living among the people, earning their trust and acceptance, winning them to Christ, discipling and then sending them in ministry demands long-term commitment. The unreached are the final frontier for missions, and reaching them will not be easy; there will be discouragement, disappointment, rejection and opposition. It will take people with Holy Spirit-led tenacity to persevere until the harvest comes.

I want OM and our partners to prayerfully consider our part in the Great Commission by focusing on the least of the least reached,

who absolutely have no access to the gospel whatsoever. What if OM and all our partners commit afresh to re-harnessing that zeal that made us a movement over the past 60 years?

“To know Him and to make Him known” was OM’s heartbeat in earlier days. As we are now closer to the Lord’s return than ever before, we “look forward to the day of God and speed its coming” (2 Pet.3:12, NIV) by striving together so that all will be reached for Christ.

LAWRENCE TONG

A SHORT BIOGRAPHY On 1 September 2013, Lawrence Tong, from Singapore, became OM’s third International Director. Now on his second term, Lawrence’s leadership journey has included serving on the Board of OM Singapore, as OM Country Leader for Taiwan and as Director of Logos II. Lawrence also led the fast-growing work of OM in China, with a significant focus on welfare and agricultural programmes.

He met his American wife, Susan, while serving on Doulos and married in 1989.

They have two adult sons, Josh and Benji.

by Maria Smith

CREATIVE CONNECTIONS “ We’re all made in the image of God,” says Janice, who leads OM’s Arts ministry in the UK. “And God is a creator. Therefore we connect with the creative.” ne day,” recalls Janice, looking back on an art class she was attending. “[the teacher] asked me, ‘How did you get into all this religion stuff?’ I said, ‘Give me ten minutes and I’ll share.’”

Janice was able to explain her testimony and the gospel with the whole class, sparking a discussion.

But the reach of this ministry has not been limited to art classes; Janice has also taken her painting to the OM’s weekly outreach in Birmingham city centre. She invited people to paint with her, each person adding to the collaborative piece.

“ WE USED ART TO START A CONVERSATION. WHO KNOWS WHERE THAT CONVERSATION GOES?” One man approached the artwork, curious and Janice asked him if he went to church. “You mean a place of worship?” he replied. “I go to the mosque.”

“Are you a good Muslim?”

Janice asked, and when he looked bemused, she pressed on. “Do you read the Injil?”

When the man didn’t know what the Injil – the Arabic New Testament - was, Janice introduced him to her colleague.

The OM worker, was able to have an in-depth conversation with the man for the next 40 minutes.

“We used art to start a conversation,” says Janice.

“And who knows where that conversation goes?”

Janice hopes to continue using her painting to engage people that may not otherwise come into contact with the gospel.

“For me, it’s not about the final product,” Janice says. “It’s about using the vehicle of art to do what we’re called: to evangelise.”

Please pray for Janice as she shares the gospel with those who connect with her art.

Please pray for OM teams following up with people contacted through art outreaches.

REACH OUT IN THE UK Are you interested in serving among the least reached communities around the UK? We are seeking workers and volunteers to be part of our ministries in London and Birmingham.

Visit our website www.uk.om.org to find out more.

GLOBAL 7

OM INTERNATIONAL

“ LIFE IS MESSY AND VIBRANT AND CREATIVE, AND OUR LIFE AS A MISSION ORGANISATION NEEDS TO BE IN TUNE WITH THAT.”

OM UNITED KINGDOM

‘Letting God lead us forward’ (continued) by Lawrence Tong

Internally, we can become victims of our own success and put administrative efficiency over innovation. Management and administration exist to serve ministry, not the other way around.

Life is messy and vibrant and creative, and our life as a mission organisation needs to be in tune with that. Not everything that really matters is neat and controlled; if we lose sight of this through increased bureaucracy, we can become ‘armchair OMers’, which is definitely not good stewardship!

OM’s mission is to see vibrant communities of Jesus followers among the least reached. That will only occur in partnership with the whole Body of Christ. Mission is a collective effort with local churches and mission organisations everywhere. OM has done well in this regard, and yet so much more needs to be done in cooperation. It will also require a paradigm shift in our recruiting. Living among the people, earning their trust and acceptance, winning them to Christ, discipling and then sending them in ministry demands long-term commitment. The unreached are the final frontier for missions, and reaching them will not be easy; there will be discouragement, disappointment, rejection and opposition. It will take people with Holy Spirit-led tenacity to persevere until the harvest comes.

I want OM and our partners to prayerfully consider our part in the Great Commission by focusing on the least of the least reached,

who absolutely have no access to the gospel whatsoever. What if OM and all our partners commit afresh to re-harnessing that zeal that made us a movement over the past 60 years?

“To know Him and to make Him known” was OM’s heartbeat in earlier days. As we are now closer to the Lord’s return than ever before, we “look forward to the day of God and speed its coming” (2 Pet.3:12, NIV) by striving together so that all will be reached for Christ.

LAWRENCE TONG

A SHORT BIOGRAPHY On 1 September 2013, Lawrence Tong, from Singapore, became OM’s third International Director. Now on his second term, Lawrence’s leadership journey has included serving on the Board of OM Singapore, as OM Country Leader for Taiwan and as Director of Logos II. Lawrence also led the fast-growing work of OM in China, with a significant focus on welfare and agricultural programmes.

He met his American wife, Susan, while serving on Doulos and married in 1989.

They have two adult sons, Josh and Benji.

by Maria Smith

CREATIVE CONNECTIONS “ We’re all made in the image of God,” says Janice, who leads OM’s Arts ministry in the UK. “And God is a creator. Therefore we connect with the creative.” ne day,” recalls Janice, looking back on an art class she was attending. “[the teacher] asked me, ‘How did you get into all this religion stuff?’ I said, ‘Give me ten minutes and I’ll share.’”

Janice was able to explain her testimony and the gospel with the whole class, sparking a discussion.

But the reach of this ministry has not been limited to art classes; Janice has also taken her painting to the OM’s weekly outreach in Birmingham city centre. She invited people to paint with her, each person adding to the collaborative piece.

“ WE USED ART TO START A CONVERSATION. WHO KNOWS WHERE THAT CONVERSATION GOES?” One man approached the artwork, curious and Janice asked him if he went to church. “You mean a place of worship?” he replied. “I go to the mosque.”

“Are you a good Muslim?”

Janice asked, and when he looked bemused, she pressed on. “Do you read the Injil?”

When the man didn’t know what the Injil – the Arabic New Testament - was, Janice introduced him to her colleague.

The OM worker, was able to have an in-depth conversation with the man for the next 40 minutes.

“We used art to start a conversation,” says Janice.

“And who knows where that conversation goes?”

GLOBAL 6

Janice hopes to continue using her painting to engage people that may not otherwise come into contact with the gospel.

“For me, it’s not about the final product,” Janice says. “It’s about using the vehicle of art to do what we’re called: to evangelise.”

Please pray for Janice as she shares the gospel with those who connect with her art.

Please pray for OM teams following up with people contacted through art outreaches.

REACH OUT IN THE UK Are you interested in serving among the least reached communities around the UK? We are seeking workers and volunteers to be part of our ministries in London and Birmingham.

Visit our website www.uk.om.org to find out more.

OM UNITED KINGDOM

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

by Sara Butler

“ I BELIEVE GOD WILL HELP ME”

Thank you for your generous gifts in response to the Emergency Mercy Appeal for Storm Relief in Bangladesh and the Caribbean. On behalf of the OM teams in these two areas, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks for your compassion and generosity.

There is no ‘quick fix’ to the situations we are facing; it will take time to rebuild homes and lives. Your gifts have enabled our teams to work alongside these communities, provide immediate relief and support, and carry out essential preparation work for rebuilding – all whilst demonstrating the hope and love of Christ.

Thank you.

CARIBBEAN

BANGLADESH

In September 2017, Hurricane Irma hit the Caribbean, closely followed by Hurricanes Jose and Maria.

Persistent heavy rains hit Bangladesh from mid-June 2017, drastically raising river levels, which caused deadly landslides and devastating floods.

Widespread devastation resulted across Dominica, Barbuda and other Caribbean islands, with reports indicating that 90% of homes were made uninhabitable, roads impassable, power lost, and access to clean water and food becoming limited.

One OM worker reported to us, “Most communities are badly affected: the devastation of the hurricane, flooding and unclean water continues to affect the people. Most villages are not expected to have electricity back in operation until mid-2018.”

OM Caribbean, although not a relief agency, were immediately in contact with local churches and partners to see how we could assist. With Logos Hope in the area, OM partnered with MAF and Samaritan’s Purse to assist in basic house repairs on useable structures and to distribute relief packs.

OM is committed to bringing hope to the island of Dominica and praying for people of the other Caribbean islands affected by the hurricanes.

Now that the emergency response is over, we are looking to move into the next stage of restoration.

Thanks to gifts from OM’s Mercy Appeal, we plan to work with local churches to rebuild 18 houses on Dominica in the coming months.

Since the rains have stopped, the floods have begun to recede, and patches of green land are becoming visible in the areas where OM Bangladesh has been working.

OM teams have identified 117,800 people who have been affected by the floods. 150 of the families we met in one district have lost everything - their homes, land, livelihood, animals, and even family members. Of those who have lost their homes, it is estimated that a quarter have moved in with relatives, with as many as 15 people squeezed into one small house. The remainder have been living under tarpaulins by the roadside.

Once the floods have fully receded, and the land is dry enough to build on, your gifts will enable us to build 200 homes for the most needy.

Please pray that all the preparations for building the new homes will go smoothly and that people will continue to respond to the love of God shown by our teams.

pray

PRAYING IN BENGALI OM worker Rafi tell us, “As we visit affected areas, our teams are greeted with questions; ‘Why have you come? What do you do?’ We reply, ‘We are here because God loves you, He has more power than the floods, and He will help you.’

“The people are mourning and crying, they tell us their stories of loss and despair, and we talk with them and pray with them. People ask us why we pray to God in Bengali and not Arabic, and we explain ‘God understands you in your own language!’ They tell us they will also pray to God! We keep in touch with the people, showing God’s love to them however we can. On a return visit to one of the affected areas, we were greeted with hugs as the people told us ‘I have been inspired by you and your team – I believe God will help me. I no longer feel alone.’ Seven families have already become followers of Jesus through this period of surveying, preparation and planning.”

Give thanks that through relief ministry, OM teams also bring Good News

GLOBAL 9

OM UNITED KINGDOM

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

by Sara Butler

“ I BELIEVE GOD WILL HELP ME”

Thank you for your generous gifts in response to the Emergency Mercy Appeal for Storm Relief in Bangladesh and the Caribbean. On behalf of the OM teams in these two areas, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks for your compassion and generosity.

There is no ‘quick fix’ to the situations we are facing; it will take time to rebuild homes and lives. Your gifts have enabled our teams to work alongside these communities, provide immediate relief and support, and carry out essential preparation work for rebuilding – all whilst demonstrating the hope and love of Christ.

Thank you.

GLOBAL 8

CARIBBEAN

BANGLADESH

In September 2017, Hurricane Irma hit the Caribbean, closely followed by Hurricanes Jose and Maria.

Persistent heavy rains hit Bangladesh from mid-June 2017, drastically raising river levels, which caused deadly landslides and devastating floods.

Widespread devastation resulted across Dominica, Barbuda and other Caribbean islands, with reports indicating that 90% of homes were made uninhabitable, roads impassable, power lost, and access to clean water and food becoming limited.

One OM worker reported to us, “Most communities are badly affected: the devastation of the hurricane, flooding and unclean water continues to affect the people. Most villages are not expected to have electricity back in operation until mid-2018.”

OM Caribbean, although not a relief agency, were immediately in contact with local churches and partners to see how we could assist. With Logos Hope in the area, OM partnered with MAF and Samaritan’s Purse to assist in basic house repairs on useable structures and to distribute relief packs.

OM is committed to bringing hope to the island of Dominica and praying for people of the other Caribbean islands affected by the hurricanes.

Now that the emergency response is over, we are looking to move into the next stage of restoration.

Thanks to gifts from OM’s Mercy Appeal, we plan to work with local churches to rebuild 18 houses on Dominica in the coming months.

Since the rains have stopped, the floods have begun to recede, and patches of green land are becoming visible in the areas where OM Bangladesh has been working.

OM teams have identified 117,800 people who have been affected by the floods. 150 of the families we met in one district have lost everything - their homes, land, livelihood, animals, and even family members. Of those who have lost their homes, it is estimated that a quarter have moved in with relatives, with as many as 15 people squeezed into one small house. The remainder have been living under tarpaulins by the roadside.

Once the floods have fully receded, and the land is dry enough to build on, your gifts will enable us to build 200 homes for the most needy.

Please pray that all the preparations for building the new homes will go smoothly and that people will continue to respond to the love of God shown by our teams.

pray

PRAYING IN BENGALI OM worker Rafi tell us, “As we visit affected areas, our teams are greeted with questions; ‘Why have you come? What do you do?’ We reply, ‘We are here because God loves you, He has more power than the floods, and He will help you.’

“The people are mourning and crying, they tell us their stories of loss and despair, and we talk with them and pray with them. People ask us why we pray to God in Bengali and not Arabic, and we explain ‘God understands you in your own language!’ They tell us they will also pray to God! We keep in touch with the people, showing God’s love to them however we can. On a return visit to one of the affected areas, we were greeted with hugs as the people told us ‘I have been inspired by you and your team – I believe God will help me. I no longer feel alone.’ Seven families have already become followers of Jesus through this period of surveying, preparation and planning.”

Give thanks that through relief ministry, OM teams also bring Good News

OM SHIPS

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17

by Steve Chedgzoy

LATIN AMERICA FOR THE LEAST REACHED

JOIN OUR CREW To keep Logos Hope sailing and make ministry possible in each port of call, we need people willing to join for one or two years of service on board.

Everyone serving on board takes part in ship community life including regular teaching times, prayer and fellowship groups. There is also regular involvement in outreach and ministry activities both on board and off the ship. Serving as a volunteer crewmember is an amazing opportunity to learn, grow and develop in a multi-cultural environment, with around 60 nationalities represented.

Latin America is considered a reached continent! Does that mean that every person has heard and accepted the gospel? No. But there are approximately 82 million Christian evangelicals living throughout Latin American countries where OM is currently working.

I

n some of these countries, there are anywhere from 3,000 to 30,000 evangelical churches. Without a doubt, there are enough followers of Jesus within Latin America to finish the task locally and now there is a growing sense that it is time for the Latin missionary to rise up and go to share the gospel among the least reached.

Logos Hope will tour Latin America for two years from the beginning of 2018 as a catalytic agent of mobilisation, training and resourcedevelopment. As the ship spends several weeks in each port, her crewmembers will share their passion for missions with hundreds, or even thousands, of visitors every day. The onboard events will focus on mobilising Christians and raising funds for world mission.

GULF OF MEXICO

TAMPICO, MEXICO 29 May 19 June

06

08

MANZANILLO, MEXICO

CARRIBBEAN SEA

PROGRESO, MEXICO July

December

05

14

VERACRUZ, MEXICO

(INC. DRY DOCK) 26 March - 28 May

PUERTO BARRIOS, GUATEMALA

07

COATZACOALCOS, MEXICO

04

SANTA MARTA, COLOMBIA

3 - 22 March

18 December 2017 3 January 2018

20 June - 9 July

13

PUERTO QUETZAL, GUATEMALA November

“ WE ARE FOCUSED ON MOBILISING, TRAINING AND SENDING OUT 2,000 LATINOS TO WORK AMONG THE LEAST REACHED WITHIN THE NEXT 10 YEARS.”

CRITICAL NEEDS

PACIFIC OCEAN

CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

12

ACAJUTLA, EL SALVADOR October

11

30 January 27 February

CORINTO, NICARAGUA

PUNTARENAS, COSTA RICA September

03

BARRANQUILLA, COLOMBIA 3 - 29 January

• General Crew (1 and 2 year options)

09

• Engineers (1st, 2nd and 3rd)

BALBOA, PANAMA

• Electricians and plumbers

October

10

01 02

Below is a list of specific positions currently needing to be filled. These openings require personnel with suitable training and/or experience but there are several openings for people just ready to serve. If you would like to enquire about any of these opportunities, enquire today at: www.uk.om.org/go or send an e-mail to: enquiries.uk@om.org

August

• Primary school teachers • Multimedia Producers • Journalist • Nurse • Baker

OM Latin America is excited about the ship’s visit being a dynamic launchpad for the initiative of sending Latinos to the least reached and is united in their vision to send well-prepared, Spirit-led Latinos to reconcile individuals to God and making disciples where Christ is least known.

Keep up to date with the Ship Ministry www.omships.org

pray

give

go

GLOBAL 11

OM SHIPS

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17

by Steve Chedgzoy

LATIN AMERICA FOR THE LEAST REACHED

JOIN OUR CREW To keep Logos Hope sailing and make ministry possible in each port of call, we need people willing to join for one or two years of service on board.

Everyone serving on board takes part in ship community life including regular teaching times, prayer and fellowship groups. There is also regular involvement in outreach and ministry activities both on board and off the ship. Serving as a volunteer crewmember is an amazing opportunity to learn, grow and develop in a multi-cultural environment, with around 60 nationalities represented.

Latin America is considered a reached continent! Does that mean that every person has heard and accepted the gospel? No. But there are approximately 82 million Christian evangelicals living throughout Latin American countries where OM is currently working.

I

n some of these countries, there are anywhere from 3,000 to 30,000 evangelical churches. Without a doubt, there are enough followers of Jesus within Latin America to finish the task locally and now there is a growing sense that it is time for the Latin missionary to rise up and go to share the gospel among the least reached.

Logos Hope will tour Latin America for two years from the beginning of 2018 as a catalytic agent of mobilisation, training and resourcedevelopment. As the ship spends several weeks in each port, her crewmembers will share their passion for missions with hundreds, or even thousands, of visitors every day. The onboard events will focus on mobilising Christians and raising funds for world mission.

GULF OF MEXICO

TAMPICO, MEXICO 29 May 19 June

06

08

MANZANILLO, MEXICO

CARRIBBEAN SEA

PROGRESO, MEXICO July

December

05

14

VERACRUZ, MEXICO

(INC. DRY DOCK) 26 March - 28 May

PUERTO BARRIOS, GUATEMALA

07

COATZACOALCOS, MEXICO

04

SANTA MARTA, COLOMBIA

3 - 22 March

18 December 2017 3 January 2018

20 June - 9 July

13

PUERTO QUETZAL, GUATEMALA November

“ WE ARE FOCUSED ON MOBILISING, TRAINING AND SENDING OUT 2,000 LATINOS TO WORK AMONG THE LEAST REACHED WITHIN THE NEXT 10 YEARS.”

CRITICAL NEEDS

PACIFIC OCEAN

CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

12

ACAJUTLA, EL SALVADOR October

11

30 January 27 February

CORINTO, NICARAGUA

PUNTARENAS, COSTA RICA September

03

BARRANQUILLA, COLOMBIA 3 - 29 January

• General Crew (1 and 2 year options)

09

• Engineers (1st, 2nd and 3rd)

BALBOA, PANAMA

• Electricians and plumbers

October

10

01 02

Below is a list of specific positions currently needing to be filled. These openings require personnel with suitable training and/or experience but there are several openings for people just ready to serve. If you would like to enquire about any of these opportunities, enquire today at: www.uk.om.org/go or send an e-mail to: enquiries.uk@om.org

August

• Primary school teachers • Multimedia Producers • Journalist • Nurse • Baker

OM Latin America is excited about the ship’s visit being a dynamic launchpad for the initiative of sending Latinos to the least reached and is united in their vision to send well-prepared, Spirit-led Latinos to reconcile individuals to God and making disciples where Christ is least known.

GLOBAL 10

Keep up to date with the Ship Ministry www.omships.org

pray

give

go

OM NEAR EAST

by Nicole James

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

by ???

REFOCUS ON CHURCH PLANTING Two years ago, John* and Nancy* joined a small OM team during the Syrian and Iraqi crisis.

S

uddenly in charge of maintaining relationships with local ministry leaders they had just met and managing multiple project budgets from OM’s Syrian and Iraqi relief fund, the couple spent more time behind their computer screens, communicating with donors, and in their vehicle, commuting between project sites, than they did connecting with the least reached people in their community.

The needs of the surrounding communities will not disappear soon, and John and Nancy want to continue extending the love of Jesus to people from all backgrounds.

However, they hope to focus less on what they give materially, through on-the-ground partnerships and OM, and more on “how far we get in a conversation [about God].”

“ FOR ME, IT’S NOW A TURNING POINT. WE WANT TO IMPLEMENT WHAT IS ACTUALLY ON OUR HEARTS: TO FOCUS MORE ON CHURCH PLANTING.”

Although there’s no clear conclusion to the conflicts raking the region, and food distributions continue to be a lifeline for refugees and internally displaced people in the Near East, John and Nancy decided to start re-arranging their ministry priorities after attending church planting training last year.

“For me, it’s now a turning point,” John stated.

“We [want to] implement what is actually on our hearts: to focus more on church planting.”

Ben*, who completes John and Nancy’s three-person team, said the trio usually tries to visit around 10 families a week.

Sometimes they are church connections; others are contacts from distributions or “friends of friends of friends, way in the corners of [the city], living in half-finished buildings,” he described.

However, between trainings and project responsibilities, the team has struggled to establish routine church planting practices.

Sometimes it takes a month to visit a family twice, Ben admitted. Often people move and contacts are lost.

With confusion trumping consistency, relationship breakthroughs are rare, “but there is everyday life, and God answers also in small matters,” John stated.

*names changed

“When we think of encouragement, we think always of big things, but that He keeps us here and safe and also that when you wake up in the morning that you can be joyful, I think that’s a great encouragement,” he added.

pray Join us in praying for OM’s church planting projects

AN ENCOURAGING ENCOUNTER One morning, John and Nancy were praying for their neighbours at their kitchen table. “They are very friendly in the street,” John explained, but “the doors [to their homes] do not open easily.”

“Almost not at all,” Nancy interjected.“Lord, bring people to us,” John prayed. Then the phone rang.

“Normally I wouldn’t take it, but somehow I felt I had to answer,” John explained. The caller was a man the couple had gotten to know in the past, but they hadn’t been able to arrange subsequent get-togethers.

On the phone, the man invited John and Nancy to a picnic with his family. “Thank you, Lord,” John thought. “We just need to pray and sometimes You answer that quickly.”

After the picnic, the family told John and Nancy they wanted to have more contact. By building the relationship, “I feel it’s easier to find an entrance for a [spiritual] conversation,” John stated. “I feel encouraged to share.”

Pray that John, Nancy and Ben would continue to be intentional in sharing the gospel with people in their community and that they would find time to build relationships. Pray that God leads the team to people whom He has prepared and who have a desire to know Him. Pray for more people, especially administrators and evangelists, to join the team.

GLOBAL 13

OM NEAR EAST

by Nicole James

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

by ???

REFOCUS ON CHURCH PLANTING Two years ago, John* and Nancy* joined a small OM team during the Syrian and Iraqi crisis.

S

uddenly in charge of maintaining relationships with local ministry leaders they had just met and managing multiple project budgets from OM’s Syrian and Iraqi relief fund, the couple spent more time behind their computer screens, communicating with donors, and in their vehicle, commuting between project sites, than they did connecting with the least reached people in their community.

The needs of the surrounding communities will not disappear soon, and John and Nancy want to continue extending the love of Jesus to people from all backgrounds.

However, they hope to focus less on what they give materially, through on-the-ground partnerships and OM, and more on “how far we get in a conversation [about God].”

“ FOR ME, IT’S NOW A TURNING POINT. WE WANT TO IMPLEMENT WHAT IS ACTUALLY ON OUR HEARTS: TO FOCUS MORE ON CHURCH PLANTING.”

Although there’s no clear conclusion to the conflicts raking the region, and food distributions continue to be a lifeline for refugees and internally displaced people in the Near East, John and Nancy decided to start re-arranging their ministry priorities after attending church planting training last year.

“For me, it’s now a turning point,” John stated.

“We [want to] implement what is actually on our hearts: to focus more on church planting.”

GLOBAL 12

Ben*, who completes John and Nancy’s three-person team, said the trio usually tries to visit around 10 families a week.

Sometimes they are church connections; others are contacts from distributions or “friends of friends of friends, way in the corners of [the city], living in half-finished buildings,” he described.

However, between trainings and project responsibilities, the team has struggled to establish routine church planting practices.

Sometimes it takes a month to visit a family twice, Ben admitted. Often people move and contacts are lost.

With confusion trumping consistency, relationship breakthroughs are rare, “but there is everyday life, and God answers also in small matters,” John stated.

*names changed

“When we think of encouragement, we think always of big things, but that He keeps us here and safe and also that when you wake up in the morning that you can be joyful, I think that’s a great encouragement,” he added.

pray Join us in praying for OM’s church planting projects

AN ENCOURAGING ENCOUNTER One morning, John and Nancy were praying for their neighbours at their kitchen table. “They are very friendly in the street,” John explained, but “the doors [to their homes] do not open easily.”

“Almost not at all,” Nancy interjected.“Lord, bring people to us,” John prayed. Then the phone rang.

“Normally I wouldn’t take it, but somehow I felt I had to answer,” John explained. The caller was a man the couple had gotten to know in the past, but they hadn’t been able to arrange subsequent get-togethers.

On the phone, the man invited John and Nancy to a picnic with his family. “Thank you, Lord,” John thought. “We just need to pray and sometimes You answer that quickly.”

After the picnic, the family told John and Nancy they wanted to have more contact. By building the relationship, “I feel it’s easier to find an entrance for a [spiritual] conversation,” John stated. “I feel encouraged to share.”

Pray that John, Nancy and Ben would continue to be intentional in sharing the gospel with people in their community and that they would find time to build relationships. Pray that God leads the team to people whom He has prepared and who have a desire to know Him. Pray for more people, especially administrators and evangelists, to join the team.

COME AND BE DISCIPLED Being a Christian teen in today’s world can be difficult. You might look around and wonder if you’re the only one who believes in God. Maybe you have questions that no one can answer. Or do you even wonder sometimes if God is real?

WWW.T EENSTR EET.DE

REGIST ER NOW

Well, He is very real and wants to spend time with you. But don’t just take our word for it, experience God for yourself.

At TeenStreet, OM’s International Youth Conference, you’ll have a chance to ask your questions, be in God’s presence, worship with 1000s of Christian teens from around Europe, learn from the Bible and more.

PARTICIPANTS VOLUNTEERS PRICES

13 -17 year olds 18+ See website

Early bird price available.

WWW.UK.OM.ORG/TEENSTREET

pray

give

go