OPERATION MOBILISATION MAGAZINE no.3 2017
“ 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)
Mobilising a new wave of missions workers
Operation Mobilisation transforming lives and communities
IN THIS ISSUE
LUKE 4:18
no.3 2017
DEAR FRIENDS,
On the cover:
Teaching the next generation in Bangladesh. Credit: Justin Lovett
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World News
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OM Greece
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OM United Kingdom Reaching Turks in the UK
Sharing Christ with refugees
OM Brazil
Friendship Culture
10 OM TeenStreet
Discovering an Unshakeable God
11 OM Blog
Switching on the light
12 OM Bangladesh
Trickle-down witness
13 OM Ships
Catching the vision
14 OM United Kingdom
The gift of a mustard seed
“ The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim Good News to the poor.”
“ I T WAS AMAZING TO WITNESS FIRST-HAND THE ENERGY, ENTHUSIASM, VIBRANCY AND PASSIONATE WORSHIP OF THOUSANDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE.”
Operation Mobilisation Registered office The Quinta, Weston Rhyn, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY10 7LT.
Through OM teams serving in 110 countries around the world, and due to the generous support of many Christians in the UK, we count it a privilege to be able to support ministries that are reaching out directly to demonstrate and proclaim the love of Jesus Christ. A highlight for me over summer was having the opportunity to visit OM TeenStreet in southern Germany. It was amazing to witness first-hand the energy, enthusiasm, vibrancy and passionate worship of thousands of young people. However, it was seeing the teens digging into God’s Word during Bible times and discipleship groups that I found most encouraging. What an incredible event OM TeenStreet is, contributing to the discipling and mobilising of the next generation of missionaries. We would love to see more young people join this lifetransforming event. So why not encourage your youth leader and a group of teens from your church to join us next year? This past year has also seen close to 300 people join us for short-term outreaches, travelling as church groups and individuals to the furthest corners of the globe to minister and reach out to the lost. We pray that the ministries they were involved in will have lasting impact in the lives of thousands, but we also pray that some of those who served with us short-term will consider joining one of our teams longer-term in the future. In this edition of Global you will read about the exciting new initiative to launch a Riverboat to sail the rivers of Europe, helping us partner with local churches in mobilising the next generation of European Christians for mission work. This is very much our passion, whether it is through OM TeenStreet, short-term outreaches, a riverboat or any other mobilising ministry - our passionate desire is to, in partnership with local churches, see a new generation of missionaries raised up, equipped and sent out so that we may see more vibrant communities of Jesus followers among the least reached.
t: 01691 773388 e: info.uk@om.org w: www.uk.om.org Scotland 210 Kennedy Street, Glasgow, G4 0BQ. Northern Ireland The Lodge Studio, 2 Bridge End Road, Templepatrick BT39 0DB.
Thank you for your continued support as we serve in partnership together.
Registered as a company limited by guarantee no. 2564320 and charity no.1008196 (England and Wales), and SCO40988 (Scotland).
Editor: Kris Johnstone Deputy editor: Maria Smith Stories and images: OM International © Global magazine 2017. 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.
Matthew Skirton, OM UK Director
Panoramic shots and pressing prayer updates, keep up to date and in touch via social media. facebook.com/OMUnitedKingdom
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WORLD NEWS
“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
by OM Europe
PROGRESS ALONG EUROPE’S WATERWAYS
“ THIS WILL BE AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO ENGAGE WITH LOCAL CHURCHES” “Each young person will be sharing and showing Jesus to those they encounter as a living example of a vibrant community,” explains Riverboat Director Robert-Jan Sterk, “through the Escape Room experience, in the café and in the events the local churches put on for their friends and neighbours.”
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efore there were roads, there were waterways. The great travellers and explorers of the centuries used this natural means of getting from place to place. Great towns and cities were built on the banks of rivers as places of trading and commerce, using water to navigate, drink, nourish crops and animals, and sustain life. As the centuries rolled by, their use changed from life-sustaining to a more leisurely enjoyment of journeying from place to place, and with it the coming of the river cruiser to Europe’s waterways.
Andante was one such river cruiser sailing Europe’s rivers since 2007, taking passengers to see the cities of Prague and those along the Rhine. From December 2017, OM hopes to launch their first Riverboat with a very different crew and purpose. Berthed in the Netherlands, her crew will join approximately 2,000 young people gathered for Europe’s Mission Net conference. From Mission Net, those on board the Riverboat will visit several ports in three European countries over the course of three months.
OM workers already living and working in these areas are welcoming the visit of the Riverboat to their town. “We are looking forward to hosting the Riverboat,” said Gian Walser, Director of OM Germany. “This will be an amazing opportunity for us to engage with local churches, to share our passion for world mission and to motivate and mobilise Christians to join us on our journey.” “We believe it will help strengthen the churches in their desire to reach out. Our hope is that youth groups, prayer groups and home groups will come on board and be challenged by what they see, hear and experience about mission— perhaps from a different perspective.”
Learn more about partnering with OM Riverboats: www.uk.om.org/riverboats
THE VILLAGE Remember the story about the Tandroy people of Madagascar we shared in Global earlier this year? OM Africa have since created a short film about this ministry depicting their story and the fruit of this ministry so far. Watch it online on OM United Kingdom’s Facebook or on www.uk.om.org/thevillage
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OM UNITED KINGDOM
by Maria Smith
REACHING TURKS IN THE UK “Most people don’t think of the UK as unreached,” says Deniz, an OM worker among Turkish people in England. “But there are hundreds of thousands of Turkish speakers in this country, and there’s only one weekly [Turkishspeaking] church that we know of.”
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ccording to Operation World, this people group is around 96% Muslim, so having such a significant population of unreached people in the UK presents a great opportunity for sharing the gospel. That said, workers like Deniz are encountering some hurdles. Because many members of this community have poor English, they struggle to find jobs that pay a fair wage, and are forced to work long hours just to support themselves. “These people work as many as twelve hours a day, sometimes seven days a week.” This leaves little time for rest, let alone spiritual exploration and growth. There are challenges among the Turkish
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believers too; Deniz finds that many people coming to the UK as Christians come from shaky theological backgrounds. Although believers may no longer follow false teachings, deep-rooted misconceptions can mean they are unable to sustain themselves, and may be very dependant on external workers. “So what we’re doing,” says Deniz. “Is trying to build them up and encourage them to study scripture for themselves, so they are able to teach others.” He shares that there are multiple Turkish fellowship groups meeting regularly, and Deniz hopes to see another church planted
“ I THINK A LOT OF THEM ARE PEOPLE THAT DESIRE TO KNOW GOD AND SEE HOW THAT APPLIES TO THEIR LIFE,”
“One who is faithful in very little is also faithful in much…” Luke 16:10
in 2018. In spite of the obstacles, workers have seen the gospel changing the lives of both believers and non-believers. “I think a lot of them are people that desire to know God and see how that applies to their life,”says Deniz. “There was one Muslim lady coming [to our house group] for eight months, after she saw Jesus in a dream. She accepted Christ - it was a real joy for us. Now she brings another friend who is Muslim – she hasn’t accepted Christ yet, but she’s been coming for eight weeks.” This community boasts a lot of young people, too; this year OM’s team in London were able to send some Turkish background teens to Teenstreet, where they had the opportunity to encounter God along with an international community of young Christians. “We’ve got a lot of children as well,” Deniz adds. “Altogether in London we’ve got about
“ PEOPLE COME TO FAITH IN VERY DIFFERENT WAYS, AND WE SEE HOW GOD SHAPES THEM.
20 kids.” At the moment, though, these people lack a youth or children’s worker. Although the teenagers are enthusiastic, inviting non-Christian friends to meetings, Deniz shares that they are praying for someone to commit to and invest in the young people. And Deniz’s own story is a reminder of God’s faithfulness in working through even the ‘smallest’ ministries: brought up in a nominal Muslim family, he was first introduced to Jesus by a 15-year old girl leading Bible studies in her basement with her peers.
PRAY... ...for spiritual growth among Turkish believers in the UK, so that they can be equipped to serve, and to share their faith with their family and friends. ...that the Holy Spirit would continue to speak truth to those who have been taught false doctrines.
“So you see,” he says. “People come to faith in very different ways, and we see how God shapes them.” The work among Turkish people tends to be slow, according to Deniz, and it takes a lot of time, energy, and visiting people. There is much work still to be done and many who have yet to hear the gospel, but the Turkish people are dearly loved by God, and they are not forgotten.
...for someone to work with the youth and children in this community.
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Support OM’s ministries in the UK www.uk.om.org/give
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OM GREECE
by Anne-Marit Viljoen
SHARING CHRIST WITH REFUGEES ‘I am nothing without Jesus.’ “Expressions like this from one of my students, is beautiful to hear,” smiles Ellen. It motivates me to give my best even if sometimes it can get tiring.”
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ith the help of a translator, OM Greece team member Ellen teaches three Afghan groups twice a week.The students are eager to listen and ask questions.
It began with the KANO project (Greek for ‘to make’) providing knitting wool and fabrics for sewing. Afghan ladies were eager to make items for sale, to pass time and make a small income. Relationships were formed, and there followed opportunities to share Christ. Some ladies and teenagers invited Christ into their lives, and have become part of a local church where they have been baptised. “And they are not silent in the camps where they live,” continues Ellen. “Even if it leads to persecution from other refugees, they are eager to share Jesus, testifying to peace like never before.”She is encouraged to see them initiating prayer together in the groups, including for the needs of others - even their persecutors.
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“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
“ EVEN IF IT LEADS TO PERSECUTION FROM OTHER REFUGEES, THEY ARE EAGER TO SHARE JESUS, TESTIFYING TO PEACE LIKE NEVER BEFORE.” LONG-TERM WORK Short-term teams regularly visit three refugee camps in the wider Athens area, while the longterm team members follow up with Bible studies and specific relationships, as well as discipling new believers. “The refugee work is now at a development phase rather than the critical first-arrival stage,” says OM worker, Jill. “Numbers are still high, but at this stage we are focusing on meeting the needs of individuals and families rather than the masses” How do we enhance the lives of those seeking refuge? How can we teach them useful skills? What training will be helpful for them? These are questions the team is grappling with. For instance, OM Greece would love to receive teachers of music, arts, and languages, as many refugees are hoping to stay in Europe.
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EASTER FUN Over Easter, several volunteers distributed painted eggs and Bibles, which led to many conversations about the Easter story. One young Syrian gladly received a Bible, saying, “I’ve been looking for this book for weeks!” A team from Finland organised a children’s event, with a bouncy castle, face painting, chalk art, bracelet-making crafts and games. “Seeing the happiness in the kids’ faces was pure joy,” said team member Heidi Kukkamäki. “It was incredible to see how their behaviour had improved dramatically over the past 10 days.” shared a team member. He explained that many of the children had encountered violence and trauma, even in the camps, and that was often reflected in their behaviour. “I was impressed with the children’s willingness to share and even help each other,” he wrote afterwards. “We hope that the team’s consistency and kindness will have made a positive impact.”
Please pray that the seeds sown will grow into good fruit. Pray for protection for the new believers, and wisdom and strength for the team members continuing to serve and disciple those in need.
Pray for OM’s refugee ministry across Europe
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OM BRAZIL
by Nicole James
FRIENDSHIP CULTURE With the new global vision of creating vibrant communities of Jesus followers among the least reached, OM wants to mobilise Brazilians and other Latin Americans to go to the Muslim world. “It’s not the same, Arabic culture and Brazilian culture,” Sophia said, “But the things we have in common help us to adjust and share our faith.” “We have a stereotype of being so friendly. I haven’t met someone who doesn’t like Latino people, or even samba or salsa,” began Livia*. Just over a year into her time serving in North Africa, she listed ways Brazilian culture complemented her host country: “If you really enjoy spending time with people, if you really enjoy learning new things, if you really enjoy sharing your life, this is the right place to come!”
“ YOU ARE REALLY SPECIAL TO ME, AND BECAUSE YOU ARE VERY SPECIAL, I WANT TO GIVE YOU THE BEST I HAVE IN MY LIFE.” GLOBAL 8
Loud parties, spontaneous visits, ever-changing plans and, above all, a food-centred culture—the descriptions work as well in Brazil as they do in North Africa, according to Livia. And, unlike others from reserved, timeoriented cultures who have to adjust to such cultural differences, those aspects of life don’t phase her a bit. Making friendships in the Muslim world has not been difficult in Livia’s experience. “It’s been really amazing, especially to see how our Father brings each one of them into my life,” she said.
WESTERN ASIA Caroline* spent three and a half years in Western Asia, and she recognised elements of Brazilian life in the culture of her host country. She had to get used to wearing a headscarf, hijab, when in public, but other behaviours and family dynamics reminded her of home.
Caroline met one of her closest friends, Shima*, at a language class. Shima had grown up in Europe but moved to Western Asia with her husband. A few months into their friendship, Shima went to Germany to visit her family. When she returned, she met up with Caroline and said, “Please tell me about Jesus. I had Christian friends when I lived in Germany, but I never cared. Now, because you really cared about me, I want to know about Jesus.” In fact, Shima had purchased a Bible in the local language while in Europe. Her husband’s family were religious Muslims, and as the oldest son, he refused to contradict his father’s beliefs. Still, he allowed Shima to meet with Caroline, and he even helped his wife read the Bible when she needed help translating. After reading the Bible and studying with Caroline, Shima believed in Jesus. Her
decision was dangerous in light of the country she lived in and her husband’s family, but Shima persisted. “Next time I go to Germany,” she decided. “I will be baptised.”
MIDDLE EAST Sophia* lived in the Near East for two and a half years. “We have a lot of freedom [in Brazil] as women: we can do whatever we want, and we can wear whatever we want,” she says, comparing Brazilian culture with that of the Middle East. “Maybe in hospitality, the way that we talk. Maybe these things are like our culture.” Sophia spent a lot of time with local women, visiting them, talking to them, and sharing her faith. “My role
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17
“ MY ROLE WAS TO BE WITH THEM AND, THROUGH OUR FRIENDSHIP, SHARE FAITH.” was to be with them and, through our friendship, share faith,” she described. Sophia met one of her closest friends, Hala*, regularly to study the Bible. “We spent a lot of time talking about Jesus, about faith, about her life,” Sophia shared. “She doesn’t understand Jesus as Saviour, but God is working in her life, and she’s open to studying the Bible.” Before she left the Near East, Sophia met with another Arab
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friend. “I really wanted to give her a Bible, but I didn’t know what she would think about that,” Sophia remembered. So she invited her friend to a party and presented her gift. “You are really special to me,” Sophia said, “and because you are very special, I want to give you the best I have in my life.” Her friend took the Bible and responded, “I know now that you love me because I know this is special to you.”
MOBILISING LATIN AMERICA Pray for many Brazilians to be mobilised into missions amongst Muslims. Pray for those living in least reached parts of the world to establish deep friendships and have opportunities to share their faith in Jesus. *Names changed
go Sign up for regular news updates www.uk.om.org
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OM TEENSTREET
by Maria Smith
DISCOVERING AN UNSHAKEABLE GOD Worship. Fun. Jesus. This list barely scratches the surface of the words that describe OM’s annual youth conference, TeenStreet (TS).
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eedless to say TS is an intense week, but for many of the eager teens that come, it’s the only opportunity they have to be discipled and spend time with Christians their age. Iona (France) shared: ‘In my school, I have no Christian friends. [At TS] even though we come from everywhere and we don’t know each other, it feels like we’re all family.’ And this year’s theme, ‘Unshakeable’, was designed to speak into the teens’ lives about living out gospel truths, spending time with God, and finding their true identity in their Father. Josh and Debs Walker spent their tenth and final year as TS main stage speakers focusing on Romans 8. They emphasised that however uncertain a situation may be, in Christ we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37). Debs shared a message of hope, “Whatever has happened in your life, NOTHING can separate you from the love of God…” TS is not just what happens on stage: teens are equipped to reflect Jesus daily in their
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lives. This year teens were encouraged to fundraise for the ‘Vocations for the Future’ project based in Kosovo. The project aims to teach young people skills for their future. As a result, 86,326 was raised for the cause. “Get out of your chair,” was Josh’s challenge. “And live out what God says about you!” Whilst this year’s conference is over, the TS team will keep in touch with their teens throughout the year. This is an investment into a generation of young Christians who are living in shaky times, but who can lean on an unshakeable God.
TEENSTREET 2018 If you would like more information about how you can bring your youth group to TeenStreet 2018, from 28th July-4th August, or to volunteer – get in touch for a TeenStreet Discovered info pack and to chat with our OM TeenStreet Coordinator. E – teenstreet.uk@om.org
T – 01691 773388
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 Andrew
BLOG.OM.ORG An excerpt from our OM International blog, written by OM workers describing mission from their perspective. Visit blog.om.org to read more.
SWITCHING ON THE LIGHT
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ne of Jesus’ most famous commands is in Matthew 28:19 - ‘go and make disciples of all nations.’ There is a clear emphasis on going; and yet we Christ-followers still have a hard time acting on the ‘go.’ The general opinion is that we are too scared of rejection. I’m guilty of this too, but rejection is an inevitable outcome of evangelism. Jesus Himself preached to thousands in His years of ministry but after He ascended to heaven (Acts 1), His number of followers is recorded at 120. Plenty of people rejected Christ Himself, so we can expect they will reject us too. One of my first experiences with evangelism was during a time of discipleship training for OM’s Africa Trek. We went to a nearby mall — the prospect of which terrified me. I’m not one to walk up to strangers and talk about anything, let alone a topic that could potentially leave the other person laughing at me. But before we went out, we discussed John 6:44:“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day (NIV).”
switch on the light. It’s something you can do in your own home, having neighbours or unsaved family over for a meal.
Our Trek Leader reminded us that saving people is God’s business, not ours. We don’t have to carry the burden of drawing people to God; that’s something only He can do. The leader explained to us the concept of ‘switching on the light’— while moths are drawn to light, cockroaches run away from it. “Your job is simply to switch on the light of the gospel,” he told us. See who God draws in, and who He doesn’t. I learned to see the act of sharing the gospel as a much simpler process: just
go Join the Africa Trek in 2018, visit www.uk.om.org/shorts
Like anything else we do in life, the more often you switch on the light, the more natural it becomes. That’s not to say it’s always—or even usually—easy; I’ve had to keep digging deeper into God’s Word so that I can approach anyone in any situation to switch on the light. God hasn’t asked you to save people. You’re called to faithfully tell people about His Good News, and trust Him to use you however He chooses.
Who can you switch on the light for today? What’s stopping you?
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OM BANGLADESH
by OM International
TRICKLE-DOWN WITNESS I
t has been said that the number one reason more unreached people are not coming to faith is because they have never met a follower of Jesus. This is why OM’s development activities in Bangladesh are relationally oriented. This gives team members a natural contact for people to inquire about why they are different and opens a door to share the hope they have in Christ. “There are many nice people,” says Andrew*, a European OM team member. “But only those who have a message of transformation and life-changing truth in Christ can make a true difference in people’s lives.” In one district, OM has supported a school for many years, providing school benches, a blackboard, a toilet and even additional training for teachers. Through frequent contact, a deeper connection with the school staff was developed. Palash*, the school headmaster, showed an interest in further resources, so visited the OM office repeatedly. OM team member Tutul* enjoyed talking with him, and was able to share the gospel. Over time, both Palash and his wife, a village primary school teacher, came to know Christ. Now they can both, by their actions and gentleness, be a light for Christ among students and their families.
WITNESSING VIBRANCY OF BELIEVERS When Andrew visited this district, he could see the fruit of Tutul’s relational ministry. There sat Palash and Disha*, as well as one of Disha’s friends, another teacher, who were going through OM Bangladesh’s discipleship course.
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“I don’t think I have ever been in a meeting where I saw such direct trickle-down of witness from one to another. It was such a privilege,” Andrew remarked.
WOODYARD FELLOWSHIP In the same district lived a man named Saiful*, who was a woodyard owner. He was contracted by OM to provide benches for schools in the area. Through relationship, he also became a believer in Jesus.
“ IT WAS QUITE INCREDIBLE TO SEE THE RAWNESS OF THEIR FAITH”
Saiful’s faith shone through his integrity in business, and his witness led others to be curious about Jesus. By the time Andrew visited, there was a fellowship of about 30 people meeting at the woodyard. But their questions took Andrew by surprise. “How do we have a meeting? How do we do church? Do we have to have a building to meet in?” the believers asked, allowing Andrew to help them explore a culturally appropriate solution. “They are such young believers who have no traditions and no understanding. It was quite incredible to see the rawness of their faith and their genuine questions and desire to worship God,” Andrew shared. OM’s desire is to see vibrant communities of Jesus followers among the least reached in Bangladesh. Pray for unity in these small fellowships and their multiplication for God’s glory. *Names changed
pray for OM teams in Bangladesh and Nepal as they assist those affected by recent flooding
OM SHIPS
by Steve Chedgzoy
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5
CATCHING THE VISION “God has a sense of humour,” concluded Jill, as she reflected on how God used a Vision Trip to Logos Hope as an opportunity to increase her reliance on Him. “He pushed me out of my comfort zone, but was holding my hand the entire time.”
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ot only are Vision Trips a deeply impactful experience for the individuals participating, as Jill discovered earlier this year, but they are a great way for churches and groups to understand and appreciate the true DNA of an OM ministry. As it happened, this particular Vision Trip from Northern Ireland were a welcome help for the crew as they joined the ship in Kingston, Jamaica. This port was unusually busy for Logos Hope – welcoming over 110,000 people on board in just five weeks! Our ‘guest crew’ of six were able to get a varied taste of ship life by getting involved in many aspects of ship ministry. They experienced some of the essential work that keeps the ship ministry in motion: working in departments such as the galley, deck, book fair, laundry
“ GOD HAS AMAZED ME WITH THE STORIES I HAVE HEARD FROM CREW MEMBERS ACROSS THE WORLD.” and the carpenter’s workshop. There were opportunities onshore too as team members joined the crew to experience a Community Day. Some visited a male detention centre, while others took part in a church community outreach offering free eye tests and opportunities to pray with the locals in Spanish Town. Kathryn recalled, “I offered to pray with a woman. She replied that she was not a Christian, but that she would like to have a personal
relationship with Jesus. After we prayed together, I connected the woman with the local church worker so they could follow up with her after the Logos Hope had left.” Despite the busy schedule, the team enjoyed fellowship with Logos Hope’s international crew, experiencing the lively community on board the ship. “The past few days have been very humbling,” Rosemary shared. “God has amazed me with the stories I have heard from crew members across the world.”
EXPLORE WITH VISION If your church would like to arrange a Vision Trip to explore partnering more intentionally with OM Ships International or any other area of OM’s ministry, please do get in touch. Contact our Partnership Development team today and start the conversation. To find out more visit www.uk.om.org/ vision-trips or call 0141 552 7716.
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OM UNITED KINGDOM
by Nick Fletcher
THE GIFT OF A MUSTARD SEED This Christmas we invite you to join us in planting seeds of God’s Kingdom through business.
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s we develop the work of OM around the world, to see the least reached impacted with the Good News of Christ and His Kingdom, we understand that many of these communities and people groups are also enslaved by poverty. Because of this, we recognise that establishing a vibrant community also means confronting the injustice of poverty and liberating the
poor through economic empowerment. We know this can be a powerful witness to those who are lost and enable the Church to grow in strength. This November, through our Christmas appeal we will invite you to partner with us in a new initiative to reach the least reached through business. We are calling it ‘Mustard’. In one of Jesus’ parables of the Kingdom of God, He taught:
PLANTING THE SEED OF SKILLS, FINANCE AND GOD’S WORD “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” Mark 4:30-32 (ESV) Through a variety of economic empowerment ministries around the world, OM teams are planting the seed of God’s Word, finance and vocational skills. They are sowing new life in Christ and
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empowering people to live in freedom and to flourish. In Pakistan, for example, almost a quarter of the population still live below the national poverty line. People who need access to finance for their businesses are often forced to take out loans at impossibly high rates, and Christians – as a minority group – can be particularly vulnerable. For Imran*, it was a low interest loan from OM that helped him turn his business around. “I sell quality clothes at a cheap price,” explains Imran. “The demand was increasing, but it was difficult for me to meet it.”
“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
HOW YOUR GIFT TO OM’S CHRISTMAS APPEAL COULD BE USED: The loan allowed him to expand his business, and his average income per day has more than doubled. Imran shares that he regularly prays over his loan, asking God to bless it for His glory. In Africa, teaching from the Bible is part of OM’s business training programme, allowing participants to learn what it looks like to run a business with God at the centre. “During one devotional time,” shares Linda*, “one lady realised she did not really know this God whom we were speaking about. She chatted to our OM colleague and he led her to faith in Jesus.” The latest reports from this training session, and others like it continue to reflect the seeds that have been planted. Not only is her business continuing to grow, but this lady is still following Jesus. She
etting up Self Help Groups S (community savings and loan groups)
is a prayer champion and is leading the prayer ministry in one of the local church plants.
Vocational skills training (tailoring, carpentry, electrical, IT)
Jesus encourages us in the parable of the mustard seed that long-lasting and eternal transformation can be achieved with something very small.
icro-Enterprise start up M through training and loans
He reminds us that God, in His power, can take a skill, some simple training and a small amount of money, and multiply it. The impact of this can grow dramatically from feeding a family each day, to transforming the whole community for many generations. When we combine activities like these in least reached communities, with intentional witness and discipleship, we see how it becomes possible to establish vibrant communities of Jesus followers through the ministry of business.
*Names changed
give Look out for OM’s Christmas appeal in the next few weeks
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MDT UK: DO YOU WANT TO GROW AS A DISCIPLE? Come and invest 5 months of your life in OM UK’s Missions Discipleship Training programme. • Be mentored. • Live in Birmingham and London and explore your calling. • Enjoy team life, interactive classroom training and urban ministry among the least reached living in the UK. • Expand your faith, see God work and discover missions. • Option to extend by adding up to 6 months outreach, in the UK or abroad.
Launching January 2018 Deadline for application is 2 November 2017
Operation Mobilisation transforming lives and communities
WWW.UK.OM.ORG/MDT
Registered office The Quinta, Weston Rhyn, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY10 7LT. Registered as a company limited by guarantee no. 2564320 and charity no.1008196 (England and Wales), and SCO40988 (Scotland).
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