OPERATION MOBILISATION MAGAZINE no.3 2016
“ 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)
SNOW IN THE DESERT The legacy of Logos Hope’s ministry in Africa
Operation Mobilisation transforming lives and communities
OM SHIPS INTERNATIONAL
by Julie Knox
“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
SNOW IN THE DESERT The look on her face was priceless, her eyes and mouth wide open. She was on the edge of her seat, pointing, gazing upwards as the white stuff drifted all around; coming to rest in her hair, in my lap, on everyone.
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he eight year old next to me had never experienced snow. Now, this Namibian girl was lost in wonder – in Narnia – as make-believe snowflakes fell from the ceiling of the Hope Theatre. On a Sunday in July, in a desert land, OM’s ship ministry left an unforgettable imprint on this little life. Children aren’t the only ones being impacted by this innovative new project on board Logos Hope. The story of four young evacuees entering an enchanted land via a wardrobe grips all ages. Teens jump as the white witch’s chariot thunders down the aisle beside them. Parents nod thoughtfully at what Aslan, the conquering lion, represents through his sacrificial death. Staging CS Lewis’ symbolic novel The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, is a longawaited alternative outreach for OM Ships. Jimmy Hendricks,
a Christian drama producer, received special license from C. S. Lewis’ family to abridge the book, allowing it to be performed in this unique way. The dialogue has been adapted to accommodate different cultures, and a narrator’s voiceover moves the plot along, while puppets are manipulated on stage to depict Narnia’s talking animals.
but I don’t identify with the witch. I pray before playing the role, that what people see will convict them.” Pulling the strings for ‘Mrs Beaver’ is character-building for puppeteer Heta Ridanpää: “It’s teaching me obedience. When I’m tired and don’t feel like putting on the show, I’m learning endurance in God’s service.” Crewmembers sit among visitors and encourage conversations on the play’s allegory. Feedback confirms God is using the performance for His glory, which gives all involved a buzz and renewed purpose each night.
Since opening night, an estimated 7,000 Africans have attended the Logos Hope production. One guest left a note to say Christ’s coming to earth had hit him as never before. Before embarking on this venture, Project Director Tim Whitson set out its aim: “First and foremost, we’d love to see it start conversations about the Gospel, because if we only have a nice show, then we have no show at all”. Logos Hope is touring West Africa with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe until late 2016.
KEEP UP TO DATE WITH THE SHIP MINISTRY: WWW.OMSHIPS.ORG
“This presentation of the Gospel through story form really connects with Africans, because they are oral learners”, says Partner Ministries Director, Randy Grebe, “they’re used to being taught through stories.” The actors, crewmembers serving in every department on board Logos Hope, have also found it an intense learning experience. “I used to think drama was a hobby, fun, but it’s hard,” shares Frieda Neumann. “I play the witch CREDIT: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE BY CS LEWIS © COPYRIGHT CS LEWIS PTE LTD 1950.
BLOG.OM.ORG
by Beth
“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
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.
A WOMAN’S WORTH IN CENTRAL ASIA
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irls growing up in Central Asian cities have more opportunities these days to become significant members of society, but traditionally, in (this) Central Asian culture, boys are still valued more highly than girls. Boys are the protectors of their family, will continue the family line and heritage and will usually ensure that their parents are looked after in their old age. Traditionally when a man marries, he and his wife continue to live with his parents and his wife takes on all the household duties – the cooking and cleaning etc. – which allows the mother-in-law to rest and enjoy her grandchildren. If a family has only daughters, the girls are often given names that indicate the family’s longing to have boys. These names, when translated into English, are “Let it be a son,” “Next will be a son,” “Soul of a boy,” “Baby boy,” and even
“Stop giving birth to girls.” These girls grow up living with their family’s disappointment that they weren’t born a boy. As Christians who come to live in this culture, how do we help girls feel loved, protected, wanted, and cherished in a culture which traditionally sees them as second best? Jesus is always the answer. Our role may not primarily be to advocate for women’s rights (although we do that in the projects we are involved in); our main role may be to tell about Jesus and to model His love in our daily life, in our marriage, and in the way we love our children – our boy and our girls. When Jesus is the centre of a Central Asian home, it makes all the difference. We have marvelled at a Christian, Central Asian
friend of ours who genuinely loves her mother-in-law and father-in-law. She serves them with such grace and love that it is beautiful to watch. She has the freedom to serve happily within her home and outside of it, because she knows her worth as a daughter of God. Within her marriage, our friend is loved and cherished. She and her husband are eagerly awaiting the birth of their first child – a girl. Let us pray for women in Central Asia who, for all of their lives, have been told that they are worth nothing. Pray that they will come to know the God who loves them with an everlasting love and who sees them as more precious than rubies. And let us love the women in our lives, because, we never know who’s learning from our example.
OM GUATEMALA
by Janet Weber
THE RIGHT TO BE COUNTED The town of El Tejar, Chimaltenango, sits amongst rolling green hills only 40 km west of Guatemala City, the country’s teeming concrete capital, but it may as well be 4,000km.
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irt roads lead past corrugated tin constructs; stray dogs and chickens appear around corners; men and women in colourful clothing dot bean and grain fields.The town’s population was about 12,500 in a 2002 census, but doesn’t account for children who aren’t registered with the state. Last year, OM worker, Ruth Schmutz, has helped five children from one family obtain official papers. Josefa, a widow and mother of six, is a friend of OM. She and her children take part in OM’s Project Rescue, which provides opportunities for families in El Tejar who suffer from poverty, malnutrition, domestic violence and lack of education. When Ruth discovered that only the eldest of Josefa’s six children had official papers, she stepped in. “The main problem,” says Ruth, “is that if one child were kidnapped or lost, it would be impossible to identify the child, let alone get him or her back. The place they’re living in is very dangerous.” Of the five children, Ruth says that 12-year-old Flor was most at risk. “We have made Flor aware of the dangers, to prevent her from being raped or trafficked,” says Ruth. OM workers ensure that Flor returns safely home before dark on afternoons spent with Project Rescue.
A RIGHT TO EDUCATION In addition to the ever-present risk of being trafficked, Josefa’s five unregistered children were not accepted by the school without papers. Backed by OM, Ruth found a local ministry specialising in legal matters; with their help, all five of Josefa’s children were officially registered within one month. Ruth approached the school director on behalf of Josefa and the children, and the school agreed to take them; however,
Flor’s teacher would not accept her into the class. “The teacher was aware of the family’s situation,” says Ruth. “The teacher took advantage of the fact that Josefa was illiterate – not knowing her rights – and gave excuses for why Flor could not attend school. I told the teacher, ‘We know the rules; Flor has a right to go to school.’” Now, all of Josefa’s children are in school, and all but the
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
“ THEY TELL ME
ABOUT GOD. EVERYTHING THAT THEY ARE DOING FOR US, I FEEL HAPPY WITH THAT.”
IT TAKES A VILLAGE youngest attend the afternoon programmes at the OM Project Rescue house on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Here, along with 25 other children from similar family situations, they receive help with homework and a nutritious meal, which is more than they would get at home. They learn about God through Bible studies and songs, and they learn about hygiene. “At Project Rescue, the children find security,” confirms Ruth.
Hilda believed that, because she had not finished primary school, all she could do to support her family was to clean houses or make tortillas – until OM introduced her to jewellery making as a means of income. At first, Hilda didn’t believe she could sell the earrings and bracelets she made, but OM showcased her creations in churches they visited, and people bought her jewellery. “The jewellery project was a
revelation for Hilda,” says Ruth, “that she could do more than clean and make food. When [she and the other women] discovered that they could do more, they were excited.” Last year, Hilda even completed her primary education. “God has done big things in my life. I was not really persevering before, but [OM workers] came and they pray for me. They tell me about God. Everything that
they are doing for us, I feel happy with that.” The project and the people of El Tejar have become dear to Ruth. She and fellow OM workers have witnessed physical and spiritual transformation in the lives of the children and parents they see every week.
pray join us in giving thanks for OM’s Project Rescue ministry
OM MYANMAR MEXICO
by Grace Beattie
LOVING UNCONDITIONALLY The civil war in Myanmar (formerly Burma) has often been considered one of the longest on-going civil conflicts in the world. Violent persecution of ethnic villagers has become a common reality, causing around three million people to flee conflicts and more than half a million to remain internally displaced.
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hanks to your recent generosity, OM has witnessed glimpses of freedom from this crisis. Funds from OM’s Mercy Appeal are supporting the education of refugee children on the Thai – Myanmar border, bringing hope to the poor and vulnerable. Demonstrating God’s love in action has meant the lives of children, young people and adults have been completely transformed. The school in Myanmar was set up to provide an education for children from tribes who have been unable to return to their home villages for many years due to continuing unrest. Mercy Appeal funds helped provide uniforms, textbooks and nutritious meals for the 130 children and young people currently at the school; children like Thura* who joined the school six years ago. “Before attending the school, I was often sick,” Thura explains. “The teachers taught me how to take care of myself and how to stay clean. My health has greatly improved.” Thura also learnt about Jesus. “We have devotional times. My teachers patiently explained to us about Jesus’ love,” he says.
“Slowly I understood that Jesus has forgiven all my sins. He loves me unconditionally.” Thura continues to share about his changed life: “In the past, I was a very selfish person, but now, I want to share with my friends.” Thura was able to receive a quality Christian education because of regular funds donated to OM. Beyond the education and loving guidance from the school’s teachers, he has been given the hope of breaking free from the poverty and oppression faced by the internally displaced people groups living in the Thailand-Myanmar Border.
“ SLOWLY I
UNDERSTOOD THAT JESUS HAS FORGIVEN ALL MY SINS. HE LOVES ME UNCONDITIONALLY.”
Thank you for supporting our Mercy Appeal.
GIVE TO THE MERCY APPEAL For many years, the Mercy Appeal has been a vital fund held in the UK for OM teams to access at short notice, allowing them to respond to urgent cries for help. Thanks to you we have been able to bring God’s Mercy to families all over the world who are suffering in the aftermath of natural disasters and during times of conflict, slavery and extreme poverty. If you would like to help OM to respond quickly in a crisis, you can make a gift today: Visit www.uk.om.org/mercy or telephone 01691 776711.
give help OM respond quickly in a crisis www.uk.om.org/give
OM EUROPE
A REFUGEE’S PRAYER An insight into short-term refugee ministry in Italy, by Global Editor, Kris Johnstone.
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tifling tears, I listened to James* as he shared his story. Due to persecution and civil unrest in Libya, James believed Europe was his only escape. Despite James’ harrowing account of his three-day crossing from Libya into Italy, and longing to be reunited with his family in Ghana, I am amazed at his deep heartrending gratefulness of God’s grace and provision. During my OM Transform outreach to Sicily, we were invited for a fellowship lunch with over 30 North African Christians, primarily Ghanaian men, all residents of Mineo, Europe’s largest organised refugee reception camp. The stories of their dangerous voyage
became all too familiar. Their insight into refugee centre life, grim and colourless. A marginal improvement on the refugees we met the following day living under a bridge, no longer eligible for state care. Still, what surprised me most was the prayer of these refugees. Asides from church on Sunday, these men meet regularly for prayer. One prayer meeting is for the reception camp itself – a deep longing for Christ to be known throughout Mineo. Another, is dedicated to Italy and Europe. The Italian Government, the Church and for a revival – these are the things a refugee prays for.
I’m ashamed to say; I can’t remember the last time my church or fellowship sat together to pray for the Government, Church or a revival. Can you?
PROVIDING A SAFE HAVEN “The word ‘refugee’ is no longer a concept, it now has meaning,” shares David*, an OM Transform 2016 participant. “Even though I’ve followed this mass movement of people leaving Syria and travelling across Europe, it has never been much more than that.” “Now, having spent time face-to-face with several refugees I no longer see a concept, I see individuals. Individuals
“ THE OUTREACHES ENABLED IMMEDIATE RELIEF EFFORTS TO TAKE PLACE ACROSS EUROPE AND ALLOWED PARTICIPANTS TO RETURN HOME WITH A NEW UNDERSTANDING ON HOW CHURCHES COULD RESPOND.”
with a name, identity and personal history. It has given me a glimpse of how God sees and relates to us.” This account is just one of many from hundreds who have taken part in Short Term Mission outreaches with OM this summer. OM Transform, Europe’s short-term mission training conference, brought a unified effort to many of OM’s refugee ministries in 2016. Participants were given a first hand insight into OM’s varied refugee projects. Bible
teaching and stories from OM workers helped prepare over 200 delegates for ministry across the Mediterranean. Even conference-only participants found motivation to reach new migrant communities at home. For OM teams continuing? They are beginning to assess and understand what their long-term sustainable refugee ministry will look like. Please pray for OM teams throughout Europe as they evaluate this.
*name changed
OM TEENSTREET
by Simon Em
“VENI VIDI VICI” AT TEENSTREET 2016 As the curtain came down on OM TeenStreet 2016, the mood written on many teenagers’ faces was “Veni vidi vici – I came, I saw, I conquered. Yea-ah!” as one teen, Lukas, from Germany surmised.
TEENSTREET 2017? If you are interested in bringing your youth group to TeenStreet 2017, from 27th July - 2 August, get in touch for a TeenStreet Discovered info pack and chat with our OM TeenStreet Coordinator. Email: teenstreet.uk@om.org Tel: 01691 773388
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till full of chatter, smiles and the energy to last another week, the teens formed a festive atmosphere during the final Throne Room session, juxtaposed only by sadness stemming from the fact that that this was their last evening together at OM TeenStreet. In total, 3,800 people from over 40 different countries gathered in the city of Oldenburg, Germany, for TeenStreet. Here, OM seeks to work with the Church to motivate, equip and walk alongside Christian teens to have a real friendship with Jesus and reflect Him daily in their world. This year, focused on the theme LIFE, main speakers Josh and Debs Walker shared about the Creator of all life. A series of messages from Genesis taught teenagers about God, creation, their identity, the relationship with God that was torn in the fall of mankind and how to restore that relationship and co-labour with God again. Each day, teens reflected on the teaching in small groups, praying for each other and discussing ways to apply what they learnt to their lives at home.
Teens participated in many exciting activities, including sports, creative arts, seminars and workshops. Participants also had free time to interact and get to know people from other countries, with different cultural and church backgrounds. Furthermore, many teens made a difference in the life of others by participating in the RAG (Raise and Give) race, where runners collected one-time donations and per-lap sponsors. By the end of the week, OM TeenStreet participants raised 75,000€ for the House of Joy, in Kosovo, which helps teenagers at risk. Teenagers and adults alike hailed OM TeenStreet 2016 as a success. Jonathan, a Service Team member who volunteers annually said, “I was raised here. That is why I keep coming to serve.” Jo McKissick, an OM youth leader in Norway, said, “The best thing about TeenStreet is that it reminds youth from smaller churches that they are not alone, as they come here and find thousands of other youth like them.” In addition to meeting new friends from other countries, spending prolonged time with other young believers can make lasting connections that have a positive effect on teenagers’ spiritual development. This year, OM TeenStreet was surely a place where fears were conquered as new relationships were formed and new confidence in their faith was gained.
go find out more about going to OM Teenstreet www.teenstreet.de
OM UNITED KINGDOM
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
by Kris Johnstone
IN THE LAST YEAR, KIDS ‘N’ THINGS:
5,350
PRESENTED
REACHED SCHOOL CHILDREN
SCHOOL SHOWS
REACHED
44
DELIVERED
5
HOLIDAY BIBLE CLUBS
580
TEACHERS AND ADULTS
KIDS ‘N’ THINGS For over 20 years, churches and schools across the UK have benefited from a vibrant OM ministry, Kids ‘n’ Things.
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eaching thousands of children every year, this small team of three is led by ministry coordinator, Julian Wolton. His team are all passionate about creatively delivering the Gospel to children. “It is widely agreed that 60-80% of all responses to the Gospel are made before the age of 12,” states Julian, underlining the importance of children’s ministry. “We strongly believe that if children know and understand the truth about Jesus, many of them will choose to follow Him both now and for the rest of their lives.” “The current generation needs to have the Gospel message presented in a way that really holds their attention and the Kids ‘n’ Things team achieves this vision in many creative ways.”
SCHOOL SHOWS
Coinciding with the periods of Christmas and Easter, Kids ‘n’ Things perform 30-minute theatre shows in primary schools. These professionally presented shows fulfil the Religious Education requirements for children in many UK schools, giving the team the
GET IN TOUCH Kids ‘n’ Things are always looking for new churches to partner with. If your church would be interested in running a holiday club, receive training or a new opportunity to work with your local primary school, get in touch! For more information email: Julian.Wolton@om.org
opportunity to reach children who have little to no understanding of who Jesus is. Each meticulously prepared performance is packed with puppet songs, stories, mime, drama and of course, a clear Christian message.
LIONHEART HOLIDAY CLUBS
As if term-time wasn’t busy enough, Kids ‘n’ Things run a two-hour programme across five days during school holidays. Facilitated in partnership with local churches across the UK, the primary aim is to show children that God is real, relevant, and wants to get involved in their everyday lives. Lionheart also provides churches with the opportunity to strengthen their relationship within their local communities. At the age of nine, former participant, Ruth, witnessed Lionheart’s impact: “It was in the Lionheart club when all this stuff about God and Jesus started making sense to me.” Now in her 20’s, Ruth is a children’s worker and is passing on to the next generation the faith that she developed through her interaction with OM’s Kids ‘n’ Things.
BEGIN PLANNING YOUR MISSION IN 2017 A Mission with OM means just one thing bringing Good News. OM has hundreds of opportunities for individuals and groups interested in mission. Options include: • Short-Term Mission • Gap Year • University placements • Longer-Term opportunities • Professional skills placements • Vision Trips • Church Partnership
Come along and experience it for yourself in 2017!
To find out more visit our website. Operation Mobilisation transforming lives and communities
WWW.UK.OM.ORG/GO
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