OM Global 2024 #2

SUDAN: A FORGOTTEN WAR, ONE YEAR ON WOMEN OF IMPACT IN AFRICA TO THE HEART OF WORSHIP

Sudan: a forgotten war, one year

Women of impact in Africa OM

My first year on Doulos Hope

TEENSTREET

TeenStreet 2024: Raising a generation of disciple-makers

ZAMBIA

Preparing for mission in Zambia

UNITED KINGDOM

Reaching out across the world ARABIAN

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You may have noticed something new about this latest edition of Global. The change in design, I believe, reflects our heart and passion in OM to make Christ known among the three billion people in the world who are yet to hear of and experience the love of God. We are emphasising this incredible number of people yet to hear, to remind us all of the great urgency that still exists for the gospel to be shared. We long to encourage followers of Jesus in the UK to engage even more passionately to the calling the Lord has given us all to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).

Many will recognise OM’s commitment to inspire the next generation of disciple makers to engage in God’s mission to places and peoples where Christ is least known. Our new ‘Race Across Europe’ (RAE) outreach is a good example of the sort of programmes we run in order to mobilise young believers. RAE is a cutting-edge, exciting adventure involving lots of travel and sharing the gospel with people through the whole of Europe (uk.om.org/race-across-europe).

Sometimes, after I speak at an event and share about exciting opportunities to cross borders and cultures with the Good News, more mature believers come up to me and almost wistfully say how they wish they were 30 or 40 years younger and could ‘step out’ and engage in mission work like those in their 20s. Well, these conversations gave us an idea, and we are excited to launch a brand new ‘Race Across Europe SENIORS’ outreach. This special outreach is especially for 50–75-year-olds who relish the challenge of travelling for two weeks on trains from England to Istanbul and telling people about Jesus all along the way. Would you, or someone you know, be interested in a backpacking mission adventure across the whole of Europe this summer? Check out uk.om.org/race-across-europe for more details.

Whether we can actually travel to other countries and share our faith or support those who do go, through prayer and financial support, we are all called to engage in God’s mission, to make disciples of all nations.

Thank you for your continued partnership in the gospel,

MATTHEW SKIRTON, UK CHIEF EXECUTIVE, OM

Sudan: a forgotten war, one year on

As a devastating war continues in their country, Sudanese Jesus-followers are sharing the hope of Christ.

“It’s very, very difficult to even listen to the stories,” says Tom*, OM’s area leader for the Middle East and North Africa – himself no stranger to how hard life can be in some of the world’s more volatile locations. “It took me two or three days just to be able to sleep again and feel back to normal, after hearing all that our brothers and sisters are experiencing.”

The third-largest country in Africa has known internal conflict in the last 30 years, but was unprepared for what began in April 2023. “There is no distinction made between a civilian or an armed combatant,” shares A*, an economist and former business owner who oversees a national network of 130 Sudanese Jesus-followers sharing the love of Christ through personal relationships. “What is happening in Sudan is really inhuman. I would like to say to the outside world that Sudanese people are your brothers. We are also humans, like you. We should not allow other people to do what they’re doing.”

Even though life as they knew it has evaporated because of the war, the team sees this as the time to press on living out the hope of the gospel in a country that is more than 90 per cent Muslim.

“Even though there is war in Sudan, the door of ministry has opened even more, and for us as a team, we made a commitment that we are not going to stop – and we want even to increase our ministry,” says A.

S*, another worker, shared, “When we started giving some humanitarian aid, Muslims were saying, ‛These Christians who are helping us, they don’t discriminate between a Muslim, a Christian, an atheist – they are just giving for everyone,’ so this is a good testimony for us.”

Both warring sides are accused by the international community of blocking access to humanitarian aid,

which 25 million people – half of Sudan’s population – need urgently. The United Nations describes it as the largest, fastest displacement crisis in the world today and warns of deadly knock-on effects, including food insecurity, malnutrition, lack of healthcare, and child protection issues. Nineteen million children have been out of school since April 2023.

Tom encourages us to persevere in prayer for Sudan: “I would like to encourage everyone who is with us in spirit … please share what is going on: the danger, the dire situation and the open doors, the prayer requests, the fruit that is coming in – and pray for a major, major movement towards Jesus Christ in Sudan.”

Could you partner with OM to support our brothers and sisters and their ministry in Sudan? Give now at uk.om.org/give

Women of Impact in Africa

Women of Impact Africa is a ministry of OM that exists to see women across Africa empowered to live as vibrant followers of Jesus.

Africa is the second largest continent on earth, home to nearly 1.5 billion people. Around 731 million of them are women and girls, representing a diverse tapestry of cultures, traditions and languages.

Women of Impact Africa is working in 15 countries and over 50 communities to reach the most vulnerable and marginalised women in society with the love of Jesus, empowering them to be leaders in their communities.

Larissa, who is part of the Women of Impact Africa team, shares the ministry’s vision. “We desire to see these women transformed spiritually and physically, so that they are no longer multiplying the cycle of poverty and oppression, but living as vibrant followers of Jesus who are impacting their community.”

Women of Impact Africa is motivated by the love of Jesus. “All throughout history, we have seen how Jesus values women,” says Larissa. “Jesus revealed Himself as the Messiah to a Samaritan woman, and through her many people believed in Him. He let women sit at His feet to learn from Him and to anoint Him for burial, and when He rose from the dead, it was women who were the first to see and hear the good news. Women were

722

women and girls impacted in 2023

56

communities impacted in 15 countries

40+

100

together with Jesus throughout His ministry on earth.”

She continues, “The sad reality is that in our world today, millions of women have not heard about Jesus, who values and loves them, and they are living under intense oppression.”

Through initiatives such as skills training, micro-business groups and community outreach, Women

new discovery groups formed (a group with some believers who meet regularly for Bible study and to support one another)

women have graduated from the disciplemaking programme

of Impact Africa seeks to help indigenous women encounter Jesus and live out their God-given potential. A key part of the work is equipping women to be vibrant leaders so that they can be catalysts for transformation in their own communities. The ministry has seen 100 women graduate from its disciple-making training programme, 48 women trained in microbusiness skills, and 112 women in

ministry supported through online calls and in-person retreats. It is currently developing 26 women as indigenous leaders.

In the Sahel region, a woman who took part in the eight-day training course shares how it has equipped her to share Jesus’ love: “After the Women of Impact Disciple Making Training, I returned home and began praying and looking for women who were open to spiritual things. I discovered that most of the women in my community struggle to provide food for themselves and their families, and that I could use one of the practical skills I learnt in the training as a way to gather women together. I learnt how to make an insulated cooker. It’s like a slow cooker, but it doesn’t need electricity!”

She went on to start a discovery group with other women she met in her community, 96% of whom are Muslims. Through forming the group, she has seen their desire to know about Jesus grow.

Elsewhere, many women attend training sessions so that they can receive lessons on how to read and write. As a result, they often then go on to read the Bible and discover the freedom of living for God in vibrant communities.

One of the scriptures at the heart of Women of Impact Africa is Exodus 1:15–21, in which the courageous midwives deliver the Hebrew children in the face of persecution from Pharaoh. Women of Impact leaders often refer to the support that their ’midwife’ has given them. When they talk about ’midwives’, they are referring to the many

women who are giving birth to new spiritual life: those who are raising up new leaders, starting groups and teaching others God’s Word. Exodus 15:20 says, “God was kind to the midwives and the people increased and became even more numerous.” Likewise, God is using spiritual ’midwives’ in the movement to bring spiritual multiplication and help many other women encounter Jesus.

Women of Impact Africa is a testament to the power of Christ and community-driven change. But the need is still great. According to the Joshua Project, there are 700 million women in Africa who are completely unreached by Jesus. Will you help give every woman the opportunity to experience the love and freedom of Jesus?

Your gift today will help provide training and resources to raise up vibrant women leaders in 15 countries across Africa. Could you give a gift of £10, £25 or £50 to provide vital support? Give now at uk.om.org/give

My first year on Doulos Hope

In May 2023, OM

celebrated the launch of its fifth vessel, Doulos Hope, in South East Asia. Ellie Coxall from OM in the UK spoke to Hannah Dear about her experiences on board.

London. They had served on the ship between 1989 and 1991. Hannah recalls the conversation: “By the end of the year, I had experienced a positive turning point in my faith, and they knew I was looking for more discipleship opportunities. That’s when they told me about the Ship Ministry, describing it as an intensive training ground for Christians.”

By engaging with people who learn in a visual and creative way, Hannah plans to reach many more people who might otherwise miss the gospel message at the heart of Doulos Hope’s mission.

Doulos Hope is a much smaller and narrower ship than Logos Hope, meaning that she can get to places where Logos Hope can’t get to. Her mission is to reach those who haven’t been reached with the gospel. We are incredibly grateful for all that God has done in her first 12 months of ministry.

I caught up with Hannah Dear, a finance officer on board Doulos Hope. I first met Hannah at the Getting into Gear conference in the UK a few months before she joined the ship. At the time, I could already see her eagerness to get involved, to move closer to God and to be changed by Him.

Hannah first heard about the Ship Ministry from a couple who serve in her home church just outside

She continues, “I wanted to go overseas whilst still serving my home church, and the diversity and culture of the ‛no cookie-cutter mould’ ethos of OM really appealed to me.”

Initially, Hannah was looking for a way to use her creative gifting, and she planned to serve in the bookfair. However, God took her on a different path, and she now serves as a finance officer. Even though she didn’t have any previous accounting or financial experience, she was willing to be malleable and adapt to God’s purposes.

Still, Hannah has found a different, unexpected way to express and practise her creative gifting. “I will be on board for another 18 months. In that time, I hope to help develop a visual arts culture on board that helps communicate the gospel to our visitors.”

Hannah shares how God has used her experience on board to bring personal transformation. “I used to be quite a nervous person,” says Hannah, “and I worried about many things day-to-day. I was still outwardly confident but underneath there was a lot of fear and doubt. I have learnt that when you live either in the past or in the future, you are really robbed of experiencing the fullness of God. He is here, in the present.”

Give to Doulos Hope, to support her ongoing mission to reach those living in remote places: uk.om.org/appeal/launch-doulos-hope

TeenStreet 2024: Raising a generation of disciple-makers

Excitement is growing as we prepare for TeenStreet UK, a summer youth event for teens who want to go deeper with God and find their place in His mission around the world.

Through a week of teaching, small group time, worship, workshops, sport and much more, TeenStreet exists to help teenagers around the UK live out their faith boldly. This year, we’re thrilled to partner with Capernwray Hall in Lancaster, an international Bible college which hosts Christian holidays.

The theme of this year’s event is ‛Dunamis’, based on the promise of Acts 1:8: “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses … to the ends of the earth.” Our prayer is that teens will be encouraged and challenged to step out in God’s power as they make Him known wherever He has placed them.

Each year’s event is made possible by the generous and sacrificial support of our Service Team. Consisting of volunteers aged 18 and over, the Service Team is responsible for everything from behind-the-scenes organisation to direct engagement with the young

people. Whether it’s housekeeping, cooking, coaching small groups or organising sport, every volunteer plays a vital role in making TeenStreet happen!

Liz Chapman, our sports programme leader, reflects on her time serving: “This week is ingrained in my memory for the best reasons … I have felt so blessed to have been part of the week.” This is a sentiment echoed by other volunteers – the experience of serving is spiritually refreshing as they see God at work in the lives of young people.

Coaches are another vital part of our work at TeenStreet. Our coaches meet with young people in NET groups (small groups of around six teens) twice a day to support, encourage and pray with them. Our heart is to build up churches by providing a positive community for teens throughout the year. NET groups provide a unique opportunity for youth leaders to interact with

Julie Curtis, our KidStreet coordinator, emphasises the value of the relationships formed during TeenStreet. She shares: ‟It’s effortless really, you don’t have to make it happen … relationships are being formed. It’s beautiful.”

We’re so thankful for each and every volunteer who gives their time to be part of the Service Team. As we prepare for TeenStreet 2024, we’re looking for youth leaders and young adults passionate about helping teens go deeper with God and find their place in God’s mission.

Could you use your time, gifts and skills as part of our Service Team this summer? Volunteer with us at TeenStreet UK, 3–9 August 2024 –find out more about volunteering opportunities at teenstreet.uk and develop deeper relationships, which continue with the young people long after the event.

Preparing for mission in Zambia

Stephanie grew up in a gospel-believing home in Australia. However, as a child, she let anger, bitterness and self-righteousness rule her life instead of surrendering to God. But even before she developed a personal relationship with Jesus, God was working in Stephanie’s heart and preparing her to teach in Zambia.

A FAMILY LEGACY AND A PRODIGAL DAUGHTER

Belief in the gospel goes back several generations on Stephanie’s mother’s side of the family. She describes her mother’s side of the family as having “a huge legacy of Christians.” She says: “I was born into a strong Christian family with a very strong heritage, but my story is very much the older brother in the story of the prodigal son.” Although Stephanie knew the popular Bible stories and memorised Bible verses, she didn’t have a relationship with God. On the outside, she talked like a believer, but in reality, her knowledge about Jesus hadn’t penetrated her heart or transformed her life. “I was very, very hard working, very dedicated to the faith, but very angry, very bitter and very, very religious,” she remarks.

Stephanie kept her anger inside and tried to live a godly life since her family was well-known and wellrespected in their community. But all her attempts to live a moral life without Christ just fuelled her pride and self-righteousness.

When Stephanie was 14 years old, she realised that she did not have a personal relationship with God. She needed to accept God for herself. The Holy Spirit convicted her: “Your parents have the faith, and your grandparents have the faith, but you also have to choose this for yourself. It’s not something you can inherit. Everything you know is good headknowledge, but unless it’s in your heart, then it’s worthless.” Stephanie gave her life to Christ when she was 14 and got baptised the same year.

PREPARING FOR MISSION

Even though Stephanie didn’t become a follower of Christ until she was a teenager, she recalls: “God has been preparing me my whole life for this.”

Her family had always supported believers who shared the gospel in other countries and hosted them in their home. Stephanie grew up hearing stories from these Jesusfollowers and reading biographies of people who served Christ in other countries. She loved hearing these stories, and thought that one day she too could share the gospel in another country.

Stephanie and her sister also had opportunities to attend mission conferences with their aunt, who was involved in mission work. “My

heart wasn’t right then, but I think God was still putting seeds in me at that stage,” Stephanie reflects. At one particular mission conference, when Stephanie was nine and her sister was 11, their aunt told them to attend whatever events they wanted. The sisters walked around a big expo hall filled with mission agencies, asking them to share stories. Most told them to come back when they were older. However, when they stopped at OM’s booth, they were welcomed. The OM workers told the girls stories and gave them pamphlets so they could learn more. Stephanie still remembers the name of the woman she talked to and waved at her when they left. “That has always stuck in my mind,” she says.

Around the same time, OM’s ship Doulos docked in Melbourne, Australia. Stephanie and her family toured the ship because some of their friends worked on board. The tour planted more seeds in Stephanie’s head about working for OM.

God also used Stephanie’s experiences of being homeschooled to prepare her for mission. The flexibility of learning from home allowed Stephanie to gain unique skills and experiences that she has used in Zambia including first aid, how to start a fire, how to ride a motorbike, carpentry, car skills and how to effectively learn new languages. Her background as a gymnast has helped in leading sports training in Zambia.

SERVING IN AFRICA

Africa had always interested Stephanie. This interest deepened after a children’s choir from Uganda sang at her church when she was about to finish grade 12 and was trying to figure out where she would go and what she would do. When the children’s choir took a break from singing, they shared what they wanted to be when they grew up. They had big dreams, such as being a professional football player, doctor, teacher or president – great dreams, but Stephanie realised the children weren’t likely to finish school. This reality angered Stephanie and she told God that someone should do something. Immediately, He told her: “You do something.” She said: “Show me what you want me to do, and I’ll do it.” God responded: “Study teaching and go and teach in Africa.” At that moment, Stephanie committed to go to Africa as a teacher.

Stephanie went to university where she studied childcare and teaching. After receiving her degree, she felt that she wasn’t ready to serve in mission and needed teaching experience, so she taught in the United Kingdom for two years. Then, she returned to Australia and got a job in media. She almost accepted this job full-time when God reminded her that she was supposed to teach in Africa.

ANSWERING THE CALL

One day, Stephanie’s brother sent her a web link for a media position on OM’s ship Logos Hope. She

didn’t think the position was right for her, but scrolled through other job openings on OM’s website and found a teacher trainer opening in Zambia.

She applied and six months later, Stephanie made the move. In Zambia, she trained teachers and was the vice principal of a training college for two years before the programme transitioned to a mentoring/coaching model, where people went into schools and trained teachers. Now, Stephanie and the other teacher trainers spend two to four weeks at each school, training the teachers.

For the past four years, Stephanie has lived on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in Zambia. Three times a year, she travels to various countries across Africa to train teachers, and when she’s not travelling, she trains teachers and villagers who live and teach along the lake.

Stephanie sees God’s hand in her life as He’s prepared her for mission since she was a child. She encourages others: “He’s always preparing you for something, even when you don’t know what He’s preparing you for.”

Pray for God to prepare and call more people into His mission around the world. Pray for teachers across Africa to set a good example for children and train them well. Pray that children in Zambia would accept the transformative message of the gospel.

Reaching out across the world

OM’s UK REACH programme provides five months of interactive training and outreach for 18 – 25 year olds who have a heart to serve Jesus anywhere. Programme Director Arnold Mabiala talks to OM writer Nicky Andrews about the ways UK REACH builds young people’s faith and prepares them for crosscultural mission in any context.

NICKY: What is the purpose of UK REACH?

ARNOLD: As leaders of UK REACH, we long to see the next generation of young adults develop a ‛mission mindset’ – a whole-life focus on witnessing for Jesus and making disciples among those who are least reached by the gospel. We invest in participants through a very practical combination of teamwork, classroom theory and outreach training. This will equip and inspire them so they can readily adapt to whatever environment God calls them next!

N: Why is it for 18–25 year-olds in particular?

A: Young Jesus-followers have a mindset and use of language that’s distinctive even from people in their 30s. That means that they can effectively mobilise their peers in mission, both digitally and in-person. UK REACH is specifically tailored to this age group. Alongside leaders with decades of mission experience, we provide same-age mentors who have a rich personal experience of teamwork and outreach.

N: What is the cross-cultural training like?

A: There is a blend of classroom teaching on the theology of mission and practical, on-the-job

WORDS NICKY ANDREWS

experience. UK REACH provides outreaches in three contrasting European settings, as well as amazing opportunities right here in the most multicultural areas of London and Birmingham.

UK REACH participants come from across the world, meaning that everyday team life is itself a crosscultural environment. This helps participants see how their peers from other backgrounds think and behave in all sorts of situations. It’s a learning curve but participants adjust to each other’s differences with love, respect and flexibility.

N: Can you describe some of the experiences abroad?

A: Participants are placed alongside established local OM teams, providing varied opportunities. They have a first taste of urban street evangelism in the Republic of Ireland. Next, they serve in rural Moldova, working with small churches in some of Europe’s poorest villages. Finally they experience serving mostly Muslim men living in a refugee camp in Serbia.

UK REACH courses run from March to August, or September to February. Whilst the locations

remain the same, activities vary depending on the season. For example, in Moldova, the focus in summer is on kids’ camps, and humanitarian distribution in the winter. Each participant can choose a start date to reflect their preference.

N: How about in the UK?

A: UK REACH equips participants with a variety of tools (from puppetry to open-air preaching!) which open up gospel conversations through placements in Birmingham and London. Whether students are sharing their faith with atheists or Muslims, there’s loads of leadership and support from OM’s dedicated urban teams. I love watching the participants really grow in confidence across the five months, learning how God can use them!

N: What about spiritual development?

A: There’s plenty of space and encouragement for participants to go deeper in relationship with Jesus through the disciplines of prayer and studying God’s Word. Participants join in regular prayer for the world with OM staff, and there is a wealth of literature from OM to enjoy. The programme teachers represent a

rich variety of both OM staff and leaders from the wider Christian world. Most participants particularly value the pastoral teaching, such as the power of forgiveness to bring freedom within relationships.

N: As Programme Director, what is your biggest desire for REACH participants?

A: I pray that by the time they graduate, UK REACH participants will have discovered what God wants them to do, and where. Whenever they go on outreach, I encourage them, “Keep your eyes, ears and hearts open to see what God is telling you while you’re serving.” And as God seeks the next generation of long-term mission workers, I pray that these young people will say to Him, “Here I am, send me!”

Do you want to explore your place in God’s mission and be equipped for cross-cultural outreach? The next REACH UK programme runs from 23 September 2024 to 14 February 2025. Find out more and apply by 9 August 2024 at uk.om.org/reach-uk

To the heart of worship

Being able to worship in our ‛heart language’ is something we can often take for granted. For example, there are a wide variety of styles and songs available in English, meaning we can pick and choose what we sing in church or at home. For many around the world, however, it can be hard to worship through song, because worship songs are not readily available in their heart language.

Local worship music has impacted individuals and communities across the Arabian Peninsula (AP) as it reaches people emotionally and personally, leading to profound breakthroughs in their relationship with Jesus and inspiring them to engage more deeply with their faith.

“Listening to audio worship songs has inspired me to look deeper into God’s Word, which I didn’t do before,” shared Amina*. “I am energised and enthusiastic about evangelism and soul-winning as a result of listening to the audio worship songs regularly.”

In one AP country, OM workers discovered that the idea of using

music to worship God is often strange when Arabs first start to follow Jesus. In Islam, music is seen as opposite to worship, and there are many restrictions on music and singing across the AP. As Jesusfollowers discover they can sing and dance, they rejoice as the attitudes they previously held start to shift and they experience new freedom.

FROM THE HEART

The worship styles and types of songs used by different groups of Jesus-followers are not uniform across the entire AP. Different regions and communities have distinct views and practices regarding the role of music in their worship. Some believers may

find singing during worship new, but as they grow in their faith, they want to worship and express themselves from the heart. When they do this, a beautiful sound emerges from their love for Jesus and the giftings God has given them. They find ways to worship Jesus in their own language in their own way, not prescribed by others.

In one AP country, an OM partner organisation is involved in developing indigenous music so that people can worship in their heart languages. They see that locallyproduced worship music has the potential to be a catalyst for spiritual awakening and transformation. These songs often resonate more deeply with individuals in the region as they reflect their own culture, experiences and values. This connection to cultural and linguistic heritage through music can aid spiritual growth and bring listeners closer to Jesus.

Social media has helped connect people with different worship music. The Arabic version of “Oceans” by Hillsong has been widely used and listened to by many in the region, as has the Arab-world song “Blessing” produced during COVID-19 lockdowns. Worship songs produced in the heart language of Arab believers help to create a sense of belonging and authenticity, making it more than just an activity they are told to do – it becomes a way of expressing their faith and identity.

“Last Christmas, I had the honour of collaborating with my sisters and cousins to prepare the church celebration,” explained teenager Layla*, a member of a local congregation in an AP country.

“We were responsible for selecting worship songs and creating a play about the birth of Christ. The experience was incredibly uplifting and inspiring for all of us. I was particularly delighted to discover

a local-language worship song for Christmas, as well as an audio episode that focused on the birth of Christ, which helped us to create a meaningful and impactful play.

‟As we worked together, I couldn’t help but reflect on my dream of becoming a worship singer in the future. Whenever I hear a hymn or listen to a story in my dialect, I feel a sense of excitement and inspiration. I pray that one day, either myself or one of my sisters will have the opportunity to fulfil this aspiration and bring joy and inspiration to others through music.”

The next time you worship in your heart language, praise God for how He is working in people’s lives through music – in the Arabian Peninsula as well as elsewhere in the world. Pray for more worship music to be created that will reach listeners and resonate in their hearts.

Discipling the nation

A group of young leaders in South Asia has recognised something special happening in their country: God is on the move.

“We feel God is doing something in the country, and we want to be part of that,” said Anika*, a Jesus-follower who leads OM’s work there.

The Church in this country is tiny but not new, with Christians living amongst Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims. Half a century ago, early missionaries brought the gospel, building schools and hospitals alongside churches. Although the population embraced the educational and healthcare developments, after colonialism ended, they largely rejected Christianity.

A small minority of people continue to follow Jesus but have primarily practised their faith within their churches, insulated by denomination and isolated from the population at large. When Anika stepped into leadership, she recognised that the role of the Church needed to change. “Church culture is too comfortable. We need to break away from this comfort and be out there where things are really raw and rough and dark. That’s where we are called to be light,” she reflected.

DISASTER RELIEF

OPENS DOORS

In recent years, natural disasters and economic challenges have struck the country. “People are hurting; people are hungry, so we want to first make sure that they are fed, that they’re taken care of,” Anika explained.

OM has responded to these physical needs, partnering with 100 local churches across the nation to distribute practical aid, including in areas with strong Buddhist and Hindu presence. “Our goal is to really champion the local church and to come alongside them and help them be the brightest light in their area,” Anika said.

One pastor reported that 20 new families became open to the gospel because he responded to their needs. “This is a pastor who’s been in that area for so long and has really struggled, but now he is able to be a vibrant light in that area that’s drawing the attention of people,” Anika shared.

BUILDING UNITY IN THE CHURCH

During the coronavirus pandemic, Anika said a group of young Jesus-

followers met on Zoom every day at 4am to pray for the country. Three years later, the prayer meetings continue. “They are continuing to pray, they are continuing to hope, they are continuing to ask God to intervene because our nation needs it,” Anika said. “They are uniting over God’s heart for our country. It’s no longer about doctrinal beliefs or those things that always divided the Church. It’s an exciting time, and, as OM, we want to be right there discipling this generation that is so passionate and eager.”

In June 2023, Anika, Paul (another member of her leadership team), and a small interdenominational core team held a four-day conference, bringing together 700 Jesus-followers from more than 20 denominations.

Having recognised both denominational and generational gaps within the Church, the conference core team envisioned greater unity moving forward in working towards the Great Commission. Visiting a few of the conference attendees six months after the event, Paul reported on some of the emerging fruit: “I saw that they had taken so much [of

what they learnt] back home and they have already started innovating new things in serving their own villages, churches as well as the cities that they are living in.”

One of the bigger testimonies that came out of the conference is to see the resulting unity among Jesus-followers, Anika said. “Before this, we didn’t even know each other because we were all kind of stuck in our own church bubbles and denominations,” she explained. “Now you’re not seeing these barriers that keep us apart, but you’re seeing friendships that are bringing people together.”

DISCIPLESHIP IS RELATIONSHIP

In fact, it’s this type of relationship – and friendship – that is the heart of discipleship, Anika and Paul said. “The young generation has been more exposed to programmes, a big production church atmosphere, and while all of that is great, it only provides entertainment sometimes and not a real relationship,” Anika explained. “They are really lacking meaningful connection and relationship. There is no new formula to reach them. It’s exactly what Jesus modelled:

one on one, sitting with them, imparting wisdom.”

For Paul, this has played out on the university campus where he studies. Being present and available, and engaging with his professors and fellow students, has provided him with opportunities to love them, pray for them and, in some cases, see someone decide to follow Jesus.

“There was one guy from a Buddhist background who was so broken down with family issues at home.

I was in the cafeteria with him, and I offered to pray for him. I could see about 400 people looking at me, but I just didn’t care,” Paul remembered. “I prayed for him, and he accepted Christ, right there, that very moment.”

“My whole purpose of being at the university right now is not just to get my degree, but I believe that’s where I encourage others as well,” Paul said. “Wherever you are placed, you’re there to do the Great Commission.”

Pray for God to help Anika, Paul and the team in South Asia to see what He wants to do in their nation. Pray for wisdom and for the team to establish a firm foundation, rooted in Him. Pray for those who attended the conference to continue to seek opportunities to serve Christ and put into practise what they learnt.

Changes to Direct Debit processing

We have actively explored various options to refine and enhance our processing of your donations made by Direct Debit and as a result will be making the following changes:

Direct Debits that have been set up through our website will continue to be processed by GoCardless.

During June 2024, GoCardless will become the payment processor for all other Direct Debits with us.

All Direct Debit donations will soon appear on bank statements with the reference OM UK, rather than GOCARDLESS or OPERATIONS MOBILIS.

The above changes will not affect the service you receive in any way and no action is required from you to continue paying by Direct Debit.

If you have any questions, require more information, or wish to make changes to your existing Direct Debits, please contact our finance team on 01691 773 388 or finance.uk@om.org

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