Global Interaction

The times, they are a-changin’… “

”

So said Bob Dylan way back in 1964. And, yes, the rate of change just got faster and faster through the 70s and beyond. Today we look back and see just how much the world has changed. But in many ways the needs of this world remain the same. For the Church, there are still those who have never heard the wonderful news of Jesus Christ. The task of sharing Jesus with those who have never heard of Him is still to be accomplished across the globe. In 2020 Global Interaction is committed to doing all we can to encourage and mobilise Australian Baptist churches to answer Jesus’ call.

We seek to gather those who will “empower communities to develop their own distinctive ways of following Jesus”. It takes time to “empower” people. Trusting relationships must be built. And it takes time to learn culture and

26 FEB/MAR 20 QB.ORG.AU language, to commit to build friendships and to be open and sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading in people’s lives.

Over the past two years Global Interaction has undertaken a full and thorough examination of how we operate, how we are answering God’s call, and how we are using the funds He provides through His people to undertake the task. We praise God for those who have heard His call to “Go” and seek to provide the best training and support as they go. During that time change has occurred, with some staff moving on, and others joining the team. And a great deal of time, prayer and effort has gone in to seeking God’s person to lead the organisation. It was felt this person needed special strategic skills and experience as he/she set the vision for the coming years and built the team. Late in December it was with great pleasure and deep thankfulness to God that the Chairman of Global Interaction, Mr John Peberdy, made the following announcement -

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to confirm the appointment of Rev Scott Pilgrim to the role of Executive Director at Global Interaction.

Scott is currently the Executive Pastor at Crossway Baptist Church in Melbourne. He

commenced his working life as a journalist with the Newcastle Herald & Fairfax Media before moving into ministry. In addition to serving as a Church Pastor, Scott has held leadership roles within Baptist Churches in NSW and within the Baptist Union of NSW/ACT, and Australian Baptist Ministries. He has also spent a number of years in various leadership roles in BaptistCare NSW & ACT.

The recruitment process has been a long journey and has taught us much about relying on God. We have placed a great deal of emphasis on the discernment process for both ourselves and the candidates.

The transition plan for Scott to transfer from Crossway to Global Interaction is being finalised. This will include Rev Ken Clendinning serving as the interim leader from 6th December 2019 until Scott’s commencement on 16th March 2020 to help with the transition. Ken will become Board Chair following our AGM on 2nd April 2020.

Thank you for your patience through this long process. We acknowledge the contributions of Rev Chris Barnden and Rev Bruce Tudball who have stepped in as interim leaders. And we thank you for your prayers as we have worked faithfully through this process. We continue to pray for God’s wisdom as we seek His direction in the continuing work of Global Interaction.

Here in Queensland we are also seeing several changes occur. In the April/May 2019 edition of the QB Magazine, it was announced Rev Morris Lee was commencing a threeyear period of change. Morris felt the need to move from the leadership role of our South Asia team to spend the next few years developing several on-line courses specific to this people group. He will also disciple specific strategic leaders in South Asia. Finally, he will mentor Australian cross-cultural staff to carry on the ministry in that location.

We are pleased to announce that God has confirmed these plans with the announcement that Rev Ryan Smith, Global Interaction’s State Director in Victoria, together with his wife, Suzie and family, have been accepted as candidates with Global Interaction. Following their Partnership Development, Ryan will take up responsibilities as Team Leader in South Asia. Further, Mrs Lisa West Newman has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of this same partner NGO. Lisa moves into the role with business qualifications and 10 years of past experience in community development in South East Asia. Lisa has served with us for two years as the Queensland Young Adults Consultant. Over that time, she has built strong relationships and provided guidance to many young adults seeking to know God’s will for their lives. We have been greatly blessed to have her serving with us and pray God’s richest blessing on her as she takes up this new role.

These changes have followed a great deal of prayer across our churches and much hard work by committees of men and women who have spent time considering just what the call of God is on cross-cultural missions in this changing world.

Daz and Bee, serving in South East Asia (SEA), are returning to Queensland for a shortened Home Assignment from midMay till early August. If you would like them to visit your church or Home Group, please contact Lynda (3354 5603).

Also, Mr Roger White, of Gateway Baptist Church, has been appointed Social Enterprise Manager of our partner NGO in South Asia. By Bob Rogers Queensland State Director, Global Interaction

Rev Scott Pilgrim Rev Ken Clendinning Rev Ryan & Mrs Suzie Smith

Mr Roger White Mrs Lisa West-Newman