Global Magazine - Issue 1 - 2014 [extract]

global operation mobilisation magazine

Special Pull-Out Map Inside transforming lives and communities

2014 • Issue No.1

Pioneering Initiatives

life and death on the lake

An English nurse embraces the challenge of a lifetime on Lake Tanganyika

By Debbie Meroff

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obtaining a CD4 cell count, the test needed before a person can commence antiretroviral therapy. One of the challenges, however, is the cost of transporting people to Mpulungu for testing and the fact that it takes two days for test results.

Another problem is that Voluntary Counseling and Testing is not routinely conducted along the lakeshore, so many people do not know their status. The local Ministry of Health is desperate for us to go and offer this service.”

“The minute we saw the lake I said to my husband Chris: That’s it. I’m home.”

Ever since she was a little girl, Nicola (Nicky) Tiltman had cherished a passion to become a missionary nurse. She had never even heard of Africa’s Lake Tanganyika until the couple applied to OM and learned that a nurse and person with administrative skills were required in the lakeside town of Mpulungu. The job descriptions suited them both.

Chris and Nicky moved from England to Zambia in 2012 and by April they were settling into a vastly different lifestyle along the longest freshwater lake in the world. Their team had 40 missionaries, 33 of whom were Zambian.

“As a Good News II Medical Ministry Team, our first priority was to build a relationship with the local government clinic while making trips to the villages on the lake,” relates Nicky. “Almost a million people live on the Zambian shoreline and OM has workers in five villages. Initially we are focusing on three villages. Two of them have no clinic and in the third we are working together with a local Christian community health worker. The most prevalent conditions we find are severe malnutrition, malaria, skin conditions and opportunistic infections related to HIV and AIDS. Our response is at primary and preventative healthcare level including education about nutrition, hygiene and sanitation.

Nicky adds that the need in the villages is not just physical but spiritual. “There are churches in some villages, but most who attend them also have a heavy reliance on witch doctors.

Men, women and children bear scars from small charms implanted under their skin. When we visit a village, our team encourages the local church, does ministry with the children and often shows the Jesus film.”

HIV testing Nicky says that serving in Lake Tanganyika has given her a heart both for Africa and for people living with HIV. “Mpulungu has a population of about 100,000 permanent residents, and an HIV rate of 15 per cent amongst those who are tested. When I arrived I had the opportunity to work within the HIV department of the local government clinic. This clinic does have a conventional machine for

Now, thanks to funding supplied by OM UK through their ‘Just Christmas’ appeal, the team has taken delivery of a United Nations AIDS-approved CD4 cell count testing machine. The machine is lightweight and portable and does not require a laboratory technician to operate it. Nicky and her husband attended and passed the manufacturer’s training in Lusaka; now they plan to train a number of local missionaries. The main benefit of the machine is that it analyses a CD4 cell count in a sample of blood taken from a finger prick, giving a result in only 20 minutes. This means that a person who is HIV positive can get their CD4 cell count and be started on treatment within 30 minutes.

“Please pray for a continuous supply of antiretroviral medication to the government clinic we are partnering with to offer HIV services,” urges Nicky. “Also pray for a change of mindset in the villages, where people are living in bondage to fear. We are dealing with 12-year-old girls who are at risk of early marriage and trafficking; with women who have no right to say no to sex and with men who have multiple women at different fishing villages. Many of them still believe that having sex with a virgin will cure them of HIV.” “There’s a huge job ahead,” she admits. “Illiteracy is very high so I am making a pictorial teaching tool. It’s a challenge not to feel that we are fighting a losing battle. But that’s where faith comes in. God is able to do abundantly more than we can ask or think or even imagine!”

THANK YOU to all the Global readers who supported OM UK’s Just Christmas appeal last year, this CD4 counter is already saving lives!

just

SCAN FOR MORE

To watch a short video about this ministry, please scan the QR code, or visit www.uk.om.org/lifeonthelake

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taking a step of

SHIPS

faith

Susie Bowyer, a former baker and Fine Art graduate from Manchester, tells Global readers about how she has unexpectedly found herself using her professional skills on board the Logos Hope.

Since age 10, Susie Bowyer has dreamt of joining one of OM’s ships with her friend Sarah after they first walked up the gangway of Logos II during its visit to Liverpool in 2002. Susie was struck by the unique concept of a missions ship sailing around the world. “I believe it was then that God planted a seed in my heart to serve,” admits Susie.

Throughout the years, this passion to serve remained.

When they were old enough, Susie and Sarah signed up for a STEP programme* that fitted around their summer break during university. When they joined Logos Hope in June 2012, a childhood dream became reality. The ship was in an extended dry dock in Subic Bay, Philippines, and not in normal ministry operation, and she was selected to work as a baker, which Susie had previously trained for in the UK. “It was a really nice surprise!” she recalls. Baking on a ship vastly differed from home. “Where I come from it’s all about picking fresh products and ingredients. It’s a different way of working, being constantly on the move, we have to make food orders weeks or sometimes months in advance!”

The STEP experience pushed her out of her comfort zone through the onshore ministry days, revealing new insights about her character. “I had all my security stripped away. I learnt to

rely on God a lot more. It was more me living out my faith rather than anyone else around me,” Susie said.

On returning home, Susie finished her studies and graduated with a Fine Arts degree in May 2013. She dreamt of working in French pâtisseries in Paris and applied to various bakeries, but didn’t hear back. This was before OM UK contacted Susie to see if she would consider taking on a role as baker on Logos Hope in September. “I knew I wanted to come back to the ship at some point, but I thought it was too early,” Susie stated. “Initially I said no. I have my own plans to go to Paris.” However, still not hearing from the bakeries, Susie prayed about the opportunity.

As she read in the book of Deuteronomy about God calling the people to leave their homeland and to trust in Him, she felt God was confirming her return to Logos Hope.

Just one year after leaving the ship initially, Susie rejoined Logos Hope in Colombo, Sri Lanka alongside 90 new crewmembers. On board, Susie is involved in the Scottish Dance Group and puppet ministry, which she loves. In her remaining year on board, she hopes God will continue to change her. “I’d like to grow in connecting with people and to have a heart for people because obviously that’s what ministry is about.” After her time on board, Susie still dreams of working in France, but is open to God using her passion for baking with a passion to serve Him around the world.

“If you want God to work in your life then come,” Susie challenged anyone thinking about joining Logos Hope. “God will show you things He wants to do in your life.”

Visit www.omships.org for more information about the STEP programme and other opportunities to get involved.

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To watch a short video about life on Logos Hope, please scan the QR code, or visit www.uk.om.org/globalships

www.omships.org

Susie Bowyer (right) baking on board

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*STEP is OM’s ‘Short Term Exposure Programme’ usually lasting around two to four months. This is a perfect opportunity for anyone looking to get a taste of worldwide mission in a multicultural environment that is constantly on the move.

LEGACY

Leaving the gift of Good News a lasting legacy As for man, his days are like grass, He flourishes like a flower of the field; The wind blows over it and it is gone, And its place remembers it no more.

But from everlasting to everlasting The LORD’s love is with those who fear him, And his righteousness with their children’s children.

Ps 103 v 15-17 (NIV)

Recently, an MP’s report on the legacy left by London 2012 suggested that, ‘the Olympic legacy left in schools is on life support and will need more action to sustain it.’

Most of us will agree that the Olympic Games were a remarkable success but already it seems that some are questioning whether the promised legacy will in fact materialise.

Jesus left this world at the relatively young age of 33. He left an amazing legacy of Good News for all who believe. This gift, this legacy, is not on life support, as 2000 years later, it is transforming more lives today than ever before!

OM is committed to taking this Good News to the people of our world. Birthed in response to one woman’s prayer and the free gift of John’s Gospel to a teenage George Verwer in the 1950’s, OM has grown into a movement of over 6100 people working in 110 nations of the world.

Today our work varies hugely from country to country but our focus is always the same. We have only one message - the same message Jesus brought - that is to bring Good News to the poor, to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.

Leaving a gift in your will to OM would enable us to continue bringing the Good News to future generations around the world. To request more information on how to leave a legacy, contact us by using the response slip attached, or by emailing development.uk@om.org

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PIONEERING INITIATIVES

! p u e r is This is the anthem of the Royal Foundlings. Led by former Community Pastor, Dave Brackenridge, the Foundlings are a Christian Rock band with one thing on their mind – sharing the Gospel with this nation. However, Dave insists that the Royal Foundlings are more than just a band, “We’re missionaries first and musicians second - our mission is to make sure everyone in the UK hears the Good News of Jesus.”

Lead guitarist and vocalist, Dave, remarks on the vast transformation of the Foundlings ministry since its inception in 2010. “It’s almost unrecognisable, really. It is definitely God that has fuelled the idea and drive behind the Royal Foundlings.

We’re fully booked almost every weekend – that’s God’s doing!”

With an estimated 15-20 gigs per month, it is unsurprising that the Royal Foundlings have built a loyal fan base throughout central Scotland, and are gradually beginning to build momentum throughout the UK – they’ve even undertaken the odd tour across America, and are booked for a gig in Europe later this year. An impressive feat for any band, never mind an unsigned one. After taking the band into fulltime ministry in January 2013, the Royal Foundlings fully rely on the financial gifts of supporters and any music sales they make after gigs.

Hosted mostly in churches around the UK, it’s evident that it’s not just about the music either. It’s a holistic ministry that allows many troubled teens to come forward and share their issues with self-esteem or troubled experiences. “Each month, we meet a significant number of girls (sometimes two or three per gig) who are suffering depression, or are self harming in some way. Often churches aren’t aware of these issues, or if they are, they don’t even know where to begin dealing with them. When our guitarist left last year, we felt it was essential to bring another girl into the band, which is why we were at peace with bringing in Jen at the end of last year – it helps us to relate better with the large number of girls who respond.”

It is with these issues in mind, that Royal Foundlings have a long term vision of launching a Counselling

‘For too long we’ve been silent.

Too long we’ve been keeping our voice down, afraid of singing. It’s time to rise up. It’s time to stand up declaring what we believe in.’

and Ministry Centre. Here, specialised accountability and discipleship can be offered for week or weekend courses – transforming the lives of those who are suffering. By partnering with counselling experts, the Foundlings see this as a future base of training for churches and youth workers alike – where they can benefit from specialised Biblical based training in these areas.

Royal Rockstars It’s not only the success of their music endeavours that have kept the Foundlings busy in the past year, but the launch of their schools’ education programme, ‘Royal Rockstars.’

Compatible with most British schooling systems, Royal Rockstars is an initiative that invites the Royal Foundlings into a primary school for a one week interactive programme. Here pupils learn 5 songs, and the end result includes a recorded album and concert with parents. Meeting the education requirements of Literacy, Health and Wellbeing, Expressive Arts, Religious and Moral Education, Technologies and more, this four day programme focuses on various themes including self esteem, anti bullying and forgiveness.

Having just released their new album, Run, and with almost 20 schools booked for 2014, it’s already shaping up to be a busy year ahead.

SCAN FOR MORE

To download a free Royal Foundlings song, and to discover more about their ministry, please scan the QR code, or visit www.uk.om.org/royalfoundlings

In partnership with

transforming lives and communities

www.royalfoundlings.com www.royalrockstars.co.uk 10

worldnews Relief and development…..Special Update......www.uk.om.org

latest Browse OM’s ideos stories and v m.org www.news.o

OM Philippines Typhoon Response One of the strongest typhoons ever to hit land slammed the Philippines on Friday, 8 November 2013, forcing millions to take shelter. According to officials, up to 2,500 people lost their lives and more than 659,268 people were displaced as a result of Typhoon Haiyan. This came just three weeks after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit the Philippines Bohol province and nearby Central Visayas. Here is how OM Philippines, already established on the ground, were able to respond…

Phase 1 Emergency Response The response of the OM Philippines Crisis Response Team was immediate - an Emergency Operation Centre was established at the OM Philippines office in Cebu City from where church response was coordinated. From here, OM Philippines Director, Sally Ababa, dispatched teams to assess the damage throughout the most impacted areas, delivering initial aid.

For the weeks following the typhoon, OM and church workers operated alongside NGO’s and other aid teams that were appointed to assist with the emergency response.

Thanks to the generosity of supporters in the UK who responded to OM’s Emergency Philippines Mercy Appeal, over £39,000 was raised! This helped provide essential food packs and water purifiers to hundreds of families throughout the Cebu and Tacloban provinces.

Phase 2 Rehabilitation and Spiritual Restoration Three weeks after Typhoon Haiyan hit, the team met with Vice-Mayor of Tacloban, Jerry Yaokasin, for guidance on how to support the needs of the city’s communities. In many areas, it had become evident that the need for direct emergency food distribution had passed, as local markets and businesses reestablished themselves.

However, the sheer extent of the destruction meant that almost every building has been significantly damaged in some way, requiring reconstruction or redevelopment. Due to the frequency of severe storms that hit the Philippines, where possible, the team aims to support the reconstruction of more permanent, stormresistant housing rather than create the fragile wooden housing that is commonly found in many areas.

The OM team also, in collaboration with a Cebu-based church, began the rehabilitation of many churches in the surrounding areas. Vice-Mayor Yaokasin has identified this as “essential to helping people’s lives return to normal. By returning

the church to a functioning state, people will regain the essential support that the church provides.” Following discussions with other pastors, Sally has identified the crucial need for rehabilitating church buildings, as they provide the critical role of community hubs within many areas.

At the same time, other projects such as trauma counselling programmes have been established. Aimed at enabling the healing and recovery of the whole person, this is able to proceed without permanent church buildings. This is a ministry that OM Philippines considers as an area of potential for future involvement. The hope is to contribute to the physical, the psychological and the spiritual restoration of hurting communities.

All of these phase two projects are part of a long-term regeneration programme that is likely to continue after many immediate relief efforts come to an end. Please uplift in prayer Sally Ababa and the OM Philippines team who have worked tirelessly over recent months to strategise and implement these relief efforts. Pray for wisdom in how to respond and develop plans that allow them to move forwards with relevant projects, while remaining flexible to respond to new needs as they arise.

With a team stretched to capacity by the relief efforts, they also need wisdom in knowing how to balance the requirements of on-going ministry projects.

Whilst the time for initial aid has passed, the on-going rehabilitation of lives and churches will be costly. There is still opportunity to give to the Philippines relief effort via www.uk.om.org/mercy or by calling 01691 776711.

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partnership

partnership is central

by Andrew Prentice, OM UK Director of Development

‘This service you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in main expressions of thanks to God. Because of this service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God... and in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.’ 2 Corinthians 9 v 12 - 15 (NIV) These verses written to the church in Corinth, in response to their practical support of others, bring to my mind the many churches that continue to partner with OM, supporting our work around the world. Churches which are heavily involved in bringing the Good News of the Christian message to their local communities and to their nation, are also partnering with OM to bring the same Good News to people in other lands.

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One such church is Central in Edinburgh. Formerly Morningside Baptist Church, Central works in close partnership with OM to bring transformation to the Dalit community in India.

Focusing specifically on the state of Maharashtra, Central are generously sharing their resources with God’s people in India.

Moreover, the support they provide helps to bring the Good News to some of the poorest people, changing their communities in countless ways.

Central’s partnership with OM’s work in Maharashtra is multi faceted, and has given opportunity for many people in the church to become actively involved. As is the case in many large churches, Central is blessed with people gifted in a wide variety of different ways, and many of these people have been able to use their gifts and resources to help OM’s work in India.

Pastor Karl Martin has visited India several times to help train local pastors in Maharashtra state and to teach at OM India’s Global Leadership event. “Whenever I go to India, whenever I’m with OM’s Good Shepherd Community projects, I come away learning more than I ever gave,” reflects Karl. “It’s absolutely huge, because it changes perspective for us [at Central].

It’s a huge encouragement and a huge challenge to be part of the work in India”, reflects Karl.

Many people from the church have gone on vision trips to experience the work of OM India and to understand it better.

Others have visited to help with pastor training and business development. Teams of younger people from Central have also been involved with practical projects, including sport, music and a variety of outreach events.

go

Financial support from the church and individuals in the church has helped build, furnish and equip schools in various locations around the state.

Many families in the church sponsor the education of a Dalit child attending one of these schools, through OM’s Free A Dalit Child programme.

Through their annual ‘OM Just Christmas’ appeal, Central has sponsored the education of children, set up hundreds of small businesses, built a church and helped develop a ministry in the slums within the city of Pune. OM’s most recent Just Christmas – Good News Buffalo appeal is being used to buy buffalo for some of poorest families living across rural India. As part of Central’s fundraising efforts, they even installed a life-size cutout of a buffalo, as a weekly reminder of the campaign to the congregation!

give

just

Andrew, Karl and Joseph Like all partnerships, it isn’t just a one-way process travelling from the UK to India. In return, senior leaders from India regularly visit Central, bringing thanks and telling the Good News of how God is working amongst India’s communities. OM India also provides regular updates on the work in Maharashtra through OM UK, which are passed on to Central for continued praise and prayer.

“The most important thing is the relationship we’ve established,” recognises OM India CEO, Dr Joseph D’Souza.

“We’ve gotten to know Central, they’ve gotten to know us – there is trust. We’re not alone out there, they’re part of what we’re doing. We know they are praying for us.”

pray

These updates confirm that the partnership is ‘not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God’, both in India and also in Edinburgh, as people read and hear the stories of the remarkable work of God going on amongst the poor.

Thank you

Through the acts of prayer, giving and going, we can all be part of global mission.

If your church fellowship or small group are interested in partnering with any of OM’s ministries throughout the world, including the growing work in India, please get in touch.

E – development.uk@om.org T – 0141 552 7716

ERE YOU WALK. OU CAN STAND. L. STAND OUT. L, STAND.

ut your Christian life – standing on u are in him. Standing firm in battle. being prepared to stand out.

t, urgent call to Christian discipleship.

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ctious. He has built up one of Britain’s most rayer, vision, determination and a longing the love of God for themselves.

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combination: being both profoundly rooted al life experience. It is a passionate call and nal practice and call of Jesus: discipleship.

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KARL MARTIN

Karl Martin’s challenging new book, Stand, is now available. Order your copy by emailing books.uk@om.org for a suggested donation of £8.50, including P+P.

Foreword by

PETE GREIG

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EVANGELISM

Pass the Parcel

It’s been almost 3 years since a TiM (Teens in Mission) outreach has taken place outside the UK, but this Christmas saw the return of this OM ministry in the city of Hardenberg, in the Netherlands.

Dubbed ‘TiM Holland Extreme,’ the outreach was every bit of that and more. With pop up football tournaments, workshops and street outreach, there wasn’t a dull moment for any teens participating and plenty of opportunities to share the Good News.

TiM Netherlands Coordinator, Wiepie, commented, “I saw teenagers who came in with small expectations and only a question mark when it comes to God. Even though they didn’t have a personal relationship they all were truly seeking!”

As an offshoot of OM TeenStreet, TiM gives teens an opportunity to put their faith into action and challenge those who are still uncertain about their relationship with God. In recent years, only OM Lifehope (UK) options have been operating.

However, following the great success of this winter outreach, Wiepie is excited to confirm another TiM Holland Extreme will take place immediately after OM TeenStreet in August 2014. Visit www.uk.om.org/tim for more information.

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go4it

Are you interested in joining OM for a short term outreach in 2014?

short term mission with Operation Mobilisation – 2014

“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)

go

transforming lives and communities

Taken by Doseong Park in Cambodia

TiM returns to Holland

“The greatest gift of all, Jesus, is available to everyone,” said Creative Arts Coordinator, Junior De Larina. “Many simply haven’t received Him.” In hopes that more would receive Jesus, the creative arts team at OM Ireland crafted ‘Pass the Parcel’, a multimedia production that could share the Gospel through 45 minutes of drama, puppetry, music and illusions.

It was here children met a furry orange monster called Ben, who finds a mysterious Christmas parcel. Unsure if he should open it, Ben embarks on a quest that ultimately leads him to the centre of the Christmas story.

“The aim of ‘Pass the Parcel’ is to help kids remember what Christmas is truly all about,” said De Larina. Therefore, each act builds on the truth of the Gospel, which is brought together in the final scene when viewers hear from John 1:12: “…to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God… ” (NIV).

‘Pass the Parcel’ took place in 21 schools, seven churches, and two community centres around Ireland – it is estimated that over 4,000 people heard the Gospel throughout the three-week tour.

Please pray for those who responded to the Gospel message in ‘Pass the Parcel’ and experienced the true reason for Christmas for the first time.

Now is the time to start looking.

Discover what outreaches are available in our new go4it short-term mission magazine. Available for free online at www.uk.om.org, or request your copy by emailing info.uk@om.org

Joy in the City Christmas can often be the perfect time of year for sharing the love of Jesus, what with Carols by Candlelight by the dozen – there’s ample opportunity to bring it up! This was what the 50 plus participants in OM Lifehope’s ‘Joy in the City’ 10-day outreach over the New Year period discovered. Following a few days training, participants were arranged into teams, working throughout the Birmingham area. From giving out hot chocolate to providing a door-to-door transport ministry, there were several opportunities

to get involved and try new things. “Even just offering to pray for someone, which was a bit daunting at first, was a wonderful experience,” recalls outreach participant, Rachel. “There was one guy who had never been prayed for - I was surprised about how open and curious people were about why we would do that! There were definitely points where we were chucked in the deep end, but throughout, you could definitely see God at work.”

For more information about OM Lifehope outreaches throughout the UK in 2014, including the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, visit www.lifehope.om.org

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LIFE DOM // E E R F / / ORSHIP ON // W I S S A P / JESUS /

W O N R E T S I G RE

ANY R, GERM E T S N E // MU ST 2014 U G U A 2– 9

OM UNITED KINGDOM - TEENSTREET OFFICE The Quinta, Weston Rhyn, Oswestry, SY10 7LT PHONE 01691 773388 E-MAIL teenstreet.uk@om.org

EVERY YEAR, MORE THAN 4000 PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER EUROPE PARTICIPATE IN A WEEK OF WORSHIP, BIBLE STUDIES, SPORTS, FUN AND MORE. TeenStreet is an international Christian conference for teens. Our purpose is to work together with the church to inspire and equip Christian young people to have a real relationship with Jesus and to reflect Him daily in their world.

TeenStreet is a ministry of OM

www.uk.om.org/TeenStreet