Global Magazine #3 2018

OPERATION MOBILISATION MAGAZINE no.3 2018

“ 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)

Reflecting Jesus among the least reached

OM BLOG

“Be strong and of good courage; be not frightened, neither be dismayed; for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

by Renette

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.

JOSHUA, CALEB AND MY MOSQUITO NET

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’ve been working my way through the Old Testament while in Malawi. It’s difficult to travel with the Israelites and I’m mostly frustrated with them.

“Come on guys, don’t you trust God, don’t you remember what He did for you?” “I can’t believe Aaron made a golden calf, are you kidding me Aaron?” These are some of the thoughts going through my head as I read and judge the Israelites for being so forgetful of God’s promise.

Until God challenged me.

When the 12 representatives of the tribes were sent into Canaan to scout out the land, 10 came back saying “Oh the guys there are so big and strong, there is no way we can beat them.”

The words of 10 guys spread fear through the people and in the end, God did not allow that generation to enter Canaan because they doubted the promise He had made them.

Joshua and Caleb on the other hand, went into Canaan remembering God’s promise.

They saw His promise, not their weakness, “Oh man those guys are huge, but God is stronger!”

Joshua and Caleb went into Canaan looking at the world through God’s promise. In the impossible they saw God’s possible. The other 10 guys who went into Canaan, went in comparing themselves to the world around them.

Malawi has a lot of mosquitos.

Waking up to the synchronised ‘zzz’ of mosquitos is a fright.

“How many are there? Are they on me? Do they carry Malaria?” I turn on my torch just to realise that I’m protected by my mosquito net, their sound carries but they are definitely

not inside my net. Eventually, I knew not to be bothered, my net was my protective dome, no mosquito could enter!

is protecting me from? How did I know my mosquito net was effective? I knew because I could hear the mosquitos but they could not enter.

“ OH MAN THOSE GUYS ARE HUGE BUT GOD IS STRONGER!”

God will protect us from the enemy but we may still see and hear them. We sometimes need to glimpse the giants we are facing to experience the greatness of God. We sometimes need to see the Red Sea to witness God’s power as He makes a way.

My mosquito net and the story of Joshua and Caleb reminded me of God’s protection in my life. He promises to protect me from the enemy, I just somehow assumed it means I won’t see the enemy or know of its existence. But how would I know God is protecting me if I don’t see or hear what He

The more we learn to trust in Him, the better we understand that He WILL protect us and be with us. The giants before me and the mosquitos around me is the world challenging my faith. What will I hold onto in the moments of anxiety?

Do I look at the worldly giants remembering God’s promise, or do I see the world through my weakness and incapability?

Am I focusing on the number of mosquitos or the protection of my mosquito net?

WORLD NEWS

by Inger R

WORLD NEWS Flooding in Laos “We were all out working the rice fields. We heard a sound, like a train, coming from upriver and turned just in time to see the wall of water come tearing around the corner. I watched my wife and daughter disappear, then the wall hit me,” a man staying in a temporary shelter near Attapue reported.

OM IS WORKING WITH A LOCAL PASTOR TO DELIVER AID PACKAGES TO 47 FAMILIES As of August 6, 2018 there were 762 villages in 13 provinces in Laos who reported severe flooding due to recent heavy monsoon rainfall. Nationwide a total of 35,000 people were directly affected, having lost homes and their rice harvests.

More than 110 people lost their lives. The worst hit province was Attapue where the collapse of a dam on July 24 resulted in more than 7,000 people seeking shelter and safety.

“We fear that increased food insecurity, loss of homes and livelihoods, risk of disease, coupled with decreased access to health facilities and clean water will push many subsistence farmers into more poverty,” Dan* the OM leader in Laos expressed. “The [farmers] might have been getting by, but there are no reserves and the fields might not even be ready for the next harvest.”

OM is working with a local pastor to deliver aid packages to 47 families in one remote village and assessing other areas where they can help through other contacts. They are partnering with associates to ensure that the necessary assistance is distributed and that the relationships between local believers and their communities can be strengthened.

Please pray that God would use this situation to make His name known, and for many local believers to have opportunities to explain why they are able to serve their neighbours.

New Bible storybook for the Chukchi The Chukchi people, a minority group with a population of around 15,000, are indigenous reindeer herders and fishermen living in Siberia, Russia. Partners of OM seek to bring the truth about Jesus Christ to the hard to access Chukchi people group, whose beliefs are animistic.

“The biggest challenges in reaching the Chukchi are isolation and fear,” explained Natalie*, a field worker.

“It is very expensive to travel to their remote villages, and official permissions are required to go into these areas. Furthermore, they fear the consequences of not following rituals such as wearing amulets (charms), feeding the fire and feeding the land.”

To help communicate the gospel, OM’s partner published a book of 25 Bible stories in the Chukchi and Russian languages.

Their mobile app also enables individuals to both read and listen to the content.

OM provided the new publication’s design and layout, also creating an eBook version.

“It’s worth the labour of translation, it’s worth the cost of travel, and it’s worth the risks of the climate to deliver the message of greatest worth to the Chukchi people,” reflected an OM worker.

Praise God that the Chukchi are hearing the gospel.

Please pray individuals use the Bible storybooks and they would have courage to leave their rituals to accept Jesus as their Saviour.

*Names changed

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Pray for many communities affected by recent flooding across Asia.

OM CENTRAL ASIA

by Nicole James

LIVING AMONG THE LEAST REACHED “ We’ve always known that God was calling us somewhere where the unreached are,” said OM workers Christy* and Eric*. After Bible college came a vision trip to Turkey, and, as an afterthought, a short visit to a long-time friend leading an OM team in Central Asia.

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hose four days in Central Asia changed their lives. “God really started growing our heart for Central Asia and for the Central Asian people,” Christy said. “We’re not goit-alone pioneers, and the team in Central Asia was strong, and our friend was leading it, and it really seemed like a place we could work.”

Several years after settling into their host country with their children, the couple continues to see God’s confirmation. “Every time you get another visa that seemed impossible to get. Every time it seems absolutely impossible that we would have enough money... this is confirmation,” Christy explained.

As a whole, Central Asia is predominantly Muslim.

However, many people practice Islam nominally, if at all, simply equating their religion with their nationality as a result of Soviet-era policies. It is often said, “To be Kyrgyz is to be Muslim. To be Tajik is to be Muslim.” The same is true across the region, OM workers acknowledge.

“It’s an unreached people, but there is an established local church, and it’s quite strategic for reaching the rest of the area,” Eric explained.

“We’re living there among the unreached.”

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Professionally, the couple has found places to plug in and use their skills. “God keeps surprising me with the opportunities He gives,” Christy said. “I didn’t expect to use occupational therapy (OT) in Central Asia.”

Christy stopped formal work when her daughter was born, but in Central Asia, “the opportunity to be engaged with OT again has been incredible,” she said. “We don’t go out looking for people with disabilities, but God brings people.”

Her line of work opens doors into homes, both for herself and other believers. “What’s been so neat is that every now and again, I am the excuse for my local friend to be able to go and visit his neighbour, someone he’s been trying to build a relationship with,” she shared.

“Sometimes I’m not the one sharing the gospel, but... I’m the reason that a friend or a colleague or someone that knows me can go and share.

One family came to Christ through that.”

“ FIRST THE FATHER CAME TO CHRIST, AND THEN THE WHOLE FAMILY” When the local believers found out one family had a child with cerebral palsy, they asked Christy to come visit. Christy accompanied her friend to the family’s one-room house. While she worked with the child, the friend chatted with the parents. “I can’t pay you,” the mother told Christy, “but every time you come, I’d like to make you a meal.”

From Christy’s perspective as an occupational therapist, “that was brilliant.” Eating together allowed her to monitor the child’s posture and technique. Meanwhile, her other friend was sharing the gospel with the family.

“First the father came to Christ, and then the whole family,” Christy shared. She celebrated the family’s newfound faith and continued to champion their child, who eventually enrolled in a mainstream school, “which is amazing,” she added.

“It’s those kind of relationships and opportunities that are so exciting, and it’s nothing we could have planned,” Christy said. “There’s nothing we do that God couldn’t do another way,” Eric continued. “Our impact is as broken sinners...

God is already there. God is already working in people’s lives.”

“ THERE’S NOTHING WE DO THAT GOD COULDN’T DO ANOTHER WAY,” ERIC CONTINUED. “OUR IMPACT IS AS BROKEN SINNERS... GOD IS ALREADY THERE. GOD IS ALREADY WORKING IN PEOPLE’S LIVES.”

“It’s actually such a privilege to see what He’s doing in Central Asia and maybe to be part of it,” Christy concluded.

Praise God for the work He is doing among unreached people in Central Asia.

*names changed

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Do you have professional skills for mission? Enquire today: www.uk.om.org/go

OM UNITED KINGDOM

by Arthur Magahy

EQUIPPED TO SERVE “How do I discover how God can use me?” “ I believe God is calling me to long-term mission – how can I get myself ready?” “ I want to think about my faith before going to university.”

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hese were the questions asked by the Mission Discipleship Training (MDT) students in their preparation for OM United Kingdom’s pilot MDT programme at the start of 2018. A long established OM programme around the world, MDT is a launch pad for Christians exploring discipleship and longer-term mission opportunities. Whether preparing for ministry around the world, or basic skills to use in their everyday life within their home communities, MDT helps Christians confidently reflect their faith.

MDT UK, based at OM’s Training Centre in Birmingham is no different. Focusing on cross-cultural mission in an urban context, our pilot students were thrown in the cultural deep end – sharing the centre with international English language students and volunteers from France, Germany, Hungary, Korea, Mexico, Switzerland, and Taiwan. However they were soon ready to worship, celebrate and learn together.

DISCOVERING PURPOSE Together, the students engaged in a wide range of subjects which impacted head, heart, and hands.

- They explored the Bible to discover the story of God’s mission in the world from Genesis to Revelation.

- They received practical tools for evangelism from experienced mission personnel.

- They discovered their own identity in Christ as they explored the significance of the cross.

- They experienced different cultures and the importance of sharing the Gospel in culturally relevant ways.

- They discovered the importance of spiritual disciplines for a deeper life with God. - They engaged with the opportunities and challenges of mission in urban contexts.

- They understood themselves more fully as they explored personalities, gifts, community and calling.

“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

TRAINING. MISSIONS. AND TRANSFORMATIONAL DISCIPLESHIP

D Throughout the programme, students were involved with short-term outreaches in London and Manchester as well as weekly mission placements in Birmingham. They served with a clothing outreach to the homeless and worked alongside a local church in a Muslim majority area of Birmingham where they joined in with a Discovery Bible Study for men.

Here they also helped run a children’s holiday club and participated in a drop-in seeking to support and encourage ladies through bible based storytelling and craft activities. “We loved the team’s positive attitude, their willingness to do whatever was asked of them and the way they worked together,” affirmed the pastor. “They have been a real asset.”

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WHAT NEXT FOR MDT UK? MDT UK’s next student intake is January 2019.

Students will join OM UK for three-months of intensive training prior to an international two-month mission placement in Europe, Asia or here in the UK. Do you know someone looking to explore their next steps with God? Find out more: www.uk.om.org/mdt

Get a flavour of MDT on their Instagram @om_mdtuk

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D discovered confidence in speaking and sharing his faith – after a lifelong challenge of Selective Mutism. D spent the summer volunteering with OM at Global Village and is exploring ways of serving God within OM. L had to face up to some shadows from the past and discovered more about ways that God can use his story to demonstrate God’s rescuing love. L hopes to serve long-term with OM in the future but is spending next year working at a Christian activity centre in Scotland.

S has an Asperger’s Syndrome diagnosis. He wanted to deepen his faith and learn personal independence before heading to university.

S achieved both and is very open to serving in mission after university. S served at Soul Survivor this summer.

A having already graduated from university, wanted to refocus on discipleship and is now actively exploring ways of taking her studies further. A volunteered with OM’s Kids ‘N’ Things ministry this summer.

Names are not given to protect identities

OM PAKISTAN

by OM International

PROVIDING HOPE IN THE BRICKKILNS Kareem* is a bi-vocational Christian worker, he is working in a school as a sports coach whilst reaching out to brickkiln communities as an evangelist and cricket coach.

I wanted to join a professional cricket club but was pushed back by selectors as I was a Christian,” Kareem explains.

“I received many invitations to leave Christianity for [a] better future, but I refused them.”

Kareem still plays for a club, but his ambition is to coach young Christians to play.

Kareem has served with OM in Pakistan for six years working in literature and sports ministries.

“I found sports as a wonderful tool to share the Good News.” shares Kareem. “I share with my players about God and His wonderful love through Christ.

Many have accepted Him as their Lord and experienced growth in their game and life.”

The space Kareem uses for cricket coaching is next to one of the province’s 5,000 brickkilns and, as a result, many of his team are fulltime kiln workers.

Through this, Kareem has started a Bible study group and regularly visits

their families to disciple them.

Whilst all of them accept living life under debt, few aspire to leave this generational profession as they feel their only purpose is to lay bricks.

Kareem wishes for them to leave this profession as many of them live below the poverty line and it can be a form of bonded labour, with many being taken advantage of.

Four years ago, Kareem married Shaima*, a professional teacher. Like Kareem, Shaima has a heart for needy and poor kids. “I am using my skill of teaching to educate these kids and also encouraging adults to learn [to] read and write so that no one [can] cheat them.”

Adult literacy classes can be a challenge in these communities, as for many it is a matter of honour and shame whilst for others this is not a priority.

“Women are eager to learn more but in the mornings, they are busy laying bricks and the rest of the time they are doing household chores.

My desire is that these men and women could participate together and be able to learn basic reading and writing skills

“ I ALREADY LEFT THE DREAM OF STUDYING AS MY PARENTS ARE UNDER DEBT AND BRICKKILN OWNER [IS] PRESSURISING THEM TO PAY THE DEBT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.”

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.”

John 6:47

so that they could know what their account balance is.”

Azhar* and his family are part of a brickkiln community where he attends cricket coaching class every day. Working 15 – 18 hours per day on the brickkiln alongside his family, Azhar’s family have debts of around £630. This steadily increases as workers seek loans from kiln owners for unexpected expenses such as medical emergencies and during monsoon season when kiln production stops. With already low wages, this can add as much as £250 each time.

Azhar’s dream is be a professional cricketer but his brick laying responsibilities

do not allow him to attend the cricket class. As the eldest son he feels the pressure of providing for his family.

“I already left the dream of studying as my parents are under debt and brickkiln owner [is] pressurising them to pay the debt as soon as possible,” shares Azhar. “I don’t want to sacrifice the other big dream to become a cricket player.

I have to miss a brick laying session to do training and play a match. I come to cricket class not just to pursue my dream, but also to learn about Christianity as the coach gives us [Bible] teaching as well.”

*Names changed

2018 CHRISTMAS APPEAL This year, join with us in proclaiming Good News to the poor in Pakistan, with a gift to our Christmas Appeal.

Throughout 2019, we will provide primary education, adult literacy, vocational training, cricket coaching and share our faith in Jesus with over 500 brickkiln workers and their children. With your help, we can proclaim freedom for the prisoners, and set the oppressed free!

Please watch out for our appeal mailing in November.

To partner your church with OM through this Christmas Appeal, please contact Steve Packwood at: partnership.uk@om.org

give Look out for OM’s Christmas Appeal in the next few weeks.

OM SHIPS

by Julie Knox

LATIN AMERICA TO THE LEAST REACHED We give thanks that Logos Hope’s first visit to Latin America has got off to a strong start, with pioneering partnerships between the Ship Ministry and OM across the South American continent leading to encouraging numbers of people being mobilised for mission.

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he 2018 schedule has seen the vessel call in Colombia, Mexico, Panama and Guatemala. More than 700,000 people climbed the ship’s gangways in the first six months of the year: as many visitors as in the entire year of 2017, when Logos Hope toured the Caribbean.

The response in Mexico was significant, given that it was the first time an OM Ship had been in the country for 15 years. Half a million people visited the book fair or attended an on board event during the course of three months in four port cities.

As well as sharing knowledge, help and hope through activities on the ship and outreaches on shore, the collaborative mobilising initiative with each OM field in the region has gathered pace. ‘Ellos Son Como Tu!’ (They are like you) is a vision to equip 2,000 Latin American missionaries over the

coming decade, specifically for areas and cultures least reached with the gospel.

Crewmembers are sure that God has been preparing the ground and calling people. The ship’s teams are finding welldiscipled believers and strong churches eager to play their part in God’s Kingdom work by stepping out as missionaries or stepping up to support them.

“The Holy Spirit was working on pastors’ hearts even before our advance preparation teams arrived on the scene,” said Logos Hope’s Public Ministries Director, Augusta Davin (USA). “We found that the Church has already come to a place where they realise they don’t know a lot about mission. They have been very receptive – not just to hearing more and learning more; but doing more.”

A church in Mexico heard that Logos Hope would be coming to a port within reach.

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17

“ THE CHURCH HAS ACTUALLY ALREADY COME TO A PLACE WHERE THEY REALISE THEY DON’T KNOW A LOT ABOUT MISSION AND THEY HAVE BEEN VERY RECEPTIVE – NOT JUST TO HEARING MORE AND LEARNING MORE; BUT DOING MORE.” For months, a committee encouraged the members to bring five pesos (20 pence) a week for mission. They eventually collected the equivalent of £2,800 and made the trip to deliver the donation in person.

Over 40 people, including children, boarded a bus at 1:00am and spent the 12-hour journey praying and praising God. When they presented their offering to Logos Hope’s leaders, they shared how they had been blessed by contributing ‘a grain of sand’ to the bigger picture of God’s Kingdom work.

“The attraction of Logos Hope being in the region has created the opportunity for us to get involved with strategic churches that it would have taken a lot longer to build relationships with individually,” said Julie Paniagua (Costa Rica), OM Latin America’s Associate Area Leader for Resourcing.

One Colombian couple had prayed for a particular part of North Africa over a period of years. At an event on board

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the ship, they learned that OM Colombia had partnered with that very area. The couple realised God had been preparing them to go, and their pastor was overjoyed to have his very first missionaries to support.

To develop those who feel called to serve, partnerships across the continent are being forged. “We are coming alongside OM teams and empowering them to grow their databases, plan followup conferences and training,” explained Julie Paniagua.

“Crown Financial Ministries is helping teach the theory of giving and its Biblical foundation, and COMIBAM International – an umbrella for more than 600 mission agencies across Latin America – held its annual convention on board Logos Hope. COMIBAM aims to reach

indigenous and isolated people groups with the gospel, so it’s key that we collaborate for a greater impact.”

3,000 people from Mexico made serious enquiries after the ship’s visit, with 2,000 Colombians also pledging to pray, give or go!

Give thanks for the mobilisation of many Latin Americans.

OM TEENSTREET

by OM International

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

DRAWING CLOSER TO GOD

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hat will our world look like if the Kingdom comes CLOSER? What will our hearts and lives look like when we come CLOSER to the King, our Father?

God has such good plans for us and the world we live in – and it’s always been His plan that we all come CLOSER to Him! This was the vision behind this year’s theme CLOSER at TeenStreet, OM’s European Youth Conference. Over 3,000 teens and volunteers gathered this summer for our annual discipleship event in Oldenburg, Germany.

Each day, the international trio of speakers, Rich, Ron, and Rachel delved into a different element of the Lord’s Prayer, encouraging teens with their relationship with God and discipling them to better reflect Him through their daily lives. Through morning teaching sessions, small group discussions, workshops, free time activities, evening praise sessions (Throne Room) and so much more, participants and staff spent time diving into the Bible and finding applicable lessons to take home.

In their NET groups (small groups of 6-8), teens found significant support and encouragement from each other. “Everyone surrounding you has the same belief,” shares Johanna from Sweden. “They understand what you’re going through.”

Jesus told them to pray ‘Your Kingdom Come.’

During NET groups, teens have the opportunity to process the Main Hall teaching and take part in a Bible study led by their coach. Teens are encouraged to talk to God, read additional Bible passages and find a takeaway/application point. “We are so open and talk about everything,” Feie from Belgium shared. “We’re not scared of what other people think. It’s really nice that we can say everything that’s on our hearts.”

Of course, the truths and impact of TeenStreet don’t end with the event. On the last day, teens were challenged to apply the weeks teaching to their home lives.

Believers are to be lights in their homes, schools, workplaces and lives. “Studying the Bible in small groups has been so meaningful for me,” shared Rukky from Ireland. “That’s definitely something I want to do more of back home.”

Other highlights included outreach in the local community, OM’s Global Village and of course, RAG (Raise and Give) – a programme designed to help teens understand the generosity of God. This year teens were encouraged to raise funds for OM projects focused on helping teenage refugees around Europe.

Throughout the week, teens raised an impressive £50,345.

JOIN US AT TEENSTREET 2019 As an international Christian conference for teenagers, TeenStreet works with the Church to motivate, equip and walk alongside (Christian) teens from all across Europe to have a real friendship with Jesus and reflect Him daily in their world.

For more information visit www.uk.om.org/teenstreet

pray Pray for these teens to reflect Jesus daily in their lives.

COME AND BE DISCIPLED

27 JULY 3 AUGUST 2019 FOR MORE INFORMATION EMAIL: TEENSTREET.UK@OM.ORG

Being a Christian teen in today’s world can be difficult.

You might look around and wonder if you’re the only one who believes in God. Maybe you have questions that no one can answer. Or do you even wonder sometimes if God is real?

Well, He is very real and wants to spend time with you. But don’t just take our word for it, experience God for yourself.

At TeenStreet, OM’s International Youth Conference, you’ll have a chance to ask your questions, be in God’s presence, worship with 1000s of Christian teens from around Europe, learn from the Bible and more.

Better yet, for 2019 with a booking of 6-8 teens, Youth Leaders can go free! For more information email teenstreet.uk@om.org

PARTICIPANTS VOLUNTEERS

13 -17 year olds 18+

Early bird price available.

WWW.UK.OM.ORG/TEENSTREET

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give

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HOST YOUR OWN ONE DAY CONFERENCE

Muslims:

A Christian Response ENGAGING WITH THE WORLD OF MUSLIMS This one-day conference will enable you and your church to better understand and relate to Muslims, and discover ways to share your faith in Christ with them. OM’s workers will bring exciting news of what God is doing in the Muslim world.

PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: • Unique insight and experience from our speakers who are from, or have worked in Islamic cultures for many years • Inspiring stories and personal testimony • Opportunities to have your questions answered • Key resources and information

FOR YOUR CHURCH TO HOST AN MACR EVENT: www.uk.om.org/macr

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