Sean & Tasha Missionary Training Update 10/02/12
Back to the books!
We returned to college following the break and went straight into work placements for 3 weeks- the intention for which was to gain some experience in different church/ ministry area’s which we might not have done before. As I previously wrote, we were allocated to Handsworth Baptist Church which is run by Pastor John Prem Mall from India, and his family (below left). This experience provided an opportunity for us to be corresponding with this Asian Pastor, which proved to give us an insight into Asian leadership styles, organisation and ministry style (and sampling some home cooked Indian food- mmm). The most interesting learning for us was that of friendship evangelism with the inter-faith Asian culture. Much of Pastors John’s time is spent with Hindu’s and Sikhs who live in the local area and have a living knowledge and understanding of Jesus. Many of them hold Him in high esteem and even have them on their walls as they include them as one of their God’s they idolise. As you can imagine, this experience has really provoked some interesting questions and encouraged us to seek a deeper understanding of how to share the Gospel with these faith groups, as we are likely to meet them in Bangladesh!
We were all blessed to attend a commissioning service for our Brother Phil who is now residing at his project in Nepal doing graphic designing (above right). As a fundraising event there was a Ball and auction evening arranged by Phil’s family and church friends which raised over £1000 to support his time abroad, which was a wonderful blessing!
Following the placements we have all now returned to the books and are studying some new courses which include; Ethics of Jesus, Jesus Culture and Context, Mission themes in the OT, Spirituality 2, Psalms, Romans and Other Faiths. We are also all attending ‘The Marriage Course’ which is a set course derived from the Alpha course (something I’m sure many of you may have done before). The new modules are exciting and we are especially enjoying Ethics of Jesus, as this brings up some very interesting topics for debate, which are often very emotional and thought provoking including issues of money, power and homosexuality. We are able to discuss these issues in a private and confidential space, in relation to our previous experiences but also to mission and our future ministries. We are reminded of the phrase ‘What Would Jesus Do’ during this course and are encouraged to reflect prayerfully throughout.
As one of our first lectures back into the classroom, we studied the Nativity story in its true context and culture. There were some details of this extremely well known story that we as a class were able to analyse and find the answers for, however we were surprised at how little we actually DID know! Just for fun I have attached the questions we were given to this update, for you to explore for yourselves and I will then post the answers in the next instalment- enjoy!
A recent update for our project at LAMB hospital in Bangladesh was brought by our regional team leader (RTL) Margaret this week. We will be leaving the UK in time to start language training on July 29th. In Dhaka which is up to 3 months. We will then be moving to the project and living in an allocated house which will be fully furnished on our arrival with the previous mission couples items, which will save us going to find it all when we get there. We have had it confirmed that Sean’s medication can be sourced from Dhaka when we arrive which is at a lower price than in England which is a great blessing- afterwards we will discuss the possibility of the hospital getting them for us during out time at LAMB. Visas for our trip should be OK due to a recent update on the visas situation in Bangladesh- these are being arranged by the RTL. The hospital Physiotherapist will be leaving in September so we pray that we can meet her before she leaves and will perhaps visit the project during our language training to discuss each of our job roles further with the existing staff.
Huge thanks for all your on-going prayers and support. We are waiting in anticipation for the arrival of little Shemwell now! As baby is due on March 4th we pray the next update will include a photo for you all to see! Following regular check-ups, all is looking good and baby is on target for arrival as planned, therefore it is nappies and wet wipes at the ready. Thanks to everyone who have responded recently to the support letters sent out, and to all those who have donated clothes and other items for the baby- we have been so blessed by your giving and know that you will be blessed in return:
“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” 2 Corinthians 9:7
Prayer requests for February please:
- Handsworth Baptist Church and the ministry of friendship evangelism with inter-faith outreach.
- Ongoing strength and health in body and mind, for our preparations and birth of baby.
- Financial support for all Mission Trainees here at IMC.
- Arrangements to be made regarding visiting link-up churches before leaving.
- Pray for the IMC and BMS as they face challenges in re-structuring.
- BMS workers in Bangladesh including Margaret Gibbs (RTL) who are serving- that they will enjoy fellowship and spiritual refreshment together, during an up-coming meeting in Dhaka.
Blessings to you all in the name of our beautiful Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Tasha, Sean and 6lb Bump!
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