in2serve 2014

INTERSERVE NEWS Private Circulation Only 2IN SERVE Vol 1 : 2014 Goodness Me

from the chair Goodness Goodness, gracious, me! The world is Me becoming an increasingly dangerous PHILIP CHANG and challenging place for doing missions. Wars, famine, political strife, Chairman, Interserve Malaysia and hostility between the West and rest of the world all combine to make We are also thankful to God’s “grace” to us. For So how would we play our part and cross-cultural Christian witness fraught God so loved the world (which includes you and carry out His commission with so many challenges. me) that He gave His only begotten Son to die effectively? How would we handle for our sins so that we (you and me) might have the challenges and perilous As if that is not enough, the strains on eternal life if we believed in Him. And by His environment that we are living in? I the global economy is making mission grace we are saved from eternal death, despite believe the very first thing we need in the 21st century and beyond even our weaknesses, imperfections and iniquities. to do is to pray and seek God’s clear harder to fund. As Christians we are This unconditional gift of salvation is given not direction. We also need to be faithful entrusted with taking the Good News only to you and me, but to all peoples of every and walk closely with God, and allow of Jesus Christ to the world, whether to tongue, tribe and nation, whosoever that His Holy Spirit to work in us. As we our own towns and cities or to the believes in Him. Such amazing grace! do that, we will surely hear from God towns and cities in distant lands. and understand clearly His will for But how will the world know the gospel message our lives. Finally, we need to obey How can we reconcile the call to if there is no one to tell them? How will they His will. We all know that to obey is mission with the huge challenges that understand the salvation message if there is no better than sacrifice. present themselves around the world one to go and explain to them? today? As we, Interserve, seek to obey Him, I guess that’s where “you” and “me” come into the we are always looking to God for Those of us in Interserve aim to tackle picture. We really need to understand our wisdom and guidance, and a clear this very question, focusing on God’s personal calling and responsibilities as Christians. calling that is challenging, “goodness” to us as a mission family Jesus has clearly given us the Great Commission encouraging, and able to equip us all throughout our history, the “grace” He to preach the Good News and to make disciples – Partners, staff, board members and wants to extend through us to peoples of every peoples of the world, with the help of supporters alike - to play our part in of all backgrounds worldwide, and the Holy Spirit. So the message to you and me is fulfilling the Great Commission and what this all means for you and “me” as pretty clear - God has given us the gift of to see lives and communities we respond to the challenge of making salvation and He wants us to share this transformed through encounter Him known to peoples around the gift with others! Yes, that means with Jesus Christ. globe. you and me! We are indeed thankful for God’s 3 Story of Revival from the Roof of the World “goodness” to Interserve throughout its long history. Whilst a number of mission 6 Grace at Work groups have come and gone into oblivion during the era of modern 8 Leaving Family Behind missions, Interserve has been growing steadily for over 160 years despite 11 Ready Repack Go encountering many challenges and difficult times along the way. From its 14 Fatalism to Hope humble beginnings with merely a few single women who went to serve in 16 Empowering Change India in 1852, Interserve has grown slowly but steadily to more than 800 IN THIS 20 Third Culture Kids Partners today.They are currently involved in full-time Christian witness 22 Goodbye Johnny across Asia, the Arab World and in some ISSUE 24 Partners’ News and Prayer Points Western countries ministering amongst the Diaspora peoples.Thank goodness for that! 2

A story of Worldfrom the roof of the I came to the field in early 2005 as a full-time worker, but I had already been living and working in East Asia for a few years by then. My wife had come as a full-time worker in 1999. We met in 2005, married the next year, and now have four children. We are called to share the good news of Jesus with the Han (the majority ethnic group) and the Tibetans. We love the work, but it is hard. Anyone serving in Tibetan areas knows how difficult it is, even today, to see one Tibetan come to the Lord. Indeed, until four years ago, our two laments regarding Tibetan work had been that 1) there were more martyrs than believers in Tibet, and 2) there were more foreign mission workers than local mission workers in Tibet. But this all changed for good with a major earthquake in 2010. The earthquake, which hit one morning, registered over 7 on the Richter scale and killed an estimated 3000 people. Over 100,000 residents, with more than 90% of them ethnic Tibetans were affected.The remainder of the people are Hui, Han, and some Mongolians. We hadn’t intended to become involved in relief work, but when the Lord made it very clear He wanted us to go, we obeyed.The road to the area was long and treacherous (it later became known as ‘the death road’), and on our journey to the hardest hit town, we encountered temperatures of -15 degrees Celsius, and drove across a 4877 metre pass. Next page... 3

... From previous page Our first day in the earthquake area lift up Jesus, and put aside our personal, was chaotic. We had no connections, no denominational, and background differences. plan, no leadership. Our team was – We would leave all our respective banners and still is – a motley crew, made up of outside the earthquake area, for here we laymen armed with a wide pool of would raise only one banner: Jesus Christ. We skills, none with experience in doing would focus on long-term work, so we could professional disaster-relief work. build relationships with the locals, and would Everywhere around us we saw not engage in short-sighted stratagems such brokenness and need, but we were at a as handing out tracts or Bibles and loss as how to help or even function. evangelising strangers on the streets. We would love each other as the Lord loves us, On the third morning, team members and we would love the people we came to who were leaders from various help unconditionally, as He loves us. churches gathered around me. Brother M began by saying,“We had a good And as we humbled ourselves to follow and meeting last night. We all agreed that submit, miracles began to happen. As a we have to learn from our mistakes in Tibetan area, they are extremely wary of another region [where there had been Christians, but by May we were the only a serious earthquake in 2008] non-governmental organisation to be regarding separatism.The Lord does granted permission to run medical stations not delight in His churches working in there. By July we had helped treat more than parts and attacking each other.” 9000 patients in our two medical stations, delivered more than 250 tons of relief aid, Brother X who is from a distant city helped better the lives of more than 3,000 continued,“So we will establish this households, signed a long-term agreement platform for churches from with the Prefecture Health Bureau to run a everywhere to work together. And we Mobile Clinic, and even received accolades all think that you are the most suitable from the government. candidate to lead us.” But we did not come here only to do charity. That night, we, the founding members, Our ultimate goal was to save lost souls, but drafted our Vision and Mission we were making no progress. Why was this, statements. We all agreed that the we asked ourselves? vision the Lord had given us was Unity. We would strive to work together to We also began to ask why, with 100 million Christians here, we still find more foreign mission workers serving and dying in Tibetan areas than their own mission workers. The Holy Spirit convicted everyone. Slowly the reply came from our local brothers and sisters:“It is our fault. It is the local churches’ fault!”We all fell down on our faces in the dirt and cried out to the Lord for forgiveness. There were more than 30 of us in that tent that night, Hans, Tibetans and foreigners.The Holy Spirit swept through us and there were cries of repentance and wailing from all corners. That was the turning point. Now that our spirits were broken and our hearts were crying out for forgiveness, the Lord was ready 4

But we did not come here only to do charity. Our ultimate goal was to save lost souls, but we were making no progress. to use this bunch of broken vessels. From that from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. When we day on, things began to move, and by July prayed, we each did so in our own heart language. there were more than 70 new believers: 12 It was touching to behold men everywhere lift up their were Tibetans, six were Huis, and the rest holy hands without anger or disputing (1 Tim 2:8). were Hans. Many unbelievers came to work among us and ended up believing. The biggest miracle of all has been to witness and experience the Unity of the Body at work. During A Tibetan policewoman was helping us do those days we literally put all we had in the middle for translation. She went to the medical station all to share. We ate, worked, prayed, praised and where our foreign medical personnel were worshipped, laughed and cried together. Everyone had serving, and when she saw the foreign nurses but one desire: to glorify God. kneeling down to clean the sores and wounds of her fellow-Tibetans’ feet, she was The unconditionality of our service was crucial: we moved to tears. She said,“We Tibetans are not cannot, and indeed must not, cheapen the love of God even helping our own kind.These foreigners and His gospel by offering our help with strings willingly clean up the pus and blood of the attached (“I will give you a tent/food/clothes if you dirty Tibetans’ feet. No doctors in here would believe in Jesus”). We came to love and serve with do such things!” Sister L, who was with her, absolutely no strings attached. We believe this is what took the opportunity to ask her,“Do you He calls us to do. As we are faithful in our calling, the know why they would do such a thing? It is Holy Spirit can work through our faithfulness in the because they are following Christ.”The little things to reach the unreached hearts. Tibetan policewoman became a believer a Heart-changing is entirely the Holy Sprit’s work, not few days later. ours. Our job is to obey. Plain and simple. A Tibetan girl who was helping out at our People in the hard places - Pray for them as they obey medical station accepted the Lord after our God, bringing the gospel to those who otherwise may visiting doctors shared with her, and her not hear it.They bring the love of God in practical ways whole family started attending fellowship. to the needy and the hurting. Her brother, a monk, was so touched by the Holy Spirit and the love he received that a INTERSERVE has many opportunities for couple of months later he left his monastery you to touch the lives of the poor and to follow Jesus. needy in hard places. Do you want to make a difference? You can either be sent At the peak of our operation, there were over or you can contribute financially. Please 100 people in our base. Most who came to check with us for more details. work with us were believers, from many different backgrounds: there were Tibetans, Adapted from Interserve NZ’s GO magazine, Hans, Huis, Mongolians, Lisus, Jews, Issue 2, 2012. www.interserve.org.nz Malaysians, Singaporeans, Americans, South Africans, Koreans, Norwegians, and people 5

GRACE Serving in a stroke at work support group Photo credit: United Nations Photo / Foter / Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) For eight months in a year, Ulanbaatar, the Ethnic Mongols account for about 95% capital city of Mongolia experiences of the population. Mongolia’s traditional sub-zero temperatures and holds the religions are Shamanism and Tibetan record as the world’s coldest capital. Buddhism. Christians are a minority in Mongolia has a very rich history Mongolia. First attempts to reach especially in the 13th century when Mongolians with the Gospel took place under Genghis Khan, they established a in the 7th century when Nestorian huge Eurasian empire through their Christians from Persia travelled along the conquest. After the death of Genghis Silk Road to China. It is believed that the Khan, the empire was divided into several number of Christians grew from just a powerful Mongol States, but these broke handful in 1980s to around 79,955 in apart in the 14th Century.The Mongols 2010, based on the latest Operation eventually retired to their original World’s figures.This accounts for about homelands and in the late 17th century, 2.8% of the total population. Much effort they came under Chinese rule. In 1921, is still needed in Mongolia to Mongolia won its independence with demonstrate the grace and love of Christ Soviet backing and a communist regime to the Mongolians. was installed in 1924. Mongolia saw its own Democratic Revolution in early 1990. At the turn of the last century, a nurse This led to a multi-party system, a new felt called to this country of Mongolia. constitution of 1992, and transition to a She left her job and the comforts of her market economy. home here in Malaysia and went to serve the people who are foreign to her. She Today, more ethnic Mongolians live in the invested her time to learn the language Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in and culture.Today, Grace serves in a China rather than in Mongolia.The stroke support group, helping them to population in Mongolia is estimated to be recover. By showing them the love of 2.8 million (2011 estimates) with 68.5% God and giving them hope, she is able to living in the urban area. touch many lives and hearts. 6

Exercise to improve muscles and coordination Teaching at A leukaemia child Summer Camp and his drawing Grace also shares the Good News to much joy back into their lives. Do join us to pray for this nation. A them and helps them in practical ways, Together, they serve as a support nation that is yet to know and like doing arts and crafts with them to group for each other. It is such a joy experience the grace and love of strengthen their muscles and improve to see the smiles of these children as God. Pray for many others like their coordination. Recently, one stolen they participate in the activities and Grace, who will be willing to go dinosaur remains was returned to to know that they are loved––not and share God’s grace and love to Mongolia and so she brought the stroke only by the people who care for those whom He loves. group to see the exhibition. Grace and them but also by the One above who her co-workers also bring the stroke created them. NB. Interserve has many group for camps where they will play opportunities for nurses and games with them. Grace just loves and cares for the other professionals to serve in people like how Christ would have Asia and the Arab world where Besides the stroke group, Grace is also loved and cared for them. By serving you can make a difference to the involved in giving anti-abortion talks to in practical ways that she knows, she lives and communities. Please the young people in colleges.This does has spread His love and joy to so check with us for more details. not only bring God’s morals and many.This tiny but enthusiastic lady standard back to the society but also has helped transform the community saves the lives of many unborn babies. that is around her. After 11 years in There will be children who will grow up Mongolia, some have also come to thanking God for someone who took experience God’s grace and know the time to invest into their community. Christ through her. Some children will not be alive today if not for Grace. Yet there is still a lot of work to be done. It does not require “special” Grace is also involved in bringing hope people with “special” degrees. Just to the children of leukaemia patients. ordinary people who are touched by She allows them to do drawings in order the love of Christ and want to make a to express themselves, and organize difference in a community who does outings for them.These activities bring not know that love. 7

Leaving Behind Life of an ordinary servant in a foreign land As I reflect from the time I said,‘Yes Lord, most of their lives, and loving In 2009, shortly after I had parents and siblings, these kids that decided to serve Him on the field, Here I am, Send Me’, it’s been a challenging I wanted to work with, mostly had and was attending a cross 3 years and at the same time, an amazing no one, no hope and just bleakness cultural training for missions, the journey where I saw God walking beside for the future. No, if you were first bombshell hit my family and me every step of the way, that I wouldn’t planning on reading an article of a I, my brother was diagnosed with choose to be anywhere else in spite of strong infallible missionary who 3rd stage nose cancer. Seeing my everything. heard His voice ever so clearly and brother’s body being ravished by obeyed without any hesitation, this the treatments that left him Even as I was praying and struggling hard isn’t the article for you. Me, I am the barely there, was unbearable. An to be obedient and go to where I believed most ordinary person on the field ungracious self inflicted thought He was leading me. Even as I boarded the but it is God’s grace and love that of how I was probably the cause flight back to Malaysia in 2008 after my 2 has carried me through this far. of his cancer because of my months stint in Cambodia, my biggest decision to serve Him was guilt struggle was leaving my nieces whom I Indeed it was a battle just to say laden. An impossible prayer loved dearly. I had a battle in my heart and yes. It took me almost 20 years request from a feeble faith, struggled to do what was right. I cried before I finally went forth. From please take the cancer from him the time I said yes, and at the time and give it to this your willing thinking of how my obedience to when I could still say that my life servant, was not answered. But Him would see me leaving my was somewhat trial free, I was God was gracious and pulled us nieces who were the world humanly unprepared for what was through this. to me, and my family. And in store for me and my family, but yet, an inner voice told God proved faithful. me that whilst my nieces had me for the 8

My 1st year on the field saw me embracing The first 3 months back home was tough with and loving the time with the children, some questioning my actions, feelings of being a enjoying learning the language and culture, failure of leaving my ministry and team and the and yet also struggling emotionally with children, but God brought people alongside me the corruption of the country and how the and I knew that home was where I was poor and marginalised were oppressed, and supposed to be at that time, and looking back, I also concerns and uncertainty of what was thank God for the opportunity to serve my mom in store for my brother and his family. As who had always only wanted the best for her the family was preparing a surprise 70th children and family. Seeing my brother whom birthday bash for mom, with concerns for mom had to hold his hand whilst her own heart my brother still lingering at the back of my was aching and breaking, and had to coax him mind, we were unprepared for the news to drink a glass milk that was his only source of that hit us next. Mom was diagnosed with intake for a day, to a role reversal of seeing that stage 4 cancer. The trip that was supposed same brother, a year and a half later, coaxing to be a happy one, going home for mom’s mom and running around to find whatever he surprised bash, was brought forward by 5 could to please mom’s taste buds so that she months, saw a weary soul sitting in the would just eat something to have whatever aeroplane shouting out, this isn’t suppose strength to go through the next battle. to happen. However, God has always been an amazing This was not the trip home that I had source of comfort and healing, for every time I worked out in my mind. Mom didn’t know had to leave home despite everything that was that I was coming back after I heard her test happening and despite how heavy my heart felt results, and when I arrived home and when I had to leave mom and the family at a quietly sat down next to her, my surprised time when the family was going through this strong independent mom turned to look at difficult time, every time I boarded the plane, I me, and said,“Why did you come back? You had a surreal sense of peace and I literally felt shouldn’t have, I am ok, you have work the burden on my shoulders that I did not know there..” But she was crying as she said that. I I had, lifted off my shoulders. I know that this don’t think I have ever saw mom cry before, could only come from Him. It gave me the and that confirmed that I was needed assurance that indeed this was where He had home to be with mom and the family. called me to be during this time. Continue on next page... I learned to trust that, through God’s grace, something beautiful and new would emerge even in the face of my weakness, tears, pain and hopelessness. I too would live again. ~ Bethel Crockett Photo credit: Mark Winterbourne | markwinterbourne.com / Foter / Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) 9

... from previous page I believe that when He calls He gives us I believe that when He calls He gives us the peace and strength to handle the peace and strength to handle whatever whatever the world may throw at us. the world may throw at us. Oh, don’t get me wrong, it can get tough. God never promised us a life of But looking back at these past 3 years, as one fairy tales where we don’t have trials fellow team member shared, it is through trials and struggles and hurts and dreams that we have the privilege of walking closer with broken. I would get bad news from God. He is my strength. Whilst I do not know what home in the middle of ministry working my future holds, I know that He will never leave with kids and putting on a bright nor forsake me, and I know that this is where I am strong face never letting on what is supposed to be for now. I have experienced His happening so as not to burden the faithfulness and His love for me and my family, children and locals that I work with, and I know He is walking alongside me, holding only to have angels in the form of little me even when I fall, He will be there to pick me up. children and street families who would Some who have read my newsletters focused on touch this aching soul whether with a the struggles I wrote about, but lost what I wanted hug, a smile or just from talking with to share, which were the lessons that He taught them. I have felt a sense of peace upon me along the way and His graciousness and how me and have His words of comfort He carried me through it all and healed this weary spoken to me at the times I needed it soul through His people. Oh yes, trust me, I fall most through his people that we work many times, I forget the lessons taught many with on the streets. It has happened on times, but God is gracious. so many occasions that I yearn for this To God be all glory. same peace to be upon my own brother who battled cancer, to have this Published in Interserve UK “GO”, Second Quarter 2013 same peace from knowing Him, but for now it has not yet happened. But I will continue to pray, and trust and hope. Do pray for the many missionaries who are away from their families and love ones. It is often very tough and sometimes lonely in the field but they have made up their minds to obey the Lord. 10

READY, REPACK, Photo credit: Dr John2005 / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND GO!A by PHILIP CHANG MISSION LEADER SHARES SOME STORIES AND INSIGHTS ABOUT SENDING AND CARING FOR THOSE PRECIOUS WORKERS WHO WISH TO SERVE IN THE MISSION FIELD. Packing and unpacking my suitcase is While they may possess strong motivations to live and serve in hard like a ritual for me. My corporate work places or situations, cross-cultural and ministry responsibilities require me workers are also fully human. Like all to travel abroad almost every fortnight, other people, they bear the same sometimes making stops at several human weaknesses. It is common to places. Just hours before each journey, I experience stress from a variety of often find myself being forced to repack physical ailments, culture shock, re-entry and unload several non-essential items. shock, traumatic events and attacks that Otherwise, any excess baggage will may limit the effectiveness of their become an unnecessary burden ministries.This is true even for the throughout the trip. short-term workers. It is not surprising therefore, if their spiritual struggles in Life is somewhat similar for those going the field included emotional and into the mission field. From my personal psychological issues that have not been experience in recruiting, sending, and previously dealt with. providing member care for Traumatic Experiences cross-cultural workers, I find it essential for Life in the mission field can be them to leave behind hazardous and some workers may their “excess experience traumatic events such as baggage” in order to robbery, assault, rape, suicide or murder enjoy healthy of a friend, and living through natural transitions and disasters such as earthquakes or positive experiences tsunamis. I can still recall a conversation both in the field and with a young volunteer who had rushed upon returning to off eagerly to Aceh with his church their home countries. group to help out after the devastating This metaphor tsunami had struck northern Sumatra. sounds perfectly simple and logical, Continue on next page... but in practice how does one ensure that? 11

...from previous page disorders are preventable and treatable, only if they are recognized early on. He said,“There were smelly, rotting dead bodies Prevention is undoubtedly always the everywhere. After spending a week there, all of us best medicine. have been traumatized and feeling sick for weeks, some even for months!” Care and Counsel for Mission Workers Some may have been less fortunate to experience additional trauma such as evacuation, guerrilla The Lord knows our struggles, of course, warfare, terrorist attack, threats, religious and help may be found within the body persecution, loss of a child, and sexual abuse. of Christ.There are skilled professionals These lists are by no means exhaustive. who can provide the necessary diagnosis, care, and counsel to address Last year, I finally bumped into an old many pre-field and on-going issues. Only acquaintance from Nigeria after long period of then will the spiritual, emotional, and silence from him.This man, a key national physical healing take place.The key is to Christian leader, explained,“You have not heard receive the best care for one’s heart, from me because I have been recovering from my body, mind, and soul.This should start trauma of abduction and near death. One day right from the very beginning with the some bandits ambushed us and they shot dead pre-field screening and selection process. Best practices will include all my travel companions right in front of my pre-field interviews, medical check-up, eyes.The gang leader finally put a gun at my psychological assessment and where head and slowly pulled the trigger . . . but he necessary, counselling, before had purposely used an unloaded gun, just deployment. When workers return home for fun!” for furlough or retirement, pre-home assignment interviews and debriefing While some victims of trauma may have should also be arranged; there should be received compassionate responses and no compromise, especially following a appropriate intervention, many have critical incident or traumatic event. had little or no response.They may Some workers may not feel they need even be functioning at high levels the debriefing, or feel that there is a for years before the symptoms of stigma associated with attending one. Thus, making it compulsory will give the unresolved trauma begin to worker the opportunity to “unpack their come forth in a way that can baggage” and bypass initial resistances. no longer be ignored. Debriefing is a biblical idea, practiced by Paul and the Antioch church (Acts 14:27), To thrive in the mission field, Peter (Acts 11:4ff ), Tychicus (from Paul, therefore, long-term workers Ephesians 6:21) and Timothy (from Paul, I ought to first let go of those Thessalonians 3:1-6), among others. Even burdens that weigh them Jesus debriefed his disciples on various occasions. It is the confidential sharing of down. Otherwise, excessive one’s story, complete with experiences pressures or prolonged and feelings, with someone who is stress situations can willing to listen and care without judgment or criticism. It is a verbal potentially lead to the risk processing of past events and helps to of developing bring closure. post-traumatic stress disorders (“PTSD”) or other stress-related illnesses like depression, burnout, and the unthinkable –– attrition. Many of their more severe symptoms and Photo credit: geishaboy500 / Foter / CC BY 12

These practical procedures can provide issues and provide therapies and journey, no matter where they are warning signals if any potential or interventions to those who need in life. Repacking should not be existing worker has unresolved issues help. something people do once (or at from the past and present. Some could most, a couple of times) as a be related to physical health issues or Sending organizations should clearly reaction but clearly as a proactive emotional hurts from relationships that understand and know how to process––it is a lifelong process. have not been resolved or brought to recognize mental health needs of closure. Unfortunately, often led by their their workers, so that referrals can be As we earnestly seek to care for zeal and impatience, some have rushed made to the appropriate our workers, they must be given into the field to become “missionaries” professionals when the need arises. ample opportunities to “unpack without going through proper screening Essentially, they should really “know and repack their bags.” By or preparation by any sending church or their people.” Once they have regularly removing their “excess mission agency. While they may value established good communications baggage,” they stand to enjoy a their independence with no one to be and rapport with them, any “good life” of service as they accountable to, there is one significant or unusual changes in embark on their exciting journey danger––many are unknowingly putting their behavior can easily be into the world of mission . . . for a their lives in risky situations. At times, recognized.The workers should be long, long time! some issues are not recognized until made aware that it is safe to reveal considerable damage has been done. emotional difficulties to their Reproduced from “Asian Beacon”, This means that the healing and recovery mission administrators, and that June-July 2013,Vol 45 No.3 will take much longer and the impact their response will be a confidential may be more severe. and compassionate one and not a For further information and punitive or judgmental one. resources, please visit: In addition to medical advisors, mission www.interserve.org organizations often have a range of In an interesting secular book titled www.lausanne.org member care resources and mental “Repacking Your Bags: Lighten Your www.globalmembercare.com health professionals within their Load For the Good Life,” the authors www.oasismembercare.net networks.They include Christian Richard J. Leider and David A. www.headington-institute.org psychiatrists, psychologists, and Shapiro define “the good life” as www.membercareradio.com counsellors who combine their training “living in the place you belong, with www.missionarycare.com in mental health with their knowledge of the people you love, doing the right www.interhealth.org.uk Scripture to provide the best services work, on purpose.”The authors www.thewellcm.com they can offer.There are also marriage advise people to repack their critical www.linkcare.org and family therapists, social workers, “bags” (i.e., place, relationship, work, www.mmct.org clinical counsellors, and pastoral and purpose); identify their gifts, counsellors who assess mental health passions, and values; and plan their I have but one passion - it is He, it is He alone. The world is the field and the field is the world; and henceforth that country shall be my home where I can be most used in winning souls for Christ. Count Zinzindorf 13

From The story of how a small fatalism business opened a door into to HOPE the lives of a woman and her 14 family, and gave them back their dignity. By Sue, an Interserve Partner in the Arab World. When I first met Basma six years ago, I was immediately drawn to her sense of humour and positive outlook. Basma married young and soon had six children to provide for. Basma made a small income through sewing simple dresses for her neighbours but when her husband lost his job, they struggled to make ends meet. Although unhappy, they resigned themselves to the life they had been given.They also both chewed qat (an addictive narcotic leaf ) regularly, an addiction which contributed to their financial hardship. About four years ago Basma needed to have some urgent dental work done. When she approached me for money, it was awkward: I could see that my friend was in pain but I didn’t want to just start handing over money, as it inevitably leads to dependency and loss of dignity. So I gave Basma some paracetamol to help with her immediate pain, then made her a proposal – she had already been making bags out of local embroidered cloth for a friend, so I told her I would pay her costs, plus give her a fair hourly rate, if she could make some bags for me to sell to other foreigners. Basma borrowed money from relatives to fix her teeth, but made

enough money from her first embroider, and then the products are Growing hope and production of bags to start paying sewn by two other women.The third is confidence them back.The opportunity to earn what grew out of my response to her own money not only helped Basma. Her three daughters help her Life is harder now in the city than it Basma through an embarrassing sew the bags, and this gives them some was six years ago. However, the and desperate situation but also money for clothing, schoolbooks, the perseverance of Basma and her provided her with more bus, and social events. family has paid off. Her husband independence. now has regular work as a security Encouraging giving guard, two of their daughters are in A dream comes true higher education – and are being Even though our business is very small, encouraged by their father to finish Basma once had a dream that we it helps local craftspeople generate before getting married – and the would end up in business together. income to support their families.The other four children are doing well in I thought little of it when Basma women in particular have benefited, as school. Basma and her husband told me about her dream… yet it enables them to earn an have even stopped chewing qat, within a year, our micro-enterprise above-average income in a country after realizing that every leaf was had begun. where opportunities for employment money that could be used for outside the home are not common. education instead. An expat colleague had already started a little craft business with We display the products in our I have grown to love Basma and her her local friends using traditional guesthouse, a guesthouse in the capital family. I had many opportunities to embroidery, so we teamed up city, and in a café. We also encourage share the love of God to them. together. We had no formal other Christians to take the products at Basma’s sewing continues to business experience but it seemed cost to sell to their own friends or improve – last year she even taught an enjoyable and helpful way to through stalls at meeting places or herself the traditional embroidery generate regular income for our markets. We have even set up a website, and within two weeks was doing a local friends. but postage in and out of our country is professional job – and she now has a problem so most goods are carried by a hope and a confidence that I We decided to name our little hand, which places a big limitation on believe comes from God. Pray for business ‘Patience’ in the local the development of the business. her to be brave and to start reading language… and we certainly the Bible. Pray for all her family to needed lots of it to get the product I had many opportunities read it also, and together make a ‘just right’. Because work is seen as decision for Him. a curse, there is often no pride in to share the love of God finishing things here, and we have “Give a man a fish, and you feed him returned products multiple times to them. for a day; show him how to catch for reworking to make them fish, and you feed him for a lifetime”. suitable for selling. Our customers appreciate being able to Create opportunities for those who easily buy genuine gifts from the region, need it so that they are able to make Our business sells three types of and feel good about the fact they are a living. Business as Missions is a way products.The first is qamariya, helping families directly with every to reach out to the communities small, decorative half-moon purchase. Also, the products are and change their social status. windows that are made out of portable, making them a very plaster, cement and coloured glass. convenient gift to take to families, Interserve can walk alongside you in The second group includes friends and supporters to help them your business venture if you want to embroidered pillowcases, remember our country in prayer. Any start a business for Kingdom purpose. mobile-phone bags and pencil extra money generated is used for Please do contact us to find out more. cases. One woman cuts the fabric product development and for giving and coordinates the colours, gives non-monetary bonuses to the Published in Interserve NZ’s GO magazine, the pieces to six other women to craftspeople involved, from schoolbooks Issue 2, 2011. www.interserve.org.nz up to computers. 15

Divya* was an unlikely candidate for my sermon class at SAIACS (South Asia Institute of Advanced Christian Studies) in Bangalore, India. Middle-aged, married to an army colonel who made all the decisions in the home, a little gauche in conversation, Divya was scared witless at the thought of preaching. She managed to struggle through most of the required elements of the class – public reading, acting a Bible story, a sermon introduction and illustration – but on the scheduled day for the final sermonette, she was noticeably absent from class. I wasn’t sure what to do to help her, except to encourage her and praise her preparation.The next day she nervously stood at the front of the class and started to speak – then the Holy Spirit took over. She preached up a storm, and was as good as the best in the class! We (and she) were astonished! After Divya finished her course, she no Christian services on the and her husband moved to an army cantonment. She obtained base in northeast India. Divya permission from the Base discovered that, although a temple Commander for the consecration of and a mosque were in use on the a disused building, again rounded grounds, the Christian church had up the lax Christians, invited been closed. So, with permission, she speakers and started a rounded up the nominal Christian congregation.Through mentoring men, and made the arrangements to and the help of the Holy Spirit, shy, start services in the church once again. tongue-tied Divya had been When her husband was reassigned to transformed into a leader, and had Rajasthan, Divya found that there were planted two churches! Amazing! 16

I am allowed to do things your society doesn’t let women do.” Our pastors taught us that However, I now realise that while I did women aren’t much good impact people through the more hands-off methods of teaching and writing, I was also, in God’s work. Women unconsciously, mentoring through my brought sin into the world. personal relationships with them. Following are some of their stories. ... One year there were two women, both Don’t talk. You’re a girl. named Jyoti in the class I held for students’ Don’t laugh. You’re a girl. wives. When I said that I would be teaching And when you reach your preaching, they were uneasy, and murmured,“Is that okay? Our pastors mother-in-law’s house, taught us that women aren’t much good in don’t offer any opinion God’s work. Women brought sin into the about anything. If you do, world.” you will shame us. Then they told me,“Our Christian mothers said,‘Don’t talk.You’re a girl. Don’t laugh. You’re a girl. And when you reach your mother-in-law’s house, don’t offer any opinion about anything. If you do, you will shame us.’” No wonder they thought that a woman could not open her mouth in public. But the two Jyotis thrived in the class and experienced a surprising character change: they learned to speak up. By the time they left SAIACS, Jyoti R could stand beside her husband in his student work, and Jyoti D had become fluent in English, trained in counselling, and took a counselling lead in their mission society. Photo credit Meanest Indian Foter CC BY-NC-ND was through teaching classes, Vickie, another student, talked with me guiding people for their thesis, or often throughout her course. After leaving What is Mentoring? through the books I wrote. SAIACS she completed the translation of the New Testament into the Garasia Mentoring is most often defined as a I did not consider myself to be a language of northern Gujarat, and recently relationship in which an experienced role model, even though many organised a conference for 200 Indian person (the mentor) assists another Indian women had told me that I missionary women, to encourage them to (the mentoree) in developing specific inspired them by the way I lived start using the gifts God had given them. skills and knowledge that will my life. I had dismissed them with, enhance the less-experienced person’s “It’s different. I’m a Westerner. Next page... professional and personal growth. Until I was asked to write this article, I thought the extent of my mentoring 17

...From previous page Three young women used to live in the addicted to alcohol and for her Master of Theology, and is now hostel by my apartment: Philo, a fluent pornography, and inflicted so a brilliant networker who teaches translator between English and Hindi; much emotional abuse on her both men and women about the Konya, whose grandfather tried to that she hardly left the house. extreme problems faced by some persuade the family not to send her to Pastors had refused to help her so, women in families and about the school; and Bindu, from Odesha State after borrowing some of my biblical response to such issues. where there was persecution.They books, Veronica often called me, listened and talked with me often while sometimes after bolting herself in Barriers to Women they achieved their MA in Theological a room so that she would have Receiving Training Studies, and, after completing their the freedom to talk.“Does God say studies, continued to keep in touch with that I have to obey this man who For many conservative Indian families, me.Two years ago, the three of them is destroying me and our an elementary Bible School is viewed founded a new organisation called daughter?” she wanted to know. rather like a chaperone service: it ‘Indian Women in Ministry’, with the takes care of their daughter until they vision statement:‘Women and men In time, God did a deep healing in can marry her off.They are rarely fulfilling the purpose of Christ Veronica. She chose not to leave willing to invest in post-graduate side-by-side in active Kingdom-building’. her husband but she gained the training for their daughter for courage instead to help other leadership in Christian service. But it wasn’t only women who were women. God provided funding for empowered to change. Mr Prabhakar her to start a women’s refuge and Sheela* told me,“When I was 18, I told took my class on family, where I spoke of now she mentors 10 to 15 women my parents I wanted to serve God. I the need for Christian women to take on clients at a time, training them in wanted to go to Bible College. My more leadership roles. He then returned life skills, helping them gain an mother said,‘No, you don’t.You want to his Indian mission society and income, and protecting them to get married.’ She arranged my changed their society ethos. from their unhappy marriage immediately. circumstances. She also studied “I got them to include women in the committees,” he said.“In our mission women now join the mission task with their husbands. Our mission culture has changed because of what you taught us.” Tragedy to Triumph I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; One day nine years ago Veronica* had a word from God to visit SAIACS. She 18 wasn’t sure what she was doing there, so the registrar sent her to my office. While waiting, Veronica saw the books on my desk – books about Christian women leaders. “What’s this?” she wondered.“I thought that a woman’s only role in ministry was to obey her husband.” Veronica had a Master’s degree in social work and had earlier worked for innovative NGOs, but she was depressed and desperate because her husband was

Now, 11 years later, we have come to Graduation, Rebekah was awarded her Photo credit: Shreyans Bhansali / Foter / CC BY-NC-SA SAIACS so my husband can study. I just MTh. She was also awarded the prize get to look after our daughters, even for the best thesis! Extraordinary! And though I still long to train for Christian she so nearly did not study at all. work.”Thankfully, I had already persuaded SAIACS to run the Certificate In India it is decidedly hit-and-miss Level course for student wives who do whether a woman will receive the not have the prerequisites for degrees, so mentoring she needs to inspire and Sheela was able to attend that. encourage her to train for Christian service, or the funds needed to pay for Rebekah and her husband had already that training. If you are interested in completed MDiv when they came to offering support for these women, SAIACS. I got into conversation with her please contact the Malaysian one afternoon while we watched a Interserve office. volleyball match.“I wish I could do an MTh like James,” she confessed.“But there Beulah Wood is a NZ Partner is only enough money to pay for his fees, and well-known author, not for mine.” She came from a highly with a passion for writing educated family, yet nobody had thought on family and relationships. it strange that only her husband should be allowed to study, and not her also. * Names have been changed Published in Interserve NZ’s GO I encouraged her to apply, and redirected magazine, Issue 1, 2013. some donated money to pay for her fees. www.interserve.org.nz Eventually, after some hurdles, she was accepted, and in April 2013, at the SAIACS TOGETHER we can do GREAT THINGS. Mother Teresa 19

Third KIDSCulture Children in mission move around quite a bit. The nature of their parents’ work brings with it volatility and potential for frequent change, and they learn from an early age what it means to be sojourners, moving from place to place and not fully belonging in any. Different terms have been used to Change is always with us. Pray not describe these children – from ‘global only for our TCKs, but for all of us, nomads’ to mish-kids or TCK’s (Third young and old, for God to grant us Culture Kids). Ayla Delin (Time, March 1, grace, tolerance and humour to deal 1993) defines TCKs as: with the changes He brings. “...cross-culturally mobile children, born Published in Interserve NZ’s GO into a first culture and raised in one or magazine, Issue 2, 2010. more additional cultures.Their emergent www.interserve.org.nz life-style produces a third culture that lacks national or cultural boundaries. TCKs are marginal, mobile in body, soul, and intellect.Their roots lie in uprootedness.They fit in everywhere and nowhere in particular.They are simultaneously insiders and outsiders.” In this globalised age, unlike the TCKs of a generation ago, modern TCKs are more likely to meet many other children with similar cultural issues with whom they can relate, such as refugees, children of immigrants, those born into a cross cultural marriage, and those who are international adoptees.To learn more, visit the Cross Cultural Kids website (www.crossculturalkid.org). 20

MKs are Missionary Kids - Kids who have to Some of the reviews written by Mission pastors and directors: grow up in a place and culture that is not their own. Often times, they may not know “As the Asian churches “Having grown up in Brazil and where “home” is.They are often not well send out more and more West Africa, I can testify to the understood or even accepted by others. missionaries in the future, the privilege of being a Third Culture Kid They often go through life packing and challenge of ministering to and also the importance of having unpacking.They are also known as Third MKs will intensify.This people around you who understand Culture Kids (TCK) fascinating book of stories and the particular challenges this careful analysis of the subject lifestyle brings. Praise God that He is “Rice, Noodles, Bread or Chapati” by TCK will go a long way in helping us raising up men and women able to Care Fellowship is a book packed with address the problem!” give eloquent voice to the joys and stories of Asian MKs sharing their joy and struggles of being an Asian MK. May sadness, challenges and grief.This book Bishop Emeritus Dr Hwa God use this book to grow stronger also gives an overview on the Yung families and churches for full development of MK care in the different The Methodist Church in participation in His mission to the parts of Asia. Malaysia and Chairman, praise of His name”. Asian Lausanne Committee on As Dr Patrick Fung from OMF International World Evangelization Paul Bendor-Samuel puts it,“This book is not only a book about International Director, Interserve MKs or by MKs, but also a book by those who love MKs and who see them as God’s unique gift to the Christian Community”. “The good care of his family is one of the most important RICE, NOCBHORADEPALEADST,?Ior ministries of a missionary (1 Tim 5:8).The MKs of Asian missionaries have been unwittingly neglected, because many of us Asians felt that we should sacrifice ourselves and our family for the Lord and ministry. Now after so many years of neglect, an Asian MK book is finally published, which provides the studies of Asian MKs and their personal experiences. It is THE UNTOLD STORIES much overdue and a big welcome, OF ASIAN MKS. a start for a more careful study of this needy issue in the future.This book will also provide helpful materials for Asian MKs, their parents, churches, and the mission agencies”. Dr Sang-Bok David Kim Chairman, Asian Evangelical Alliance If you are interested to purchase copies of this book, do contact Interserve Fellowship Berhad at 603-7872 9029. 21

“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. Whoever believes in Him. Johnny Lee did more than just believing in Him. He gave up his own life in Malaysia and went to Cambodia to serve the people in Cambodia. He led a life of faith and obedience. Johnny attended a mission training programme together with his wife Lucille in the UK and during this time, they recognised God’s calling upon their lives. However, because Johnny smoked three packets of cigarettes per day, he had second thoughts about going because he found it difficult to give up his smoking. He prayed that if it was truly his calling, God will help him get rid of this addiction. Within 24 hours, Johnny gave up smoking and never again went back to that habit. Johnny and Lucille set off to a country which they knew nothing about.They went to the land of Cambodia. By that time, they were already 59 years’ old. Once they had set foot in that country and saw the children there, they knew that Cambodia was the place God had wanted them to Goodbye serve. In June of 2004, they applied to be partners of Interserve, and went to Cambodia in 2005 where they helped HisChild ministry – a ministry that serves children in crisis and street children by Johnny giving them hope and education. Johnny was a very quiet but steady man.Though he hardly spoke, when he did, he spoke words of wisdom. He loved the Cambodians, in particular, the children of Cambodia. Those who knew him and have worked with him have very good things to say about him. One partner in particular had been working very closely with Johnny before his passing away, recalls,“Some of the sweetest memories I have of Uncle Johnny were when he’s with the kids at the children center. To those who did not know Uncle Johnny, he may seem stern because of his quiet personality and well… his moustache. But I have seen him transform when he is with the children. The cutest moment was seeing him with the two youngest children who were 22

holding one of his feet playfully giving was still in Cambodia. He visited the him a foot reflexology with their knuckles. country a few times between his Chemo He was in so much pain but kept laughing Therapy treatments and had requested and grimacing at the same time. When he that his ashes be brought back to the land caught my eye, he jokingly said that these where God had called him to. girls were more terrifying than the torture police.The smile on his face and the Interserve has walked with Johnny and twinkle in his eye when he said that will be Lucille through this difficult time. It is not forever be etched in my heart. When he always easy but it is a privilege to be part cannot be found in the evenings, he would of someone’s life who has been serving be on the swing with some of the kids. At the Lord so faithfully. Johnny was a meal times, he would be like a hawk brother who understood that serving the checking to make sure that the kids’ meals Lord means serving his people. were nutritious. When one of the older girls was in Bible school, he would make After his departure, his wife Lucille has sure that she had enough basic daily returned to Cambodia to serve the people needs. He would also make sure that she there. We have already seen the fruits of had coffee to see her through her studies. Johnny’s ministry in Cambodia. I believe He is constantly in our kids’ and Khmer that many more children will be blessed staffs’ minds. He was a man of few words by the ministry that Johnny has helped but his actions showed the people that he start.Though we will miss Johnny greatly, had come to serve and love.” our comfort is in John 3:16, “… whoever believes in Him shall not perish but 2012, Johnny discovered that he had lung have everlasting life”. cancer and had spread to his brain. Though the doctors only gave him few months to live, God graciously prolonged his life until June of 2013. Johnny‘s heart 23

&Partners’ News Prayer Points We warmly welcome a new addition to our office Agnes has arrived in the field last year and is personnel this year, Janelle Khoo, who has been now pursuing language studies. Do uphold her appointed as Personnel Director. She will be in your prayers. It is not easy to be so far from responsible for handling all personnel matters home and getting used to the new including enquiries, applications, and member care. environment, culture, and language. Joshua Aw, in his role as National Director, will Choon starts her new role in the Philippines. continue to be overall responsible for the She will be doing some pioneering work for day-to-day management and implementation of Interserve International. Pray for God’s favour Interserve Malaysia’s policies and strategic and open doors. directions. Pray for him in his leadership role. Pray for a balanced lifestyle in the busy work Kay had been seeking for God’s guidance for the schedule of TT. He travels frequently for work next phase in her ministry after leaving the country purposes. Pray that the Lord will strengthen his where she has been serving since July 1990. A door immune system and bless his health. K has was opened for her in another country and we started a new job. Pray that she will be able to praise God that Kay is now serving there. Do have a good grasp of her new role quickly.TT uphold her in prayers as she gets used to the new and K are also starting to learn the local environment and make new friends. language. Pray for clarity and understanding of the language. Continue to remember Grace in Mongolia as she works with stroke patients and children with The Lord has opened the doors for Timothy’s leukaemia. It is not an easy task and often requires ministry in another country. Pray that the Lord a lot of patience and love. Pray that she will be able will grant him wisdom as he leads the TEE to get time for herself as well. Pray that God will ministry that he is involved in. Pray also for continue to extend the stroke support group work. Mimosa’s health as she is battling with some health issues, and also for their son. G and A have managed to build some good friendships with the locals where they work.They Lucille has returned to Cambodia. Pray for her also have been discipling some individuals. Pray as she will have to adapt to being there without that the Lord will deepen their friendships and her husband, Johnny. Pray for good health. continue to help them be a blessing. Pray too for their children to be able to have good friends at Anita is exploring new ministry placements for school. the future. Pray that the Lord will lead her and open doors for her. 24

Lorna is back in the Middle East for another term. Alvin and Pamela are hoping to return to the Praise God that she is able to raise 100% of her field this year. Pray for the Lord’s guidance and budget. Pray that she will have another fruitful term of leading as they prepare to go. Pray also for ministry there. Pray for her health as she has been Amos (their eldest son) as he starts primary experiencing some health issues. school this year. Pray that there will be a good school he can attend in the field. Praise God that CK is able to find a suitable house and place of his own after 9 years. Pray that the Lord will Jenny has been experiencing some health use him in the community where he is based. He has issues. Pray that the Lord will heal her and also started to be involved in some business venture bless her with good health. for bringing about transformation to the community. Do pray that God will give him wisdom to be able to Ee Puay has started a TEE course at a local manage his time for ministry as well. He will be getting seminary. Pray that she will gain much from married this year. Pray for his marriage preparations to her studies and it will draw her closer to the go smoothly. Lord. She also has a heavy office workload. Do pray that she will be able to manage her time Angie has committed her time to just learning between her studies, work, and rest. language for a period of time.The Lord has provided her with a new job and she has started in April this Richard and Karen have been blessed with a year. Pray for a suitable place for her to stay, preferably place to stay. Karen has just taken on a new close to her work place. Pray for her to be able to have role. Pray for her as she embarks on a new good relationships with her new colleagues. journey. Pray too that the Lord will really bless their ministry and grant them protection. H and T are back in Malaysia on home assignment with their two girls. H will be completing his PhD this There are many challenges in the ministry that year. Both H and T are also involved in ministry at their Grace H is involved in. Pray that the Lord will home church. Pray that the Lord will refresh them for grant her wisdom and guide her steps. She this season and give them rest before they return to would like to streamline her commitment. May the field. the Lord lead her in the things that He would like for her to do. P and B were busy with visiting teams and their house renovation.They hope that with the renovation, it Pray for Daniel and Poh Suan as they minister would help them with the ministry.They could have in a local church and in member care to those more house meetings and host more people. Pray for on the field. Poh Suan's sister has been called God’s blessings and favour upon them and their back to the Lord in March 2014. Do uphold the ministry. Pray also for their children especially their family in prayers. eldest who just started school in a local school. P is also continuing with his PhD this year. Pray that the Nai Khee's dad had a fall and is now Lord will guide him in his studies. recovering. Pray for complete recovery. Pray that the Lord will continue to give her wisdom Sam has been travelling and ministering in various for her job. countries. Pray that the Lord will use his ministry to bring joy and hope to many. Pray for open doors to reach more people with his ministry. Pray too for the safety of his wife Adeline and his kids while he is away for his travels. 25

Print with us with peace of mind Contact: [email protected] mobile 012-382 1213

INTERSERVE is an international evangelical mission with over 800 Partners in a wide range of ministries in more than 30 countries in Asia and the Arab World. It is voluntarily supported and staffed by Christians from Asia and the West. Partners are normally seconded to churches or other bodies which supervise their work, while Partners maintain fellowship and pastoral links with Interserve. Our Purpose is to make Christ known through wholistic ministry, in partnership with the global church, amongst the neediest people of Asia and the Arab world so that lives and communities are transformed. Wherever we work, we seek to do so in partnership with local and national churches. A commitment to the development of local churches, and to the facilitation of those churches into mission is at the heart of Interserve’s mission call. Are you called Would you like to to serve the Nations? contribute? We have openings for a variety of professions and skills. Being a faith ministry, we depend on the continued Most of our long-term partners (people who are wanting support of local churches and individual Christians to to serve for more than 2 years) are self-financed. help provide for the work and funding the ministry. Any However, we also have partners who are tentmakers and contribution, large or small, will go a long way in doing Business As Mission. We also have short-term advancing the work of the Lord in this ministry. services for those who want to experience missions anything from 2 months to 2 years. Each Partner who goes will need to raise his or her finances.Your contribution may enable someone to go. Our Partners are serving mainly in the 10/40 Window If you are called to serve the nations or if you would like where the most unreached peoples live.They include the to partner with us by contributing financially, do contact Arab World, East Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, and us and we would like to have a chat with you. Email us at: Southeast Asia. [email protected]. If you would like to find out more, you can visit our website at www.interserve.org.my MALAYSIA

MALAYSIA P.O.Box 13002, 50769 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel : 603-7872 9029 Fax : 603- 7872 9028 [email protected] www.interserve.org.my