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From the Nations to the Nations
Cross cultural mission
As a family of churches we are committed to planting churches in the nations. Many people are, at some time in their lives, called to serve in a church overseas.
Louise Salway, from the Newfrontiers church in Bournemouth, UK, is on a gap year before starting university in October, and is spending six months in Niger with Mounouni and Shiona Koudougou. The following explains how all this came about.
‘I thought I’d like to do kids’ work, maybe some women’s work too, and I have A-level French. I’ve also become more interested in the Muslim world, but nothing seemed to come clear.
‘In early November God gave me a picture of a flag. Excited, I looked for it but didn’t find a match, so despondently gave up. A week or so later someone suggested to me that I contact the Newfrontiers church in Luton, who support a couple who are church-planting in Niger. I went online to look up information on Niger and, yes, the flag I’d seen appeared on the screen! From that point onwards things happened very quickly. In December I had an interview in Luton and by 24 January I was on a plane, on my way to join Moumouni and Shiona.
‘It has been a fantastic experience with many challenges. Being here has meant the opportunity to pioneer some activities in a way that is unique to this setting. Being in a new and very different culture has also been a humbling experience, as it has highlighted to me my own weaknesses and limitations. How do you lead a Kids Club of 50+ kids, for example, when no other adults have come, the children don’t speak French and you don’t speak their African language? It’s been amazing, however, to see how God has used me despite my weakness and in challenges too big for me. The more challenges I’ve faced, the more I’ve seen God at work on my behalf. We had a brilliant time that week at Kids Club!
‘Working alongside members of the church here has also been great experience. Despite the many differences in our backgrounds and worldviews, I have made some good friends and really love the people here. We’ve worked, prayed, laughed and seen God move together.
‘The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail” (Isa. 58:11).
‘Being in a country that is so spiritually dry as well as physically, my thirst for God has increased continually. I have been getting more and more into the Word, and my personal times with God have been better than ever before.
‘Most importantly, having been stripped of my familiar surroundings, comforts, friends and family, I have had to depend on the Lord for my strength and comfort like never before, and have found that He truly is enough.’
Short Term Opportunities
Our mission together can be supported by people with relevant skills helping churches or church planting teams on a short term basis. You may not sense a long term call to serve in another nation but could still make a very significant contribution. Examples of existing opportunities are:
Gulf state:
- English language teachers (TEFL), min. six months
- Teacher for junior age children from September, min. six months
- Doctors in a state run hospital supported by a missions team, min. two years
Sub Saharan Africa:
- Doctors and Nurses for two to three week clinic trips for primary healthcare
- School Teachers, min. six months
Central Asia, Turkey:
- TEFL teachers, min. six months
To explore whether God may be calling you to cross-cultural mission in another nation, contact Ian Perry on 01234 353312 or email: ddoffice@swissmail.org. |
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Previous issues
Articles and features from previous issues of Newfrontiers Magazine are available from the magazine archive. To search the archive click here »
Printed copies
Printed copies of the latest magazine issue are available from your local Newfrontiers church or by subscribing.
Email: magazine@newfrontierstogether.org for more info. |
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