The relevance of cross-cultural ministry is increasingly questioned by Christians today. Maybe not always voiced; but it’s a demonstrable sentiment nonetheless. The reasons for mission drift are rarely singular—but post-colonial cringe, post-Christendom insecurity, and postmodern relativism must number among them. Throw in global sex abuse scandals, toxic nationalism, refugee politics and compassion fatigue and Christians […]
Fear is normal. Imagine life without fear. You’d walk into oncoming traffic. You’d swim outside the flags. You wouldn’t study for an exam and you’d spend your way to bankruptcy. While “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”, a healthy respect for the things that threaten, harm, or hinder us surely builds […]
Intangible gifts that make a tangible difference to people who need it most. We believe that the most important things in life aren’t things. Being treated with dignity. Having support with mental health. Earning a livelihood. Growing up as part of a family. TangibleLove.org.au is a place where you can buy a gift or contribute to […]
Paperwork, spreadsheets, filing, correspondence, keeping records, compliance, logistics, making sure to order replacement toner for the photocopier… Administration. It’s all pretty ordinary stuff. It’s not exactly the same as being a doctor or a teacher or a theological lecturer, is it? It’s not the same at all. It’s an entirely different and valuable set of […]
Recently, as I started the last chapter of Romans in my quiet time it struck me that Paul sent greetings to three women who have worked hard in the Lord. What got me what that in this particular letter he didn’t say these women worked hard for the Lord or even with Him but in […]
And the nominees are … Interserve authors! SparkLit announced the shortlist for the Australian Christian Book of the Year. Congratulations to Dr Bernie Power on Challenging Islamic Traditions: Searching QuestionsAbout the Hadith from a Christian Perspective and to co-authors Andrew Schachtel, Choon-Hwa Lim and Michael K. Wilson on Changing Lanes, Crossing Cultures. The award recognises and encourages excellence in […]
I held the piece in my hand, staying intently at its detail. It didn’t seem to fit. I couldn’t make sense of it. We were at breaking point in the puzzle-making process. Recently, Mason had received a puzzle from his grandparents that was too difficult for him to do alone, so I had happily agreed […]
Crossing cultures isn’t easy. Getting to know your neighbour, making friends and building cross-cultural communities is something that definitely takes time and effort. But it doesn’t take a superhero! Here’s eleven lessons learned by an experienced cross-cultural practitioner. Culture tends to follow the line of least resistance. So, unless we make a conscious effort, […]
As I read the Gospels I am continually drawn to the disciples and the way they acted (or didn’t). Far from being brilliant scholars, political animals, or seasoned leaders I see a ragtag bunch of people from across the spectrum of society at the time. Jesus didn’t head hunt any of them from high office […]
“Will they make friends?” “Where will they be able to learn and continue to thrive?” “I hope they will be happy.” When God calls a family away from what has been called ‘home’ to work alongside Him overseas, it is not just the parent’s lives that are changed – but also their children’s. INF seeks […]
