Introducing our interim National Director!

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Here’s Arco (our interim National Director) and his wife Mirjam!

In February, Arco and Mirjam flew from chilly Amsterdam to warm Melbourne. Since then, they’ve met Partners and community members right across Australia!

 

Arco and Mirjam have had a long association with Interserve, including as Partners in the Middle East. Arco was also the National Director of Interserve Netherlands until December 2020, and holds significant business expertise. We’ve greatly benefited from Arco & Mirjam’s expertise and experience. They will be in Australia until August.

Q: Arco, what were your first impressions of Australia?

The first night we were in Australia, Jane (a staff member) told us we needed to adopt a footy club… and specifically told us we should NOT support Collingwood. So, we’ve chosen to support Collingwood. 🙂

I have also been amused by the sense of competition between the states, particularly the rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne. There’s nothing like it in the Netherlands!

I’ve also been very struck by the town planning – roads are wide and straight, and the suburbs are very planned. Cities in Europe are much more dense, which means roads are smaller and more meandering, and fun to explore.

The people are very welcoming. I have met many people in the Interserve community and Partners from around the country including Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne and Brisbane. (Perth is coming up!) We’ve even met familiar faces from our time in the Middle East, and it’s been a pleasure!

Q: What are you excited to see happen in the coming months?

The Australian Board has asked me to help continue the implementation of the Strategic Plan. The next steps are about envisioning and equipping churches in Australia to engage in local intercultural work. We have some exciting initiatives to help church members and youth groups learn how to engage across cultures.

I’m excited about our ongoing vision to serve the peoples of Asia and the Arab world, both overseas and here in Australia, and about strengthening some of the ways we work here in Australia.

Q: Lastly, how can we pray for you and Mirjam?

Our three children are back in the Netherlands. Please pray for all the ways we try to stay connected with them.

I’d also value your prayers for the leadership team and Interserve staff during this time, and that God would lead us as we seek the next National Director of Interserve Australia. Thank you.