On the far side of the sea
Heading to the Middle East with four kids under seven, including a baby on my hip and a toddler at my knee, there was not a lot of fighting I could do. I did, however, need to do a lot of trusting.
Nurture and hospitality
"How on earth could we come alongside people with stories like these, and stand with them in appropriate ways? Even though we knew something about being foreigners and strangers, we were beginners in working with displaced people."
Grace for the Long Haul
Ten years is considered a long time to serve in cross-cultural work these days but it has some excellent rewards. As I look back I can see how the Grand Weaver has been weaving the threads of my life and experience to bring me to where I am today.
A bus ride to a world away
Because the government has been unable to provide kindergarten places, Christians are in a unique position to offer this ministry to their neighbours.
A Special Place in God’s Heart
Our life was not always easy in that sun-scorched land, but the blessings were plentiful and His grace was sufficient in all our circumstances.
Home at last
"There are many beautiful stories of change in this place, where lives are being impacted and empowered to be a blessing to others. Those who have had so little physically have hearts overflowing with gratitude and giving."
God give you strength
At the end of virtually every interview with a refugee who was asking for assistance we couldn’t provide, they would stand and say “Thank you” or “Peace be with you”. And as they left, with frustration fading from their eyes, they would simply say, “God give you strength”.
When Mum and Dad migrate without you
In Thailand, one in five children don't live with their parents due to internal migration. Parents work long hours and live in basic conditions while their children remain in the care of relatives or orphanages. In partnership, Interserve Partners are proactively working to keep families together through wholistic support.
Why not?
Sometimes I feel we concentrate so much on how we feel His call and asking Him, “why us?”, but maybe a different way of thinking is, “why not?” Why not go and serve alongside those who have no option of living in a safe and materially blessed society as we do. We feel that Father has given us 30 years of abundant blessings, so why not now use these blessings to bless others.
Incarnational mission
Recognising the other—women who are hidden, unrecognised and marginalised in their communities—is at the heart of women in mission.
The truth will set you free
I told her that if she had another 10 children they should all be normal. Then realised what I had said and said, "Well maybe not 10, maybe 5!" In the midst of this she was both crying and laughing but she was delighted to know that she had no risk of any future children being affected.
For such a time as this…
Millennials have a global mindset which gives them confidence for crossing cultural barriers.
God is moving
"I didn’t want to be alone anymore. I was so lonely I was ready to befriend anything that moved."
Conversations
We find connection as women. Over cups of tea or a meal, we can converse for hours. Sharing about our lives, our joys and our disappointments.
Leading from the heart: Bishop John Reid
Bishop John Reid passed away on the 2nd January 2016. His legacy of leadership within Interserve is not widely known but is very significant.
Still needed and wanted
“They want mission workers who will work with them, under them, alongside them.”
Of Cars and Karma
A Buddhist friend in Australia asked for my help in buying a used car. He was frustrated after several unsuccessful attempts, disappointed and baffled by the experience; after all, he had done nothing particularly bad in his life. For a Buddhist, the law of karma means that bad deeds result in bad consequences, so why him?
By Grace Alone
Suzy is a 32-year-old yellow Suzuki Swift who was loaned to us by friends when they realised we needed a temporary second car. She can be reluctant to start some mornings and she is not as beautiful as she once was.
Are you fasting
Are you fasting? This is one of the most common questions we are asked at this time of year.
Watching grass grow
"Herein lies the battle. We like quick results. I want instant deep relationships. I want the school project to be fully funded, location determined… I want my kids to speak the local language already! But is being here about what I want? We are learning that there is value in the waiting; in the slowing down."
