A 22-month missional pathway integrating cross-cultural study and service in Australia and overseas
As Jesus-followers in a globalised world, we know we’re called to love our neighbour and be agents of hope in refugee camps and city slums as well as in the local footy club and the corner cafe. But how do we do this well? Crossing the barriers of language, culture and faith takes thoughtfulness, skill, prayer and practice.
Serve in personalised mission placements in Australia and overseas. Work with your home church or local organisation in two five-month placements, and serve with an Interserve country team for a year in an overseas placement.
Learn and earn a nationally accredited diploma from Tabor. Integrate your academic learning with practical missiology. The course is fully online – study from anywhere in Australia. Why Tabor?
Explore faith and justice issues for those on the margins. Put your theology into practice with people on the move, and walk with the poor.
And do all this together with other mission-minded Jesus-followers and with your own mentor. Join regular Hub gatherings with your cohort and experience one-on-one investment by your experienced missions mentor.
Short-term mission trips, overseas holidays and even our social media newsfeed have shown us the plight of communities living in poverty, women and men subject to exploitation, or families seeking refuge from war.
“The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the Lord will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.” Isaiah 41:17
We know that these people matter to God. As a follower of Jesus, we too are called to respond.
“I look at the world; particularly those regions where unspeakable pain and suffering exist not just for a moment but as a way of life with no means of escape… Then I look through the eyes of Jesus and imagine his response to their suffering as his call to me. I need to do something about God so loving the world. Following in the footsteps of Jesus is putting faith into action.” Peter, Arab world
For some of us the call to engage in long term cross-cultural mission is core to who we are. For others it is a possibility that continues to come across our radar that wants exploring.
“My interest in cross-cultural service grew from when I was very young, reading biographies and hearing stories in church of cross-cultural workers. A series of short-term mission trips confirmed my early interest and gave me a desire to explore long-term cross-cultural service.” Amy, South East Asia
Jesus’ great commission to his disciples included their local neighbourhoods and the ends of the earth. On Track Together brings together missional opportunities both near and far, offering you scope to discern your future long-term engagement in local and overseas environments.
“From the very first day I understood the gospel, my desire was to tell other people about the wonderful gift of eternal life. Although we wondered which country we would serve in, we felt quite sure he had ‘wired’ us to live and serve him cross-culturally.” Brian, Arab world
Choosing a career and discerning a life calling doesn’t always come naturally. It can be difficult to find a fit for your passions and skills in an employable occupation, even if you’ve got a qualification. Yet God calls us to live for Him even in the uncertainty of life. He doesn’t require a career plan. He invites us to participate in what He is already doing.
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17
Current statistics suggest that young people may have up to five careers in their working lives. On Track Together responds to this trend by modelling lifelong practices of growth, reflection and engagement as a disciple of Jesus. You can bring these practices wherever you are and whatever work you’re doing.
“Your contribution may be small but it can provide much encouragement to local Christians as they endeavor to live out their calling in their world.” Interserve Partners in Central Asia
You’re qualified in your chosen profession and you’re keen to put your skills to use. Whether it’s sitting in an office, pacing the halls of a hospital or managing your own classroom, your passion is becoming reality. Our work can be life-giving – not only for ourselves but for the communities where we share our skills. It can make a real difference.
As followers of Jesus we are part of God’s “blessing to the nations” (Galatians 3:8). On Track Together is an opportunity for you to see how your skills can be used to bless communities in different cultures.
“It was God who created me and moulded my life. He gave me a desire to use my skills and experience to be a blessing to others and a witness of His grace and mercy. Through all this I can see God’s hand, His call to ‘Follow Me’.” Amy, South East Asia
On Track Together is designed to help you journey with other likeminded people, no matter where you are based in Australia. There will be regular online interaction and five face-to-face gatherings with the full cohort or with those in your regional Hub.
| Gathering One | Gathering Two | Gathering 3 | Gathering Four | Gathering Five |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cohort Gathering | Hub Gathering | Hub Gathering | Cohort Gathering | Hub Gathering |
| Melbourne, 18–23 February 2019 | Overseas, July 2019 | Overseas, January 2020 | Australia, July 2020 | Australia, November 2020 |
| Meet the group, take in the big picture, learn more about Interserve and see cross-cultural work up close. | Welcome to your region, find your feet and get set for your year of overseas service. | Halfway point: come and retreat from daily life, reflect, share, encourage and be recharged. | Welcome back to Australia, share stories and debrief your overseas experience. | Final get together: reflecting where we’ve come from and what might be next. |
February–June 2019
Australia-based
Cross-cultural service with your church or community organisation
Online study with Tabor
Initial cohort gatherings and mentoring to meet others and get started
July 2019–June 2020
12 months cross-cultural placement using your skills
Language Learning
Reflective tasks
Two Hub gatherings and mentoring to orientate and reflect
July-November 2020
Australia-based
Re-engage or create new cross-cultural connections
Online study with Tabor
Two cohort gatherings and mentoring to discern next steps
People are on the move. They are fleeing war, conflict and persecution. They’re looking for work. They’re being trafficked. They’re joining family. They’re seeking hope. For any number of reasons, they are in a new place. The UN estimates there are more the 250 million of them – 3.3% of the world’s population.
Interserve long-term workers in the Middle East and West Asia are working alongside local Christians to respond to these needs. As part of this On Track Hub, you will have opportunities to meet and sit with people on the move, hear their stories. You’ll have the chance to share your skills, and gifts as you join in the work of local churches, long-term workers and partner organisations bringing God’s hope to those who find themselves in new places.
While much work has been done to end poverty over the last few decades, the UN estimates that one in eight people in Central Asia still live below the poverty line of 1.90 USD per day.
This theme borrows its name from Bryant Myers’ formative book. Myers suggests that ending poverty involves more than just helping individuals with their physical needs. True transformation is only possible when we understand the whole person and the society around them.
Interserve has had a strong presence in Central Asia since the fall of Soviet communist rule in the early 1990s. Long-term workers engage in a wholistic approach to life, work and ministry. As part of this On Track Hub you’ll have the chance to join with the team and share your skills to support health projects, community development, business, schools and universities, Bible schools, church planting, Theological Education by Extension and other ministries. Interserve is committed to partnering with the local church in reaching the neediest peoples of Central Asia with the gospel.
We’ve got all the nitty-gritty here in one spot for you.
If you’re seeking direction to serve God with a broader worldview, passionate about being a part of alleviating poverty and injustice, or considering cross-cultural ministry as a calling, we’ve tailored the program for you. We’re looking for women and men who are willing to share their life and skills for the sake of the Gospel.
As part of your application process, you’ll fill out an online form, seek a letter of endorsement, and have a chat with you, your church/faith community and Interserve.
To get started, get in touch with Jane.
Jane, On Track Together Manager
jane@interserve.org.au
