SERVE
Serve with an Interserve team in Asia or the Arab world.
Serve intercultural communities in Australia or the UK.
As Jesus-followers in a globalised world, we’re called to love our neighbour and be agents of hope in refugee camps and the city slums as well as the corner cafe and the local footy club.
So, where do we start? Crossing the barriers of language and culture takes skill, prayer and practice. Easy to say. Hard to do. Thankfully we don’t have to do this alone. Jesus calls us to walk with others on the journey.
On Track Together is an opportunity to learn more about wholistic mission and explore faith and justice issues through intercultural study and service overseas. Together with others.
Serve with an Interserve team in Asia or the Arab world.
Serve intercultural communities in Australia or the UK.
Learn and earn a Diploma of Intercultural Studies online.
Combine your academic knowledge with practical ministry skills.
Explore faith and justice issues for those on the margins.
Put your learning into practice as you walk with the poor and people on the move.
Do all this as part of a mission-minded community.
Get guidance from your 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.
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
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
“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.”
“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’.”
“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.”
“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.”
Timeframe: flexible (begin when you are ready)
Connect with regular web events and explore issues of justice, faith and mission
Jump into some intercultural study with Tabor^
Check out opportunities to grow your cross-cultural skills in your town or city
Get matched and meet up with a missions mentor
Discern where God might be leading you next with regular online gatherings
Timeframe: 6 or 12-month placements
Pack your bags, you’re off overseas. Choose a 6 or 12-month placement in one of the following regions:
Join an Interserve team, and use your gifting, skills and profession to serve others
Learn a new language*
Delve deep into your experiences with reflective tasks*
Join in exposure trips to Asia and the Arab world (for UK placements)
Timeframe – flexible (recommended 6 months)
Connect back with your church and share your story
Gain your diploma, complete final course units
Discern your next steps with your missions mentor
More than 580 million people are still living in extreme poverty. And yet ending poverty is more than urgent relief to physical needs. True transformation is only possible when we understand the whole person and the society around them.
In Asia and the Arab world, Interserve workers serve with the local church, development organisations, hospitals, schools and social enterprises to help communities break free from poverty’s devastating effects and experience the abundant life Jesus offers.
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 than 250 million refugees or 3.3% of the world’s population.
Interserve workers throughout the world are working alongside local Christians to respond to the needs of refugees and migrants. They build friendships, share their skills, and are agents of God’s hope to those who find themselves in new places.
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
Interserve is a community of ordinary Christians putting faith into action. We live and work among the most marginalised peoples of the Arab world, Asia and Australia.
Motivated by Christ’s heart of compassion, and in partnership with His church, we share our skills and experience to change tomorrow by what we do today.
Tel: 1800 067 100
Email: info@interserve.org.au