Lakes Entrance Baptist Church |
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Mission Spot |
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by Barbara Gray MISSION NEWS
Mission News Dignity Restored Nepal (SIM magazine) It was a 3 day journey down the mountain. Each step was difficult for 36 year old Sarita who had been diagnosed with leprosy at age 11. Her feet were no more than stumps, covered with big ulcers from the journey … her hands had no full fingers. No one would marry her, no one would employ her, and even her friends stayed away. Now she was on her way to the International Nepal Fellowship Dang project based in Nepal’s remote Midwest. This project is bringing hope to those with leprosy and providing the only service of its kind in the area of 1.5 million people. Sarita’s ulcers were treated. She was referred to a bigger hospital for surgery on her feet. Too disabled to earn a living, she was given moulded shoes and a stick to help her walk and provided with a living allowance. At the centre she heard about Jesus and the way he had compassion on those with leprosy and how he gave his life for her. Joyfully she gave her life to Jesus and joined the local church. A church member took her into their home. Sarita says, “I feel that my leprosy was one of God’s ways to lead me into his kingdom. Before I knew Jesus I was very sad and miserable most of the time, but he has given me joy and I am so happy to know him. Now I feel strongly that if I had not known Christ as my Saviour, I would have ended my life. Praise the Lord he saved me at the right time and not too late. I am so grateful to God and to INF and I would like others to know my story so they can see how good and faithful God has been to me.” Stronger together The Marwari people in South Asia, with their ancient Hindu background, tend to be marginalised and mistreated by people of the majority religion among whom they live. Some decades ago, Christians from the west told some Marwari about salvation through Christ and a few hundred of them became believers. They are scattered over a large area and have few resources for Christian growth. Their greatest need is encouragement, through regular meetings for worship and Bible study. But with only 4 pastors, among the entire group, who could facilitate these meetings? Then came the vision for the Christians themselves to lead the way in forming home groups where this vital fellowship could take place. The initiative was named “Disciples of Jesus in Action”. The mission team translated booklets to guide the small groups in studying the Bible and in becoming a growing and reproducing church. The leaders of the budding groups receive a set of booklets to guide their work with their people. But it’s hard for them to maintain momentum. They are themselves members of this disadvantaged group, most of them with minimal education and facing economic challenges daily. That’s where mentors come in. Through regular mentoring sessions, the group leaders receive training and encouragement to keep on following the guidelines in the booklets. They also need to develop the freedom to ask questions, offer fresh ideas, suggest topics for further study and identify potential leaders in their groups – a counter-cultural concept where the respected teacher is usually viewed as the only authority. Abera a new Ethiopian missionary serving with his family among the Marwari people will lead DJA in South Asia. He will mobilise mentors and help them gain skills they need to lead the group leaders. And he’ll keep on encouraging them to maintain frequent contact with their assigned leaders, in order to help them stay on track. A second Ethiopian couple arrived recently to help in Marwari outreach. All this is done in the name and Spirit of Jesus, who promised, “I will build my church.” Pray for Rick and Anne Weymouth as they prepare to return to the Middle East. Pray concerning their visas and residency. Pray that Matthew and Stephen will settle quickly. Pray for Michelle Taylor as she returns to Australia and settles into her own home. Pray for the Rybinsk Church as they continue to minister at the orphanages. Pray for Bill and Pauline Morrison as they continue to raise support and share in a training camp in the Northern Territory in August. |