Almost five months after I returned from Bolivia my thoughts and conversations have frequently begun with the phrase “this time last year” ...and yet, this time last year seems like a dream. Did it really happen? Did I really spend eleven months in Bolivia? My experiences of last

year already seem vague and out of reach. One thing that keeps me grounded in my remembrances are the pictures that I took while there. These pictures remind me that life still goes on in the place that I left.

One photo of a girl - to be honest, I don’t even know what this little girl’s name is - was taken when I was helping at a Bolivian kids club one Saturday. This little girl with the striking eyes and the cropped hair, compels us to know her story, but in truth, (page 2)

evangelism...our role

in thekingdom

By Jody Brundige

By Prayer

JANUARY 2014

SIMNOW

Serving In Mission

u

u

u

u

u

u

Zambia - connecting through colouring P 3

Reaching the marginalized P 4

Serving in Canada P 5

Teaching on a wave P 6

Apostle wins whole tribe P 8

Youth reached through music P 10

moving God’s people into God’s mission

INSIDE:

www.sim.ca

THIS ISSUE: Winningmore people to Christ

BOLIVIAq

2

(from page 1) her life represents the many children in Bolivia with stories just like hers, stories of poverty and heartbreak.

As my memories of Bolivia are reduced to pictures, my heart becomes numbed to the suffering that I witnessed. The suffering of the street people who I saw daily on my walks around the city. I remember one woman in particular. She used to stand outside of a popular family restaurant. The traditional clothing of the Quechua people hung on her thin waif-like frame. Her dress was dirty and worn, and she wore an old battered hat to keep the sun off of her head. She had the appearance that she had lived forever. This woman used to beg from the people who were in the building and she would run an old tin cup along the bars on the fence outside of the patio, making a

Bolivian. We do not need to worry about hunger, or clothes, or the dangers of the street. Yet, the quality of our eternity may be the same. This reminds me that although I am back in Canada, and at this point, I believe that I will remain here, my role in the Kingdom is the same. Reaching people for Christ is the same, no matter the quality of life. Our hearts for reaching lost souls for Christ need to be strengthened not numbed over time. The pity that we might feel at seeing a child begging on the street needs to be a thousandfold for pity that we feel for their lost souls.

Wherever we are, no matter the quality of life, our calling for evangelism must be the same. We are all equal in the sight of God; every soul is precious to Him. n

clanging noise impossible to ignore. Her pleading eyes and voice would haunt the dreams of even the most unfeeling person, as they haunt my thoughts now.

This scene was heartbreaking. There were too many heartbreaking things that I saw last year. Amidst the heartbreak, however, I realized that the poverty that I saw was just a circumstance of being on this earth. It is not eternal. What does determine the condition of our eternity, however, is our hearts. As missionaries, or supporters of missionaries, although we can try to improve the quality of living for the people that we are trying to reach, what is lasting is our part in changing the quality of their eternity.

An average Canadian has a quality of life that is far above that of the average

3

It had taken me a decade! I had always wanted to use my skills for God’s glory overseas and because of that I went to Zambia to work as a Pharmacist.

Shortly after arriving at Mukinge, I quickly learned the routine of life working and living in the “bush”. A typical day consisted of: morning chapel, dispensing medication, lunch, followed by more dispensing until the day was done. After a while, working in Zambia seemed no different from working in Canada, and at times, I wondered at the impact of my time there.

Relief from monotony came in the form of a weekly Bible Study. Every Thursday afternoon, the children and their parents from the Pediatric wards would be invited to gather together for a time of Bible study and arts and crafts.

The theme for the Bible study varied, from telling parables to sharing about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Each time, we strived to emphasize the importance of having a relationship with God; not only receiving the gift of salvation, but the importance of discipleship and obedience as well.

Arts and crafts were always a fun, and interesting experience. Although targeted to children, oftentimes, it was the adults who were the most focused and absorbed in the project, even when it was simply colouring. In the absence of abundance, even colouring a picture with a few pencil crayons, provided great joy and happiness.

It is easy to focus our attention on meeting the physical needs of others, and indeed, that need will always exist. However, aside from physical healing, there exists a real need for spiritual healing as well. Even in a ‘Christian’ country, such as Zambia, where there are opportunities and openness to talking about God and spirituality, barriers remain. In spite of overt and public declarations of faith, somehow it does not always appear to translate into daily life practices.

My time at Mukinge Hospital was indeed a blessing; God broke down barriers in my perception of the world, showing me that we are more similar than we tend to perceive. God is working in Mukinge, and I am thankful for the opportunity to have gone to serve His people there. Serving the physical needs in Zambia was fulfilling, but the time that God set apart for me for an hour and a half every week, to sit with His children and share His word, will forever hold a special place in my heart. n

SIMNOW

„ winning for eternity it matters

ZAMBIAq

I finally did it...By Wing-Tse Cheng

2

(from page 1) her life represents the many children in Bolivia with stories just like hers, stories of poverty and heartbreak.

As my memories of Bolivia are reduced to pictures, my heart becomes numbed to the suffering that I witnessed. The suffering of the street people who I saw daily on my walks around the city. I remember one woman in particular. She used to stand outside of a popular family restaurant. The traditional clothing of the Quechua people hung on her thin waif-like frame. Her dress was dirty and worn, and she wore an old battered hat to keep the sun off of her head. She had the appearance that she had lived forever. This woman used to beg from the people who were in the building and she would run an old tin cup along the bars on the fence outside of the patio, making a

Bolivian. We do not need to worry about hunger, or clothes, or the dangers of the street. Yet, the quality of our eternity may be the same. This reminds me that although I am back in Canada, and at this point, I believe that I will remain here, my role in the Kingdom is the same. Reaching people for Christ is the same, no matter the quality of life. Our hearts for reaching lost souls for Christ need to be strengthened not numbed over time. The pity that we might feel at seeing a child begging on the street needs to be a thousandfold for pity that we feel for their lost souls.

Wherever we are, no matter the quality of life, our calling for evangelism must be the same. We are all equal in the sight of God; every soul is precious to Him. n

clanging noise impossible to ignore. Her pleading eyes and voice would haunt the dreams of even the most unfeeling person, as they haunt my thoughts now.

This scene was heartbreaking. There were too many heartbreaking things that I saw last year. Amidst the heartbreak, however, I realized that the poverty that I saw was just a circumstance of being on this earth. It is not eternal. What does determine the condition of our eternity, however, is our hearts. As missionaries, or supporters of missionaries, although we can try to improve the quality of living for the people that we are trying to reach, what is lasting is our part in changing the quality of their eternity.

An average Canadian has a quality of life that is far above that of the average

3

It had taken me a decade! I had always wanted to use my skills for God’s glory overseas and because of that I went to Zambia to work as a Pharmacist.

Shortly after arriving at Mukinge, I quickly learned the routine of life working and living in the “bush”. A typical day consisted of: morning chapel, dispensing medication, lunch, followed by more dispensing until the day was done. After a while, working in Zambia seemed no different from working in Canada, and at times, I wondered at the impact of my time there.

Relief from monotony came in the form of a weekly Bible Study. Every Thursday afternoon, the children and their parents from the Pediatric wards would be invited to gather together for a time of Bible study and arts and crafts.

The theme for the Bible study varied, from telling parables to sharing about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Each time, we strived to emphasize the importance of having a relationship with God; not only receiving the gift of salvation, but the importance of discipleship and obedience as well.

Arts and crafts were always a fun, and interesting experience. Although targeted to children, oftentimes, it was the adults who were the most focused and absorbed in the project, even when it was simply colouring. In the absence of abundance, even colouring a picture with a few pencil crayons, provided great joy and happiness.

It is easy to focus our attention on meeting the physical needs of others, and indeed, that need will always exist. However, aside from physical healing, there exists a real need for spiritual healing as well. Even in a ‘Christian’ country, such as Zambia, where there are opportunities and openness to talking about God and spirituality, barriers remain. In spite of overt and public declarations of faith, somehow it does not always appear to translate into daily life practices.

My time at Mukinge Hospital was indeed a blessing; God broke down barriers in my perception of the world, showing me that we are more similar than we tend to perceive. God is working in Mukinge, and I am thankful for the opportunity to have gone to serve His people there. Serving the physical needs in Zambia was fulfilling, but the time that God set apart for me for an hour and a half every week, to sit with His children and share His word, will forever hold a special place in my heart. n

SIMNOW

„ winning for eternity it matters

ZAMBIAq

I finally did it...By Wing-Tse Cheng

There are hardly any Deaf people younger than 40 attending Deaf churches in South West Ontario. When I preach in different Deaf congregations I encourage them to support and get involved with Christian ministries that engage young Deaf kids.

One such place is the Bob Rumball Camp of the Deaf near Parry Sound, ON. It provides an amazing opportunity - so much so, that I felt led to serve two weeks as a counsellor at a senior youth camp (kids aged 12-17) this past summer. It was tiring, challenging, and transforming.

The Bob Rumball Camp of the Deaf was founded in the 1960’s by the members of Toronto’s Evangelical Church of the Deaf, and the Ontario Mission of the Deaf. Rev. Bob Rumball had a vision to have a facility in the heart of Ontario where a Deaf child could enjoy everything that a summer camp could offer, but in an environment without any communication barriers. It was established as a Christian camp and has maintained that distinctive.

Having Deaf parents involved in running its programs, I attended this camp a few times in the 1970’s as a child. But not long after arriving this year, I realized, “This isn’t my childhood camp experience!” I had envisioned energetic yet cooperative teens enjoying

nature and one another’s company. To be sure, that did happen. Yet I also saw dysfunctional kids who need Jesus. The camp welcomes youth who are Deaf, but many are also challenged in other ways. There are some at risk youth, who are not only dealing with deafness but with other social, family, relational, emotional, or educational issues.

Fights broke out, swearing, disrespectful comments, and disregard for rules and authority were prevalent. I was “fired” as counsellor a number of times by my campers who said hateful words.

We know the Gospel of Jesus Christ transforms lives. Often this happens slowly and steadily over time. Occasionally this happens in obvious and sudden ways. In discussing transformed lives, usually we missionaries feel compelled to talk about the latter –dramatic stories of impact.

We also, usually, talk about transformation in the ones being told of the Good News; yet it is also true that Jesus transforms the ones sharing the gospel, too. I’ve had opportunities to share the gospel with others in my life, by actions and by words. What I’ve found is that sharing builds my faith, and my heart opens wider to embrace others. What gives the best opportunity for sharing faith with someone? Getting into places where your paths will intersect. That motivated me to be at camp.

I was praying for opportunities to share Christ. Each night “Power Hour” leads the kids through contemporary Christian songs and a Bible-based message. A few nights I was invited to

„ winning the marginalized there’s a whole worldright outside yourfront doorstep

theministry

ofsmall

potatoesby Andrew Lunau Smith

speak on the camp’s theme of love based on 1 Cor. 13, and I was blessed with the opportunity to share the love of Jesus a number of times.

I wish I could now relate a great and clear instance where the gospel had transformed one of my campers in a “night-and-day” experience. It didn’t happen that way, but God was still at work!

He was at work in a shy and timid kid to overcome his fears of learning skills in a new sport. I shared with him about the spiritual strength we gain in knowing Jesus.

He was in conversations with a camper from a Muslim background who was eager to know about Jesus.

God was at work in two guys who physically fought. Several nights later when another camper got stung by a wasp, these same two guys were side-by-side, caring for him.

And I saw God’s work in another “tough guy” who was fascinated with the telescope I brought and who served others by gently helping them look at the moon as we fought off the mosquitoes.

One of my campers made a commitment to follow Jesus. The next day he got into a brawl with another camper. Will God continue transforming him? Of course He will! I trust God.

Pray with me that the transforming work of the Holy Spirit will continue in the lives of these campers. As I continue to reach into the Deaf community, pray that people will be transformed by the gospel. It may start slow and small but as yeast goes throughout the bread, I know God is moving.

n

u

u

Speaking at a recent SIM Canada prayer day at

SIM’s headquarters Andrew commented:

“I feel like I have 10 pots of small potatoes on the

stove, on the boil. I ‘sign’ at a church, work in a camp,

encourage pastors of Deaf congregations - wherever the

marginalized Deaf are, so am I.”Could it be that out of all those

pots of small potatoes Andrew is making God’s gourmet mash?

YOU can reach out and impact your neighbourhood!

What can you do?

trainer/coach for churches to develop

cross-cultural/marginalized evangelism

Urban networker and researcher

Immigrant leaders who want to change the

spiritual direction of their people

engage the church to reach a

marginalized group

„

„

„

„

Where are you needed?

Calgary

Edmonton

Halifax

Montreal

Vancouver

Winnipeg

„

„

„

„

„

„

Photos: www.facebook.com/RumballCampOfTheDeaf

Culture Connections partner missionaries with churches in local kingdom initiatives to create breakthrough communities...enabling and equipping the church to be relevant to their neighbourhoods.

The diagram below illustrates the four areas of focus for Culture Connection missionaries in Canada.

Home missionary movements - like SIM Canada’s Culture Connections - are exploding across North America. The phenomenon is noted as a significant trend in the latest ‘Operation World’.

Mission is on our doorstep in our culturally diverse neighbourhoods, schools and universities.

Today, there are more than 20 Culture Connections missionary families ministering to different cultures alongside urban churches in Canada - and more are coming. Many are Canadians, some are Koreans, some are from Africa and the Middle East. What about you? Do you feel the call to ministry in diverse urban neighbourhoods. SIM Canada likely has just the place for you. Enquire now at canada.info@sim.org. n

By Brian Seim - Ministry Director, SIM Canada Culture Connections

culture connect ions a ministry of SIM Canada 54

There are hardly any Deaf people younger than 40 attending Deaf churches in South West Ontario. When I preach in different Deaf congregations I encourage them to support and get involved with Christian ministries that engage young Deaf kids.

One such place is the Bob Rumball Camp of the Deaf near Parry Sound, ON. It provides an amazing opportunity - so much so, that I felt led to serve two weeks as a counsellor at a senior youth camp (kids aged 12-17) this past summer. It was tiring, challenging, and transforming.

The Bob Rumball Camp of the Deaf was founded in the 1960’s by the members of Toronto’s Evangelical Church of the Deaf, and the Ontario Mission of the Deaf. Rev. Bob Rumball had a vision to have a facility in the heart of Ontario where a Deaf child could enjoy everything that a summer camp could offer, but in an environment without any communication barriers. It was established as a Christian camp and has maintained that distinctive.

Having Deaf parents involved in running its programs, I attended this camp a few times in the 1970’s as a child. But not long after arriving this year, I realized, “This isn’t my childhood camp experience!” I had envisioned energetic yet cooperative teens enjoying

nature and one another’s company. To be sure, that did happen. Yet I also saw dysfunctional kids who need Jesus. The camp welcomes youth who are Deaf, but many are also challenged in other ways. There are some at risk youth, who are not only dealing with deafness but with other social, family, relational, emotional, or educational issues.

Fights broke out, swearing, disrespectful comments, and disregard for rules and authority were prevalent. I was “fired” as counsellor a number of times by my campers who said hateful words.

We know the Gospel of Jesus Christ transforms lives. Often this happens slowly and steadily over time. Occasionally this happens in obvious and sudden ways. In discussing transformed lives, usually we missionaries feel compelled to talk about the latter –dramatic stories of impact.

We also, usually, talk about transformation in the ones being told of the Good News; yet it is also true that Jesus transforms the ones sharing the gospel, too. I’ve had opportunities to share the gospel with others in my life, by actions and by words. What I’ve found is that sharing builds my faith, and my heart opens wider to embrace others. What gives the best opportunity for sharing faith with someone? Getting into places where your paths will intersect. That motivated me to be at camp.

I was praying for opportunities to share Christ. Each night “Power Hour” leads the kids through contemporary Christian songs and a Bible-based message. A few nights I was invited to

„ winning the marginalized there’s a whole worldright outside yourfront doorstep

theministry

ofsmall

potatoesby Andrew Lunau Smith

speak on the camp’s theme of love based on 1 Cor. 13, and I was blessed with the opportunity to share the love of Jesus a number of times.

I wish I could now relate a great and clear instance where the gospel had transformed one of my campers in a “night-and-day” experience. It didn’t happen that way, but God was still at work!

He was at work in a shy and timid kid to overcome his fears of learning skills in a new sport. I shared with him about the spiritual strength we gain in knowing Jesus.

He was in conversations with a camper from a Muslim background who was eager to know about Jesus.

God was at work in two guys who physically fought. Several nights later when another camper got stung by a wasp, these same two guys were side-by-side, caring for him.

And I saw God’s work in another “tough guy” who was fascinated with the telescope I brought and who served others by gently helping them look at the moon as we fought off the mosquitoes.

One of my campers made a commitment to follow Jesus. The next day he got into a brawl with another camper. Will God continue transforming him? Of course He will! I trust God.

Pray with me that the transforming work of the Holy Spirit will continue in the lives of these campers. As I continue to reach into the Deaf community, pray that people will be transformed by the gospel. It may start slow and small but as yeast goes throughout the bread, I know God is moving.

n

u

u

Speaking at a recent SIM Canada prayer day at

SIM’s headquarters Andrew commented:

“I feel like I have 10 pots of small potatoes on the

stove, on the boil. I ‘sign’ at a church, work in a camp,

encourage pastors of Deaf congregations - wherever the

marginalized Deaf are, so am I.”Could it be that out of all those

pots of small potatoes Andrew is making God’s gourmet mash?

YOU can reach out and impact your neighbourhood!

What can you do?

trainer/coach for churches to develop

cross-cultural/marginalized evangelism

Urban networker and researcher

Immigrant leaders who want to change the

spiritual direction of their people

engage the church to reach a

marginalized group

„

„

„

„

Where are you needed?

Calgary

Edmonton

Halifax

Montreal

Vancouver

Winnipeg

„

„

„

„

„

„

Photos: www.facebook.com/RumballCampOfTheDeaf

Culture Connections partner missionaries with churches in local kingdom initiatives to create breakthrough communities...enabling and equipping the church to be relevant to their neighbourhoods.

The diagram below illustrates the four areas of focus for Culture Connection missionaries in Canada.

Home missionary movements - like SIM Canada’s Culture Connections - are exploding across North America. The phenomenon is noted as a significant trend in the latest ‘Operation World’.

Mission is on our doorstep in our culturally diverse neighbourhoods, schools and universities.

Today, there are more than 20 Culture Connections missionary families ministering to different cultures alongside urban churches in Canada - and more are coming. Many are Canadians, some are Koreans, some are from Africa and the Middle East. What about you? Do you feel the call to ministry in diverse urban neighbourhoods. SIM Canada likely has just the place for you. Enquire now at canada.info@sim.org. n

By Brian Seim - Ministry Director, SIM Canada Culture Connections

culture connect ions a ministry of SIM Canada 54

7

„ a vision to win surfers

winningmore people

to Christ‘is on the crest of a

wave’

SIMNOW

What doeswin more peopleto Christ look like?

„ „

„

I see many steps of faith between the initial interest or turning to Christ and coming to a point of commitment and dedication. For me it means people coming into a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord, reading His Word daily, conversing with Him, eager to follow Him, obey Him, grow in Him, in love, in His power and in fruitful service. KAREN - DOCTOR, ANGOLA

It means that I, according to who I am, walk in obedience to

Christ as I interact with people. I recently heard of a man who was playing golf with Billy Graham. He came away from the game very angry, talking of having religion stuffed down his throat. The friend who was listening let him vent his feelings and then asked, "Well, what did Billy Graham say?" The answer, "Nothing." Billy Graham’s graciousness, patience and other attributes spoke very loudly to this man. I don't say that I shouldn't speak out the Gospel when the opportunity arise, just that our whole being should show forth to whom we belong.

TINA - TEACHER, BOTSWANA

We must share the gospel of Jesus Christ, helping people to understand it and then lead them to accept Jesus as Saviour, asking Him for forgiveness of our sins. Then we must help them to grow and become mature believers in Christ with Jesus as our Lord.

JUDY - RETIRED MISSIONARY, ZAMBIA

...people coming to a vibrantrelationship with

Jesus Christ

...we mustshare and help

people understand the Gospel

...it meansthat I walk in obedienceto Christ as I interact

with people

On beaches around the world, surf and warm sand have conspired to create some of the most unique “seminary” classrooms ever. Theological education, once the privilege of students who study in a classroom, is now increasingly available to nearly anyone, anywhere. SIM’s Bruce Blackbell grew up surfing the waves at Cronulla Beach in Sydney, Australia. At ease on a surfboard, he surfed informally with professionals. At the age of 12 he came to faith in Christ at a camp. When Bruce was a teenager, a group of his peers on Cronulla Beach caught a vision for reaching other surfers for Jesus. The idea spread in Australia, initiated by Brett Davis, who founded Christian Surfers in 1977. What began with some visionary teens on surfboards is now known as Christian Surfers

Reaching and teaching surfers

around the worldIn November 2012 Christian Surfers

International celebrated their 20th

anniversary. This gathering of wave-

catching, Jesus-loving athletes took

place on the North Shore of Honolulu,

Hawaii, likely to be the birthplace of

surfing.

The conference focused on challenging

Christian surfers to prioritize Jesus over

surfing, and provided ideas for reaching

out to surfers around the world. Bruce

presented TEE, and interest grew for

implementing it in several national

chapters throughout Latin America. The

vision is to discover and develop

emerging leaders through the use of

“One Universal, Non-Denominational,

International Theological Extension

course.”

For two weeks following the

conference, Bruce participated in and

taught an evangelistic and discipleship

outreach program, along with others,

such as Andy Curruthers, Chaplain to

International (CSI)

and operates in 35 of

the world’s 120 “surfable”

nations. (The history of CSI is

detailed in a new book, Ground

Swell, by Brett Davis.)

In 2007 Bruce and his wife, Marsha,

and their family headed to Peru with

SIM. His task was to teach Theological

Education by Extension (TEE), a

theological training course designed for

students who lack access, opportunity

or funds for seminary training.

Like many before him, Bruce took TEE

to the Amazon jungle and the Andes

Mountains. Before long he was also

drawn to Peru's surfers. Asked to serve

as Board Director of Christian Surfers

Peru, he quickly discovered that many

surfers had a deep knowledge of the

ocean, but a shallow knowledge of the

Bible. So he offered to train, disciple and

equip them through TEE. In this way,

formally and affordably, Christian

scholarship made its way to some of the

world’s least-reached people: surfers.

long board professionals. Volunteers from Japan, Norway, South Africa, USA, Australia, Peru and Brazil spoke to crowds along the beach while watching the Triple Crown professional surfing contests. The mission was highly successful, with three local church partners requesting that a team return to the contest every year. Thousands of people from every nation, tribe and people group compete for the coveted Triple Crown. Recently Bruce and Marsha returned to Australia to serve as mission mobilizers for SIM. Bruce works part-time as a minister in Port Macquarie, a surfing town northeast of Sydney that hosts Australia's national surfing title contests. He continues his various leadership roles in South America, most visibly as Board Director for Christian Surfers in Peru, and travels to Peru twice a year to advocate TEE and administer diplomas. Through his work, surfers in South America are being grounded in the Word of God and equipped to help make disciples in all nations. n

Catching that

elusive waveSurfing attracts thousands

of rookies, tourists and

aspiring professionals to hang

out at the world’s great surf

destinations. For many it’s all about

catching that elusive wave, hoping to be

photographed, to achieve fame and

fortune or to become a professional.

Some will spend the day waiting for that

one great wave, only to discover it’s not

enough!

Some people live for surfing at the

expense of losing their family, their

work, even their homes. Many are

homeless, living in cars on the beach or

under trees; they become hermits just

to surf. People travel from all around the

world to attend contests because they

worship surfing.

Some surf professionals have heard

the gospel but refuse to bow down to

Christ, afraid of losing sponsors and

forfeiting their powerful identities and

fortunes.

For more information about Christian Surfers, visit http://christiansurfers.net/

q PERU

6

7

„ a vision to win surfers

winningmore people

to Christ‘is on the crest of a

wave’

SIMNOW

What doeswin more peopleto Christ look like?

„ „

„

I see many steps of faith between the initial interest or turning to Christ and coming to a point of commitment and dedication. For me it means people coming into a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord, reading His Word daily, conversing with Him, eager to follow Him, obey Him, grow in Him, in love, in His power and in fruitful service. KAREN - DOCTOR, ANGOLA

It means that I, according to who I am, walk in obedience to

Christ as I interact with people. I recently heard of a man who was playing golf with Billy Graham. He came away from the game very angry, talking of having religion stuffed down his throat. The friend who was listening let him vent his feelings and then asked, "Well, what did Billy Graham say?" The answer, "Nothing." Billy Graham’s graciousness, patience and other attributes spoke very loudly to this man. I don't say that I shouldn't speak out the Gospel when the opportunity arise, just that our whole being should show forth to whom we belong.

TINA - TEACHER, BOTSWANA

We must share the gospel of Jesus Christ, helping people to understand it and then lead them to accept Jesus as Saviour, asking Him for forgiveness of our sins. Then we must help them to grow and become mature believers in Christ with Jesus as our Lord.

JUDY - RETIRED MISSIONARY, ZAMBIA

...people coming to a vibrantrelationship with

Jesus Christ

...we mustshare and help

people understand the Gospel

...it meansthat I walk in obedienceto Christ as I interact

with people

On beaches around the world, surf and warm sand have conspired to create some of the most unique “seminary” classrooms ever. Theological education, once the privilege of students who study in a classroom, is now increasingly available to nearly anyone, anywhere. SIM’s Bruce Blackbell grew up surfing the waves at Cronulla Beach in Sydney, Australia. At ease on a surfboard, he surfed informally with professionals. At the age of 12 he came to faith in Christ at a camp. When Bruce was a teenager, a group of his peers on Cronulla Beach caught a vision for reaching other surfers for Jesus. The idea spread in Australia, initiated by Brett Davis, who founded Christian Surfers in 1977. What began with some visionary teens on surfboards is now known as Christian Surfers

Reaching and teaching surfers

around the worldIn November 2012 Christian Surfers

International celebrated their 20th

anniversary. This gathering of wave-

catching, Jesus-loving athletes took

place on the North Shore of Honolulu,

Hawaii, likely to be the birthplace of

surfing.

The conference focused on challenging

Christian surfers to prioritize Jesus over

surfing, and provided ideas for reaching

out to surfers around the world. Bruce

presented TEE, and interest grew for

implementing it in several national

chapters throughout Latin America. The

vision is to discover and develop

emerging leaders through the use of

“One Universal, Non-Denominational,

International Theological Extension

course.”

For two weeks following the

conference, Bruce participated in and

taught an evangelistic and discipleship

outreach program, along with others,

such as Andy Curruthers, Chaplain to

International (CSI)

and operates in 35 of

the world’s 120 “surfable”

nations. (The history of CSI is

detailed in a new book, Ground

Swell, by Brett Davis.)

In 2007 Bruce and his wife, Marsha,

and their family headed to Peru with

SIM. His task was to teach Theological

Education by Extension (TEE), a

theological training course designed for

students who lack access, opportunity

or funds for seminary training.

Like many before him, Bruce took TEE

to the Amazon jungle and the Andes

Mountains. Before long he was also

drawn to Peru's surfers. Asked to serve

as Board Director of Christian Surfers

Peru, he quickly discovered that many

surfers had a deep knowledge of the

ocean, but a shallow knowledge of the

Bible. So he offered to train, disciple and

equip them through TEE. In this way,

formally and affordably, Christian

scholarship made its way to some of the

world’s least-reached people: surfers.

long board professionals. Volunteers from Japan, Norway, South Africa, USA, Australia, Peru and Brazil spoke to crowds along the beach while watching the Triple Crown professional surfing contests. The mission was highly successful, with three local church partners requesting that a team return to the contest every year. Thousands of people from every nation, tribe and people group compete for the coveted Triple Crown. Recently Bruce and Marsha returned to Australia to serve as mission mobilizers for SIM. Bruce works part-time as a minister in Port Macquarie, a surfing town northeast of Sydney that hosts Australia's national surfing title contests. He continues his various leadership roles in South America, most visibly as Board Director for Christian Surfers in Peru, and travels to Peru twice a year to advocate TEE and administer diplomas. Through his work, surfers in South America are being grounded in the Word of God and equipped to help make disciples in all nations. n

Catching that

elusive waveSurfing attracts thousands

of rookies, tourists and

aspiring professionals to hang

out at the world’s great surf

destinations. For many it’s all about

catching that elusive wave, hoping to be

photographed, to achieve fame and

fortune or to become a professional.

Some will spend the day waiting for that

one great wave, only to discover it’s not

enough!

Some people live for surfing at the

expense of losing their family, their

work, even their homes. Many are

homeless, living in cars on the beach or

under trees; they become hermits just

to surf. People travel from all around the

world to attend contests because they

worship surfing.

Some surf professionals have heard

the gospel but refuse to bow down to

Christ, afraid of losing sponsors and

forfeiting their powerful identities and

fortunes.

For more information about Christian Surfers, visit http://christiansurfers.net/

q PERU

6

What doeswin more peopleto Christ look like?

9

depressing. Those were discouraging days for the new missionary, unwanted, alone, unable to communicate, unable to ask anyone in the tribe for advice.

The crackling sound of burning grass on his roof one hot afternoon was like the last blow, but God turned his ‘loss’ into blessing. “This white man can suffer like the rest of us,” the villagers said. “He must be here because he wants to help us, let us help him.”

After gaining the confidence of the Dompagos, he learned their language and started producing literacy materials and began reading classes.

The months of lonely discouragement meant nothing the day a villager finally told him, “I want to follow Jesus.”

The gospel fire began to spread, a Dompago tribesman from Minginaga 26 miles away, heard the testimony of a Dompago town Christian and retold the story to his neighbours.

These new believers needed teaching and teaching required reading material. Equipped with the word list and grammar he had managed to compile so far, Roland translated the Gospel of Mark, developing his own orthography.

On his first furlough Roland studied African linguistics and returned to his beloved Dompagos better equipped for intensive translation. The new believers who had carried on the church work during his absence had seen the need for further training and they now came to ask him to open a Bible school. Wanting their spiritual development to be as indigenous as possible, Roland at first did not agree.

After the third delegation had begged him, he saw they were in earnest. “If you really want a Bible school,” he told them, “you plan it and I'll come and teach in it.”

That was all they needed. Seated around Roland's living room they planned the Dompago Bible School. The

traditional site of their forefathers, to better farming conditions, lest they grieve the ancestral spirits.

As the Christians were released from their fears, they moved out into the virgin bush. They built their first church. More churches were later built and in August 1965 there were seven churches, and 300 baptized believers.

One night Roland became ill with malaria. All night the elders and students took turns by his bed placing a cool compress on his forehead. As Roland watched the loving concern on the faces of the Dompago believers, he remembered their rough, sometimes hostile scowls 12 years before and he lifted his heart to God in thanks for the transformation the gospel had brought.

Near the end of his time in Benin, he mused, “You know, it is always a problem to know how much the missionary should do of that which is not being done by the local Christians. They need to have a vision of the size of the task - evangelizing the whole tribe. How to impart this vision is the problem, on that will hinge the future of the work in Dompagoland.”

This apostle to Dompago would not think of himself as an unusual young man, or of his work as spectacular. He went to Africa to preach the gospel, equipped with a deep devotion to God and a disciplined personal life. God gave him a job, and Roland Pickering responded by hard work, faith, prayer and dogged perseverance.

Tragically, Roland Pickering was killed in a car crash in Niger in October 1974. He was 48 years old but his legacy lives on. He completed the translation of the New Testament and much of the Old Testament ensuring the people of Dompago would still be taught the gospel and continues sharing with others as Roland did to them. n

As Roland preached at the morning service, he had his trunk packed. After the sermon he immediately headed for Quebec City where he boarded the S.S. Cynthia, along with two other SIM couples and their children.

It was Sunday August 5, 1951.

The ship was headed for Southampton, England, and from there he would cross to Paris for French language study.

Roland landed in Dompago, Benin in June 1952. He hoped he would be working with other missionaries wherever he was placed, for he had never enjoyed being alone. Now he was stunned to know he would be the only missionary in a tribe of perhaps 20,000, whose language had never been learned outside of the village - and he had never studied linguistics!

But this was the job God had given him, so Roland borrowed linguistic books, rolled up his sleeves and went to work. He was to be the “apostle to Dompago.”

First he had to gain the villagers' confidence. He moved into a hut used several years before by a catechist from a neighbouring tribe, who had been forced to leave over a marriage dispute. The villagers stayed away from Roland, unable to understand why a white man should come to live among them.

This made it difficult for him to learn the language. The squalor and superstition of the people were

His decision had been made to serve God and he was on his way.

elders would choose students, help support them during studies, and place them in villages at the end of the three year course. Students would attend classes for six months and support themselves by farming during the rest of the year.

The elders promised to have three students for the first year, but on the opening day nine trouped into the classroom.

Perhaps the hardest trial for Roland was the murmuring which arose over his deep concern that these new Christians not lean on him for anything. From the beginning he had followed indigenous principles, building up a church that was self-supporting, self-governing and self-propagating.

As Dompago opened up to the outside world, however, the Christians looked over their neighbour's fence.

“Their pastors have bicycles,” some of the young men complained. “They don’t have to farm to support themselves, why, they even receive money! Our missionary doesn’t do as theirs do. Is it because he does not love us?”

A hurt Roland spent many a night in deep thought and prayer.

Was he right? It was true that students at times found it difficult to support themselves. Should he change the policy? What if the church came to rely on foreign support and leadership? Moreover, it wasn’t that he was with-holding money from them. The little he had, he used to build the classrooms and buy school supplies.

The church elders stood with him. They often gathered the students and urged them to learn to suffer for the gospel’s sake, like Paul. Gradually the murmuring died down.

Meanwhile the gospel was making an impact on the life of the whole tribe. The people were afraid to move off the

the‘apostle’ of

Dampago wins

through loss

“...it is always a problem to know how much the missionary

should do of that which is not being done by the

local Christians. They need to have a vision of

the size of the task - evangelizing the whole

tribe. How to impart this vision is the problem, on

that will hinge the future of the work...”

„ „

„

SIMNOW

Adapted from “The History of the Lokpa (Dompago) Church in

Benin (Dahomey)” by W.H. Fuller

Roland Pickering

8

q BENIN

Jesus said that it was our mission tell people about him. It is important

to tell about him, I need to feel confident in him to do his work because it is not always easy.

A group of friends and I were playing. One of the girls got hurt by another friend and she got mad! I got a Bible and my dad looked up a verse on forgiveness and I brought it to them. It helped some and then they said sorry to each other and it was done. This was a moment to tell my friend about God .

Another time I was at my Aunt’s house and I was playing with a boy that said he didn’t know who Jesus was when I asked him. I remembered a verse in the Bible that talks about the Lord’s patience giving time for everyone to be saved. So I told him about Jesus and gave him a gospel tract my parents had in our car. It gets easier to tell people the more you do it.

PETER (11) - ZAMBIA

Winning ‘to Christ’ means to me that people who encounter the truth and

reality of Jesus Christ are changed and transformed. They turn from their sin toward Christ. Their actions and words reflect those of Christ. Of course like us, they are far from ‘perfect’ but there is a notable identified change in their lives that can be measured over time.

MARY - PRISON MINISTRY, PERU

It gets easier to tell people [about God]

the more you do it.

when people ‘turn to Christ’

they are changed and transformed

What doeswin more peopleto Christ look like?

9

depressing. Those were discouraging days for the new missionary, unwanted, alone, unable to communicate, unable to ask anyone in the tribe for advice.

The crackling sound of burning grass on his roof one hot afternoon was like the last blow, but God turned his ‘loss’ into blessing. “This white man can suffer like the rest of us,” the villagers said. “He must be here because he wants to help us, let us help him.”

After gaining the confidence of the Dompagos, he learned their language and started producing literacy materials and began reading classes.

The months of lonely discouragement meant nothing the day a villager finally told him, “I want to follow Jesus.”

The gospel fire began to spread, a Dompago tribesman from Minginaga 26 miles away, heard the testimony of a Dompago town Christian and retold the story to his neighbours.

These new believers needed teaching and teaching required reading material. Equipped with the word list and grammar he had managed to compile so far, Roland translated the Gospel of Mark, developing his own orthography.

On his first furlough Roland studied African linguistics and returned to his beloved Dompagos better equipped for intensive translation. The new believers who had carried on the church work during his absence had seen the need for further training and they now came to ask him to open a Bible school. Wanting their spiritual development to be as indigenous as possible, Roland at first did not agree.

After the third delegation had begged him, he saw they were in earnest. “If you really want a Bible school,” he told them, “you plan it and I'll come and teach in it.”

That was all they needed. Seated around Roland's living room they planned the Dompago Bible School. The

traditional site of their forefathers, to better farming conditions, lest they grieve the ancestral spirits.

As the Christians were released from their fears, they moved out into the virgin bush. They built their first church. More churches were later built and in August 1965 there were seven churches, and 300 baptized believers.

One night Roland became ill with malaria. All night the elders and students took turns by his bed placing a cool compress on his forehead. As Roland watched the loving concern on the faces of the Dompago believers, he remembered their rough, sometimes hostile scowls 12 years before and he lifted his heart to God in thanks for the transformation the gospel had brought.

Near the end of his time in Benin, he mused, “You know, it is always a problem to know how much the missionary should do of that which is not being done by the local Christians. They need to have a vision of the size of the task - evangelizing the whole tribe. How to impart this vision is the problem, on that will hinge the future of the work in Dompagoland.”

This apostle to Dompago would not think of himself as an unusual young man, or of his work as spectacular. He went to Africa to preach the gospel, equipped with a deep devotion to God and a disciplined personal life. God gave him a job, and Roland Pickering responded by hard work, faith, prayer and dogged perseverance.

Tragically, Roland Pickering was killed in a car crash in Niger in October 1974. He was 48 years old but his legacy lives on. He completed the translation of the New Testament and much of the Old Testament ensuring the people of Dompago would still be taught the gospel and continues sharing with others as Roland did to them. n

As Roland preached at the morning service, he had his trunk packed. After the sermon he immediately headed for Quebec City where he boarded the S.S. Cynthia, along with two other SIM couples and their children.

It was Sunday August 5, 1951.

The ship was headed for Southampton, England, and from there he would cross to Paris for French language study.

Roland landed in Dompago, Benin in June 1952. He hoped he would be working with other missionaries wherever he was placed, for he had never enjoyed being alone. Now he was stunned to know he would be the only missionary in a tribe of perhaps 20,000, whose language had never been learned outside of the village - and he had never studied linguistics!

But this was the job God had given him, so Roland borrowed linguistic books, rolled up his sleeves and went to work. He was to be the “apostle to Dompago.”

First he had to gain the villagers' confidence. He moved into a hut used several years before by a catechist from a neighbouring tribe, who had been forced to leave over a marriage dispute. The villagers stayed away from Roland, unable to understand why a white man should come to live among them.

This made it difficult for him to learn the language. The squalor and superstition of the people were

His decision had been made to serve God and he was on his way.

elders would choose students, help support them during studies, and place them in villages at the end of the three year course. Students would attend classes for six months and support themselves by farming during the rest of the year.

The elders promised to have three students for the first year, but on the opening day nine trouped into the classroom.

Perhaps the hardest trial for Roland was the murmuring which arose over his deep concern that these new Christians not lean on him for anything. From the beginning he had followed indigenous principles, building up a church that was self-supporting, self-governing and self-propagating.

As Dompago opened up to the outside world, however, the Christians looked over their neighbour's fence.

“Their pastors have bicycles,” some of the young men complained. “They don’t have to farm to support themselves, why, they even receive money! Our missionary doesn’t do as theirs do. Is it because he does not love us?”

A hurt Roland spent many a night in deep thought and prayer.

Was he right? It was true that students at times found it difficult to support themselves. Should he change the policy? What if the church came to rely on foreign support and leadership? Moreover, it wasn’t that he was with-holding money from them. The little he had, he used to build the classrooms and buy school supplies.

The church elders stood with him. They often gathered the students and urged them to learn to suffer for the gospel’s sake, like Paul. Gradually the murmuring died down.

Meanwhile the gospel was making an impact on the life of the whole tribe. The people were afraid to move off the

the‘apostle’ of

Dampago wins

through loss

“...it is always a problem to know how much the missionary

should do of that which is not being done by the

local Christians. They need to have a vision of

the size of the task - evangelizing the whole

tribe. How to impart this vision is the problem, on

that will hinge the future of the work...”

„ „

„

SIMNOW

Adapted from “The History of the Lokpa (Dompago) Church in

Benin (Dahomey)” by W.H. Fuller

Roland Pickering

8

q BENIN

Jesus said that it was our mission tell people about him. It is important

to tell about him, I need to feel confident in him to do his work because it is not always easy.

A group of friends and I were playing. One of the girls got hurt by another friend and she got mad! I got a Bible and my dad looked up a verse on forgiveness and I brought it to them. It helped some and then they said sorry to each other and it was done. This was a moment to tell my friend about God .

Another time I was at my Aunt’s house and I was playing with a boy that said he didn’t know who Jesus was when I asked him. I remembered a verse in the Bible that talks about the Lord’s patience giving time for everyone to be saved. So I told him about Jesus and gave him a gospel tract my parents had in our car. It gets easier to tell people the more you do it.

PETER (11) - ZAMBIA

Winning ‘to Christ’ means to me that people who encounter the truth and

reality of Jesus Christ are changed and transformed. They turn from their sin toward Christ. Their actions and words reflect those of Christ. Of course like us, they are far from ‘perfect’ but there is a notable identified change in their lives that can be measured over time.

MARY - PRISON MINISTRY, PERU

It gets easier to tell people [about God]

the more you do it.

when people ‘turn to Christ’

they are changed and transformed

10

Most of us would like to think that winning more people is about missionaries involved in front line evangelism where their days are filled with conversions and baptisms.

The reality is often quite different. For

every front line missionary there are

others who are largely behind the

scenes allowing the front-liners to

function. These ‘back-room

missionaries’ also ‘win’ people in less

obvious, but very meaningful ways.

My job isn’t to plant churches or feed

orphans, I’m a System Administrator.

What does that mean? Well, I work at

the missions head office keeping the

servers, computers, copiers, printers

and phone systems running for the 4

Flying Mission offices in Botswana and

Zambia. (SIM partners with Flying

Mission so I’m a SIM missionary

seconded to Flying Mission). Some

would call my role a “support ministry”

That just doesn’t compute

and that is valid. Having me around allows people to do other ministry without worrying about internet and phone line connections, for example. However, I haven’t limited my ministry to just working with computers. God has given me other gifts and I think it is my job to use those to “build up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11).

Recently, I was approached by Pastor Ngugi, the youth pastor of the local church I attend. He was concerned that the youth were not active in any of the church’s ministries. He wanted to form a worship band and asked for my help. I have been actively involved in the worship team of the church since my arrival in Botswana in 2004. A colleague had let the church know that a drummer was coming from Canada so after my first Sunday I was up on stage playing the drums. I’ve been doing it ever since.

I had already trained one local person to play the drums so Pastor Ngugi asked if I would help train the youth in the church. Shortly after, one of the members of the youth group, approached me wanting to learn to play the drums. I asked him if he had a set of drums. He didn’t. I asked him if he had a pair of drum sticks. He didn’t. To test his desire to learn, I tasked him to save up and buy his own drum sticks. The next

Sunday he showed me his brand new

drum sticks! Practice began the next

week.

Soon after, 15 youth showed up on a

Saturday eager to learn to either play an

instrument or to sing with the band.

Pastor Ngugi had recruited another

volunteer, BK, to help teach some of the

youth how to play the guitar. BK had

also challenged the youth to find an

instrument of their own so they could

practice. Rorisang, a girl from the youth

group, really wanted to learn how to

play the bass guitar. One of the older

members of our congregation is a

professional bass player and when he

heard about Rorisang’s desire to learn

the bass, he willingly gave her one of his

old guitars. Before we knew it, almost

everybody had their own instrument.

The youth practiced every week and

slowly each individual started making

progress. Bokang was so dedicated he

was coming to the church after school

every day to practice things I had taught

him on the church’s drum set. Needless

to say I was very impressed.

Before long this group of individuals

began practicing as a band. I may be a

bit biased because I was so proud of

them, but they sounded fantastic! The

group came up with a name, “La

Difference”, and they have been leading

worship in the church about once or

twice a month. La Difference has also

gone on to do local concerts at other

churches and schools. The band was not

content to simply lead worship in

church, they wanted to reach others

outside the church walls as well.

I feel so blessed to have been able to

be a small part of what has happened

with the youth of our church. One of the

band members has officially become a

deacon in the church. Another is

running the church library. All of them

are actively involved in leading worship

on Sunday mornings and have a desire

to reach their friends and lead them

to Christ.

So with all that said, how could I have

not used the gifts God has given me to

build up the body of Christ? Frankly, that

just doesn’t compute. n

„ music wins the youth

By Graham Crawford

buildingthe body

onedrum

stick at atime

Graham Crawford is an SIM missionary

seconded to Flying Mission

in Gaborone, Botswana.

11

The man felt exhausted. He had been travelling and fighting for months. There were over 200 men with him but he couldn’t carry on.

He was caught in a predicament to push himself to complete exhaustion or think of another way to support his team. That’s when it came to him. He could free up the other men to fight while he and a few stayed behind to watch the supplies. This would ensure the men going into battle did not have anything to hold them back.

So, this man watched the rest of his team march off to war. He knew that he was serving the purposes of the group even though he was not fighting the battle. He was a ‘service provider.’

The story (1 Samuel 30 - specifically v24) is not unlike the work environment today. Many people are found in jobs that don’t seem glamourous or even important, yet they are vital to making organizations or companies run. A custodian at an Apple store for example is not the CEO or even the store manager but what makes an Apple store, an Apple store is the clean, white desks, walls and floors. Without the custodian, that store would quickly become dirty and the Apple brand would begin to look that much less appealing.

At SIM, we have our front line missionaries but we also have our support teams. These missionaries are not roughing it in the bush or directly involved in evangelism. They are the ones who provide the services so that others can go. They may be typing stories on a computer, letting others know what SIM is a doing, or crunching numbers to ensure financial accountability. Others provide care for our frontline workers when they need someone most, work in maintenance or a guest house. And these service providers are found all around the SIM-world including in Canada.

In mission, there is a place for everyone. As this man might have felt as he saw his friends go off into battle, it is sometimes difficult for our ‘service providers’ to feel satisfied in their role when they would like to be on the front line. And perhaps some of the other men who went off to battle wished they could have been a ‘service provider’. They each knew what their mission was and what they were called to do.

We all have gifts and abilities and as Christians, we must use them for God’s glory. What are your gifts and abilities? Are you called to leave your home and serve overseas, support missionaries financially, participate in a support role, or pray faithfully for God’s work around the world?

Contact SIM today and discuss your next steps! n

SIMNOW

Between and behind the lines...

By Stephen Meed

BOTSWANAq

10

Most of us would like to think that winning more people is about missionaries involved in front line evangelism where their days are filled with conversions and baptisms.

The reality is often quite different. For

every front line missionary there are

others who are largely behind the

scenes allowing the front-liners to

function. These ‘back-room

missionaries’ also ‘win’ people in less

obvious, but very meaningful ways.

My job isn’t to plant churches or feed

orphans, I’m a System Administrator.

What does that mean? Well, I work at

the missions head office keeping the

servers, computers, copiers, printers

and phone systems running for the 4

Flying Mission offices in Botswana and

Zambia. (SIM partners with Flying

Mission so I’m a SIM missionary

seconded to Flying Mission). Some

would call my role a “support ministry”

That just doesn’t compute

and that is valid. Having me around allows people to do other ministry without worrying about internet and phone line connections, for example. However, I haven’t limited my ministry to just working with computers. God has given me other gifts and I think it is my job to use those to “build up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11).

Recently, I was approached by Pastor Ngugi, the youth pastor of the local church I attend. He was concerned that the youth were not active in any of the church’s ministries. He wanted to form a worship band and asked for my help. I have been actively involved in the worship team of the church since my arrival in Botswana in 2004. A colleague had let the church know that a drummer was coming from Canada so after my first Sunday I was up on stage playing the drums. I’ve been doing it ever since.

I had already trained one local person to play the drums so Pastor Ngugi asked if I would help train the youth in the church. Shortly after, one of the members of the youth group, approached me wanting to learn to play the drums. I asked him if he had a set of drums. He didn’t. I asked him if he had a pair of drum sticks. He didn’t. To test his desire to learn, I tasked him to save up and buy his own drum sticks. The next

Sunday he showed me his brand new

drum sticks! Practice began the next

week.

Soon after, 15 youth showed up on a

Saturday eager to learn to either play an

instrument or to sing with the band.

Pastor Ngugi had recruited another

volunteer, BK, to help teach some of the

youth how to play the guitar. BK had

also challenged the youth to find an

instrument of their own so they could

practice. Rorisang, a girl from the youth

group, really wanted to learn how to

play the bass guitar. One of the older

members of our congregation is a

professional bass player and when he

heard about Rorisang’s desire to learn

the bass, he willingly gave her one of his

old guitars. Before we knew it, almost

everybody had their own instrument.

The youth practiced every week and

slowly each individual started making

progress. Bokang was so dedicated he

was coming to the church after school

every day to practice things I had taught

him on the church’s drum set. Needless

to say I was very impressed.

Before long this group of individuals

began practicing as a band. I may be a

bit biased because I was so proud of

them, but they sounded fantastic! The

group came up with a name, “La

Difference”, and they have been leading

worship in the church about once or

twice a month. La Difference has also

gone on to do local concerts at other

churches and schools. The band was not

content to simply lead worship in

church, they wanted to reach others

outside the church walls as well.

I feel so blessed to have been able to

be a small part of what has happened

with the youth of our church. One of the

band members has officially become a

deacon in the church. Another is

running the church library. All of them

are actively involved in leading worship

on Sunday mornings and have a desire

to reach their friends and lead them

to Christ.

So with all that said, how could I have

not used the gifts God has given me to

build up the body of Christ? Frankly, that

just doesn’t compute. n

„ music wins the youth

By Graham Crawford

buildingthe body

onedrum

stick at atime

Graham Crawford is an SIM missionary

seconded to Flying Mission

in Gaborone, Botswana.

11

The man felt exhausted. He had been travelling and fighting for months. There were over 200 men with him but he couldn’t carry on.

He was caught in a predicament to push himself to complete exhaustion or think of another way to support his team. That’s when it came to him. He could free up the other men to fight while he and a few stayed behind to watch the supplies. This would ensure the men going into battle did not have anything to hold them back.

So, this man watched the rest of his team march off to war. He knew that he was serving the purposes of the group even though he was not fighting the battle. He was a ‘service provider.’

The story (1 Samuel 30 - specifically v24) is not unlike the work environment today. Many people are found in jobs that don’t seem glamourous or even important, yet they are vital to making organizations or companies run. A custodian at an Apple store for example is not the CEO or even the store manager but what makes an Apple store, an Apple store is the clean, white desks, walls and floors. Without the custodian, that store would quickly become dirty and the Apple brand would begin to look that much less appealing.

At SIM, we have our front line missionaries but we also have our support teams. These missionaries are not roughing it in the bush or directly involved in evangelism. They are the ones who provide the services so that others can go. They may be typing stories on a computer, letting others know what SIM is a doing, or crunching numbers to ensure financial accountability. Others provide care for our frontline workers when they need someone most, work in maintenance or a guest house. And these service providers are found all around the SIM-world including in Canada.

In mission, there is a place for everyone. As this man might have felt as he saw his friends go off into battle, it is sometimes difficult for our ‘service providers’ to feel satisfied in their role when they would like to be on the front line. And perhaps some of the other men who went off to battle wished they could have been a ‘service provider’. They each knew what their mission was and what they were called to do.

We all have gifts and abilities and as Christians, we must use them for God’s glory. What are your gifts and abilities? Are you called to leave your home and serve overseas, support missionaries financially, participate in a support role, or pray faithfully for God’s work around the world?

Contact SIM today and discuss your next steps! n

SIMNOW

Between and behind the lines...

By Stephen Meed

BOTSWANAq

The combined “SIMNOW #124”, “World Watch #64”, is an official publication of SIM Canada and is published 4 times per year. SIM (Serving In Mission), is an interdenomi-national evangelical Protestant mission founded in 1893. SIM includes Africa Evangelical Fellowship, Andes Evangelical Mission, International Christian Fellowship, and Sudan Interior Mission. Send address changes to: The Editor, 10 Huntingdale Blvd., Scarborough, ON, M1W 2S5, Canada. Printed in Canada. © 2014 by SIM. Additional copies are available. Permission to reprint any material must be obtained from the Editor. E-mail: canada.info@sim.org. Subscription is free (Donations appreciated). Subscribe on-line at www.sim.ca or email canada.info@sim.org. International Editor: Suzanne Green. Canadian Editor: E. T. Mair. Designer: John Rose.

SIM Canada10 Huntingdale BlvdScarborough, ONM1W 2S5

TEL: 416-497-2424FAX: 416-497-2444FREE CALL: 1-800-294-6918EMAIL: canada.info@sim.org

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Serving In Mission

Donors are quick to point

out from time to time

that they can’t respond

to all the funding

requests being made of

them from the seemingly

hundreds of appeals they

receive throughout the

year. I am still amazed at how many

charities SIM donors support - on

average around 14 - while my wife

and I donate to 5 outside the giving

to our church.

Do we always give whatever is

asked of us?

If you have ever wrestled with

the concept of giving to

panhandlers, then you know this is

a tricky question. The Bible is so

emphatic about our responsibility

to give, but relatively silent about

rules for refusing. It is clear from

Scripture that God wants us to give generously, because He Himself gives generously and because we have received His generosity.

Jesus speaks to the issue by stating that we should, “give to everyone who asks you” (Luke 6:30), even if the person asking is an enemy. All this makes for a good discussion around the dinner table or in a small group Bible study.

I think that it is really helpful and wise to develop a personal or family giving plan that includes both planned gifts (Will, Gift Annuity etc.) and spontaneous gifts (cash, stocks etc.) both of which are biblically appropriate. In all this, we must take great care not to look for reasons to justify our own hard-heartedness, for God warns against this (Deuteronomy 15:9). Probably the best diagnostic question to ask is, “Why am I withholding what has been asked of me?

I would like you to consider some personal and family gift planning options that SIM offers which may be of value to you. We are all pretty close to being millionaires in our own right and have most likely not planned well in the distribution of what God has blessed us with. It would be my pleasure to have discussions with you about what that might look like for you and your family.

Allow me first ask of you though, not to be monetary but voluntary. A show of hands if you have remembered SIM Canada in your Will? Giving through a Will is a great opportunity to encourage the SIM family and demonstrate that you believe the work of missions matters to God. It is our desire to win more people for Christ and this gift you are making will be a blessing when it arrives to do just that.

You can find the brief questionnaire on the envelope flap – thank you so much for sharing this special gift with us. n

Why am I withholding what has been asked of me?

ƒ By Erwin Van Laar