Reflection
As I listened, God lit a passion for mission in my heart – and it has not dimmed since.
If anyone ever asks me about my journey into mission, I would say that there were two key moments.
I only had one special year studying at what is now a university (it was a polytechnic back in my day). My neighbour in the hall of residence, Tim, took me along to a UCCF (Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship) training day – which I remember vividly. I remember one speaker, Martin Goldsmith, sitting on a desk and swinging his legs backwards and forwards, telling us what God was doing in the world! And as I listened, God lit a passion for mission in my heart – and it has not dimmed since.
At the time, Martin was a lecturer at All Nations, a teaching ministry that, I understand, he maintained for fifty years either as a staff member or associate lecturer. I am sure that many of you will have some of his books on your bookshelf – I certainly have.
The second key moment came several years later when my wife and I were at Spring Harvest in Minehead. One evening I suggested that we went to the alternative evening celebration, in a different venue to the big top. The speaker was Laurence Singlehurst who, at the time, was the director of YWAM (Youth With A Mission). I can remember him saying that if you felt called into some sort of full-time Christian work you should step forward. I was out like a shot! Each person who stepped forward was given a small stone as a reminder of that powerful moment – and I’ve still got mine.
For me this was a call to encourage the UK Church in mission. What I didn’t know was what this would look like. So, I spoke to my pastor at the time and his response was something along the lines of, ‘about time too!’.
I have subsequently met both Martin and Laurence and told them how God used their words to encourage me. I have been blessed to see how that call has led to me sharing with UK congregations that God is still at work among the nations and that we all have a part to play.
So, what’s happened since those two key moments? Well, a move from Exeter to Worthing (although Exeter City is still my football team) and ten years with one media ministry before joining Arab World Ministries back in 2010. This was not long before the social uprisings in the region which became known as the Arab Spring.
Before the pandemic, I would spend a lot of my time visiting and sharing in churches, with a goal of encouraging them to get involved in God’s mission. Currently I spend a lot of time on Zoom as visits in-person are less frequent, but I’m looking forward to getting ‘out there’ again, hopefully soon!
I was out like a shot! Each person who stepped forward was given a small stone as a reminder of that powerful moment – and I’ve still got mine.
Yet there have been blessings despite the lockdowns and reduced travel; we have launched and maintained a prayer evening on the second Monday of each month on Zoom – which continues to be one of the highlights of the month for me and our growing prayer group.
Over the years I’ve had the privilege and joy of sharing at many churches throughout the UK about what God is doing in the Arab world in particular. It is rewarding to see that it surprises and blesses some people to discover how the Lord is moving to transform lives through His gospel.
I’m able to share stories from our workers, many of whom I know and count as friends – and it’s in hearing these stories, and reading good books about mission, that God continues to stir my heart for the nations. I am so grateful to God for His call many years ago – and that I responded!
Over the years I’ve had the privilege and joy of sharing at many churches throughout the UK about what God is doing in the Arab world.
What’s your next step in your journey to mission?If you feel that God is calling you into some sort of ministry, please do something about it. Here are three simple ways you could respond today.
Have a chat with a Christian you trust. A good first port of call may be having a word with your mentor, small group leader, pastor, or someone else in a leadership position in your church. Having this spiritually mature person as a sounding board and prayer support could really help you in your journey.
Make an enquiry. Why not reach out to one of our mobilisation team? They will open your minds to the possibilities for mission and give you guidance on some steps that may lie ahead for you. They walk alongside people each year and take delight in seeing people move from initial, tentative contact to conviction of where the Lord is preparing them to serve in cross-cultural mission. Contact Dan, Mission Mobiliser, on danw@awm-pioneers.org to begin a conversation.
Read a mission biography. If you want to read a good testimony, and see an inspiring example of a life dedicated to serve among the unreached, why not buy a copy of New Every Morning by Muriel Butcher? She served with this mission in France and North Africa. A single copy only costs £5 (plus p&p) and you can order by emailing Marie on mariep@awm-pioneers.org or calling 01509 239 525.
