|
Gary’s April update
On my preparation to extract myself from life in the UK to preparing for my move to Albania, since I last wrote I’ve had the delight of making formal application for CRB, police & HMC checks for Visa application & working with children. In early April I joined 11 other fellow volunteer trainee short term mission workers. The youngest being 23 and eldest being over 60 all going to different places doing different things.
Suzanne Knowles: Ecuador from July 08-Jan. 09
Sarah Bunt: Thailand from June 08-Sept. 08
Carol Hellyer: Kosova from June 08-Dec. 08
Martin and Annet Stagles: Congo from May 08-Aug 08
Martin and Jules Thompson: Thailand from May 08 - October 08
Roy and Mary Ellis: India from Nov. 08 - April 09
Colin and Ellen Jackson: Nepal from Aug. 08- Dec. 08/Jan. 09
We all agreed to stay in touch and meet up sometime next year on our return. After spending a week at IMC I now have a fuller picture of what’s to come, what’s required and what to do. (Click here for further details).
- The IMC Training & Instruction focused on three key topics;
- Those Practicalities I need to take note of and action
- Welcomed us to IMC Birmingham & Background to BMS
- Child & vulnerable adult protection
- Health considerations – being prepared & aware
- Spiritual Well-being
- Emotional Well-being – Stress Management
- Writing Prayer & Newsletters – communications for the folk back home
- Understanding Culture & Crossing Cultural boundaries
- What is culture?
- Cultural Transition – Language learning
- Staying Healthy Abroad
- Cultural Transition – managing expectations
- Teamwork – how not to offend!
- Re-Entry – Leaving well – Debriefing
- Theological in-site of Understanding Mission
- Our role in Gods mission (God-humanity-Israel-Jesus-The Church)
- Religious Pluralism (Coexistence v Distinction in a multi faith world)
- Sharing our faith & growing others in Christ
- Working in partnership with national Christians – Attributes of participation – Impact of Short term mission
- Mission & Social concern – Christian Development
- What is our motivation?
You May ask “What’s next” in my preparation?
- Get essential Legal documentation in place – CRB, Police & HMC checks
- Sort home – Garden, house repairs, decorating, utility providers
- Personal Health preparation – Vaccinations, medical checks, dentist etc.
- Let / Rent House
- Cultural & spiritual Preparation
- Fund raising
- There is more but I don’t want tire you out
- Back to school from 19th – 23rd May - Bridgewater school – Work shadow week, to gain overview of Premises maintenance & development, Physical & sports education.
- Commissioning service @ Berkhamsted Baptist Church 20th July 08 – all are welcome
- Work – Project Handover to Cancer Research UK 8th August 08 if all goes to plan
- Finish Work around 18th / 19th August subject the above handover
- Provisional departure date to Albania between 21st & 23rd August 08
- Orientation / staff training starts 28th August 08
- GDQ School term starts 3rd September 08
Insight on Albania – Even though Albania is Rich in mineral resources, such as chromium, copper, coal, oil & gas, but at present it is difficult for these to be exploited efficiently due to the absence of adequate transport infrastructure. The state electricity company cannot guarantee a constant power supply, electricity shortages are a particular problems in winter, with power cuts at times lasting through out the working day. Shops and other small businesses can survive by using candles, torches or generators, but power hungry factories, mines etc. have no alternative but to send their workers home.
Something for you to think and act upon, Ephesians 5 v 15 – 18
So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you.
Thanks for your continued prayers and support.
|
