This is an extraordinary time to be living in. For the first time in history, over half of the world’s population lives in cities - especially in the non-western world, where the rate of urbanisation is at an unprecedented level. The world is changing faster than ever before. How do we respond to this incredible change and challenge? Does our engagement in mission need to take this more into account? Urban values, urban thinking, urban culture have an influence far beyond the megacities of the world into the lives of almost everyone on earth. Within the next few months there are some key events within the GC network tackling the issue of urbanisation, including our own A Passion for Mission in June.
1. A Passion for Mission – 26 June in London. The annual A Passion for Mission is part of a series of events aimed at discerning what God might be saying to the UK church - especially about mission. This year we look at Cities – the new unreached? Come and join us as we hear from those ministering in urban environments, especially mega cities, both to the poor and also to the privileged. We will focus together on how we can take up this challenge. Follow the link to book online.
2. Believing in the City: An Interdisciplinary Consultation on Urban Issues – 27 to 28 June in Glasgow. ICC is holding its first urban consultation, to which anyone with an interest in the complex challenges of understanding and working in cities is invited. Believing in the City brings together thinkers from a range of disciplines who have one thing in common - they believe the city matters and that understanding the city and its values is key to living in the world today. For further details click here.
3. Integral Mission & Urban Mission Conversation – 21 June in Carlisle. Poverty can be seen at its most extreme within cities, affecting vulnerable and often marginalised groups – how can we respond more effectively together? Exploitation and injustices are exacerbated and can feel overwhelming – how do we tackle these issues? Micah Network and Operation Mobilisation (OM) invite you to a rich day of discussions about Urban Mission. Find further information and a copy of the programme here.
4. Mission Matters The new edition is now available for you to order FREE. This is an excellent resource not only for those wanting to actively engage in mission and be informed about the opportunities available, but the stories from around the world will inspire readers about how God is using ordinary people to fulfil his global purposes. Contact David Wright (01926 487755) for copies. Larger quantities are available for churches – an excellent resource for any mission-focused event.
5. Holidays and camps: Global Connections helps to facilitate a variety of holidays for mission families and children. Re:ignite – 2 to 8 June in Keswick is a retreat which we run with Keswick Ministries and OMF for mission partners on UK leave. It offers Bible teaching, practical sessions on issues such as transition, communication, and coping with stress, refreshing relaxation, plus a programme specifically for children. In the summer there are camps for TCKs covering the 6-12 and 13-18 age ranges: Rekonnect takes place from 20 to 24 August and 27 to 31 August and Rekonnect for Teens from 27 to 31 August.
6. Internet Evangelism: With 2.3 billion people online and 4 billion mobile phone users, including increasing numbers in the Majority World, the opportunities are ever expanding! Churches around the world will be marking Internet Evangelism Day on Sunday 29 April. Internet Evangelism Day's online resources are a great way to learn more about exciting ways to share the good news online. Follow the links to find out about Internet Evangelism Day, sharing video shorts, Talking about Jesus iPhone app, using Pinterest and more.
7. GC Forum events Further details on all the events listed are available using the links provided or visit forum events for a longer list of what is coming up in the next few months:
- Faith to Faith Forum – 1 May in London. Jesus through Asian Eyes – a look at some of the cultural influences on the mindset of South Asians in Britain. This event will attempt to share some insights into the South Asian mindset and enable better engagement, pastoral support and understanding, as they affect Christian engagement, mission and ministry.
- International HR Forum - 23 May in London. We will be looking at how we deal with changes in serving in mission with The Changing Face of Service: My character, My communication, My calling. Speakers include Keith Walker, Guido Braschi and a small team of senior staff from OM.
- Communication Officers Forum – 24 May in London. Prayer Resources. How could we better inspire Christians, young and old, to pray for both our ministries and world mission as a whole?
- Thinking Mission Forum – 29 May in Birmingham. How do we relate the daily news with our wider missiological concerns? Or are the two completely disconnected? Taking a look at The Arab Spring – one year on may help us to answer this question.
- Central Asia Forum – 30 May in London. Empowering the Central Asian church to change lives.
- Being the Best – 30 May in London. Being the Best will take place in May and October. This first session will look at Working with Church Leaders - how to get the best for both the church and the mission agency by working more effectively with church leaders.
- Muslim World Forum – 13 June in London. Scriptural Reasoning – what is it, what are the pros and cons amongst academics in the UK, how does it work in the US and UK, which parts are exportable to other parts of the Muslim World?
- Relief and Development Forum – 14 June in London. Disasters: an integrated response - the links between risk reduction, climate change and effective response.
- Member Care Forum – 28 June in London. Member Care at a Distance. In our world today, that is so strong on communications, is there a way we can undertake good member care other than in person and face-to-face?
8. Other important dates for 2012:
- GO2012 - 4 to 7 May Carrying the Flame at WEC in Bulstrode. Do you want to inspire people about mission? Many organisations are working together for one of the UK’s largest mission festivals held over the May Bank Holiday weekend. At GO2012 there will be something for everyone with exciting speakers, an extensive seminar programme, a strong focus for young people with a specific programme for 18-30s, and a family day on the Bank Holiday Monday.
- Personal Support Workshop - 28 to 31 May in Germany. A workshop (in English) for anyone who has been raising personal financial support and could do with fresh enthusiasm, and for those at the beginning of support raising who need a better grasp of the process. Hosted by Wycliffe Europe and TWR Europe, a limited number of places are available for staff from other organisations. Personal Support Coaches’ Training on 1 June is for anyone who wants to help others in this area. Contact Amy Barnes.
Do take the opportunity to place related events on our website. Events need to meet certain criteria so contact us if you would like further information.
Global Connections is YOUR network and we long to see it reach its full potential under the Lord, as we seek together to do His will and to be open to His leading. If you have any ideas as to how the team here can better serve YOU, the network, do please get in touch.
Best wishes
Martin Lee
