“Change is coming.” With the campaigns for the forthcoming US Presidential Election now well underway, promises of change are very much at the forefront of the respective candidates’ agendas. A cynic might suggest that this has something to do with the fact that, of all the political promises made over the years, the assurance of change is possibly the easiest to keep!! Almost everyone is predicting change of one kind or another: climate changes, economic changes, political changes, social changes, geographical changes. With so much uncertainty, how is anyone supposed to keep up, let alone plan for the future?
One of the main purposes of the Global Connections forums is to try to keep you up to date with some of the changes taking place – whether it’s the new regulations for the employment of migrant workers or the social and political changes taking place in South America. With the summer over, there are a wide range of meetings taking place to address many of the key and emerging issues in mission today.
1. Events and Forums
- Muslim World Forum on 1st October looking at the perennial issue relating to “security implications of working in the Muslim World”
- CEOs Forum on 6th and 7th October entitled “How to grow leaders” led by Roy Searle of the Northumbria Community and Chris Lever from Teleios
- Thinking Mission Forum on 8th October on the topic “Major Challenges That the World Church Faces Today – A voice from the South” at which we have the pleasure of welcoming Dr C René Padilla
- Relief and Development Forum on 14th October looking at issue of “How can we be more accountable to those we are seeking to serve” with Sheryl Haw from All Nations Christian College
- Short Term Mission Forum on 15th and 16th October “Preparing for the Front Line - Short-Term Mission Orientation” at which Ann-Marie Wilson is the main speaker
- TCK Forum on 17th October dealing with the issue of TCKs in restrictive societies with Annemie Grosshauser
Do encourage relevant people in your agency or church to come to these events. For a fuller of forums and events, visit Network Events.
2. Charities Buying Group
Over the last couple of months, David has been negotiating a series of special deals for members with suppliers from the Charities Buying Group. In the next few weeks he will send out more information, but there is one it is worth mentioning now. If you want to accept donations (inclusive of Gift Aid) or payments by credit or debit cards but have found the costs prohibitively expensive, or if using your current merchant provider is proving costly, we are just finalising discussions with a provider called CTT for both card machines or web-based systems. Do contact David form further information.
3. Visas to the UK
We have had a number of enquiries from agencies getting very concerned about the new points system for visas to the UK, especially in how it applies to volunteers and as it will soon cover missionaries and ministers. We are considering setting up a day seminar on the new immigration rules and procedures. If you think this would be helpful, please contact Jane Showell-Rogers to register your interest.
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 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
