When you combine “local” and “global” you get “glocal”. For this update we thought a quick insight into how we do missions out of Montana both local and globally might be interesting.
Global:
PNG: As we have mentioned before, our campus here in Montana is actively working with a YWAM mercy ship, the Liberty, to provide medical help, educational help, and from us especially Bible translation help in the Madang [north east] region of Papua New Guinea. This is really taking off. We currently have 7 YWAM Montana staff on board as crew, helping lead ministry, serve onboard the ship in logistical roles, connect on land with outreach helps, and move translation forward. Our job there: to help begin the translation of the Bible into 33 new languages utilizing “Oral Mother Tongue” method. This creates audio translations for tribes, and among other things, makes the Bible accessible to the many people who are illiterate, but now able to receive the Word of God audibly. We have already made contact with 6 of these remote languages, and work has begun!
This is all part of YWAM’s global initiative to “End Bible Poverty Now” (EBPN). Molly especially is becoming more and more involved in this area of our outward ministries.
All of the 55 people onboard: medical staff, crew, admin, outreach teams…
India: Recently I have been doing teaching and training for a church planting and leadership training program in rural India. These precious saints have so little, yet they are growing in number, reaching rural and village communities with the Gospel, planting churches, helping widows, children, seeing miracles, and more. I will also be travelling to Mexico in May to work with training staff in the areas of leadership development and discipleship training.
Teaching online to India. Many of the participants logged in represent a house church group or 5-6 believers. Around 45-50 people.
Local:
Being part of YWAM’s University of the Nations (UofN), we offer many training schools, opportunities and outreaches. We have a renewed effort on reaching our local community. Not in competition with the local church, but to partner with them, as well as investigate ways to minister to our community in general. We are blessed with many members who actively volunteer and connect that way. From our local Chamber of Commerce, to volunteer EMT response and Search and Rescue, as well as serving in local churches from child care to worship, our heart is for our local community to thrive and experience the transformation that comes through the Kingdom of God.
We want to sign off with an encouragement…Keep at it!
On my desk is a photo of myself with 11 other young guys, taken over 22 years ago (the 11th is taking the photo!). These precious guys all worked with me in the Pacific, and all went out into Asia, Pacific, and the USA. Almost all of them, including their families, are still in ministry work; some with YWAM, some with other ministries. It is such a reminder of the faithfulness of God, the fruit of hard work and healthy relationships, and even some loss. I am so proud of these guys, and they inspire me today. As volunteers who raise all of our own sponsorship and support, this is truly the best paycheck for us! My encouragement to you out there? Keep doing what you are doing for the Kingdom! Sometimes the most rewarding fruit takes the longest time to grow. We don’t always see it quickly, but it will come. Keep at it!
Thank you for reading and for following along with us!
2003/4. I’m the young guy on the far right!
Destinations included: Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Taiwan, Pacific/Hawaii, Korea, and USA.
GoWests! 