Thanks again for a Magnificent May Mission Month in 2021!

For over 100 years, May has been the month of special mission focus for our Australian Baptist Churches. The heart of this initiative is still core to our mission today – partnering with the vital, passionate and dedicated people who serve across the world, sharing the Good News with people in ways that make sense to them in their culture, local community and language. 

We want to submit a heartfelt thank-you to all our Victorian churches for another month-long celebration and generous support of God’s mission across cultures, across the world.

This year’s May Mission Month focussed on the vital importance of churches each playing a part in God’s mission by cultivating vibrant faith communities.  Our focus included four distinct themes: Following Jesus in their own distinctive ways, Sharing God’s love, Humbly contextualising the Good News, and Partnering together.  During May I had the honour of preaching and sharing in numerous churches across our state alongside many other Global Interaction staff, candidates, and volunteers who responded to requests for speakers.  It was such a joy to see the enthusiasm and passion in our local churches for intercultural mission. 

Across the world our Global Interaction teams have entered a second year of living and ministering in the midst of the pandemic and they continue to share wonderful stories of God at work.   Our website hosts over 60 videos including intercultural workers updates, thematic clips and filmed sermons. These have been viewed over 11,000 times!  This is a testament to the invested and passionate mission community we are a part of.

For the first time we had videos from children of intercultural workers for kids and teens in Australia. These were created to help facilitate communication between these groups and open the eyes of young people in Australia to global mission and what living in another culture is like. This is part of our renewed engagement with the next generation.

We also launched our brand-new animation, “Alongside” that explains who we are and what we do in the most compelling and inspiring way.  I encourage you to check it out if you haven’t already and share it with your community of faith.

If your church champions mission during other months or weeks please know these excellent video (and other) resources remain available throughout the year.

We continue to learn new lessons as an organisation, we’re embracing new approaches and we’re actively pursuing our 2021-2025 Strategic Roadmap.  We invite you to continue the journey with us as we adapt to an everchanging world while remaining true to God’s mission of love and transformation.

Thank you again for your ongoing support of our ministry.  Please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime with questions or opportunities for partnership.

Peace and grace,

Geoff Maddock

State Leader VIC/TAS

Global Interaction