“The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the human neighbourhood. We saw his glory—the glory that belongs to the only Son of the Father—and he was full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14


GIVE               

Dear Friends, 

In Indochina, Mark and Ngoc live in a local neighbourhood. They love and serve their neighbours. They invest their lives in some of the most vulnerable people in their community. They intentionally seek to model the ways of Jesus, living as alongsiders. Living as people of hope and light!

As we approach Christmas 2023, amid the busyness of the season, I want to make time to reflect again on the wonder of the incarnation, as John describes it above. I don’t want the familiarity of the Christmas story to rob me of seeing the wonder of this season with fresh eyes, as I am reminded of God breaking into human history. 

Jesus, in a demonstration of God’s amazing love and grace for all people, moves into the “human neighbourhood”. Jesus becomes an alongsider! And He calls you and I as His followers to this same way of living. 

We’re invited to live as loving alongsiders in our local communities and to generously support others to do the same in communities across the globe. Why? So more people can experience the hope of Jesus in ways that make sense to them. 

Where Mark and Ngoc serve, people with disabilities are often looked down upon. They are often pushed to the margins and not shown respect. Earning an income can be very challenging for them.

But as alongsiders, working with our local partner NGO, Mark and Ngoc are modelling a different way.
They are modelling the Jesus way! 


Through education, vocational training, and rehabilitation services, the needs of people living with disabilities are being met. The poverty cycle is being broken, and staff, volunteers and participants are experiencing the good news of Jesus. 

I love the story of this life-changing ministry. It was founded by a person living with a disability who knew that Jesus is the only one who can make all things new. His vision was to train and employ local people living with disabilities, who would support others also living with disabilities. And this special place has become a beacon of love, hope and light in its local neighbourhood. 

 

It’s changing perceptions. It’s changing attitudes. It’s changing lives! 

In a country where more than half the population are Buddhist and there is growing number of people who say they have no religious affiliation; Jesus is changing lives. A faith community, aligned to the disability ministry, is being led by Mark and Ngoc. They ask that we might pray for the growth of this faith community as more people journey towards becoming a disciple of Jesus.

Mark and Ngoc, and our Baptist Mission Australia teams in Africa, Asia and Australia, can only do what they do with the wonderful  support of partners like you. Thank you for faithful prayers this year. Thank you for your generous support in 2023. 

Across our world today we see much brokenness, pain and hurt. There is a desperate need for more and more people to experience the love and hope of Jesus in their lives and local communities. By word and deed.

This Christmas we marvel again at the love and goodness of God. We celebrate the wonder of Jesus’ birth. We celebrate that Jesus moved into the human neighbourhood.

This Christmas – as an alongsider – can I encourage you to support this special appeal. And as you do, more people in our hurting world will have the opportunity to hear the angel’s life-changing news. 

“I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The Saviour—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today!” 


Grace and peace,

Scott Pilgrim, Executive Director

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