FISHERS OF MEN

Making disciples among fishermen, OM is transforming lives and

communities through the Good News of Jesus Christ.

no.2 2015

“ The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free.”

LUKE 4:18 (NLT)

OPERATION MOBILISATION MAGAZINE

Operation Mobilisationtransforming lives and communities

WORLD NEWSNEWS.OM.ORG

Nepal earthquake

On Saturday April 25 at 11:56 local time, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit the middle of Nepal, near Kathmandu. Felt by several nations in Southern Asia, it is believed to be the worst earthquake to hit Nepal in over 80 years. Upwards of 7,000 people have died, and over 8 million people are believed to have been affected in some way.

OM has been ministering in Nepal since George Verwer’s first visit in 1968. The current team consists of over 100 workers and students, many of whom are Nepalese believers. We are thankful that all are well and accounted for.

Working with Nepal Christian Relief Service and other partner organisations, OM workers have been heavily involved in emergency relief efforts to alleviate some of the suffering. With teams already working alongside communities and churches, our workers are able to strategically provide fresh water, food parcels and emergency shelter solutions to many affected areas, all whilst bringing Good News and demonstrating God’s love. However, access to already hard to reach places continues to be a challenge.

The time for initial relief is gradually coming to an end. With monsoon season about to begin, it is now OM Nepal’s focus to launch the long-term

recovery and rehabilitation phase of response. This includes physical demonstrations of love by repairing churches, homes and local sanitation facilities. OM workers have been trained in basic counselling services and intend to provide local church members with specialised crisis-counselling training to minister to those who have been affected psychologically by this disaster.

Updates on OM Nepal’s response will be communicated on our website www.uk.om.org/NepalEarthquake

Please pray for the people of Nepal as they think about rebuilding their homes and making plans for the future. Pray also that OM Nepal teams would be helpful in the communities and use each opportunity to share about the hope they have in Christ.

OM Nepal team members meet with local villagers to

assess their immediate needs.

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In June 2014, ISIS arrived in Mosul, Iraq. Life changed almost instantly for Tim* and Lena*, long-term OM workers in Kurdistan. Rather than focusing usual ministry they found themselves overseeing relief among thousands of internally displaced peoples (IDPs)— chased from their cities by extreme Islamists.

Lena shared, “It’s a crucial time, because minorities are being displaced, and not just Christian minorities. It’s an opportunity for [Muslims] to question Islam and ask why this is happening. We need the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts.”

CONFRONTING THE CRISIS IN IRAQ

MAKE A DONATION As with most natural disasters, the cost of rehabilitation is substantial. If you would like to respond to this disaster with a financial gift, you can donate to our Emergency Mercy Appeal for Nepal by visiting www.uk.om.org/mercy or using the stitched response card.

“ OM WORKERS HAVE BEEN HEAVILY INVOLVED IN EMERGENCY RELIEF EFFORTS TO ALLEVIATE SOME OF THE SUFFERING.”

*Name changed

OM SHIPS INTERNATIONAL

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POWERED UP FOR FUTURE SERVICE

The Power Up Logos Hope technical project is now complete.

It officially reached its conclusion on 30th March and this unique vessel is back in the water, ready to continue transforming lives by bringing knowledge, help and hope to the

people of the world for many years to come. This successful finish to the project is the result of tens of thousands of hours of planning, ordering parts and materials, transporting new machinery to the ship, installation and commissioning.

“We have experienced God’s blessing in the financing, planning and implementation of this crucial project,” expressed OM Ships CEO Peter Nicoll. “This gives us a more efficient and reliable

platform for the ministry that God has called us to in the years to come.”

The three main aspects of the project have been the replacing of two of the vessel’s generators, replacing the main switchboard to be able to cope with the increased electrical load and installing a heat recovery system so that previously wasted heat energy of the exhaust can be used for heating fuel and oil.

OUTBOUNDLogos Hope might have been out of action for several months, but that didn’t stop the passion and energy of the ship’s company who embarked on an entirely different journey, Outbound. Throughout the Power Up Project, 70 Outbound teams, comprising of 250 crewmembers, travelled inland and across six continents to serve in a wide range of ministries in 40 countries, sharing God’s love in diverse and creative ways.

From Brazil to Kazakhstan, Zambia to the UK, these initiatives were done in partnership with local branches of OM International as well as several other partner organisations in Asia, with the goal to continue bringing knowledge, help and hope through the message of the Gospel.

“ WE HAVE EXPERIENCED GOD’S BLESSING IN THE FINANCING, PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS CRUCIAL PROJECT.”

“He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free.” Luke 4:18

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In Uruguay, a visit to a prison and the personal testimony of one team member resulted in 10 inmates deciding to follow Jesus. Meanwhile in South Africa, a crewmember on the team challenged drug addicts to give up their habits and offered a Mexican meal if they would take a step in that direction. In Norway, a crewmember from Ecuador shared the message of God’s love with a fellow Spanish speaker who was feeling lost in a foreign land, and in New Zealand a team challenged young people living with difficult family situations to see the offer of love, acceptance and peace with God.

Elsewhere, another team helped clean up homes and schools after severe flooding in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia, whilst in Cambodia a team helped build a church in just three months in partnership with locals. Praise God for these encounters—only a glimpse of the full scale and impact of Outbound—that saw changes in lives and communities through the practical outpouring of God’s love.

Praise God for the safety experienced by the technical team on board with work going on at the same time. Give thanks that these vital upgrades to the ship make it possible to continue in ministry for many years to come.

ON THE HORIZON Since resuming ministry in April, Logos Hope has already made several fruitful port visits in Malaysia and the Philippines, with the plan to go on to other Asian ports before November. However, after almost four years of extended ministry and esteeming the church in Asia and the Middle East, Logos Hope will begin bringing knowledge, help and hope to a number of African countries beginning at the end of 2015.

For the majority of 2016, God-willing, crew and staff will share their faith in Sub-Saharan Africa for the first time since Doulos visited in 2005. Despite ongoing tensions and conflicts, there is tremendous growth and opportunity in Africa. We believe this ship visit can provide a unique platform for presenting the hope of the Gospel in partnership with pre-existing ministry initiatives and help them flourish. What’s more, it’s our expectation for Logos Hope to visit West Africa to provide a good witness and offer practical help and primary healthcare to desperately needy individuals and communities.

In partnership with OM Africa, it is our desire to see new recruits from African nations join OM and go out into the world to further God’s Kingdom.

TO REACH AFRICA TOWARDS THE END OF 2015, LOGOS HOPE WILL REQUIRE PRAYER AND MANY TONNES OF FUEL. IF YOU’D BE INTERESTED IN RESPONDING TO THAT NEED, VISIT UK.OM.ORG/FUEL

give www.uk.om.org/fuel

FUEL APPEALTo reach Africa towards the end of 2015, Logos Hope will require prayer and many tonnes of fuel. If you’d be interested in responding to that need, visit uk.om.org/fuel

OM Lake TanganyikaOM AFRICA

FISHERS OF MENIn many ancient cultures, sacrifices were made to gods for prosperity and safety.

It is still the case amongst the tribes living around Lake Tanganyika, the world’s longest freshwater lake, surrounded by Tanzania, Zambia, Burundi and the Democratic

Republic of Congo (DRC).

Villages with populations of 500 to 2,000 people line the lake’s shores, and life revolves around fishing, as there is little farming and no markets for trading other goods.

Men fish at night with huge nets in teams of 15 or 20 in large wooden-planked boats. Status amongst the men is determined by how many wives, children and fishing boats they have. Unfortunately, men value all three as possessions and do not place value on being a good husband, father or provider.

A lie that influences the fishermen’s mind-set includes the belief that they should sacrifice their own children to be able to catch more fish. OM recognises that local people need to know that God’s Son died for them and their children to give them eternal life, and that they can live life to the full, with His provision.

BECOMING FISHERS OF MENMembers of OM Lake Tanganyika have been working in six villages over the past nine years, living within the fishing villages as members of the community.

Over time, the villagers have become attracted by the loving way they see the workers interact with each other as spouses and families, and the way they interact with their neighbours. These workers know that it is through relationship,

discipleship and the modelling of a life lived according to biblical principles of loving God and one another that a village can be transformed.

A key ministry in these villages involves ongoing discipleship training called “Fishers of Men”, which is what Jesus promised His followers would be. In a culture full of lies, this practical programme is based on the truth of who is Jesus.

In December 2013 the first intensive Fishers of Men training was held with 13 participants – two from Burundi, three from DRC and eight from Zambia. Some are fishermen from lakeshore villages and others are missionaries or future missionaries preparing to work within the fishing villages.

The trainees spent two weeks at OM Lake Tanganyika’s base, discussing how to help the fishermen understand that they don’t need to trust in rituals and sacrifices, but instead learn to acknowledge and follow Jesus, the Provider and One who gave His disciples a ‘miraculous catch.’

Another element of the training is teaching the fishermen to be fathers and husbands according to God’s ways. Strategies include building relationships, not only with the fishermen but also with village headmen and other leadership.

After the training at the base, the trainees went on an outreach to Kapembwa village, one of the larger villages between the Mpulungu base and the DRC border. Kapembwa is known to be a dark place spiritually and is where many of the rituals associated with fishing are performed. Currently, about five witch doctors are known to live in the village.

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Being in Kapembwa gave the trainees an opportunity to witness to fishermen who have no access to the Gospel. They also conducted training with the leaders of the church plant in the village. These leaders are now able to continue teaching and discipling the fishermen in Kapembwa.

OM workers reported an immediate result of both physical healing and spiritual deliverance for many in the village. The local leadership of the village also began to understand the power of truth. The headman of the village testified that they need God much more than before.

MAKING DISCIPLESOne trainee of the programme, Robert, was a pastor at a church in the DRC. He confessed that being a pastor was just a job for him and resigned from the position so that, as a church member, he could focus on making disciples amongst the fishermen.

Another Congolese trainee, David, has also started doing Bible studies with fishermen and with Congolese soldiers who otherwise have no access to the Gospel. He has authority and influence even to lead military commanders in studying the Word of God.

Other trainees are starting Bible studies with children aged 10-15 in various villages along the lake. These young people impact their parents and communities, as well.

One of the Zambian trainees has started a prayer house in Musende village, where fishermen can go and pray before they fish. One leader of a large fishing boat went to the founder of this prayer house to surrender his witchcraft charms used for catching fish, and now prays to God for provision.

“ IN A CULTURE FULL OF LIES, THIS PRACTICAL PROGRAMME IS BASED ON THE TRUTH OF WHO IS JESUS.”

join us in praying for the people living around Lake Tanganyikapray

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17

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By Kris JohnstoneOM UKRAINE

BUSINESS AS USUAL

www.uk.om.org/shortsgo

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

In March this year, I visited the OM team in Odessa, Ukraine. At the time, a ceasefire was underway, yet by the sixth day of my visit, rumoured pockets of fighting in the east quickly filtered to the west. Yet, as with many reports, this was not verified in the media.

During my visit, I had the opportunity to see OM Ukraine’s ministries in action, including the extensive orphanage ministry in the Odessa region, all of which still continues despite the current crisis. In fact, at times, you could almost forget that the country was at war. However, it was clear that over and above these earthly conflicts, seeing the Gospel spread amongst Ukrainians and Russians was at the heart of OM Ukraine and the churches I visited.

That being said, the most impactful experience was the bittersweet opportunity to interview Lea, 27, the wife of a youth pastor in Mariupol, Eastern Ukraine, and hear about the war from her point of view. “We have begun to appreciate the small things that were not expensive before,” shared Lea. “The country’s economy has fallen hard: we cannot find work in our region, wages have not been raised, but prices have risen several times and continue to grow daily!”

“But God is not abandoning us. It is a miracle, even in this difficult year we are somehow living better than last year. This year, aid from Western Ukraine has been distributed in the war zones [partly financed by OM UK’s Mercy Appeal]. I’m grateful to God and these people.”

The impact of war has not only been financial, but significant psychological weight of war has begun to emerge as well. “We daily hear the sounds of the hail of mortars and howitzers. To see soldiers with machine guns on the streets has become a familiar sight. During the attack 5km from my house, crashing shells caused us to huddle up to the ground as our legs buckled by their sheer force. We have experienced and know what panic is. My children tremble and cry when they hear gunfire. Any sharp knock or rumble makes me flinch.”

Amongst the unrest, Lea has witnessed positive outcomes. “People have become closer to God. This was unheard of in the past. Often people would laugh at your faith or speak up against the existence of God. Now, people listen again to the Gospel.

“ PRAY FOR OUR COUNTRY, FOR OUR CITY. ALL AROUND MARIUPOL THE WARFARE IS GETTING MORE DEVASTATING.” PLEAS LEA

PRAY FOR UKRAINEKeep OM Ukraine in your prayers. Despite the shadow cast by these conflicts, for our workers it is mostly business as usual. OM teams intend for their short- term outreaches this summer to go ahead. Perhaps you are willing to join one? Visit uk.om.org/shorts for more information.

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By Beth (surname withheld for security)BLOG.OM.ORG

How Central Asian culture is teaching me more about God

BLOG.OM.ORGAn excerpt from our OM International blog, written by OM workers describing mission from their perspective. Visit blog.om.org to read more.

PREPARING A TABLEPreparing a table for guests is a big deal here in Central Asia. Even if your guests are only coming for a morning tea, the table needs to be piled with nuts, fruit, bread, salad, chocolates, meat, etc. To show love and respect for your guests, one needs to fill the table so that one can hardly see the tablecloth underneath.

Last week we were studying Psalm 23 in the local language with our teacher. When we came to the verse that says “he prepares a table before me” the language was the word used for a table piled with everything “Central Asian style.” That’s how much God loves us! He doesn’t just prepare the table with a knife and fork and napkin; He piles it with good food and lavishes us with His love and blessing!

BREADIn Central Asia, bread is very important. It is a big round flat loaf baked in a clay oven. One breaks it into pieces to eat. Bread is eaten at every meal. As we look at our Western style, cellophane-wrapped sliced white loaves of bread, it’s hard to imagine Jesus breaking the bread at the Last Supper, but in this culture, the meal cannot begin until the host breaks the bread. Then, everyone can help themselves to the food.

Jesus said that He is the bread of life. Here in Central Asia, bread brings life. It is cherished, and it cannot be turned upside down or be thrown away in the trash. When you enter a Central Asian home, you will be given tea and bread, and it is very rude not to accept. Even if you are in a big hurry, you need to take a small piece of bread and touch it to your lips.

There is a Central Asian saying we have had to learn to say which goes: “I am not above the bread” i.e. I do not think of myself as more important than this bread, which gives me life.

I am so thankful to be living in Central Asia as this culture deepens my understanding of God and His word.

“ YOU PREPARE A TABLE BEFORE ME IN THE PRESENCE OF MY ENEMIES.”PSALM 23:5

“ JESUS SAID TO THEM,” I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE; WHOEVER COMES TO ME SHALL NOT HUNGER”JOHN 6:35

“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.” Psalm 23:1

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By Nicole James

give www.uk.om.org/mercy

PIONEERING INITIATIVES

SOWING SCRIPTURE THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA

“ You have to see this video on Facebook. It was so beautiful, I cried,” Nada* told her friend Katrina* as the two women sat down over coffee.

Once Katrina, a worker in the OM Middle East and North Africa area, realised what her friend had seen – a short video quoting 1 Corinthians 13 – she opened her Bible

and showed Nada where the words came from.

“My friend was really touched, just hearing the words on the video. She didn’t realise it was the Bible,” Katrina said.

Nada is not the only person in a Muslim area to discover Scripture online. Across the Arab world, beautiful pictures, memorable quotes and kitschy emoticons plaster social media sites. With the increasing use of smartphones, even in remote areas, young people constantly share content with friends.

When OM workers, Heidi* and Laura*, began receiving motivational messages in Arabic which had been forwarded from local friends, they started thinking about the possibility of using social media to share Scripture.

“Given the amount of people that are on Facebook and the amount of time people are spending on Facebook, we thought it could be a useful tool,” Heidi explained.

Together with two guys on their OM team, the girls put together content for a Facebook page and website. Deciding to replicate the format and style of messages from their friends, the small group created a handful of images, combining pictures with Bible verses in Arabic, and started posting them online.

About a year later the Facebook page now has nearly 40,000 likes. The site attracts visitors from countries around the Middle East and North Africa, including areas without a Gospel presence. “It’s a new and unprecedented way of sharing the Gospel,” said Kent*, one of the project members. Right now, the project is still in its infancy, but they pray that soon, responses to Facebook posts could lead to real-life discipleship relationships.

“We’re trying to get the Word [of God] out there,” Kent explained. “We want to get people to first of all start reading Scripture, allow the Spirit to work, have them keep reading, and then fellowship with believers.”

*Name changed

“ MY FRIEND WAS REALLY TOUCHED, JUST HEARING THE WORDS ON THE VIDEO. SHE DIDN’T REALISE IT WAS THE BIBLE,” KATRINA SAID.

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7

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Instant Messaging. One character at a time.

Even in the remotest parts of the world where Christ is least known, we motivate and equip Christians to share God’s love with the people they meet.

God uses ordinary people to reach other ordinary people with this One Message of Good News in over 110 countries and in world port cities through OM Ship Logos Hope.

Find out more about how this One Message is transforming lives and communities across the world and how you can get involved.

WWW.UK.OM.ORG/UNREACHED

“ The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free.”

LUKE 4:18 (NLT)

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