OMF UK News & Events

World Changers: Exploring Islam

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:33:58 GMT

Multi-mission day worship led by WEC's multi-cultural Resonance Band keynote address by experts from the field children’s programme for 5-12 years & creche

Asia Home & Away

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:51:46 GMT

Highlands Morning Conference - Speakers from Asia, Good Bible Teaching, Bookstall and Free Literature, Lunch provided

Next Generation Conference: Equipping the Next Generation of Mission Workers 24-26 Feb

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:03:23 GMT

Equipping the Next Generation of Mission Workers. An exciting cutting-edge missionary training conference aimed at under 30s to equip the next generation of mission workers to meet the challenges of what God is doing today. It will be a varied programme of seminars and discussions covering four key areas: -Spiritual growth -Mission -Leadership -Identity/Destiny

OMF Press Release: North Korea - The death of Kim Jong-il

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:07:53 GMT

North Korean state media have reported the death of Kim Jong-il, aged 69. His son, Kim Jong-Un was described by the state media as the ‘great successor’.

As North Korea announced the death two days after the event, most commentators feel that the leadership have things under control. The North’s media has rallied the army and the people to follow the new leader. It is less likely that the new leader would want to increase tension or change local and foreign policies during this time of transition. On the other hand, no one knows how the transition or the immediate future will work out. It seems all the surrounding nations and those involved in the six nations talks have given cautious responses and have asked for calm, despite carrying out some emergency measures such as putting the army or cabinet on high alert.

Kim Jong-il wanted the DPRK to be a ‘powerful and prosperous state’ b

y 15 April 2012, the hundredth anniversary of the birth of Kim Il-sung – despite hunger hitting the nation anew in the summer of 2011 due to poor harvests.

Despite the very limited information, we have witnessed changes in North Korea over the last 10 years. Before 2001, about 500 people had come out; now the number exceeds 21,000. More and more people inside the North are learning of life in China, Russia, Europe – and South Korea. Many international professionals have gone to work in North Korea. They are mainly involved in businesses, humanitarian aid and education. Chinese citizens also have access to North Korea and can enter without a special visa.

The OMF intercessor who started the OMF North Korea news bulletin 10 years ago, says: ‘The Pentecost in Acts 2 was preceded by united and sustained intercession by the early disciples in Acts 1. In Acts 2:14, “They all joined together constantly in prayer…” Similarly, if we truly desire to see a revival in the land of North Korea, we need to see a widening prayer movement focusing on this unreached people group. Hence, as we celebrate the tenth anniversary of the publication of the first issue of the North Korea Prayer Bulletin, let’s recommit ourselves to see the development of a global prayer movement for the people in the North.
Please pray for:

For God’s sovereign will to be realised for this needy nation and suffering people despite the uncertainty from a human perspective
For the people to recognise and put their trust in a Ruler who is just and righteous, and who alone is eternal
For the new leader, army and officials to be open to new ways of resolving many challenges facing the grieving nation
For openness to other nations to assist in overcoming recurrent food shortage and economic struggles
For more opportunities for Christian professionals to enter and serve the nation and the people
For more prayer partners to intercede for this nation, and for more workers to be called to serve the North Korean people

To continue to pray for North Korea, sign up for the OMF North Korea newsletter, email omf@omf.org.uk

Ireland Under 35s Weekend - Who is My Neighbour? 17-19 Feb 2012

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:52:55 GMT

Did you know that you can change the world without leaving your own neighbourhood? Students from all over the world are here in Ireland. By telling one of them about Jesus you could be part of a global church movement that is transforming lives and communities. At this weekend you’ll hear from workers with years of experience working with East Asians in Asia and here in the UK and Ireland. Exploring together WHO IS MY NEIGHBOUR?

Philippines Floods

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:24:25 GMT

Thank you for continuing to pray for the situation in Mindanao. As more bodies are being recovered the official death toll has risen sharply to over 700. Hundreds remain missing and are feared dead. The worse hit areas are Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities, with whole villages being swept into the sea. However, there were also fatalities in Bukidnon, Compostela Valley, Zamboanga de Norte and the Dumagete in Negros Oriental due to flash floods and landslides. More than 35,000 are huddled in makeshift evacuation centers after losing everything in the flood.

The authorities and the red cross were quick to respond with aid. Thousands of soldiers have been deployed in the area to continue the search and rescue operations. Clean water is a major issue at this stage. Handling the huge number of dead has overwhelmed the services in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. Many bodies remain unclaimed as whole families have been wiped out.

None of our workers were affected but the floods. However, we do have many friends and partners in the area. At this stage all seem to be safe and sound. I have been in communication with the workers there. The main church we are connected with is busy helping each other with the clean up. Two thirds of the congregation were flooded out. Any donations that we receive will either be chaneled to this church or through the church association's relief arm.

Pray that more people will be found alive despite the odds and that those needing medical attention will receive the help they need.

Scottish U30s Conference - ‘A Life Worth Living’

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:59:17 GMT

'A Life Worth Living' From March 16th-18th 2012 Good Bible Teaching, Speakers from Asia, Short term workers, Interactive prayer times, Resources. Bible Readings by Rev Willie Black

GO2012 Carrying the Flame Mission Festival for the Nations

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 12:06:53 GMT

Friday 4 May to Monday 7 May One of the UK's largest mission festivals. Worship. Word. Seminars. Prayer. Mission opportunities. Feel God's heartbeat Find your unique way to serve Visit for the day, or camp all weekend

Ballymoney Mini-Conference- Tuesday, 13th of March, 2012

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:54:48 GMT

7.45pm "We would love you to join us for a chance to meet and hear from OMF missionaries on home assignment. The evening will include worship, reports of the Lord's work in East Asia and a chance to fellowship over coffee."

Londonderry Prayer Breakfast, Saturday, 10th of March, 2012

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:31:20 GMT

9-11am "Fellowship over breakfast and a chance to hear about the work of OMF in sharing the love and truth of Christ in East Asia."

New Year Afternoon of Prayer- Saturday, 7th of Janaury, 2012

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:10:17 GMT

2-4pm "Join us for fresh insights into what the Lord is doing amongst East Asians, worship, fellowship and prayer."

"Be My Witnesses" Southbourne Day Conf - 28 Jan 2012

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:25:28 GMT

Learn how you can make a gospel impact on East Asians in the UK and in their home countries. Hear ministry updates from OMFers back from East Asia.

Book: Understanding Asian Mission Movements

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:12:17 GMT

The rise of Asian mission poses important questions to the global Church: How can we best relate to these burgeoning Asian mission movements? What can we learn from them? What models of partnership, mutual support and resourcing are appropriate—on both sides?
This book presents the papers from three Asian Mission Consultations held at Redcliffe College in Gloucester between 2008 and 2010, which brought together mission leaders and practitioners from Asian and non-Asian missions to interact with these questions.

This book is available from amazon.co.uk

Unlocking the door - Diaspora ministries training day

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 13:39:03 GMT

More and more churches, groups and individuals are seeking a greater understanding of how to share the gospel with other nationalities. OMF International UK Diaspora team are seeking to help equip individuals and churches for this purpose. Newtownbreda Baptist Church, Belfast November 12th 10am-5pm

Prepare for Impact: Day Conf - 19 Nov 2011

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:17:11 GMT

Learn how you can make a gospel impact on East Asians in the UK and in their home countries. Hear ministry updates from OMFers back from East Asia.

OMF UK's Area Mobiliser Team

Fri, 06 May 2011 11:51:40 GMT

OMF UK’s recent restructuring has resulted in a new team of ‘area mobilisers’ whose core ministry is to come alongside churches and individuals at a local level to help them discover the difference they can make in God’s plan for the nations. Our mobilisers want to inform about and inspire action towards reaching East Asia’s peoples with the gospel (in its fullest, holistic sense), but they also want to listen, guide and sensitively empower young people; addressing their fears and nurturing their dreams about engaging in cross-cultural mission.

Released to relate

As administrative and coordinating work with candidates and missionaries on home assignment from Asia has been transferred to the National Office in Borough Green, Kent, our former Regional Directors for Scotland and West England are now giving more time to mentoring and advising inquirers, church leaders, mission committees and student groups. Phil & Cath Steed are drawing on a decade’s experience of mobilisation ministry in Scotland to serve as Area Mobilisers there. Charles & Liz Chalmers continue as mobilisers in West England but also take responsibility for all of Wales, having formerly looked after South Wales only. Guido & Linda Braschi also continue as mobilisers for the Greater London area, but now extend to Surrey.

Welcomed to relate

Tim Jenkins has accepted our offer to become Area Mobiliser for an East England area, North of the Thames. Tim (with his wife Sue) were OMF members from 1999 to 2004, serving first as Business Manager at Chefoo School for missionary children in Malaysia, and then in the Personnel department at International Headquarters, Singapore. Tim and Sue live with their two teenage children in Whittlesford, a few miles south of Cambridge.

Mark Sinclair has started as another Area Mobiliser in East England, covering Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Sussex and Kent. Based in Colchester, Mark will also allocate up to half his time to national mobilisation projects. Mark with Shirley have served with OMF in Cambodia since 2001, in varied ministries including initiating a new M.Sc in the IT programme of the Royal University of Phnom Penh. The Sinclairs remain committed to ministry in Cambodia long term, but will live in the UK until 2014.

Andy & Jenni Stevens have accepted our offer to be Area Mobilisers for South West England from Cornwall to Berkshire. Andy will continue to coordinate mobilisation for China nationally during a transition period of at least a year. During this time we will seek to move towards sharing responsibility for China mobilisation across the UK and Ireland between several members of the emerging mobilisation team including Andy.

Richard Crofts has accepted our offer to become Area Mobiliser for North England. Richard comes to us with over 12 years’ Mobilisation and Personnel experience with SAMS (South American Missionary Society) and prior to that, 10 years’ mission work in Tanzania in Theological Education by Extension (TEE), evangelism, youth work and agricultural development. Richard will work from his family home in Bakewell, Derbyshire and be supported by Matt Guest, as a part-time volunteer mobiliser among young people, based in Manchester.

Nathaniel & Donna Jennings have accepted our offer to become Area Mobilisers for Ireland. The Jennings are currently members of SIM and served in evangelism and discipleship in Bangladesh from 2008. Previously they both taught at Grace International School in Dhaka. They returned to Northern Ireland in Summer 2010 for family reasons and now sense the Lord leading them into mobilisation ministry.

The Jennings’ ministry will be supported by Laura-Jane Meas and Claire Harfitt, who have been and will continue to serve as part-time mobilisers in Ireland.

Short-term mission for millennials

A key way Generation Y can experience authentic community with God’s people worldwide and learn how to make a difference for the Gospel’s sake is through short-term mission. OMF UK is investing in this through the recent appointment of Derrick Burns as the new leader of our Serve Asia programme. Derrick comes to us with extensive experience of ministry to youth and student-age young people as the former Director of Wycombe Youth for Christ, a youth pastor, and through mobilising young people in Brazil for mission among unreached people groups.

Derrick is also responsible for Serve Asia individual placements while Kathryn Bowen continues to oversee our teams programme. They are working closely with Area Mobilisers who help them promote the programme and orientate, debrief and follow-up those who take part.

Digitally adept

Today's young people are the most digitally-savvy generation yet to reach adulthood. ‘In a survey for JW Intelligence, most 18- to 29-year-olds said they would give up going out rather than loose their internet connection or mobile phone.’ OMF’s media team, comprising Tony Waghorn, Chris Watts, Alice Cross and Emma Howden, are tackling this challenge head-on to create mission resources in digital and print media that connect with today’s young people.

Pray:

That the Lord would mould this group of mobilisers (new and old) into a coherent and visionary team that can connect effectively with Generation Y and others.
For the new mobilisers as they complete their applications to join OMF as members and that the Lord will provide the prayer and financial support to confirm them starting in ministry.
For the next step in our vision which is for area mobilisers to recruit, train and support volunteers who can extend the reach of ministry into hundreds (even thousands more Millennials.

Japan: The disaster unfolds

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 16:00:53 GMT

At 2.26pm on Friday 11th March, 2011 a magnitude 9.0 earthquake struck off the north-eastern coast of Japan. The earthquake was the largest in Japan’s recorded history, resulting in a series of tsunamis that caused widespread devastation.

The first tsunami hit land ten minutes after the quake and was estimated to be between three and ten metres high. In places the tsunami reached up to several kilometres inland. In some places the water went up narrow valleys into areas where no one expected a tsunami would ever affect.

Hardest hit was the Tohoku region in the coastal cities of Sendai and Fukushima, where thousands are confirmed dead, and thousands are still missing more than a week after the tragedy.

The people of Japan are well used to earthquakes and warnings were given, but the scale of the tsunami surpassed expectations. There was not enough time for many people to get to safety.

Devastation

OMFer Martin Ghent writes about one small village: ‘Omoto has a ' wave gate ' that is 13.3 metres high and the tsunami cleared it and swept part of the village away. Villagers are guessing over 20 metres.’

A missionary, after returning from a relief trip to the area said this, ‘There is devastation beyond anything I've ever even imagined.’ He added, ‘The situation is so much worse than the news is even showing. I can’t wrap my head around it. There are a few years of work to do here.’

Nuclear

The earthquake and tsunami also caused damage at some of Japan’s nuclear power plants. The authorities have worked hard to contain the damage, but many are alarmed at the risk. News reports assessing the danger are mixed.

Food and Travel

Food shortages and transport blockages are being experienced throughout the region, including in Tokyo. Highways have been shut, fuel rationed and in Tokyo, train schedules have been severely reduced.

Many people were unable to get to work for several days following the earthquake. To conserve energy, there have been rolling power outages in Tokyo, causing anxiety and panic buying. Coupled with bad news from the nuclear power plants, fear lies close to the surface for many people. Many are walking around in a state of shock.

Schools

Missionary families with students at International Schools in Tokyo were affected too. The earthquake occurred just before school finished, however all train service ceased until the next day so many students were stranded at school. It was a challenging afternoon and evening for many, though all students were eventually safely united with their parents by the next day. In the days following, power cuts and reduced train schedules led to all the international schools shutting for at least two to three weeks.

Pray:

Praise God for the generosity of believers in Japan and globally
Pray for the small churches in the most affected regions to show love and care to their communities.
Pray for relationships between Christians, their neighbours and local communities.
For the efforts of CRASH as they seek to reach ‘the last, the lost and the least.’

Read and pray on

Visit the OMF Japan website
Visit CRASH Japan's website
Read our How should we pray for Japan? article
Read the Operation World team's prayer resources: Praying for Japan from Operation World:- http://ow.ly/4iIUp and Praying in Times of Crisis:- http://ow.ly/4iIYj

The Vision & Restructuring of OMF UK

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 15:58:21 GMT

Our Vision

OMF UK is restructuring from 4 January 2011 to enhance our effectiveness in mission to East Asians. Our vision is to put local churches in the UK at the heart of OMF’s mission, refocusing resources on empowering churches to engage in world mission, with special attention on East Asia’s unreached peoples.
The OMF team based in the UK will make a top priority of developing and maintaining relationships with churches, who are the primary senders, individual enquirers and with the supporters of current and new OMF workers in Asia. A team of area mobilisers will be deployed across the UK and Ireland to meet face-to-face with church leaders and supporters.

Restructuring OMF UK

The new structure should allow us to respond more quickly and flexibly to the vision and needs of UK churches towards world mission.
People and resources will be deployed into emerging opportunities in more cost-effective ways. The initial months of these changes will stretch all of us in many ways, so do pray for good relationships and for unity across the whole OMF UK community, with you as supporters as much as among current OMF UK members and staff.
The restructuring also coincides with a period of significant financial challenge for OMF UK. This has led to a number of staff redundancies and changes of roles across our UK team as difficult decisions have been taken to prioritise our efforts and resources toward our vision.
Existing regional offices in Watford, Bristol, Manchester and Glasgow will be closed, as their administrative and coordinating work with candidates and missionaries on home assignment from Asia is transferred to the National Office in Borough Green, Kent. This means a few new roles have been created, as the regional offices’ responsibilities have now been centralised to the National Office..
You can contact our team of Mobilisers and National Office staff here.
We are looking to appoint mobilisers in the East and North of England and Wales.

Caring for Candidates

Louise Barker has been appointed as the new Director for Candidates and Member Care and will lead this centrally coordinated work.
Louise has been a member of the OMF Cambodia team since 1998, and has extensive experience in health and social projects and in urban church planting. Since 2005, she has co-ordinated the orientation and training of OMF workers in Cambodia.
We are grateful to Guido Braschi for serving as Acting Human Resources Director during 2010, pending Louise’s appointment. Guido has now returned to focusing fully on his role, along with Linda, as mobilisers in the Greater London area.

Area ministry teams

Candidates will continue to be interviewed, and missionaries debriefed at a local level. Teams of OMF volunteers who currently form multi-functional Regional Councils will be transformed into Area Ministry Teams, specialising in either candidate screening, pastoral care of missionaries on home assignment, or promotional work. All of this will be undertaken in close partnership with the supporting churches of OMF missionaries.
We also look forward to providing many more opportunities for you, as supporters, to be involved in volunteer ministry. This will grow, as local teams are strengthened and new teams established in areas where OMF has little or no presence.

Phnom Penh stampede

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 11:47:44 GMT

From Alistair and Juliet Curry in Phnom Penh, Cambodia:
As you will probably know by now, there was a major incident in Phnom Penh last night. At least 378 people were killed in a stampede on the last night of the water festival, and over 750 were injured. The death toll is still rising.

We are ok, and all our OMF colleagues and Khmer staff are accounted for, though most of our Cambodian friends and neighbours at least know of someone missing.
A national day of mourning will be held on Thursday. The Prime Minister describes it as the worst tragedy to hit the country since the Pol Pot genocide.
I was at one of the main hospitals earlier to see whether they need OMF help, which was quite harrowing. I am also in touch with the Cambodian Red Cross and other NGOs to see how we can respond.
Mary, one of our OMF counsellors will be doing a group debriefing Thursday for the Cambodian staff of OMF.
Thank you for your prayers for all those affected. Phnom Penh was a very quiet place today, and our neighbours all have put out offerings for the spirits of the dead tonight.
Drs Alistair and Juliet Curry

Flooding in Thailand

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 09:33:29 GMT

From one of our workers in Lopburi, Thailand

20 October

The water at Shiloh is slightly higher than it was when I left the house yesterday evening and walking in just now was real exercise, walking against the current of the water coming down the lane. Please continue to pray that the water level doesn’t go higher and into the house itself. It is just a couple of inches below the level of the doors. The garage storage area used for storing furniture and possessions of missionaries on Home Assignment has water above ankle depth. I shall continue to sleep at Genevieve’s house and we may need to lift her things there. There is no sign of water yet but they were announcing that we should prepare for it. Despite this, lessons went on today at school but several of the students are tired and haven’t had much sleep.

Well I need to go now. Out on the street charities are helping those worst affected by the flooding and boats have appeared.

19 October

This is just a quick email from a friend's computer after a tiring day of moving furniture upstairs, filling sandbags, carrying children out of houses etc. There is a lot of flooding in Thailand and it started to flood in Lopburi on Monday evening. The house (Shiloh) where I have been staying is reasonably high in our street and so we didn't think it would flood but I was amazed as the waters rose. When I left the house at about 6pm this evening it was only about 4 or 5 inches below the front door. To wade out to the main street it came up to my hip. It was up to my waist in one road going to another person's house.

Julia, working in Lopburi Thailand

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