E-Connected Archive - April 2010
Meet Brits Taking their Talents to the Muslim World - PART ONE
It’s Spring in the UK which means it’s time for another season of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ to hit our TV screens. In case you’re not an avid viewer and you’re not sure quite what it is, think big stage, live auditions in front of a panel of celebrity judges and literally hundreds of people of all ages with a variety of talents trying to prove that they have what it takes to perform in front of the queen at an upcoming Royal Variety Show. All the hype over ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ has got us thinking about the Brits we work with who are choosing to take their God-given talents to the Muslim world.
It’s not glamorous and they’re certainly unlikely to meet royalty or become a household name. Instead they’re leaving all that’s familiar to live and work amongst those who’ve never had the opportunity to hear and engage with the gospel. |
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Meet Josh - a Journalist - off to the Middle East
“Is being willing a talent? This journey has definitely felt more about availability than ability for me. But at the same time it’s been cool to realise that every experience I’ve been through and every skill I’ve picked up has helped shape me for the task ahead. Instead of thinking “why go?” I like to think more in terms of “why not?” When I first began learning Arabic - as a hobby, because I like languages - I had no idea that God would use it to lead me to take my talents to the Middle East. Some people ask me if it’s dangerous and say that I’m brave. But I’m just an ordinary person who’s learned that perfect love casts out all fear. Sometimes I wonder what talents I’ve got that God can use, but he’s promised to equip me – and not just me but anyone who surrenders their life.”
Meet Doctor Judi: taking her medical talents to the Muslim world
“Knowing that there is no local church in a country of over 6 million people is motivation for everyone to go, not just us. God has given me a career which requires a lot of direct interaction with people. Through my work, I can bless a country which is not as privileged as we are; I can also build relationships with locals whilst I am at work. I know taking my talents outside of the UK will have its challenges but I’m excited and expectant about the road ahead.”
Meet Chris and Emma:
Hanging out with local people who share their passon for the arts
“It’s been an action-packed couple of weeks! We had a fantastic time at the arts festival - we met some brilliant people and got a great chance to scope out the arts scene in the city. We were particularly excited to spend time in a massive film school which is just around the corner from our house - it’s a beautiful facility with 200 students studying every aspect of film making, as well as art and graphic design. It seems like a fantastic resource in the city and we’re looking forward to finding ways to link up with them.”
“If we had to ask for more of anything it wouldn’t be talent, it would be faith.” James, new field worker with Frontiers