Could you spend a week helping a city centre church as they run an events week to reach out and build bridges in their diverse community?
Background
A Midlands city centre church is seeking to reach out to the diverse community on their doorstep. The church building is situated in the middle of a community of people from a North African background and they have asked Borderless to provide a team to help them run a special events week.
Vision
The aim of the week is to build on the community work which the church is already involved in, this includes English lessons and helping residents find employment. The church wants to celebrate its involvement in their locality, and further demonstrate care and concern for their surrounding community.
Ministry
The local community have been resistant to the Gospel and are unlikely to respond well to open evangelism. For this reason, the team will seek to witness through action rather than words. However, the team will not seek to hide their identity as Christians, or their reason for being there when people express an interest.
Activities will include a Children’s holiday club – games, crafts. A community artwork challenge. A women’s group to run alongside the children’s activities – crafts and practicing English. There will also be sports activities for teenagers in the evenings. Along with the opportunity to visit local cafes and women’s groups.
Training will be given during orientation and at regular times during the week.
Qualifications and Experience
Must be at least 18 years old, Christian and able to provide a reference from your local church. A heart for the lost and a willingness to learn are the key things we’re looking for.
Experience or skills in one or more of the following areas would be desirable but not essential:
- Experience working among people from a North African background
- Experience working with children
- Teaching English as a Second Language
- Sports skills
- Craft skills
When?
Saturday 3rd August – Sunday 11th August 2024
How much?
The cost will be the cost price to cover accommodation, administration and DBS checks for the week, we do not expect this to exceed £475.00. Team members will need to arrange their own transport to the city.
Accommodation is expected to be in individual rooms in an Airbnb a short distance from the church. Meals will be provided at the church.
Interested?
Contact mobcoord.eu@aimint.org
This year will be the fourth year that the church has run a community outreach week. Here is what one of last year’s participants said about their experience of serving on the team.
In a town in the midlands there is a very small congregation with a very bright light shining and a burning desire to share the gospel with their neighbours- a large community of African diaspora, mainly from the north of Africa. This church has started a yearly summer holiday program that welcomes parents and kids to come and enjoy fun craft and sports activities, while giving them the opportunity to build relationships and engage in meaningful conversations.
If you have a heart for Muslim people and African diaspora, and would like to practice how to be a good neighbour, I would recommend this outreach opportunity!
