It is usually the case that fostering innovation is best done in relationship , when we can each bring what God has gifted us with to find a solution together . In this case we got to bring training and connection , and the village bought land ready for agroforestry and a community committed to the vision of achieving a goal together .
As we worked together , we also got to talk with our Muslim friends and discuss that God gave us this area as custodians to farm and care for , so that future generations can also benefit from the gifts God has given us .
Looking after our environment and farming it well is legitimate Kingdom work - doing it from common spiritual ground gives us opportunities for future conversations about the gift God has given us in Jesus .
In an intercultural context it is always important to slow down , be in community with our local friends and allow time and space for innovation to reveal itself in relationship . In many ways the end solution is only a small part of the process – discovering the innovation and journeying together is just as important . And we are all richer for it !
Paul Rai is the coordinator of the
Learner Driver
Mentor Program and Pastor at Hobart Nepali
Church , a thriving congregation of Citywide Baptist Church in Tasmania .
There are more than 10,000 Nepalese speaking people in Hobart , mostly from Hindu , Buddhist and Muslim backgrounds . We found the Nepalese migrants and students were coming to Tasmania without a driver ’ s license , but because they were living so far from work opportunities and the Hobart public transport is limited , they struggled to get a job .
The Hobart Nepali church prayed about this and chose to support and bless our community by starting a Learner Driver Mentor Program . This driving program has been a successful ministry of Hobart Nepalese Church since 2018 . 250 students have gotten their P-Plates since we started , and we currently have nine volunteer driver mentors .
Driving student Jasmine ( pictured left page ) speaks of her experience , “ I ’ ve been living in Hobart for the past year . When I first moved here , I found out the public transportation is not very reliable . Then I got to know about the free driving classes that the Hobart Nepali Church provides .
I have had ten classes so far , and I would like to thank the whole team of Hobart Nepali Church for providing me this opportunity . Thank you !”
Baptist Mission Australia Executive Director , Scott Pilgrim reflects , “ It ’ s not always easy to respond to complex needs around us , but sometimes with the Spirit ’ s leading we can come across simple solutions . It ’ s so inspiring to hear this story of a local church seeing a need within their community , and responding with a simple , yet innovative , idea .”
The main reason behind our community support work is to get alongside the people , serve them where they have need and share Christ ’ s love .
We at Baptist Mission Australia have partnered with this practical yet profound expression of God ’ s love . Do you have a story of your church is responding to the needs of your community with love and innovation . Let us know !
RESONATE ISSUE 42 | PAGE 18