Two By 2

STORIES

Viv Grant

We went to China as part of a Mercy Mission which entailed caring for children that live in an orphanage. What a special time this was!

Our aim was to share Jesus' love with children who have been abandoned and lack love and any knowledge of our Father who created them, loves them, and accepts them in His Kingdom.

We were able to shower them with the physical love they desperately need. Our Lord used our arms to cuddle these precious children, and they responded - coming alive under our Saviours love.

God blessed us considerably on the trip. Not only did His loving hand comfort His beloved children in China, but it was also a time of change for us. We were taught that we really need to place our cares and worries at His feet, and rely on our Lord to deal with them as he sees fit, and direct us. When we are broken before Him, He can build us up in His way.

Some of the many benefits going on a mission together include being accountable to somebody and having a sounding board; having a prayer partner before, during and after the trip; sharing the experience with an existing friend, having a familiar presence in an unfamiliar environment and having somebody to "debrief" with on the return home, and knowing they are dealing with similar feelings.

Matthew Stedman

I did not know what to expect. South Africa is a long way from Sydney, but this added to the excitement and anticipation of the upcoming 5 months.

I was involved in a youth team which consisted of 80 people from around the world. We fused as a team in a surprisingly short period of time. It was clear to see that God was at work from the first day of my time in South Africa. Different personalities, different gifts whilst maintaining one focus, to share the love of Christ.

I found myself relying on God to speak through me in many situations.

It was great to have a close friend from home to chew the fat with.

What an opportunity to share the Gospel with kids on the other side of the world.

To see the students respond with fervour was enough to bring joy to anyone.

Matthew Elphick

Squat toilets, food that leaves you heaving and people who look confused as you fail to breach the language barrier. These are just some of the joys you come to expect as a short term missionary. You treasure these memories almost as much as the memories of seeing the gospel at work. Memories of having children crowding around you to hear the story of the gospel beads, of watching children sitting during their free time totally immersed in reading the bible, and of simply seeing the joy on their faces as they come to experience the love of God revealed to them through you.

I went into governments camps in Russia to share God's love and hand out Bibles. My older brother Brendan decided to join me for the first 5 weeks. Having a person to prepare with, pray with and fellowship with both before, during and after the trip was very valuable to me. After the first 5 weeks I continued on for another 2 months journeying to more camps and down to Kazakhstan. Going by myself was a real challenge and learning experience, but it really made me appreciate how wonderful it was to start the journey with someone else.
There are many benefits of traveling and working in pairs. How does two by 2 help you?