After four months of training for their time abroad, 11 BMS mid-term volunteers are preparing to leave for their respective placements. These mid-term workers – who will serve between two and four years in a country –
will be leaving throughout January for placements in Asia, Africa and South America.
Thailand
Emily Chalke, who will be returning to her placement in Thailand, will resume her work with NightLight, a Christian ministry and business in Bangkok which seeks to combat the sex industry by employing women in a jewellery business. When asked about her desire to return and continue her work with NightLight, she said, “I’m moved when I see the difficulties and desperation of women, some of whom are my age, who are without equal opportunities and who find themselves trapped.”
Nepal
There are already over 20 BMS personnel serving in the small country of Nepal and Jon and Nic White are quite enthusiastic about the work that they will be undertaking with United Mission to Nepal (UMN). Jon says “We’re excited about getting stuck into language classes, learning about Nepali life and culture, meeting with our UMN team members and finding out what God has in store for us as we set up home in Kathmandu.”
Ecuador
The PEPE pre-school education programme has been hugely successful in serving the needs of children and parents across South America and parts of Africa. Lizzie Hamlin, who will be working as a PEPE teacher-trainer, will play an important role in continuing and sustaining the project in Ecuador. Kay Newton, who is currently training teachers in the capital, Quito, explains the importance of this work to the local teachers: “PEPE teachers work day in and day out, often facing challenging behavioural issues and trying to meet the needs of all the children in their classes.”
Pray for these and the other mid-term workers who are preparing to leave for their placements. The other mid-term workers heading overseas in January are: Paul and Rachel Elliston (location still to be determined), Dan and Becky Parnell (going to Nepal) and Jean (Tunisia).