»Project Timothy ::«
As well as highlighting the need for local churches to adopt a cohesive mission strategy, Trevor shared a particular concern, born out of his experiences in the Philippines, that British churches help encourage and equip preachers and leaders overseas in expository Biblical preaching and teaching.
The response from at home and abroad was such that PT and Chessington Church established Project Timothy to act as a catalyst to bring together suitably gifted preachers and teachers with the needs overseas.
Encouragement, training and practical advice has enabled Project Timothy preachers and their home churches to link with specific needs abroad. Now preaching training seminars are underway in diverse rural, tribal and urban situations in Europe, Africa, and Asia. In all of these, the basic call is the same: for teachers to come and help young churches and their leaders teach and apply the Scriptures in their own particular cultures.
Already dozens of ministers and churches in Britain have become involved in annual ministry in Romania, Latvia, Greece, Spain, Madagascar, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, India, Philippines, Sarawak and Sabah, Thailand and Korea. New opportunities in Russia, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea and Paraguay are currently being explored.
»The Vision and Outworking of the Project ::«
The main aim of Project Timothy is to facilitate the involvement of preachers and churches from Britain in a long term regular ministry among the same group abroad. In this way relationships may be forged and an understanding of the culture and situation developed.
To help equip those involved, Day training conferences are held by The Proclamation Trust where experienced Mission Society leaders participate with training in cross cultural issues.
Ideally the local church sponsors their own minister to travel from the UK, but in some circumstances funds can be available to help. In any event the intention is that no onerous financial burden is placed on the receiving churches or pastors.
The Project is co-ordinated by David Jackman and Trevor Archer. If you are a preacher/teacher interested in finding out more on behalf of yourself or your church, or a person with involvement and responsibility with a Mission Society, Theological Centre or National Church who might benefit from the ministry of Project Timothy, please contact tja99@btinternet.com
