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Building Bridges in Asia
15 May 2009
Can you play badminton? Can you cook, bake or play the guitar? "Richard" and “Catherine,” are using these skills and natural abilities to "build bridges" in Asia. Through their various talents, this creative and innovative couple are making friends and reaching out into their community. They refer to these new friends as their "men of peace," and describe how they tend to look out for them in an area which is not particularly safe for missionaries. One friend told them, "If you have any trouble in the city, just call me—I will help you." For Richard, the door to ministry opened when he went along to a sports club to play badminton. When he learned that the badminton players belonged to a club, he asked if he could join. This led to some of the couples' first friendships in their new home. "I try to be a genuine friend," says Richard, "by giving the club members my time and attention—by just being natural." When there are birthdays or other special occasions at the club, Catherine bakes cakes for Richard to take in. This has helped friendships to develop and strengthened existing relationships. So Catherine and Richard decided that cooking and baking could be another useful tool in reaching out to their community. Now Catherine meets with a small group of 12 women and teaches them baking and cooking skills. Most of them come from homes where there is not much money, which prevents their children from getting an education. So they hope Catherine’s lessons might eventually equip them to change their financial situation. These women have also asked for teaching about health and beauty issues and massage. So Catherine has started a second class. And a friend who works in a salon helps her with the teaching. In return for this friend’s help, Richard and Catherine provide her with transportation and a small wage.
The "right teammate"One day Richard bumped into an old friend, Edward, an elementary school teacher, and they started meeting to play badminton. Before long they began talking about a common vision, to share God’s love through sports ministry. "That was God’s answer to our prayer," said Richard. "He gave us the right person to be our teammate." Edward and Richard started a sports clinic for the children in the city. Although interest was overwhelming, they have had to limit the number to 30, due to financial restraints. One day they would like to offer basketball, ping pong/table tennis, and volleyball, in addition to badminton. The aim of this ministry is to use sports to reach the community through the children, youth and their families. "Sports can be a tool to train people in spiritual disciplines so that they can know God’s love," says Richard. "Taking part in sports provides a unique opportunity to integrate spiritual and physical disciplines in an environment fueled by passion and purpose. It also provides powerful mentoring opportunities." Richard and Edward enjoy seeing the children’s excitement as they play badminton. Sometimes their parents even join in! In addition to sports, baking and cooking, Richard and Catherine hope to become involved in ministry through music. Richard attended an ethnomusicology seminar, where he was able to share his experience of learning music. This was another good opportunity to connect with the community. "We have seen that music can be a good bridge for building relationships," said Richard. "Many are interested to learn music, but cannot find opportunities in this city. Please pray for our plans to develop this ministry with students. We have one room that needs to be soundproofed, so it will not bother our neighbors when we practice. Please pray also that we can offer lessons in more instruments—such as guitar." It’s been important for Richard and Catherine to know they are where God wants them to be. Security is a big concern and a constant prayer request. Every day people become "snatching casualties" and others are robbed at gunpoint. Bomb threats and personal revenge attacks are not uncommon. Death is an everyday possibility." "We can see that the Lord continues to lead us," said Richard, "even in situations such as this. We just want to obey and be faithful to our call!" Richard and Catherine will continue to build bridges and develop friendships. They have one purpose: to bless and transform the lives of their neighbors through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray
GiveIf you would like to support this project, please donate online to project #98284.GoIf you would like to work alongside Richard and Catherine, find out more about the opportunities to serve in Asia.
 
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