Churches in Britain have a long tradition of sending missionaries to unreached nations of the world, but today many unreached peoples are on our doorstep too, which is why two:nineteen exists – a Serving In Mission (SIM) project which was conceived within an FIEC church.
two:nineteen (from Ephesians 2.19) was set up in Reading in 2012 by mission workers Dave and Maura Baldwin. It’s designed to encourage churches to engage with people from other cultures living in their local communities.
Dave explained: ‘We spent five years establishing and developing an international team at Carey Baptist Church and we were able to start a church-based English language school called Bridges and social events for those from other cultures living around the church in central Reading. Our approach is to teach English well and those who attend know that in the breaks and free time we will be advertising evangelistic courses like Christianity Explored.’
Hannah Ebrahim now heads up the English classes. She said: ‘The combination of professional teaching and expressions of practical Christian love create a springboard for opportunities to share the gospel. One of the highlights of our week is Bible Reading Club. Opening God’s Word with Chinese, Spanish and Middle Eastern friends is the most wonderful privilege.’
Around the country
The Baldwins are now looking to see the ministry of two:nineteen grow around the country. Maura said: ‘We are now developing workshops to help people to think about working cross-culturally and it would be great to see this ministry expand. It offers so many opportunities to share the gospel, as internationals open their home to you and agree to one-to-one Bible studies.’
