Interserve

Jesus commissioned the church to “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matt 28:19). There are still many people who have never heard about or experienced the good news about Jesus. Most of these people are from Asia and the Arab world. Interserve aims to partner with local churches to make the love of Jesus known to the neediest people of Asia and the Arab world through holistic ministry. Holistic ministry includes meeting medical, education and employment needs alongside sharing the love of Jesus.

Interserve was founded in 1852 when skilled Christian women, including trained female doctors, went to work in the slum areas of India and Pakistan to serve Jesus, using their practical and professional skills. Today both men and women still work in these areas of the world in a wide variety of jobs such as medical work and developing businesses, alongside sharing the gospel. Some of them work in areas of the world which are hostile to Christians.

Many people from Asia and the Arab world come to live in the UK to work or to seek asylum. Our Mission partners Jonathan and Helen live in Bristol, having previously lived in the Middle East. They work with those who have arrived in the UK from different parts of the world. Jonathan works with those who find themselves homeless and Helen is involved with those who need help to learn English as well as having a role within the wider Interserve GB team. They have found their work recently limited by the COVID-19 restrictions. However, they have adapted by doing what they can virtually. Helen has also been involved in developing and adapting new resources for churches to use. For example, a course helping churches to be welcoming places for believers from a Muslim background called “Joining the Family”.

Please pray for them as they seek to maintain their connections with the communities they work with. For more information please contact Liz Marlow.