Project GEN.12:1 Q&A with John Middlewood

ACMissioNZ: John – what kind of practical tasks can GEN.12:1 Team Members do there in Naratchakwai?

John: There will be painting of the compound wall, buildings and the worship center; some gardening and planting; we’d love a computer expert to clean and tune up our computers and suggest improvements to our network. There’s plenty of maintenance that can be done here, or at other small village churches. Trades people and unskilled alike are welcome.

{Target fund-raising for maintenance materials etc: US$1,000 to US$2,000}

ACMissioNZ: For those considering the teaching English option – what would we do and what skills and abilities would we need to have?

John: There will be a variety of activities in schools – from active teaching, to listening to kids read, practicing speaking English, etc. English classes can also involve playing games and teaching songs. It depends upon the individual and how much they want to do. Formal training is NOT essential, just a willingness. Most of the students have VERY limited English, are VERY bashful and have VERY little self-confidence. Relationship building and encouragement is important.

We’re also interested in obtaining teacher’s editions of high school textbooks – math, English, sciences and social studies – new or second-hand. My dream would be for team members to bring them over with them.

ACMissioNZ: How can we be involved in your children’s and youth ministries at the Mission?

John: Seven students live here at the Mission, so there are always opportunities to interact with them about their school subjects and hold casual conversation in English. Teen interaction would be really great – our teens are extremely bashful and need encouragement. On Saturday mornings our students are involved in singing, Bible study, English classes, classical and modern bands. Then we have church on Sunday. There’s always opportunity here.

( Note this post has also been published to our Short Term Mission page where you will find more information)