God has provided a new State Director for SA/NT with David Turnbull commencing on 30 July. Let’s get to know him:
What is your background?
My intercultural journey began in PNG as a child. Boroko Baptist Church played a key role in my formation. Since returning to Australia my love for God’s mission and responding to culture developed. This almost forty-year journey has involved engagement with international students, with missions in local churches and with training and mobilizing activities withi
n mission agencies, three extended short-term trips to PNG and Nigeria, four years undergraduate study of mission and theology at Bible College of Victoria and a placement with Action Partners in Nigeria at a theological college. In 1998 God opened the door to lecture for five years at Bible College SA and fifteen years at Tabor, along with over ten short-term experiences overseas with conferences and travel, and involvement in church-based mission promotion in number of churches. Engagement with the Lausanne Movement and Missions Interlink has also opened up my world. I am about to complete a PhD in cultural Intelligence and ministry.
What excites you about Global Interaction?
My passion is to connect with God’s heart and purposes, and respond to God’s invitation to partner in pioneer contexts. Global Interaction’s vision for the least reached people groups provides a place-crafting context for God to work. The nature and philosophy associated with pioneering relationship building is cutting edge. The commitment, innovation, theological reflective practice and faith of the workers provides opportunities for those of us in Australia to be reminded of a sovereign God. For South Australia to have nine adults and seven children preparing to go or working in contexts is very exciting.
What are your goals for the year ahead?
I am really encouraged to see so many Baptist Churches supporting global mission endeavours. I am looking forward to building on this foundation in South Australia and Northern Territory for Global Interaction’s vision amongst the least reached people groups. I long to see God’s communities educated and participating in God’s mission through prayer, financial support, recruitment and member care. To have the Stevens and the Haydon family preparing to join God at work requires resources to make happen but I believe we will rise to this challenge.
I am available to share with churches and groups that would like to be part of Global Interaction’s vision.
