Field Partner

We had a fantastic launch webinar for our latest course - Caring for TCKs. We heard from Dean of Studies Ben, and a range of other TCK voices from across the globe! You can catch up with the recording here. We're so excited about this course, which addresses a real need in the world of crossing cultures. We start by defining what it means to be a TCK, then delve into the distinctive traits that set them apart. We also learn how to be TCKs' supportive parent or teacher as they navigate the complexities of cultural transitions and help them embrace their unique identity. And so we are so excited to share that for one week only, we are offering 50% off our course! Find out more here: https://learn.fieldpartner.org/caring-for-third-culture-kids

Enjoy the wisdom and inspiration of over a century combined missions experience, as we sit down with our founders, Ross & Christine Paterson, sharing about their respective journies to the mission field, their complicated journey to marriage, and the ups and downs of serving multiple nations in the far East for decades. They make a great team! Ross and Christine went to the field without any training - to discover what they wish they had known, check out our courses and other resources here: fieldpartner.org/courses Dig deeper into their stories with some one-to-one interviews: Christine: https://youtu.be/AB-HwTODDSw Ross: https://youtu.be/7oVtd4nXGYE

In this launch event, we shared the exciting launch of our new courses, website and community, plus an exciting launch offer! Grab it before 8th March using the code LAUNCH50 fieldpartner.org/courses Margaret Atwood called the saying 'What you don't know won't hurt you “a dubious maxim: sometimes what you don't know, she says, can hurt you very much.” I would agree, especially when it comes to not even knowing what we don’t know and when that ignorance can really trip us up! In my view, this is very much the case when it comes to crossing cultures. There are at least 3 areas of ‘not knowing’ where we can save ourselves a lot of trouble by simply finding out. That is our objective with this webinar – to lift the veil a little bit and help you to see where some basic knowledge is a very good thing!

We're thrilled to introduce Ben, our new Dean of Studies for FieldPartner English. A proper Third Culture Kid, Ben's experience and skillset makes him the perfect fit for this new role, so before he started officially, we managed to sit down and get to know him a little more. Growing up as a missionary kid had a range of challenges, not least when he returned 'home' to the UK and found he didn't really fit in. Ever since, Ben has held a range of educational and missional posts, and we're delighted to have him on board with us at FieldPartner!

When Nicola and husband Simon were called out of a comfortable life into the poorest communities, they had no idea they'd end up serving in slums in Uganda. Nicola's story is an incredible exploration of steps of faith, seeing how God can bring incredible transformation to the most dire situations. You'll come away from this interview smiling, inspired and challenged! Check out Nicola's latest book, Turning Tables and connect with her at nicolaneal.uk Find out more about the work of Every Life: everylife.org.uk Nicola also appeared on the 'Inspired...' Podcast with Simon Guillebaud 00:00 Intro 01:15 Upbringing & Coming to Faith 03:51 Ambitions for Life? 05:30 Hearing from God 09:05 Steps of Faith 11:46 Children & Adopting 13:19 Calling to Africa 16:50 Arriving in Uganda 20:55 Visiting a Slum 23:00 Building Trust and Relationship 25:47 Seeing Transformation 30:45 Turning Tables 37:30 Handing on the Baton 41:31 Future Dreams 46:40 Stephen's Incredible Story 50:36 Outro

FieldPartner Founders Ross & Christine Paterson were interviewed at their sending church, Trinity Cheltenham about their story, as part of a series entitled 'But God'. We trust you will find it encouraging and stirring! --- fieldpartner.org/linktree --- Check out the 'FieldPartner Foundations' podcast for Ross Paterson's sermons and biblical teaching.

Having grown up in Cyprus, being married to Jessica – who is South African – and with four children who were born in the UK but grew up in the Middle East, Andy is no stranger to crossing cultures! In this insightful interview he shares his experiences and lessons learned from years serving in Istanbul, as well as other nations. Currently based at Reading Family Church in the UK as their Teaching Pastor and is an avid student of language, culture, mission and the Bible. Andy is involved in planting churches and coaching church planters as the leader of the Unreached Network, facilitating best practice in cross-cultural mission across the wider Newfrontiers family. We also discuss his book 'Global Humility' which is certainly worth a read. You'll come away from this interview with something to think about! Watch this interview as a video on our YouTube Channel. --- fieldpartner.org/linktree --- Check out the 'FieldPartner Foundations' podcast for Ross Paterson's sermons and biblical teaching.

We had the chance to sit down with Samuel and hear a little about his cross-cultural story. Hailing from rural Sweden, Samuel's parent's service as missionaries had a significant impact on his own life, as he too has served in cross-cultural contexts, particularly with young people, and now as a husband to Joy, from Taiwan, he has a new insight being in a cross-cultural marriage. It's wonderful to sit down with this humble and faithful servant and compare notes on the cross-cultural journey! Listen to the interview with Samuel's wife, Joy, in Chinese: https://fpinter.org/interviews-joy Watch this interview as a video on our YouTube Channel. --- fieldpartner.org/linktree --- Check out the 'FieldPartner Foundations' podcast for Ross Paterson's sermons and biblical teaching.

This special episode is a recording of a live event we hosted with Tony Horsfall on the topic of working from a place of rest. To watch the video recording of the event, visit fieldpartner.org/change At some point in our lives, we all face different types of changes that can lead to feelings of loss and grief. It could be as simple as switching jobs or as profound as losing a loved one. Change can be a challenging journey, but it doesn't have to be walked alone. During this webinar, Tony shared his personal experiences and offered valuable insights from a biblical perspective, as well as practical tips to help navigate through these changes. It was an excellent event for anyone who is currently experiencing or preparing for a transition or grieving, especially if you're on the mission field. There was also a Q&A. Tony served as a missionary with OMF in East Malaysia, and later headed up EQUIP, a missions training programme based in England. For a number of years, he was Pastoral Carer for MAF, visiting their teams in Africa on a regular basis. Tony has a God-given passion to help those in Christian service sustain themselves over the long haul of ministry. He is an author, retreat leader, mentor and friend. He has written ‘Working From a Place of Rest’ and ‘Rhythms of Grace’. --- fieldpartner.org/linktree --- Check out the 'FieldPartner Foundations' podcast for Ross Paterson's sermons and biblical teaching.

Our latest interview is with Lori Rogers, who leads MomentumYes, an exciting mission mobilisation organisation. Their free, 6-part video course is quickly spreading all around the world to over 50 nations, with multiple language translations in the pipeline! We had a great discussion, and discovered that we share the same heart - that every Christian has a vital role to play in fulfilling the great commission to the nations, whether going, supporting or mobilising. We highly recommend you check this out and have a look at MomentumYes: fieldpartner.org/momentumyes Watch this interview as a video on our YouTube Channel. --- fieldpartner.org/linktree --- Check out the 'FieldPartner Foundations' podcast for Ross Paterson's sermons and biblical teaching.

Dr Mary Ho serves as the International Executive Leader of All Nations International, a global Christian missions organization. In this current role, Dr. Ho provides leadership and direction for All Nations which has grown to four hubs and 400 cross-cultural workers in more than 40 countries. This is a wonderful interview, that is a little different from our others, reflective of Mary's role with All Nations as she shares her journey and her heart for the unreached people of the world. It's also filled with helpful thoughts for those sending, or considering mission for themselves. In the early 1990s, God began birthing a heart for the poor and for the nations in Mary and her husband, John, while a young married couple working for World Vision in Taiwan. Later in Hong Kong, they were greatly impacted by being a part of the churches that grew out of Jackie Pullinger’s ministry. Such experience and passion led to a seamless transition into leadership roles years later with the work started by Floyd and Sally McClung in the USA. Mary began her role with All Nations International in 2016. Contact Mary at mho[@]allnations.international Watch this interview as a video at: fieldpartner.org/mary-ho --- fieldpartner.org/linktree --- Check out the 'FieldPartner Foundations' podcast for Ross Paterson's sermons and biblical teaching.

For security reasons, we can't share their real names, but Greg and Lisa have a story that is well worth hearing. After serving unreached people in China, they were interrogated by the Chinese Secret Police, and forced to leave. They have moved to Cape Town in South Africa, where they now serve refugees. These faithful servants of the gospel candidly share their walk, and the struggles it has brought them. We hope it will be an encouragement to you! You can also watch this interview as a video on our website: fieldpartner.org/greg-and-lisa-interview --- fieldpartner.org/linktree --- Check out the 'FieldPartner Foundations' podcast for Ross Paterson's sermons and biblical teaching.

Elizabeth and her husband Jonathan were missionaries to Cambodia. They returned to America during Covid lockdown in a sudden and difficult end to their years of ministry. During their time on the field, and since, they have dedicated much time to creating blogs, books, podcasts and more to share their wisdom and reflections, often on taboo subjects. Their book, Serving Well: Help for the Wannabe, Newbie, or Weary Cross-cultural Christian Worker is a valuable resource. Elizabeth serves as the editor for the excellent collective blog, A Life Overseas. In this interview, Elizabeth shares her journey to the field, from third-culture kid to newly married, to reluctant missionary. She shares her insights into homeschooling, writing about raw, personal topics and her experience of the difficult post-field season they went through. Check out their shared blog: trotters41.com. You can also watch this interview as a video on our website: fieldpartner.org/elizabeth-trotter --- fieldpartner.org/linktree --- Check out the 'FieldPartner Foundations' podcast for Ross Paterson's sermons and biblical teaching.

Our interview with Reuben Inwe is a fascinating one. His own story of encountering the Lord on a bus in Nigeria, then being led to serve and plant a church in a specific city in the north of England, is both dramatic and impacting. However, it is his challenge to the church in the West to believe more thoroughly in the gospel itself that was the most hard-hitting! Sometimes it is good for us to have a mirror held up to us and to have to see ourselves through the eyes of someone from another culture! Do listen to Reuben’s interview with an open heart and ask yourself what you/we all can learn from his challenge and perspective. You can also watch this interview as a video on our website: fieldpartner.org/interview-reuben-inwe --- fieldpartner.org/linktree --- Check out the 'FieldPartner Foundations' podcast for Ross Paterson's sermons and biblical teaching.

Michael Prest is the director of our partner, UFM Worldwide. In this thought-provoking interview, he shares his personal story and how that led him to his current role today at UFM, an organisation that works to foster and nurture the role of the sending church in raising up and supporting cross-cultural missionaries. Read Michael's excellent guest post on our blog - The Privilege of Being a Sending Church. This idea and principle is an integral part of our mission at FieldPartner. We have created resource maps (see 34:13) that demonstrate the relationship between the sending church and the field worker at each stage of their journey. Check out our Pre Field, On Field and Post Field resource maps, as they paint a picture of how the relationship between sending churches and field workers at each stage of the journey, with information and resources for both sides. You can also watch this interview as a video on our website: fieldpartner.org/interview-with-michael-prest --- fieldpartner.org/linktree --- Check out the 'FieldPartner Foundations' podcast for Ross Paterson's sermons and biblical teaching.

Bev Gigney founded a children's home called Dove's Wings during her years serving in China, having had a clear call to go and work with children in that nation. Along her journey she experienced setbacks and tragedy, which sadly led to her having to leave the mission field very suddenly. An important part of her journey was her return, where she found the post-field life equally difficult, but can testify to God's faithfulness, and the way he has used her in this stage of her journey. We hope that Bev's story will inspire you, and for those who have had similar struggles, we hope it can encourage you. If you would like to discuss any of the issues covered in this interview please don't hesitate to get in touch at https://fieldpartner.org/contact In the UK, You can contact Premier Lifeline on 0300 111 0101 or Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 and the domestic abuse helpline is 0808 2000 247. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14 and the national family violence counselling service is on 1800 737 732. In the US, the suicide prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. Other international helplines can be found via Befrienders Worldwide. --- fieldpartner.org/linktree --- Check out the 'FieldPartner Foundations' podcast for Ross Paterson's sermons and biblical teaching.

Joann Pittman was born as a 'Third Culture Kid' to missionary parents in Pakistan. But little did she know that during her childhood, seeds were being sown that led her to another nation that captured her heart: China. After many years of experience teaching there, Joann has now returned to the USA, where is the Vice President of Partnerships and China Engagement at ChinaSource, an excellent and reputable website that covers events in the nation from the perspective of the church, also acting as a community and resource to equip people. She also shares the fascinating story behind her book "The Bells are not Silent: Stories of Church Bells in China". Check out ChinaSource, one of our partners, or her blog Outside In. --- fieldpartner.org/linktree --- Check out the 'FieldPartner Foundations' podcast for Ross Paterson's sermons and biblical teaching.

After a season of cross-cultural preparation and discernment, David and Vicki worked as missionaries for 20 years in Turkey before their return to the US. They have a strong desire to equip churches to send their missionaries well, with proper preparation and support which led them to create Equipping Servants International, as well as writing David's excellent and practical book: Mission Smart - 15 Critical Questions to Ask Before Launching Overseas.  In this insightful interview, they share their story and some of the wisdom they have acquired over many years on the field. It may be especially helpful for those considering cross-cultural mission for themselves.   Learn more at fieldpartner.org/equipping-servants-international --- fieldpartner.org/linktree --- Check out the 'FieldPartner Foundations' podcast for Ross Paterson's sermons and biblical teaching.

This special episode is a recording of a live event we hosted with Tony Horsfall on the topic of working from a place of rest. To watch the video recording of the event, visit fieldpartner.org/workfromrest. Tony looked at the important question: How can we joyfully sustain ministry over the long haul of life? The biggest mistake we can make in ministry is to try and work for God rather than work with God. Jesus himself shows us by his example how we can work in partnership with the Father. Tony served as a missionary with OMF in East Malaysia, and later headed up EQUIP, a missions training programme based in England. For a number of years, he was Pastoral Carer for MAF, visiting their teams in Africa on a regular basis. Tony has a God-given passion to help those in Christian service sustain themselves over the long haul of ministry. He is an author, retreat leader, mentor and friend. He has written ‘Working From a Place of Rest’ and ‘Rhythms of Grace’. --- fieldpartner.org/linktree --- Check out the 'FieldPartner Foundations' podcast for Ross Paterson's sermons and biblical teaching.

Alan and Jan Kilpatrick have lived a wide-ranging and varied life in ministry and mission, most recently serving in Mozambique. This interview contains their remarkable story of a real-life journey - one with many twists and turns! From church conflict to suffering from depression, their testimony is one of faith and courage in many different contexts. Discover more about Iris at irisglobal.org.uk. --- fieldpartner.org/linktree --- Check out the 'FieldPartner Foundations' podcast for Ross Paterson's sermons and biblical teaching.