Online government papers state that the Afghan Citizens’ Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) prioritises those who ‘have assisted the UK efforts in Afghanistan’. Should we read this as provision of military assistance? In addition, people will be considered for the ACRS if they have ‘stood up’ for values such as democracy, women’s rights, freedom of speech, and … Read more …
Developing teaching through observation, discussion and feedback
Two:nineteen Review: Cathy Clarkson, “ ‘While-observation’ discussions: using text-based synchronous chat to scaffold ESOL trainee-teachers’ reflective noticings during teaching practice,” Language Issues: The ESOL & Community Languages Journal, Vol. 31, No. 2, Winter, pp. 61-75 (15). Do you cringe when you see yourself on video? Have you ever recorded the audio-only of your teaching? Or … Read more …
Hong Kong Ready?
2:19 CEO, David Baldwin, has been ‘looking East’ and thinking about the latest wave of people ‘going West’ to settle in the communities around our local churches. “35,000 hongkongers apply to live in the UK under visa scheme” headlines a recent newspaper article.[1] Since the British National Overseas (BNO) scheme opened in January, ‘more than … Read more …
Mysterion
Do you like mysteries? Some people love them – some love setting them and others love solving them. Mysterion (μυστήριον – ‘mystery’) is used 28x in the New Testament and Paul accounts for 75% of these![1] Paul loves to talk about how amazing the gospel is and how nobody could ever have expected it. He … Read more …
The Scattering and Gathering of the Nations
Believing in a Trinitarian God helps us understand the enduring diversity of God’s plan
Who is Ramond Lull and what does he have in common with 2:19? – by David Baldwin
Question: What has 2:19 got in common with an obscure 13th Century Mallorcan? Answer: A love of language and a passion for cross-cultural mission. If you thought the most notable person to come out of Mallorca was Rafael Nadal, then let me introduce you to two non-tennis playing Mallorcans. Firstly, because this is 2:19 and … Read more …
Understanding the Chinese Worldview – by David Baldwin
My non-Christian parents have always struggled with the fact that I am going into Christian ministry
Interacting with our Hindu friends – by Dan Strange
When witnessing to our Hindu neighbours we can feel inadequate and ill-equipped. How might we engage in a way that naturally leads to Jesus. Here are some steps we might work through: 1. Enter – We need to take time to listen carefully to their worldview and understand what’s going underneath. One particular issue I’ve … Read more …
Hospitality and the Gospel Part 2 – by David
Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the kitchen … Lessons from Hindus and Sikhs In yesterday’s Guardian was an article by Priya Basil, extolling the virtues of open hospitality and describing the all inclusive ‘communal kitchens’ that had blown her mind.[1] Sounds properly Christian, doesn’t it? But Priya Basil isn’t … Read more …
Hospitality and the Gospel – by David Baldwin
Have you ever rooted around at the back of an old medicine cabinet and discovered some archaic looking medicines they don’t seem to make anymore? Usually it goes straight in the bin, even if the bottle’s pretty, but just occasionally you might find something really potent, but sadly forgotten. The medicine I’ve just rediscovered, mouldering … Read more …
Migration, Muddle and Ministry
As Christians, what sense are we supposed to make of the current ‘migrant crisis’? Whether we like it or not, and sometimes we don’t, people are on the move like never before…and most of them are coming to Europe. People are settling in our cities, our towns and our countryside, some seeking a better life … Read more …