The Silk Road Area is a fascinating place.

A place of rich history and culture. A place where multiple ethnic groups intersect. A place known for its diverse, beautiful landscapes and unique blend of nomadic traditions and modern development. A place with many challenges and opportunities. And it’s a place where God’s Spirit is working, as more people in a predominant Islamic context discover the love and hope of Jesus.

It has been a joy to visit and spend time with our Silk Road team over the past week. It’s always great to see team members on location, gaining a glimpse of life and ministry in their local communities. I’ve also experienced wonderful local hospitality from K people, eager to welcome me into their homes and to share food and conversation around the table. I have experienced the heat of a Silk Road summer, the famous hand-pulled noodle dish [and some horse!] and had the opportunity to take in a gorgeous hike with team members.

Our Silk Road team leader Eliza recently commented: “We are thrilled to see how God is using our ministries for relationship building and transformation.”

This is only possible with the support of churches and supporters from across our Australian Baptist movement. So, thank you! Your faithful prayers and generous financial support is making a Kingdom difference on the Silk Road.

Our Silk Road team is pursuing our compelling Christ-centred vision through a growing number of ministries including English teaching, allied health, metalwork and carpentry and an international school. Our team move naturally from formal ministry settings, to coming alongside local friends in the gym, conversations over a beloved cup of tea in K culture and attending important local gatherings. The team is also discerning new ministry possibilities as they look, learn and listen – as they come alongside local people and see God’s Spirit at work.

Mission in the Silk Road Area isn’t easy. It’s a long-term journey. It requires resilience and courage. It’s centred on forging meaningful, trusting relationships as we also respond to local community needs.

Just as the nation here moves from the old to the new – so we see God’s Spirit quietly at work doing new things – raising up new people of peace, opening new ministry doors and seeing people experience the transforming love and hope of Jesus.

In one of the towns our team serve in the local roads are in bad state of repair. They are crumbling, there are big pot holes and piles of rubble. You bounce around in the car as you drive the local streets. They are in desperate need of restoration.

Please join me in praying for our Silk Road team as they join our restoring God as co-menders in our beautiful, broken world. Pray as God’s Spirit lays a new road of hope and light on the Silk Road.

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a new road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” – Isaiah 43:19