Originally from Nagaland, in India, Sekedu and Vedu had long felt the call to serve God in a missional context and had been praying for an opportunity to step into ministry and spread Jesus’ love.
That opportunity came early last year, when God opened the door for them to witness amongst the Khmer people.
Along with their daughter, Mezino, Vedu and Sekedu were co-sent to Cambodia, as part of a collaboration between Baptist Mission Australia and the Chakhesang Baptist Church Council – in Northeast India.
This collaboration was a milestone for the Chakhesang Baptists, as Vedu and Sekedu are the very first intercultural team members they have sent to another country. For Baptist Mission Australia, it was an exciting step towards embracing mission that sends from everywhere, to everywhere.
The church in the Global South, in regions including Asia, Africa and South America, is growing rapidly. Today, 70% of Christians live in the Global South and there is a strong desire amongst these followers of Jesus to “…go and make disciples of all nations.” In joining with the Chakhesang Baptist Church Council, Baptist Mission Australia sees this as a wonderful opportunity to champion Global South believers in a world where the centre of global Christianity is shifting.
Since joining our team in Cambodia, Sekedu and Vedu have partnered with Hope for Women of Cambodia (HWC), an organisation that seeks to uplift garment factory workers and safeguard them from exploitation.
Most garment factory workers are young women, and many have come from rural areas to work in the factories and support their families. These women work in poor conditions, earning a basic wage of just $200-$250 per month. Factory life leaves many workers vulnerable to sexual exploitation and for this reason HWC seeks to safeguard them through education, empowerment, counselling and evangelism.
As a part of their ministry Vedu and Sekedu also reach out to hundreds of children in the community and their families. They have been thrilled to connect with the local staff of a Sunday School, Day Care Centre and computer class.
It has been so encouraging to hear how God is moving through the relationships Vedu and Sekedu are forming with their Khmer neighbours. Pray for God to use Sekedu and Vedu as part of His plan to transform lives and change hearts.
We’d love to invite you to invest in what God is doing through churches and leaders in the Global South. Would you prayerfully consider joining their support team? You can find out more about Vedu and Sekedu’s ministry or become a financial supporter here >>
