As I listened to Cath share about her life building relationships in another country, I found myself reflecting on what it might have been like to follow Jesus as a rabbi. Those who chose to walk with Him would have done exactly these three things: learned from Jesus, listened to His teaching, and lived out what He taught. They travelled, ate, slept, carried out chores, laughed, and cried alongside Him. In every sense, they were ‘doing life’ together.
“Ultimately my time here is about forming friendships. It’s about ‘doing life’ with people. It’s knowing relationships take time to build and being ok with that.”
This same essence came through clearly as Cath spoke. Through teaching English and engaging with her local neighbourhood, her focus has remained simple yet profoundly significant. As we talked, Cath expressed her desire for her story to communicate the true meaning of missions.
“I never want people to be seen as projects or part of an agenda. I want them to be seen as friends, and for people to know that these relationships go both ways – that we have a lot of fun together and that I am learning so much from them, as they also learn from me. I want them to know that we are equals.”
Over time, Cath has found more opportunities to speak into the lives of the young adults she teaches.
“I can encourage them around such things as identity and even the use of social media. There have been times when I have seen them grow and gain confidence. Speaking some truths into their lives really matters.”
She has also seen the importance of taking time simply to listen.
“People are more inclined to listen to you if you listen to them first. It opens doors to more conversations. I can then ask, ‘How can I pray for you?’ It’s about being sensitive and that only comes with attentive listening.”
Some of Cath’s students eventually move on, yet there have been meaningful seasons where she has been able to journey with individuals longer – sometimes even teaching English using the Bible. In these moments, she continues to see how faith can be expressed holistically by being the truth and allowing ministry to permeate everyday life.
“What’s important is not feeling you have to share your faith; that as you share life with others, opportunities naturally arise,” says Cath.
She also described witnessing compassion and respect demonstrated within another faith tradition, while remaining mindful of preserving the distinctiveness of the gospel message.
“It’s great to celebrate the good in other faiths, yet at the same time not let others think that all faiths are the same. We must be careful that the gospel message doesn’t become diluted.”
As Cath continues this ever‑evolving, long‑term journey of building relationships and ‘doing life’ with her students and neighbours, let’s pray that her life will reflect the way Jesus lived with His followers – learning, listening, and living out the gospel in everyday moments.
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