Spring 2023 Update

Dear friends and family,

At college

I (Matt) am writing this note sat at Moorlands College in Hampshire. I have been here for two weeks, teaching on the Planning for Transformation short course that the School of Language and Scripture runs each year. This year we have 12 students from across the world studying, taking time to consider what it means to plan and then work towards long term transformation with and alongside marginalised communities. To do something a bit different this time, instead of writing a long note, we thought I'd record a short tour of the campus so you can see where I am! Click on the video below to take a look around...

I enjoy teaching; introducing some big questions, helping the students to wrestle with challenging issues, and hopefully sharing some helpful ideas. But really the best thing about teaching is getting to know the students (many of whom I've had the pleasure of teaching during their certificate studies, some as far back as 2017!), hearing their reflections and learning from their experiences. They've come from different contexts and it's great that I can take the ideas I've gained from this time and feed it back into my role with LEAD Asia-Pacific. One of the students had this to say about the Planning for Transformation short course:

"I found it particularly interesting to learn about how leaving project plans adaptable and continuously monitoring and evaluating how well/to what extent the plan still works is important. It was also good to be reminded how difficult it can be to see change in our own lives, and so seeing change in the community we serve takes time too."

Your support of us and our ministry makes it possible for us to continue to support colleagues like this - helping them make a positive difference in the communities where they serve. Thank you!

At home

At home the spring has seen some significant changes. For some years I (Liz) have been keen to get back into working in school, having had some work experience as a Teaching Assistant in Sheffield (a few years ago now!). In February, I excitedly started a part-time TA job at the kids school! This not only combines my love of learning and working with children, but fits alongside my role at church. We’re all continuing to get used to the changes to our family rhythms, but it’s great to be able to make use of skills I’ve developed over the last 20 years in ways that really make a difference.

Over the last few months we both celebrated (low key!) our 40th birthdays, as well as Levi’s 11th! The kids continue to make the most of life - enjoying after school cooking, colouring, and gardening clubs. Read on below to catch up on some of their news. Church is busy but encouraging, with new people coming along and getting involved in various different activities.

We love to hear your news. Please send us a short note and let us know what's new with you, and as always get in touch if you're passing Gloucester on the M5! 🚙

Sending lots of love, Matt, Liz, Levi and Anya