The Seabourns

Travel

Sam and Kochumol

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Sam Varghese, of Bangalore, India, was our host. One of the amazing things about being part of a global mission organization is getting to know co-workers around the world.

Sam, Kochumol, and familyA special treat was to meet Sam’s family, wife Kochumol, and children Toby and Tony.

Sam and Kochumol are Indian and we are American. We are separated by culture and upbringing, but we share a common “culture” of bringing glory to God by introducing people to Jesus Christ. We understand and teach the basics of knowing Jesus and growing as His followers. Although we have little in common from a world perspective, we have much in common from a Kingdom perspective.

Kochumol and Sam ride their motorbikes to campus for ministry. When they speak out of their passions to see others know Christ, Kay and I resonate with them. We all serve in leadership roles, but our greatest passion is that everyone knows someone who truly follows Jesus.

Kay’s Salwar Kameez

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Kochumol helped Kay purchase a salwar kameez. After unsuccessfully looking around department stores and clothing kiosks, Kay purchased cloth and had a tailor make her dress. It’s a combination of loose-fitting trousers (salwar) with a long tunic or shirt (kameez). It’s accented with a long silk scarf worn around the neck and down the back. Very beautiful. It’s Kay, so of course it’s red! How do I know this stuff? Wikipedia!
Kay and KochumolKay in her salwar kameez

Improving security for our associates

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Improving securityA very special opportunity presented itself while we were in Thailand. We helped our associates from the country where 41 were recently imprisoned. We talked about improving their security to help prevent any more of our associates from being sent to prison. We talked about email security, website security, and notebook computer security. We identified steps for them to take. It is a privilege to help protect our associates through helping with security precautions. These are very special people who risk much as they serve God. I am humbled to sit beside them and advise them on security issues. Please continue to pray for the 41 and their families.

Training in Thailand and India

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We were in Thailand and India to help train our staff to safely use technology that connects Christians with their brothers and sisters from around the world.

With 6 meetings in 5 weeks, it was exhausting and exhilarating at the same time.

In Thailand, Keith spoke on how to align others to the mission. Kay helped women join the community of staff women around the globe. We participated in conferences for operations and HR directors from around the world.

Helping with computer skillsA second conference in Thailand involved 23 people from 8 countries in Southeast Asia. Kay excelled as a teacher. She set a high standard for the rest of us to try to meet. We taught people to use our simple tools to connect with others to share ideas and learn from one another.

Then we moved to India .

Ten staff from India and five from Asia, Africa and Europe participated. Our goal was to train the trainers who will, in turn teach this material to others. Each person learned how to build a secure, private web site for their ministry members using our Global ConneXion tools. Their members then gain access to materials and contacts with Christians from all over the world.

Michael, the director for the entire region, explained to me that staff are finding it increasingly difficult to meet students on campuses. We are working with Michael to find ways to use technology to enable staff greater connection with students for evangelism and discipleship.