INF Australia Online Conference 2020 – SATURDAY 29 AUGUST

Mission and discipleship in troubled times

Christians in Australia are gradually starting to congregate again, but coronavirus may have changed the way we do church forever. How are we meant to express our faith in these strange days of COVID-19?

A well-known speaker, author and blogger, Mike Frost is head of the missiology department at Morling College in Sydney. Mike has written extensively on what church and mission may look like in our post-Christian, western culture.

Shining Jesus’ light in Nepal

How can Christians reach out to people from different cultural and faith backgrounds with integrity and respect?

Pastor Grishma leads a church and within a movement (the Pokhareli Christian Community) that witness among and serves diverse communities in Pokhara and beyond.

You can’t ask that!

A warts-and-all look at the joys and struggles of serving overseas. An expert panel of recently returned INFA workers answers your questions. Hosted by Nicola McGunnigle, our South Australia state rep and member of the INFA Board (and also a former INF worker in Nepal)

Responding to coronavirus in Nepal – Church, Community, Christian NGO

The coronavirus pandemic has had a huge impact on communities in Nepal. Despite an extended lockdown that caused widespread financial hardship and emotional trauma, community transmission is now accelerating. Three leaders talk about how their organisations are responding to the challenges presented by COVID-19.

Krishna Adhikari – Executive Director of INF Nepal

Grishma Parajuli – Pastor, Nayagaun Church

Tanka Subedi – INF’s Director of Community Programmes

Workshops:

1. Hope in a warming world – a Christian response to climate change

Communities around the world are realising the need to adapt to the impacts of climate change, and Australia and Nepal are no exception! Should climate action be part of Christian discipleship and how does this issue sit with God’s sovereignty and human free will? How is INF responding to the challenges of climate change?

Ben Thurley is CEO of INF Australia. A long time campaigner on global justice, tax & transparency and climate change, Ben’s previous roles include National Coordinator of Micah Australia, Advocacy Advisor with United Mission to Nepal and National Advocacy Coordinator for TEAR Australia.

Sahara Mishra is INF Nepal’s Climate Adaptation Officer, and works to support effective responses to environmental issues in INF’s community development work. Sahara has previously worked in INF’s Disaster Response and Resilience Department and has extensive knowledge and experience in the areas of climate change adaptation and environmental management.

2. Dalit Lives Matter – empowering people on the margins

Despite laws outlawing caste-based discrimination, Dalit (untouchable caste) families continue to face exclusion, violence and lack of opportunity on a daily basis. How are NGOs responding? Two community development practitioners will talk about the work their organisations do to resource and empower lower-caste people.

Keshab Nepali leads COMMIT Nepal, who work alongside and advocate for the Badi community.

Tanka Subedi, INF’s Director of Community Programmes, oversees INF’s Community Health and Development work. A key focus of his work is ensuring the inclusion and empowerment of poor and marginalised people.

 3. Taste of Nepal

Ever wanted to learn how to make momos? Sara Paudel, a member of United Nepali Christian Church will show us how. Download the recipe here, source the ingredients and cook along!

Lunchtime Zoom chat

Unfortunately this year we can’t gather around delicious Nepali cuisine, but we can catch up over Zoom. We’ll open up some rooms for anyone who’s interested in chatting over lunch.