Vision B2L is a 4 year outreach campaign within the unique time frame between the Beijing and London Olympics. Our vision is to see more people involved long term with countries between Beijing and London with the intention to positively influence society. We plan to achieve this by networking and mobilising prayer and short-term teams internationally to focus on the countries between Beijing and London from 2008 until 2012. ValuesAny organisation or group that is going to partner with B2L in any capacity must agree to take on these values as they carry out activities or communication that are connected to B2L. - Prayer
In everything we do we are guided by the Holy Spirit. Prayer is not simply an activity but a lifestyle. All our plans, activities and results come about from putting everything before God in prayer. - Humility and Servanthood
Jesus came to serve, not to be served. We are intentional about finding out what it means to be a blessing in each culture and put aside self-interest to care for the needs of others. - Going as learners
“Everyone is an expert on his/her own life.” A natural tendency is to go to people in another culture and tell them things we think they don't know. Our value is rather to listen... Finding out about someone else’s life from their perspective is at the core of relationship. It is also a huge step towards being culturally sensitive and appropriate. - Use existing structures
B2L is not an organisation with a governing structure, but rather a network or organisations, churches and individuals colloaborating in their work. As members of the network we make ourselves available to serve each other as we can, and use existing structures for training, sending and ongoing support. - Obedience to the laws of the land
This means In many countries there is no legal possibility for ‘open’ or traditional evangelism. This includes handing out literature, street preaching or evangelistic dramas. Contexts for conversation will be created, but our good works, love for each other and honouring the government and all people have to be allowed to speak for us. - Partners, not Targets
Countries, cities, churches, organisations and individuals receiving teams through B2L are to be treated as partners in sharing God’s love with the world, not as targets for team activities. B2L participants are not above or below each other, but come alongside one another in service. - No Territorialism
We are not interested in promoting any organisation, least of all B2L. It is very important to leave organisational ties at home. This presents a united front as the international church as well as helping ensure the safety of long-term initiatives. - Relationship and Invitation
Relationship is at the core of how B2L operates. We are inviting friends and others we know and trust to work together. These can then invite others to join the network. On the receiving end as well, invitations to serve come from and through people we know and trust. Acting on invitation means that, as we serve, we are meeting needs expressed by families, community structures and local workers rather than needs determined by outsiders. What we doBeijing to London involves many teams doing a variety of things in a wide range of locations. Far from being a random assortment or vague in purpose, teams must agree to keep to activities that fit well within the following four guidelines: Prayer – Asking what God is already doing in an area and joining in. This eliminates ‘loose cannons’ by ensuring that all activities are within God’s will for that area. Prayer involves not only individual teams, but also their sending hubs, facilitators and local Christians.
Prayer is a powerful tool as we align ourselves with the work that God is doing and work alongside Him as servants and friends. Asking God how he sees a situation, what His solutions are and what obstacles need to be overcome saves time, relationships and teams. Acts of Kindness – There are no laws against being kind to another person within the context of culture. Anything from helping at an orphanage, teaching English, medical trips, pampering long-term staff, to holding classes on nutrition, giving a beggar a cup of water or holding a hurt child qualifies.
Of course there are cultural considerations in this. That’s where good preparation and prayer come in. Celebration of Culture - Teams learning about their hosts. Enjoying the food, learning some phrases, going to concerts, finding the beauty God has placed in each culture. In return, teams share the best of their food, language and customs. Celebration takes place in many forms. From sharing a meal with a host family to large productions involving dozens of artists.
Outsiders expressing genuine interest in a culture foster pride in one’s own culture. The result is a strengthening of culture and community rather than rejection of one’s own culture in favour of another.
Building Relationships – True friendship is a blessing. Again, it is essential to be culturally appropriate, but what better way to learn someone’s culture than as a by-product of a growing friendship.
Relationships offer insights into culture that are impossible through research. Discovering what people think about their own situation and needs results in an ability to truly serve. Main Office - England
Address: Beijing to London Team, Highfield Oval, Harpenden, AL5 4BX, England
Office phone: +44 1582 46 3204
Email:
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South Africa Team
Address; 1001 Chambord, 210 Albertus Str, La Montagne, 0184, Pretoria, South Africa
Phone: +27 72 379 2108
Email:
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