Mission in the margins

Mission in the Margins (MiM) is a joint immersion mission experience run in partnership with Tearfund, Amos Australia, and Prison Fellowship in Perth, WA. It aims to challenge participants (from Year 12 – adults) to consider how the Good News of Jesus shapes the way we respond to human need and brokenness. 

We spoke with SU Australia’s WA Senior Ministry Coordinator, Sally, who joined MiM last year to find out more. 

Sally, what was your experience like?

It’s a great experience because we have excursions to see what Christians are doing for marginalised people and the poor. Last year, we heard from an Indigenous man about his upbringing and a foster carers’ network about parenting. We met street chaplains and visited a church with a big food and clothing ministry. We also saw a home for homeless pregnant women and a garden next to a rehab house. We had daily talks from the Bible about God’s heart for justice and time for personal reflection.

What is the purpose of this experience?

It recognises that part of our identity as Christians is to be good news to all people. It invites us to understand God’s particular devotion to those who are excluded from society, and our calling to be his people in a broken world. While it’s heartbreaking, it’s also a hopeful and encouraging time. We want participants to become advocates in their churches for these issues.

What impact did the experience have on you?

Listening to those personal stories helps you truly understand and meaningfully connect with the marginalised – the people Jesus loves. They need to know they are worth speaking to and listening to. It’s not about listening and then walking away; it’s listening to become people who are better at loving others.

Who should go on Mission in the Margins?

I believe all Christians should go. This is close to SU’s heart. We are conscious of telling the whole gospel and following God with our whole lives. That involves letting yourself be challenged and letting your heart be broken in the way God’s heart is for people who struggle to thrive. You will be taken out of your comfort zone, but you will also be thrilled by what you see some Christians doing. Your love for God will be deepened, and it’s an essential part of our discipleship.