11 Mar A Shared Experience: Reflections on Cross-Cultural Training
Asia Gateway Training (AGT) equips leaders to excel in cross-cultural mission and to train others to do the same. Over the course of four weeks, participants engage in modules that focus on Missional Hermenutics, Integral Mission, Globalism & Pluralism and Issues, Challenges & Trends in Missions.
In July 2025, the programme was held in Kuching, East Malaysia and brought together participants from across Asia for a time of learning, reflection and shared experience across cultures. Here, four Co-Mission Partners (CoMPs) share how the training shaped their perspectives, strengthened their calling and continues to influence their work in diverse communities:
Nisha*: AGT reshaped my understanding of mission and leadership. I realised that mission is not about “going” or “doing”, but about being intentionally present – listening, discerning and joining in what God is already doing in people’s lives. This shifted my action-oriented approach to leadership and taught me the value of slowing down, trusting God’s leading and recognising mission in the ordinary moments of life with family and community. I now understand God’s mission as holistic, encompassing justice, reconciliation, care, and compassion, and I am learning to live it out daily through prayer, attentiveness, humility and deeper engagement with young people and marginalized communities.
Kareena*: This intercultural training deepened my understanding of God, His mission and His heart for lost humanity. I was reminded that God longs to reveal Himself and have fellowship with those He created in His image, yet humanity has strayed from His desires and guidance. God’s nature is love. He welcomes sinners, seeks justice and righteousness, and cares deeply for the poor, widows, and marginalized. His purpose extends to all, rich and poor alike. Engaging with people of other faiths requires humility, kindness, respect, and love in action. As disciples of Jesus, we are called to live out His mission wherever we are. My desire is to help those who do not know their Creator draw nearer to Him. I now seek to think and act as God leads, following Jesus’ example of compassion and justice, especially toward those whom society neglects.
Anu*: I am deeply grateful to AsiaCMS for enabling me to participate in this training. It was my first experience of such rich intercultural learning. It broadened my understanding of God’s mission as something that flows from everywhere to everyone, extending beyond evangelism to lifelong discipleship, justice, healing, and welcoming those often excluded by church and society. I was especially challenged to discern people’s real needs rather than assume them, and to respond with humility, compassion, and patience, trusting God to bring transformation in His time. Going forward, I desire to live out God’s mission in practical ways within my community – particularly among children, the poor, widows, and strangers – respecting cultures, walking alongside people as they are, and carrying Christ’s love into every space of life.
Hannah*: One of the most transformative lessons for me during AGT was learning to let go of control and fully trust in God’s sovereignty. In the first week, I was overwhelmed by ministry responsibilities but as the training progressed, my understanding of God’s mission expanded significantly. I was reminded that the Gospel is not only proclaimed, but lived – through presence among the poor, the marginalized, and the broken. I was also challenged to see that God can and does reveal aspects of Himself even in other religions, cultures, and dreams. His presence is everywhere, and His Gospel is for everyone. I realized that I spent a lot of time holding on to things that were beyond my control. Despite feeling unqualified or unwilling, I sensed God calling me to renewed focus on leadership in humility and surrender, listening closely to God’s voice and remaining open to collaboration and partnerships. I now understand that leadership is not about power, but about washing the feet of others—just like Jesus.
*names changed to protect privacy