Partnership Development Drive

Interview with Ben Swift, Research Fellow, Australian National University

 

Ben, you're involved in Partnership Development for the Simeon Network. What exactly does that entail?

I'm still trying to figure out exactly what it entails! I guess the main part of the job is to encourage Christians in the academic community to partner with the Simeon Network - by praying for our mission, by attending/running events, and by giving money to help Lewis continue his work and feed his family.

 

What are you raising support for?

Currently, we're *fairly* close to having full support for Lewis to work full-time and travel around supporting Simeon Network activites all over the country. Those who have been following the Simeon Network for a while will realise that this is an answer to prayer - we're closer to this goal than we have been in the past.  Still, we'd love to grow the network, for example to put on a full-time postgrad staff worker in one or more campuses. So the financial support will go towards that vision.

 

Why do you think the ministry of the Simeon Network is so important?

I live in an academic world, and while I love many aspects of it I feel myself being sucked into a pretty bleak and cynical place at times. The gospel brings hope: that Christ reigns and will one day return to bring justice to all the reviewers who have rejected my brilliant research, and through his mercy I am referenced in the Lamb's book of life - a citation that no tenure committee can ignore. And my colleagues, whom I love, need to hear this message of hope and comfort as well.

 

How can people get involved?

As part of our May supporters drive, we're looking to get 30 new regular financial supporters. So the simplest way is to become one of those, if you're not already. Beyond that, we're looking for volunteers to do a ring-around to encourage others to become supporters, so if you're interested in helping out with making a few (hopefully encouraging and edifying for all concerned) phone calls, let us know.