Cross-Cultural Faith
Guest: Thomas Abbott
Thomas Abbott, a Brit with roots in the Himalayas of North Pakistan, where he grew up as the child of Christian missionaries. After studying in London, he followed his passion for international development to Shanghai with the British Council and later joined Care for Children, an adventure that led him to marry his boss’s daughter, launch projects across Asia, and eventually return to the UK. Now based in Norfolk with his family, Thomas balances his work, church involvement, and kids' school while finally enjoying life as an Aston Villa supporter and using photography as a creative way of connecting with people.
Here’s a summary of this week’s story:
In this episode of "What's the Story?" podcast, host Sadaf Beynon engages in a heartfelt conversation with Thomas Abbott, exploring his unique journey of faith and cultural experiences. Thomas shares his upbringing as a missionary kid in Pakistan, reflecting on the profound impact of his parents' dedication to serving the community. He discusses his global adventures, from studying in London to working in China, and how these experiences shaped his spiritual path. Thomas also delves into his belief in a six-day creation and its influence on his faith and mission.
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Key Takeaways:
1. Embrace Your Unique Path: Thomas highlights the importance of recognising and embracing one's unique journey, especially when it involves cultural and faith-based differences. Growing up in diverse environments, he learned to be comfortable with being different and saw it as a purposeful part of his life.
2. Live with Integrity and Faith: Thomas credits his parents for living a life of integrity and faith, which deeply influenced his own beliefs. He emphasises the significance of not just talking about faith but living it out authentically.
3. Understand the Urgency of Mission: Through his belief in a literal six-day creation, Thomas developed a sense of urgency about living a life on mission. He suggests that understanding the world through a biblical lens can instil a sense of immediacy in fulfilling one's purpose and sharing the gospel.
Resources:
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