Today we visited our neighbourhood and gave out information about Easter and some easter eggs. We wanted to remind people of the meaning of Easter, that it wasn't just about commercialism. It was really encouraging to see God at work, even before we got there. There was Bill who was going to read Studdert Kennedy's poem faith, while he betted on the horse racing, the young lady who had watched The Passion twice recently and was not sure what it all meant, the mother who's daughter had asked her the day before what Easter was all about and was pleased to have some more answers.
There were also others who we had connected with just a little bit more than before, which we hope will lead to some more connection in the future. We left them all with the message of what easter is really about. God is at work in our neighbourhood and thankfully we can join in with him in what he is doing. Pray for us to be able to make real connections with those around us and to somehow bring redemption into their world.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Mission
One of our goals this year is to give a greater opporunity for our disciples in mission. We want to get better at preparing our disciples for a life of mission and for a mission team. The areas that we want to work on are the demonstrating and supervising aspects of mission (taken from the "Master Plan of Evangelsim" by R. Coleman). There needs to be opportunities to see mission in action before being able to take on mission. This year we will have regular organised mission experiences including keeping our neighbours informed, teaching scripture, running a junior youth club, visiting the high school during lunch times, surveys, street mission and involvment at the markets. There will also be opportunites for mission through personal contact through things like sport and work. Throughout the year there will also be some mission trips to Adelaide and Strathalbyn. Later in the year there will be an opportunity to choose a mission project and think through how to develop a mission strategy. Mission experiences will increase throughout the year.
In Broken Hill St Pat's races are one of the major events in the year. So last week the students developed a flyer for St. Patricks Day to remind people who Patrick was. The community also did surveys down the main street asking people about what St Patrick's Day was all about and the meaning behind it. Some good conversations were had and some gospels were given away. I think that everyone appreciated the challenge.
At one of the local high schools, I asked some of the students about the meaning of Easter and what they thought it was all about. I would like to say that I was surprised by the lack of knowledge about Easter, but I wasn't. It is what I have come to expect because of the lack of input into young people about Christianity. It does confirm to me the important role that we play in teaching scripture in 2 of the primary schools. Unfortunately though we don't have the time to teach at them all. We need to think of new ways to engage with people and proclaim the message of Jesus Christ. Jesus himself said the "harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few".
Perhaps this week you could ask someone the question "What do you think Easter is all about?" and just see what happens.
In Broken Hill St Pat's races are one of the major events in the year. So last week the students developed a flyer for St. Patricks Day to remind people who Patrick was. The community also did surveys down the main street asking people about what St Patrick's Day was all about and the meaning behind it. Some good conversations were had and some gospels were given away. I think that everyone appreciated the challenge.
At one of the local high schools, I asked some of the students about the meaning of Easter and what they thought it was all about. I would like to say that I was surprised by the lack of knowledge about Easter, but I wasn't. It is what I have come to expect because of the lack of input into young people about Christianity. It does confirm to me the important role that we play in teaching scripture in 2 of the primary schools. Unfortunately though we don't have the time to teach at them all. We need to think of new ways to engage with people and proclaim the message of Jesus Christ. Jesus himself said the "harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few".
Perhaps this week you could ask someone the question "What do you think Easter is all about?" and just see what happens.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Changes
There have been some changes that have taken place since last writing. Unfortunately Basil Brown has left us and has moved into town, where he has begun to study for his Bachelor of Theology through the assemblies of God church. We have also had a couple of new arrivals. Benjamin John Norman Skinner was born on the 18th February and is doing well. Also Emma Butler has joined us from the North Coast of NSW.
Change is a normal and good part of life, but is something that can at times throw us. It is often outside of our control and can be a source of anxiety and stress. In discipleship we have been thinking about our definitions of success. We like to be able to control our world so that things work out the way that want them to. Unfortunately things don't often work out the way that we want them to, things change and not always for the better. In the end success is being in a right relationship with God, listening to him and obeying him, being in harmony with God.
Success for me is not about having people stay or go, who comes or who does well. I cannot ultimately make things work. Jesus said "Don't worry at all then about tomorrow. Tomorrow can take care of itself. One day's trouble is enough for one day." Matt 6:34
Some things I can have an influence over, but there are many things that I can't and need to trust that God has them in control. In the end I cannot control everything. I can thank God for both the good changes that take place as well as those that I don't understand.
Change is a normal and good part of life, but is something that can at times throw us. It is often outside of our control and can be a source of anxiety and stress. In discipleship we have been thinking about our definitions of success. We like to be able to control our world so that things work out the way that want them to. Unfortunately things don't often work out the way that we want them to, things change and not always for the better. In the end success is being in a right relationship with God, listening to him and obeying him, being in harmony with God.
Success for me is not about having people stay or go, who comes or who does well. I cannot ultimately make things work. Jesus said "Don't worry at all then about tomorrow. Tomorrow can take care of itself. One day's trouble is enough for one day." Matt 6:34
Some things I can have an influence over, but there are many things that I can't and need to trust that God has them in control. In the end I cannot control everything. I can thank God for both the good changes that take place as well as those that I don't understand.
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