What a huge encouragement it was to be part of the Women in
Missions Committee hosting our Annual conference day on the 2nd
November at Good News Bible Chapel, Havelock North.
Our day kicked off with two enthusiastic, passionate young
women who have given up their careers - one an International Consultation,
another an Aircraft Engineer to spend
their time and lives sharing the Gospel of Christ to younger people in
particular through Surf Missions at Mount Maunganui to Children’s Ministries Canada. Christian surf camps – what a neat way to
reach young people on the beaches of NZ and around the world.
We heard from 3 young women from the Onekawa Bible Church
that had just returned from a short term mission trip to the Philippines where
over 85,000 gospel tracks had been handed out by the team of 13 over a 10 day
period. The poverty was unimaginable,
the children’s orphanages they visited were challenging but all three women
said their experience had been character building and life changing.
NZ missionaries back on “home assignment” shared their
hearts and stories of the truly challenging experiences of being involved in
missions in Africa. In Nigeria there is
a group terrorising and killing ex-pats, teachers and missionaries, of which
one missionary fitted into all 3 categories and had recently returned home for
the safety of their family. In Zambia
there were also many challenges working long term (15 years) in a different
culture.
We were reminded of Gods wonderful creation as we heard from
a missionary working with Celebrate Messiah, amongst Israeli tourists in the
South Island. The tourists are all
totally amazed at the breathtaking scenery of the South Island and this gives a
great opportunity for starting discussions on creation and our Great God!
NZ needs a revival!!!
We were reminded of the great need for sharing the Gospel and Christ
here - there are many in need of a Saviour in our own country. Women supporting their husbands in NZ with
work involved through MMM and the encouragement of North Island Rural
churches. A challenge was given - as
wives, we have a huge responsibility - often we are the “handbrake” to missions
by not following and supporting our husbands with what the Lord has called them
to do. WOW!
Lastly we were encouraged by the opportunities and
experiences encountered in Short Term
mission trips to PNG, Philippines and Cambodia and how crucial missionaries and
teams need thorough “debrief” on return.
Each
of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful
stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do
so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so
with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised
through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever.
Amen. 1 Peter 4 vs 10-11
Such a blessing to have hosted the day and be reminded how Missions
will take you from what is comfortable, beyond natural provision and beyond
natural ability to TOTAL reliance and dependence on God. God’s Plan and God’s Time is NOT ALWAYS our
plan or our time but God is Sovereign ….
And we know that in all things
God works for the good of those who love him, who have been
called according to his purpose. Romans 8 vs 28
Mark your calendar now –
Saturday 1st November 2014 – we would love you to join us J
