Mission Support
The Missions Action Group (MAG) meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 230 Stafford Street, Penrith from 7.30pm.
As well as raising awareness and promoting prayerful and financial support for missionary workers, the group is also responsible for arranging guest speakers to speak at worship services on a regular basis, as well as at the MAG meetings.
Our congregation is committed to providing regular financial support to the General Missions Program of the Presbyterian Church.
In addition to this, our congregation has established
links with three family groups who are involved in separate active missionary work: The Richardsons (Brett, Ruth and their children)
who are working in Spain; the Reeds (Darren, Naomi, Stephen, Christopher and Jeremy) who are working in Nepal; and The Mercers (Andrew, Tracey, Hannah and Elizabeth) from our own congregation who are currently engaged in missionary outreach work whilst living and working in Bangkok.
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Some interesting articles for your reading pleasure are printed below...
GOD'S PURPOSE : THE GOAL OF MISSION
Luke 4:16-19
"He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read."
The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: (Isaiah 61:1-2)
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”
Isaiah 61:1-2 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD'S favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,
In this reading we look to the final goals of the mission of Christ and his Church. It is important to be clear what God is aiming towards, so that our efforts may be tested to see if they are in accord with his purposes.
Today's passage gives us Jesus' own statement of what he had come to do. He takes up the prophecy of Isaiah 61: 1-2, and says "today this scripture has been fulfilled" (v.21).
There has been much controversy in the Church whether evangelism (preaching the good news) or social action is the Church's task. They are false alternatives, as this passage shows. It is not a matter of either/or, but of both/and. His mission involves preaching (with special emphasis on the poor), freedom from every form of captivity (whether in the form of personal sin or the oppression of others) and healing. In other words, it involves the restoration of wholeness to individuals and of peace, justice and harmony in human relationships including society at large. No part of life is excluded from the redemptive and reconciling mission of God.
Every action that leads to healing, reconciliation and justice is a sign of the working out of God's purposes in the world. This is true even when these actions are not consciously done in the name of Christ. How ready should we be who name Christ as our Lord to encourage everything that breaks down ignorance, disease and oppression. We should ask ourselves whether the life of the church reflects the purpose of God to liberate people from whatever binds them.
World mission, far from being the main work of today's Church, is in fact "the Church's withered arm". The call to world mission is at the heart of Christianity - "of our faith, our missionary God, our Bible, the Holy Spirit, our Saviour Himself. Mission is not an activity of the Church but is an attribute of God. It is God's activity in which He includes the Church. The Church is thus caught up in a missionary movement for God. It is caught in His flow." The simple fact is that, "There is Church because there is mission, not mission because there is Church." There is a Church because there is mission. Any other call, any other claimant for the final attention of the Church is a usurper.
This is how Stephen Gaukroger defines a cross-cultural missionary in his book Why Bother With Mission?
One who is commissioned and sent out by his or her local church to cross cultural boundaries in order to be a witness for Jesus Christ. These boundaries may be those of language, geography, or society. He or she would also intentionally:
• introduce people to Christ by his or her life, attitudes, actions and words.
• seek to introduce those who come to Christ to join with others in the fellowship of a church.
A church will need to be planted if it doesn't exist!
J. L. Ewen articulated a basic personal philosophy, "As long as there are millions destitute of the Word of God and the knowledge of Jesus Christ, it will be impossible for me to devote my time and energy to those who have both."
The definition of world mission, of the supreme task of the Church, is no more complicated than that. It is not in dispute. The only matter still to be settled is whether we, as Christians and as churches, will embrace it.
The Great Commission and the Unfinished Task
The Lord Jesus Christ gave His Church clear instructions in His resurrection ministry:
The evangelistic challenge in Mark 16:15.
He said to them , “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.
'The discipling/church planting challenge in Matthew 28:18-20.
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
The teaching challenge of Luke 24:46-47.
He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
The missions challenge of John 20:21.
Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
The global challenge of Acts 1:8.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
This encompasses the task before us, and we want to see its completion as soon as possible! W e have a measurable, finishable task - big though it might still be - it is impossible through human planning, effort, strategizing or sacrifice, but only in complete dependence on our God. Hence the challenge to pray!
We should pray about mission until it becomes a priority! We may not personally be able to take the good news abroad, but we can all pray in such a way that regions abroad are affected ... Prayer needs no passport, visa or work permit. There is no such thing as a 'closed country' as far as prayer is concerned ... Much of the history of mission could be written in terms of God moving in response to persistent prayer.
Conclusion:
What does all the above mean?
I believe the vision statement for world mission cannot be better defined than to use the words of Isaiah and Jesus himself, as we read at the beginning of this talk:
T o preach good news to the poor, to announce pardon to prisoners, recovery of sight for the blind , to set free the oppressed and to proclaim the year of the LORD'S favor.
What is our role in this vision?
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
Creative Missions
by Rick Warren
“‘Don't say that,' the Lord replied, ‘for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don't be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and take care of you.'” (Jeremiah 1:7-8, NLT)
Rick Warren joins us again today. Tomorrow we start a devotional series by Jon Walker on developing a clean heart --
Maybe you believe you need a special missions “call” from God, and you've been waiting for some supernatural feeling or experience to get you started.
But God has already stated his call repeatedly. We are all called to fulfil God's five purposes for our lives: to worship, to fellowship, to grow like Christ, to serve, and to be on mission with God in the world.
God doesn't want to use just some of his people; he wants to use all of his people. We are all called to be on-mission for God. He wants his whole church to take the whole gospel to the whole world.
Many Christians have missed God's plan for their lives because they've never even asked God if he wanted them to serve as a missionary somewhere. Whether out of fear or ignorance, they've automatically closed their minds to the possibility of serving as a resident missionary in a cross-cultural location.
If you're tempted to say no, you ought to check out all the different ways and possibilities that are now available (it will surprise you), and you ought to seriously pray and ask God what he wants from you in the years ahead. Untold thousands of resident missionaries are desperately needed at this critical point in history, when so many doors are opening wide like never before.
It's time we shift from thinking of excuses to thinking of creative ways to fulfill the Great Commission. And remember what we discussed: The Great Commission includes you and your service.
Yet, hare some common excuses:
· “I only speak English.” This is actually an advantage in many countries where millions of people want to learn English and are eager to practise it.
· “I don't have anything to offer.” Yes, you do. Every ability and experience in your SHAPE can be used somewhere.
· “I'm too old” (or too young): Most mission agencies have age-appropriate short-term projects.
Whether it was Sarah claiming she was too old to be used by God or Jeremiah claiming he was too young, God rejected their excuses: “‘Don't say that,' the Lord replied, ‘for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don't be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and take care of you.'” (Jeremiah 1:7-8, NLT)
So what does this mean?
· If you want to be like Jesus -- you must have a heart for the whole world. There are over 6 billion people on earth, and Jesus wants all his lost children found. Jesus said, “Only those who throw away their lives for my sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really live!” (Mark 8:35, LB)
· The Great Commission is your commission and doing your part is the secret to living a life of significance. You don't need a special “call” from God to go on-mission; that's been his plan all along. It may be long-term, or it may be short-term. Ask him to tell you.
· ‘Go everywhere in the world , and tell the Good News to everyone' – That's what Jesus told his disciples. Today, every corner of the world is available to us—we have no excuse not to spread the Good News. Think of ways you can go on-mission simply by using the Internet or your phone.
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Gloria Jean's Coffees announces partnership with Mercy
Gloria Jean's Coffees has announced a partnership with Mercy. The fundraising got off to a good start at the inaugral Gloria Jean's Coffees Convention held recently, when franchichisees and suppliers took part in an auction that raised over $60,000.
A TV commercial was launched at the Convention to celebrate the partnership. The TVC highlights the plight of girls suffering from issues such as eating disorders. There are also plans for Gloria Jean's Coffees stores to host "Mercy Day" where proceeds from the sales of Coffees will go to Mercy Australia. Gloria Jean's stores will also be fitted with donation boxes to collect 'spare change to change lives'.
"Gloria Jeans Coffees chose to support Mercy because there is a need in Australia for a dedicated charity that helps women with these difficult issues," said Peter Irvine, Managing Director of Gloria Jean's Coffees.
"Working with a trusted Australian company like Gloria Jean's Coffees will help Mercy Australia expand to other cities across the nation and make a significant difference to the lives of young women in crisis in those cities," said Darlene Zschech.
Mercy Ministries runs a residential program for young women aged between 16 and 28 years with life controlling issues. These issues range from eating disorders, unplanned pregnancies, substance abuse, eating disorders, self harm, suicidal tendencies, depression and anxiety, and the effects of sexual and physical abuse. The average stay for a resident is approx 10 months, depending on each individual girl.
The program is very structured and is based on Christian principles. The residents have class time and bible study daily. Each girl is assigned to a counsellor when she enters the program and they work together for the duration of her stay. The girls are also involved in topical group counselling. Our residents leave the facility for shopping excursions, gym visits and church on weekends, escorted by staff.
Mercy Ministries is for young women who have a strong desire to bring about change in their lives. Each applicant has to want to come to Mercy Ministries. Once in the program, they are to participate in all aspects of the program.
Frequently asked Questions:
Who can come? |
Young women 16 to 28 years with a strong desire to change their lives. Program participation is voluntary – that is young women have to want to come to Mercy Ministries. Once in the program, they are to participate in all aspects of the program. |
What is the age range? |
The age range is 16 to 28 years. A girl may apply if she is under 16, however entry would only be possible once turned 16. |
What Costs Are Involved? |
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There is no cost for the program . For young women who are eligible for a Centrelink payment (eg. Youth Allowance, Newstart, Pension) we ask that they contribute their payment to Mercy Ministries for the duration of their time in the program. From this payment they will receive an allowance for shopping for incidentals, medical expenses and savings. For young women not eligible for Centrelink they will need to have a sponsor to cover their weekly shopping, medication costs and savings. A deposit of $200 is required for Medical Expenses upon entry to the program. All Medical expenses are to be covered through this deposit, weekly allowance and ongoing support of the resident's sponsor. |
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Do you have to be a Christian / religious / go to church to come to Mercy Ministries? |
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No you don't. All we ask is that applicants understand that the program is based on Christian principles. We ask that people are open to hearing about God and the way He can help a person overcome different life issues.
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What happens when I finish the program? |
In the final stages of your time at Mercy Ministries you will begin the Aftercare component of the program. This involves planning for when you leave – accommodation, work / education / training. You will also have an accountability person you meet with when you complete the program. You will meet with this person every fortnight. Mercy Ministries also provides ongoing support |
For more information on the Mercy Ministries program contact either telephone (02) 9659 4180 or go to the web site at: www.mercyministries.com.au .
WHAT IS PERSECUTION?
Bible League defines p ersecuted Christians as " those who suffer because of their faith in Jesus Christ".
In some parts of the world, persecution takes place as the result of governmental policies. In other regions, Christians suffer at the hands of their families or communities - in spite of national freedom of religion.
Persecution can also take various forms. It may , manifest itself through restricted activity, isolation, abandonment , gaol time, physical abuse, or the ultimate price-death. But one thing is constant - the suffering is real.
MOTIVATION FOR PERSECUTION:
It's difficult to say why any man would cause p ain to another, over religious beliefs. Yet, in the minds of perpetrators, inflicting turmoil on Christians is perfectly justifiable . The reasoning for persecution varies but there are at least three common motivators:
1. Christianity: A Political threat:
Government officials sometimes restrict Christian practices because they believe religious faith undermines the unity of a nation. If a man is fully devoted to God, they say, he is unable to give his whole allegiance to his country. Ironically, the constitutions of many of these countries allow freedom of religion.
2. Christianity : A threat to Heritage and Culture:
In many places, religion and culture are closely intertwined. Christianity is believed to be a threat to the "traditional" way of life. Many fear that those who convert to Christianity will forsake the rituals, behaviour and values of their home country. A new believer is treated as a traitor-he has deliberately turned his back on his country, his community and his family.
3. Christianity: A Competitive Religion:
The truth of the Gospel stands in direct conflict with the teachings of this world. For people immersed in the world, the Bible is a threat to everything they know to be real. Ironically, some of the most intense persecution does not come from other world religions but from within the Christian faith.
It is accepted that a lot of our church members are not able to attend the Mission Awareness Group (MAG) meeting held each month at the manse. This is not to say they do not have a heart for missions or the persecuted we are speaking of. Are you one of these people?
If you would like to be kept informed of what is happening in any country of your choice with respect to Christianity or persecution against the Christians in those countries then please let me know . This could be your way of upholding these people in prayer and telling your neighbours of what is happening in the real world.
Regular news items will be supplied to you, focussing on the countries you specified. The only cost is your time to read the articles and – pray!! Join with me in praying for our Christian brothers, sisters and families. If we do not pray – who will?
~ Kevin Sylvester (Mission Awareness Group)
Until next time, keep praying, especially for those who are --- yet to hear the Gospel for the first time!