|
Missions Interlink Bulletin
Missions from, in and to New Zealand
August Supplement 2008
Offer to the NZ Missions Community
E-mail Problem
MER Brochure: Pass it on
Meetings: Lets get together
Missions Networks: Your response is needed
Destination World Update
Staying in Touch: Agency Reports/Prayer Links
Nicky Moran: Worship leader, songwriter...
Book Offer: God’s Secret Plan
Housing Needed
George Verwer: Back in NZ
Rewire is about to happen again
Books that Promote Missions
MI Bulk Purchasing Program
Helping Muslims Discover Jesus
Offer to the NZ missions community
Several NZ mission agencies are currently sharing office facilities in Manukau near the mall at significantly reduced costs. The owner of this building is willing to expand this space to include 5 to 10 additional MI affiliated ministries – starting early next year. This is a rare opportunity. If you are interested, please express your interest and needs to the MI director (David Hall: david@across2u.com) or the MI Chair (Wayne Freeman: wayne_freeman@wycliffe.org).
Email problem
We’ve been having trouble with some of the emails sent to [whatever]@missions.org.nz not getting through – we’ve particularly noticed emails coming from any Maxnet account not getting through. If you have sent any emails to MI and have not gotten a response, please re-send the email to: director@missions.org.nz or david@across2u.com.
Can you pass on the MER brochure to those who may benefit from it?
Please help get the word out by circulating the MER brochure (included as an attachment to the last MI Bulletin or e-mail info@missions.org.nz for a copy). People can’t come if they don’t know about it. Here’s some feedback from previous participants:
• The retreat was one of the highlights of our home assignment.
• We felt very much loved, cared for and understood.
• Excellent for acceptance, non-threatening space to download, and some new insights.
• I valued the long unstructured times.
• I learned so much and found it a time of healing and refreshing.
• Should be compulsory for every missionary on Home Assignment!
Meetings
David B. Hall has met with many - over 100 - involved in the NZ missions community over the past six months. But there’s still many he hasn’t met, and others may want to meet again. If you have a particular interest in getting together with David, email director@missions.org.nz or ring: 09 275 8333. Or if you would like David to share at a church, missions or other gathering, feel free to enquire about his availability. Thanks. (Some commendations here: http://www.across.co.nz/Commendations.html)
Your response is needed
In the recent MI Bulletin we talked about Missions Interlink as NZ Mission Networks. Some of them we mentioned are: Prayer Groups; Mission-related Groups in different parts of NZ; MK’s and TDK’s (third culture kids); mission coaches; Maori, Pacific Island, Asian, etc. who have a heart for missions; mission administrators; those involved in IT with a mission connection; MarketPlace Missions... We would appreciate hearing back from you on this. If you are involved in any of the above, have an interest in being involved, or know others who are or should be involved, please let us know: info@missions.org.nz.
Destination World update
TSCF Conference - Hearing a Swahili-speaking pakeha is not a common experience in East Auckland, however more than 100 TSCF students experienced this as they went through a Destination World experience. Held at the annual TSCF Conference in June, Destination World focused in on “professionals in trainingâ€Â. The responses of those involved, participants and TSCF staff were very positive. In addition to involvement in future TSCF events, there are over 40 students who have indicated a general interest in being followed up by the Destination World team, including 15 students who said they want to meet with a missions coach. Please pray for those people who are serving through this follow-up process that we may help facilitate all that God wants to do through these young people.
Parachute 2009 - Plans for this event are under way. We see Parachute as a great place to invest into the lives of young Christians who are at the critical stage of forming their values and worldviews. Let’s be united in giving them an experience that impresses upon them God’s heart for the world so when their time for mission comes they will be ready. Parachute 2009 can build on the momentum of 2008 and set us up for new collaborative initiatives. If you would like to be involved or have any questions please contact Darren Birch: darren@missions.org.nz, 06 353 8935 or 021 448408.
Staying in Touch: Agency Reports / “Prayer Links†- idea
Most of you know that MI sends out a Prayer Links document several times a year. Normally there’s prayer fuel from 15 to 20 mission agencies around the country – kept to 12 A5 pages. At our recent MI Council meeting it was suggested that a brief report (maybe up to 100 words) from any ministry affiliated with MI, perhaps monthly (in addition to the MI Bulletin), would help us all stay better informed about what others are up to. And of course this could be used as fuel for prayer for any and all of us. What do YOU think? We’d like to hear from you. Email: info@missions.org.nz.
More info on new MI member Nicky Moran
I am a Singer/Songwriter passionate about helping people find their true purpose in life and bringing them closer to our Maker. The songs in my heart are gifts given to share about life's journey and the love that holds us together. I sing/ play electric piano and a little guitar with or without a band in a unique Folk/Rock/Gospel/Country style. The music gets on the inside of me and I just have to let it out. Many people experience life changing moments within the songs and I just want to take as many people with me into this place that I go, also known as the Holy of Holies. I am married to my husband of 16 happy years and have 2 gorgeous kids that teach me all about life and patience.
Nicky Moran - www.bebo.com/NickyM48, www.myspace.com/nicky_moran.
“Nicky is a gifted singer, musician, songwriter and worship leader who knows how to express real life situations and bring people into the presence of the Lord. Your group will be blessed by her ministry.†- David B. Hall, director of Missions Interlink
Book offer
“God’s Secret Planâ€Â, contains many stories, lessons and experiences which make stimulating, uplifting and challenging reading and each chapter ends with Application Points, directed towards individuals, Church Leaders and Pastors to guide and provoke discussion and outreach to the ever increasing ethnic variety that we see in our communities today. Colin Crocker says of the book, ‘Pastors and lay people with a heart for multi-ethnic ministry will find this a stimulating and helpful read. Chapter by chapter it highlights vital keys to enhanced communication, relationship-building and faith-sharing with new-comers to our society. Written with the down-to-earth clarity and insight of a practitioner, I recommend it to others on the same exciting journey.’
Peter Anderson, the present Pastor of the Mairangi Bay Community Church adds. “In his brief but delightful book Rodney Cowell shares some “experiences and lessons in multi-cultural Christian ministryâ€Â. He highlights important principles in reaching those from other cultures - and we do live in an increasingly multi-cultural society, some coming from cultures and nations that are “closed†to the gospel. However these principles are also relevant for sharing Christ with non-churched westerners, many of whom have little idea about the gospelâ€Â.
Reading this book and working through the Application Points will pinpoint issues which will increase your effectiveness and widen your personal and Church ministries into our ever changing cultural mix. The recommended retail price for “God’s Secret Plan†is $15.00. If you can’t find “God’s Secret Plan†in your local Christian bookshop, contact Bamboo Books Auckland 09 6305 778 or email cowell@xtra.co.nz. The author is available to assist in any discussion or meeting to further multi cultural ministry through this email address.
Housing Needed
We have a family of two adults and five kids from our church, Royal Oak Baptist, who had to leave China very recently and unplanned – they lost their visa status and hope to return as the dust settles, but are here for an initially undefined period. They currently have housing but as of Sept 1st will need a new place in or near central Auckland area… the closer to Onehunga/Royal Oak the better. Folk can contact me if it is in the next week or so… Johannes +64 (9) 623 6105 (office) johannes@hardplace.org.nz.
George Verwer
5 September, Friday, 7:30 pm – St Margaret’s Anglican Church, 102 Hillsborough Road, Auckland
A great opportunity to hear the founder of Operation Mobilisation and author of Revolution of Love, Hunger for Reality and Out of the Comfort Zone, reinforce the challenge to Global Mission and Action in Christ. More info: 09 625 8839, www.runministries.org.nz.
REWIRE is about to happen again!
When: Friday evening 26th to Sunday 28th September 2008
Why: It’s a great introduction for people interested in language and culture learning. And Leslie Foster, who is one of SIL’s International Language and Culture Learning Consultants will be facilitating this weekend. This means you are getting great value for your $50. Where: Missons’ Centre, 591 Dominion Rd, Balmoral (lots of parking behind the building).
For more information please contact: Tania English serveasia@nzkiwi.net.nz or Leslie Foster leslie_foster@sil.org
MI Annual General Meeting
Monday, 17 November – 10:30 am (tea), AGM starts at 11 followed by lunch.
RSVP: Leilani at info@missions.org.nz. Auckland Venue & Cost.... TBA
Books that Promote Missions
Gladys Aylward: The Adventure of a Lifetime
This is the powerful story of Gladys Aylward. Without formal education or a missionary organization to back her, Gladys raised her own finances for the overland trip that would bring her to the country and people that God had etched so deeply on her heart.... China!
What follows is an amazing adventure of faith and determination. Gladys Aylward, a housemaid from England, dared to trust God in the face of dire and seemingly hopeless circumstances. Her amazing adventure of faith and determination is one of the truly great missionary stories of our era (1902-1970).
This best-selling, missionary biography series - Christian Heroes: Then & Now - chronicles the exciting, challenging, and deeply touching true stories of ordinary men and women whose trust in God accomplished extraordinary exploits for His kingdom and glory. Available from The Soul Hut: http://across.co.nz/Mall2.html.
MI Bulk Purchasing Program
New Zealand's best kept secret?
Some people said they think the MI Bulk Purchasing Program may be New Zealand’s best kept secret. Perhaps it is. Until I became the director, I had practically no knowledge of this great side benefit of belonging to MI. Maybe we could and should do a better job of letting members – and potential members – know about this feature? Ted Crawford says the average MI member who uses the Bulk Purchasing Program usually saves enough in the first 2 or 3 months to pay for their MI membership. And the example below shows you can save far more than that. The savings will vary, anywhere from 5% up to 70%.
Building Supplies
Furniture
Cleaning & Hygiene
Health & Medical Supplies
Freight, Courier & Business Mail
Stationery & Office Products
Paint
Household Appliances
Vehicle & Fleet Management
The list goes on!
Example: I saved more than $600 on a Dell computer
When I asked about using the MI Bulk Purchasing Program to get the much needed new computer for the MI office, I was told to “just use Dell. You can’t beat their prices in NZ.†But before doing so I decided to check the MI Bulk Purchasing Program anyway. To my surprise they included a Dell computer with essentially what we were looking for, with a sale price of over $600 less than what Dell was selling the same computer for (33% off). Needless to say, that sold me on this MI Bulk Purchasing Program.
Another Example: I saved $75 on two tyres and a wheel alignment
I recently took our car in for the WOF and was told I needed two new tires. So I took it to one of the places that’s part of the MI Bulk Purchasing Program (Firestone). They said the tires would be $129 each and the wheel alignment $75. I said, What if I put it on this account? (as I gave them the account number.) They did a re-figure and said the tyres would only be $104 each and the wheel alignment $50. Why pay retail with discounts like this? MI can help you get through tough times.
Postage - Discount Stamps and Pre-Paid Envelopes
You get 5 percent discount on stamps and pre-paid envelopes delivered to your door just by ordering them from your computer with your MI Bulk Purchasing Program membership.
Petrol Card
The FuelCard through Missions Interlink Bulk Purchasing Program provides you with a rebate of approx. 6.5 cents per litre,. It is a convenient way to purchase fuel for both a corporate member and/or their staff, which is charged to the corporate member, (whether a Mission Agency, church or local ministry), who then charges it out to their own staff. Details are given on the Invoice.
GSB Supplycorp
This, however, is only one aspect of the discounted purchases that can be made through the Missions Interlink contract with GSB Supplycorp - provided you are a member of Missions Interlink. When you think of tyres, car batteries, paint, stationery, hardware, furniture, medical supplies… why not save some money? Some of these provide a greater discount than others! The savings will vary, anywhere from 5% up to 70%.
We also have a private deal with Dick Smith Electronics (But it normally doesn’t beat their sale prices).
For more information about any of the above deals contact Ted Crawford at tedz-cars@maxnet.co.nz.
Insurance
The MI Bulk Purchasing Program has saved many of its members 5 to 15% off their insurance. This of course can vary, depending on many factors; but that savings can sure add up. We also have access to a Group Scheme with Southern Cross & while it is acknowledged that premiums within the industry continue to rise the Group Scheme premiums will always be cheaper than those available to the general public. If you are interested contact Trevor Baldwin by phone 09-412-2083 or email: trevor.baldwin@jiraffesolutions.com.
Helping Muslims Discover Jesus
Contrary to what is often thought, it is possible to help Muslims discover the living Messiah. Talking to Muslims about the Lord needs to take into account the context of Muslim culture and religion. In that sense our discussions with Muslims will be different from similar discussions with other people. The message is the same, the means of making it known are different.
General principles
1. Prayer: Pray for Muslim friends and acquaintances. We cannot emphasise enough our total dependence on the intervention of the Holy Spirit.
2. Have a specific goal: God wants to use us to make the Messiah known to Muslims through the Gospel. Our goal should be to make the message understandable and accessible to our Muslim friends.
3. Be open to personal and human contact: We must love Muslims sincerely, manifesting our love through kindness and respect in our relationship with them. Our goal should be to establish a genuine friendship and share our faith in that context. As with all true friendships we need to take time to understand, appreciate and help our Muslim friends. We should want to learn from them and develop a real exchange in true enjoyable friendship.
4. Be patient: While we can speak freely of our faith from the beginning of our relationship with a Muslim, we should keep in mind that most Muslims will need to hear us many times before they even begin to consider believing in the Messiah. Do not be discouraged by objections. Remember that it is the kindness of God which leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4).
5. Explain the Gospel in a very simple manner: Use words and terms which will be understandable to Muslims. Explain your understanding of the meaning of terms such as sin, prayer, God, Son of God and faith. These terms often convey another meaning for Muslims.
6. Give your friend a New Testament or a Bible: Encourage a regular reading of the Gospels in particular.
7. Emphasise God’s perfect holiness: God calls for righteousness. Man is generally unrighteous and in slavery to sinful attitudes. Neither education nor moral teaching can change this situation. Man needs to have a new birth.
8. Speak of God’s interventions in our own lives: Tell of His faithfulness, His love, His justice. Muslims do not understand God as one who gives and keeps promises. Your testimony of a real and active God fearing faith is very important.
9. Answer objections with kindness: Do not let yourself be carried away into passionate discussions. We are called to make friends for Jesus not to win arguments.
10. Do not be naïve if our Muslim friends express a belief in Jesus Christ and the Bible: In one sense Muslims do believe in Jesus and the Bible; however, their faith is very different from what the Bible teaches us. They do not believe that it is possible to be in a real relationship with God as we believe. Jesus said that eternal life is to know God (John 17:3). It is not just knowing certain things about God, but to know Him personally.
What should we avoid?
1. Do not attack the person of Mohammed, but do not accept him as a prophet either. We are called to help people discover Jesus, not to criticise others.
2. Do not criticise the Qur’an.
3. Avoid politically-sensitive subjects like the Palestinian problem and praising Israel.
4. Do not insist on Jesus as being the Son of God: A Muslim will not understand or accept this affirmation. Later, when he has read the Bible or the Gospels, you can give him the necessary explanations.
5. Do not enter into discussions about pork and wine: We, as Christians, are sent to proclaim Jesus not to establish dietary laws. It is good to insist that drunkenness is wrong. Do not serve alcohol to Muslims.
Specific guidelines
1. Initially focus on areas of agreement: In your first contacts with Muslims and even later it is useful to be in agreement as much as possible with them about our common beliefs. They believe that there is one God, the God of Abraham. In Arabic the word used for God is “Allah†(Christian Arabs also use this word for God). Muslims believe that God made the world, that He knows all things, that He is all wise and very powerful. Muslims do not believe in the Trinity. They believe in angels and in prophets such as Abraham, Moses, David, Noah and Jesus. They believe in the last judgment. In a general sense we can agree on these points, without forgetting the differences. Affirming our common beliefs enables them to listen to us with greater understanding and openness.
2. Use stories: Tell stories about the life of Jesus and other men and women mentioned in the Bible. Most Muslims have never had an opportunity to read the Scriptures (many have never fully read their own book, the Qur’an). Learn to use parables, stories and examples from the Bible and daily life to share the message. In this way your Muslim friends will also retain your words better.
3. Use media tools: Keep an assortment of Gospels, the “Jesus†film, cassettes, CDs and DVDs available in various languages.
4. Seek them out: Do not be afraid to visit them in their homes and invite them to your own home. If you invite them for a meal buy your meat in a Muslim butcher shop or serve fish.
5. Argument: You have little chance of convincing Muslims by reasoned argument. Western logic does not carry the same weight with Muslims. Love your Muslim friends and avoid getting into discussions which push them to defend Islam.
6. The Qur’an: You may read it, but do not necessarily use this as the unique basis of witness. Muslims need to meet the Jesus who is revealed in the Bible. If you read the Qur’an or visit a mosque it is advisable to pray for God’s protection and understanding (Ephesians 6:10–18).
7. Men witness to men and women to women: Witness across gender lines is discouraged, even by correspondence. Muslim men have often tried to marry and develop romantic relationships with Christian women. Very often they believe that Christian women are sexually promiscuous and ungodly. Believing women should avoid conversation with Muslim men.
8. Prepare them for their first visit to church: It is advisable to prepare Muslims for their first visit to a Christian church or gathering. Explain to them briefly what will happen and what they should and should not do.
9. Opposition to Christianity: When speaking to Muslims they will probably raise objections that our faith in the Messiah is unacceptable for them. Believers need to know about these objections and be prepared to deal with them correctly. Websites like www.answering-islam.org are very helpful in this regard, as are the resources of the MARN Library. Email: marn@talk.co.nz.
David B. Hall, Director
Missions Interlink
PO Box 59 049, Mangere Bridge, Manukau 2151
www.missions.org.nz
New Zealand's Mission Networks
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the Missions Interlink Bulletin or at any of the events listed, do not necessarily express the views of MI or any of its members or affiliates.
|
