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Missions Interlink Bulletin
Missions – from, in and to – New Zealand
September 2008
What Are You Known For?
24/7 Prayer
Mission Gatherings
Missionary Enrichment Retreat
A Crisis of Hope
MECO – Are you the one?
Somewhere Someone Loves Me
eXplore
Rewire
Promise Keepers: Leave No Man Behind
Mission Trip Opportunities: Turkey & Thailand
On A Mission - Hosted by NZCMS
Accommodation Needed
Doug Plummer
Administrators - Want to meet again?
New Servants Director
God’s Awesome Book – DVD
What Are You Known For?
I had a little time before the start of the monthly CIMA meeting. CIMA is what they call the group of mission leaders in Christchurch. It actually stands for Canterbury International Mission Association. Because of the distance, I don’t usually attend. This would only be my second CIMA meeting. The focus of this meeting was to consider some mission-related events with Don Richardson (Peace Child, Eternity in their Hearts, Lords of the Earth...) next year. (Keep watching this space for more info on this.)
So I walked downtown to the Cathedral Square. After a brief conversation with the greeter at the door I browsed through the Cathedral and eventually knelt in front of the altar. Would God have something to say to me here? The architecture is awesome. If I didn’t know better I might have thought I was in some ancient European city. The environment called for reverence, reflection, worship... So much to admire. But what really spoke to me were the words on a banner, straight from scripture: “My house will be known as a house of prayer for all people”.
The ...for all people is a common missions theme, with a timeless and universal message. Clearly God has a heart for ALL people, not just the ones I feel called to, or the people I feel comfortable hanging out with. Am I spending enough time with people from other parts of the world? I may live in Mangere, surrounded by Pacific Islanders and Asians, (and yes, crime) but... Do I demonstrate God’s love sufficiently to my community? Lord, it’s much easier to create a web page designed for them, and pray You send them to that web page... Was that God that said, that’s not enough!? Or was that just me?
As much as I may be drawn to the missions focus of that verse in Isaiah, that’s not what God was emphasising to me as I prayed and meditated at this historic altar. Mum had drilled into our head to guard our reputation. What are you known for? What is your ministry known for? What is your church or business known for? Some churches, like the Christchurch Cathedral, are known for the beautiful architecture and stained glass windows. Other churches are known for the preaching of the Word. Others are known for the worship, the choir, the pipe organ, the gifted pastor, or their service to the hurting in the community. The list can go on and on. What are you known for?
All the above are good things; things God can use for His purposes. But are they the things God wants us – or His house - to be known for? When I was growing up I was taught that Jesus might come back before [you fill in the blank]. And often that went with some sort of direct or indirect warning to be ready. Over time I was taught that He won’t likely come back yet, because every tribe and every tongue hasn’t yet heard the gospel, the Good News.
When will His bride be ready? I don’t know. The bride certainly isn’t spotless. I don’t know very many churches that are known as a house of prayer for all people. How many do you know? What about mission agencies or ministries? Perhaps there’s some work we all have to do before He comes? (Then again He could come before you finish reading this. But don’t hold your breath.) Clearly that’s the reputation – known for praying for all people - God says His house will have.
Can we expect local churches to be known as a house of prayer for all people if we’re not known for that? ...if I’m not known for that? Lord, help me! I got up from that altar challenged by God – via the banner at the Cathedral.
Lord, it’s not my reputation that’s important. It’s yours.
Keep reminding me that the primary view most people have of you,
is what they see in me, and the rest of Your body. The only Bible
most people will take time to read, is the gospel according to me.
Lord, help me better reflect You! Help us all Lord!
May you – and your ministry - be known for your prayers for all people!
Because He loves ALL,
David B. Hall
Missions Interlink (NZ)
24/7 Prayer
For the past four years, “24-7 Prayer Rooms” have been breeding like rabbits across our fair land and it’s time to unite the clans! There are oodles of stories...of God showing up in simple, profound and beautiful ways. More need to hear all about them. For this reason we’ve called our gathering, Stories of the Whenua. We’re meeting to hear stories from across the land that you have created...a taster of the Christian story in NZ, particularly as it concerns Maori, and what that means for us at present.” – Jay Lucas, 24-7 Prayer Team Leader (NZ).
When: 17-19 Oct 2008
Where: Tawa Salvation Army Hall, Wellington
Mission Gatherings
Coming together for prayer and fellowship is a long-standing Christian tradition. Though these groups are by no means “traditional,” the koinonia, trust, and sometimes even collaboration only comes through spending time together. Some of these meet weekly, others monthly or some other frequency. Why not visit a group near you? Here’s some contact info:
Location - contact person - how to find out more
Balmoral – Johannes Balzer - johannes@interserve.org.nz
Christchurch – Max Palmer - mailto:Emax@lr.org.nz
Manukau City – Wayne Freeman - wayne_freeman@wycliffe.org
North Shore – Richard Hemmingsen – richardh@sga.org.nz
Penrose – Graeme Lee - admin@edc.org.nz
Tauranga – James Muir - james-muir.aonz@clear.net.nz
If you’re aware of other gatherings of mission folk, help us get the word out and let us know so we can tell others in the future. Send to: info@missions.org.nz.
Missionary Enrichment Retreat: 28 Oct. – 2 Nov. ’08
Registrations due ASAP
A great opportunity for missionaries (on furlough, newly returned as well as mission agency staff) to reflect and evaluate on their missionary experience as well as to equip themselves for the future – all within a safe environment, away from pressure and with people who understand. Please help get the word out to the right people. If you need one or more copies of the MER brochure, just let us know. Email Leilani - info@missions.org.nz - for more info.
A Crisis of Hope with Dr. Robert & Dr. Ruth Bayley
An all day seminar - hosted by Deborah and Associates - that will focus on hope in the midst of crisis: how to embrace it, maintain it and share it with others. The Bayleys are well-known international speakers and teachers whose message is one of HOPE. Open to men and women of all ages and especially those offering Member Care to their staff and missionaries.
When: Sat Nov 15th, 2008 from 8:30am-4:30pm.
Where: Holy Trinity Church, Tauranga.
Cost: $40 before Nov 1st or $50 thereafter.
For more information visit: www.d-n-a.co.nz or write to hope@d-n-a.co.nz for a brochure and registration form.
MECO – Are you the one?
Time is running out. If you’re interested in a challenging leadership role in a Cross Cultural Mission, this may be for you. Do you have experience and understanding of church and mission? Would you like to help inspire God’s people in New Zealand to be involved in Middle East missions? More info is available on line: www.aboutmeco.org, or email: nz@aboutmeco.org. Phone +64 9 836 8432 (DDI) Fax +64 9 836 7801
Somewhere Someone Loves Me
On Wednesday 24th September, 9:30pm TV One will be showing a documentary called Somewhere Someone Loves Me which follows the ministry of Orphans Aid International as they travel to Romania to work with children in hospitals and village areas. Tune in, drop a tear or pray out.
eXplore
Interested in a better understanding of holistic cross-cultural mission? This one-day event, jointly sponsored by tranzsend and Interserve, will provide you with tools for moving across cultural divides and understanding God’s heart for His world. Explore relevant topics such as culture and contextualisation, ‘tentmaking’ and Business as Mission, health issues and what down-to-earth mission is about. Registration required – contact David to sign up today: call 630 0981 or email david@interserve.org.nz.
Cost: $20 per person (lunch provided).
When: 9.30am to 5.30pm, Saturday, 18 October
Where: Mt Albert Baptist Church, 732 New North Road, Mt Albert, Auckland
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.
Promise Keepers: Leave No Man Behind
AKL 10-11 Oct
Promise Keepers is 100% committed to the battle for men’s souls. Will you join in this epic spiritual conflict? Every day men are being taken out as casualties through separation from family, friends, church and God. Some men are feeling disqualified by sin or failure. Our mission is to promote hope and freedom by bringing men back into the fellowship of Christian men and also to recruit more men for the cause of Christ. Register now and leave no man behind. Visit www.promisekeepers.org.nz. Phone: 0800 PROMISE (776647)
Mission Trip Opportunities
Experience Turkey: 24 days, April 2009
Experience first-hand the vibrant and biblically rich Turkey. This team trip will involve prayer, hands-on ministry and serving local workers - it’s a faith adventure not to be missed! The nations of NZ and Turkey are uniquely linked, so a special highlight will be attending the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Gallipoli. For more information on how to join this Interserve team trip, contact Sarah today on 0800 446464 or by email sarah@interserve.org.nz
Experience Thailand: 28 days, November/December 08
Hurry – this trip is almost full! This is your opportunity to give in a practical way by teaching English to school children, visit aid projects, interact with the Thai culture and join with local celebrations! For more information on how to join this Interserve team trip, contact Sarah today on 0800 446464 or by email sarah@interserve.org.nz
On A Mission – Hosted by NZCMS
Come to On A Mission and discover a world of mission in action with great contributors included Dr. Omar Djoeandy (SIM Australia), Dr. Bob Robinson (NZCMS) and others. Hear them, meet them and join them in fellowship. Held in Auckland (3-5 Oct), Nelson (5-6 Oct), Palmerston North (8 Oct), and Christchurch (9-11 Oct). For more information: www.nzcms.org.nz or office@nzcms.org.nz.
Accommodation Needed
A missionary couple and their 17-year old daughter will be returning to NZ on furlough from Chiang Mai, Thailand. They are looking for a housing situation or similar in the Auckland area from 22 December 2008 to mid February 2009 (or part of it). Please contact them if you know of a suitable place: djkk.dean@gmail.com.
Doug Plummer
The General Executive Director of the Jian Hua Foundation (JHF), will visit New Zealand from October 8 to November 19, 2008. Doug will visit major centres in both North and South Islands. One opportunity for friends in Auckland to hear from Doug is at the Baptist Tabernacle on Saturday evening October 18 for a coffee and dessert evening starting at 6.45 PM. Doug has extensive firsthand experience in China having been associated with JHF for over twenty years. JHF, which has its head office in Hong Kong, places Christian professionals in a wide range of positions (in education, medical, social services, agriculture, relief & development, etc.) in various parts of China. It is a respected and cutting edge Christian-based NGO. JHF website: www.jhf-china.org. For a more detailed itinerary please contact JHF’s Representative-at-Large and the Chairman of the JHF (NZ) Trust, Peter Anderson, at (09) 476 0919, or email peter.anderson@jhf-china.org.
Administrators, Want to Meet Again?
In the past MI has hosted some gatherings of mission administrators. The feedback has always been quite positive. Are you interested in getting together again? What topics would be helpful for you? Let us know your interest so that sufficient planning can take place to provide appropriate notice. Email: director@missions.org.nz.
New Servants Director
In case you haven’t heard, Servants NZ has a new Coordinator: Jono Ryan. Jono and Julie Ryan were commissioned at an Auckland hui 2 weeks ago. Jono is a deep thinker, a gifted preacher, and has a well-known talent for getting things done. As an ordained Presbyterian minister, Jono has a truly pastoral heart and brings a unique perspective that will enrich the work of Servants here and overseas in the slums of Asia. We are excited about entering a new time of fruitfulness.
God’s Awesome Book - DVD
Wycliffe is excited to announce that Part One of the God’s Awesome Book seminar, is available on DVD! God’s Awesome Book is one of our “Resourcing the Church” seminars, and is designed to restore faith and confidence in the Word of God. This set covers the first three modules:
- The Bible as History
- Is the Text Reliable?
- Those “Boring” Genealogies
Part Two will be available soon. For more info, contact: +64 9 262 8440/8442.
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.
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