Moore College

Equipping men and women to love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ

Liverpool South Mission 2021 Day 2: Mondays and Mandeans at Liverpool South

Liverpool South Mission 2021 Day 2: Mondays and Mandeans at Liverpool South

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In the back pocket of Liverpool South lives a community of Mandaeans. If you Google them, you won’t find much, and nothing clear beyond them being pretty keen on John the Baptist. This morning our team sat down for a church event with a handful of parishioners to hear George’s story. George had been a Mandaean, and through a story of adoption, came to be adopted into Christ’s family too.

George shared his insider knowledge with us in detail; how they live under the constant threat of defilement, baptising in the hope that washing might cleanse them from sin. Pray we might take opportunities tomorrow and the rest of this week to gently and faithfully engage with the locals who hold these beliefs.

In the afternoon, some of us headed out to the local shops to complete some Cultural Observation exercises. Liverpool is fascinating as it doesn’t seem to have a predominant culture, in contrast to a lot of other Sydney suburbs. It’s a safe bet to say they love natural yoghurt though.

Our day began with pastor Matt Bales taking us through Luke 10 and Jesus’ sending of the seventy-two. We raised the question of when to persevere with people who don’t accept the message of Jesus. Praise God for the pastor who faithfully read the bible with George for four years before he came to trust Jesus. Pray for the parts of the world with hard soil, that God might keep a spirit of perseverance in those who are there, and that he might save even the most stubborn for Jesus’ glory.
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ENC Mission 2021 Days 1 & 2

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Day 1: Sunday 21st (Everywhere)

On Sunday our team split up to visit a number of services of churches we will be partnering with throughout the next week. These included Chester Hill Anglican, Berkeley Life Centre, Park Rail Anglican and Grace City Church. Those of us who visited more than one church found some services couldn’t be more different, but it was encouraging to realise that it was the same gospel proclaimed everywhere. As we reflected on the contrast between some of the churches there was one other word which unified them all: intentional. It was great to learn how each church had carefully thought about how to communicate the gospel and run their Sunday service in light of who their congregation members are, whether their age, ethnicity, social and economic status, or spiritual maturity; and to see this intentionality flow into their evangelism as they seek to reach the local area. Give thanks for the chance to visit other churches and be encouraged. Please pray for those preparing sermons this week to preach at these churches (Tim S, Tim A, Eric, Tony, Alex, and Jade).

Day 2: Monday 22nd (Grace City Church, Green Square)

Today our team had the privilege of learning from Tim Clemens and his team about church planting and Grace City Church. Tim opened our eyes to church planting as an evangelistic strategy as he shared his own story with planting Grace City. It was great to hear the staff’s insights as we sat in on their staff meeting and understand the systems which facilitated evangelism and spiritual growth. Most importantly though it was wonderful to see the gospel transforming lives as the main aim and motivator. Give thanks for the opportunity to learn more about church planting. Tuesday is a day off, so please pray for us on Wednesday as we head down to Wollongong. Pray for safety on the roads as we travel, for those teaching SRE and joining the 1-1 ministry at Albion Park Rail, and for those doing visitation and walk-up evangelism at Berkeley.
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Emu Plains Mission Day 2: Peace to those Far and Near

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As we gathered together for mission today, we started by reflecting on the words of Ephesians 2:17,

“He came and preached peace to you were far away and peace to those who were near.”

It was a timely reminder as we reflected on how Jesus came and preached the same message to all far and near – peace through the forgiveness of sins. As we prepared for a day where we would be bringing Jesus to the doorsteps of Emu Plains, and then later to encourage the young adults in the church, we were reminded that our message is not different to each, but one of the same – to share Jesus, and his message.

With this encouragement, no rain or flood could stop us.  We took to the streets of Emu Plains to invite the community Back to Church this Sunday. There was a breadth of people sharing their personal stories with our team. Stories of pain, suffering, or varied experience with a church. Many people across the town received an invitation to come and check out church for themselves and hear what Jesus all is about.

Later in the evening we gathered with the young adults of EPAC and held a Q&A panel to encourage them as followers of Jesus to intentionally think about their lives in service. Laurie, Amy and Caitlin shared their stories about coming to faith, growing as servants and followers of Christ, and coming to college. It was an encouraging night as lives were shared and as conversations were had about personal discipleship, leadership and being disciples of Christ.

Praise God for another day, filled with good conversations, the message being proclaimed to those far and near, and his work being done here in Emu Plains!

 

 
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Church @ the Peak 2021 Day 2

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“Why did God send Jesus to die? L-O-V-E love that’s why. Why on the third day did he rise?  L-O-V-E love that’s why.”

So goes part of the song sung this morning at Mainly Music, a music playgroup that happens at Peakhurst each week. Singing, dancing, beanbag throwing, snacking, chatting, and friendships growing.

It was an exciting morning, and such an encouragement to hear that the majority of mums who come each week with their toddlers are non-church goers.

Please pray that many of these mums will show interest in coming along to church. Thank God for the church volunteers who lead. Pray that they would have boldness to have fruitful conversations over morning tea and for perseverance as they invest in these relationships.

With the rain hammering on outside, we spent the afternoon practicing for a Scripture Assembly while some of the team headed off to IRT Aged Care Centre to run the chapel service.  Richard had a very encouraging conversation with a lady who shared her story of how she came to know Christ. After a difficult marriage breakdown and seeking out a local church, she heard a lady explain the gospel to her, which gripped her with such clarity. She was struck that God would love someone like her who had been through so much, and that Jesus really did die for her. It was encouraging hearing how she remains strong in her faith, and her daily prayers are so full of thanks to God for what he’s done for her.

Thank God for these men and women at IRT. Thank God for the opportunity Andy had to give a talk and Annika to share her testimony. Pray that God would continue to strengthen the faith of these saints as they remind one another of the kindness of God’s grace to them.

To keep in your prayers:

  • The Scripture assembly happening tomorrow (Wednesday). There will be 80 children plus their teachers hearing of the underserved kindness God has shown in Jesus.
  • Door knocking happening over the week. Pray for good conversations.

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Emu Plains Mission 2021 Day 1

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A great first day on mission, with three services getting to know the members of Emu Plains Anglican Church and hearing from team members Scott and Dave about Jesus our Saviour in Mark’s gospel.

As the day continued, the rain kept pouring, and the worry of flooding got more and more serious. SES messages have been sent out to the community for evacuation in certain areas with members of the church feeling the worry of the rising waters.

As our team spends time here in Emu Plains, we see the need for the community to hear of the hope that Jesus brings particularly in a time of emergency like this. Our team will (hopefully) be continuing with our plans for doorknocking each day with umbrellas and rain jackets in hand. Please be praying for the people we will be meeting, for the questions they may have as they sit in fear of these floods and hear of this hope of a new creation.

Pray we will have fruitful conversations and also help all who need help. Give thanks to God that we can be here in this time of uncertainty to preach a message of certainty. With most of our team driving back and forth every day in these conditions, please pray for safety.
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Liverpool South Mission 2021 Day 1: The Simple Message of Jesus at Liverpool South

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What a wonderful first day of mission at Liverpool South Anglican! It was a joy to be welcomed by the church and to take part in their 9:30am family service. Our team members split between being involved in the service and assisting with kids ministry. One student, Michael Figueira, gave an encouraging sermon from 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5 on the foolishness and power of the Cross.

Sunday school was great fun and we were given a fantastic and timely reminder of Jesus’ commission in Matthew 28:16-20 as Matt Bales, the assistant minister, taught the children. Matt went on to lead the older kids through a simple Bible reading framework to Look Back, Look Up, and Look Forward, sharing with us his vision for them to one day lead their own Bible discussions at Sunday School and with their friends at school.

In the afternoon, a small group had the privilege of visiting the church’s Pakistani congregation, who have been meeting in homes for church services since last year. It was certainly a different experience to what most of our team is used to! We were warmly welcomed by Pastor Imran and the congregation, and many parts of the service were translated from Urdu into English for our benefit. Did you know that ‘Jalal’ means glory in Urdu?

The music was a real highlight, particularly when we could sing a Pakistani song based on Psalm 18. Pastor Imran translated the chorus for us: “I love you my Lord, my strength, my God is my rock”. One of our students, Stuart Sharry, gave a wonderful testimony focused on the simple truth that we can know God, and receive his forgiveness, through the Lord Jesus. This was complemented well by a sermon on John 1:1-18 from another student, Jaison Jacob, who taught us that the only way to truly see God is through Jesus.

We praise God for the hospitality of the Pakistani congregation and the meal we were able to share in after the service. It was a time of mutual encouragement as we heard about people’s trust in Jesus through many life circumstances, and as we likewise were able to share about our faith. What a joy to see God’s Spirit working through different people, in different languages, to the praise of his glory!
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