Evangelical Christian Union - ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

NTE 2007

Reflections on Mission

Happy Chan, Physio 2.

The talks were fantastic (and I don't think I've managed to digest them all) but one thing I learned (or was reminded of) that really really encouraged me was the solid promise of assurance Jesus for those who belong to him. Especially in Greg Lee's second talk where he spoke on the unchangeable promises of God, and how God will hold on to you and hold onto God. I found this especially relevant because I had recently been doubting in my faith, thinking and questioning whether my actions were out of faith or was what I did just for show, simply because it was expected of me, what I had always done or a situation where I couldn't say no.

The talk really challenged me to reconsider WHY I was doing what I was doing and also to be aware of the motives of my actions. Also, that passage in Hebrews Greg was speaking on also really reassured me of the solid hold God had on me, that even though I might be unfaithful, God is faithful to his promises and he helps us.

Mission also felt like a little taste of heaven, especially in how united the team was in what we were doing, with everyone helping each other out and supporting each other. Talking with other member of the team, we realised that this was what really made our time on mission so positive and encouraging - serving God together. People got along with everyone else, and there were no cliques or feelings of exclusion with each other as we experience back at church. Yes, it took energy to make the effort to get to know people at the church and in the team, and we found it to be a very intense time, but it was draining in a different way to usual. It was challenging in having to apply what we had learnt at the conference and also being loving to the people around me too, but that shared goal and love of Christ really encouraged me - and I could see it build others up as well.

Another highlight was doorknocking around Belmore. It was so amazing to see how hospitable and welcoming people were to us, absolute strangers.

An encouraging story - being asked to share her testimony at the Prime Time lunch with only 10 minutes notice:

I would have said no, but a pause to think it through and a prayer to ask God to work through me and give me strength and to speak to glorify him didn't help to calm my nervousness (speaking in front of groups of people tends to make me freak out) but it did put the focus on God. I stood up and shared with them, feeling terribly unprepared yet what came out (or so others told me) was not my usual words tumbling over each other and making no sense as I usually did in front of people. I was really really surprised later during feedback when people commented that I seemed calm and prepared because I had no notes! The only response to that could only be praise and thanks to God. That experience just showed how God does work, and he does answer prayer. But even if it had gone badly, that would still be true, because God's word is powerful and will work no matter what. Although I hope I never have to do something like that again...but who knows?

Carmen, Music 2 (at the Conservatorium of Music)

In Strand groups I learnt that its important to read the Bible with regards to both OT and NT context, and to ask how the audience of the letter in the NT would have taken it first so that I can then think about what that would that mean for christians today.

OT prophecies were often in relation to Kings or people of the day, however Jesus fulfills the prophecies. Also, that when you're scared of a particular part of ministry such as talking in front of people, or helping to lead youth/kids or to act..ect..that its not about you or what people think of you. Its how you can serve and worship God as best as you can and that He will work through that.

I was amazed at how close i felt to everyone, as a part of the body of Christ. I felt tired, but it was aaalllll worth it, and funnily enough I didn't feel as tired as when i was studying for exams at uni before NTE.