Welcome to the second chapter of my summary of the Lausanne experience. As the days fly by I’ve noticed that much of what I experienced in South Africa wasn’t just an ‘event’, but rather the beginning of a journey. I’m sure the coordinators of the congress would be thrilled to hear it – since that’s why they call it a ‘movement’. Their hope is that our time together in October would get us moving in unity of purpose and vision.Time is also good because it helps you ‘get over’ the low-lights: those things that perhaps weren’t what you’d anticipated or particular activities that seemed like a waste of time. I had specific prayer points as I prepared for the trip, which included:
Prayer For Divine Appointments
That I would meet godly Christian leaders who could connect with my disciples in their home nations and be a part of blessing their future in Christ.
Okay – so I’ll mention just two that will help you praise God with me. As we gathered around ‘the table’ (daily small group), one of the young leaders at my table was Kurt. He is a filmmaker in Los Angeles with a heart for God. (http://www.missionrise.org/) His organisation, RISE was founded by Kurt and several veteran missionaries to mobilize and inspire the next generation, through the language of film narrative, to find their role in the great commission.
Currently, they are in the early stages of a film project called “Los Traficantes” which highlights God’s saving love in the life of Esteban Mendoza, a former Mexican drug lord. It will be filmed in Tijuana. As Kurt shared, I mentioned Claudia and her experience with TV in Guadalajara, that she graduated from our internship programme and her dream was to do just this kind of project. He asked if she was bi-lingual (of course), and then wondered if she’d be willing to go back to Mexico and work with them! Just like that! I immediately e-introduced them and well… Claudia flies to Los Angeles on 16th of November to meet up with the team and head to TJ! WOW! For more info, check out the blog: http://missionrise.blogspot.com/2010/11/many-from-around-world-join-rise-for.html
Another great connection was with a sister from Japan. As I sat in the ballroom amongst over 100 big round tables, Midori carried her dinner plate looking for a place to sit. There were lots of empty spaces, but God led her to ask to sit by me. As we began sharing – I found out that she had served the poor in Bangladesh for 11 years, and is now serving in ministry in Japan and is a ministry leader at a church in Yokohama (near Tokyo).
So why is this a divine appointment for my grads? Because Daniel and Mai Meyer (Mai lived with me for 3 ½ years) are praying about opportunities to serve the Lord in a developing nation, and Bangladesh is at the top of the list! And, to have contact with a Japanese sister who had done it would be great in terms of advice and orientation and connections!
That I would get a sense of what God is doing through international student movement all over the globe so I could communicate it to everyone who will listen.This was awesome. I was able to attend three of the four dialogue sessions coordinated by Leiton Chinn, who is the chair of the LCWE International Student Ministries special interest committee. Being among dozens of leaders who minister to international students throughout Europe, Asia (including India), and the Pacific, as well as USA and Canada, was exciting. Right now there are approximately 2.8 MILLION international students scattered in schools around the world. Most are being sent from what we classify as “unreached people groups” and “restricted access nations” and 10/40 window nations.
Let me say it again… 2.8 million future leaders now studying in nations where they can hear freely about the life and teaching of Jesus. 2.8 MILLION. God not only says “go there”, but He has also brought the harvest RIGHT HERE to our doorsteps in the USA, New Zealand, Japan… how many international students have you invited into your life?
That the Lord would guide me into discussions that would help me know whether to remain with my sending organisation or become an independent missionary as I continue to work with ISMNZ.
Through some great conversations, I believe God brought wise and godly counsel my way during the Lausanne congress. As a result, beginning January 2011 I will no longer be a seconded worker through The Navigators to ISMNZ. 
Praying For Confession and Repentance
That the word of God listened to, preached, studying and prayed would change my heart and renew my vision for the nations.
Besides the awesome daily time in Ephesians, there was one message that still rings in my ears: Confronting Idols by Chris Wright! http://conversation.lausanne.org/en/conversations/detail/11556
I’m still quoting it and trying to understand it more deeply as the days pass so I can live with more humility, integrity and simplicity for the sake of Jesus’ glory.
That God would be glorified through the unity amongst those participating in Cape Town 2010
Another GREAT speaker that caused great conviction in my heart was Patrick Fung (Singapore), who serves as General Director of OMF International (formerly China Inland Mission). Patrick himself became a follower of Jesus Christ as an international student while studying in Australia. 
That God would humble us and reveal to us where we continue to fail in HIS mission to the nations by using our own strategies and wisdom to ‘win’ one more for the kingdom.
There is so much still to reflect upon. I remember looking at a map on the first night which has burned into my retina’s and I can’t shake. It was a map of where God has been growing His church… Asia and the global south! Those nations in South America, Central America, India, Africa, South East Asia, Pacific, etc. were bright. But sadly – the part of the map that was in darkness now was Western Europe and North America and ‘the west’ in general. The ‘enlightened’ ones have built their Babel’s and the growth of the church has been thrown in reverse. 
Praying For Great Fellowship
That reunions with Leihlyn (UK Navigators ISM) and Ching Ching (Singapore Navs) would encourage us
I don’t know about them, but I was greatly encouraged by these two young women in God’s service. It’s not easy being a single woman in mission, but God gives grace in perfect measure. And it is so good to be able to spur one another on, and also admit that we share much of the same hopes and struggles as we live the life to which we have been called.
That the network of missions, churches, and missionaries who work with international students around the globe would be strengthened and unified, with One heart and One voice.
As I said before, the dialogue sessions were so encouraging. I realised just how unique our situation in New Zealand truly is… the freedom we have and the way that secular educational institutions and the NZ government look to the Christian community as partners in the care of international students is truly by God’s hand.
Also, the incredible network in NZ amongst churches, other missions organisations, and migrant support groups is truly an example of unity in the body of Christ.
And, the reality that most of our international graduates (approximately 85%) WILL return to their home nations makes NZ a unique mission ‘sending’ opportunity. There is a lot more migration into North America and Europe by international grads. But, that provides great long term investment opportunity for more partnership in the gospel.
THEN watch the video: go to the link below. Each day – under “Plenary 1” you’ll see a link to each of these Bible Expositions (1: Ajith Fernando; 2: Ruth Padilla Deborst; 3: John Piper; 4:1-16: Vaughn Roberts; 4:17-6:9 Calisto Odede; 6:10-24 Ramez & Rebecca Atallah)
This is a great study to do with a home group or Sunday school group! Awesome stuff: http://www.lausanne.org/cape-town-2010/schedule.html
That this experience would motivate me to spur YOU on as a follower of Jesus – so that each member of the body (that means YOU) would live in a manner worthy of the calling to which you HAVE been called!
See all the above… I hope some of it has inspired you!
That the Lord would guide me into discussions that would help me know whether to remain with my sending organisation or become an independent missionary as I continue to work with ISMNZ.Through some great conversations, I believe God brought wise and godly counsel my way during the Lausanne congress. As a result, beginning January 2011 I will no longer be a seconded worker through The Navigators to ISMNZ.
Going forward, I will work for ISMNZ directly, and my faith support will be processed through ISM NZ North America for my USA supporters, and forwarded to ISMNZ for my pay and ministry expenses.
I am excited about the future, and am grateful for all the support and training I received through the Navs. Having become a permanent resident in New Zealand, and knowing this is a long term calling to serve with ISMNZ as a part of their National Leadership, this transition is timely.
Praying For Confession and Repentance
That the word of God listened to, preached, studying and prayed would change my heart and renew my vision for the nations.
Besides the awesome daily time in Ephesians, there was one message that still rings in my ears: Confronting Idols by Chris Wright! http://conversation.lausanne.org/en/conversations/detail/11556
I’m still quoting it and trying to understand it more deeply as the days pass so I can live with more humility, integrity and simplicity for the sake of Jesus’ glory.
That God would be glorified through the unity amongst those participating in Cape Town 2010Another GREAT speaker that caused great conviction in my heart was Patrick Fung (Singapore), who serves as General Director of OMF International (formerly China Inland Mission). Patrick himself became a follower of Jesus Christ as an international student while studying in Australia.
Patrick's message on Partnership: Equilibrium vs. Diversity in Unity really hit home in terms of the mission of all peoples and generations (not the powerful to the powerless). He brought out the truth that the ministry of reconciliation creates partnerships – how people from nations and tribes once at war with one another are now working and serving together in the mission field. And how everyone keeps saying, “In the 21st century the mission belongs to Asia” because the ‘balance of power’ has shifted to Asia.
He reminded us that is flawed thinking. That the only power is God’s sovereign power and on earth there is no one single power. The gospel goes from everywhere to everywhere, from everyone to everyone, we all have a wonderful story of redemption to share.
http://conversation.lausanne.org/en/conversations/detail/11611
http://conversation.lausanne.org/en/conversations/detail/11611
That God would humble us and reveal to us where we continue to fail in HIS mission to the nations by using our own strategies and wisdom to ‘win’ one more for the kingdom.There is so much still to reflect upon. I remember looking at a map on the first night which has burned into my retina’s and I can’t shake. It was a map of where God has been growing His church… Asia and the global south! Those nations in South America, Central America, India, Africa, South East Asia, Pacific, etc. were bright. But sadly – the part of the map that was in darkness now was Western Europe and North America and ‘the west’ in general. The ‘enlightened’ ones have built their Babel’s and the growth of the church has been thrown in reverse.
But, church in America and New Zealand – be encouraged… if our fellow countrymen have replaced the truth of God with a lie and are now worshipping the created instead of the Creator, God has harvest field for you even still. Sorry to sound like a broken record – but God is sending you a harvest of international students and migrants to reach out and demonstrate the truth of God, the love of Christ and the ministry of reconciliation towards!
What we must do is repent of fear and pride and argumentative nature (which believe me I understand!) and pray for God to return us to our passion for Christ and sharing the foundational truth of the good news of Jesus Christ. We are to live like strangers and aliens in this world because we are citizens of another kingdom. We are just like the migrant or international student amongst us. This world is not our true home, and we need to let it go and live ‘in’ it the way God has created us to… being good stewards of all He has given us, most importantly – the gospel.
Keep it simple (they don’t care about your theologies or Greek or Hebrew – they want to know what it means to YOU to be a follower of Jesus Christ – can you answer that?)… get back to basic discipleship! Here’s what we’ve been using this past six months (My First Steps) and believe me – it’ll change your life and the lives of those you share it with: http://www.omega-discipleship.com/usa/prod5.htm (for USA folks); or http://www.omega-discipleship.com/_online/prod5.htm (for New Zealand).
What we must do is repent of fear and pride and argumentative nature (which believe me I understand!) and pray for God to return us to our passion for Christ and sharing the foundational truth of the good news of Jesus Christ. We are to live like strangers and aliens in this world because we are citizens of another kingdom. We are just like the migrant or international student amongst us. This world is not our true home, and we need to let it go and live ‘in’ it the way God has created us to… being good stewards of all He has given us, most importantly – the gospel.
Keep it simple (they don’t care about your theologies or Greek or Hebrew – they want to know what it means to YOU to be a follower of Jesus Christ – can you answer that?)… get back to basic discipleship! Here’s what we’ve been using this past six months (My First Steps) and believe me – it’ll change your life and the lives of those you share it with: http://www.omega-discipleship.com/usa/prod5.htm (for USA folks); or http://www.omega-discipleship.com/_online/prod5.htm (for New Zealand).
Praying For Great FellowshipThat reunions with Leihlyn (UK Navigators ISM) and Ching Ching (Singapore Navs) would encourage us
I don’t know about them, but I was greatly encouraged by these two young women in God’s service. It’s not easy being a single woman in mission, but God gives grace in perfect measure. And it is so good to be able to spur one another on, and also admit that we share much of the same hopes and struggles as we live the life to which we have been called.
That Xiaoou and I would enjoy rooming together and encourage one another (we minister in the same town, and even through the same church – but seldom see one another because of the area of the harvest God has us labouring in)
What a blessing it was to spend time with Xiaoou. I didn’t see much of her when she returned to NZ after graduating from Wheaton. She was deeply involved in developing the leadership amongst our Chinese student outreach and Mandarin congregation, then went to southeast Asia in preparation for her marriage. She and Jikang returned and have been settling into NZ life as newlyweds. It is exciting to see her at the edge of the ‘next stage’ of life and ministry. She will be a key person in developing our graduate returnee network for those returning to Mandarin speaking nations. It is a more difficult network than Japan due to ‘access’ issues in various countries. But God is working out divine appointments for that in the world wide international student network! Please pray for X&J as they grow in their first year of marriage and capture a vision for what they will do in the coming years for the people of southeast Asia and beyond.
What a blessing it was to spend time with Xiaoou. I didn’t see much of her when she returned to NZ after graduating from Wheaton. She was deeply involved in developing the leadership amongst our Chinese student outreach and Mandarin congregation, then went to southeast Asia in preparation for her marriage. She and Jikang returned and have been settling into NZ life as newlyweds. It is exciting to see her at the edge of the ‘next stage’ of life and ministry. She will be a key person in developing our graduate returnee network for those returning to Mandarin speaking nations. It is a more difficult network than Japan due to ‘access’ issues in various countries. But God is working out divine appointments for that in the world wide international student network! Please pray for X&J as they grow in their first year of marriage and capture a vision for what they will do in the coming years for the people of southeast Asia and beyond.
That the network of missions, churches, and missionaries who work with international students around the globe would be strengthened and unified, with One heart and One voice.As I said before, the dialogue sessions were so encouraging. I realised just how unique our situation in New Zealand truly is… the freedom we have and the way that secular educational institutions and the NZ government look to the Christian community as partners in the care of international students is truly by God’s hand.
Also, the incredible network in NZ amongst churches, other missions organisations, and migrant support groups is truly an example of unity in the body of Christ.
And, the reality that most of our international graduates (approximately 85%) WILL return to their home nations makes NZ a unique mission ‘sending’ opportunity. There is a lot more migration into North America and Europe by international grads. But, that provides great long term investment opportunity for more partnership in the gospel.
Prayer that I could bring back something for everyone to share (Ephesians Bible studies)
I can’t say enough about this! If you want a great daily or weekly study in Ephesians…watch the messages from Cape Town.
BUT before you do, read the text yourself (or if two or more are gathered, have someone read it out loud and just listen)…break out the book like this:
Study 1 – Ephesians 1
Study 2 – Ephesians 2
Study 3 – Ephesians 3
Study 4 – Ephesians 4:1-16
Study 5 – Ephesians 4:17 – 6:9
Study 6 – Ephesians 6:10-24
After you have read the chapter, do a brief (10 minutes) ‘inductive’ study (here is a link to how: http://www.lausanne.org/es/cape-town-2010/experience-god-through-great-bible-study.html)
I can’t say enough about this! If you want a great daily or weekly study in Ephesians…watch the messages from Cape Town.
BUT before you do, read the text yourself (or if two or more are gathered, have someone read it out loud and just listen)…break out the book like this:
Study 1 – Ephesians 1
Study 2 – Ephesians 2
Study 3 – Ephesians 3
Study 4 – Ephesians 4:1-16
Study 5 – Ephesians 4:17 – 6:9
Study 6 – Ephesians 6:10-24
After you have read the chapter, do a brief (10 minutes) ‘inductive’ study (here is a link to how: http://www.lausanne.org/es/cape-town-2010/experience-god-through-great-bible-study.html)
THEN watch the video: go to the link below. Each day – under “Plenary 1” you’ll see a link to each of these Bible Expositions (1: Ajith Fernando; 2: Ruth Padilla Deborst; 3: John Piper; 4:1-16: Vaughn Roberts; 4:17-6:9 Calisto Odede; 6:10-24 Ramez & Rebecca Atallah)
This is a great study to do with a home group or Sunday school group! Awesome stuff: http://www.lausanne.org/cape-town-2010/schedule.html
That this experience would motivate me to spur YOU on as a follower of Jesus – so that each member of the body (that means YOU) would live in a manner worthy of the calling to which you HAVE been called!
See all the above… I hope some of it has inspired you!
No comments:
Post a Comment