ok I’ll be doing a few post entries on why I’m here, my convictions, struggles and about Chile as well =)
I remembered that for me, missions’ awareness started when I first came to Hope Church when I was 16! I remembered that the theme for Service then was “Here I am, Send me”. In our youth CG, the theme was on missions as well. One of the games was to dress up in the different world costumes. I still remember Shirls being dressed up as a Brazilian and another guy was half naked, dressed up as an Ethiopian -_-”
During the CG discussion, our CL, Pris Tan asked us when and where we want to go for church planting. Bear in mind that it was one of my first visits to CG meetings. The CL went one round and everyone took turn to share about the country they want to go to. Switzerland and Hawaii… it sounded more like holiday to me… hehee
When it was my turn, I didn’t know what to say thus I said I would pray about it. One of my CG members immediately blurted out, Ps Ben said don’t use prayer as an excuse! That was the beginning of my missions’ awareness.
I realized that this church is very different from the other churches that I had been to. This church has a very big vision or should say GOD vision, to win the world. They didn’t just talk big it but they were really serious about it. I remembered watching “God’s Vision for the world” from our founder. I teared watching this video. God has created us in a way that we will not be satisfied unless our vision is for the world. It just overwhelms me to know what God has in mind for this world and that He is using the church to fulfill this vision. God has a purpose as to why we are here and why we are in Hope! I was very “disturbed” after watching the tape. I started to ponder on how I want to live and invest my life. But this vision so captivated me that I know in my heart that I want to be in this! And church planting is the way to reach the world.
During that time, it seems normal that everyone should plant at least 1 church in your lifetime. We will always be asking “where is your country and when are you going?” With almost every camp that I go to, there is always an altar call for church planting.
To be honest, I always say that I am willing to go but it’s always later. It has always been someone else. I remember that it was the beginning of last year, that I started to ask God, God what else can I do for you. I started to contemplate about not just being a sender, mobiliser and supporter but to be a goer!
ok tune in to my blog… part 2 the next time =P
waiting for your Part II =]