Outside our front door ... is where the missionfield starts
Missions night 2010 made an impact on at least five people - here is what they had to say:
“Over all the earth” was the title for the recent Baptist Missions celebration held in Lisburn Baptist – and for the many who attended, that is literally where we went that evening! It was a whistle-stop tour across the globe, meeting and hearing from brothers and sisters in Christ who faithfully serve Him where He has placed them in Peru, Ireland & Europe. A variety of media was used (video-link, interviews, personal reports, power point) to convey stories, information, testimonies & reports from each of the areas. To hear first hand from people ‘on the ground’ portrays a much clearer picture than simply reading about it. Those who pray and give financially are encouraged and it enables us to be more effective in responding to specific needs. The evening was interspersed with prayers for each of the missionaries and with thought-provoking songs challenging us all to play our part in reaching the lost wherever we are. Lynette Simpson (Coleraine Church)
Baptist Missions night for me was an evening when we were challenged to think about the many situations around the world where Baptist Missions are being used by God to spread the good news of Jesus. The presentations were concise and helpful and the move from one work to the other took place very smoothly. The mix of video presentation of the work in Peru, Shankill, Haypark, Spain and France helped to make it a very encouraging evening. The update on the work in the Shankill alongside Phillip Brown’s report on the Baptist churches in the Belfast area complemented each other. We were all thrilled and encouraged to hear Sharon’s testimony of how her life has changed since she started attending the centre at the Shankill. Each presentation gave us plenty of information to help in our prayers for the work in the future. The worship group from Bethany church did a great job in leading us in a good mix of older and modern hymns, all on the theme of world mission. Caroline Young (Windsor Church)
On 18th May I went to the annual Baptist Missions night, held in Lisburn Baptist. This year the theme was ‘Over all the earth’. I thought the night was very successful, and was amazed at the numbers who attended. The speaker was Dr Steve Brady. He spoke on Psalm 126, and through this he challenged the entire congregation about missions. He spoke on three points:
Be grateful for the past - but evaluate it
Be prayerful in the present - so dedicate it
Be hopeful for the future - so celebrate it.
Everything ran smoothly, and from beginning to end the night was encouraging and interesting! I believe, people were challenged in their own lives, and went away with matters to think about and meditate over, as I did. The night was completed for another year with a good supper and time to renew fellowship with people from other churches. Thanks to Baptist Missions for holding this event. The night always encourages me and I look forward to it every year! Lauren McMullan (Shankill Community Fellowship)
There’s something a bit special about the Baptist Missions night! It might be having so many people who care passionately about missionary work in the one place or maybe it’s having so many faithful missionary workers, past and present, there in the number. It could also be hearing so many real stories about what God is doing throughout the world and stories of answered prayer and victory through Christ. Whatever it is, more than likely a combination of all those things, there is an atmosphere of sincerity, in those who speak and in those who listen, that makes the evening feel really worthwhile and appreciated by all.
This year was no different. We left more informed about the global mission of God but also challenged over the part we are playing in our own lives to help build God’s church. A highlight that sticks out in my own memory that illustrates both these points is the report on Belfast by Philip Brown that was both very informative and hugely challenging. I’m sure most of us were shocked at the statistics concerning church attendance and the number of believers in Belfast and challenged by the pointers on how to remedy the situation. As well as hearing about the mission across the world it was good to be reminded that the mission field starts outside our front door.
Aaron Williamson (Gortmerron church)
It was a joy to be present at the annual mission night. The whole service was an inspiration. The choice of hymns, the congregational singing, the lead given by the group from Bethany and the whole atmosphere was glorifying to God. I felt so proud to be a Baptist Missions supporter.
All of the reports were excellent. People look forward to receiving up to date information from the various fields and they were not disappointed. It was hard to pray intelligently without such knowledge.
It intersession slots were innovational and very helpful. The prayers were well prepared and comprehensive. These interludes in the order of service were an example of how we all should pray for the work.
The ministry in word from Psalm 126 was so appropriate. I know that the message was a great help and encouragement to many who work and worship in inner city churches. One member of a RiB church appreciated the exhortation ‘to be thankful for the past and be prayful concerning the future.’ Some of us had to confess that tears are often missing from our prayers and evangelism.
May the Lord continue to bless the leadership and all who are involved behind the scene on our missions.
Pastor WJK Byers (Newtownards church)