This week marks the second leg of our epic adventure bringing us to Georgia where we are attending the North American Mission Board's first ever Send North America Conference. Although it is a bit strange to have complete strangers come up to you who recognize you from the videos it has been really fun to be here. There is a growing heart for missions and for church planting and it is amazing to see and feel that growing tide.
Last night was a worship time at which both Ed Stetzer and Louie Giglio shared. I will leave you with a thought provoking quote from each:
"We are the rebellion against the rebellion." - Ed Stetzer
"Has the resurrection worn off on me?" - Louie Giglio
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
Missional Monday-missions assumed
If you have ever studied or been involved in Missions then you have probably come across Romans 10:14-25 at least once.
"But how can they call on Him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about Him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who announce the gospel of good things! "(Romans 10:14, 15 HCSB)
Two things struck me as I read this verse again recently.
Firstly, and obviously, is the fact that Paul ties salvation to hearing and responding to the Gospel. Although obvious, it is important to be reminded that this is how salvation happens.
Secondly, however, and the point that struck me most, was the fact that this is not an appeal to send missionaries. If one considers the context, Paul is not making an appeal to send more people. These verses actually come in an longer argument that Paul is making
about the nation of Israel. These verses are actually followed by some Old Testament quotes meant to show that people had been sent to Israel and the message had been heard. All that is to say that Paul is not here making an appeal. This fact, however should not take away from our burden and commitment to send but might actually be even more of a challenge to the church.
We do not have an appeal here to send more to share the Gospel but rather the assumption that this vital work of God is happening. I find myself even more challenged by the reality that it is just an assumed fact that the community of God followers is actively sending people to go and share.
When I look at my own church is Missions something that is unique and special, something that we do sometimes or something that is out of the ordinary? Or is Missions just an assumed part of who we are and what we do?
"But how can they call on Him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about Him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who announce the gospel of good things! "(Romans 10:14, 15 HCSB)
Two things struck me as I read this verse again recently.
Firstly, and obviously, is the fact that Paul ties salvation to hearing and responding to the Gospel. Although obvious, it is important to be reminded that this is how salvation happens.
Secondly, however, and the point that struck me most, was the fact that this is not an appeal to send missionaries. If one considers the context, Paul is not making an appeal to send more people. These verses actually come in an longer argument that Paul is making
about the nation of Israel. These verses are actually followed by some Old Testament quotes meant to show that people had been sent to Israel and the message had been heard. All that is to say that Paul is not here making an appeal. This fact, however should not take away from our burden and commitment to send but might actually be even more of a challenge to the church.
We do not have an appeal here to send more to share the Gospel but rather the assumption that this vital work of God is happening. I find myself even more challenged by the reality that it is just an assumed fact that the community of God followers is actively sending people to go and share.
When I look at my own church is Missions something that is unique and special, something that we do sometimes or something that is out of the ordinary? Or is Missions just an assumed part of who we are and what we do?
Friday, July 27, 2012
Friday Art - The work of Jeff Boulton
Here is a link to the work of a good friend of mine. Jeff is an amazing graphic designer and I have had the privilege of having him work on tow of my album covers (Uncle Jason's Rocking Chair and Missiology) as well as numerous posters and advertisements for my Band Before the Flood. He is also decent drummer and plays with some cool acts here in the Toronto area!
Jeff's Work
You can also check out my web site (which his very talented wife helped do imaging for!) where you can see some of the album covers and even here him play some drums.
jasonmcgibbonproject.com
Jeff's Work
You can also check out my web site (which his very talented wife helped do imaging for!) where you can see some of the album covers and even here him play some drums.
jasonmcgibbonproject.com
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Where Canadians Live
Canada has a little over 33 million people spread across its vast territory. Almost 13 million of those residents live on Ontario and almost 9 million of those live in the Golden Horseshoe (the stretch of province bordering Lake Ontario running roughly from Oshawa just East of Toronto to Niagara Fall to the West). That is approximately 26% of the Canadian population. As I have been sharing with others about Canada and about church planting, I have been sharing these facts. As I share them I am reminded how populace and influential this area is, and why it is here that we have been called to serve.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Update Tuesday...a note from West Virginia
I am writing today from the foothills of West Virginia where we are attending a Missions Camp. As a part of our work with the North American Mission Board we have the privilege of periodically traveling to churches or events and sharing about mission work, sharing about church planting and sharing about Canada, Ontario and Hamilton. This week we have the unique opportunity to share at a camp held by the West Virginia Baptist Convention that is based on inspiring and equipping their children and youth for missions. What has made this a real blessing is that being a camp for youth they welcomed our children to attend. Currently my oldest is out hosting a basketball camp in a local community, my daughter is helping to host a block party, our other son is at that block party practicing some of the illusion tricks that he has been working on, and our youngest is swimming after a morning of preparing stuffed animals with care notes to be sent to ailing seniors and children.
Our week began with an opportunity to share at Fairlawn Baptist Church who were kind enough to open their pulpit and music time and allow us to share about our Ministry. It seems quite providential as the pastor shared that their church had been considering partnering with Canada as a Mission opportunity. They had already begun discussions with some of my colleagues in Ontario. Neither of us realized this fact before the folks organizing the camp connected us for Sunday morning. It has been great to share about the work NAMB is doing in Canada and in our region specifically.
We are looking forward to what God has for the rest of the week.
Our week began with an opportunity to share at Fairlawn Baptist Church who were kind enough to open their pulpit and music time and allow us to share about our Ministry. It seems quite providential as the pastor shared that their church had been considering partnering with Canada as a Mission opportunity. They had already begun discussions with some of my colleagues in Ontario. Neither of us realized this fact before the folks organizing the camp connected us for Sunday morning. It has been great to share about the work NAMB is doing in Canada and in our region specifically.
We are looking forward to what God has for the rest of the week.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Missional Monday-One Further Thought...
Last week I shared a thought about music and diversity that arose from a recent Huffington Post article about Evangelicals and art. In that article it was suggested that Evangelicals today tend to create subcultures and within those subcultures, tend to produce very sanitized, safe and unrealistic views of the world. If this be the case (and I think it is) I think the biggest and most problematic concern that arises for the church is our Mission.
Simply put Mission is messy. It means engaging with a broken and hurting world in order impact that world with the Gospel. If the church is unable to watch a portrayal of such brokeness as seen in movie The Blindside (which was specifically mentioned in the Huffington Post article) which did not glorify or promote such behavior but rather tried to give an honest portrayal of the circumstances, how will we ever engage the world? If our hope is to introduce the Gospel to those who have not heard, to those who are in need of a Saviour, then we will experience the harsh realities of the world first hand. We can also expect to engage with people who don't know Jesus and actually act like they don't. If someone does not know Jesus, does not know what He has taught and do not trust Him, how or why would we expect that their life should look like they do? Simply put, we can't. Mission is messy. You will see and hear things you might not want to see. You children might hear things you wished they would never have to experience. The choice then is this, do we live in a self made bubble protecting our kids and ourselves from the world but living in disobedience to the call of God for His church or do we trust God enough to get messy, to engage, and to live out His heart?
Simply put Mission is messy. It means engaging with a broken and hurting world in order impact that world with the Gospel. If the church is unable to watch a portrayal of such brokeness as seen in movie The Blindside (which was specifically mentioned in the Huffington Post article) which did not glorify or promote such behavior but rather tried to give an honest portrayal of the circumstances, how will we ever engage the world? If our hope is to introduce the Gospel to those who have not heard, to those who are in need of a Saviour, then we will experience the harsh realities of the world first hand. We can also expect to engage with people who don't know Jesus and actually act like they don't. If someone does not know Jesus, does not know what He has taught and do not trust Him, how or why would we expect that their life should look like they do? Simply put, we can't. Mission is messy. You will see and hear things you might not want to see. You children might hear things you wished they would never have to experience. The choice then is this, do we live in a self made bubble protecting our kids and ourselves from the world but living in disobedience to the call of God for His church or do we trust God enough to get messy, to engage, and to live out His heart?
Friday, July 20, 2012
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Evangelicals and Art
My friend Tony Hudson posted a link to this article from the Huffington Post on his Facebook account a number of days ago. After having read it, I can only say that I don't disagree. You can read the article for yourself at the link below:
Huffington Post
Coming from a family of musicians and artist, it has often troubled me that much of what is considered "good" within the Evangelical world is just not that "good" when one looks with artistically discerning eyes.
Although the article focuses mainly on the relationship between mainstream Evangelical Christianity and art, I think that the same observations that inform this article with regards to art also have implications for other major areas of concern for the church. Firstly, and related to art in a sense, is our sense of diversity within Evangelicalism. Secondly, I think there are major implications for missions, a thought that I will address further on Monday in my usual Missional Monday spot.
Following on from the observation that Evangelicalism tends to create "its own subcultures that often (though not always) prize the neat, tidy and redemptive over the realities of life," I would add that it also packages and markets this subculture in ways that are very worldly. And some of the same things that are problematic about such marketing are even more troubling for the church. We tend to find a very highly refined (neat and tidy), highly produced, homogonized product that is marketed and sold to the subculture. Why is it that when I travel to Chile, or when I visit Quebec I am singing the same Chris Tomlin songs (albeit in translation) or hearing the same Casting Crowns tunes? Surely, the Latino and Quebecois cultures have proven that they are quite capable of producing meaningful and important contributions to music or art. Does this reflect the diversity that is represented in Revelation 5?
Huffington Post
Coming from a family of musicians and artist, it has often troubled me that much of what is considered "good" within the Evangelical world is just not that "good" when one looks with artistically discerning eyes.
Although the article focuses mainly on the relationship between mainstream Evangelical Christianity and art, I think that the same observations that inform this article with regards to art also have implications for other major areas of concern for the church. Firstly, and related to art in a sense, is our sense of diversity within Evangelicalism. Secondly, I think there are major implications for missions, a thought that I will address further on Monday in my usual Missional Monday spot.
Following on from the observation that Evangelicalism tends to create "its own subcultures that often (though not always) prize the neat, tidy and redemptive over the realities of life," I would add that it also packages and markets this subculture in ways that are very worldly. And some of the same things that are problematic about such marketing are even more troubling for the church. We tend to find a very highly refined (neat and tidy), highly produced, homogonized product that is marketed and sold to the subculture. Why is it that when I travel to Chile, or when I visit Quebec I am singing the same Chris Tomlin songs (albeit in translation) or hearing the same Casting Crowns tunes? Surely, the Latino and Quebecois cultures have proven that they are quite capable of producing meaningful and important contributions to music or art. Does this reflect the diversity that is represented in Revelation 5?
You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because You were slaughtered,
and You redeemed people
for God by Your blood
from every tribe and language
and people and nation.
10 You made them a kingdom
and priests to our God,
and they will reign on the earth.
and to open its seals,
because You were slaughtered,
and You redeemed people
for God by Your blood
from every tribe and language
and people and nation.
10 You made them a kingdom
and priests to our God,
and they will reign on the earth.
Until we come to a place where we recognize the importance of such diversity, I think that we will struggle to be as diverse as we can be, or at the very least, continue to see a segregation within the larger church. I believe this to be one of the great challenges created by an overly homogonized and commercialized industry created to try to serve the needs of the Evangelical community.
Are we continuing to marginalize art and artists while at the same time marginalizing the diverse groups that are meant to make up the church?
On Monday I will look further at some thoughts about our missional mandate.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Update Tuesday - Interdependence
It is only Tuesday and it has already been a very jam packed week. On Sunday, we had the opportunity to head back to Oakville, our home town and where our church planting journey really started. We were invited to join The Sanctuary in Oakville and to help lead worship. We had a great time playing, singing and worshiping. We also had a great time connecting with folks that we have not seen in awhile as well as meeting a few new faces.
From Oakville we made our way up to Milton for a wedding rehearsal for a good friend of ours from our days in The Sanctuary Milton. Once again, it was a great chance to connect with friends as we hung out at the rehearsal dinner together. Monday was the big event, and it was a very special celebration indeed. Again, it was made all the more special as we celebrated with friends and family from our time in Milton.
I have been reflecting today on how grateful I am for these two churches, these two families that have been so instrumental and so special to my family. I am not just thankful for the roles that they have played, but for the roles they continue to play. Although it is different when we are not together each day or even each week, there continues to be a significant relationship that these two churches, and most importantly the people that make up these churches, have with our family and with The Hamilton Fellowships. In many ways they continue to be a source of support and encouragement to our Fellowship in Hamilton.
As we begin this work here in Hamilton, and as we seek to grow and expand I am thankful that we do not do it alone. Although we start something new, with a unique vision and a unique approach, we are not independent. We are interdependent, continuing fraternal relationships with these groups, sharing in the history of God's faithfulness and an ongoing communion of love and support.
As we see our vision come to life, and see a network of fellowships grow, I am prayerful that this sense of interdependence would continue and grow and be a central part of who we are as The Hamilton Fellowships.
From Oakville we made our way up to Milton for a wedding rehearsal for a good friend of ours from our days in The Sanctuary Milton. Once again, it was a great chance to connect with friends as we hung out at the rehearsal dinner together. Monday was the big event, and it was a very special celebration indeed. Again, it was made all the more special as we celebrated with friends and family from our time in Milton.
I have been reflecting today on how grateful I am for these two churches, these two families that have been so instrumental and so special to my family. I am not just thankful for the roles that they have played, but for the roles they continue to play. Although it is different when we are not together each day or even each week, there continues to be a significant relationship that these two churches, and most importantly the people that make up these churches, have with our family and with The Hamilton Fellowships. In many ways they continue to be a source of support and encouragement to our Fellowship in Hamilton.
As we begin this work here in Hamilton, and as we seek to grow and expand I am thankful that we do not do it alone. Although we start something new, with a unique vision and a unique approach, we are not independent. We are interdependent, continuing fraternal relationships with these groups, sharing in the history of God's faithfulness and an ongoing communion of love and support.
As we see our vision come to life, and see a network of fellowships grow, I am prayerful that this sense of interdependence would continue and grow and be a central part of who we are as The Hamilton Fellowships.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Missional Monday - Praying
This week's thought comes from a missed opportunity that I experienced last week.
There was an individual that I had the opportunity to meet while on vacation. A few days after meeting him, he stopped by to see my father in law. This time, however, he was sporting a huge bandage on the two middle fingers of one hand. He got the bandage after an afternoon at the Emergency Room. As it turns out, he had got his fingers caught on the back hatch of a dump truck and done rather serious damage to his fingers. Although the thought crossed my mind, I neglected to offer to pray. I have prayed for him in private, but I did miss the opportunity to allow my prayer to be a part of my outreach and mission.
Prayer is, of course, good in and of itself. I think, however, that it can also be a very important, strategic and effective part of mission. What better way to steer a conversation or newly formed relationship into a spiritual direction. As I wrote last week, we can aim to learn the names and build relationships with those that God puts in our path. As small talk progresses, and as relationships are formed, offering to pray for someone as you hear about needs in their life can be a really significant thing. It is a non threatening, non pushy way to turn the conversation to spiritual things in the context of serving and loving. At worst someone can say no, a bit awkward perhaps but nothing more. On the other hand they can feel loved, cared for and noticed. Who knows what else God can do with it.
I think that this also seems to fit into what Jesus commissions his disciples to do as He sends them out to both preach the kingdom and, with the authority He grants, to do works such a healing and casting out demons etc.
There was an individual that I had the opportunity to meet while on vacation. A few days after meeting him, he stopped by to see my father in law. This time, however, he was sporting a huge bandage on the two middle fingers of one hand. He got the bandage after an afternoon at the Emergency Room. As it turns out, he had got his fingers caught on the back hatch of a dump truck and done rather serious damage to his fingers. Although the thought crossed my mind, I neglected to offer to pray. I have prayed for him in private, but I did miss the opportunity to allow my prayer to be a part of my outreach and mission.
Prayer is, of course, good in and of itself. I think, however, that it can also be a very important, strategic and effective part of mission. What better way to steer a conversation or newly formed relationship into a spiritual direction. As I wrote last week, we can aim to learn the names and build relationships with those that God puts in our path. As small talk progresses, and as relationships are formed, offering to pray for someone as you hear about needs in their life can be a really significant thing. It is a non threatening, non pushy way to turn the conversation to spiritual things in the context of serving and loving. At worst someone can say no, a bit awkward perhaps but nothing more. On the other hand they can feel loved, cared for and noticed. Who knows what else God can do with it.
I think that this also seems to fit into what Jesus commissions his disciples to do as He sends them out to both preach the kingdom and, with the authority He grants, to do works such a healing and casting out demons etc.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
An atheist's defense of religion
Since I am on vacation I will keep it short and just let you have a look at the following article. Some interesting thoughts:
The Globe and Mail
The Globe and Mail
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Update Tuesday
Below is the view I am admiring as I post today. We took a few days vacation on our way back from the CNBC convention in Montreal. We are resting up for what promises to be a few crazy weeks.
We will be leading worship in Oakville this upcoming Sunday, followed by a wedding on Monday.
I then have a NAMB speaking engagement at a missions camp in West Virginia the following week. I am looking forward to being able to bring the whole family to this one, and having the kids participate in the camp. What a blessing!
I will end the month by heading to Atlanta to participate in the Send North America Conference hosted by NAMB.
I can't forget to mention the opportunities for meeting with my own Fellowship in the Hammer in between the travel dates. These are some of my favorite times.
Lot's on the go so today I am recharging the batteries!!
We will be leading worship in Oakville this upcoming Sunday, followed by a wedding on Monday.
I then have a NAMB speaking engagement at a missions camp in West Virginia the following week. I am looking forward to being able to bring the whole family to this one, and having the kids participate in the camp. What a blessing!
I will end the month by heading to Atlanta to participate in the Send North America Conference hosted by NAMB.
I can't forget to mention the opportunities for meeting with my own Fellowship in the Hammer in between the travel dates. These are some of my favorite times.
Lot's on the go so today I am recharging the batteries!!
Monday, July 9, 2012
Missional Monday-By Name
The doorkeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. (John 10:3 HCSB)
Recognizing that Jesus knows us each by name as He calls us, it gave me pause to think about how many of my neighbours I can call by name. I actually know more of my neighbours after just a year in Hamilton than I did in 6 years in Milton. This has a lot to do with the different nature of the neighbourhoods. Milton was a commuting town and many people left early and returned late each day. My neighbours now spend a lot more time in the neighbourhood, on the street and hanging out on the front porch. To be honest, however, there are still many neighbours that I do not know. And more than just neighbours, there are many other people with whom I will interact on a regular basis as I go about my day whose names I might endeavor to learn. What it requires is being intentional.
I think that there are people in each of our lives that we will see or interact with on a regular basis. I truly believe that God can, and wants, to use us where He has us. Some of us may be sent to specific places for specific task at points in our lives, but God wants to use each of us at all points in our lives.
A good place to start is to look and see who God has put in our path. There may be many strangers who are simply one introduction and a few conversations away from being an acquaintance and even friend. When we have learned a name we are building a relationship. It is often through such relationships that we find the opportunities to serve and share and make a difference for the sake of the Kingdom.
Recognizing that Jesus knows us each by name as He calls us, it gave me pause to think about how many of my neighbours I can call by name. I actually know more of my neighbours after just a year in Hamilton than I did in 6 years in Milton. This has a lot to do with the different nature of the neighbourhoods. Milton was a commuting town and many people left early and returned late each day. My neighbours now spend a lot more time in the neighbourhood, on the street and hanging out on the front porch. To be honest, however, there are still many neighbours that I do not know. And more than just neighbours, there are many other people with whom I will interact on a regular basis as I go about my day whose names I might endeavor to learn. What it requires is being intentional.
I think that there are people in each of our lives that we will see or interact with on a regular basis. I truly believe that God can, and wants, to use us where He has us. Some of us may be sent to specific places for specific task at points in our lives, but God wants to use each of us at all points in our lives.
A good place to start is to look and see who God has put in our path. There may be many strangers who are simply one introduction and a few conversations away from being an acquaintance and even friend. When we have learned a name we are building a relationship. It is often through such relationships that we find the opportunities to serve and share and make a difference for the sake of the Kingdom.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Friday Art - a great recording
Here is a great recording I managed to get of my father in law, Bob Rankin, doing a classic Buddy Holly tune It Doesn't Matter Anymore (written by Paul Anka). Having recently heard a recording by Serena Ryder, Bob said that it opened him to the possibility of hearing the tune done differently. Here is what came out when he sat down to sing through it.
I think that slowing it down and hearing it in such a stripped version helps to bring out the heartbreaking story that is actually communicated in the lyrics.
I think that slowing it down and hearing it in such a stripped version helps to bring out the heartbreaking story that is actually communicated in the lyrics.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
This Is The Co-operative Program
Last night was another great night with many moving moments as we heard about what God is doing across the nation. Particularly moving was when Jeff Christopherson shared one story of one church planter who impacted his father and the legacy of faith that was begun.
Another highlight was certainly the moment reserved for the Co-operative Program. The CP, at its heart is the recognition that we as churches can do more together than alone. We can and must participate together to have the greatest impact for the Kingdom.
Standing atop a small step ladder, Paul Johnson demonstrated the limits of mission when done alone. This is what followed, working together a team holding a ladder made it possible to reach the roof.
This is the Co-operative program.
Another highlight was certainly the moment reserved for the Co-operative Program. The CP, at its heart is the recognition that we as churches can do more together than alone. We can and must participate together to have the greatest impact for the Kingdom.
Standing atop a small step ladder, Paul Johnson demonstrated the limits of mission when done alone. This is what followed, working together a team holding a ladder made it possible to reach the roof.
This is the Co-operative program.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
CNBC Annual Convention
It was a great night last night as we gathered together just outside Montreal. It is always a great chance to see friends and colleagues from around the nation, many of whom we only see a few times a year.
Canada is large and diverse and that was certainly reflected last night. We had the opportunity to worship through music and message in English, French and Haitian Creole. It was fun for me to exercise my French ears as I tried to go without the translation device. For the most part I did alright, although I may have missed some of the jokes.
The one thing that I did not miss, however, was one of the statistics about Montreal. Growing up and ministering in the Greater Toronto Area I am used to hearing low statistics of evangelicals. In Toronto and Ontario the statistic is about 3%. In Montreal, however, it is much lower. Montreal is the world's second largest French speaking city (behind only Paris) and the percentage of evangelical Christians is 0.5%.
And so we gather, we listen and we pray. Our hearts desire is to hear from God this week. We know His heart, we know His commands to go and make disciples, we know the statistics, but we know God's power.
Canada is large and diverse and that was certainly reflected last night. We had the opportunity to worship through music and message in English, French and Haitian Creole. It was fun for me to exercise my French ears as I tried to go without the translation device. For the most part I did alright, although I may have missed some of the jokes.
The one thing that I did not miss, however, was one of the statistics about Montreal. Growing up and ministering in the Greater Toronto Area I am used to hearing low statistics of evangelicals. In Toronto and Ontario the statistic is about 3%. In Montreal, however, it is much lower. Montreal is the world's second largest French speaking city (behind only Paris) and the percentage of evangelical Christians is 0.5%.
And so we gather, we listen and we pray. Our hearts desire is to hear from God this week. We know His heart, we know His commands to go and make disciples, we know the statistics, but we know God's power.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Update Tuesday
We are very blessed to be coming off another great week with a mission team who helped us to serve in our community. This time it was a team from Harrison Hills Baptist Church in Indiana. After twelve hours of "bonding" in a passenger van they were in Hamilton and ready to serve!
We spent the week together engaged in a number of projects which included serving at Mission Services (an organization here in the city serving the underpriviledged), preparing and serving meals to the homeless and prayer walking. They also had a contractor on their team who lead a group consisting of mission team members and locals to build a shed in our backyard. As our fellowship group and our fellowship network grows, and as our opportunities for serving the underpriviledged in our community also grows we have found that we were quickly running out of space in our home to house all the necessary supplies and donations. We are so excited now that we have a lot more room and look forward to how we might use this space as our work continues to grow here in the city. Below are some pictures from the week.
We really have been blessed by two great teams this summer. We have one more to go and look forward to all that we will be able to accomplish.
Today, we leave for the Canadian National Baptist Convention annual convention which takes place in Montreal this year. I am sure there will be some great things to share in next week's update.
We spent the week together engaged in a number of projects which included serving at Mission Services (an organization here in the city serving the underpriviledged), preparing and serving meals to the homeless and prayer walking. They also had a contractor on their team who lead a group consisting of mission team members and locals to build a shed in our backyard. As our fellowship group and our fellowship network grows, and as our opportunities for serving the underpriviledged in our community also grows we have found that we were quickly running out of space in our home to house all the necessary supplies and donations. We are so excited now that we have a lot more room and look forward to how we might use this space as our work continues to grow here in the city. Below are some pictures from the week.
 |
| Outside of Mission Services |
 |
| Setting up to serve the homeless |
 |
| Measure twice cut once...the precision team of Tony and Dave |
 |
| The team in front of our new shed! |
Today, we leave for the Canadian National Baptist Convention annual convention which takes place in Montreal this year. I am sure there will be some great things to share in next week's update.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Missional Monday - Prayer
I am indebted to my friend Mike Hampton for sharing the following verse and linking it to how we see our role in Missions and Evangelism:
When He comes, He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment:
John 16:8 HCSB
As Jesus shares about the coming Holy Spirit, He offers the above statement with regards to one of the Holy Spirit's roles, that of convicting the world. When we think about this fact with regards to evangelism I find it to be very liberating and helpful for avoiding two possible key errors. When one recognizes that it is the Holy Spirit's role to convict, then it removes the pressure that one may feel with regards to sharing the faith. There is no need for performance anxiety as it were, worried about how we might do, about saying the right thing, about convincing people about Jesus. Simply put, it is not our role it is God's. We are simply called to give a faithful witness to the Gospel, to speak truth in love and to give testimony.
Secondly, we may also avoid the trap of pride. No matter what role we play, should we see fruit and even welcome people into the kingdom it is not because of what we have done, as if we should be the ones to be congratulated. Though we are invited to play a role, it is the work of the Holy Spirit that truly brings conviction of sin, righteousness and judgement.
If this be the case, that it is the Spirit's role to convict, then when we think about our role in God's mission to the world it should bring us to a greater awareness of the need for prayer. We are not "going on mission" or "doing missions" as if we make the decision and go it alone. We are rather invited by God to be used in His work in the world. If we should long to be used effectively we must be in prayer asking God to guide us by His Spirit to the people and places where He is already at work and then respond in obedience to the opportunities we may have to offer a faithful witness.
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