Eclub International

THEREFORE GO OUT AND MAKE DISCIPLES

When I first joined Hope Brisbane Christian Church towards the later part of 2007, I was invited to go for campus evangelism (also known as EVAX in short), along with some of my lifegroup members from Judah 8 even though I was very new to the group and to the church. Initially, I was skeptical and felt incompetent. I thought that it was rather impossible for people whom we did not know to take us seriously, let alone listen to what we had to say. Most people would probably think we were crazy or religious fanatics. As a result, I gave two of my lifegroup members who were going for EVAX that day, excuses saying that I had to go back to college to have my lunch on time. However, God knew better and wasn’t about to let me off the hook so easily. While walking back to college, I bumped into the two of them and they asked me where I was off to and if I would like to join them for EVAX. I had no choice and eventually agreed since I felt quite “caught” and torn in between.

However, that one time experience completely changed my mindset and perspective about evangelism, and I really praise God for it. Evangelism was something I wasn’t really exposed to before (at least not evangelism in the form of putting myself out there). In my mind, I told myself that as long as I was a living testimony for Christ, I didn’t really have to be out in the mission field or even sharing the gospel verbally to others. After all, don’t they always say that ‘actions speak louder than words’? Don’t get me wrong, that idea and thought was not wrong, but I was challenged to go beyond my comfort zone to be more than just a testimony through my actions but also through my sharing the gospel.

During my first EVAX mission, I was surprised and amazed by how well and how open the students responded to us-random Christian people approaching them and trying to befriend them. God opened my eyes to see that there were people out there whose hearts were open and were longing for something more. That day, I realized that it was wrong of me to limit what God can do through the Holy Spirit and through us, especially when we obey and avail ourselves to Him.

Just recently at the end of 2008, I also got the chance to go on an interstate mission trip in Woollonggong with some of my lifegroup. The purpose of the mission trip was to support Hope Woollonggong as well as to help the church reach out to the students who were studying at the University of Woollonggong. This time round, I got the opportunity to share the gospel with girl I met and befriended on campus. She was from China and had never heard of our Lord Jesus before. Although I didn’t get lead her to Christ immediately, I know that I have planted the seed and pray that God will water and grow it in due time.

I truly believe that the call in Matthew 28: 18-20 which says “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” is a calling for every believer, which includes you and I. People should matter to us because people matter to God. I would like to encourage every one of us to take on the challenge and take up the responsibility in making Christ known.

Ann-Louise
(Judah 8- Hope Brisbane)