差傳部 Mission Task Force
Elder Wayne Ng吳劍榮長老
感恩
感謝神，讓北宣教會在過去一年中，看到神豐富的供應，和弟兄姊妹忠心在信心認獻的回應，雖然在經濟不明朗的情況下，我們在大使命和北宣差傳基金的奉獻中，沒有欠缺，使我們在金錢上，能繼續支持在前線宣教的工人和事工。
每年的差傳年會，神都差遣祂忠心的僕人來鼓勵我們，令我們感受到祂愛人的心。去年Susanna姊妹，讓我們看到神，在每一個願意將生命擺上的人，顯出祂的榮耀。縱然在人看來，她是年長和身體有多方面的限制，卻無阻她長達十年在泰國宣教的服待。她努力不懈的擺上，留下很多佳美的腳蹤。今年年會主題：「認識伊斯蘭教，向穆斯林分享主愛」。講員是Edward和Sandy，他們服待穆斯林羣體二多十年，為了福音的緣故，受到逼迫，經歷生命危險, 被監禁，身患絕症，但他們不以生命為念，看為寶貴。相反，卻把握時機，珍惜餘下的光陰，竭力為主，用生命感染與他們接觸的人。
北宣差傳基金支持的宣教士，今年有兩個家庭回到澳洲述職。在亞洲服侍的M&L，他們六月初到教會分享，讓我們親身聽到神在他們工場上的作為。透過他們在家庭、工作和網絡關懷的事工上，都能夠幫助當地人認識耶穌基督，讓我們從他們身上，看到神是奇妙的大能，祂的作為遠超過我們所想所求。在12月初，在非洲服侍的M&L （Martin & Lisa)，將會來教會分享他們在工場的見證，期望弟兄姊妹預留時間參加。
我們感恩，神感動Christy姊妹，在今年一月開始，放下工作，回到大學校園，服侍海外留學生，傳講福音，帶領他們查考聖經，訓練他們作主門徒。求神加力，使姊妹在二年的服侍中，能夠經歷神的恩典，引證她將來作全時間服侍神的呼召。
挑戰
D&E出工場的計劃，不斷的延遲，求神讓他們在等候的過程中，把握時機裝備自己，滿有信心、忍耐，等候神的帶領。請大家為他們出發到工塲祈禱，使他們能夠順利取得簽證，可以在今年底成行。
明年的城鄉宣教，將有一些變動，由於Dubbo事工在組織上的變動，我們從明年開始，將不會以教會名義支持Dubbo短宣。這並不代表教會不再關心城鄉福音的需要，我們鼓勵弟兄姊妹以個人身分參與，Dubbo的WhatsApp祈禱小組，仍然如常運作，參與短宣服待的機會，將會在小組中發報，如有關心這事工的肢體，可以向差傳部查詢。另外，宣道總會現正計劃在Maitland植堂，向當地華人傳福音，成立教會，有感動參與的肢體，可以向易慶初弟兄或差傳部聯絡。
展望
求聖靈感動弟兄姊妹宣教的心，首先從個人傳福音的心開始，關心我們身邊未認識耶穌基督的朋友，為他們的得救祈禱。進一步關心普世福音的需要，為未得之民祈禱，使他們有機會聽聞福音，認識真神，決志跟隨耶穌基督。嘗試參與教會和不同差會的祈禱會，為前線的宣教士代禱。除祈禱之外，也挑戰大家參與街頭佈道和短宣，直接與未信主和跨文化的朋友分享福音，從而體驗宣教士的難處，和經歷神的大能。最後，讓我們學習保羅的榜樣，「不以福音為恥：這福音本是神的大能，要救一切相信的。」 (羅1:16)
Thanksgiving:
We are grateful and thank God for allowing NSCAC to witness His abundant provision over the past year through the faithful responses of our brothers and sisters in faith. Despite the uncertain economic times, we have had no shortage in offerings for the Great Commission Fund and the NSCAC Mission Fund. This enables us to continue financially supporting workers and ministries on the frontline.
Each year, God sends His faithful servants to our Mission Convention to encourage us, reminding us of His heart for the unbelievers. Last year, Susanna showed us how God’s glory shines through anyone willing to serve Him faithfully. Despite being elderly and her physical limitations, she had served as a missionary in Thailand for ten years. Her persistent dedication has left behind many beautiful footprints. This year’s speakers, Edward and Sandy, have served Muslim groups in various countries over twenty years. They have faced persecutions, life-threatening situations and imprisonments for the sake of the gospel. Even though Sandy has terminal illness, they do not value their lives above their mission. Instead, they seize every opportunity to make the most of their remaining time, serving the Lord wholeheartedly. Their lives are reminiscent of the Apostle Paul, inspiring everyone they meet.
Two missionary families supported by the NSCAC Mission Fund have returned to Australia for home assignment this year. M&L, who serve in Asia, visited our church in early June to share firsthand how God is at work in their mission field. Through their ministry in family, work, and online outreach (Digital Response), they are helping locals come to know Jesus Christ. Their testimony shows us how God’s power far beyond our expectations. In early December, M&L (Martin & Lisa), who serve in Africa, will come to our church to share their testimonies from the field, and I hope brothers and sisters can set aside time to attend.
Finally, we are also grateful that Christy was called by God to leave her job and begin serving in the university campus and among overseas students since January. She shares the gospel, leads Bible studies, and equips students to be God’s disciples. We pray that God will strengthen her and let her experience His grace over the next two years. Through this journey so that Christy is able to affirm her calling to full-time ministry.
Challenges:
The plan for D&E to go to the mission field has been continuously delayed. We pray that during this idle period, they can seize the opportunity to prepare themselves, remain faithful and patient as they wait for God’s guidance. Please pray for their visa process to go smoothly so that they are ready to go by the end of the year.
Next year’s urban and rural mission will undergo some changes. Due to organizational changes in the Dubbo ministry, starting next year, we will no longer support Dubbo short-term missions under the church’s banner. However, this does not mean that our church is no longer cares about the gospel needs in rural areas. On the other hand, we encourage brothers and sisters to participate personally. The Dubbo WhatsApp prayer group will continue as usual, and opportunities to serve in short-term missions will be announced in the group. Those concerned about this ministry can inquire with the Missions Department. In addition, the Christian and Missionary Alliance Australia is planning to plant a church in Maitland to evangelise the local Chinese community. Those interested can contact Thomas Yick or the Missions Department for further information.
Looking Forward:
We pray that the Holy Spirit will stir up our hearts to share the gospel with others. May we care for our friends who do not yet know Jesus Christ and pray for their salvation. Further, may we care about the need for the gospel around the world, praying for the unreached people so that they have the opportunity to hear the gospel, know the true God, and commit to following Jesus Christ. We encourage everyone to participate prayer meeting organised in our church and other mission organizations. Besides praying, I also challenge everyone to take part in street evangelism and short-term missions. Through directly sharing the gospel with those who have yet to believe both locally and cross-culturally, we will experience the challenges missionaries face and also experience God’s power first hand. Finally, let us learn from Paul’s example, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16)