on lessons learnt from the conference (Part 1)

okay, I attended this workshop titled "Tentmaking in a Globalised World". The only workshop that really caught my eye. It was a terrific session, as the speakers spoke humbly, boldly and truthfully about their experiences and sharing. Here's sharing it with you all my gleanings:

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Title: Tentmaking In A Globalised World

Facilitator:

Rev Dr Ian Prescott , International Director for Evangelisation, OMF International

Speakers:

Rev Dr Patrick Fung, General Director, OMF International

Dr Jennie Fung, Medical Advisor, OMF Singapore, Chief Editor of Chinese Publications

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Introduction by Dr Ian

Re-thinking Tent-making in the 21st century

Who is a tent-maker? Traditional definitions and present difficulties

Tent-maker opportunities

Teachers, Lecturers, Business people, Tourists, Retirees, Students

Professional with a Purpose - To go bless others with the skills that God has blest you with, as well as the Gospel, which God has entrusted to all who love Him, and to be discipling others to  follow God

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Biblical Reflections by Dr. Patrick

Matt 28:16-20

The Great Commission

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "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, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."^

1. All Authority - The Lord's Authority   - over all nations (2 Cor. 2:11, 2 Cor 3:5)

                                                             - over our lives : Not location but our lives

2. All nations    - Not only Chinese, not only Asians but all nations - Story of Hudson Taylor

3. All things (everything)  - Making disciples - Word, Deed & Character – Importance of Incarnational Ministry, not just “hit and run”

4. All the time (always)

Examples of professionals with a Kingdom purpose

1. Nehemiah                - starts with prayer, broken before God

                                    - Identification with the pe0ple

                                    - Mobilisation of the people

2. Daniel                      - Language learning

                                    - Working in hostile environment – Tactfulness

                                    - Life is Integrity

                                    - Devotion to the Lord

                                    - Life Long service

3. Dr. Luke                  - Concern for the church (Col. 4:14)

                                    - Vision for church movement (Acts 16)

                                    - Writing Ministry (Luke 1)

                                    - Supporting others (2 Tim 4)

4. Aquila and Priscilla  - Take risks for God (Romans 16, 18)

                                    - House church model

                                    - Points people to the truth

                                    - sensitivity to others’ need

Holy Ambition (Rom. 15:20)

It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation.

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Futher thinking points by Dr. Ian

Definitions – Creative Access Countries vs. Restricted Access Countries

Presently in Asia, Communist East Asia and Islamic East Asia

“Mao probably did the most significant pre-evangelistic work in China in the last century.”

Who does the government welcome?

Bring something the government and people want

Help, Expertise, Business & Money

Who does the community want?

Friends, Real people, Help

What are they afraid of?

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