SEEING IS BELIEVING
Yes I know when it comes to faith it is 'the evidence of things not seen' and I also know Jesus said 'blessed are those who have not seen yet believed' (Hebrews 11:1 and John 20:29).
However when it comes to growing in faith and maturity, we need a role model. Someone to emulate, to copy and to follow. Jesus said 'Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men'. Paul echoed this by saying 'Imitate me as I imitate Christ'. We all need to see what we can become. We all need to see an incarnation of our dreams and aspirations.
To enlarge our Kingdom mindset, to envisage our potential to change the world and to create missional churches we need role models. Our Mission Forums, Church Planting Initiatives and Exposure Tours all provide opportunities to learn from others and to see workable models.
The village people said to the Samaritan woman, 'we now believe (in Jesus), not because of what you said, but we have seen and heard for ourselves'. There is something powerful about seeing and hearing for yourself!
In 2015 decide to participate in one of Mission Forums focused on Africa, India, Europe, Balkans, Reaching Ethnic Minorities, Leading Local Church Mission and Human Trafficking. Plan to go on a trip overseas with members of the AOGMission team and see for yourself how you and your church can make a difference. Get involved in one of the church planting initiatives being planned by the CP Team.
Enjoy a Christ-centred Christmas and all the celebrations as we embrace another New Year loaded with opportunities.
PS Take a few minutes to email one of our missionaries serving in a foreign land and let them know you are thinking about them.
Gary Rucci
Director of Mission
We're launching a new course! Equip is an introduction to mission for church leaders in the UK.
What is the Course?
This Course is an excellent foundational mission course covering key topics on the Great Commission which will stretch, inspire and equip the individual to become a missional thinker and better equipped to serve God in a variety of cross cultural settings both at home and overseas.
Who is the Course For?
The course is ideal for all church leaders in the UK and those aiming to serve God in a cross cultural setting. In addition it will also provide the preferred foundational training for Assemblies of God missionary candidates.
Lecturers:
Gary Rucci, Nikki Rucci, Dr. Leigh Goodwin, Dr. John Andrews, Matt Bird, Edward Issitt, Rachel Issitt, Tony Uddin and more.
When & Where?:
The course will take place over 10 Saturdays from 9am to 3pm. 7th February, 14th March, 25th April, 16th May, 13th June, 11th July, 12th September, 17th October, 7th November, 5th December all at Notting Hill Community Church, Kensington Park Road, W11 2ES.
Topics Include:
Missional Church, The Great Commission, Social Action and Mission, Current World Trends and Statistics, Evangelism and Mission, The Call of God, Serving God Long Term Cross Culturally and more.
How much?
£379 or £40 to attend for a single Saturday. Price includes notes, lectures, tea and coffee. Lunch can be purchased nearby.
Find out more about each session and book in on our website.
Over the years many churches and individuals have supported Sefton Village in the Philippines. It is incredible to see what God has done through the sacrifice and commitment of AOG GB churches.
The village contains an orphans home, a 500 student primary school, a bible college, an office for the regional AoG, a radio station and a multi purpose building that can be used for conferences, a church plant or other gatherings. However the greatest legacy is the hundreds of lives touched by the gospel.
Since AOG missionaries and project leaders Mark and Mary Ritchie returned to the UK, the support levels and interest in this project has diminished. However the needs are still great.
Today AOG senior missionary Gillian Saunders and missionary assistant Giuseppe LaPorta are leading the transition of Sefton Village from the primary leadership of AOGGB into the hands of the Philippines AG. An incredibly important role. Every missionary endeavour has to have an exit strategy. A place where the local indigenous church is equipped, self sustainable and empowered to fulfil the great commission.
This transition process could take five years. Short term goals are being achieved, Filipino leadership is being identified, income generation projects have been designed and the strategy is becoming clearer. However we still need your help.
If you would like to see first hand what is happening at Sefton Village you can visit the site with Gary Rucci in March. Please enquire now. If you have previously been a supporter of Sefton Village and would like to renew your giving for the next two years, please let us know. Once again your prayers, giving and practical involvement are still needed.
