This morning, I finished my devotion on Genesis. Some of the stories weren’t pretty but as I close my reading on Gen 50:26, “So Joseph died at the age of 110. The Egyptians embalmed him, and his body was placed in a coffin in Egypt.” I was reminded that it is always too soon to give up on God.
It has been hard for the past few years. The current happenings and culture within and around the world aren’t getting any better. There is a subtle temptation, not so much giving up on God, but to give up on the world and ignore what does not affect me directly. But I knew that when I turn my pages to Exodus tomorrow, God has not finished with His people in an increasingly depressing world.
How do we prepare ourselves for the return of the students?
Our mission says, “Helping students to become life-long followers of Jesus Christ.” Let us therefore focus on the essence of our ministry.
Awareness
Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. (2Co 4:1) We lose heart because we thought it was our ministry. The requirement is to remain faithful.
Attitude
From inviting people to come to going to meet individuals. Students are highly connected but still have the need to relate in persons. We must meet them among the lost.
From relying on and hosting events to a strategy of prayer and seeking out for individuals as the Holy Spirit lead us. Prayer leads us to the battleground. Be available.
Accessibility
From meeting the felt needs to real needs. We can be trained to listen better, but we also need the desire to listen. Seek the heart of Christ for those I meet and the stories I hear.
Be where the students conduct their daily lives. Abraham’s servant “standing here beside this spring, and the young women of the town are coming out to draw water” (Gen24:13)
Accountability
Life upon life is the essence of our ministry, without which, we compromise depth and foundation to impact them as lifelong followers.
Jesus’ example:
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (Jn1:14)
In him was life, and that life was the light of men. John 1:4
It is about transfer of life and truth to another.
Action
2Ti 3:10 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance.
This requires intentionality, authenticity, consistency and doing life together.
Our lives are our greatest asset or greatest liability to ministry. Guard our lives- You shall be my witness… (Acts 1:8)
Allen Tie
National Director, ISMNZ