Daniel Fellowship 2014

DANIEL FELLOWSHIP

September 27, 2014 (Saturday), 10am

At EBCC Nasirpur (Dwarka)

The programme began when conductor Elder Thiankhanmuan took time to welcome the participants and read out the day’s programme. This was followed by singspiration’s led by today’s Worship Team!

After the praises’ songs, Pastor took time for a keynote address. He thanked God for this pleasant day and also greeted the participants who came for the programme. Regarding the reason for using ‘Daniel’ for this fellowship (Daniel Fellowship), Pastor explained thus:

Daniel (in the Bible) was a faithful believer of the Living God. He work and served Babylonian government. Because of his believe in the living God, he suffered ill-feelings, hatred from the people where he stayed, yet he remained faithful to his God. Likewise, we also work/live in Delhi to which we often feel ill treatment and such other hardships in our work place and elsewhere. Even so, we should be faithful to God like Daniel. Daniel is an example for us, so his name was taken to name the programme as ‘Daniel Fellowship’.

Presentation by Rev. Dr. Ginnei Thang, OMF Missionary, Thailand:

Reverend took his time for the presentation. He focussed on the witnessing of Christ and Mission, and chose a topic:

‘Witnessing Christ in a Secular World’

“Ye shall be my witnesses”- Acts 1:8.

His presentation/teaching started with a (Christian) mission perspective and an exhortation posted on the congregation to be a good witnessing of God!

MISSIOLOGICAL CONCEPT FOR WORLD MISSIONS

I. Trends in the World Mission

• Frontiers are moving - Whatever happens in our life is God’s plan, for instance, we live in cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Calcutta, etc. because God has plan for us, and it’s not accident.
• West to Northern Hemisphere – Growth of Christianity/missionary increases in the Eastern countries/Northern Hemisphere than the West. So also an increasing shifts in economic development from West to East.
• People movement – Rural to Urban mission. Due to this, we can also start Missionary work to the place where we resides, not so much the need for going out to other places.
• Paradigm shift in Missions – It is not because of our desire, expertise or non-expertise, but by God’s wilful plan for us that a paradigm of Mission work shifted.
• Open to close target people – In the present day, the door is closed for direct Mission work but opens to people who have knowledge in different secular professions.
• Traditional to professional – To traditional Evangelists/Pastors, getting permission/visas solely for Missionary work is almost impossible in these days, but open to different professionals like Sportsman, Medical graduate, Lecturer, Professor, English teachers, Secretarial Staffs, Businessman, etc.
• Opportunity for every Christian

II. A Dual Concept of the World

Spiritual Vs Physical

We should have a Christ-like attitude. Unless we have this attitude, our life will not be changed. So, the above dual concept is good for self-research.

Our place of stay/resident is God plan for us. We are not staying in Delhi, Mumbai, Shillong or other places just for the sake of staying and sustaining our life, but for a purpose God has set for us. Whatever things we come across in life, we should say, “Thy will be done Lord”. This then, will help us in sustaining a blessed life.

III. God-centered Approach to the World Mission

All believers are missionary. Wherever we are, we should be missionary minded. If we can’t have this mindset, we cannot be missionary, even though if we go out to different places, either foreign countries or elsewhere in the name of missionary work.

God should occupy the centre place in:-

• Church
• Evangelism
• Family
• Volunteering
• Social & Civil Responsibility
• Charitable Ministry
• Career
• Finance
• Recreation
• Entertainment
• Activities of Daily Living
• Retreat

In everything we do, we should keep God as the priority/centre of our life. We should have and believe this theology.

Preparation the People of God

Theological Education for the People of God:

• Church [Foundation (Scripture, tradition)]
• Society (The Hidden Syllabus: experience, relationships, environment, support)
• Academy (Education & Training: formal & informal)

Christian responsibility to the world (for God’s Kingdom):

• Priesthood (Church)
• Kingship (Office/Workplace)
• Prophet-hood (In the Church and Outside)

1. A discussion was opened by Reverend where the congregation were divided into groups of ten to discuss the topic:

What opportunities and obstacles you (may) have to witness Christ in your workplace?

When the discussion was finished among the groups, Reverend shared some points and had given the various opportunities and obstacles as below:

Opportunities (John 4:4-42; Acts 18:3):

• Identity
• Relationship
• Acceptance
• Natural-spontaneous
• Situational
• Special occasions
• Common life experience

Anticipated inconveniences/Obstacles:

• Time factor
• Environment
• Skill
• Balance of involvements
• Status
• Supports
• Oppositions
• Legal issues

V. Biblical perspective of God’s purpose for people:

• God made man with a purpose (Genesis 1:28)
• God equips everyone for a purpose (Exodus 4:2f.; 31:1f)
• God’s ultimate purpose for all things is His Glory (Colossians 1:15)

Developing Gifts: Train yourself

God’s gifts have to be:

• Discover
• Devise
• Develop

The Biblical Perspective of God’s equipment for people:

• Natural Talents (Leadership abilities, Clear thinking, Strong intuition, Sensitive to people, Persuasive, Analytical thinking, Persevere, Optimistic, Bearing)
• Acquired Talents (Education skills, Training skills, Bible study, Oratorical, Listening, Communication)
• Spiritual gifts (Prophesy, Pastor, Teaching, Wisdom, Knowledge, Encouragement, Discerning spirits, Giving, Help, Mercy, Missionary, Evangelist, Hospitality, Voluntary poverty, Faith, Leadership, Administration, Miracles, Healing, Tongues, Interpretation, Apostle, Celibacy, Intercession, Martyrdom, Service, Exorcism)

The enthusiastic and insightful presentation by Reverend had elated the participants and made them so much interested. Reverend concluded his presentation by prayer.

After Reverend finished his time, a short entertainment/Quiz time was organised by Assistant Pastor Evan. Khaikhuphang.

The day’s programme was closed by Deacon Damsomthang with a benediction and a prayer for lunch.

 Note:

“Daniel Fellowship” was designed for the staffs/officers of Government and PSUs.

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Reported by- P.Chinliankhup
Content writer, Media Team.