2: Mission Conference Day 1

Tan Jin Huat heads up the Theological Education by Extension training at the local theological college in Seramban. He looks at my card and comments approvingly on the Lichfield Diocesan strap line ; 'Going for Growth - great man!' He speaks of the way in which when he was in the UK he realised he needed to make appointments first before seeing anyone. 'You don't just drop round. Whereas here you come round anytime. Welcome!' He is concerned at the way in which people in the West have lost their critical assessment of the supernatural. 'It's not that they don't believe it; they are very receptive to it but don't recognise the occult'.

Rev Paul Monash was converted from Hinduism at the age of 16. He was excluded from his family as a result for 6 years but wonderfully his father in his old age was subsequently converted. It had been difficult for Paul as he was sent to minister in Ipoh where his parent's family lived - perhaps finding that a prophet is not recognised in his home town. He later went with his wife and children to Perth and is now adjusting to working in Kuala Lumpur.

Bishop Moon Hing delivers an engaging, dynamic, passionate and humourous address with an overview of where we have reached in our world today. The world we live in is getting strange. 'There is more terrorism where people are killing each other for fun, gain and in the name of God. There is more abnormality where people are approving and practicing activities against nature and God's original plan. There is more corruption where people can sell their dignity and authenticity for fantasy and dreams.' We are playing God, trying to fool God and cheating ourselves. So what will happen? Some say 'Nothing will happen', others that we can't help it and others see the solution in simply building bigger churches. However the answer lies in reshaping our thinking and realising that 'The fruit of an apple tree is not an apple but rather an apple tree'. The priority is to build disciples of Christ.

We are introduced by key members of this 80,000 strong Sa'Rang Community Church in South Korea to a model of Discipleship Training. It is a thorough, Biblical and world mission oriented programme of activities and training processes. At one point the digital projector broke down which prompted the person next to me to say 'No power - no point!' Clearly not a fan of the powerpoint. So we were ushered off to lunch and amazingly those responsible for providing us with a delicious cooked meal were able to serve it to us calmy despite us being 45 minutes early.

Was it David Pawson who said 'Churches want people to Show Up, Pay Up and Shut Up'?

'God loves you just as you are but He refuses to leave you there'. Max Ricardo.

Amazing to reflect on Mission in this South Asian context and to hear Isac from Korea say that soon China will become the main driving force behind Christian mission to the world.....