Archive for February, 2012

Correspondence

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Bethany Turner

My thoughts earlier today matched those in Bethany Turner’s “The inadequacy of inadequacy” (Connections Vol 24 No 26), Moses telling God, “I can’t do it.” I said the same thing to God today about something I’ve been asked to do in ministry, and He reminded me about what Moses said. Then I found Bethany’s comment, a confirmation God will be with me. Thanks.

Bob Dempsey (Clayton, Ohio, USA)
www.avondale.edu.au/connections
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Find Your Inspiration 2012

[The new Find Your Inspiration television commercials and video clips are] a great series of promos. It’s been 23 years since I graduated, but when I look back at the foundation for my life ahead that Avondale gave me, I am proud to say I am from Avondale College.

Neil Richmund (Avon, Indiana, USA)
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Graduation

I attended the graduation service at Avondale College of Higher Education this past year—my youngest daughter graduated with a degree in nursing. I congratulate Avondale on the lamp lighting consecration service and on the graduation service. I have four daughters, so I have attended a few graduation services. Avondale’s is the best. Its emphasis on putting academic success in a broader Christian context impressed me. Thank you for your care, your faith and your wisdom in planning those ceremonies.

Beverley Leahy
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Beyond baptisms and buildings

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

What makes a “successful” mission trip?

Josh Dye
Bachelor of Arts student
Avondale College of Higher Education
Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia

Here’s a typical question I’ve received since returning from a One Mission trip to the Solomon Islands in December: “What did you achieve?”

It’s a fair question—we like to quantify things. A typical answer could be, “We baptised 50 people through our evangelistic series,” or, “We built a school for disadvantaged children so they can receive a Christian education.” But One Mission Solomon Islands didn’t baptise anyone or build anything.

“What will we achieve?” As leader of a team of 14, I mulled the question over before and during the trip—for the record, we organised kids’ clubs, conducted soccer clinics, taught English classes, led Bible studies and presented a series of worship meetings. The question frustrated me because I knew I needed to submit plans for the trip to God but felt as though I had to have something tangible to say. It frustrated me because I don’t believe we should judge the “success” of mission trips by comparing numbers of baptisms or the size of building projects.

Are baptisms and buildings trophies to show when we return home? If mission trips don’t provide any follow-up personal support for new believers or financial support for maintaining new churches, is it responsible to call for baptisms and construct buildings?

Let’s look beyond baptisms and buildings to the example of Jesus, who devoted most of His life on earth to mission. Yes, He valued baptism and even buildings, particularly one in Jerusalem—think the clearing of the temple, but He didn’t see those as achievements. His one mission? Connecting with people.

Jesus valued relationships above anything else. He blessed, healed and taught to build, restore and strengthen them. So should we.