Review: OMF National Conference, 29-31 Aug 08
13/11/2008 12:23 am State News: October 2008 <auSPAMFILTER@omf.net>
Not long ago we saw the heroic efforts of thousands of athletes at the peak of their fitness, beamed into our living rooms. We marvelled at the human body and what it is able to do.
On the front cover of this year’s OMF National Conference handbook was the athlete and missionary Eric Liddell, whose life inspired the movie “Chariots of Fire”. Alongside his picture were the words of Hebrews 12:1: “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Liddell famously pulled out of his favourite event in the 1924 Olympics as the heats were on a Sunday. His commitment to serving God with his whole heart led him to serve in China.
Following on from the example of Liddell, the theme of this year’s conference was “Proclaiming His Glory to the Nations”, Isaiah 66:19. “I will send some…to distant islands that have not heard of my fame or seen my glory. They will proclaim my glory among the nations.”
Among the many speakers and sessions, Sam Reeve, Vice-Principal of the Bible College of Victoria, encouraged us from John 14 and 15. He challenged us to once again bring glory to God in everything we do and to bear fruit that will last.
Whenever supporters of OMF gather I am reminded how much of a family we are. Despite our fears, failures and weaknesses we are the body of Christ. It was great to meet together again and see the new crop of workers preparing to head out to the field and to hear from those on Home Assignment, not just of their triumphs but of their struggles and disappointments. It was an encouraging and humbling experience to speak with the people who faithfully continue to pray for God’s work in so many places and to meet those who have been upholding our family. And to all those who put in the time and effort to make the conference run smoothly, your hard work is most appreciated.
On Friday and Saturday night we had a lot of fun in mission interaction sessions. As groups we discussed, made decisions and noted the consequences of different ministry issues that any missionary may face. We also played a simulation game called ‘Christian, Seeker, Spy’ where seekers had to try to find the good news without being captured by spies and put into prison. While done in a light-hearted manner these games helped us imagine the life challenges for missionaries and seekers on the field.
There were a range of seminars on topics including Laos, CLAW (Culture Language and Worldview) & Cross-cultural ministry, sharing the Gospel though Bible-storying, the Uighurs & Lord Don’t Make me a Missionary”! As always meal times were a great time of fellowship. I even heard a rumour that someone got a little too close to the wildlife!
In review of our time together let us remember that we are not merely spectators, let us be encouraged by meeting together and have our strength renewed for the race of proclaiming His glory to the nations. See you next year!