World Mandate Update (Part 2)

World Mandate is split over 4 sessions. Friday night consisted of a medley of interviews, raps, dance, songs, comedy and talk. It's hard to describe what it's like being here but everything points to Jesus and his purposes on the earth. Particularly the call to go to the unreached peoples of the world...now! The time is now! Every 4 seconds, a chinese man or woman will die not knowing about the Gospel. Every second a child will die from poverty related diseases around the globe. The harvest is there, the need is there, it's the workers we lack.

Saturday consisted of more of the same yet with a focus on asking people to commit themselves to be ready to go.  In the morning Steve Smith spoke about the need for us to believe that the harvest is ready.  He contrasted the disciples on the mountain with Jesus at his transfiguration and those at its base dealing with a demonised child (Mark 9).  Those at the summit were full of faith, they knew his presence, they were ready to follow him anywhere.  Yet, when they descend they find the rest of the disciples struggling to muster the faith to deliver a little boy of his demon.  Jesus says to them (Mark 9:19) O unbelieving generation.  Literally he describes their thinking as perverted because they failed to understanding that it just took such a small amount of faith to set this boy free.  Steve’s point is that believers who bring in the harvest will be those that live on the top of the mountain rather than those at the bottom!

In the evening, Kevin Johnson spoke passionately about how the Holy Spirit wants to send people out to the nations of the world (Matt 9:38).  During the ministry time it was a privilege to pray with many students offering their lives to God’s service at home and abroad.

Sunday morning was the final session.  Jonathon Gulley shared his story of rebellion and a radical conversion to Christ.  He is now planting a church in Wheaton, Illinois with his wife Amy who is a good friend of Philippa’s (my wife).  It was direct, challenging and instructive.  His main point was that harvesters need to live in true community and be completely submitted to Jesus.

In summary - We have had quite an incredible time.  Many of us feel freshly challenged to live missional lives, sow the seed of the Gospel more broadly and where it takes root, disciple and support new converts.  We are returning with fresh faith that there is a harvest in Leeds.  We simply need to pray and go.

We also sense a growing excitement for our own conference LOVE:NATIONS on the 15th - 17th May.  We would love to bring together the arts, drama, song, and prayer in order to help people connect with God’s heart for world mission.  Dave Devenish will be speaking and our hope is that God will call many to spend their lives on behalf of those who haven’t heard.

Thanks for praying for us, it was a life changing time!