A Recap of Mission Month in October
A Call to Action
Mission Month at JCC was a reminder of the church’s global mission. Through a series of inspiring sermons, the congregation was challenged to consider their role in spreading the gospel and making a difference in the world.
The Power of a Single Life
On 6th Oct, Reverend Rodney Hui from Operation Mobilisation kicked off the Mission Month with a message on the impact of a single life dedicated to God’s mission. Highlighting the inspiring example of a young Hannah Koh from JCC, who courageously answered the call to serve on the Logos Hope, the sermon emphasized the significance of individual commitment.
Drawing from the life of the Apostle Paul, a model missionary who dedicated his life to spreading the gospel, the sermon underscored the urgent need for more missionaries today. With countless people yet to hear the gospel, there’s a pressing call for believers to prayerfully consider long-term missions.
Personal anecdotes from Reverend Hui’s own missionary experiences brought the message to life. Reframing the popular phrase “YOLO” (You Only Live Once), the sermon challenged the congregation to live a life of significance. The speaker encouraged them to use their one life to make a lasting impact for Christ.
A Call to God’s Cosmic Mission
On 13th Oct, Reverend Ximi’s sermon delved into the cosmic scope (expansive nature) of God’s mission, encompassing both earthly and heavenly realms. God is not only concerned with saving individual souls but also with the restoration of all creation.
The church is called to participate in this cosmic mission by following Jesus’ example and living as ambassadors of Christ. This involves not only evangelism and discipleship but also social justice, compassion, and creation care (such as environmental stewardship). The sermon referenced historical figures like William Wilberforce and John Newton, who used their faith to fight against slavery, demonstrating how faith can be a powerful force for positive change in the world.
The sermon encouraged listeners to reflect on their own involvement in God’s mission, emphasizing that it’s not just about going overseas but also about living out one’s faith in daily life, making a difference in their communities and the world around them.
A Message of Hope and Encouragement
On 20th Oct, Pastor Michael’s sermon drew inspiration from the Apostle Peter’s letter to Gentile believers to deliver a message of hope and encouragement. Here are a few of the salient points:
- God’s Grace and Mercy: Peter’s letter highlights that God’s grace is sufficient to sustain believers through trials and tribulations.
- The Believer’s Identity: Believers are chosen by God and have a special purpose in His plan.
- The Importance of Obedience: Obedience to God’s Word is essential for a flourishing spiritual life.
The speaker drew upon his personal experiences as a missionary in Indonesia (for 20-odd years running an orphanage there), sharing both the challenges and the immense rewards of serving God overseas. He encouraged the congregation to consider their own calling to mission and to trust in God’s provision. The sermon called believers to live a life characterized by faith, obedience, and service to God.
The Urgent Need for Global Mission
On October 27th, Mr. Rome Chew from Cru Singapore delved into the concept of the “lost,” “least,” and “last” in missions:
- The Lost: People distinguished by a distinct culture, language or social class who have yet to hear the gospel, such as certain tribes in the Amazon or specific ethnic groups in Asia.
- The Least: Marginalized groups, including the poor, outcasts, refugees and individuals with special needs.
- The Last: Often overlooked groups or regions, such as Europe, the Middle East, and certain parts of Asia. (Among the hardest groups of people to evangelise.)
Mr. Chew emphasized the importance of reaching all these groups, highlighting the need for both local and international mission efforts. He discussed the challenges and rewards of mission work, including the necessity of perseverance, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
He stressed the significance of a long-term commitment to mission work, encompassing language learning, cultural adaptation, and building deep relationships with local people. He concluded by calling on the audience to consider their own role in fulfilling the Great Commission and to pray for more labourers to be sent into the harvest field.
He also encouraged churches to actively participate in mission work by mobilizing their members, sending missionaries, and providing financial support.
Reflection on the Messages
Whether it’s through short-term mission trips, long-term missionary service, financial support for mission organizations, praying for missionaries and unreached people groups, encouraging others to participate in mission work, or embracing a cosmic mission of environmental stewardship, social justice, and the restoration of all creation, every believer, no matter how small their contribution may seem, can play a vital role in advancing the Great Commission and fulfilling God’s holistic purpose for humanity and the earth.
Remember, the cumulative impact of individual actions can be profound.
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