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Issue No. 5
Many years ago, I was meeting Rev. Allan Webb, former OMF national director, at his office. He shared with me about making pastoral visit to missionaries. As he shared, his eyes were radiant, his smile was cheerful, and he spoke with great enthusiasm. Admittedly, I didn’t fully understand, until last December.
Last December, I visited ND missionaries: John & Denise Dickson at Chiang Mai, Christine Dillon at Donggong, and Allan & Bronwyn Lihou at Taichung. The trip was a valuable one.
Basically, I spent a few days with each of them, had meals with them, visited their churches, met up with their leaders or colleagues, visited the children’s schools, and stayed at their houses. I also had a chance to observe personally their living environment, their social circle, their day-to-day routine, and their ministry. And most of all, we spent plenty of time in sharing and praying.
The main dish of visit was talking. We talked a lot. They shared their difficulties and frustration in learning language. They disclosed their disappointment in working relationship. They told me the difficult leaders in their churches and teams, many awful stories. They shared how they were misunderstood, their good will distorted, their well-meant intention rejected, etc. As I was just an outsider, I didn’t really know their people, I became a right person to talk to. Also, I am their pastor, supposedly I could advise them on some tough topics and challenging problems. Even in the worst case, when I could not advise anything, I was the perfect listener to them to ventilate their emotions. And we could bring our concerns to God.
They all felt supported and uplifted. They showed their thankfulness and appreciation to my visit. They indicated that, although they have been supported by many churches, I was the first and only pastor giving such a visit.
The missionaries are the being sent, and ND is their sending church (the sender). Pastoral visitation is an invaluable initiative in strengthening such a sender–being sent relationship.
Rev Michael Chu
Patience is a virtue and a gift from god
 In this Western society that we live in, everyone's in a rush. Everyone has a purpose, somewhere to be, something to do. No turning to the left or right or even to stop and say hi, just heads down, powering on to the goal. And so when things don't go according to plan, we get impatient and frustrated. At times throughout this mission process I have had similar feelings.
Waiting for a placement to be found, waiting for orientation to go ahead, waiting for my departure date, waiting without a job, just waiting... But God has shown me that there is nothing wrong with waiting. It helps us to rely on God all the more, to work in his own time, not in our time. I have realised through all this that I am not in control of this mission process, but that God is and that he will look after me despite my failings and insecurities about Nigeria, a place undergoing tension, a place where I will experience massive culture shock and where people won't be on time and I will have to wait for hours sometimes even. But rather it's a culture where relationships are treasured. And that is what God wants, for people to have relationships with him, and so that is why we continue to work for him in this world and continue to grow our patience instead for the day that he will return. And so that is my prayer for both me and you, to wait patiently for God to work in our lives, to trust that he will work and to learn from what he shows us wherever we are as we wait for his return.
Psalm 130:5 "I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope."
Simon Tsang
Who’s Who of Missions Ministry… Terence Li
How do you describe yourself in one word (or less than 5…)?
A blessed ordinary man.
Blessed because, while I am very ordinary; God selected me to be His son, gave me eternal life and the opportunity to serve Him at ND.
Who or what inspires you?
I am always inspired by brothers and sisters who have close relationship with God, strong faith in God, dedication to missions, commitment to following Christ despite persecution, eagerness to study God’s word.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I seldom have spare time, always busy with something though not necessary important matters. However, if I do, I will listen to songs that I like most as well as edit photos that we took during holidays.
What does the word God mean to you?
Apart from being men’s Creator, Redeemer and Provider, He is also my Father, my Lord and my Friend. He loves me, understands me and walks with me every day.
God has a mission field for everyone in his kingdom. How would you describe your mission field?
Yes, God has a mission field for everyone in His Kingdom including me. This field may change as time goes by. My current mission field is the Mission Ministry of ND – our mission is to lead brothers and sisters to actively participate in global mission.
Why have you joined the MMT?
I was in MMT for a few years and in 2002, due to commitment to another ministry, I left MMT. Last year, when I asked God to provide me a new ministry upon the completion of my term of service in Advisory Board, He called me to resume my service in Mission Ministry. Initially I hesitated a bit but gladly accepted the appointment after praying.
What is your role in MMT?
I am the chairperson, working together with Rev Michael Chu, Rev John Menzies, Li-Shia Lo (deacon-in-charge) and a group of committed brothers and sisters in MMT. We are committed to participate in the Great Commission given by Jesus to the disciples before He ascended to heaven.
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Food for Thought
“Solid lasting missionary work is done on our knees” – James O Fraser
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