Well, what an encouragement and a joy it was to be at the World Focus Tea on Sunday 26th January.
I was pleased to be on time for once, as the church hall ended up completely packed. It was so wonderful to see members of the St Mary’s faith family from across all our congregations, with epic representation from our children and youth too. Big thanks to the team that served up tasty soup and sandwiches, followed by cake.
The hall was laid out with tables and chairs, and at each table there was a mission partner or mission link. On our table was our mission partner working for Crosslinks. It was such fun to get to know the mission partner and their family a wee bit better by doing a quiz – who knew that they get super travel sick considering how much they travel?! We also had the chance to write a card for them from all of us (and get crafty with it). But more than that, it was great to chat and find out more about his role in God’s work around the world, and what the next months hold – ministry training trips to overseas – helping us to pray more specifically.
The other tables similarly did quizzes, made cards, and got to know a mission partner better – and seemed to have a similarly good time!
I love these opportunities to find out more about God’s global work, and to consider how I can grow in playing my part.
Renee Schalks
The mission event in January has always been one of our favourite church gatherings. It is always good to hear more about the amazing way God is working through the St Mary’s mission partners and it helps us understand exactly what they do. This is useful when praying for them in the year ahead. I have found it is useful to learn in detail about three of the mission partners and pray for them diligently as well as praying in general for all of them.
This year’s tea did not disappoint. There was a huge crowd of church family from across all the congregations. It was lovely to see friends who we don’t see often. Everything was very well organised and there was a tremendous spread of food to suit all requirements. My children commented on the amazing cakes! You certainly would not have left the tea feeling hungry.
There were several tables laid out in the church hall. Each table focussed on a different mission partner and there were activities and quizzes to help everyone get to know more about them and their work. There was the opportunity to sign up to receive updates from the partner too which is invaluable for prayer.
It is so encouraging to hear about the work the mission partners do and the part we can play. As Jem Hovil said in the sermon, mission is from everywhere to everywhere. We all need to look at our place and ask God to open doorways to the gospel.
Penny McCrabbe