24 weeks to go before the ISMNZ 2009 Labour Weekend Conference
The following takes place between 8 May 2009 and 14 May 2009*
*format borrowed from the opening theme of C4's TV show "24"
1. God promises us “For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.” Isaiah 61:11
2. You receive this joyful reminder to mark your calendars to attend the ISMNZ 2009 Labour Weekend Conference, to be held @ Keswick Christian Conference Centre on Lake Rotorua; 23-26 October 2009!
3. You can respond to the news by joining those who have already responded “YES we will be there!” (some from as far as Dunedin have already booked their airline tickets)… respond by clicking here: office@ism.org.nz and let us know one of the following:
- Yes, I/we are looking forward to attending and tentatively book space for _________ people (incl. # of Kids & Ages _____________________)
- I/we really want to attend but are still working out whether we are able
- I/we are still thinking about attending, will let you know in the future
4. Making Time to Reflect: Think back over the years/months and bring to mind a special memory from your experience of ministry to international students. Perhaps it was helping a student settle in the country and seeing their smile which led to a new friendship. Maybe you were privileged to lead an international student to Christ, or establish them in their walk with Him. Now:
- Praise God for His gift of allowing you to experience those moments
- Pray specifically for that person(s) no matter where they may be today
- If possible, contact that person(s) and let them know you are thinking of them, praying for them, and give them some encouragement.
- Over these next 24 weeks, begin to keep a journal of reflections to keep track of those lives you have had the joy and privilege of ministry and friendship with. If you have photos, include their photo in the journal along with those stories.
- Are you in touch with them today? If you are not, we challenge you to try and reconnect with as many as the Lord enables.
Tip: Facebook has become a very strong community for current students and returnees. Unlike MySpace, it is very user friendly and a great way to reconnect with people. Many of the graduates in ‘restricted access’ nations are also on Facebook, and would be blessed by your hello. So if you haven’t signed up for Facebook, give it a try! http://www.facebook.com/
5. Watch this space and Stay Connected: This blogspot can be used in many ways. You can leave comments and even sign up at the bottom under KEEP ME UPDATED! Two people have already led the way (thanks Craig and Yvette).6. Take time to remember: Ministry to international students is a privilege and a blessing. During our 2006 conference, we began Saturday morning with a time of listening prayer, seeking God to show us His heart for this ministry to internationals, and where we had come as an organisation. Here is a reminder of some of what the Lord revealed to us:
God is our source and the glory of God our motivation in ministry!
- God says: I AM who I AM
- God is our Source, Foundation, Soil, Pod, Sun, Centre
- Everything comes from God and goes out from that
- God is in control
- God’s presence goes with us
- Nothing is too hard for God
God is:
Like the sun: which rises all the time.
Present, even when it is cloudy
God is also the shade to grow beneath in times of refreshment
What we need in order to live out the purpose that God made us to be: We need God’s sun to do this. “ISM can be/exist/do because of Who God is and what He said He would do.” (God says, “is there anything too hard for Me?”)
God in ISM is showing: Early growth has matured. Some has died but what has endured and remains is strong, lean, flexible, rooted in good soil. Now there is fresh growth of new varieties – spreading out, reaching up, mixing together and all rooted in the same soil taking shade from the early ones who endured – with God always at the centre.
