CONFLICT

CONFLICT

              Man created by God as a personal and social being, also with different characteristic, thus, come from the multicultural background. Conflict may arise because of those differences. We are human, and humans make a mistake, none of us is perfect, and when imperfect people try to something, conflict may arise quickly. Moreover, humans have a different perspective of thinking to deal with conflict. As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17 NIV), this verse teaches us that as a human, we will sharpen the others, especially in ministry. Ministry always about the people. But conflict is not always an unfortunate circumstance, in fact, conflict is a natural part of relationship development.

              In ministry, we are living in the conflict area. One example is when I had a conflict with one of my best friend. She was suddenly angry at me. Hence, I had no idea what’s going on at that time, but in the end, I knew the miscommunication is the main problem. Honestly, deal with conflict is not easy, I didn’t sleep well. I knew that I have to do something to end the conflict. Ephesians 4:26 says not to let the sun go down while were angry. We need to confront the conflict as soon as possible, don’t make it too long. Firstly, I went immediately to that person asking to forgive me which I didn’t care whose problem at that time. Secondly, I don’t like gossip at all, so for me better to deal with the conflict and say sorry rather than keep the chatter around the block as a gossip betrays confidence (Proverbs 11:13 NIV). Proverbs 15:1 says that gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Lastly, I learnt to admit that I were wrong and humbly asking forgiveness, even though I don’t think I’m wrong, but at least our attitude will bring the peace around people. We are the peacemaker, and our lifestyle has to be God’s representation.

              You cannot be right with God if you’re wrong with others. Our relationships with people and your relationship with God are directly connected. Let’s deal with conflict wisely, resolve the dispute directly, and humbly asking for sorry and don’t spread up the gossip. It shows that we honour God and God will heal our heart. On the other hand, if we don’t deal with conflict, it’ll slowly infect every part of our life including our relationship with others.

TO THE END OF THE EARTH

TO THE END OF THE EARTH

In Matthew 28: 18-20, And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” If we read that verse, we will find out that God has a passion for humankind. Thus, people are essential to God. And as God’s disciples, our top priority is to spread out the words of God and make disciples. Moreover, in Romans 10:14 says that how can people able to trust God if they do not know God??? And how they know God if no one preaches the words of God?? ( this becomes our responsibility, and let the people know about God’s love).

People in our congregations are mostly from Indonesia, and as an Indonesian usually, we are doing a mission for the kids with needs in Indonesia. Indonesia has many children who become victims of consumerism, drugs, and promiscuity due to the thirst for the affection of parents. In facts, children need a joy, good news, or the Gospel. I remember when I was a kid, there was an evangelist who came to our church and they brought a lot of presents as a proof that they care and love us, thus, told us that God sent them to share God’s love for the world. Based on that memory, I organised the congregations to do the similar task. I made a short mission trip with one of our affiliated mission organisations in Indonesia. It was such a fantastic trip for the kids and also for my team. Even though it was minimal tasks to bless the kids, I believed that they would remember God and how God able to use everyone to be His ambassador. As God’s ambassador, we can't wait any longer, let's start the first step to spread up the good news.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

                                                                        -Lao Tzu-

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.

                                                                                    -Martin Luther King, Jr.-

We will see the completion of this task! God has given every resource to do the work. We have no excuse not to do it.

Time Management (Ministry Practices)

Ministry practices (time management)

          In the past, there are many Pastors have a fruitful ministry but on the other hand, they failed to build on their family. Their kids are falling apart and away from ministry, thus, many of them at the end of their life is a lonely person. Pastor’s life somehow destroyed by the lack of time management. Ps. Daryl Potts in his lecture (pastoral ministry) stated that if we lack time managing on family, personal health, and life maintenance, we will not last long in ministry. That is true; this is the best thing that we have to do especially in ministry. Life is about balancing everything, thus, especially in ministry. Jesus is our great example to learn how to maintain ministry. He did allocate regular time for prayer (Mark 1:35) and study of God’s word. Jesus teaches us that time and our life just like a vapour that appears for a little while and then vanishes away (James 4:14 NIV). Hence, I learn that I have insufficient time in this world and I need to use it properly. Besides, at home, I am a wife and a mom to one fantastic boy under the age of ten. I am also a part-time florist and doing my bachelor in ministry to equip my calling in ministry. Honestly, my life a bit too much right now, but I believed by the Grace of God and also with an excellent time management, I capable enough to maintain all the tasks in my life.
             
              As a pastor or leader in our church, time management is an essential part of our life. If you say yes to one thing, means you say no to the other stuff. We cannot do both tasks at the same time, thus, scheduling our time is the solution to free us up to make the most significant contribution to the ministry and being an influence on our team. We are called to be a productive person in serving the needs of the people around us through our lives and our work. Successful time management will be with the diligence and discipline (Proverbs 21:5).


 

Women's Ministry

Woman and ministry

Life is full of choices. One day we have to move mountains and others we spend on seemingly purposeless drudgery. We can choose to see action as a curse or as a blessing. It’s about perspective. It understands our identity and what we’re called to do. As a mom, wife and born in Asian background, I have my struggles regards my calling. In Asian culture perspectives, women are the second in charge in church while men can serve in every area. But, on the other hand, in the Bible, many of them were brought to change the history. One concreates example is the involvement of Pricilla with her husband Aquila in ministry which her role us greater than her husband (Acts 18:26). The reality is both men and women are equal in God’s eyes. Everyone both men and women are born with a specific God-given purpose.

Back to my story, I found out that my calling is in evangelism. For me, not easy to pursue my calling as I'm a woman, which, has many roles in life. But on the other hand, as a God’s disciple, I need to be God’s witnesses in my own home first and then to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). When we find ourselves working in the house first (family), in any season of life, we have no guilt or shame instead we will have support from the family member. So, while I’m waiting for God’s command, I keep praying and be Christ’s ambassador at home and of course still, serve at church. Moreover, after several processes that I have been through, God did answer my prayers. He brought confirmation, signs and encouragement through my husband and the leaders in the church. Now, by the grace of God, my husband and I, we are walking to pursue God’s calling in our life. I believe, as a woman, God has specific calling in our life but before we move forward toward the calling, let's put our life and the calling into God’s hand. In Jesus' hand, there are provisions; He will give us the strength, capacity and the family’s support.

Furthermore, if we truly understand our identity and the calling on us, accept God’s promise and discern the work we called to then we would begin to find ourselves in the middle of His will. “There is neither Jew or Gentile, neither slave nor free, neither male or female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28).”

---

Stress Management

Stress

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you “.

                                                                        1 Peter 5: 7

February 2018, I was entering a new level in my life I feel excited and worry at the same time. I’m doing my Bachelor of Ministry to pursue God’s calling in my life which brought me on a new journey that I never know before. It was very excited, I have gained a lot of knowledge and encouragement from new friends and teacher. On the other hand, after three weeks we have assessments on due, it’s has brought me into a terrible situation. The language barrier is my biggest fear; I feel so discomfort. I have limited ability doing research or writing tasks as English is my second language. Secondly, my problem is I have no idea about ministry study bring about as my education was from Accounting field. I’m thinking too far regard my situation and those two aspects brought opinions that I will have significant problems in my study even though I just started last February. One night, I fell apart. Without realising why, I was crying and freaking in the middle of the night, felt wants to put everything down. My husband then came to me and calmed me down. And I’m so grateful, and I have a community that has encouraged me and pray for me.

The following day, I remembered one of the preachers say, God wants you to growth, don’t be settle because as a human we had the mentally of enough. I felt God straight talked to me through the preacher, and he added to grow requires sacrificing, paying the price and taking steps in Faith. And that statement brought me to tears, I can feel God love me so much, and my faith was getting stronger than before.

Joyce Meyer said in her book that, the worry is like a rocking chair, always on motion, but not going anywhere. Fear drag me down into pieces, and these quotes remind me that I will not go anywhere if I keep worrying everything. Psalm 91:2 says, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust” and 1 Peter 5:7 says,” cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." God is good, He speaks with love and always calms me down afterwards. When we look at our lives, and our struggles do not be discouraged instead we have moving forward and keep walking in God’s path. God will reveal Himself and His love for us in the midst of our mess. I have felt strong, able to shoulder burdens and fight my terror.  For the know the plans I have for you, “declares the Lord,” plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plan to give you hope and a future ( Jeremiah 29:11)