Challenge Conference 2006 AD

Just spent the weekend thinking big at Challenge Conference.

Talks from Phillip Jensen were long but good. The topic: Now Is The Time - Eschatological Thinking. Good in helping to think through priorities and in thinking of the end hope filled reality for those in Christ and the perishing reality for those aren't. If God has put eternity into everybody's heart - how can this not shape the present and what you are doing now: preaching the word and world evangelism must be a priority.

Gary Koo gave talks on Ezekiel in the morning. Gary communicates really clearly, as he is easy to follow and his points are concise and made simple. His first talk was great: "A Vision of God" from Chapter 1. It was a great reminder of just how glorious our God is, a good challenge to check whether you reduce the awesomeness of God or domesticate him. God is mighty, glorious, without boundaries - he is indescribable!

John Chapman had some good insights on itinerant preaching plus gave two talks. I came away from those with the encouragement of the Sheer wonder to be God's mouthpiece and speak/live his gospel, as God's fellow workers - Awesome! (2 Corinthians 5) and; if you want to cover the gospel in your evangelistic talk then Chappo's pointer is to include: Jesus the Ruler (judges > your response REPENTANCE) and Jesus the Rescuer (saves > your response FAITH).

Col Marshall did a session with us on being an MTS apprentice (or literally a bible teacher & pastor with "L" plates) -it was a little depressing. We got onto discussing failures and I was convicted of the weight and pain when you fail people. Please pray that I would be a person marked by forgiveness and love all people and that I would be humble in seeing my own faults.

Over lunch with Dudley and Elizabeth Ford, they encouraged me that the next thing I need to read are the Institutes of Calvin. Dudley is a great man he is so excited by the gospel so too is Elizabeth. They have so much enthusiasm for learning and I pray that God will continue to use them to encourage us young folk to live a life zealous for the gospel!

On top of the teaching was a very fun fun fun time hanging out with the MTS boys Marty, Jono & Doug and also Caro, Dave, Kurt & Rod (get it 'curtain rod' - hahahaha I discovered that word-play over the weekend as well!).

I also found time spent getting to know other women doing MTS @ UNSW really valuable, particularly Jules. Jules was an immense encouragement and we were able to chat and share the training, struggles and experiences over the year so far. By her example I have been challenged to be more prayerful with people. Time spent with Jules was really edifying and helpful to think through ministry with another girl going through the trials and joys of MTS.

Overall a great weekend! Praise the Lord!