What is missions?
"You Are The Light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Nor do they light a lamp and put it inside a basket, but on a lampstand and it
gives light to all who are in the house. "Let Your Light so shine before men that
they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16).

This encapsulates what Missions means to ECC Box Hill. Our desires is to be a
church that is not inward looking but rather to be a true light to our surrounding
community and beyond.

Missions is an outward manifestation of the inward joy we have in us. We are called to
minister to the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of people who have had the least
opportunity to hear or understand the gospel so that people will understand more of God's
compassion and more of the truth of His saving love for them.

Why should I get involved?
God has gifted each of us for the edification of His body and the extension of His kingdom. Especially living in Australia, we have been given much blessings and privileges that the majority of the world do not enjoy. To those who have been given much, much will be expected.

2000 years ago, Jesus set the example. He didn’t just sit at home and wait for people to come to Him. But he went out to the needy, healed their physical ailments and ministered to the bondage in their soul. As His church, we are called to be His hands and feet to minister to the human suffering all around us.

Can’t I just do missions in Australia?
Acts 1:8: “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth”

When some people read this, they take it as a sequential command, meaning that ministry begins firstly within family, friends and loved ones, then moving on to community, and only then to the ends of the world.

We should look at that verse in a different light. We should simultaneously do all 3 - be an excellent witness in your inner circle of relationships, in the community that God has placed us as well as to the ends of the earth.

What can it look like?
It can look like a lot of different things – reflecting the variety of God-given interests, abilities, gifts, experience and openings. . There is no “one way” of getting involved in missions. Here are some ideas:

• Train yourself in how to do effective evangelism (in our Training Seminars).

• Invite friends to special events in our church.

• Join our Community Outreach Initiatives - Contact Siew Yong Leong.

• Join a short term trip of a few weeks or a few months - Contact Jason Ong. (doctorjasonong@gmail.com)

• Commit to pray for missionaries.

• Give financially to support missions.

• Consider a longer commitment of one, two or 10 years or more in a cross-cultural ministry to really have an impact.

What is essential?

• Cultural sensitivity – we go as learners into other places, showing Christ-like humility, especially in matters of culture.

• Flexibility- as learners we will find our assumptions about “norms” prove unreliable, therefore the need to be flexible.

• Sense of humour – An antidote to taking yourself too seriously in all of the above situations.

• Friendliness, servant-heart, team-work, and courteousness.

• Persistence, perseverance and prayer through challenge Christian love and forgiveness.

• Adapting what you know to the needs, not adapting the needs to what you know.

How do I get involved? An ABC of getting involved.

A - Ask God: "How should I get involved?"
Pray for God to show you what His plan is specifically for you. There are many ways to get involved.

B - Be alert to opportunities.
Watch out for opportunities in the church announcements and newsletters. Subscribe to Missions newsletters which often advertise specific upcoming trips and speak to people who have been on a mission trips already. They can give you practical information on how to get involved.

C - Come and taste for yourself.
The Church organises at least one short term trip a year and also does multiple community outreach events throughout the year. Get involved!

For more information about Missions, please contact doctorjasonong@gmail.com