September 3, 2001
The hymn says: "Go labor on, spend and be spent, thy joy to do the Father’s will, it is the way the Master went, should not the servant tread it still?" Written by Horatius Bonar in the 19th century it is not in our current hymnal but really expresses a servant perspective for the celebration of this Labor day.
Such opportunities exist everywhere. At First Baptist, in addition to our involvement in local mission, we are currently highlighting our overseas ministries and this week we go to Malaysia, where our evangelism/discipleship focus is titled:
"Reaching the Unreached."
Speckled with numerous shops, businesses, and tourists, the bustling border town of Pedang Besar, in the state of Perlis, Malaysia, seems to have everything it needs to flourish in this world. However, it soon became clear that the city is desperately missing what it needs most: the healing and loving power of Jesus Christ.
Located on the northern tip of Malaysia, not far from the Thai border, it is home to hundreds of Malaysians as well as a large Thai community. Residents are driven by a desire for affluence -not for faith - and the closest church is more than an hour’s drive away.
The Perlis Baptist Church, in the town of Kangar learned that there are no Christian families in all of Pandang Besar. In response to this great need they have begun plans to open a Praise Center through which they can minister to these unreached communities.
After basic renovation of rented property the Center will shelter Sunday worship, Sunday morning children’s activities, and a Thursday night prayer meeting. Perlis Baptist also hopes to partner with churches in Thailand to reach out to the Thai community and offer Thai language worship.
Lim Wai Ming, pastor of the Perlis church says, "We’re all fired up for this new work! There are limitless possibilities for the church in Pandang Besar!" This is where $3600 of the World Mission Offering will go, into Our World Of Unlimited Possibilities." Let’s all make our positive difference as we labor on as servant.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
201 Oak St.
Mauston, WI 53948-1333 608-8474555
Past Weeks Thoughts: