APR 7

Matthew 28:18-20
Memorise Matthew 28:19
“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel…”

WHAT IS ITS ENGLISH INFLUENCE?

Another English influence concerns the missionary zeal with which the English Presbyterian Mission reached out to the lost in obedience to the Great Commission recorded for us in Matthew 28:18-20. One of their mission fields was China, especially in Amoy (Xiamen) in south Fukien (Fujian) in 1850. Later, missions were established at Swatow (Shantou), East Guangdong and in the inland Hakka-speaking area.

Today the same emphasis is also found in the Bible Presbyterian churches. It became known as the fastest growing denomination in Singapore as BP churches multiplied in the 1960s and 70s. Life, Zion, Faith, Galilee, Sembawang, Mt Carmel, Jurong and Pandan were set up during this period. In time to come there were also churches in Malaysia, Australia, London, Canada, India, and also the rest of South-east Asia.

The policy of self-supporting missions was also something that the leaders learnt from the English Presbyterian Mission, which in turn is what the Bible teaches. The early years of Life BP Church was marked by a self-sacrificing pastor and a generous congregation who gave cheerfully. The English Presbyterian Mission’s concern was that the churches they set up not only be self-supporting but also self-propagating churches as soon as was feasible. To this end theological education was introduced early to develop a well-trained ministry. With the help of Far Eastern Bible College’s night classes and Bible Study groups at all levels, this healthy practice is still in force.

Dear teen, are you involved, in your small way, in any mission programme or outreach? It can be being part of a mission team to visit an outreach beyond our shores. It can be giving, in cash or in your time to help God’s needy people elsewhere. It is not the amount that counts but the thought and the effort that has been put in that God is pleased with. As you reach out in faith, God will bless you with much joy.

Thought: Untold millions are still untold, Untold millions are still outside the fold.
Prayer: Lord, let me not selfishly rest content in my salvation, but be up and about to rescue the perishing who have not Christ.