Being Trained for Global Mission

by Owen Robson

The gathering of God’s people in praise and worship brings joy. But, the glimpse of heaven that is witnessed at the National Training Event (NTE) as you join in song with over 1700 other people is truly something to behold.

The Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students (AFES) is the national movement of Christian university groups, of which the Evangelical Union is a member. Each year at NTE, Christian university students gather from all corners of the country and across the globe, to be trained to read and teach the Bible faithfully through strand groups and platform talks.

This year’s theme was ‘All things new’. Richard Chin (AFES National Director) and Phillip Jensen helped us look forward to the future of God’s plan and the impact it has on us today, to have our eyes lifted to the work that God is doing across the world and the need for more gospel workers. One of the many highlights of the conference was tackling the systematic theology of the resurrection in my strand group, and again, being reminded of the astonishing event of the resurrection and the sure hope it offers to all who trust in Christ Jesus.

As a member of the 2017 EU Executive, I also had the joy of attending the Student Committees Training Conference, which ran over the two days preceding NTE. Executive members from campus groups across Australia gathered to learn about effective leadership and networked with one another (aka ‘borrowing’ each other’s ideas). It was a great encouragement to hear of how God has been working faithfully at various campuses, of His word spreading among and through students who served to lead their groups to the glory of God.

The great strength of NTE was that students could put into practise the training they received almost immediately. Students were encouraged to go on mission across Australia to help facilitate the ministry of churches in this busy time of year.

This year, EU has sent teams to over 14 churches across the country. I had the joy of partnering with my local church Botany Bay Community Church where we ran scripture assemblies and a community carols event. It was exciting and encouraging seeing students use the skills they had gained from NTE as they led devotions, kids talks and preached from God’s Word.

The EU is so richly blessed with opportunities to be trained in reading and teaching the Bible and to partner with other Christians as we seek to bring the message of reconciliation to many. Pray that God may use this year’s NTE and missions, as well as those in the years to come to further His kingdom.

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