Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: HARMONY (11/03/22)
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TITLE: Interim Ministries – and a Name Change Missed… | Previous Challenge Entry
By Noel Mitaxa
11/10/22 -
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Interim ministry came unexpectedly for me. I was about to speak as the visiting preacher when the pastor’s sudden resignation was announced. With shock and grief flying in all directions, my message suddenly morphed into an impromptu funeral service for his ministry. I couldn’t have got it right, for they invited me back for the next two Sundays – and then to be their interim pastor.
My next church was struggling. With great memories but no energy left to relive them, they were soured from hearing the previous pastor’s boast that he was preparing this dying church for burial. Yes folks, they were depressed even before I started, but my anticipated short term stretched into twelve years that saw the birth of a range of community ministries like woodwork training for unemployed people, a community garden, and counselling and education programs.
More of God’s harmonizing at work, for these ministries were empowered by the prayers of these faithful old folks.
More recently, I was invited to serve a church of almost two hundred members from over thirty countries: from southeast Asia, India, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, African, European, Pacific Islands, and Latin American nations. All relating together so warmly under Jesus’ Lordship, and generously sending mission teams to the Philippines each year.
Ian and Wendy had been missionaries in Malawi, Africa, where they had adopted two brothers, with black skins which aroused one lady’s curiosity. “How can they be your sons?” she asked.
“You’ve heard of the albino effect that makes some babies totally white?” Ian responded, to see her nodding. “Sometimes this effect works the other way!”
She went away thrilled with her new-found knowledge...
After meeting with the pastoral search committee, he was recommended as the next pastor. In announcing his appointment, I assured everyone how he would harmonize with the other helpful Ians in the bible. They looked puzzled, so I listed them all: Corinth-IANS, Galat-IANS, Ephes-IANS, Philipp-IANS, Coloss-IANS and Thessalon-IANS!
But the biggest highlight in harmony came sometime later, when a young university student asked to be baptized, along with a couple in their seventies.
After we set the date, the church’s multicultural nature opened the possibility of reliving Pentecost Day; so I invited those from non-English backgrounds to share John 3:16 in their native tongue.
Came the day, and the church was packed with friends and family of those to be baptized. After a few songs, I asked our ethnic friends to contribute – one by one at first, and then all together several times over. And as “For God so loved the world…” echoed around the sanctuary in so many languages, the depth of harmony prompted one opera-trained member to describe it as “a symphony of sound.”
Seeing everyone’s awe-struck expressions, I described how God speaks into our deepest selves. Mostly through others’ voices, but he sometimes reaches where no one else can see, bringing his unmistakable touch of love and hope.
Finally, while baptizing the three candidates, I invited everyone present to relive their own immersion and to recommit to Jesus’ Lordship.
It was a memorable day, and so close to the original Pentecost...
Well - with a couple of minor exceptions. We heard no mighty wind; there was a distinct shortage of tongues of fire; the disciples at Pentecost did not know what they were saying, while our speakers did; our congregation did not understand the words, while the Pentecost crowd knew only too well. And I guess the comparison slips a little further when our three baptisms were only 2997 short of the number baptized that day when the church was born.
But what about that name change in the title?
Thanks for asking, for this church is in leafy Moonee Ponds, an inner suburb of Melbourne Australia, and from seeing how well everyone got on, I suggested that they should be called Har-Moonee Ponds Baptist Church. Can’t imagine why they never took up that suggestion…
That last detail might blow the anonymity of this writer, but since it’s a story that’s well worth telling, I’m prepared to take the risk.
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I was smiling and inspired at once. The name change at the end was beyond priceless.
Great idea!
On a serious note, loved reading about all of the accomplishments you've experienced through Christ.
Overall, a wonderful entry, and beautifully written.
God Bless~
!
Congratulations!