24 January 2017 | Binfield, UK [Natasha Mirilov] Over one thousand pastors and lay-members from across the South England Conference (SEC) packed Newbold College’s auditoriums and Newbold Church to attend an annual Evangelism Expo on Sunday, 8 January, making it the largest attended event of its kind.
Finley spoke from practical experience, especially from his involvement with Mission to the Cities in Dublin. He challenged members to look at evangelism under the microscope and seek ways to change the communities around them.
In 2017, the SEC’s four-year plan; ‘Evangelism, Everyone, Everywhere’, focuses on restoration. “You should feel empowered to go back to your church, to the community and make a change,” stated Paul Lee, Assistant to the SEC President.
“A number of people have spoken about the fact that they want to see the Conference be more like a family and this brings us together,” he said. “They see what everyone is doing and it encourages them to work together, because we are there to share the Gospel message.”
That made an impact on Raafat Kamal, President of the Church across the Trans-European Division. “I was inspired by the testimonies, commitment and mission-focus of our church members,” he said. “It just shows once again that God is working on hearts and minds to do His mission, to be a blessing for our communities with total member involvement.”
Osei, challenged members to work together with local councils. Challenge them: “How can we help, tell us what we can do to work together?” He explained, that it is important to move away from “things obvious” to “things that are going to help people” and to “things where members can take pride in their community.”
The idea of ‘help’ was emphasised in the area of health by Ernestine Finley, wife of Pastor Finley. As a health professional, she encouraged the attendees to reach and meet people at their point of need through health. This harmonised with the theme of the entire Expo as members were encouraged to reach people in unexplored and innovative ways.
From the animated conversations at the end of the day, Finley will not be on his own. One thousand others are inspired to make God known across southern England. Osei concluded, “As we leave this place, we do so recharged, inspired and enthused, ready to do something for God in this mission that He has given us.” [tedNEWS]
tedNEWS Staff: Victor Hulbert, editor; Esti Pujic, associate editor
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tedNEWS is an information bulletin issued by the communication department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Trans-European Division.
