The heart of worship

Time is flying, more than half of January 2008 has already passed. Looking back I really praise God that I had a great beginning for the new year! We went to Central Coast in New Castle for mission trip, I learnt a lot from this unforgettable mission trip. Today I shared the testimony in church, I pray that my testimony will encourage different ones in church and glorify God’s name. Amen! Here is the testimony:

Today I want to testify how God strengthened and empowered my faith through the mission trip to central coast two weeks ago. 

I became a Christian only about a year ago.When I heard there was a mission trip down to Central Coast in New Castle, I felt excited because I am a person who loves travelling and experiencing different adventures. So for me mission trip was more like an adventure. Also I just graduated from Bachelor of Business degree from QUT so I thought the mission trip could be a great way to celebrate my graduation. When I heard that we are going to help out a new planted Hope church in Central Coast. I realized it was for MISSION and to fulfill the Great Commission,  and it is not only for fun fun fun. I started to take this mission trip serious and prepare myself with fasting, pray, and spend more time on reading Bible. I wanna share three things that really changed my heart during the mission trip. 

The first thing is the great faith of the coordinator in Hope Central Coast. Hope Central Coast started 1 year ago, currently has 5 main members. The coordinator is quite young only 25 years old. He is from Hope New Castle. Before I thought that planting church is a big job for middle-aged or very mature Christian, not for young people. So I saw the young coordinator in Hope Central Coast, I was really inspired by his strong faith in God. 

Another area is about leading the praise and worship. Since our theme for mission trip was “BEYOND”, which means everyone needs beyond our comfort zone and do something new. So I chose to lead the P&W for prayer meeting in the church there. It was my first time leading the worship team. It was quite challenging, however, I prayed God to encourage my heart, lead me and empower me. It was really amazing that I felt extremely peace and joy before I led the P&W on that day. Praise God that I have experienced the breakthrough in worshipping Him and know what is the meaning of a true worshipper. 

Last but not least, it is sharing the good news with local people. As an international student, so far I felt more comfortable to talk with the international students or Asians. While, most of the people we met in Central Coast shopping centre are Aussie. In the beginning, it was not easy for me to talk with them. While, God enabled me to share my testimony with them boldly after I prayed to Him. I stepped out and shared the good news with local people and most of them are quite open. I believe that God showed me that I can bring the good news to the local people and bless them. 

In conclusion, 2008 Central Coast mission trip was an unforgettable trip. It was a great spirtual adventure and wonderful graduated trip for my life. I’d like to encourage everyone to join up the mission trip when the opportunities are coming and be part of the great commission. Don’t worry if you are a young Christian, because God will always be there to help you and encourage you! 

At last, I want to leave you with the verses from Matthew 28:19-20 this is the great commission that God commanded to all believers:Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.