Transforming the Nation through the Local Church
The theme for NECF Malaysia's nationbuilding agenda for the past two years has been to "Transform the Nation through the Local Church". In line with this theme, the Nation Building Team has been busy traveling the length and breath of the nation to educate, promote an understanding of the theme as well as to share various ways and models by which churches and Christians may play a part in seeking the welfare of the nation. The basic message has been to encourage, nurture and challenge Christians to be agents of transformation in the various places and sphere of influence that God has placed each one to be in.
It was a challenging year for the entire NECF nation-building team as we were moving from one place to another, conducting meeting after meetings. Besides that they also organized a national conference on the Missional Church with the theme Life Outside the Church. The goal was to make an impact to community, society and the nation.
Besides sharing various models for strategic actions, the NECF nation-building agenda also encompassed a prayer component which was effectively carried out through our annual 40-Day Fast & Prayer booklet and campaign. This year's theme "Uniting the Generations for the Nation" was well received as it was a call to members of the local church irrespective of age and background to come together, stand united in fervent prayer for the nation.
In all this, we want to thank our great God and savior Jesus Christ for the grace, provision and wisdom as we embarked on this journey to move the local church to be agents of transformation. Amongst the blessings we could thank God for and deserving of mention are:-
- The commencement of our own Internet news portal called "GoodTimes: A Conscience to the Nation". The portal was officially launched on October 1, 2010 and now has a staff size of 6 comprising of writers, journalists, administrator and editor. The aim of this portal is to educate and to infuse Christian values onto issues that concerns public life and interest that affects all communities. Since November, the portal has been carrying articles and features on issues of corruption, national integration, religion and communities and has thus far registered more than a few thousand hits.
The offer of 25 acres of land, 35 minutes drive from the city centre for the purpose of building a vocational school cum campsite. We are currently working on architectural drawing as part of the first phase of the building plans.
- A conference was held on how churches exercising a missional mandate can bring impact to society in the way they organize themselves to be externally focused.
- A seminar was held to brief school principals, teachers, parents and guardian on the Islamisation process and how that is affecting the state of our religious liberty.
- A seminar was held with pastors/leaders on issues of concern such as the Christian and political engagements, helping them to understand the ills and destructive consequences caused through bribery and corruption on institutions of society.
While these initiatives have produced some degree of positive results, we solicit your prayers for ongoing initiatives that will yield further fruits in the days and months to come. In particular, we like to mention the following:-
- An anti-corruption and bribery conference is being planned to mobilize the Christian critical-mass movement and those in the market-place to do their part against bribery and corruption. In this respect, do pray for our partnership with NGOs and other related agencies as we strive to inculcate practical living and conduct that is unashamedly ethical.
- Joint development projects that would be economically beneficial to the native and indigenous people in the rural heartland of East Malaysia.
- Researching and investigating issues of social injustice for purposes of advocacy and reformulation of just and righteous policies contributing to the greater and common good of society and the nation.
Conclusion
To be effective agents of transformation, Christians must continue to intercede strategically, live as authentic disciples of Christ and engage in intentional mission. The local church must play the role of encouraging, nurturing and enabling believers for this work of mission in seeking the welfare of the city, society and the nation. This is achieved by identifying and connecting all believers, facilitating their roles and empowering them by the Holy Spirit to pursue good in every aspect of human life and interest.
It is NECF desire that Christians will mediate change by proclaiming the Good News, becoming socially involved in issues plaguing society and the sphere of influenced they are in and by engaging the social-cultural institutions for the common good of all people to the glory of God.
May God continue to bless the church and Malaysia!
NECF Malaysia |
