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| Perth, Australia | February 2015 |
Sharing the Gospel in Australia
Recently, we were working at a conference sharing about the work we're called to in Australia. Missy had gone to lunch with a friend and I was at the Mission to the World booth catching up with a friend and fellow missionary who works in Ethiopia. As we were talking, a gentlemen walked up who was excited to speak with my friend. They started talking and my friend introduced me and the gentlemen smiled and asked where I served or would be serving. I smiled and told him "My wife and I are going to work with a church planting team in Perth, Australia." His immediate response was, "Now why are we sending missionaries to Australia?" I laughed, smiled, and responded with a quick explanation of why our ministry and calling mattered. He thanked me but said it really didn't make sense why we'd send missionaries there. He then said goodbye to us and was on his way. After he left, my friend turned to me and was somewhat apologetic and shared that he was impressed with how I'd handled the situation. I laughed, sharing with him how that man's posture and question is not uncommon for us and that I'd had a lot of preparation for learning how to embrace those moments!
We're sharing the story above not for votes of sympathy or affirmation of our calling-- We believe we're called to go to Australia and MTW and our team in Perth feel the same way! However, we've had to learn that a large part of that calling is helping educate not only why we're called but also asking what missions looks like in this ever-changing world and helping cast a vision for that calling. We're sharing this story because maybe you've been wondering, "Why Australia?" and we'd like the opportunity to answer this question and paint a picture of the work God has called us to in Perth.
We're sharing the story above not for votes of sympathy or affirmation of our calling-- We believe we're called to go to Australia and MTW and our team in Perth feel the same way! However, we've had to learn that a large part of that calling is helping educate not only why we're called but also asking what missions looks like in this ever-changing world and helping cast a vision for that calling. We're sharing this story because maybe you've been wondering, "Why Australia?" and we'd like the opportunity to answer this question and paint a picture of the work God has called us to in Perth.
Why Australia?
Australia is a land of breathtaking beauty, but it also has a unique spiritual character with both strengths and weaknesses.Generally speaking Australia is:
Secular Around 10% of Australians go to church on Sundays (compared to 45% in the U.S.) and religion is not a topic of polite conversation.
Unbelieving In the 1700s, Australia was settled largely by convicts who saw the church as an ally of the prison guards. Ever since, Australians have had conflicted feelings about the church and are deeply cynical about matters of faith.
Discouraged Unlike the United State's history of successful expansion and enterprise, much of Australia's history involves crippling disappointment. This attitude of dejection bleeds into matters of faith.
But Australians have:
Commitment Australians highly prize authenticity, a value reflected in the church. While the number of Australian Christians is few, the ones believe are highly committed.
Huge Potential Australia has access to solid Christian resources. With training and discipleship, they are positioned to be influencers and leaders both in national churches and beyond.
Why Perth?
Despite having strong ties to international commerce and a long and lasting legacy in the creative classes, Perth remains one of the most isolated cities in the world. Loneliness, skepticism, and despair weigh heavily upon the city and its people, revealing deep spiritual needs. Australians living in Perth have asked American Christians for help and partnership in sharing the Gospel.Why Us?
A few years ago as we were praying and exploring the possibility of becoming missionaries to Australia, we were contacted by the existing MTW team in Perth who asked us to come join them and help with worship, evangelism, and strategic planning.
Andy's focus will be planning and leading worship, discipling and developing new worship leaders, and engaging musicians outside the faith, inviting them to join in our church community.
Missy's educational background provides opportunities for students and families to have meaningful dialogue about faith, creating a safe space for big questions about who Jesus is.
Our Approach
Church Planting
We'll be joining existing believers in church planting, empowering and encouraging them in worship, evangelism, and discipleship. We'll also be working to establish networks and build relationships with local business and community leaders to develop opportunities for meaningful conversations about Jesus and His church.
Community Evangelism
Our desire is to become actively involved to engage and participate in the values and practices of the local community. Education, the arts, recreation, and service are areas where we can build meaningful relationships while contributing to the quality of life in the city and its neighborhoods.
We'll look for opportunities to invite unbelievers to be part of our community-- not just with special events and activities, but also in the ordinary tasks of daily life.
Over the next couple of weeks we'll be sharing more stories about Australia from our own experiences as well as from our teammates who are already there in an effort to give you a continuing picture of how God is moving down under. Please pray for us as we prepare to leave, pray for our teammates as they share the good news of Jesus with the people they meet, and pray for those Australians who have yet to hear the Gospel. Pray that God will work and prepare their hearts to hear and receive it.
We're looking forward to sharing more cool news on Monday! Have a great weekend!
Soli Deo Gloria,
Andy & Missy
