Battle Log

Friday, 19 March, 2021

Posted 20 March 2021, 12:49 PM by Glen Richards. Permalink

New Zealand Mission - Week Three - Dunedin - Day Five

The last day of the NZ mission.  We made it!  What an awesome time it’s been over the three weeks and across three locations.  People from many walks of life have heard and understood the gospel.  Hopefully many Christians have been encouraged and equipped.  But most importantly, God has received glory through people growing in their understanding of who he is and through the obedience of his children to GO!

The last day of outreach was again outside the Otago Museum where streams of university students walk past.

The day was contrasting for me.  I was paired with Aliyah in the morning and we had a constant run of great conversations - so many that I had to slow myself down due to mental tension from concentration.  But in the afternoon (paired with Samara), I lost my confidence for some reason?  But it finished well!

An interesting chat occurred with two young students: one a Christian, the other a Seventh Day Adventist - but both denying hell.  And yet they both clearly pointed at their deeds to get them to heaven: “as long as I’m trying”.  I gave them the logic for hell, and shared the law, then the gospel.  Yet they just seemed blind to it - engaged, yet not seeing the amazingness of grace.  On the final checking question, the Christian promptly reverted to “try” away from “trust”.  Yet some plowing has occurred and seeds sown.

The final chat occurred when Samara and I approached a couple sitting on the grass.  They were more than happy to have a deep conversation and Samara did a great job taking them through the flip chart, with me chipping in to address questions.  It was clear that they were understanding the gospel by the end of the conversation, but it was also clear that they needed time to process the new information.  The girl challenged us on the use of hell as fear mongering.  I explained that it was legitimate, in the same way that a car safety ad used legitimate fear tactics.

Thanks for your prayer over this mission!  Moving back to a more normal schedule now - continued prayer appreciated as I adjust back.  Soli Deo Gloria!