The Lausanne Global Conversation is on the World Wide Open Network
作者: Belsen Wosagas
日期: 29.06.2011
地点: Melbourne | 澳大利亚
Category: 儿童与青少年, 未得之民, Theological Education
Greetings from Australia! As many western societies that live far too comfortably, we too are dealing with a rising tide of secularism where Jesus is deemed to be no longer relevant and this malaise is having particular impact on our young, especially those in their early years of schooling.
I do not know how aware people are of the mission in Australia, but there has been considerable effort expended by some local organisations, such as Access Ministries and Scripture Union Queensland, to gain access to our school system to introduce the word of Jesus to the unfortunate children being denied by the secular education system - there are the usual nuisance constitional issues, not to mention teachers’ union troubles. Of course, their great successes and inroads made thus far are beginning to generate substantial resistance from organised secularists and atheists outside of the education system as well. It is reaching the point where we are actually facing some dangers via a High Court Challenge as well as a few parliamentary enquiries into the religious education and chaplaincy programs.
I guess my real question is how have people in other parts of the world dealt with such assaults on christian education? At every turn we are being accused of being liars and thieves from the public purse, and that we are knowingly breaching agreements that were signed in order to be able to do our work in the schools - and many far more hurtful accusations.
At the core of all of our troubles is a strict prohibition on seeking to bring children across to our faith - the secularists insist on labeling this as "proselytising" and "conversion", highly charged terms that do cast us in the light as breaking agreements made with the various education departments. But how is it possible to do this work without seeking to save those children who have been denied Jesus? It is our very reason for existence. As many in the movement say, our work will never be done until the nets are full and all the children brought into the fold.
I am at a loss as to what to do. The organisations involved are being slowly backed into a corner and thus far have not been able to respond effectively to these threats. So how does one successfully minister to these children who otherwise risk never being saved in such an environment of hostility? Any advice or thoughts would graciously be appreciated.
关键词: access ministries, suqld, evonne paddison, peter garrett, tim mander, SRI, chaplaincy
Belsen_Wosagas还没有发表任何Resources条目。 请点击此处查看http://conversation.lausanne.org/zh/users/profile/Belsen_Wosagas已经发表的内容。
观点: 10517
评论: 26
推荐: 2
使用条款 | 保密条款 | 洛桑全球对话(LGC)是由World Wide Open制作支持 | World Wide Open是什么？
对话 发表评论
美国
Hi Belsen,
I have never been faced with this type of opposition but I want to post a comment to let you that I will be praying for you and these ministries (Access Ministries & Scripture Union Queensland). The situation you and your fellow laborers find yourselves in does not seem easy and I know that it can be discouraging.
My prayer is that God would work supernaturally to open doors for you all in the public school systems. I pray that you all would be encouraged as you all fight to get the Gospel to students in the schools (which is an honorable task), and that God would make a way for you all to do so.
I am encouraged by you all’s mission, as I want to work with children as well.
Thank you.
04.05.2013
美国
@ Tumelo_Rose:
I feel helpless after reading this article. Like Tumelo Rose I will pray for you and ask for the guidance of the Spirit. May the Lord bless the efforts made by the church in this area. God grant the workers the strength to perservere in bringing the Gospel to these children.
04.05.2013
美国
It is important that, although frustrating, we must continue to work on reaching out to the young people. We must, however, be careful that we are not presenting ourselves as a threat to their beliefs or way of life. This will be counterproductive. Instead, continue to work on ways to affect the lives of children, perhaps in other ways than school oriented functions. Perhaps we could look to after-school programs, volunteering as sport coaches, music teachers, etc, where we can have impacts that are not threatening or restricted by government guidelines. The important thing is to not give up, but look for new ways to further the gospel.
23.11.2012
美国
@ dg8074:
Your thoughts are good ones and these are definitely ways that we (Christians) can and should engage with children. Our church started an afterschool program for at risk children this fall. It was done in cooperation with the local schools and non-profit oganizations in the community who work with homeless and at-risk families. Families know up front that their children will be at the program at a church and they will hear about God and Jesus and the Bible while they are there. They have to sign-off on participation.
Are there challenges to doing programs like this? Absolutely. And, it is not an easy thing to do. These children have so many needs that it is difficult to know where to begin. But, if we don’t try to provide something for them, then they may never have the chance to get much of anything in the way of knowing about God, coming to faith, or even knowing that there are other people in the world who care about them and what happens to them.
And, one of the things I have had to learn is that when we work with children and families (especially those who come for the event but not to be part of the church per se) we have to offer what we can in the time we have. Maybe that is the mustard seed that will take root and grow later. We may never know if that’s the case, but can we afford not to offer it?
Pray for the ways in which we can all share God’s love with others every day.
Blessings and Peace,
L.Sills
07.12.2012
美国
Some of our religious organizations and teams have faced this same problem as well. It is hard to deal with this on such a broad scale as you have, or on any scale for that matter.
Small strides in getting into the schools for us are coming. It has taken building a relationship with the individual schools more than the school systems and establishing a basis of credibility within those certain schools that once that is made they then in turn will back you up when other situations arise. It takes much prayer and discernment and persistence knowing that 9 times out of 10 the door will be shut in your face. But just the effort of trying has the ability to bring God glory. Do not be discouraged for God is a great God with great plans. He is using the people in your area to talk to others, and even through the accusations by displaying his likeness they are bringing glory to Him. I hope this helps and best of luck!
29.09.2011
美国
@ Elizabeth_B:
Our church wanted to begin an after school Bible club (Club 3:16) at our local elementary school. We first did a supplies drive and donated a huge amount of school supplies to the teachers to be passed out to students who could not afford them. We have each year hosted a lunch for all the teachers and staff of the school during one of their in service days where we pray for them, serve them lunch, and express our appreciation for them. After we had established a relationship with the school, they were very welcoming to us and helped us...now many children have come to the Lord as a result. Patience and willingness to establish trust are so important.
19.06.2012
美国
@ earnold:
I agree - Christians don’t get caught up with one particular sin- get caught up in praying for deliverance-Chrisitians don’t need to debate if it is right or wrong - our job is to share the gospel in LOVE-
18.07.2012
美国
To answer how does one successfully minister to the children who otherwise risk never being saved is to do just that continue to minister no matter the hostility. We must be reminded that the Holy Spirit is our guide and provisions will be made if we stay deeply rooted in Christ.
14.07.2011
美国
@ ladyT:
well said we must trust that the Holy Spirit to work in persons live that we cannot personally witness to. The Spirit is converting persons in dreams and has called persons in miraclous ways before. The fear that others might go to hell is a tool of the enemy. We must instead focus on the light and pray and hope for people to know Jesus in thier life.
29.11.2011
美国
When it comes to religion/ faith and the school system, I am a true Baptist. I am all for separation of Church and State. We often think it would be a good thing to have religion in schools, but we must remember that if we allow Christianity to be preached in schools, then other faith groups will be allowed to bring their religions in as well. I can only imagine the tension and the stress it would put on the children. That being said, I do believe its important to bring the Gospel to those who need Christ. There are other ways of doing this besides having it taught in the classroom. Here in the states, the church encourages its young members to form peer lead groups after school. Because of this we have groups such as Christian athletes. We also have something called “meet at the pole.” It is a student lead prayer group that meets once a month at the flag pole in front of the school before classes start in order to pray for the school, non-believers, etc. When it comes to this issue, I think its time that we encourage our youth to step up to the plate and talk to their peers. As far as what a teacher can do, actions speak louder than words sometimes. Students will notice your actions, which can open the door to great conversations about the Truth on which your life is founded.
14.11.2011
美国
@ jdb11583:
You raise a great point in saying that thier should be seperation of church and state. It is scary to alot of people when Christianity loses its place of special status in the west. But I think that this might be a good thing. The church has always done best when it is not entangled as part of the power structure of the state. When Christianity is in a place of political power we see an oversaturation of christian atempts at sharing the gospel.
29.11.2011
美国
God opens the most amazing doors in the most mysterious ways. He often chose the one who was least likely to do the job, so that His glory would be seen through them. I have faith that the God who brought previous groups out of bondage is the same God today that has the ability to do the same. Though His timing is not our timing God has a plan set out for each of us. It is my prayer that your comfort during this time will be the fact that God never fails, never leaves and never lets go. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
10.11.2011
美国
@ Elizabeth_B: Elizabeth, well said, beautiful sentiments. I couldn’t add more. Diana
10.11.2011
美国
thanks Robert,
I also believe that being an effective witness in the educational system is not easy. Depending on what part of the world he/she is teaching, they have to be very cautious as to how and when to share their faith only if there are allowed. In addition to that, they can also pray fervently so that the Lord may give them wisdom to be the salt and light of the world in the midst of any hostility.
09.11.2011
美国
My heart and prayers go out to these persons who are trying to make Jesus known through their educational system. Ii don’t know if I can offer any helpful advice is only to say to these individuals is work cautiously. Where there is a will, there is a way also. I believe just like the children of Israel were in Egypt, God will hear and answer your cries. Stay prayed up and continue to approach God about this matter. Jesus said, "Suffer the little children and forbid them not for such is the kingdom of heaven." I believe that children has a special place in the heart of our God!
08.11.2011
美国
Belsen
my prayers are with you as you face the persecution in the educational system. However, we believe in a powerful God and depend from His neverending mercy and love. I agree with others who have said that we all suffer some kind of persecution. I have ministered in the United States and have seen the drastic changes that have taken place in the educational system. For example, in the majority parts of the country prayer has been banned before a football game or a commissioner’s meetings. On the other hand, I have been asked to pray before the commissioner’s meeting in public in the past, !praise God! Therefore, never give up. Keep doing what God sent you to do in the educational system and at the end, you and all of us will be more than conquerors through Christ our Lord.
11.10.2011
美国
Speaking from my social location. The "Gashouse" right the the hood of Gastonia North Caroline. I Believe in order to reach our children who are under priviledged, i think the church must march into the enemy’s camp and take the land over by force. God is waiting of the church to leave the ninty nine and go get that one.
19.09.2011
美国
Phil9759, It is easy for us to say these things knowing the importance of trusting in and turning to God, but this has been a contentious issue where I live. People here are very strong in their opinions of religion and schools.
13.07.2011
美国
Mrs Diana I find myself hearing my grandmother quoteing 2nd Chroncles, I we are the children of God if wetrun and repent from our wickedness God will heal the land. He will move in the school, in the workplace anywhere if we will just humble ourselves and seek his face.
12.07.2011
美国
Phil, I know, I feel the same heartbreak. However, like you I feel the answer is prayer. Just this morning I received an email from my church reminding me ( everyone) to stay strong in prayer. ( 2Ch. 7:14 ).
12.07.2011
美国
I agree because I teach here in the United State, I’ve learned to live the life of christ. I mean when trouble and adversity in the classroom, in parents or from administration give the love and compasson of Chrsit. Every facet of soceity is slowly trying to move christ out of the picture. However this is not new as we read in our New Testement lesson, we have to stay strong, be prayful and live the life of Chrsit in the mist of adversity. As the apostle Paul tell us We are Abassadors for chrsit, the holy spirit will lead us in all we do to make sure the gospel is shared to all.
11.07.2011
美国
I just added Australia to the list of countries in my prayer journal! We have had similar problems where I live and we are asking the same questions.
08.07.2011
美国
Stay strong. Christians in the United States faced similar struggle. Prayer is banned in govt (public) schools here.
01.07.2011
美国
@ husseinwario:
Belsen,
I want to encourage you as Husseinwario did. Also pray for you as you continue in the worl for the Lord. The Lord will lead and guide you by the power of his Holy Spirit.
04.07.2011
美国
I must agree with Beau in these matters, especially how they relate in the US. Here, there are many different denominations all saying that the Bible says something a little different from the others. Some of these interpretations are quite distructive psychologically, emotionally, politically and socially. When we can learn to understand the Bible ourselves, with a strong degree of agreement, then we can make a much more united front to those who dissagree. Truth is more difficult to argue against as long as we understand it. I have developed a youth evangelization program using common terminology so that friends could mentor to their friends. I have found that this, along with a modicum of apologetics, is very impactful.
04.07.2011
澳大利亚
the above is a little bit misleading ...
firstly, the problem is organisational NOT religious... australia is a very free country in terms of religion, all the major denominations exist here, many churches have active youth groups. if theyre not getting the people in, then it’s because theyre not selling their message well enough. my brother (12 at the time) went to one of the youth groups for a few weeks but then found out that they were racist and homophobic and he didnt want any more to do with them as he has a lot of ethnic friends and there are gay friends of the family.
the problem in Australia is that the organisations undertaking the religious education and chaplaincy (which was introduced for political motives by a conservative government in 2006) have been just about given a monopoly, and very little scrutiny. think of any situation in business where that would be allowed, and you can probably list any number of examples of institutionalised corruption, especially where large amounts of money are involved. it goes to their heads and Christians are in no way immune from this. when threatened or cornered, they descend into a barrage of spin and actually start scaring a lot of people because they are sounding more and more like a cult. this isn’t Christian behaviour, even the head of the Anglican Church’s education division and a number of key religion professors have put themselves on the record as being opposed to the whole scheme.
now think if you’re a Methodist or a Presbyterian or a Catholic, would you want some evangelical educating your kids and telling them they will go to hell if they dont go to their church. It’s not supposed to happen under the law but it DOES happen, and as many religious people as non religious people are against this. furthermore there are suggestions that particular chaplains are operating as counsellors instead of trained mental health professionals in some schools and even that they have written dodgy messages about sexual stuff to 12 year old kids. the organisation’s response was on the 7:30 Report on Monday and was really poor - you can actually see it for yourself if you go to that show’s website.
it’s a major invasion of the rights of parents and students, and if churches want to add to their numbers they should try to reach kids the same way everyone else does - running events, ads in the paper, being an open door. not the communist soviet state stuff they’re trying now.
02.07.2011
你必须登录后才能发表评论。如果你还没有用户名，请在此注册（免费、易用！）。