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The biggest event for the gospel in 2008

Q: What's the one week this year that will have the biggest marginal impact for the kingdom of God in the south pacific?
A: AFES South Pacific Regional Training Event ("SPRTE").
No, I'm not exaggerating. I really think that SPRTE will make a big impact for Christ - probably the biggest impact of any event in the country this year. That's because we'll have a bunch of keen, young, ministry-minded people, from all over Australia, and Fiji, PNG, New Zealand and Vanuatu, studying the Bible together. I expect it to be a life-changing week for many of them. I expect them to Biblical, theological and ministry foundations in place that will serve them for the rest of their life. And because they're bright young leaders, I expect them to influence many, many people in the future. Many of them will go on to be ministers or elders or other significant church leaders. Others will hold influential positions in business, government, education, and community organisations. And because they come from all over the south pacific, this will impact the whole region. The friendships that come out of this conference could lead to a new wave of co-operation and ministry sharing all across the region.
So, please pray for SPRTE. It's the biggest event for Christ this year. Let's make the most of it.
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Comments

Anonymous said…
Thank you for this post Kamal! It's good to be reminded of just how important SPRTE is, and the reason we're doing this work.

See you in Canberra!
25 November 2008 at 22:21
jeltzz said…
eek. Kamal, how can you write something like "It's the biggest event for Christ this year." ?? I just don't see how someone can make that claim.
26 November 2008 at 08:08
Kamal Weerakoon said…
Seumas - read the post! The whole point of the post is to explain the claim!
You're free to disagree with it - but you need to justify your objection. Tell me why you think it's not the biggest event for Christ, don't just bellyache.
26 November 2008 at 12:12
jeltzz said…
I did read the post. My problem is this: you've (pre-)interpreted an historical event, with particular respect to its visible, Christian, and worldly-influential elements, and given that a theological significance in the redemptive plans of the triune God. My argument simply runs thus: if the shape of the gospel narrative of history tells us nothing else (though it does), it should certainly warn us against such readings of history.

SPRTE may have the biggest impact 'for Christ' of events in this country this year, but the claim that it will deserves a certain hermeneutical suspicion.
26 November 2008 at 13:23
Sandy M. said…
Join the revolution help inspire the world in 25 days..www.thegiftrevolution.com
27 November 2008 at 12:06
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