As we head into December, and look forward to concluding 2022 soon, I still find myself catching my breath from the events of November. We had recently concluded 2 major events for the year: the 14th Annual Four Seas Lectureship, and our own year-end Gospel Meeting. These events were always highly anticipated, and all the more so this year, because we had not been able to hold these 2 events physically for the past 2 years due to Covid. We give thanks to God that we were able to resume these events physically once again! If I were to summarize these activities in one word, it would be this word: evangelism.
Evangelism in Preparation: The Build-up
“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6)
The topics for the lectureship and gospel meeting have been meticulously thought out, in order to meet the needs and interest of both Christians and non-Christians. “Go Ye Therefore…” was the theme for this year’s Four Seas Lectureship. A truly apt topic it was, even as the world gradually moves out of the Covid pandemic. Many evangelistic efforts have slowed down due to Covid, and due to the restrictions that had been imposed by the authorities. It was hence appropriate to be reminded of the importance of evangelism, so that we can fully resume our soul-saving efforts! It was also apt that we organized a gospel meeting alongside the lectureship, in order to put evangelism into practice, and to reach out to the lost. “The Talking Bible” was the theme for our gospel meeting this year, and the hope was to interest non-believers to listen to what the Bible has to say.
Much preparation was put into planning and organizing the lectureship and gospel meeting. Many had been working behind the scenes to ensure the success of these events. All the speakers had put in effort to prepare their lessons from God’s Word. Organizers had been busy ensuring the smooth running of activities. Publicity materials were designed and shared to promote the events. Announcers have actively reminded the congregation to save the dates and attend these events. The lectureship and gospel meeting were months in the making… but it was finally showtime!
Evangelism in Presentation: Four Seas Lectureship
“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2)
A timely topic had been chosen: “Go Ye Therefore.” 4 days’ worth of lectures were presented to encourage us of the importance of evangelism, and to excel at the work of soul-winning. Insightful and practical lessons were shared, dealing with specific topics such as “Finding Good Soil,” “Preparing Hard Ground,” and “Getting Started on the Right Path.” These lessons have really helped to equip us to deal with different situations, and to be more effective in the work of evangelism. It was insightful to hear from the different perspectives of different speakers. All the lessons have really gotten us excited and raring to go out and preach the Word!
It was not just a great spiritual feast, but also a great time of fellowship. Participants from 7 different countries had come together to take part in this great event. Old friendships were rekindled, and new ones forged. The Four Seas Lectureship is always a great opportunity to meet brethren from around the world, and despite our cultural differences, we can find unity with one another because of our common bond in Jesus Christ. What a blessing it is to be part of a worldwide family!
Evangelism in Practice: Gospel Meeting
“And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:15)
The Gospel Meeting is our annual event, held every year-end in conjunction with the Four Seas Lectureship. It is an opportunity for the public, visitors and friends to come and listen to the proclamation of the gospel message. It is always a breath of fresh air to listen to speakers from other parts of the world. We get to hear the same gospel message preached, yet from different perspectives. We are thankful to our brethren, Jonathan Burns, Tim Hayes, Stan Stockton, and Billy Bland, for the time they spent with us to preach the message of Christ.
More importantly, we are thankful to all the members who had helped to organize and participate, in order to make this meeting a success. Members had made effort to invite their friends to attend, and not a few turned up during the 4 days. We hope the gospel message was able to touch their hearts, and that there would be more opportunity for them to study God’s word, and to obey our Lord Jesus.
Evangelism in Perpetuity: Moving Forward
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
While the lectureship and gospel meeting have concluded, the work of evangelism does not end. All the lessons we had heard were meant to prepare us to go out and evangelize the Word more zealously and more effectively! Hopefully, the lessons have not just stayed in our ears, but also pricked our hearts, and moved our hands to do the soul-saving work.
As long as the world has not ended, the work of evangelism must continue. There are so many lost souls out there, and so much work to be done. Sometimes, we may be frightened by the sheer magnitude of the task at hand, and we may also be discouraged by the accompanying difficulties. However, we are not working alone. Jesus has promised that while we are evangelizing, He is with us always, even until the end of the world. Let us take heart, and let us persevere to preach the gospel, and to save souls!
