Melbourne University OCF
Reach Out, Build Up, Send Back

Scripture reading - Acts 6:1-4

In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

The importance of God’s Word in the church can be seen in the apostles’ request that they be relieved from some housekeeping responsibilities in order to have more time for “the ministry of the Word”.

Brunei

Population: 381,371
Religion: Muslim 64.39%, Christian 11.25%, Buddhist 9.09%, Traditional 7.6%, Chinese 1.2%

The Sultan rules as an absolute monarch. No criticism of the government is allowed; all democratic structures were suspended in 1962. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries. Brunei benefits from extensive petroleum and natural gas fields, the source of one of the highest per capita GDPs in Asia.

Challenges for Prayer:

1. Muslims aim for a ‘pure’ Islamic state by 2020. Islamization by offers of houses, jobs and favours and by intimidation of Christians has yielded a slow but steady trickle of converts from among the tribal and Chinese minorities. Pray for both the thwarting of these designs and the re-instatement of constitutionally guaranteed religious freedom
2. The king is reputed to be one of the world’s wealthiest man. Pray for conversions to Christ in the large royal family. Pray also for political liberalization in the country.
3. The Christian Church is under much pressure. No foreign Christian workers are permitted - even to visit, and all Catholic priests and nuns were expelled in 1991. No Bibles or Christian literarture may be imported legally. All schools, including the 6 Christian schools must give instruction on Islam alone. There are 3 registered churches but many others’ applications for registrations are ignored, and they must meet secretly. Pray for:
   • Unity, courage and a wise boldness. The pressure has increased the earnestness of many and a moving of the Holy Spirit among locals and Filipinos is reported
   • Provision of mature Christian leaders and teachers of the Word
   • Further growth despite the restrictions. Most of those converted are local tribals and Chinese.
4. The unreached
   • The Malay majority is Muslim with no known Christians. Witchcraft and materialism are strong
   • The Chinese feel insecure and are still treated as foreigners even if born in Brunei. Most still follow the traditional religions of China or are secular. Only 15% are Christian, but fewer are committed to Christ
   • Tribal peoples. Pray for the evangelization of each of these communities.
   • The expatriate workforce continues to grow fast. The Muslim Bangladeshis, the Hindu Indians and Nepalis and Buddhist Thai are the largest and most needy spiritually
5. Brunei students usually complete university education in Malaysia, Britain, Australia or other lands. Pray that they may come into contact with a vibrant Christian witness, be won for Christ, and ultimately return home as witnesses to their Saviour.

OCF Parkville

President: Soo Ka Faii
Theme: Crossing the Jordan
Campus: Melbourne University

Attendance:

2005: 70
2006: 70
2007: 70
2008: 60-65

Description:

Our centre consists mainly of Malaysians, Singaporeans and some Chinese. This year we have a strong committee and things are more organized and structured. We’re focusing on building up our members before “crossing the Jordan”. This year we tried DG and it was amazing. We have an average of 18 regulars for DG. Praise God for it. Our advisor, Ps Stewart, just had a successful triple bypass operation and he won’t be able to be our centre’s advisor. We’re looking for an advisor in the meantime. Our outreach ground is still Melbourne University but we’re looking for a campus that could be our base for outreach. We’re looking into the upcoming La Trobe University in the city and we pray that our direction is according to God’s direction.

Praise God For:

• Praise Him for a successful start of the year with many newcomers coming to OCF Parkville and a refreshed atmosphere in those meetings
• Praise Him for the newcomers this year and for our bible study. Both bible studies in DG and CG went well.
• Praise Him for the openness in DG where non-Christians were open to His Word and we are comfortable with one another.

Please Pray For:

• Pray for members to grasp the vision as we move forward to His ‘Promised Land’
• Pray for a clearer direction in regards to Parkville’s venue as we are currently unsure of where God is leading us in the near future, that He will show us our “niche” and ground to reach out to.
• This year will be a year of building up and rising up. Pray for passion and the desire to grow. Pray for everyone in Parkville that as we grow in Him, our heart for prayer and reading His Word will increase.
• We have new changes in Parkville. (Guys/Girls Group, Cell Group system, Punctuality, Discipleship). Pray for guidance as we lead such ministries.
• God will bring people or convict members to step up into serving in a ministry in Parkville.
• Pray for a heart for outreach in Parkville. That we’ll learn to love one another and especially those unsaved non-judgmentally, be it in or outside of OCF.
• Our ex-advisor, Ps Stewart for his health and direction in looking for our next advisor.