Melbourne University OCF
Reach Out, Build Up, Send Back

Scripture reading: Acts 18:11

So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.

The longer our lives are immersed in the study of the Bible and living by it, the stronger our lives become.

Madagascar

Population: 20,042,551
Religion: Christian 47.63%, Traditional ethnic 44.77%, Muslim 7%

A democratic nation. Subsistence agricultural economy, yet not producing enough rice to feed all. Malaria and malnutrition have become major problems because of the economic slump. A slow economic recovery is under way.

Answers to Prayer:

1. Church growth increased in the 1990s in the midst of political and natural disasters
2. Complete freedom of religion after years of Marxist rhetoric
3. Election of a Christian President in 2002

Challenges for Prayer:

1. The Protestant Church has had a glorious history of faith despite persecution. May this movement continue to grow and be rooted in Scripture
2. Spiritual deadness rather than revival characterizes many congregations. Pray that the power of Jesus might be manifested, and that many may trust Him completely
3. Evangelical believers are predominantly found in the revival movements in mainline churches. Pray for unity among true believers and also for effective evangelism through them. The need for practical training for outreach is great.
4. Theological training is the greatest source of weakness for the Church. Pray that Bible schools may return to the biblical theology for which their forebears laid down their lives. Pray for the provision of well-trained, Spirit-led leaders who are able to apply biblical truths to the Malagasy worldview.
5. Young people are the key for the future in the rapidly growing population. Pray for mission organizations working in schools and campuses and for the mobilization of young people for evangelism.
6. Less reached areas and peoples
   • Over 5000 villages and 5 million people in the less-evangelized north and south
   • Malagasy traditionalists
   • Muslims
   • Ethnic minorities
7. The Protestant mission force has been small, but visa restrictions are a big limitation for increasing their numbers. Pray for more pioneers, willing to go to areas where health and living conditions are difficult
8. Christian support ministries - pray for eternal fruit!
   • Bibles. Pray that its message may enter hearts.
   • Christian radio.
   • The Jesus film

OCF Murdoch

President: Jeremy Ong
Theme: To Grow a Fervent Community of Self-sacrificing Disciples for Christ
Campus: Murdoch University

Attendance:

2005: 10
2006: 19
2007: 20
2008: 20

Description:

Our centre consists of Malaysians, Singaporeans and Hong Kongers. This year sees a fellowship that is close in bonding and open to one other, especially during thanksgiving night when brothers and sisters pour out heartfelt thoughts and feelings. The verse which spurs our theme is “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.” Romans 12:10-11 (NIV). We pray that God will continue to lead us and keep us focused on our call to serve our brothers and sisters as well as the students on campus.

Praise God For:

• An increase in membership and close fellowship with one another
• Bible study and starter’s group leaders and assistants for preparing bible studies
• New partnership with secondary churches for Campus Prayer Meets
• Ongoing support from Mount Pleasant Baptist Church and centre advisor
• New staff worker-in-training

Please Pray For:

• Members who have stepped up into the new local committee to serve the Lord
• Members to be sensitive to the needs of people within the fellowship, friends as well as campus
• Campus prayer meets and guys and girls prayer meets to be fruitful times of prayer and intercession.
• Fellowship to be Christ-centred and pleasing to God
• Mission trip with YWAM and OCF WA in December to Jakarta