Hi there,
for a few weeks I have been trying to get a Bible Workshop started at Hornsby TAFE. So far no one has come.
I am not allowed on campus to try to talk to anyone. I have given out leaflets and I have a sign which I have put next to an open door to our hall next to the TAFE, and played some modern music while waiting and praying for people to come.
The director has not yet given permission for any religious person to come onto the property to attempt to talk to people, unless they are specifically invited to chat with someone.
I have found one teacher who is a Christian & I will be meeting with him soon.
I am even considering enrolling next semester so I can get on campus.
Prya for good opportunties, and for the director to change her mind and let us come in.
Here are some truths that have encouraged me...I hope you may find them helpful.
“God our Saviour...wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”
1 TIM. 2:3-2:4 (the non-controversial part)
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient.....not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
2 PET. 3:9
I trust that He who so loved the world that He gave His Son will certainly prevail in time to enable His word to be preached on the campus.....however , and whenever, that comes about.
“We do not make requests of You because we are righteous, but because of Your great mercy.”
DAN. 9:18(b)
And a pearler:
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”
HEB. 6:10
I’m very encouraged by your desire to make Jesus known at Hornsby TAFE. I’m even more encouraged that in the face of great difficulty you are faithful to our great God and have invited us to pray with you and others.
Like Tia, Stanley and our lurkers, I will be committed to praying for you, your vision, the students and the TAFE staff.
May the zeal of the Lord and your faithfulness to His word which never returns to Him empty see the gospel grow and grow and grow as students turn to Jesus in repentance and faith.
Maybe you can write up a regular prayer list/diary for us to pray over. I would be more than happy to receive it as it would be a great help in praying for the gospel and Hornsby TAFE.
I would give you my e-mail via PM if you do produce such a prayer list.
The pleasure and privilege of praying is great isn’t. It helps me live the thankful life: for His word and His faithfulness, the harvest, the workers He raises for the harvest, and for the lives which are transformed.
Also my husband knew Craig when we lived in Sydney. If I remember rightly Craig was (& maybe still is) a Holden lover, in particular his yellow Kingswood sedan V8. Oh yes and a godly man who was and obvious still is passionate for Jesus and making Him known.
Stan said he got NOTHING from leaflets at enrollment, well I can match that… NOTHING.
But then you are allowed to pin notices up… Me? NO way. I was even told by office staff that religious notices are not allowed to be put on notice boards (even students can’t on the union board). All we can do is put signs up on our adjoining fence.
So far my Tuesday lunches consist of opening the door, playing music, praying & reading the Bible alone until someone comes in… maybe next time!
Please do not be too discouraged, which I know is easy for me to say 500 kms away in Wagga. But I can’t but bring to mind the godly men who have preceded you - who began their ministry with a passion for the living God, for making that God known and their faithful prayers for the lost in the face of hostility or lack of interest.
Whatever happens to your ministry at Hornsby TAFE, I still am encouraged by the fact that God has raised up godly men such as yourself and Stan to proclaim the good news of Jesus. Your faithfulness is not for nothing because has assured us that His word never returns to Him empty. You have already been a witness to the director.
The situation brings me to my knees in heart felt prayer.
When I was a student at UNSW I had lots of opportunities to share the gospel with my fellow students in tutorials - I chose some subjects so I could, eg, Religion and Society. Maybe enrolling as a student is worth a try.
G’day Robert,
A few years ago I remember seeing a young chap handing out leaflets outside Hornsby TAFE. As a dedicated churchgoer, I thought I’d have a chat and give a bit of encouragement to this man. Even though there were few people around , I was brushed aside rather quickly. Apparently I was not the target customer.
I’m not complaining. I and my fellow retirees are often brushed aside in the fashionable part of Hornsby Mall if we wander into the wrong coffee shop. Oh to be with it again.
Still there must be a Bible story in there somewhere.
I had a great meeting today with Craig Blackett, and an ex-missio who teaches in the TAFE. We nutted through some of the very difficult aspects of this. Maybe the wisdom is coming… please God!
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