We are called to mission.
The God of Scripture is a missional God, whose mission involves the establishment of a universal reign on earth. God’s missional activity is defined in the incarnation of God in Jesus Christ.
When His earthly mission was over, He left His followers the mandate to continue with the mission He inaugurated. The mission of the Church continues, it hasn’t stopped. It will continue until Jesus returns. There are two dangers that any church faces: Complacency and Comfort.
As a local church we firmly believe to uphold and live out this mandate to be a missional church in the community of St Helena Bay as we partake in God’s mission of advancing His Kingdom and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
“That reaches out and sees others coming to faith in Jesus Christ.”
This is the second part of Cornerstone’s vision statement. Vision drives the mission.
Part of the mission involves taking the gospel to every part of the earth. Part of the mission involves faithfully witnessing to the power of the gospel. Being a faithful witness of the gospel means operating in the power of the Holy Spirit. Effective mission cannot be done without the empowering work of the Holy Spirit. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts1:8 CSB)
There is a strong conviction to be more mission focused. Hence this opportunity of reaching out to a local school in the community. As a local church we feel strongly convicted to bring the gospel to the community. Part of this call God is calling us to is to reach out to and strengthen EJ Malgarte Primary School.
It is a school that consists of 163 learners and 5 teaching staff. This school is situated in Stompneus Village, St Helena Bay.
The school has expressed that there are several key areas where assistance is required. These include: The upgrading and renovations of the library, the need for stationery for the learners, going to read for the learners on a weekly basis.
Over the past few weeks work has already commenced in terms of renovating the library and sorting of books for the library. A stationery drive has also been initiated.
This is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in the community which also presents an opportunity to present the gospel and allow the gospel to change lives. Through physical involvement, the door has been opened for spiritual work to commence. In writing this article, the spiritual work has already begun. An intentional commitment has been made to pray with the staff once a week as well as conducting a weekly assembly.
As a local church, we feel convicted that the Lord has called us to continue with the mission of making disciples. The work that lays before us can only be accomplished in and with the power of the Holy Spirit.
May the mission of Jesus continue to the praise and honour of His name.
