Bulleen Baptist Church Bringing God and people together

For many years, the month of May has held a special place in the life of many churches, including the Bulleen Baptist Church. It is our Mission month of celebration. In this month we have a particular focus on our efforts to share and show the love of the Lord Jesus to many of the isolated, forgotten, poor and needy in other countries. This of course compliments some of the ministries we seek to engage in for those within our own country and community, regardless of ethnic background.

Over the centuries, Christian mission has changed to suit the prevailing circumstances. Today, thankfully, the work of Christian mission and service is no longer confused with the efforts of colonial powers or large business corporations that sought to open up trade routes for commercial gain. Today, Christian mission is seen for what it is, Christian men and women setting aside their career development, the comforts and securities of western society, and proximity to their family and significant friendships in order to reach out in loving service to help those who do not have the means to help themselves. Today, many Christian men and women are using their skills, energy and time in areas such as medicine, education, agriculture, engineering, care of children, community development and the like.

You may ask: Don’t secular, humanist international aid agencies do the same?

The answer is: In many instances they do, however there are 2 big differences. 

In most cases, Christian mission does not receive the same level of financial support and funding. The funding for most Christian mission comes from the sacrificial giving of many faithful people, and often accounts for 5-15% of their annual income.

Secondly, Christian mission not only has the aim of fulfilling measurable project goals to establish hospitals, orphanages, schools and the like, or to resolve social or community problems, it is also about building significant relationships that will equip and empower people to better help themselves and give them a lasting hope for the future. Part of this lasting hope comes about as people come to know and experience for themselves what it is to have an enduring relationship with the one true living God. They discover that God is with them in the midst of their difficulties and hardships, and He will be with them as they look to a future with new hope. They discover what it is to trust in one who will never leave them, abuse them, exploit them, nor forsake them.

In this month of May we will celebrate the call of our Lord Jesus to be involved in, and intentional about, the work of Christian mission. You are very welcome to join with us in this celebration.

Pastor Bruce Roberts