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	June 2004				John Harrower
		Bishop's reflection by John Harrower
			Something a little different this month -I want to encourage you with an article written by Trevor Edwards, Bishop Elect of the Diocese of Canberra Goulburn. Confidence in Christ Planning has begun for the Tri-Diocesan evangelistic outreach in 2004-2005, which will have at its fulcrum a series of strategic public gospel events just before Easter 2005. While the precise vision statement is being finalised as I write, it is envisaged that it will encapsulate the following missional goals over the next two years: confidence in the Gospel is nurtured in all members of the Church; vision is built and leadership strengthened in 'Ministering Communities'; the Gospel is attractively proclaimed in the public arena so that many put their faith in Christ; Generations X and Y are tantalised with a Christ-centred world view; new Christians are nurtured into the fellowship of local communities of faith, and as a result confidence is restored in Anglicanism as an authentic way of being Christian. How will such grand goals be achieved? Obviously we will all humbly and persistently beseech our Father in heaven to do what He alone can do, but at the end of the day He has entrusted all of us with the task of making Him known in word and deed. When Jesus ascended to heaven after his mission on earth, the angels asked him 'Did you accomplish your task?' ' Yes, all is finished' the Lord replied. The angels asked a second question: ' Has the whole world heard of you?' 'No' said Jesus. The angels asked a third question: 'Then what is your plan?' Jesus said, ' I have left eleven apostles and some other followers to carry the message to the whole world.' The angels looked at him with disbelief and asked: ' What is your plan B?' Jesus said, ' I have no plan B'. Rocket science This apocryphal story reminds us that Jesus desired to reach the world through men and women like you and me. Evangelism or outreach is not rocket science. We each have essential roles in the process of producing mature disciples of Christ, which was of course the risen Jesus' clear command (Matthew 28:19-20). Someone makes contact or builds a bridge of friendship with a work colleague, a neighbour, a member of a sporting club or with one of our Church's pastoral contacts. Somebody else prays or offers hospitality or lends a hand. Another person brings the person to church or a special gospel event, or shares their testimony of the love of God or the gospel itself. Another teaches in a small group or preaches. There are many links in the chain in the process of someone following Jesus, and none of us knows which will be the decisive link. We each have a part to play by praying, living and speaking, whether we are professional or non-professional Christians, and we need to be faithful in our unique God-given opportunities in 2004. Pastime There was a French shepherd near Provence in the Alps who was discovered by a mountaineer in 1913. He lived in a small hut and offered shelter to the climber who was intrigued by his host's post-dinner pastime. He spent his time meticulously sorting through a pile of acorns. The climber discovered he had been planting seeds on the barren hillside for the past three years. When he returned to the area after World War I, he found an infant forest with a changed ecology caused by a leafy roof and spreading roots as about one in five of the seeds planted had sprouted. When the climber returned in 1946 the transformation was complete, as the shepherd had continued his work, ignoring both wars. The area had been rehabilitated by the faithfulness of one person over the long haul. Will we make a difference? Will we be faithful over the long haul in pursuing Jesus' plan to rescue and reform lost people? Will we pray regularly for our non-Christian relatives, neighbours and friends? Will we keep on praying for the sharing of the gospel? Will we actively look for ways to be trained and equipped to be more effective witnesses of the Lord Jesus? Will we seek with God's help to live wisely and answer graciously in our unique networks of opportunity? Will we make a difference where God has put us in 2004?   By Trevor Edwards. This article from Four Rivers magazine February/March 2004 is reprinted with kind permission.