Subject: purpose driven? |
Bible Note: Hi Doc, No it is not dangerous. Although my country is considered an Islamic state, our constitution gave us freedom of religion and our Government is quite liberal. We are so multi cultural, multi race and multi faiths but we do respect each others faiths. We even have public holidays to recognise the different main faiths e.g Muslim, Buddhist, Hindus and Christians and we celebrate together by having open houses (invitations to friends of other faiths). Although we have certain restrictions due to the sensitivity nature but we are very much on a peaceful coexistence. I would say we are quite fortunate in certain sense compared to other Islamic States. In fact my church which just celebrated 10 years started with only 15 and now we have about 1500 in our congregation. As for cell groups, it is a group of members we called cell leaders (trained and appointed by Pastor), who is wiiling to sacrificed their time and open their home for some 10-20 other members for a weekday meeting in the evening. We will have worships, testimony sharing, verse of the week sharing, bible study( for e.g. we did Experiencing God and Purpose Drivem Life), prayers and finally fellowship. All cell meetings are minuted. So my church have many cells. Each cell leader will report to a zone leader who then reports to Pastor. (minutes are taken at every cell meeting) So my Pastor from these minutes knows who we are, how we are doing, problems that we are facing,etc. I was very surprised that in the begining when I just started to attend my church, my Pastor can address me by name when we first talk. He already knew who I am among the 1500 of his sheep. In fact I was first invited to cell before I was born again. With the help and loving and understanding of the other members of the cell (core members), I began my walk with the Lord and I was a difficult customer. God proved that He is in control in my initial skeptism about christianity but that is another story. Anyway, all members and visitors to church are encouraged to attend a cell group meeting. I like it cos, we now have an extended family whom we can share our joy, our problems, our feeding, prayers for fellow cell members, even ministering to each other and assistance when necessary. It all about the love for fellow brothers and sisters that makes us one. Perhaps if you like, you are invited to our website which is undergoing some reconstruction but most of the pages are up. www.sibkl.org.my God Bless, John |