Sunday was extra special and a bit different for us as
we were joined Live via Skype by Adam Bradley from Life Church in Peterborough,
England. He spoke to us as a group, sharing the story Nehemiah and helping us to see how
closely this account of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem relates to our journey here in Helsinki, as we seek to see this city and the lives of the people who
live here rebuilt, restored and transformed to the glory of God.
After 120 years of desolation the city of Jerusalem and its
walls were in a bad way. Not dissimilar to the city of Helsinki, which although
architecturally looks very modern, clean and well kept, like most European capital cities, is spiritually
run down and in need.
1. Adam's
initial challenge to us came from the first three verses of the book
of Nehemiah. Nehemiah is not afraid to ask the big questions and to understand
the grave situation Jerusalem found itself in. This was a great provocation to
us to also ask the big questions. What is really going on here in Helsinki? What is the state of spiritual desolation in
Helsinki? What are the issues causing people to live broken lives here in the
city?
This question focused discussion afterwards about how we can try to ensure we remain purposeful and
intentional and avoid passivity, as we seek to bless the city according to
some of its biggest needs. These are excellent questions to ask for any going into any new or cross cultural church planting situation.
2. In
chapter 2 verses 17-18 we see a wonderful attitude of people’s willingness to commit, roll their sleeves up and put their hands to
whatever they could do to help at that time. The response of the people is we’re with
you, let’s get started! As an extension
of the first point they acknowledge the reality of the situation but readily commit to serving the vision by doing what they can do
now.
Adam reminded us that “pioneers
feed themselves on the bread of vision”! Although we are currently small in number, a bright compelling vision for the people of
the city of Helsinki should enable us to roll our sleeves up and take steps in
doing what we can do now, even if these things cause us to feel out of our
depth.
3. Throughout chapter 3 we see a
remarkable picture of a group of people willing to play out of position. Not restricted or limited by their egos or
perceptions of natural talents, they are so compelled by and committed to the
vision to see the walls rebuilt, that they are happy to play whatever part they
can towards that goal. We don’t hear: well
I would help, but that’s not my gifting actually, rather a resounding: here I am, send me!
4. In chapter 4 verse 6, we read that in the face of huge opposition and adversity they worked with all of their hearts! In just 52 days they had accomplished something remarkable in repairing the
walls. There are sacrifices to be made when living as a community together on mission. Partway into our building program here in Helsinki, we need to continue to work
together in partnership, and ask: what does it mean for us to be an all of your heart Community? Everyone
is needed as a vital part of the team and we all have significant roles to play.
 |
| Cobbled together technology & resources at our end [note the projection tablecloth on the wall]! but an amazing message from Adam, heard loud and clear in our apartment in Helsinki all the way from Peterborough! |
5. At
the beginning of chapter 4 we read about people who are willing to
live on the edge of defeat. They were
ill-equipped, outnumbered, unskilled and building with broken stones and shoddy
materials. They were not master builders by any means and as a consequence they
were making a less than perfect job of repairing the walls, but they repaired
and secure the walls all the same. This is an extremely challenging picture.
Rather than fall into the trap of waiting until they were 'ready' to begin the
project, the people regard this as a project of faith. They choose to consider the promises of God
much more highly than the reality of their own skills, tools and materials.
This presents a huge challenge to
me and to us as a small church plant group.
As a relatively risk averse person, I could easily look at our current situation and think we’re a long way off doing anything. We are not properly equipped or resourced, we are not particularly
trained, we don’t have finances in place, we don't have the physical space, and
the on-going challenges just of living here leave us all with very little free
time or energy. We could easily fall into the trap of looking at these factors and
talking ourselves out of doing anything on the basis of not being ready. But those
rebuilding the walls in Jerusalem understood that they were working within the
promises of God. With that in mind, they’re best off not entertaining
thoughts about whether they were equipped, or what would happen if they failed. This is not an excuse for a slapdash, anything will do attitude, but we must never allow perfectionism to paralyse us into inactivity.
We too are here based 100% on the promises and provision of God. Time spent hearing stories of others in the group, of how
they came to be here and their journeys from various far-off places around the
world, would convince you that we’re all here in Helsinki at this time for God
ordained reason, and to be part of a
bright compelling vision, which He is calling us to partner with Him to see
realised. That’s why we are here. Not
because we’ve got it all together, with all the equipment and all the answers!
6. So the wall
was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations
around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived
that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.
Nehemiah 6: 15-16
One can’t help but feel excited when reading these verses, that despite their seemingly disadvantaged initial position, not having equipment, materials, or expertise, the walls were actually finished and they had done it!
It’s so exciting to be on mission in community. What feels like a rollercoaster
at times is also an opportunity and a privilege to get to experience special moments
like this, were against all the odds, by feeding ourselves on the bread of
vision and working together with all of our hearts, we get to see Gods seemingly
impossible promises being fulfilled again and again!
Thanks Adam! It was such a blessing to have you join us on Sunday!
You can hear more from Adam by checking out the Life Church webpage or by following him on twitter.
Please pray for us as the group discuss and explore ways to further serve the community around us and engage with the big questions about the current situation here in Helsinki. Possible issues to pray into:
- We have a number of small-scale project ideas to bless and connect with the community around us. One of these ideas is to start a regular Finnish speaking conversation group. This would help us to regularly meet others, particularly forming links with non-finns, who can easily feel socially or culturally isolated.
- Many of us now have deepening friendships and relationships with colleagues, neighbours and others. Please pray for boldness and opportunity for a greater measure of the Gospel to be shared within these relationships and to see these individuals to understand their need for God and miraculously come to faith.
- As I mentioned, we are small in number, lacking in time and in resources. Please pray for grace that as we faithfully try to plant the small amount of seed we have, that God multiplies this and causes an unprecedented harvest. Pray that we will be a community which is willing to step out, take risks, work with all of its heart and is not preoccupied with all the areas we lack in.
If you feel you would like to help financially, this can be done through The City Church Canterbury. Contact Simon Clark to discuss the best way to do this.
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