HANDS TO THE PLOUGH

The old faithful hands were trembling as the old man struggled to keep the staff up above his head. It was an achievement in itself that he had doggedly held it up so long. But the tiredness had turned into pain. And each time, his hands grew too tired and the staff came down, the army below was pushed back.....

Moses was a great leader but he could not keep this up by himself. And the battle below between Joshua and the Amalekites tittered on the brink with the increasing
tiredness.

Moses, Aaron & Hur joining force

Aaron knew what he must do. Both he and Hur stepped in helped Moses carry the burden.

They put a boulder under him to sit on and held Moses' hands up, one on each side.

Supporting Moses, the staff was steadily upheld until sunset. In the battle below, Joshua overcame the Amalekites (Ex 17:8-13).

We are a body of Christ

The past year has been an exciting time of growth for many of our churches in Oceania. The Lord is bringing in an enlargement and the leaders are stretching themselves to faithfully build God's church. Yet, even our most faithful leaders cannot do it all by themselves. They need everyone to get involved in supporting the ministry. Your support is crucial. As was Aaron and Hur to Moses.

The Bible clearly helps us to understand that it is when every part of the church does its part, that the church is built up.

Eph 4:15-16 (NIV) 15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Every part of the body function together

God has designed His Body to function in that way. Every part of the body must do its part. It is when every member, part of the "whole" body, joins together in a common mission to build the church, that the church grows strong.

You are in this church for a divine reason.

God has put you into your local church so that you may make a unique and wonderful contribution to the growth of God's body. You bring a unique blend of personality, experience and gifting. And the church gains a particular flavour because of your participation.

Take the iniative to serve

When I was still a young believer I took the initiative to contribute towards my church's ministry. I used to organise Sunday fellowship meals with a couple of other senior student to welcome student newcomers in our church to help them feel a part of the group. Many times, we cooked up a storm and had great times with the newcomers. I saw a need and filled the gap.

So take the initiative. Watch your leaders and observe if they need your contribution. Look for the gaps in the church that you can fill.

Be a servant. Be an Aaron or Hur and see the blessings of God flow! And your church will continue to grow as every person puts their hand to the plough.

Ploughing with you.

Dr. Wilson Lim
Chairman of Hope Oceania Churches