Rob George on the Gold Coast
Our International President writes:
Over the years many thousands of tourists would have stood right where this crowd is standing for snapshots under the iconic ‘Surfers Paradise’ sign on Australia’s Gold Coast. But this night they stood there for a far better purpose – to hear the glorious Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
What a privilege our evangelists have in over 30 countries to preach the Gospel! For over 120 years our staff have gone into the highways & byways, announcing the message of victory over sin through faith in Christ. At the time when the New Testament was written the word evangelizo, meaning “to bring good news,” referred to the proclamation that a runner would make announcing that a battle had been won. Sometimes this news was sent, not only to the victorious King (who would not be on the front line and relied on a runner to bring news) but also to the losing side. The announcement was not always greeted with great joy!
How apt to describe what we do in OAC: some who hear choose to come under subjection to the rightful King, some want to think about it further, some scoff and reject the message. (Cf Acts 17:32-34)
So apt, too, to consider that the Ephesians 6 armour of God pictures the Gospel of Peace, as the shoes on the feet. We cannot announce the Good News without first going to the people. In this our purpose has not changed over the years, although at times our methods do.
We trust that you will enjoy reading the short reports in these pages and rejoice over seeing the photos of crowds and individuals, as OAC continues ‘proclaiming Christ, by all means, everywhere.’ Thank you for helping to make it possible through your prayers and gifts. Your partnership in the Gospel is a vital role in our ministry.
OACI Update 2015