European Mission Fellowship held its annual Ballymoney conference in Ballymoney Baptist Church, NI, on 20 May 2023.
With approximately 130 people filling the church, Phil Dunn (EMF’s NI Representative) introduced the theme of the event: ‘Here we stand! Not ashamed of the gospel’. In a world that we all know is changing rapidly, Phil reminded us that we are called to stand firm, courageously contending for the truth of the gospel. This set the tone for the morning, which was to include mission news, panel discussions and book reviews.
The first main portion of the conference was a panel interview, chaired by Phil, with Tobias Haslund-Thomsen (EMF missionary in Aarhus, Denmark), Iliya Marinov (EMF missionary in Ruse, Bulgaria) and Trevor Watson (Crosslinks missionary in Sweden). They introduced their missionary work and shared some of the challenges faced in Denmark, Bulgaria and Sweden. Although these challenges differed in some ways, the panel concurred that evangelical faith across Europe has nearly been wiped out. However, if we lead from the front with the Bible and hold fast to its teachings, then we can have confidence that we are telling people good news. The panel members agreed that when challenged by ever-increasing secular worldviews, our confidence in standing firm grows when people see the transformational power of the Bible in our lives; our actions should match our words.
In a video interview, Sharon James, Social Policy Analyst for the Christian Institute, talked through the toxic worldview of self-importance and explains that, in reality, the Biblical worldview provides the foundation of society. Sharon asserted that we should not be scared into silence by Western worldviews and to ensure we encourage one another and sit under ministry that affirms the truth of God.
Finally, Trevor Watson preached from Acts 4:23-31, summarising that the goal of evangelical churches is not survival. The aim is success in speaking God’s word to others and an increase in people added to the church. Trevor shared three practical ways to do this:
1. Coming together as Christians to hear and be transformed by the word (v.23);
2. Crying out to God through prayer, knowing that He is sovereign (v.24-30); and
3. Being filled with the Holy Spirit, clearly and faithfully proclaiming Jesus (v.31).
All in attendance spoke of both the great challenge and encouragement that the conference was. We must stand firm in the gospel truth, boldly declaring that Jesus is Lord.
A full recording can be found here: www.europeanmission.org/videos.
The next conference will be held on Saturday 18 November in Stranmillis Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Martin Hjellvik, an EMF Missionary in Norway, has been confirmed as one of the speakers at this upcoming event.
