Over Christmas each year, NZBMS holds the Christmas Angel Appeal to promote the work that we, as New Zealand Baptist churches, are involved in amongst the poor throughout areas of Asia.
Christmas Angel this year is set around the parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14), with a specific focus on the forgottenu2014those who live on the periphery of society.
Our Tranzsend team serves in communities where many are oppressed and vulnerable. Through our various ministries, we invite individuals within these communities to join in u2018the banquetu2019, believing that, through this, Jesus will draw them into relationship with himself.
Examples of how donations received are used include
- aid and development work, particularly amongst the poor
- resourcing local Christians and churches to initiate programmes that will transform their communities
- pastoral care of national workers
- education, particularly among children from poorer families
- social services
- community development programmes to help poor communities
- freedom initiatives, in particular helping trafficked women to find freedom
- New Zealand office administration. Yes, a small percentage goes towards helping provide a strong foundation to enable the overseas work to flourish.
2019 focus
...when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous (Luke 14:13-14, NIV).
This year, a number of Tranzsend team members have prepared reflections on what the parable of the Great Banquet means for their community. These include stories, poems, pictures, and even a song. A couple of these reflections are included on this page and, for the first 12 days of December, a different daily reflection will be posted on our website. Visit our website each of those days to be inspired and to take time to pray for the work of Tranzsend.
As his reflection, Peter in East Asia has written and performed, u2018Hurry Outu2019, the soundtrack for this yearu2019s Christmas Angel video. View the video and hear Peteru2019s song.
How you can help
To find out more, or to donate, visit our website or phone 09 526 8444.
We also invite you to support our people and projects long term. Email us or contact the office for more information.
REFLECTIONS
Come, come
by Andrew, Roanna, Noah, Miles & Theo, Tranzsend workers in South-East Asia.
Come, come.
The table is ready,
Prepared just for you.
I say, come.
Sticky rice, som dtam and chicken.
All your favourites,
Because I know you.
I created you. I love you.
So, leave your rice fields.
Do not stop at the temples,
Or pause before the monks.
Come young and old.
Bring your family and friends.
Come out of the heat,
Find shelter and peace in my name.
I am the God of all.
Come, come.
The table is ready,
Prepared just for you.
I say, come, come.
The great banquetu2014South Asian style
by Carley, Tranzsend worker in South Asia.
