A July evening at the height of the summer heatwave. In a cheerful murmur of voices, senior figures from the mission world mingle with Church leaders and others enjoying the warm Hammersmith sunshine, waiting for the commencement of the evening's event at the Chinese Church. But into this pleasant scene comes an air of anxiety. Martin Lee, our executive director, approaches the bookstall I am manning near the entrance. He asks "Has John arrived yet?" I glance at my watch, which shows 6.20pm, and shake my head. The meeting is due to start at 6.30 and our speaker is yet to arrive. The Chinese Church in Hammersmith is an impressive and delightful building. Once a synagogue faithfully serving the local Jewish migrant population, it was sold in 2003 to the Chinese Christian community, which converted it with meticulous care into a church sanctuary. It still retains such clues to its original identity as stained glass windows and a gallery, which would originally have seated the ladies.
The main worship area, including the upper level, can accommodate up to 400 people, and we anticipate that every seat will be filled tonight. Inside, above the chatter and laughter, I can hear the sound of the church's worship group tuning their instruments and testing the sound system. Ten minutes to go and our keynote speaker hasn't arrived yet. Earlier this year there was much rejoicing in the Global Connections office when it was confirmed that John Piper from Desiring God Ministeries had agreed to speak at our Passion for Mission event. The theme was set: "Let the nations be glad". And now months of planning by the team of six has finally come to fruition. Throughout the afternoon, members of the Chinese Church have been quietly and efficiently supporting our efforts and welcoming our guests. They seem honoured to be providing their building for this event.
The afternoon concluded with a delicious Chinese meal together, but now the main event is fast approaching. It is the first time we have attempted such an ambitious undertaking as a finale to our annual general meeting, so we pray that our speaker is fast approaching too. At 6.25pm a black cab pulls up at the gates of the church, and I heave a sigh of relief as I see John Piper climb out to be greeted by Martin Lee. Five minutes later, on entering the main hall, every seat appears to be taken and there's a buzz of anticipation. I find my seat at the front and thank God for "reserved" signs. Glancing up at the gallery, I give a wave of acknowledgement to my wife and friends from my church. Chris Wigram, our chair of trustees, opens the proceedings.The worship group makes a joyful noise unto the Lord, and there are short contributions from Global Connections members, the Evangelical Alliance, and the African and Caribbean Evangelical Alliance. Now it's time for John Piper.
John is a pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, has written more than 20 books and is a renowned speaker. He takes the stage and keeps us all captivated for 45 minutes as he invites us to reflect together on glorifying God. He says that our raison d'etre is to give glory to God, our creator. This is the source of gladness for the nations.John ends his talk in prayer, and after the worship group leads us in a final song it's time to leave. I catch up with my friends from church and ask what has struck them most about tonight."He likened the events of this world to a glacier covering the earth and separating us from God," one said. "He encouraged us all be to 'torchbearers' who, through mission, burn through the coldness to reveal God's light and warmth to a needy world."Another friend was struck by the idea that "God created the nations with one aim: to live with a single, all-embracing, all-transforming passion - namely to glorify Him by enjoying and displaying His supreme excellence in all the spheres of life. Living this way brings gladness. Living any other way is a waste of our lives."A third echoed the idea that "God created us for His own glory. In effect, God created us to make Himself look good. Is God being glorified in my life, or am I putting up obstacles?"John Piper wants ripples to spread far and wide from wherever he speaks. From these reactions, it seems that he will not be disappointed.
Text from November 2006 edition of the Evangelical Alliance's idea magazine
written by David Wright, Office Manager, Global Connections
