Recently, I have overheard different disciples mis-calling SDW into 廍TW� or even 廍BW.� While we may not care what it is called in English, it might help us to understand its history.
SDW stands for 廍piritual Decision Weekend� in the very beginning. Back in the Hong Kong Mission Team days, we would have outside speakers come to preach on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. Since these two sessions took place during the weekend, hence the name. Then, later on, those two weekend speeches developed into weekdays in Taiwan; but the name stuck with us just the same. (Now SDW have become 廍piritual Decision Week� instead.)
In those days, it was a special event having Evangelists from different parts of the world to preach to us. Not only were we excited about the opportunity to bring our friends, we ourselves were looking forward to allow the event to change our own hearts! That was why it was called, 廍piritual Decision;� for it also helps us to make some decisions about our own spiritual lives.
I have a few reminders for all of us regarding SDW:
1. Would you allow this opportunity to remind yourself why you became a disciple in the first place and why Jesus gave the Great Commission to His Church? Would you decide to love the lost again, even if it means more disappointment and rejections? Would you deny yourself and take up the cross for Jesus, even if it means less time to rest?
2. Make sure you set the time to meet at least 20 minutes before the event. Also, after the speech, be sure to introduce your friend to the other brothers and sisters. I can㦙 emphasize enough how important it is for them to get a chance to meet as many different disciples as possible. Will your friends remember their names later? No! But, they will be overwhelmed by the love, sincerity, and joy of so many people with diverse age and social background in one room! Therefore, this should be our attitude, 𨧻 want you to meet my family!�
3. Many disciples have the false impression that once the visitors show up for the SDW, the hard work of evangelism is done. In reality, the real hard work has only just begun. We should think back to how we were reached out just before we became Christians. I remember Vinnie, the brother who reached out to me 22 years ago. He used to phone me all the time until I couldn㦙 say no anymore. But once I came, I was so impressed with the fellowship that I started attending regularly. (Note: 𩂈egularly� would be misleading, for Vinnie still had to call me very often to remind me, even then, I would still miss things here and there. It was not until I studied past Kingdom that I took going to Church seriously. So it is with those who came to the SDW. It might take a lot more effort for them to realize how great our God is.
4. People don㦙 become Christians simply through being our friends. The power of transformation resides within the Word of God. (Heb. 4:12) Until we opened the Word of God to them AND live the Word out in front of them, they have little chance in knowing the Truth. Setting up Bible Study is the only way to help them grow in their faith.
In one Sector, it was reported that one in every 8 people became a disciple through SDW outreach. It was their first contact with the church, and for most of them, that ONCE was all they needed. So, let us use these SDW events to remind ourselves the mission Jesus our Lord entrusted to us. Our task will be too sow generously and work the field. The harvest will be left up to God.
Post Script:
The SDW past week was inspiring. I was so proud of the Church as I witnessed every disciple labored together and sacrificed much in sowing the seed all around Taipei. (But, there are still a few, very few, that didn㦙 seem to care.) Nevertheless, many people came in contact with the Gospel for the first time in their lives, and they were touched by the Holy Spirit. While for many, their time to turn to Christ may not be now, but I am certain God has reserved some who 蘔unger and thirst for Righteousness.� All there is left to do is to water the seeds, and by faith, God will make them grow.
Steve Chin
Evangelist |
