Trans Pacific for Christ Presentation Materials
May 20
Sermons
Which sermon package would you like to access? We recommend the abbreviated presentations, especially if you will be presenting with a translator.
Region
Length
(recommended)File Format
Health Presentations
These short health presentations are aligned with the sermon topics above. We recommend that you use them in the early part of your programs, before the sermon is presented.
Family Presentations
These short family presentations are aligned with the sermon topics above. We recommend that you use them in the early part of your programs, before the sermon is presented.
Decision Cards
We encourage you to promote your location-specific QR code for people to respond to your program each evening using their smartphone. However, if your audience won’t have smartphones or won’t have internet access, you may wish to use printed decision cards instead.
Evangelism Training
Cross-Cultural Training on Zoom
Pr Glenn Townend
Breaking the barriers in cross-cultural ministry
Pr Glenn Townend
Understanding the Melanesian World View
Dr Unia Api
Strategy, Structure and Success in Public Evangelism
Pr Lyle Southwell
Tips from Pr Glenn Townend
Thank you for being willing to share the last day message of Jesus good news to people in the eleven countries of the Trans Pacific. Your investment with Jesus will be an adventure of faith and a blessing to many people.
- Travel – just like many other countries air travel is not as reliable as it used to be – flight delays and cancelations are common. Be patient. Talk to people around you and tell them who you are, what you are doing and where you are going. Many will try to help. The Trans Pacific is largely a Christian territory with about 1:20 Seventh-day Adventists. The Country for Christ will be on radio, newspaper, TV, posters, and social media so most people will know why you are there. Road travel could be rough especially in rural areas. Boat travel can be rough and wet. However, locals will not usually push the boundaries so you will be safe.
- Welcome and Farewell – because you are a guest you could be welcomed and farewelled culturally. This could be in a form of a parade, cultural dancing, singing, long speeches and mock attack. Enjoy the experience it could go for a while and be ready to respond if asked.
- Guests – are considered more important than family and relatives (wantoks). The local people will do everything they can to make your life comfortable. They will give their best and protect you. The food and accommodation may be different to what you are used to – accept it graciously – try not to complain as it is their best.
- Safety/Protection – the local people will assign people to care for you and look after you. They will only leave you when you are in your place of rest. If you want to go somewhere talk with the local people and some of them will go with you.
- Clothes – when you preach you will wear formal business attire for men this means a tie in most locations, a jacket if you are in Polynesia. Women need to cover their shoulders and upper arms and have dresses below the knees. Shorts can be worn but not short shorts. Adventists do not wear jewelry in the Trans Pacific – we shouldn’t either.
- Time or Event – programs may start on time or could be hours late. People are patient and will wait not matter what – they want to experience the communal event. Community and the event take priority over timing.
- Gifts – the people of the Pacific are very generous and will give you gifts. It is usually important that you reciprocate with a gift. This can be any item with an Adventist logo – T-shirt, water bottle, hat … Secondhand clothes are valued too. If you take food be health sensitive (no lollies or chocolates) – nuts and dried fruit are appreciated as a healthy alternative (type 2 diabetes is at pandemic levels). You could raise funds for a significant project – church, clinic, goods for such ministry centres.
- Visitation – when you visit, accept the hospitality and eat what is offered if possible. You can give a small gift, a bookmark or sticker. Please pray for the sick and demon possessed – for any ailment. You may wish to take some olive oil and anoint people (Mark 6:12,13) in prayer. Miracles may be the result.
- Readiness – as a guest be prepared to take other meetings – training in disciple making, Bible studies, prayer, family, health, schools, … Have a list of stories to share that illustrate the points you want to make. Especially participating in prayer.
- Respect leadership and culture – many things will be different – not better or worse – just different – try not to complain when you are uncomfortable. Listen to their advice in what to do and what to say.
- Food – the fruit is amazing. Try all the food if you can. They appreciate your interest in their food. Be careful with salads – in particular outside of the cities. Cooked food is best. Fish is a staple food – some eat raw fish. If you are not adventurous with food – take some snacks (nuts, dried fruit, muesli bars, dried biscuits …) to eat when you are in the room. If you eat snacks in public with others around you will be expected to share.
- Accommodation and facilities – will be the best they can provide. Some will be just like at your home – others will be drop toilets and hose or creek for a shower/wash. Some mattresses will be soft and easy to sleep on and others could make you a little stiff. Check whether you need a mosquito net – buy them in the city.
- Health and Medical – go to your local doctor and tell them where you are going and ask them what you might need. It is up to you whether you follow their advice or not. In the early mornings and late afternoon have mosquito protection on – malaria and dengue fever are not fun! Take some headache, pain, sore, stomach/diarrhea medication if possible – you can leave it there.
Keep claiming Psalm 2:8 for the eleven countries and especially pray for the people where you are going to share the everlasting gospel. God will do something amazing – let’s enjoy the journey with Him and the others with us.