ANNUAL NEWS REPORT OF TBOLF
Wish you all a new millenium and a blessed New Year 2000.
With our entering into the new millenium, how close are we to the end of the world? This is a probing question that men from all walk and sphere of life do ask with anxiety. With many scientific answers we know we are close to the end, but how close we don't know. Jesus ~ warned us not to be mislead by anyone predicting the date and time. He said, of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, not the Son, but he Father alone Mathew 24:36. Instead we have to be concerned about doing His will.
Jesus main mission to us is: Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you . -Matthew 28:18-19.
The command is dear, but in the wisdom of God we were never given specific instructions on how to do this. Therefore I would encourage each one of us to seek His face diligently at least from this year, as never before. seeking wisdom as to how to go about it. Down through the history1 God has led men and women to do it and He will also enable, equip and give you ways to do it. The only way to hasten His coming depends upon how faithfully each one of us part-take in the Great Commission. Amen!
1999 was indeed a blessed year with many opportunities and achievements. Glory belongs to Him alone
A brief writing of our activities and achievements is given below for your encouragement and thankfulness to Him.
Friday Worship Service: The writer of Hebrews says: Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.' - Hebrews 10:25.
The worshippers have increased to the extent that Main Hall is full including the Stage.
It has been the vision of TSOLF to impart sound teaching of the Word of God, so that believers will be well grounded in the Word of God and mature to hold on to the sound leadings that they have received in accordance with the Holy Scriptures -2 TImothy 1:13. Newcomers are systematically followed up and encouraged to grow in the Lord.
Highlights: 37 obeyed in WB and 10 children ware dedicated.
Praise and Worship: Prayerfully encouraging commitment from the Choir to minister unto the Lord and motivate worshippers to worship and minister to the Lord in truth and spirit. Time and again encouraging congregation, who sense a call to enroll themselves in this ministry.
Home Cell Ministry: 1999 has been a fruitful year. There has been a steady attendance at the Home Cells. To our present 12 Home Cells in the capital region, i.e. Muscat, Darsait, Ruwi, Wadi Kabir/Bustan 1,2& 3, Medinat Qaboos, PDO/Qurum I & 2, Al Khuwair I & 2 and Ghala. We are likely to start the13th one at Al Falaj area. Per the writer of Hebrews': And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.' - Hebrews 10:24, Home Cell is the place where believers grow in close fellowship, maturity and in sound biblical doctrine. Believers are time and again encouraged to be a part of any Home Cell according to their geographical location, so that they may steadily grow in close circles. Brethren are requested to relate to their Home Cell leader as their local pastor. Also this is the place where prospective leaders with a call are groomed with hands on training by starting as an Associate Leader to finally start an independent Home Cell when the growth increases in number.
Discipleship/Training Ministry: Believers who are saved are encouraged and motivated to join this training to become dependable disciples, which is catered in three levels:
Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced Classes. The time duration for each training course is three months. The topics that are vital to make brethren strong Christians are taught. They meet once a week where the classes are conducted by anointed teachers with proper printed study materials. The classes are conducted on Saturdays and Wednesdays between 2.00 - 3.30 p.m. and 8.00 - 9.30 p.m. to suite the convenience of the students.
The first batch for the new millenium will start from February 2nd.
Counselors & Ushers: Conducting periodical workshops to enhance and update the various areas of this ministry.
Friday School: Caters to all age groups, i.e. from pre-schools to teenagers.
Periodical workshops are conducted for the teachers to enhance their ministry.
Thanks to the children of TBOLF for their inspiring and meaningful ministry during the
Christmas Carols on 21.12.99. It was a wonderful time to witness to non-Christians the true meaning of Christmas.
Intercession: Various leaders of TBOLF and members are encouraged, motivated and challenged to stand in the gap and intercede for host country and other nations represented by the congregation.
Victory Night Service (TBOLF's Outreach): Reaching the unreached, especially our neighbours through TBOLF members. Thanks be to God for the tremendous response we have received from the people and for God's faithfulness in confirming His Word.
Visitation & Follow up: Newcomers are followed up by our various Home Cell Leaders, whereas our members are visited and counseled by the Pastor.
Administration & Finance: Looking after the local expenses and timely disbursement of funds received through Tithes and Offerings, to various Mission fields, thus covering host country, Far East, Nepal, Butan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nigeria and other Arab countries. Thus twenty missions fields are supported from the above countries.
God has been faithful and enabled us to come thus far. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. - Psalm 136. Our hearts are filled with gratitude to say:
Bless the Lord, 0 my soul and all that is within me bless is holy name. Bless the Lord, 0 my soul and forget not allis benefits - Psalm 103:1 & 2.
God has tremendous plans for us in AD 2000, but expects that we are faithful in doing His will alone. Commit yourselves to focus upon God and is Kingdom. Therefore, my beloved brethren, gird up your armour and let us move on. AMEN.
Wish you all a Spirit-filled and challenging New Year 2000.
SEBASTIAN RAYAPPEN
PASTOR.