His first question to TUA students is: which of you have a tract with you? His next question is: who knows what 2-2-2 stands for? Speaking is Ab Mol, guest speaker at a missionary lecture that second-year BA students must attend. Many of the students say they have a tract with them, but what 2-2-2 stands for, they need some help with that. Which Ab willingly provides.
Guest lecture
Ab Mol is CGK/OMF missionary and lives with his family in Udon Thani, in the north of the province Isaan in Thailand. He is on leave in the Netherlands and the opportunity has been taken to have him give a guest lecture. Fascinating, direct and thought-provoking is what he has to say. Living and working in Thailand as a Christian Dutchman requires an open attitude. But after Ab's conversation with the students, it turns out the same applies to a Christian in Western Europe.
Witnesses
With 2-2-2, it is about the way Paul recommends to his young co-worker Timothy in the second verse of the second chapter of his second letter to him. 'And what you have heard from me among many witnesses, entrust that to faithful people who are competent to teach others as well.' In the small congregation that meets Sundays at Ab and Clarine's home in Udon Thani, after the service, congregation members are equipped to engage in conversations with family members and neighbours. A short set of nine stories with evangelising striker is taught to the congregation members and concrete agreements are made: to whom will you tell what you heard today this week?
Salty salt
Hearing this, the students realise that while this would be necessary in the Dutch situation, it would at the same time cause an earthquake in the church. One of the students remarks: 'At our church, people come mainly to consume a sermon, and not so much to be equipped for a witnessing lifestyle in the coming week ...' At the same time, they all realise: if God loved us so much that He gave His only-begotten Son, it is not acceptable to want to keep that good news to ourselves. Salt should not clump together in the salt shaker, but should give flavour to food. Light should not be put under the bushel, but on a stand, to illuminate the surroundings.
