by Stuart P. Robinson

Dave Yung has mastered the art of "flow'. By "flow' I mean the ability to almost seemlessly move people from gentle first contact to faith in Christ, to discipling, to active involvement in outreach and ministry.

Dave is the innovative "International Pastor' at tiny Peninsula Church (PCC) in Pyrmont, where I was previously senior pastor. With risk of grossly over-simplifying what is often a tortuous process, I want to lay out how Dave (with intent) has employed the concept of "flow'.

1 First contact: This has meant a whole lot of old-fashioned foot slogging. Over time, Dave and his team have visited local businesses (in Darling Harbour, Ultimo and Pyrmont) and have introduced themselves, left a card and some literature. Whilst this may seem like an obvious step, it is often overlooked. There is no substitute for gentle, personal dialogue with locals.

2 Going to them: Once cold contacts have become slightly warmer through return visits, Dave uses cultural events to build the relationship. The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival (held in Spring!) is an illustration of the "going to them' principle. Contacts are invited along with their friends to an evening of Chinese riddles, moon cakes, a lantern parade, kids coloring competition (through contacts in the local primary school), and a gospel presentation.

3 Training: A parallel activity is training. Dave has been teaching a small group basic theology and upskilling them in outreach strategies. These people will run a Christianity Explained program for enquirers.

4 Come to us: Having established credibility with those he has been serving, Dave is in a position to invite them to a Christian basics program run by a trainee " Sam Kwok. In recent weeks, Sam has had a dozen people in his group. This is significant as some have never heard the gospel before.

5 Send off: Perhaps unique to Pyrmont, Dave regularly publicly farewells those who have come through the process outlined. The people Dave is reaching are often in Sydney for short periods. In this narrow window, many have come to Christ and are now growing God's Kingdom in Korea, China, Hong Kong, and so it goes. And what is more, Dave keeps in contact with them via email. They in turn pray for the Sydney work.