Vol 82 No 13 1 March 2020

Free On Request: [email protected]

TELLING THE GREAT WORKS OF CHRIST IN THE WORLD TODAY Service Brings All Sides Of Parl’t Together

Photo credit: Australian Christian Lobby. Senator Amanda Stoker, Chair of the Parliamen- Cormack MP, Opposition Leader Anthony Al- tary Christian Fellowship delivered the opening banese and parliamentary colleagues. She says: ‘I remarks for the ecumenical service to commemo- like the way the service reminds all of us to focus rate the opening of Parliament for the year, along- on what really matters! The local community side co-chair, Luke Gosling MP, in the presence of packed St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church to sup- the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley, the Prime port and acknowledge those recently touched by Scott Morrison, Deputy PM Michael Mc- bushfires and drought.’ BibleBible 20202020 –– It’sIt’s ForFor Everybody,Everybody, EverywhereEverywhere A major digital campaign was launched on New Year's Day to encourage ‘everyone, everywhere’ to read the Bible. Bible 2020 delivers a daily reading plan via the app, with users being encouraged to share the Bible verses with their social networks. Bible 2020 is an initiative of the Scottish Bible Society with the aim of Christians taking the words of the Bible off the pages and speaking them out loud in their daily lives. Elaine Duncan, CEO of the Scottish Bible Society says that there's something about speaking words out loud that make them more real. The campaign was originally intended only for Scotland but has instead launched as a global campaign with Bible Societies from more than 85 countries now involved. The Bible 2020 app is available from Apple and android app stores, with a read- ing plan also available on the Youversion Bible App. – Christian Today ‘Tell the people the full message of this new life’ – Acts 5.20b www.nlife.com.au VOLUME 82 NUMBER 13

ISSUE DATE: 1 March 2020 TELLING THE GREAT WORKS OF CHRIST IN THE WORLD TODAY

FILE NO: NL 2020-03-01 Waiting For God. Oh!

ISSN: 1033-7903 ‘But Elihu ... became very angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God.’ (Job 32.2) FOUNDER: Young Elihu was angry with the three older men because they had failed Eric J. Daley (1910-1992) to prove Job wrong with their seasoned wisdom and logic. He was also angry with Job for not vindicating God by just confessing his sin and being EDITOR: done with it. In Elihu’s eyes, Job’s sin was made obvious by the reality of Rev Bob Thomas his suffering. Phone: 0417 592 646 All four counsellors (including young Elihu) were coming from a world- Email: [email protected] view that required that either Job was wrong (ie sinful) or that God was Postal Address: wrong (by punishing an innocent man). Their logic had no place for middle PO Box 457 ground. Mitcham VIC 3132 But right through the narrative, Job refused to draw this inference. Al- though he knew his suffering could not be explained simply in terms of sin OFFICE MANAGER: in his life, and although he was therefore really struggling with the out- Rachael Maskell working of the providence of a righteous and just God in his own miserable Phone: 0415 612 646 circumstances, nevertheless he was willing to let God be God without being Email: [email protected] required to satisfy his own limited human reasoning. Job could hold the two opposing positions in tension (cf 1:22). WEB-SITE: There are times when we need to do the same. I, for one, am very glad www.nlife.com.au that the Sovereign Lord God has chosen to include the story of Job in His

inspired, revealed Word – it helps me to trust Him through perplexing, in- SUBSCRIPTION: explicable experiences of His providence. Sometimes our efforts to vindi- Free On Request cate God in the eyes of men do Him more harm than good. ACCEPTANCE OF Sometimes we need to just sit in silence and wait for God to vindicate ADVERTISING Himself, as Job had to do in the end (Chapters 38-42). – Bruce Christian DOES NOT IMPLY † † † † † † † † † ENDORSEMENT. As always, my friend Bruce Christian hits the nail on the head. Some- times I wonder: is it more difficult to persuade people of the sovereignty of NEW LIFE RESERVES God in creation ... or in providence ... or in redemption ...? Perhaps in provi- THE RIGHT TO REJECT dence? Perhaps in all three of His mighty works? ADVERTISING DEEMED There is no doubt that humanly speaking, 2020 hasn’t got off to the best UNSUITABLE. of starts. Bushfires, floods, the corona virus, the stock market crash, the failing supply lines ... PUBLISHED BY: So where is God in all this? The god of the deists, who is no god, being New Life Australia Ltd made in the image of Man, would be sitting idly by and letting happen what will happen, like Nero when Rome was burning. ABN: 15 005 035 138 The God of the Bible, the One, True and Living God, by contrast, ‘neither slumbers nor sleeps’. He is ‘working all things together for good for those NOTE TO CONTRIBUTORS: who love Him and are called according to His purpose’. He is giving us New Life is archived by the pause to ‘humble (our)selves and pray, and seek (His) face, and turn from National Library of Australia. (our) wicked ways; then (He) will hear from Heaven, and will forgive (our) It is assumed that contributors sin, and will heal (our) land’. ‘When (we) go through deep waters, (He) will agree with this arrangement and so be with (us)’ – ‘even in the Valley of the Shadow of Death.’ are willing to be published on this At such a time as this, it is wonderful for Christians to put their faith into basis. compassionate action, and to display that faith in affirming the sovereignty of God in providence, for it is ‘the love of Christ which constrains us’. – Bob Thomas

NEW LIFE – 1 March 2020 – Page Two NEW LIFE ADVERTISING

Now available at: Books (Australia) and Reformers Bookshop (Australia)

NEW LIFE – 1 March 2020 – Page Three TO THE HEIGHTS ‘Yes’ Or ‘No’ – God Answers Prayer At the Christmas/New Year Belgrave Heights Convention, Robert Martin, a member of Bel- grave Heights Convention Council and Melbourne Director of City Bible Forum who hosts a regular podcast and radio show Bigger Questions took the opportunity to ask one of the BHC speakers, David Robertson, the big question: ‘Is Prayer Ef- fective?’ These are David’s comments and testi- mony to the effectiveness of prayer in today’s age: Prayer is not mechanical. It cannot be measured by scientific data. Science can tell you why the kettle boiled, but science cannot explain why you Robert Martin (left) interviews David. put the kettle on! churches to pray for David at mid-day on a certain Prayer is not a magical way of getting things. day. From that day he began to recover. Hundreds However David himself is living proof of the effec- of people sent messages and cards which David fi- tiveness of prayer. In 2011, after conducting a nally read months later. One card said, ‘You know wedding, he collapsed in a pool of blood. Two ul- we are atheists, but we are praying for you to get cers had burst over a major artery. He was in a better!’ coma for seven weeks with 50% chance of sur- David said that doctors, medicine and prayers vival until the end of the week and then there was saved him. God uses professional medical help. little hope for recovery. Prayer is not automatic. God is merciful and com- His daughter returned from Australia to be passionate; always teaching us lessons. David with him. His son said, ‘If my dad is healed it is an stated, ‘I believe in a good and sovereign God.’ answer to prayer. If my dad is not healed it is an He started reciting Scripture while he was still answer to prayer!’ The family were trusting God very weak and he began to feel very strongly that to bring good out of a disastrous situation. he would get out of hospital and start preaching Before leaving the hospital at the end of visiting again. hours each night, one of the family read a Psalm The elders of his church anointed David with to David. God’s Word was the only way to calm oil (James 5.14), but that is not a guarantee of him and ensure a reasonable night without night- healing. Sometimes God allows sickness to con- mares and horrors of the dark haunting his sleep. tinue, which is to the glory of God! His church sent an urgent message for all the That time of serious illness taught David to re- ally trust the Lord and be ready to die. He knows all the days of his life are written in God’s book ‘If my dad is healed (Psalm 139.16). David’s view of prayer has not changed, but what changed was the attitude in it is an answer which he wakes up each morning. He awakes with thankfulness in his heart for the new day, know- to prayer. ing he is dependent on God for everything. God is love. God is just. God is good. Jesus is God! ‘He heard my cry for mercy and I am a testimony to If my dad is that. Trust and see that the Lord is good,’ were his challenging words. God is effective and as we pray not healed to Him, our prayers will be effective. Prayer is as essential to believers as breath‐ it is an answer ing. ‘Confess your sins to one another, pray for one another so that you might be healed. The ef- fective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish to prayer!’ much!’ (James 5.16). – Barbie Prout NEW LIFE – 1 March 2020 – Page Four NEW LIFE ADVERTISING PASTORALPASTORAL MINISTRYMINISTRY POSITIONPOSITION Kurri Kurri (NSW) Congregational Church welcomes expressions of interest from suitably qualified men for the position of Minister or Associate Minister of our church. The Location: The church is located in the Hunter Valley town of Kurri Kurri (pop. 6,000), 15 minutes from the main regional centres of Maitland and Cessnock. The Church: The church is an autonomous evangelical church affiliated with the Fellowship of Congregational Churches. The Congregation: Size: 25-30; Age range: 1-95. Education: Lower secondary – postgraduate. Employment: trades, self-employed, education (primary, tertiary), retail, retired. Finances: the church is financially viable and is able to support a full-time minister. It owns its own property complex and has no debt. Ministries: two Sunday services, Bible studies, Sunday school, Women’s outreach, Children’s ministries. The Position: The position will be either a full-time senior position (preferred), or an interim associate position (until such time as the candidate can assume the senior position). Responsibilities: pastoral (all ages), preaching, Bible teaching. Remuneration: a stipend, allowances and housing package (including a refurbished manse) based on the independently recommended FCC rates. Tenure: negotiable. Commencement: 2020. The Man: : Conservative (Reformed) Evangelical. Training: Conservative Bible or theological college qualification. Experience: Previous pastoral experience desirable but not essential. Marriage / family: Prefer married with children but not essential. Personal: A demonstrable commitment to the Lord, His Word, people and work.

Enquiries & Submissions: Please direct all enquiries or expressions of interest to: Phill Graham ([email protected]) or Jon Van Vorst ([email protected]) (02) 4937 1049.

NEW LIFE – 1 March 2020 – Page Five MATTERS FOR PRAYER with Elizabeth Kendal BURKINA FASO: Terror In Yagha On Sunday 16 February a group of around 20 Terror is escalating at an alarming rate in Burk- 'armed terrorists' attacked a Protestant church in ina Faso. In 2018, dozens of troops were killed by the north-eastern village of Pansi, close to the bor- roadside bombs and in ambushes that mostly tar- der with Niger in Yagha Province in Burkina Faso's geted security forces. Since early 2019, however, volatile northern Sahel Region. The terrorists rode the militants increasingly have targeted civilians. into Pansi on motorbikes and targeted the church, According to Armed Conflict Location And Event opening fire on believers as the worship service Data Project, which collects and analyses conflict was underway. information, more than 1,300 civilians (Christians It was a massacre; at least 10 were killed and 18 and Muslims) were killed in targeted attacks in wounded. The pastor was among 14 church mem- 2019. That is more than five times the number of bers whom the terrorists abducted and subse- civilians killed in 2018. Furthermore, around half quently murdered, bringing the death toll to 24. a million people were displaced in 2019, over 13 The militants set fire to the church and forced times as many as were displaced in 2018. This three abducted youths to help carry looted sup- brings the total number of displaced persons to an plies. Victims were transported to the hospital in estimated 760,000. The gross insecurity has the regional capital, Dori, some 180km (110 forced the closure of around 95 healthcare centres miles) north-west of Pansi, in neighbouring Seno and some 2,000 schools, mostly in the lawless Province. Seeking safety, traumatised villagers fled east. More than 1.2 million Burkinabes are in ur- to the provincial capital, Sebba, adding to the ever- gent need of humanitarian assistance. growing numbers of internally displaced persons. Unsurprisingly, demonstrations and riots have A week earlier, on Monday evening 10 February, erupted across the country, especially in the capi- Islamic militants murdered Lankoande Babilibile, tal Ouagadougou, protesting about escalating a church deacon in Sebba. According to Barnabas hardship and the government's failure to guaran- Fund, the terrorists then stole Babilibile's car and tee security. Religious Liberty Monitoring is not used it to abduct Pastor Tindano Omar, whom they alone is suspecting that the escalating insecurity seized from his Sebba home along with his son, and civil unrest is directly linked to the presiden- two daughters and two nephews. The bodies of tial and parliamentary elections and constitutional Pastor Omar, his son and two nephews were found referendum scheduled for November 2020. on 13 February; his two daughters had been re- Many suspect that opposition elements, partic- leased unharmed. Pastor Tindano Omar is sur- ularly the affiliates and the party of exiled former vived by three other children who attend president Blaise Compaore, and Blaise Compaore university in another region. himself, are fuelling the insecurity for political PLEASE PRAY THAT ALMIGHTY GOD WILL: gain. It is a familiar scenario: opposition elements fuel • comfort those who mourn, grieve and tremble; heal those who conflict which they then blame on the government are wounded in body, mind and/or spirit; and provide the needs of all who look to Him in faith or even just in desperation; while proffering themselves as potential saviours. • be a shield, defender, strong tower and refuge, and guiding If this is what is happening, then violence is des- good shepherd to His Church. tined to escalate. According to Operation World • be an awakening and revealing light to Muslims and others (2010), Burkina Faso is 52% Muslim, 26% ethno- who are struggling in darkness (John 8.12); and a consuming religionist, and 21% Christian (mostly Catholic). fire to those who would bring bloodshed, suffering, repression Despite being majority Muslim, Burkina Faso and evil to Burkina Faso (Isaiah 40.10; 59.14-19). has a long tradition of peaceful co-existence and • grace the government of Burkina Faso, especially President religious freedom; it also has a democratically Kabore, with wisdom and insight, conviction and courage, and elected Christian President: Roch Marc Christian the international support and assistance they need. Kabore. The Battle for Burkina Faso has begun! Elizabeth Kendal is the author of Turn Back The Battle: Isaiah Speaks To Christians Today (Deror Books, Mel- bourne, Australia, Dec 2012) which offers a Biblical response to persecution and existential threat; and After Saturday Comes Sunday: Understanding The Christian Crisis In The Middle East (Wipf and Stock, Eugene, OR, USA, June 2016). See www.ElizabethKendal.com NEW LIFE – 1 March 2020 – Page Six ‘STRIVING TOGETHER FOR THE SAKE OF THE GOSPEL’ Unfurling ‘The Royal Banner Given For Display To The Soldiers Of The Cross’ The 2020 Australian Banner Of Truth Confer- Leon Tang, Presbyterian missionary, who works ence was held at the Salvation Army’s Collaroy in an Asian country with ‘returnees’ ie students Conference Centre, Sydney, from 18 to 21 Febru- who have become Christians while here, then re- ary, with some 80 residents and another 20 at- turn to their home countries. Secondly, Rev Victor tending as day visitors. It was good to see several Atallah, Director of Middle East Reformed Fellow- young people attending, and there was a greater ship. Both these speakers could have said more ethnic mix which was encouraging. and at least three people present could have spo- Greatly missed this year was Dr ken on other missions. Noel Weeks who was not well The program included two ses- enough to attend. sions of ten minute talks by two The conference opened with Rev speakers followed by discussion and Johnnie Li, minister of Maroubra Q & A. The first was How Best To Nur‐ Presbyterian Church, setting the ture Our Young People, with Tom tone in a sermon from 2 Corinthi- Reeve and Jeff Kingswood the speak- ans 5.14, The Love Of Christ – Mo‐ ers. The second was How May The tives And Motivation For Christian Standard Of Our Preaching Be Raised? Living And Ministry. with Joel Radford (pastor of Drum- Other addresses were from Rev moyne Baptist Church, Sydney) and Peter Barnes, speaking on Athana‐ Graham Nicholson the speakers. The sius, then a later address on , Laws And suggestion was raised of holding a Banner of Freedom, referring to the proposed Religious Dis- Truth Youth Conference and one would hope this crimination legislation, which he did not favour, will be followed through. seeing it as likely to bring more problems in a so- Overall, there are many good things about the ciety which had already abandoned the Christian conference, including the possibility of a Banner world-view. Youth Conference, but it could be improved by Rev Graham Nicholson, minister of Hawthorn being locally run, with more Psalms sung instead Presbyterian Church, preached from 1 Corinthi- of exclusive singing of hymns. There could also be ans 2.2, Everything In Christ Crucified, and Jeff a broader focus on the minister’s role, rather than Kingswood (minister of Grace Presbyterian almost exclusively on preaching. For example, Church, Woodstock, Ontario, part of the Associate helping ministers to develop pastoral skills, en- Reformed Presbyterian Church in Canada) couragement in evangelism; the minister’s own preached from Ezekiel 2.1-3.15 on Ezekiel’s Call. well being, as the ministry is a stressful calling The evening addresses were given by Rev and stress changes people, perhaps leading to Steven Lawson, a Baptist minister and writer reclusiveness, or bitterness, or depression, or re- from USA who runs One Passion Ministries, is as- treating to the computer. sociated with Dr John MacArthur’s Grace Univer‐ – Anna Ward, The Presbyterian Banner sity and with Ligonier Ministries. He gave three (Perhaps there could be a happy blend of singing comprehensive addresses on The Importance And metrical psalms à capella as well as hymns and Benefits Of The Doctrines Of Grace. spiritual songs with musical accompaniment, There was a Missions segment on Wednesday recognising the differing views on the meaning of afternoon, with interviews with two men. First, Psalm 150 and Ephesians 5.19. – Ed.) WHOWHO CANCAN YOUYOU INVITEINVITE TOTO SIGNSIGN UPUP FORFOR AA FREEFREE SUBSCRIPTIONSUBSCRIPTION TOTO NEWNEW LIFE?LIFE?

NEW LIFE – 1 March 2020 – Page Seven FAITH NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA ... With Stan Hunt Churches To The Fore In Bushfire Crises Churches were at the forefront among the responders in both their prayers and deeds as Aus- tralians in four states reeled from killer bushfires. Churches are still encouraging their members to provide direct financial support to official appeals. Emily Evans of the Uniting Church says chaplains are offering personal care, psychological first aid, and emotional and spiritual support at relief and re- covery centres. Archbishop Glenn Davies, of the Anglican church in Sydney asked for Christians to be in ‘fervent prayer’ asking God to intervene. He praised the work of the Disaster Recovery Response, whose trained volunteers are giving practical aid, helping prepare meals, providing clothing, bedding and towels and helping with displaced pets. – World Council of Churches

The first pure mathematician to win the annual Prime Minister’s Prize For Science, says she first be- came keen on mathematics in early high school. Born in Toowoomba, Queensland, in 1948, Cheryl Praeger says when she started doing research in mathematics, she felt it was like discovering God’s hand in Creation. A committed Christian, Mrs Praeger was appointed Professor of Mathematics at the University of Western Australia in 1983. Her branch of mathematics deals with questions of symmetry. Applications of her research include public key cryptography, which keeps your communication with your bank secure. Another of her major contributions is the development of algorithms used in global mathematical computer systems. Eternity News reports Mrs Praeger became a Christian at the age of 12 after listening to Billy Graham preaching by landline at church. – Eternity News

Lament For Lent It’s Never Too Late To Come To Faith In Christ Lament For Lent, a campaign by the Church Mis- Two retirement village residents in Sydney are sion Society is encouraging Christians to grieve beginning their Christian life after completing the the state of the world. CMS has launched a free Christianity Explored course. Eighty-two-year-old six-week resource, Only With Eyes That Have Ray Turner and 75-year-old Chris Lawes gave Cried, written by theologian and missiologist, their testimonies at a meeting with residents, Cathy Ross. Dr Ross says the campaign faces the family members and a delighted Anglicare chap- increasing unrest, uncertainty and persecution lain, the Rev Marty Symons. At the completion of against Christians, war and racism, together with Christianity Explored, Ray told Mr Symons, ‘I’ve the climate crisis and other threats to the well- become one of you guys.’ Chris says Mr Symons being of the world. CMS hopes Christians will has made his belief in Christ, along with what the learn to embrace grief by developing a deeper Lord wants for him, very clear. Mr Symons, who is trust and confidence in God. Only With Eyes That chaplain for St Michael’s Chapel at Anglicare’s Have Cried uses examples from the Psalms and Farrer Brown Court in Castle Hill, says both men prayers to help Christians embrace a spiritual dis- are now involved in daily devotions and Bible cipline that can deepen their experience of God. study. There has been a big change in their lives, The campaign hopes to move Christians from he says. Sydneyanglicans.net reports it just goes grief to action to show, it’s never too late to ask Jesus into your . – Inspire Magazine life. – Sydneyanglicans.net For Further Reading / Listening: Every fortnight New Life receives more material than we are able to include in the current issue due to the exigencies of space. For the most part these are articles which exceed the space available in their particular category. Others are longer than the usual run of articles we publish. Still others, though worthy, are judged to be of interest to only a small proportion of readers, generally because they are more technical than the articles we choose for publication. However, we believe that such articles would be of sufficient interest to enough of our readers to refer them to the websites where they can be accessed. LIGONIER MINISTRIES advise that you can now stream all of the messages from their recent Southern Ontario Conference for free on Ligonier.org , the Ligonier app , and YouTube.

NEW LIFE – 1 March 2020 – Page Eight FAITH NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA ... With Stan Hunt Giving Grey Nomads A Greater Purpose Presbyterian Inland Mission has taken posses- sion of the property that is to become PIM’s New Dunesk, located at 6550 Newell Highway, Ardlethan, NSW. (Dunesk is a property south of Edinburgh, Scotland, where a lady called Mrs Smith lived towards the end of the 19th Century. She gave a large amount of money to the Presby- terian Church to establish ministry in the Inland. The legendary Rev John Flynn used this money to establish the Australian Inland Mission, now known as the Presbyterian Inland Mission. – Ed.) Andrew Letcher, CEO of the PIM writes: ‘The vi- This brand new initiative of PIM is a great op- sion behind New Dunesk is to establish a rural fa- portunity for Grey Nomads to connect with other cility from which God’s people will be inspired, Nomads and reflect on the Kingdom opportuni- equipped and sent out for ministry to INLAND ties before they improve their confidence in shar- Australia. ing the Gospel with friends and strangers, learn ‘We give thanks to the Lord for this good gift! skills to help serve small churches gain a deeper One of the first major activities at New Dunesk understanding of what God is doing in remote will be the inaugural gathering of the PIM No‐ and rural Australia, and help shape the future of mads’ Network. It’s an exciting way for people to the PIM Nomads’ Network. get involved in what God is doing around our na- For more information and to book your place, tion. The program encourages and equips partici- email [email protected] or call Andrew on pants to use their Nomad travels for God’s glory. 0438 868 964. If you have a mission heart and love praying for people, 30 Days Of Prayer is an opportunity for you to engage in focused prayer and learning about Muslim cultures. The 30 Days Of Prayer For The Mus‐ lim World booklet is now available to provide support with intentional, compassionate and respectful prayer. It is a practical guide containing daily articles, photos and prayer points to highlight different topics and people groups living around the world. The 2020 edition of 30 Days Of Prayer For The Please order your booklet online at Muslim World is now available, for use in per- www.30days.org.au, or if you have an enquiry, sonal, family, small group or church prayer and please call (03) 8820 3200. devotion. Operation Mobilisation supports 30 Please support this call to prayer to reach out Days Of Prayer, an international movement to to our Muslim neighbours in the hope that they pray for Muslims during Ramadan, a key month of will know God. Your intercessory prayers will religious observation on the Islamic calendar. OM make a difference! would love you to be involved.

Read: How To Be Put Right With God by David Holden at www.defenceofthefaith.org

NEW LIFE – 1 March 2020 – Page Nine FAITH NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD ... With STAN HUNT Israeli Scientists Working On Vaccine Israeli scientists say they are just weeks away from releasing the world’s first vaccine against the deadly Coronavirus. The Galilee Research In- stitute spent four years creating a vaccine against the highly contagious coronavirus that infects birds. Now, they’re adapting the vaccine for the human coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. Researchers say the goal is to produce the vac- cine during the next 8-10 weeks, and to achieve safety approval in 90 days. The Israeli Govern- Scientists have been scrambling to find a Coro- ment will fast-track the approval processes for navirus vaccine since the outbreak began infect- the human coronavirus vaccine so it can hit the ing 83,000 people and killing more than 2,800 market as soon as possible as an oral pill. people. – CBN Christian World News Iraqi Christian Village Rebounds After ISIS Terror Attack A small Christian village in Iraq is finally getting back on its feet after being largely destroyed by ISIS fighters. When militants came across the rich Christian history of Batnaya, Northern Iraq, they de- faced churches, decapitated statues and smashed up any and every religious symbol they could lay their hands on. With ISIS being defeated in the region, an extensive restoration program is beginning in partnership with the charity Aid To The Church In Need. Church leaders estimate that hundreds of people will soon return after being displaced in neighbouring towns and villages for the past few years. The restoration project is set to cover some 13 towns and villages across the Nineveh Plains. – CBN News Christian World News

‘More Things Are Wrought By Prayer ...’ darkest hours, she says, ‘During my detention, I One hundred countries are taking part in this held the hand of Christ. It is thanks to Him that I year’s Thy Kingdom Come prayer campaign. The have stayed standing.’ Mrs Bibi has spent nine worldwide campaign encourages Christians to months in Canada following her acquittal, but she pray in the 11 days between Ascension and Pen- says she longs to return to her native tecost for more people to come to know God. The country. ‘Pakistan is my homeland. I love Pakistan Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, launched passionately,’ she says. In the meantime, Mrs Bibi preparations for the fifth year of the campaign in plans to seek asylum in France. – Premier News which more than one million people have taken Taking Precautions Against Virus Spread part. Asked at the launch what excites him about Chinese churches in the US are doing their best to the campaign, the Archbishop joked: ‘Apart from avoid transmission of the coronavirus. Taped to the fact that as we pray, it changes the world ... the entrance of one church is a notice warning not a lot!’ He says the answer to all great issues parents not to bring their children to church if that we're facing is found in the transformation of they’ve travelled to Asia in the past 14 days. Chi- hearts. ‘Conflict, persecution, climate change – we nese churches such as this one, with services in need human hearts to change’, he said. Of those Mandarin, Cantonese and English, have taken it who participated in Thy Kingdom Come last year, upon themselves to self-quarantine. Many other 70% said they were more likely to share their churches are taking precautionary measures, faith with friends and family as a result. such as cancelling meetings and other communal – Premier News events. At least 35 people in the US are infected Asia Bibi – Hand In Hand With Christ with the virus – all linked to overseas travel, in- Pakistani Christian Asia Bibi has revealed her cluding 18 people evacuated from the Diamond faith in Christ was what got her through her eight Princess cruise ship docked in Yokohama, Japan. years imprisonment in Pakistan. On death row for As of 23 February, Australia had confirmed 22 blasphemy, she was acquitted last year. In a vivid cases of coronavirus. – Religion News Service account of how her faith helped her through her NEW LIFE – 1 March 2020 – Page Ten GOOD NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD An Evangelical Library In Times Of Instagram A Brethren Church in the Spanish town of Águilas has opened a library with more than 5,000 Christian books. Their vision is ‘to continue the evangelisation work that began here at the end of the 19th Century’. The li- brary already has a fund of 4,000 cat- aloged documents. Opening a library in the times of In‐ stagram is not common, especially if it is a library specializing in evangeli- cal literature. But opening it far from a big city seems to be beyond all logic. That's exactly what has happened in The Library entrance. the sunny and maritime Spanish town of Águilas, serve next, how to use all the space we have for in the region of Murcia. the glory of the Lord. The members of the Brethren Church will in- ‘At that time Joaquin Guerola, a worker of the augurate the Robert P. Simpson Library there on church of the Brethren in the southeast between March 7, as a tribute to this Scottish missionary 1957 and 2011, also died and bequeathed his li- and his wife Lina. The Simpsons strengthened the brary to the head of the Brethren, Francisco evangelistic work of this enclave in southeastern López who, in turn, decided to donate the fund to Spain, between the end of the 19th Century and the church, adding it to the material that we al- the first years of the 20th Century. The library al- ready had. Since then, we were thinking and pray- ready has a fund of 4,000 catalogued books, that ing for four years about how to manage it. We did have been donated by different people and evan- not have the money to make an investment of this gelical churches. magnitude. Some of them are several centuries old. The or- ‘Despite all that, we started the project by ganisers hope to cataloge 1,000 more by the inau- faith and the Lord has been providing us step by guration, a laborious work that has been carried step. We have been able to open this space to the out by the members of this small Christian com- public and provide a social and cultural service to munity. The premises, which belong to the the city of Águilas. We want it to be a space for church, occupies about 60 square metres. The study and a complement to the city library, with building housed summer children and youth Internet access, but with the peculiarity of being camps for several decades. It also has a class- specialised in Christian and evangelical literature.’ room, which is called Lina Simpson, as well as – Samuel Crespo, Evangelical Focus other equipment. At the entrance of the library, a plaque recalls the work of Robert and Lina Simpson in educa- FOR SALE tion, nursing and the care of the elderly. In their free clinic, they looked after thousands of people Good Quality and, at the end, they gave all their assets to the most needy. Spanish news website Protestant Dig‐ Theological Commentaries ital has spoken with the project co-ordinator, And Christian Books María Ester Soto. ‘This church was designed by Robert,’ she says, Reasonable Prices ‘who was an architect, and the church members View by Appointment only built it. This project started when the church fin- ished organising summer camps for children and Call Ray youth in 2009, we thought about how we could 0412 124 602 NEW LIFE – 1 March 2020 – Page Eleven PERSECUTION WATCH ‘The Worst Place In The World’ ‘This is the worst place in the world’ declared US faith leaders after meeting victims of Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen as part of a fact-find- ing mission to investigate reports of escalating in- security in Nigeria. They met with dozens of victims of terrorism from five different Nigerian provinces for three days. ‘After our journey there, we want the world to know that you haven’t heard half of it,’ the faith leaders said in a joint statement. ‘The terrorists’ aim is to ethnically cleanse northern Nigeria of its St Peter’s Anglican Church, Zangam, Nigeria Christians and to kill every Muslim who stands in their way.’ Africa will be ground zero for the next genera- They stressed that if things ‘do not change im- tion's war on terrorism, and the humanitarian mediately’ portions of Nigeria and the broader cost of letting these problems fester and multiply Lake Chad region ‘may soon become the most in the near term could result in disaster for much dangerous place on the planet. This portion of of Western Africa,’ they said. – Christian Post

Islamic Terrorism Spreading In Majority burnt homes, destroyed crops and shops.’ Mahe- Christian Mozambique cic explained that there have also been reports of Over 100,000 people have been displaced and beheadings, kidnappings, and disappearance of at least 700 have died in the majority-Christian women and children. Mahecic said the attackers country of Mozambique since 2017, as the spread at times warn locals when and where they will at- of radical Islamic extremism in Africa is starting tack, causing a mad rush of residents to flee those to plague the continent’s southeast region. The areas. As attacks are spreading southward across UN High Commission for Refugees said it is boost- the province, the UN notes that many in the ing its response in Mozambique’s north-eastern provincial capital of Pemba are starting to flee. Cabo Delgado province, an oil-rich coastal region Bishop Luiz Fernando Lisboa said that one at- on the Indian Ocean. Although southeast Africa tack in the region targeted an agricultural teacher was once considered relatively peaceful com- training school in Bilibiza with over 500 students. pared to its counterparts in the north, there’s con- ‘The school was burned down, then the attackers cern that the region is becoming a foothold for smashed up other shops and businesses nearby,’ militants who appear aligned with Islamic State. he said. Lisboa warned that as villages are being The Institute for Security Studies, an Africa- vacated, no one is left to plant crops. ‘That means based think tank, has reported that as many as that there will be hunger, and we will have thou- 350 terror incidents have occurred in Mozam- sands of internally displaced people,’ he warned. bique since the local jihadi group Ahlu Sunnah According to ISS consultant Peter Fabricius, the Wal Jammah simultaneously attacked police and insurgency morphed into a terror campaign di- military bases in October 2017. The UNHCR rected mainly at unarmed civilians after it began warns that the recent weeks have proved to be with attacks on the military bases. the most volatile period as attacks are spreading Fabricius reports that the death toll, including across most of Cabo Delgado’s 16 districts. Cabo security personal, insurgents and civilians stands Delgado is one of the least developed regions. Ac- at over 600 since 2017. Fabricius stressed that cording to UNHCR spokesperson Andrej Mahecic, the government ‘continues to present these atroc- hundreds of villages have been burned and aban- ities as criminality’ with member states of the doned because of the campaign of terror. Southern African Development Community ‘going ‘Armed groups have been randomly targeting along with that view.’ Security forces in Mozam- local villages and terrorizing the local population,’ bique are despondent and do not have the capac- Mahecic said at a recent press briefing. ‘Those ity to intercept the militants’ communications. fleeing speak of killings, maiming, and torture, – Australian Prayer Network NEW LIFE – 1 March 2020 – Page Twelve NEW LIFE ADVERTISING CanCan YouYou HelpHelp Us?Us? New Life Needs To Update Its Equipment And Computer Programs. Donations To Help Us Achieve This Would Be Most Appreciated. If You Can Join Us In Improving The Ministry Of New Life, Please Send Donations To: New Life Australia Ltd, PO Box 457, Mitcham 3132 or By Direct Deposit To: Account: New Life Australia Ltd. Bank: Westpac. BSB: 033-112. Account Number: 16-8239

Elizabeth Kendal’s New Book ... War! Destruction! Violent Persecution! Martyrdom! Forced Displacement! For hundreds of thousands of now destitute Christian families, this is the new reality. Yet contrary to all appearances, God is at work in the Middle East. ‘Kendal’s book is a godsend to anyone who is at a loss to understand what lies behind the suffering in the Middle East. Drawing on authoritative voices from the region, her clear-eyed analysis untangles the conflicts with the heart and insight of a prophet. – Jeff M. Sellers, Editor, Persecution News Service, Morning Star News. For more information go to: www.ElizabethKendal.com

Glorious Things – A Protestant’s Guide To London • Revised! • Updated! • Illustrated! • Now Available As An e-Book! Glorious Things will help visitors to London arrive well prepared to make the most of their time there. The guided tours will take you to places like Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral, but Glorious Things will take you to important sites linked to our Protestant heritage. COST: $10 for the PDF version, with the right to print two hard copies. PAYMENT OPTIONS: 1. Cheque for $10 payable to New Life Australia. Mail to: PO Box 457, Mitcham Vic 3132. (Please include a letter with your name and email address so that we can email the PDF to you.) 2. Direct deposit $10 to Bank: Westpac; A/c name: New Life Australia Ltd BSB: 033-112; A/c No: 16-8239 (Please also notify us by email).

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NEW LIFE – 1 March 2020 – Page Thirteen JOURNEY THROUGH JOHN with David Cook The Holy Spirit’s Illuminating Work Read John 14.15-31 The Lord Jesus wants to assure the apostles on truth. In today’s reading, this special night that the Holy Spirit will have a Jesus refers to both the per- particular ministry with them. sonal teaching (illumination) The time will come when Peter, John, and and reminding (recalling) Matthew will record their memories of Jesus’ ministry of the Holy Spirit earthly ministry in either letters or gospels. Jesus (v.26), which will enable wants them to know that they will have the spe- the apostles to pass on the cial assistance of the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, Gospel correctly, guiding in this task. He will teach them and remind them them to understand and of what Jesus has said. then record accurately But there are also things they will write about what Jesus has done and which they have yet to hear or experience, ‘more taught. than [they] can now bear’ (see John 16.12). The Hence, we can be confident that the Holy Spirit will reveal to them things of the future Bible is God’s authoritative Word, not just the and guide them into all truth (John 16.13). In his words of Jesus, but also the words of His Spirit- letter, John talks about the illuminating ministry anointed apostles and messengers (men like of the Spirit, Luke, Jude, and James). THINK THROUGH: whom each be- Indeed, the Bible is the Word God’s Spirit has How important are these promises liever receives as breathed out through the apostolic messengers. of Jesus to the apostles? an ‘anointing’ Other references to the New Testament’s divine How would remembering that the from Jesus (1 source are found in 1 Timothy 5.18; 2 Timothy Bible is ‘God’s authoritative Word’ John 2:27). The 3.16,17; 2 Peter 1.21; and Revelation 1.10,11. influence the way you read, listen, Holy Spirit opens We need to depend on the Holy Spirit to make and respond to Scripture? our minds to un- His Word clear to us; we need His illuminating derstand God’s ministry.

Reprinted from Our Daily Bread Journey Through Series® – Journey Through John by David Cook (Copyright © 2017) published by Discovery House. Used with permission of Discovery House. All rights reserved. For further enquiries please visit: journeythrough.org or email: [email protected] SEEN ON FACEBOOK: WORDS OF WISDOM:

NEW LIFE – 1 December 2019 – Page Fourteen SHARING THE GOOD NEWS Free On Request: Easter Book For Kids engaged renowned chil- These books dren’s author Susannah McFarlane to write an ac- present the companying book to The Who, What, Why, How Of Gospel message Christmas, published for the first time last year. through the pro- The same children who featured in that book are found questions back this Easter. Once again the cynic Josh strug- that children bring gles with the story. When Josh learns that Jesus and the Narrator’s died and came back to life, he immediately sug- ability to answer gests that Jesus was a zombie. The narrator is at a level that is quick to point out two distinct differences: zom- age appropriate, bies are still dead. Jesus was dead but then was without stripping alive again. And, actually, zombies are made-up the reconciling gift of God’s grace of its life-giving things, but Jesus is real. significance. Grace, Abby and Tom also ask questions and Bible Society Australia is giving three copies of seek to understand why Jesus died on the cross, Who What Why How Of Easter on request. They what it means to experience forgiveness and the ask that you keep one, if you would like, but give love that Jesus offers the world. At the end of the the others away to families who might not know story Josh is starting to come around to the power Jesus or His gift of grace. of the story. There is much to model in this story. The nar- We all know Josh’s in our lives. They might be rator treats each child with respect. No one is ten or they might be fifty. We can no longer as- ridiculed or dismissed. They are heard. How do sume that children understand the Easter story. we tell our friends and relatives about the Gospel? Here in Australia, Easter represents an extended Do we listen or do we lecture? Do we try to sim- holiday and chocolate eggs brought by an Easter plify complex theological concepts so that they bunny. The religious significance is increasingly are relevant to our audience? For further informa- lost as less people attend Church. tion, go to: http://www.biblesociety.org.au/

YOU CAN ADVERTISE HERE TO OUR COMMITTED READERSHIP. Call Rachael 0415 612 646 Email: [email protected]

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NEW LIFE – 1 March 2020 – Page Fifteen ‘WITH CHRIST ... BETTER BY FAR’ REV JOHN S. GRAHAM (1939‐2019) wonderful times of blessing among Chinese peo- John Graham appears to have been the first regu- ple at the time as I witnessed myself. However, lar full-time missioner of Christian Witness to Is- debates John had with a Rabbi in the early 1990s rael in Australia. John was born on Lewis (in led him to change his position on the law of God Scotland) and worked as a motor mechanic be- as set forth in the Westminster Confession of fore preparing for the ministry of the Free Church Faith. That meant the Free Church Presbytery of of Scotland by studies in Aberdeen (MA) and Ed- Lewis had to part company with John after allow- inburgh. ing a year for him to reflect further. Ordained by the Free Church Presbytery of He joined the Presbyterian Church of Aus‐ Lewis on 17 October 1978 for work with CWI, he tralia in the State of New South Wales and served transferred to the Presbyterian Church of Eastern at Bondi from 1997, continuing his interest in the Australia when he arrived in Australia in Septem- Jewish people until he retired on 30 June 2019. ber 1979 with Katie, his talented wife, and their John was a missionary at heart, not an adminis- two daughters, and was an active evangelist trator. He worked hard when others would have among Jewish people in Sydney. He had a seat on given up. John had cancer for the last decade and Central Presbytery from 1981 to 1994. In Novem- passed to the presence of the Lord on 31 October ber 1988 he became Interim Moderator of the 2019. – Rev Dr Rowland Ward, new PCEA work in Sydney South. There were The Presbyterian Banner. 1 Peter 1.16: Be Holy! RAY HARRISON – A Tribute dure awful weather, risk Mel Newth, former World Director of International sickness so that the Needs, paying tribute to Ray Harrison, said that Ray Word of God could be Harrison was an extra ordinary man, whose life of shared. Ray loved the humility and Christian walk, empowered by the Word of God. His Bible Holy Spirit, glorified God our Father and His Son seemed always open. Jesus Christ. When he expounded With Lorna at his side, Ray was a pioneer. As a from it the Spirit spoke young man he started Youth For Christ in New to our hearts and we Zealand. He served as the Central Asia Director of were challenged, some- YFC based in New Delhi, India. Through a Youth times convicted, but al- Club in their home Ray nurtured new Christians in ways blessed. Ray loved their faith including Ravi Zacharias, Sundar Krish- God. His was a living nan, Sheila Massey, Ken Gnanakan and many others faith rooted in God’s love who became leaders in the church in India, Asia expressed so fully in the and across the world. Saviour’s death and res- In 1968 Ray was appointed the first International urrection. Director of YFC International giving leadership to He lived out his faith every day. The world is a that ministry worldwide. In 1974 Ray attended the better place because of Ray. To God be the Glory for Lausanne Congress on Evangelism, initiated by Dr the great things He has done through Ray. Billy Graham, where the leaders from Asia, Africa and elsewhere said the western church needed to support and trust nationals more. This resonated with Ray, so in response to a call of God, Ray & Lorna founded International Needs with the distinctive belief that nationals do the best And Inspiring Talk job. Ray’s conviction that a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ was a person’s greatest need influ- www.96three.com.au enced his vision and mission for IN. Phone: 03 5241 6550 Truly, the love of Christ compelled him. He Email: [email protected] would go great distances along rough roads, en-

NEW LIFE – 1 March 2020 – Page Sixteen