theadvocate.tv NOVEMBER 2016

In Conversation Leading Australian Economist “As we look at the leadership landscape today we do well to Professor Ian Harper discusses how his Christian faith ask why there are still so many who quit, are set aside or are relates to economics. PAGE 12 >> plateaued and directionless.” DAVE KRAFT PAGE 13>>

4 Reflecting Fiona Stanley Hospital patient Warren Boggs finds motivation to write >>

7 Wellbeing conference Emerging issues for Generation Z discussed by conference delegates >> Photo: Ben Good Participants at SportsFest queuing during a meal break, benefitting from the hard work of many volunteers. SportsFest a winner 11 Religious freedom Ben Good One of the main objectives of “I’m young at heart. I love Chinese government SportsFest is to give non-Christian encouraging and supporting our propose changes to young people the opportunity to youth and I love the atmosphere,” religious affairs law >> Over 1,000 competitors, more than 150 volunteers hear and respond to the gospel she said when asked why she and a host of spectators and supporters from over and the Sunday night service is keeps coming back. 30 Baptist churches attended SportsFest 2016 in the traditionally an important part Lindsay, from Gosnells Baptist of achieving this. After a rocking Church was a competitor in the South West over the September long weekend. praise and worship set, Baptist past and has been volunteering Churches Western Australia Youth for the last five years. Aside from Committed to SportsFest is a combined churches and a re-enactment of a scene and Young Adults Consultant Ed helping out his church’s team sports competition and has been from the latest Star Wars movie. Devine shared a message with the he loves reconnecting with being honest, run by Baptist Churches Western The audience responded with 1,200 strong crowd. In response, people from other churches and transparent Australia annually for the past 18 cheers and applause, making the 16 people said ‘yes’ to Jesus and 20 would recommend volunteering years. atmosphere very festive. more made recommitments. to others. and above A palpable excitement filled Organisers said the SportsFest’s success is always “Definitely, get involved. It’s Leschenault Leisure Centre to festive atmosphere continued largely attributed to the volunteers. great doing SportsFest ‘from reproach. open the weekend as the 30 throughout the weekend, with “We couldn’t run SportsFest the other side’, going from a competing churches paraded some wonderful sportsmanship without them. Their positive competitor to a volunteer,” into the stadium wearing on display. Sporting games often attitude and willingness to do he said. BAPTIST CHURCHES brightly coloured team shirts began and concluded in prayer, whatever they can to make the “More volunteers are needed, WESTERN AUSTRALIA and representatives unveiled teams shaking hands and even games a great success is amazing,” so why not put your hand up and team banners. Catchy slogans or hugging the opposing team. Baptist Churches Western give volunteering a go?” themes such as ‘Super Messiah’, Volunteers noted how Australia Director of Ministries, SportsFest is held each a take on Nintendo’s Super Mario impressed the youth from the Mark Wilson said. Queen’s Birthday long weekend game, ‘Finding Glory’ a take local community were. “Some of them have been and in 2017 will be held 22 to on Pixar’s Finding Dory, and “The youth could see how faithfully serving at SportsFest for 25 September. many more were brandished on much respect people have for many years.” the many banners. There was each other,” Yvonne, a volunteer Yvonne has been volunteering For more information, visit even choreographed dancing from Mount Barker said. since 2009. www.sportsfest.org.au 2 my view

NOVEMBER 2016 When there just aren’t words to say

I sat in a dimly lit room, crowded with grieving women, my forehead pressed by when I don’t ask God what He against that of a lady I don’t even remember meeting before, both of us bawling has me doing here? our eyes out. Lately, He’s been reminding me that it’s not my fancy words or my wisdom that people need, My best friend had passed away await the ceremony, back to the once have I thought of a single it’s my presence that speaks the day before, tragically lost dimly lit room where I sat, cried, comforting thing to say. the loudest. after childbirth complications. and held my friend’s mother as I usually just sit silently and I think it’s easy to feel that We’d spent every other day she called out over and over, pray. I pray that people will know way wherever we are – worried together for three years, ever “My child, my child.” A cry I’ll that I love them. I pray that they that we’re not going to know since I moved to Mozambique. never forget. might know that God loves them. what to say to our friend who She had taught me all about Over the last few months I’ve I pray that they too might know might be grieving or suffering. my new neighbourhood, a new had more opportunities than I the God of all comfort and that Maybe God is saying to you too, Kath Beeck language and invited me to be care to count to sit with friends somehow He might use me to don’t worry about the words so Kath Beeck and her family part of her family. in the depths of grief. Sickness, comfort others. much – just be present. work with Global Interaction The morning of the funeral I poverty, suffering and death I’m surrounded by people in Mozambique. arrived early to go with a group are rife in Mozambique and whose language I don’t speak of women to prepare my friend’s they’ve been hitting the people very well and whose culture body for burial. Afterwards, I we love hard. In all those times I’m really just beginning to returned to the family home to spent sitting with people, not understand. Barely a day goes

On forgetting a name …

Don’t know if it has happened to you. You are staring into the face of someone remember people’s names, and you know, remembering all kinds of things about them … the work they do, am quietly envious of those how many children they have, the suburb they live in, who they are friends who have no memory lapses in this area. Perhaps it is because I with – everything except their name. And it is their name that you require. know that God takes our name so seriously that He sometimes Of course you can try the old again G … cough, splutter … How sign that they don’t matter to you offers to give us a new name – Christian trick, and say something are things going with our friends (can’t even remember my name, one that more accurately reflects like “Hello brother (or sister), nice the Morgans?” so don’t pretend you have been our life calling. And perhaps to see you!” But it doesn’t fool Does this matter? praying for me). Actually, that’s that’s the key – not to worry many, nor does it work if you’re To some people, not in the not necessarily true. For me, when others don’t remember our supposed to be introducing them slightest. Indeed, some heave a praying for people often involves name, but to listen more closely Dr Brian Harris to someone else. Or you can try sigh of relief and admit they a series of pictures that flash for the new name God wants to being clever, “Can you remind me don’t remember your name through my mind of people I feel give us. Dr Brian Harris is the Principal how you pronounce your name?” either. There is nothing like burdened for. Their name may or of Vose Seminary and Pastor at Naturally it’s rather awkward if it shared ignorance to ensure an may not attach to the picture, but Large for the Carey Group. turns out to be Sue or John. Most amiable atmosphere. I do entrust their need to God. commonly I just mumble and Others find it more difficult For all that, I do often cough and say “nice to see you to accept, and take it as a sure ask myself why I struggle to

Life in a box

The cupboards are empty. There’s nothing on the shelves. All that is left are bare what we think the necessities of walls, an unlaid table, and a bit of furniture. Everything else, all that was deemed life are – and jam what seems less ‘unnecessary’ for four days is crammed away in a 33m3 shipping container. important into the back room, hoping to get to it someday. Sometimes what seems like a Everything. Thirty years of has now turned into ten days, get to the back, or, find an luxury, or an indulgence, is more everything so well crammed and will turn into more. What alternative to my paper, books, essential to our being than we that I’m scared to open the back was deemed as unnecessary is brushes and inks. realise. Something as simple as door of the container for fear that looking more necessary! And I found an alternative. It was paper and ink – brightly everything will spring out like a what is unnecessary, but greatly much easier. But it’s not as coloured inks. jack-in-the-box! desired, is right at the back of the satisfying … Is there something that I admire the way my husband container behind 32m3 of other Now, what is my point? should be more necessary in Jackie Smoker Phil packed the container, things … my paints, ink, brushes, Sometime soon, the box has to be your life? Something that helps with not one vacant space books and papers. The tools I use unpacked. The container needs you connect with God? Because Jackie Smoker is a Senior – everything fitting like the to creatively commune with God. to be emptied – and carefully, so there is no good substitute for an Pastor at Como Baptist ultimate game of Tetris. The ‘least So, I was faced with a that it doesn’t all come tumbling honest relationship with Him. Church. important stuff’ right at the back, dilemma. Take the risk of opening down. This is the harder task. It is “O God, you are my God, I and graduating based on need. the container, carefully unloading so easy to fill a void, a yearning, seek you, my soul thirsts for you.” Only problem is that four days boxes, tables, bags and crates to with a substitute; to focus on [Psalm 63:1, NRSV] letters to the editor send us your letters

The Advocate welcomes your letters to the editor on topics of concern to you and the community. Send your letters of no more than 100 words to [email protected] by the 10th of each month. news 3

NOVEMBER 2016 Fresh fills a stadium

Fresh Conference celebrated its 10th anniversary in style as a record number of women from across Western Australia attended the two-day event that seeks to make a difference to the local and global community.

Fresh Conference exists for this delegates attending the Friday purpose. night and Saturday program, the Fresh Conference Director stadium at Curtin University was Karen Wilson said participants at capacity. have changed the face of many The keynote speaker, communities they have been Dr Caroline Leaf challenged the involved with over the past women to think in a healthy way decade. and not allow toxic thoughts to Nearly 200 children have been take over. Karen Wilson brought sponsored via Fresh Conference a strong message on the 2016 and seen their lives radically Conference theme ‘Living changed as a result. Beyond’ based on Ephesians 3:20. “Local West Australian women A range of other speakers

have joined forces and realised contributed to the leadership day. Photo: Israel Hobson they can do much more when they Worship led by Riverview More than 1,200 women from throughout Western Australia worshipping at Fresh Conference 2016. gather together with the goal of Church and The Rocks Church making a difference in the lives of drew women together from 199 others – for the sake of the world,” different churches, representing The call was given to continue Baptist World Aid Australia. After it is no longer a conference but Karen said. every denomination in Perth. the rebuilding work in Nepal after the conference finished, people a movement of God,” Karen Held in August, this year’s “The dream is to see this the earthquake of 2015 and an continued contributing to the concluded. event surpassed organiser’s conference flourish and bring incredible amount of $199,850 Vulnerable Children Fund and the Next year, Fresh Conference expectations. With over 550 unity amongst women from every was given. This amount includes total kept increasing. will be held 18 to 19 August and will delegates for the Fresh Leadership denomination and every walk of 51 children from the Nepal rural “When women stand together, remain a stadium event utilising day on the Friday, and over 1,200 life,” Karen said. regions being sponsored through impacting things happen. Perhaps the facilities of the HBF Stadium.

Another gold for The Advocate

The Advocate has once again won the Gold award for Best Design – Newspaper and Bronze for Best Cover– Newspaper (February 2015) at the Australasian Religious Press Association’s annual awards held in September.

This was the third consecutive editors and contributors are year that The Advocate has won to be congratulated on this the best design award. acknowledgment”, Matt said. The judges shared their The award ceremony It’s never too soon to start extensive praise for the monthly was part of the Association’s publication’s design. annual two day conference, planning for your retirement “It doesn’t get much better which Christian media than this.” representatives from across We’re here to assist you in identifying your options and goals “Each issue demonstrates Australia and New Zealand that this publication’s designers attended in Sydney. for a happy and full life. have an excellent understanding Delegates participated Choose from 9 lifestyle villages in great A variety of accommodation options to suit of world’s best practice in in sessions that looked at locations with convenient lock-and- your preferences and budget. newspaper design, typography, a number of timely issues, leave properties – Margaret River, Services and support for you to live colour control and the dynamics including the importance of Busselton, Albany, Rockingham, at home for as long as you wish. of story placement and image storytelling, where the church Lesmurdie, Mundaring, Byford and effectiveness,” the judges might be in 2024, the response Salter Point. Co-located with our 14 residential aged care facilities in metro Perth and regional WA. commented. of the church in the digital As things change, our services will Editor of The Advocate space, whether Christian evolve to meet your needs. Enjoy being part of a caring community. Matt Chapman said the awards publications are adequately were acknowledgement of a great equipped for a constantly team effort by all those involved changing digital future, and Call us today on in pulling the newspaper together how publishers can effectively each month. communicate and understand 9282 8650 “The Advocate seeks to be the needs of those with the voice of not only Baptists disabilities and mental illness. baptistcare.com.au in Western Australia, but also present news and thought Baptistcare is one of WA’s largest not-for-profit aged care and community services providers, from a Christian perspective. supporting communities in metro and regional areas for more than 40 years. Our team of writers, designers, 4 news

NOVEMBER 2016 Writing and reflecting

Sixteen years after a catastrophic fall left him a paraplegic, Fiona Stanley Hospital State Rehabilitation Service patient Warren Boggs hasn’t let his condition stop him.

Warren recently wrote a “Clinical staff, quite rightly, collection of stories about are concerned with the direct his life and his post-accident treatment of the patient’s adventures, including an condition and often don’t have international wheelchair tennis time to sit and listen,” he said. career, a 950 kilometre quad bike “We’re here to provide that trek in South Africa, handcycling friendship and in doing so, from Thailand to Laos, and support the patient’s emotional skiing at Thredbo. and spiritual wellbeing.” He is currently enduring a “There are many sad longer stay in hospital due to a moments in the work that is recent setback and said writing done at the bedside, however, about his journey had helped there are moments when I him reflect and find meaning. receive joy from the Lord,

“It helps you think about and especially in those times when Fordham Anni Photo: understand your experience on a the patient has moved from Sheldrin D’Rozario (left) has had the privilege of learning about Warren Boggs’ life while providing pastoral care. deeper level,” he said. restlessness, hopelessness, pain Warren hopes reading his and agitation to calm and peace.” work will inspire others in similar situations and remind them that a disability is not the Warren hopes end and it is still possible to live a Yoga for Christians full and happy life. reading his He said visits from pastoral care staff at Fiona Stanley work will inspire The program is based on Hospital had helped motivate Romans 12:2, restoring balance him to start writing. others in similar Lakeside Recreation Fitness Centre instructor, in the body, whilst being “The nurses and doctors are situations ... Amy Lee, recently discovered an alternative to the transformed by the renewing of fantastic but they’re really busy,” popular Yoga fitness practice. participants’ minds. he said. Classes are held at Lakeside “It gets pretty lonely being Recreation Fitness Centre in in hospital, and the sense of “For my evangelist heart, Amy’s quest to find a variation which originates from the Hindu Bibra Lake as well as various friendship and support provided this is important for me to see of traditional yoga began after religion. It is a stretch class with a locations and times across Perth. by pastoral care has helped me and know that God is working watching a documentary about difference, consisting of a series “Participants leave feeling gain the confidence to channel right up until the end. God is stress and how it is a major of strength building postures, uplifted, there is something my energy into writing.” good and just, faithful and true,” health risk affecting a lot of each linked to a verse of very powerful about speaking Fiona Stanley Hospital Sheldrin said. people. Research in the program scripture. Participants meditate Scripture out loud,” Lakeside Pastoral Care Coordinator and The Pastoral Care Service found that yoga and meditation on God’s Word whilst gently Recreation Fitness Centre accredited pastor with Baptist is available to all patients, were able to combat stress and exercising and strengthening Manager, Karen van Namen said. Churches Western Australia, visitors, carers and staff at illness within the body. body, soul and spirit. “Amy is also great at Rev. Sheldrin D’Rozario said Fiona Stanley Hospital. Sheldrin As a Christian, Amy was “We have found a number modifying the class to suit all Warren was proof of the emphasised that the services not comfortable with yoga, of benefits from PraiseMoves, ages and abilities.” positive benefits of were available regardless of the which resulted in her finding including reducing stress, multidisciplinary care. patient’s condition or length PraiseMoves and becoming an improving posture and balance, For more information, phone “Patients like Warren need of stay. The service caters to all Accredited Instructor. which decreased falls in the Amy Lee on 0402 520 293. treatment for various aspects religious beliefs and provides a Initiated in the United States elderly. It also also promotes of their condition, including contemplation room, prayer room in 2001, PraiseMoves is for healthy digestion, circulation the associated emotional and garden courtyard accessible those who are concerned about and eases joint inflammation,” challenges,” Sheldrin said. 24 hours a day, seven days a week. the spiritual element to yoga, Amy said. digital church

03/10/16 06/10/16 on the outside; it’s what the Holy 17/10/16 says, “I’ve allowed someone or Brian Croft Chase Kuhn Spirit is doing on the inside. Nancy Guthrie something to become the centre practicalshepherding.com/blog sydneyanglicans.net/blogs No matter how dubious the thegospelcoalition.org of my life instead of God.” If you love Jesus more than your Our work is not insignificant concoction of our lives might be, The parenting journey that marriage and your ministry, in view of eternity, nor is its the alien righteousness of Jesus lasts a lifetime is not about 18/10/16 that is a wonderful, centred, and significance found in eternity is the only ingredient God sees. doing everything right. Craig Groeschel freeing place to be. Your spouse … Ultimately, our work is an Instead, it’s about radical twitter.com/craiggroeschel will fail you. Your church will occasion for us to love and 17/10/16 reliance on the grace of We are not just called to most certain disappoint you. glorify our God, and this occurs JD Greear the only One who’s ever receive the love of Jesus, but Jesus is always with you and most often in the way we show jdgreear.com parented perfectly. we’re actually called to show never fails you. love to our neighbour. Anonymity sometimes has its love to one another. perks. It certainly releases you 17/10/16 05/10/16 11/10/16 from a lot of accountability. Rick Warren 18/10/16 Kyle Idleman Johnathan Kana But for Christians, remaining pastorrick.com/devotional Max Lucado twitter.com/KyleIdleman thinkchristian.reframemedia. anonymous isn’t an option. One of the ways you know that twitter.com/MaxLucado What if God judged us not by His com Jesus doesn’t want us to stay in Jesus is at the centre of your The ultimate aim of all God’s standards but by the standards The difference between the shadows. Instead, He calls us life is you worry less. Any time messages, both miraculous and we place on others? Where Christians and other sinners to boldly confess who He is and you start worrying, it should be written, is to shed the light of would you fall? isn’t primarily the way we look follow Him without shame. a red flag, a warning sign that heaven on Jesus. news 5

NOVEMBER 2016 Disaster action report released

Samara Linehan

In September 2016, Baptist World Aid Australia published its second Disaster Action Annual Report.

Baptist World Aid has been on their work through smaller responding to disaster with scale disasters and disaster risk emergency relief for more than reduction. ten years. In that time, the Because of its impact on generosity of its supporters has the vulnerable, Baptist World helped save thousands of lives. Aid believes that its response Daniel Skehan is Baptist to disaster is an important part World Aid’s Disaster Management of its response to poverty itself. Specialist. The destruction caused by “This 16 page publication is disaster can halt development in a way of reporting back to those communities for years at a time. who have generously contributed “Unfortunately, many people to our disaster work in the 2016 living in poverty also live in Financial Year,” Daniel said. some of the most disaster prone “In the report are the real- areas in the world. Further, it is

life stories about the people our the vulnerable people in these LSESD Photo: supporters have helped during communities that are often most Baptist World Aid Australia supporters enable a local partner in Lebanon provide protection to children living as times of disaster.” affected,” Daniel said. refugees in the Bekka Valley, Lebanon. Baptist World Aid funds its “Through good disaster disaster work through specific management, there is a massive emergency appeals for large scale opportunity to alleviate suffering help Baptist World Aid supporters and risk reduction to prepare when disaster strikes. That’s an disasters and through its Disaster when people are in need. But, by to understand the nature of the vulnerable communities to face awesome investment and one Action Fund. having a good understanding of disaster management work that disaster.” which Baptist World Aid is proud The organisation supports community development we can they are supporting. “Recent research published to be making,” Daniel concluded. lifesaving and recovery work make sure we have meaningful “There are three phases to by the Department of Foreign in response to large events that and sustainable impact in the good disaster management: Affairs and Trade indicated that For more information, visit: the public will be familiar with long-term too.” response through the provision of every dollar spent on disaster baptistworldaid.org.au/disaster- from the media. However, the It is Daniel’s hope that the emergency relief, recovery work risk reduction saves up to action-fund report also includes articles Disaster Action Annual Report will after the initial emergency is over, $25 in response and recovery

Lifting up the faith communities in Thailand

For over a decade Global Interaction has had a team working in the mountainous setting of Nan province in rural Thailand. The team has recently shared that Christian believers are regularly meeting together to worship and that the lives of local Ethnic Thai people are being transformed.

One of the ways that Baptist In 2008, NewHope churches throughout Australia partnered in sending out team support Global Interaction's leaders Muana and Villy to the work is through People Group region. Since then, the Focus. This initiative is a formal Thailand team has been commitment to learning about involved in the beginnings of the people and culture, praying for four small house churches. The them and supporting the cross- team shared about how these cultural workers in the region. faith communities continue NewHope Baptist Church in to make declarations of faith, Melbourne have focused on the visible through the baptism of Ethnic Thai people for the past local believers and the active 15 years and Senior Pastor Allan sharing of Jesus with their

Demond shared the importance family and friends. Prachuau Dema Photo: of the church focusing on a “The work in Thailand is Ethnic Thai believers meeting together at a church camp. people group. visionary and entrepreneurial, “We have grown in our experimenting with forms of understanding of the region, indigenous witness and The impact is not limited to some have engaged in long- WA Candidates Glenn and developed a church-wide heart for church planting.” the work being done in Thailand term international mission Liz Black plan to join the Thailand this least-reached people group, “During the period of our but also on NewHope itself. The themselves.” team early 2017. become more strategic in our support we have seen seeds of updates and stories from the “We are part of the bigger fundraising and communication witness planted, communities workers in Thailand, as well as vision. It is a privilege to link To learn more about the and deepened our investment in of hope formed and a network short-term trips have provided in with the national Baptist Blacks or how to focus on a international mission.” of Thai believers emerge. The encouragement to the church. strategy and partner with people group, visit “By naming a focus, we have progress of a year looks slow “Many of the participants other Baptist churches. We feel www.globalinteraction.org.au become strategic in our listening, but the work of a decade is very on these trips have become connected with what God is praying and giving,” Allan said. rewarding,” Allan said. leaders in ministry and doing,” Allan said. 6 news

NOVEMBER 2016 Celebrating every human being

Almost one in five Australians live with a disability, according to the Australian Network on Disability. Alex Corkill is one of them.

Alex is a young adult who, like Rob Nichols from Luke14 has many of his peers, went to spoken at the church on many youth group as a teenager and occasions. Using Luke14 material made a commitment to follow and presenters the church Jesus at a youth camp. Alex community has participated was baptised and for a decade in six on-site workshops. The now has been part of the life of church also used the Luke14 the Lesmurdie Baptist Church resource Church Bar None – a six community. He hardly misses a week preaching and small group worship gathering. resource that can be used across Alex has served on the the whole church. youth group leadership team. He helps a team of men care for a young boy with autism during worship services. Just recently ... becoming

Alex joined the team who serve more and more Photo: Céline Grobler communion and he became a Alex Corkill enjoys being with other young adults at Lesmurdie Baptist Church. church member. a community Outside of church life Alex has been awarded a that celebrates Certificate II in Hospitality and every human a Certificate I in Information, Digital Media and Technology. being as one Playgroup with the aged He likes playing electronic games and he really enjoys made in the socialising. image of God ... What makes Alex the ‘one in five’ is his autism and Prader- Willi syndrome. Ken Gray has Down “It would be great to be able syndrome. Ken started going to to declare that Lesmurdie Baptist Lesmurdie Baptist Church with Church excels at welcoming his family as a small child. He is people of all abilities, giving them nearly an adult now. a genuine place to worship and Ken and Alex have been fellowship and serve. But, all I the very personal reasons that can say with confidence is that Lesmurdie Baptist Church, with because Alex and Ken and their Lead Pastor Karen Siggins, set families belong with us and have out to learn more about being stayed with us, we are slowly and a community that genuinely messily becoming more and more welcomes and includes people a community that celebrates every of diverse abilities. human being as one made in the In 2013 Ken’s parents image of God,” Karen said. Mark and Keiko introduced “Ken and Alex are the reason the church to Luke14, a CBM we started this journey and there Australia organisation helping are now a number of younger

churches become places of ‘one in five children’ who belong Baptistcare Photo: belonging for people and with us and inspire us to keep on Baptistcare Gracehaven residents and playgroup children enjoying a parachute game together. families living with disability. figuring it out together.”

Linda Lee

The intergenerational playgroup at Baptistcare’s Gracehaven residential aged care facility in Rockingham is a big hit with residents, parents and children alike.

www.facebook.com/BappstChurchesWA Working with Playgroup WA, especially enjoyed the parachute social skills with a range of Baptistcare Gracehaven’s and playing the piano together.” different people. www.facebook.com/VoseSeminary Lifestyle Coordinator Kim “Bringing people from different “The residents absolutely www.facebook.com/BappstCampingCentre Jordan recently started age groups together helps to foster love it and the kids have a great www.facebook.com/LeaversGreenTeamWA playgroup visits where parents respect and friendship between time too. We look forward to www.facebook.com/bcwaYA and young children spend time the generations.” more visits from the parents and interacting with the residents. The playgroup visitors are children,” Kim said. www.facebook.com/BCWAYouth “Social interaction between usually small in number which www.facebook.com/BCWAChildrenww the oldest and youngest members contributes to the intimate If you would like to be www.facebook.com/freshconference of our community has been ‘family-like’ atmosphere. involved with the shown to have wonderfully Residents have the community interaction at positive effects,” Kim said opportunity to enjoy the Baptistcare Gracehaven or At a recent playgroup visit, the children’s sense of fun and are any of Baptistcare’s residents and children spent time able to share their parenting residential aged care facilities, socialising through games. knowledge and experiences with phone 1300 660 640. “The children dressed up in the parents. The activities also different costumes and everyone help children to build important news 7

NOVEMBER 2016 Colleges converge at conference

Change drivers of the 21st century and the impact on human wellbeing were the major topics of discussion for teachers and school staff attending the second biennial Baptist Colleges Conference.

Keynote speaker Claire Madden, Baptist College Public Relations highlighted emerging issues for Officer Sandra Doick said. Generation Z with their seamless Author of Future Brain, online/offline lives to stimulate Dr Brockis’ mission is to become the delegates’ thinking. Claire the Jamie Oliver of brain fitness, is Director of Hello Clarity, a making having a healthy, strategy and communications highly aware brain as widely agency, as well as a social appreciated as nutrition. researcher, media commentator Delegates could learn how and TEDx speaker. to deal with difficult people in Claire also asked teachers to a session presented by Vose be mindful when shaping and Leadership Director Monica moulding this new generation O’Neil, or gather some hints on and to “guard their hearts well”. positive education from registered The event was attended by psychologist and Presbyterian over 500 delegates from Baptist Ladies’ College Director of schools across Perth, including Wellbeing, Laura Allison.

the host school, Kennedy Baptist The delegates could also Photo: Sandra Doick College. prepare for their future with some Dr Jenny Brockis shares her insights about the human brain. A variety of sessions were also practical hints on superannuation on offer for delegates to attend. from NGS Super or reflect on “You could hear the intake their present lives in a prayer and After a fun stretch session spoke about faith and human the way our vision is fixed on of breath as Dr Jenny Brockis quiet time directed by Kennedy with Britz n Pieces rap group the flourishing. Using the analogy history, learning from those who produced a brain – fortunately Baptist College’s Counsellor Golda day was rounded off by the final of the Maori saying ‘ka mua, ka have gone before us as we forge plastic – in the ‘It’s not just fish Newland and School Psychologist keynote speaker, Vose Seminary muri’ – we walk backwards into new paths. and walnuts’ session,” Kennedy Jess Plenty. Principal Dr Brian Harris, who the future, Dr Harris spoke about

Silent disco for all ages local briefs

Baptisms the nation to support the call Laura McRae Maida Vale Baptist Church for prayer. celebrated the baptisms of Olivia Bong, Ruth Bong, Grace Bong, App to discover God To mark Dementia Joy Bong, Undra Futengim and Global Interaction have launched Awareness Month and Miki Walker, on 28 August. their new app Ekteino. Over a as part of its Music Katanning Baptist Church period of four weeks, this app celebrated the baptisms of helps users to discover more Connection Program, Michael Altus, Luke Hall, Allison about God, His plans and how to Baptistcare held a silent Harris, Ben Patterson and Tom partner with Him in our world disco for residents Patterson, on 31 July. through intentional action and at Baptistcare’s reflection. For more information, Friends of Global visit www.globalinteraction.org.au Gracewood residential Interaction /Ekteino aged care facility in Global Interaction held its Salter Point. Friends of Global Interaction New pastors event on 29 October. It was an Pastor Arthur Broughton has

Photo: Baptistcare Photo: opportunity for those supporting been inducted as the new pastor The program connects A Baptistcare resident enjoying a silent disco with music on her headset. Global Interaction to hear about at Esperance Baptist Church. residents with the community ministry amongst the least Pastor Andrew van der Moezel using music and is designed reached people groups. Ben and has been inducted as the pastor for people who have trouble One resident, who has had a “Sometimes our residents Sam Good, and Lucy Twining at Broome Baptist Church. communicating verbally. stroke, could not resist getting on with dementia find it difficult to were guest presenters. Pastor Gareth Price has been Shizuka Yokoi, one of the dance floor in her wheelchair. express what they are interested appointed as the new Youth Baptistcare’s staff trained “She was smiling brightly in,” Shizuka said. Month of prayer Pastor at Morley Baptist Church. specifically in the care of and nearly crying while saying, “When they listen to music and fasting Pastor Brad Vigus has has been residents with dementia said ‘I am enjoying myself so much, that reminds them of a favourite Baptist Churches Western appointed as the new pastor residents, staff and relatives this is the best moment I’ve had time or wonderful day they had, Australia joined with a number for Sunday evening services at enjoyed coming together to over the last few years.’,” Shizuka suddenly they smile.” of Christian leaders from North Beach Baptist Church and listen and dance to music on shared. “We have one resident who throughout Australia to support Pastor Henry Harding is retiring their own headsets. Baptistcare staff have seen has difficulty communicating a call for a month of prayer and from ministry at North Beach “The intergenerational disco how personalised music and verbally but whenever she hears fasting, focusing on marriage Baptist Church. was a big hit with all age groups, movement has an amazing a song that was played at her and families, during October. each person choosing from positive impact on Baptistcare’s wedding, she talks about how she Several denominational leaders, Obituary a selection of popular songs residents living with dementia. met her husband, memories of including the Australian Baptist Pastor Garth Manning passed from Pink to Frank Sinatra and Music helps to trigger memories, their life together and the dress Ministries National Ministries away in September in Albany, dancing to their very own special improve their posture, she wore on her wedding day.” Director Rev. Keith Jobberns, WA. Garth pastored at South beat,” Shizuka said. movements and speech. The church network leaders and Perth and Bentley Baptist “The dance floor was filled effect is noticeable almost To volunteer or obtain prayer leaders, called for Church. with couples waltzing alongside immediately when they listen to more information, all Christian churches and children disco dancing.” their favourite music. phone 1300 660 640. Christian organisations across

Photos: Ben Good 10 news

NOVEMBER 2016 Listening as an act of love

Ramona Ötting

Cincy Stories is a community building project in Cincinnati, Ohio, initiated by Pastor Shawn Braley. At Cincy Stories, people from the Cincinnati neighbourhood are invited to take ten to 15 minutes to tell any story from their life, in an uncensored, raw and real way.

The idea for the project hit As Mr Knake told Christianity Pastor Braley while talking Today, he thinks that sometimes to a group of friends about people do not fully open up the difficulties of building within a church context, because community in the city. Shortly they feel uncomfortable and fear after, with the thought of they will not fit in. “listening as an act of love” in Cincy Stories has seen a the back of their minds, Braley diverse crowd, with young and his ministry colleague Greg professionals sitting next to Knake held the first of many former inmates and drug Cincy Stories events in a local dealers. Speakers are encouraged pub in February 2015. to share freely and their stories The set-up of the events is remain uncensored when simple, but authentic – people published on the project’s come and tell their stories, they website. Over the years, people

listen, they mingle and they get to such as atheists and members Photo: Sharee Allen know each other in a pub of the LGBT community have Community Connector Jai Washington shares about how a trip to the salon taught her that her outside appearance atmosphere with music. shared stories which the event doesn’t define her. While Braley’s church founders believe they would not supports the project financially have shared at an official and through volunteers, Cincy church event. Some members of Braley’s “The marginalised people and permanent studio location Stories is not formally affiliated “It was a really beautiful church voiced concern about the the people on the outskirts: He where walk-ins can record their with the church. Braley and thing we found out, because content shared, but they were loves them and just listens to story inside a ‘story booth’. Knake were concerned that a when people got in front of a fewer than he had first them, and that’s why they’re Braley has positive hopes for the ‘religious’ event could alienate crowd and they just bore it all, anticipated. drawn to him. We want to future and would like to see the parts of their neighbourhood, so in a raw, real, vulnerable way, “Jesus is obviously the replicate that.” effects of storytelling spread they chose to take a somewhat we all made this connection,” inspiration for this,” Braley told Since 2015, the project has across the city. ‘secular’ approach. Braley remembered. Christianity Today. grown and now holds a

Boxing event at Cathedral international briefs

Mexican priests construction of churches near Ramona Ötting abducted and killed mosques, schools, village canals, Two Mexican priests were found railways, government offices, dead in a field beside a road on government facilities, or between The Dean of Coventry Monday 9 September, hours after residential areas. While some see Cathedral, England, they had been kidnapped. Alejo the new law as a step in the right has defended hosting a Nabor Jimenez Juarez and Jose direction, others are sceptical Alfredo Juarez de la Cruz were because of remaining restrictions, boxing fight in the place abducted from their church by such as limiting the church size to of worship, saying that gunmen the previous day. Their the number of Christians living in the event raised money driver was able to escape unharmed the area. for an important cause and is now under police protection. The priests’ church is located in Christians tortured in and that it brought Veracruz, a violence torn state of North Korea people into the Cathedral Mexico which is known for drug According to a report by Christian who would otherwise cartel related crimes. According to Solidarity Worldwide, Christians not go there. the Mexican Catholic Multimedia in North Korea could face torture,

Photo: REP PhotographyPhoto: Centre, 14 priests, one seminary rape and death for openly following The Help for Heroes boxing event at Coventry Cathedral with the tapestry student and one clergy member Jesus. “Religious beliefs are seen as The event raised more than Christ in Glory by Graham Sutherland in the background. have been killed in Mexico in the a threat to the loyalty demanded by £10,000 ($15,990) towards the last four years. the Supreme Leader [Kim Jong-un], charity Help for Heroes, which so anyone holding these beliefs helps men and women who “In the end, the decision to in the Cathedral on Saturday Egypt eases church is severely persecuted,” the report have been injured in military host the fight was influenced by evening than we would perhaps building regulations stated. Christians charged with service. The event however drew the good cause of the charity ordinarily would,” he told Premier Egypt has approved a new church publicly practising their faith can be some initial criticism about the and the hope that the event Christianity. building law which will ease the sent to labour camps. Even North appropriateness of a boxing fight would draw people to the As he pointed out to visitors regulations for building a church. Korean Christians living in China being held inside a cathedral. cathedral who would not at the nightly event, the Anglican Some of the previous requirements, have to fear deportation if caught, “It wasn’t a straightforward naturally find themselves there,” cathedral is well known for its in place since 1856, made it the report specified. While North decision and I did give it Rev. Witcombe said. international work in peace and almost impossible for Christians Korea claims that there are 13,000 very careful and prayerful “If you look at Jesus in reconciliation. to build a church. Amongst other Christians in the country, estimates consideration,” Dean of Coventry, the Scriptures and the kind of The event was part of an requirements, they necessitated suggest that the actual number of Rev. John Witcombe, explained people that He would associate ongoing series of boxing events that Christians ask permission of practising believers in North Korea in an interview with the Coventry Himself with, frankly, we that Help for Heroes is holding the President and local Muslims might lie between 200,000 Telegraph. perhaps had some more of those across the United Kingdom. to build a church, and forbade the to 300,000. news 11

NOVEMBER 2016 Religious freedom shrinking

Ramona Ötting

The Chinese government has proposed a new set of amendments to its law regulating religious affairs. It is one of several developments pointing towards the government seeking to exert greater control over practising believers in China.

Among the amendments, the imprisonment. However, Mr changes restrict the venues Hu’s defenders saw the true and activities of religious reason for his imprisonment as congregations, and take greater his leadership of underground control over religious education. churches and his advocacy for Overall, they propose that no greater freedom of speech religious activities can take and religion. place without the approval of the Yet another attack on Chinese State Administration for Christian congregations has been Religious Affairs (SARA). observed in the removal of 1,500 The new developments crosses and the demolishing

stand in line with a speech of church buildings labelled as Photo: Francis Wong Chee Yen given by President Xi Jinping “illegal structures”. Practising believers in China and human rights organisations worldwide are concerned about the government’s earlier this year in which he most recent steps to regulate religion. urged the country to strengthen its resistance towards “foreign religions” and to “help religions ... to strengthen adapt to the socialist society”. “Freedom in all sectors of its resistance society [has been] shrinking US study: faith counts since Xi Jinping came into power, towards and there is evidence that the “foreign government is also tightening its Ramona Ötting grip on the Three-Self Patriotic religions” ... Movement [the state-approved Church],” the organisation Open The socio-economic Doors reported. impact of religion In July, Open Doors USA on the US has been reported that unregistered As the US State Department churches in the Chinese province put it in its annual report on valued at $1.2 trillion Guangdong were struggling religious freedom: “Over the past annually, outweighing to find venues for their church year, the Chinese government the combined value of Photo: ESB Professional services as increasing restrictions has stepped up its persecution the US technological A recent study has put the socio-economic value of volunteers and made landlords unwilling to of religious groups deemed a organisations serving the community into numbers. rent to Christian congregations. threat to the state’s supremacy companies Apple, The churches were also subtly and maintenance of a ‘socialist Google and Amazon. It is not solely based on religion is not a positive for advised to shrink the size of their society’. Christian communities revenues but includes the value American society, adding congregations to a maximum of have borne a significant brunt of The estimated value was of social services provided by up the numbers is a tangible 50 people, which is half the size of the oppression, with numerous derived from the study The congregations. According to the reminder of the impact of what had been tolerated previously. churches bulldozed and crosses Socio-economic Contribution study, congregations finance religion. Every single day In August, the prominent torn down.” of Religion to American Society more than 1.6 million social individuals and organisations church leader Hu Shigen Open Doors Asia called the which analysed the impact service programs annually and of faith quietly serve their was officially found guilty of recent developments in China “the of religious congregations, provide 7.6 million volunteers. communities,” co-author “subversion” and sentenced to most blatant attack on the Church religious institutions and “In an age where there’s of the study, Dr Brian Grim seven years and six months since the Cultural Revolution.” religion-related businesses. a growing belief that concluded.

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NOVEMBER 2016 Economics for life

Professor Ian Harper is one of Australia’s leading economists. He was Chair of the Federal Government’s recent Competition Policy Review and the inaugural chair of the Australian Fair Pay Commission. He is currently a Senior Advisor to Deloitte Access Economics and a member of the Reserve Bank of Australia board. The Advocate caught up with Professor Harper to discuss how his Christian faith relates to economics.

How did you become interested improve people’s material lives. In supposed to be a Christian, why in economics and choose it as that capacity, it is a good servant. are you doing this?’” a career? People often quote Micah 6:8, and So, my view is that my I was introduced to economics with good reason, ‘To act justly Christian faith makes me a better by a very enthusiastic high school and to love mercy and to walk economist. It strengthens the teacher and by the time I finished humbly with your God.’ Well, I say moral foundations on which I

school I knew that I wanted to there is no justice, no mercy in operate. The same would be true Treasury Australian Photo: study economics in combination bad economics. for Christians working in any with law. I did think I was going If you ignore economic endeavour because it gives you to be a lawyer, but soon realised principles or run them in reverse, that degree of wholeness. intervene at all in order to secure bring my whole person to the that I was much more interested then you can create material a just income distribution, then board table. Am I at the Reserve in and suitable for economics. I deprivation, poverty and misery What opportunities do you have I would reject that proposition. I Bank board to proselytise my dropped law and started studying for large numbers of people – to share your faith with people don’t think there is any orthodox religious views? Obviously economics in earnest. Zimbabwe immediately comes you interact with in the business economist who would endorse not. Am I there to offer an to mind. world? the proposition that the income opinion on a particular matter How did you become a Christian Economics can help us to Quite a few. For instance, distribution produced by the of economic policy? Yes. And and develop a faith in Christ? care for our neighbours, alleviate events like The WA Governor’s market unaided is the right is that opinion divorced from I went to an Anglican school poverty, care for the sick and look Prayer Breakfast. I’m not actively income distribution and should my values and outlook on life? and had a backdrop of knowledge after our environment. In all sorts involved in inviting people, but be left alone. Public economics No. And the same would be of faith, but no hard commitment of ways good economics can my part is to say ‘yes’ to come is all about the study of how true of every single member at that time. Then, much later deliver those outcomes, but it is a and give a talk, and churches you can design tax and welfare of the board, whether they are in life, my wife came to faith, bad master in the sense that it can can invite all sorts of people systems most efficiently so they Christian or not. You can’t be which brought a bit of a crisis in lead people to think that is all there to come along. So, there is an achieve the income distribution in public life and leave your our relationship because I felt I is. It’s not that economics isn’t opportunity by virtue of the that you are trying to achieve at values at home. It’s impossible knew about this Christian faith good – economics is good, but it’s fact that even if someone would minimum cost. So, if you mean and nobody wants you to do and wanted nothing to do with it. not God. Any sort of idol worship never come to a prayer meeting, by ‘trickle-down’ economics that. That’s why you have been She had a different view and so is ungodly, whether it is worship they might come to hear this that you can just leave it alone appointed. If they wanted a as we worked our way through of money, sex, power – worship economist because they see and the weakest, lowest paid machine to make the decision that tension, God brought two of of economics is just that. So, good his name in the newspaper and and least talented are looked they would use a machine. my professional colleagues into servant, bad master. We worship think ‘that’s interesting who is after, well that is demonstrably my life. One was a visitor from the Creator not creation and we this fellow and what’s he got to wrong. There’s at least 150 years’ In conclusion, is there anything Oxford and the other was a former worship God not material wealth. say?’ They wouldn’t come if it worth of economics that points else you wish to share? economist who was a vicar of an was the Reverend Ian Harper out that the discipline takes the I encourage young Anglican church, which I, under As an economist, how does or Bishop Ian Harper, but they opposite view. Here in Australia, people, in particular, to think protest, agreed to go along to for your Christian faith affect your might come for this and possibly we have mechanisms that actively about economics as a career. my wife’s sake and the sake of career? go away thinking, ‘I think he is seek to redistribute income in Economics has been a wonderful my family. Between the two of It certainly brings challenges mad’ or they might think ‘well, my favour of the sick, the weak, the profession for me and if I had them, one way or another, they because, occasionally, people friend collects butterflies – this poor and the unemployed. My my time over, I wouldn’t choose initiated conversations with me are inclined to think that I’m guy happens to like Christianity, proposition is that like most any differently. I think, as an that tested me and challenged me bringing my religious views to well, good luck to him’. But, it is orthodox economists, if we are act of grace, God intervened about my views on Christianity. bear on economic issues. My a matter for the Spirit in the end, going to intervene to achieve a in my life and one of the They were people, because of their answer to that question is “yes, who knows everybody’s heart, certain outcome in the name of consequences is that it has professional standing, whom I at some level, yes, of course I to be able to respond. Those justice, fairness and decency, then made me a better economist, couldn’t simply dismiss as deluded do”. You can’t engage in any opportunities arise through public let’s make sure we intervene in thinking about economics from or in some way self-interested or human endeavour without invitations to speak. the most efficient way to achieve a wholly different, much broader feeble minded or anything like bringing your own values to At the office there are the objective we are seeking to perspective. God didn’t call that. I was challenged by people bear. Whatever you do, whether occasions when people seek me achieve at minimum cost. me out of my profession – I’m who were my professional peers. you are an engineer, doctor, out. They are often in the case grateful for that. So, I just want Through that process, God worked nurse, homemaker or bus driver, of personal tragedy, or pain. It How did your appointment to the to encourage young people who in my heart. you can’t divorce the way you is an interesting thing, that in Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) are thinking about a career that One Christmas Day at a act in the world from the things circumstances where people feel Board come about? you can serve other people in communion service, it dawned that are deep inside you – your particularly helpless or hopeless, I was invited by the Treasurer lots of good and godly ways, but on me that this is actually own values, the way you think then often they will come to a to take a vacancy that was don’t leave out economics. Don’t true, and so I went forward as about what’s right and wrong. Christian. This is something available on the board. There is a think that the only way you can communion was given by the Many people operate on as Christians we shouldn’t be tradition, that goes back at least 40 serve people, particularly if you former economist turned vicar of a Christian moral framework surprised about, because we bear years, that there is a professional are a Christian, is going overseas the church we were attending and without knowing it. They adopt the name of the One who is the economist amongst the non- as a missionary, being a pastor, took communion. When he asked Christian morals, but would never great healer and comforter. executive board of the Reserve or a doctor, or a nurse. Not that me why I had taken it after the acknowledge where they come Bank. I hope to be a faithful, any of those things are bad, but service, I said, “because it's true”. from. Nevertheless, I am able At The Governor’s Prayer valuable and competent non- don’t leave economics off the to say “look here are my moral Breakfast, you spoke about ‘bad executive director of the Bank, list because in the final analysis Reviews state that in your principles, here are my values, economics’ in terms of justice which means I hope to bring to you can influence how people book, Economics for Life, you they are written down in a book. and mercy. Are you one of the discussions at the board table live their lives in the material demonstrate why economics They are publicly expounded those economists who concurs my experience and expertise and dimension. You can serve your is a good servant but a bad every week. People know. It’s no that ‘trickle-down’ economics also my judgement. neighbour as yourself. You can master. Can you briefly explain secret what a Christian thinks does not work and in terms of do justice and love mercy, and this observation? about morality. And, you can justice and mercy ‘trickle-down’ Do you see your faith and seek the welfare of the city in Economics is the science of test if you think my behaviour is economics is bad economics? beliefs intersecting at all with which God has placed you by wealth creation. It’s about how inconsistent with that. You can Depends on what you mean by the RBA role? being an economist. we marshal our worldly resources call me to account. You can look ‘trickle-down’ economics. If the Only in the sense that, like to produce material welfare. We it up and say ‘hang on, you’re proposition is you don’t need to every member of the board, I growth 13

NOVEMBER 2016 Quitting, set aside or plateaued

Dave Kraft A small roll call would include top leaders from Enron, World. Com, the Arthur Andersen Bobby Clinton, professor company, Catholic priests and of leadership at Fuller bishops and numerous political Theological Seminary, figures. A few years ago, in The Seattle Times there was a story of has an insightful a local mayor stepping down due leadership viewpoint on to financial misappropriation. Matthew 9:36-38 when In my home county in Southern he wrote in The Making California, the pastor of the largest church within 100 miles left in of a Leader that: disgrace. It seems like almost every day I pick up our local ‘When Jesus saw the newspaper and read of some leaders He was filled with leader some place, some how, for some reason who has quit or been dismay because: removed due to financial or moral • So many quit. sin. Many others are exhausted, • So many were set aside. discouraged and disgusted with • So many were their leadership role. By the droves they are quitting, being set aside, plateaued and plateaued and at a standstill. directionless.’ What’s going on here? Why is this happening on such a As we look at the leadership large scale? Let’s take a closer landscape today we do well to ask look. Here are seven possible

why there are still so many who explanations. Perhaps you have a Photo: Antonio Guillem quit, are set aside or are plateaued few of your own. and directionless. We are seeing 1. Refusal or negligence in leaders all around us dropping taking action and accepting 3. Not being able to deal with 5. Not having a clearly everything by yourself, rather like flies – in government, responsibility – being tentative, the ‘dark side’ of success – articulated life-purpose than being a team-player and business and the church. It sitting on the fence, afraid to envy, resentment, bitterness, – saying ‘yes’ to too many surrounding yourself with would appear that we are in a take a stand, make a decision. pride, greed, competition things and spreading key people who compensate leadership free fall … a colossal Not owning up to failures – and revenge. This is a yourself too thin due to a for who you are not and meltdown. Everywhere we look, making excuses, playing the ‘biggie’ which [could be] lack of discovering the few complement who you are and we see signs of leaders violating blame game, disappearing dealt with in more detail in a themes that compose your what you are gifted to do. the trust that has been placed in or quitting in order to protect future instalment. life. Having a clear purpose 7. Not taking charge of your them by co-workers, shareholders, image or reputation. 4. Not taking sufficient time statement will facilitate own personal learning and customers, constituencies, 2. Believing that you can for solitude, reflection and saying ‘no’ to many things development – no time to followers, congregants and get away with a double renewal – going at breakneck so that you can say ‘yes’ to a read, learn, think, dream, trusting friends. According to standard for ‘ethics’, one speed (which sooner or few things. ‘Long-distance improve lead to stagnation Michael Ross, writing in the for your work life and later breaks your emotional/ winners’ often have a burnout and ineffectiveness. Christian Times, 1,400 pastors another for your personal spiritual neck) edges out disarmingly simple purpose leave the ministry each month life – convincing yourself times for reflection (leading to statement. How are you doing? Any red because of stress, disillusionment that you are above the rules perspective, repentance and 6. Not understanding your lights on your ‘dashboard’? or forced termination. Something … that your private choices resolve) time for family and for strengths and weaknesses is dreadfully wrong and don’t have any effect on your healthy accountability with a – doing things that don’t Used with permission from getting worse. leadership ability. few close friends. fit you and trying to do Dave Kraft, www.davekraft.org

Reverse the Advent trend

Jill Birt “Why not create a reverse “Kindness and generosity is Most organisations will Advent calendar to make what this world needs right now,” supply food parcels from Where you can donations to the local food bank?” she said. early December, so adjusting give to help people Many families prepare “It popped into my head Canada is not the only country the dates an Advent calendar in need for Christmas using an to use a couple of wine boxes with people in need. Thousands makes sense. Advent calendar. For which conveniently have twelve across Western Australia will Any type of cardboard box sections each … with little find themselves in difficult will do, just place a tin of food, Fusion Australia families with children, cardboard separators,” Julie said. circumstances this Christmas. a jar of peanut butter, a kilo of Contact Rose on a useful version of an She posted the idea on Agencies, including Fusion rice, some tea bags or another 0412 107 716 to organise Advent calendar is Facebook and it circulated around Australia, St Bart’s, The Salvation item in the box each day for drop-off colourful card with a the world. Army and UnitingCare West, are two to four weeks then deliver Josee Desrochers Sauve from all expecting increased numbers the goods to the charity you St Bart’s small window to open Cornwall, Ontario decided to create of families needing help. prefer. Phone 9323 5100 each day of December. a Facebook event using the idea. UnitingCare West’s Whether you are a single The favourite version of “I like Julie’s idea ending with Financial Services Director, person or a large family The Salvation Army this calendar reveals a a full box on 24 December, but it Rhonda Livingstone reports group, a reverse Advent Visit their website is a bit late to help needy families a significant rise in families calendar could be a valuable www.salvationaarmy.org.au chocolate treat. who might need the food for facing bankruptcy over the past new tradition, helping for your nearest location Christmas. So my event starts six months. children and adults practice on 15 November and ends on 10 “A lot of the new cases we generosity and be reminded UnitingCare West Canadian journalist Julie Van December,” Josee said. are working with are due to the of God’s great gift to people, Phone 9220 1200 or Rosendaal had an epiphany while “So many people need help downturn in mining which has Jesus Christ. deliver to Unit 6, in a local wine shop one day for whatever reason. If you are in a domino effect down to small 5 Aberdeen Street, when she noticed 12 sections in a position to help someone, then businesses and workers in the East Perth an empty cardboard wine box. you should do what you can.” hospitality industry,” Rhonda said. 14 news

NOVEMBER 2016 The best of Jordan Feliz

98five Music Director Chela Williams

Californian native Jordan Feliz started his musical career fronting a heavy metal band before changing his tune to become a church worship leader. With two hit singles ‘The River’ and ‘Never Too Far Gone’ both appearing at number one on the Billboard Christian charts, Jordan is following up his success with his third breakout release ‘Best of Me’.

“‘Best of Me’ came out of a way about something before time of growth. My wife and I and now you have this whole had just lost our first child and new view of the way God views we came out of this season of us and the way that we look at being angry with the Lord,” our kids.” Jordan said. The hardworking artist “Over that time, we realised has had a successful year that the one thing, the one wrapping up 2016 with three person, that we were the most nominations for the Dove angry with was the solution Awards, his first nominations to our problem. And when ever. we would give Him those “I feel like it’s more of a things, give Him our hurt and confirmation for where the our pain, or whatever we are Lord has me and the path He dealing with, whether it be has me down.” good or bad – when you give ‘Best of Me’ is now playing those things to Him you find on 98five Sonshine FM. the best version of yourself.” “That’s where ‘Best of Me’ For more information, visit comes from!” www.98five.com/latest-music Jordan co-wrote his second single ‘Never Too Far Gone’ after having since becoming

a father again. He admits Press Centricity Photo: fatherhood has completely Jordan Feliz admits fatherhood has been a fun new journey giving the artist’s songwriting process a changed his perspective on burst of creativity. songwriting. “Oh man! I feel like since having our daughter, songwriting has become more To find your local intentional for me,” Jordan Baptist church visit explained. Carey musicians www.baptistwa.asn.au “Whenever I’m writing a song, I’m thinking about the new perspective I have on headed to SA the way God views us as His children.” “Because, when becoming a father, you’ve never felt that Carey Baptist College’s Music Department has reason to celebrate, with six students offered places at the prestigious James Morrison Academy of Music in South Australia for 2017.

Carey has a longstanding has been with the College for

Editor: Matt Chapman EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING: tradition of excellence in music, 17 years and has built a highly Managing Editor: Andrew Sculthorpe Email: [email protected] with every graduating student regarded music department. Subeditor: Maclain Bruce [email protected] Production: Vanessa Klomp Mail: Baptist Churches from 2016 that applied for entry His philosophy is based on a Creative: Peter Ion Western Australia into the Western Australian hands-on approach. Advertising: Sally Phu PO Box 57, Burswood WA 6100 Distribution: Sally Phu Tel: (08) 6313 6300 Academy of Performing Arts “We teach music Editorial deadline: 5th of each month Fax: (08) 9470 1713 accepted. differently,” Scott said. The James Morrison “We encourage kids to play Agnes Water/Town of 1770, Academy of Music at the from the very beginning.” Queensland. PUBLISHERS GENERAL DISCLAIMER University of Adelaide has “It’s like learning football, All the articles, comments, advice and other material contained in this publication are by way of general comment or advice only and are not intended, nor do they purport to be the recruited students from Carey in you can’t just learn the theory, A growing coastal tourist correct advice on any particular matter of subject referred to. No reader or any other person the past but this is the first time you need to get on the field who obtains this publication should act on the basis of any matter, comment or advice destination is seeking our God contained in this publication without first considering and if necessary taking appropriate they have accepted six students. and play.” appointed Part-time Pastor to professional advice upon the applicability of any matter, advice or comment herein to their “Carey Baptist College is an This approach has given own particular circumstances. Accordingly, no responsibility is accepted or taken by the lead a small, but thriving authors, editors or publishers of this publication for any loss or damage suffered by any incredible school. It is the first these Carey students a chance contemporary Baptist Church. party acting in reliance on any matter, comment or advice contained herein. time we have had six students to realise their dream of A demonstrated theologically The Advocate is published on behalf of Baptist Churches Western Australia from one school accepted into attending the James Morrison sound application of the Word is by imageseven. Tel: (08) 9221 9777 Email: [email protected] our program,” James’ wife Judi Academy, where they won’t desired. Morrison said. just be playing on the field “The highest number of but rather entering the If this is you and would like a students we have had from one professional league. Pastoral Package, contact: John school previously is two.” Whitehead Carey Baptist College’s [email protected] imageseven bcw J2651 Director of Music, Scott Loveday intermission 15

NOVEMBER 2016

watch Facebook presence Freedom increases Set in the 1800s, Freedom follows the story of a slave family as they attempt to escape a plantation in Virginia to freedom in Canada. Cuba Gooding Jr plays Samuel, a young man bitter from the years of abuse from the plantation owner and angry at God who would let this happen. However, he is surrounded by devout Christians, including those aiding their escape, and he eventually comes face-to-face with the reality of a faithful and loving God. Recounted within the story is that of John Newton and his faith journey is brought into light because of Samuel’s ancestry. The shocking treatment of people as property during the history of the Western world is disturbing, but there is more slavery and human trafficking today than ever before. This story provides viewers the inspiration to be a part of the answer to this problem and help make a difference one life at a time. – Dorothy read

Blue Like Jazz Donald Miller Having seen Blue Like Jazz as I stocked the shelves many times and after countless recommendations from both fellow staff and customers I finally read it – twice. I found it to Baptist Churches Western Australia’s Facebook be a very honest read, taking me on a journey presence has increased over the past year with a with someone who obviously loved God and number of new pages created for specific ministry had experienced Jesus through His Spirit, but groups within the state. was still confused and dissatisfied with some of his experiences. Miller takes you on his Youth and Young Adults Consultant Ed Devine said there are many new forms of faith journey with all of its failures, successes social media that can be used for communication today. and questions. His writing style is engaging “One age group uses Instagram, another Facebook and another may use one of and personal so you feel like he is stitting the many other options. We need to be in these spaces to minister to people,” he said. across the table expressing his thoughts Due to the changing social media landscape, Baptist Churches Western and even waiting for your response. I found Australia (BCWA) have created Facebook pages for ministry leaders in the areas of that some of his questions were also my children, youth, and young adults. Niche areas such as Leavers Green Team, Vose questions and it was a refreshing and mind Seminary and SportsFest also have had their own page developed. opening conversation that I am glad I had. BCWA’s main Facebook page reaches over 3,000 people each week with His story of the confession booth that he and content about ministry events and news, along with posts about news from some friends set up on their college campus The Advocate newspaper. brought me to tears. I would particularly BCWA staff member Matt Chapman said that Facebook has helped reach recommend it to those who have been in the members of local churches, allowing BCWA to share with them about important faith for a few years and perhaps are starting news such as upcoming youth camps and the Annual Assembly. to grapple with the deeper faith questions that sometimes arise. – Andrew For more information and to check out the latest posts, visit www.facebook.com/BaptistChurchesWA listen

WOW Hits 2017 Deluxe Edition WOW Hits 2017 Deluxe Edition is a compilation of Christian hits from 2016, with songs from a variety of artists, giving the listener a great range of music to enjoy. From the encouraging words in ‘Flawless’ from MercyMe and ‘Good Good Father’ by Chris This voucher entitles you to Tomlin to the jumping rhythms of ‘Real Love’ by Young and Free and ‘Everything Comes 15% off your next purchase in Alive’ from We Are Messengers, there is a wide variety of contemporary music over two discs. store at Mount Lawley The Deluxe Edition offers an additional six songs for only an extra $3. It is hard to pick a favourite tune amongst all the great music so The Advocate – November 2016 pop them into a CD player for encouragement and inspiration. – Dorothy

Reviews by Koorong Mount Lawley Website: www.koorong.com Assistant Manager Address: 434 Lord Street, Mount Lawley Dorothy Waddingham Phone: 08 9427 9777 16 news

NOVEMBER 2016 Serving up freedom to the world’s most exploited

Annette Spurr

A quirky table tennis movement is helping everyday Australians free some of the world’s most vulnerable people from sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

During October people from government organisation Perth worked up a sweat playing in Thailand, which provides table tennis for the annual support and services to young Ping-Pong-a-Thon, the national men aged 8 to 24 years, who are event which also challenges living and being exploited in boys and men to make a the red light districts of Chiang personal commitment to treat Mai. It started as an experiment girls and women with dignity, to try to engage men on value and respect. issues of trafficking and Lake Joondalup Baptist exploitation, and has doubled Church, Mount Pleasant Baptist in size each year, raising more Church, North Beach Baptist than $400,000 and giving Church and Rockingham many Australians a sense that Baptist Church hosted 2016 they can make a significant Ping-Pong-a-Thon events, difference in the world. engaging hundreds of locals as “I’ve seen firsthand the advocates/fundraisers on behalf huge challenges that so many of exploited young people. young people in our world face, Participants committed to play simply as a result of being born table tennis for a minimum of in an environment of extreme three hours and invited their poverty,” Adrian said. family and friends to sponsor “Many children in South- their efforts. East Asia are sent by their Matt Birch from families to the cities to fend Rockingham Baptist Church for themselves or to find ‘work’ and South Coast Baptist College and send money back home to enlisted participants from the support the rest of their family.” Church’s men’s ministry, young This year Ping-Pong-a- adults’ ministry, youth ministry, Thon aimed to raise a further and the College. He also hosted $400,000 to support the work a men’s breakfast with a special of nine partner organisations focus on what men can do to in South-East Asia, who are wrestle with human trafficking combating issues of human together. trafficking and exploitation of “I love ping-pong so an young people from a range of opportunity to marry ping- different angles. pong up with mission really appealed to me,” Matt said. For more information, visit, Ping-Pong-a-Thon founder www.pingpongathon.com

Adrian Rowse came up with Photo: Adrian Rowse the idea in 2011 while working Perth’s annual Ping-Pong-a-Thon raises awareness and funds for those being exploited in the Pattaya red-light as the director of a small non- district, Thailand.

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