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TELLING THE GREAT WORKS OF CHRIST IN THE WORLD TODAY

15 June 2019 Vol 81 No 22 Free On Request: [email protected] After 60 Years, The Hamlin Legacy Lives On The Fistula Hospital has cele­ brated the legacy of the Hamlins, and their pio- neering commitment to Ethiopian women in working to eradicate obstetric fistulas. Dr Cather- ine Hamlin, now 95, still works in the hospital she founded with her husband Reg, who died in 1993. The Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation esti- mates that 60,000 women have been treated and cured of their fistula injuries acquired during child-birth thanks to her work and that of her sur- gical team. ‘... precious in God’s sight ... precious in my sight too.’ The condition has been all but eradicated in developed countries, where women usually have chil- dren in adulthood and medical treatment is more readily accessible. In sub-Saharan Africa, however, many girls become pregnant before the age of 18 and have to labour unaided before their bodies are ma- ture enough to give birth. Five per cent of all women have an obstructed labour, whether they’re Ethiopian or Australian. The difference is, in help is readily available to correct the position of the baby or to have a Caesarean section to deliver the baby safely. When Ethiopian Prime Minister visited the fistula hospital as part of the 60th Anniversary celebrations, he unveiled a large statue of Catherine and Reg Hamlin and presented Catherine with a Prestigious Citizenship award. The Hamlins were both obstetricians and gynaecologists and travelled to Addis Ababa, ’s capital, with the Ethiopian government to set up a midwifery school in 1959. There, the couple encountered their first fistula patients. Dr Reg Hamlin died in 1993, but Catherine continued their work. The Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital, opened in 1974, was the world’s first modern specialised fistula treat- ment centre. In 2007, Catherine Hamlin opened the Hamlin College Of Midwives, providing midwives to remote areas of Ethiopia in an effort to prevent fistula cases from occurring. Dr Catherine Hamlin comes from a Christian mission­fo­ cused family: ‘I had a great aunt who started a mission in the Solomon Islands. Another one went to China.’ But she is uncomfortable with those who would call her a missionary. ‘I don’t actually do a lot of mission work, but I hope I live a life that shows that I love the patients and that they would recognise that I have a Christian faith. I do genuinely feel love for every patient. A little peasant girl is precious in God’s sight, and so they’re precious in my sight too.’ Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (right) – Pix and story: https://www.eternitynews.com.au ‘Tell the people the full message of this new life’ – Acts 5.20b www.nlife.com.au VOLUME 81 NUMBER 22

ISSUE DATE: 15 June 2019 TELLING THE GREAT WORKS OF CHRIST IN THE WORLD TODAY

FILE NO: NL 2019-06-15 ‘Grand Opening Demolition Sale!’

ISSN: 1033-7903 How else could we describe it? Soon after beginning my ministry at Portland, Victoria, we launched a Christian bookshop in the heart of town. FOUNDER: The owner offered us his premises ‘rent-free until Easter,’ explaining that Eric J. Daley (1910-1992) a huge new supermarket would soon occupy the site. Suitably encouraged, we started trading. The customers and the curi- EDITOR: ous kept coming and going. Easter also came and went. Rev Bob Thomas Two months later, after finding a permanent base, we learned that the Phone: 0417 592 646 delay came from the fact that neither demolition contractor wanted to be Email: [email protected] undercut by his rival! Does God have a sense of humour or not? Postal Address: PO Box 457 Over 30 years after our inauspicious launch, I learned that another de- Mitcham VIC 3132 nomination’s head had met a very enthusiastic young Lutheran pastor while visiting Africa’s Mt Kilimanjaro. Quickly detecting her Aussie accent, OFFICE MANAGER: he was thrilled to hear that she also knew Portland well. Rachael Maskell He then shared his story: having visited the port as a sailor with a head Phone: 0415 612 646 full of questions, he found our bookshop during shore leave – and bought Email: [email protected] a pile of books. Back in his cabin, as he began reading them, he discovered that faith in Jesus Christ opened up new meaning, and provided a secure WEB-SITE: base for any further questions about life. www.nlife.com.au Could I encourage you that, if you feel as insecure as we did at our book-

shop launch (under impending demolition) remember that God is still SUBSCRIPTION: Free On Request available for you to step up into His grace and in the process, make a last- ing difference for somebody else around you. ACCEPTANCE OF And remember that God says in His Word: ‘Ship your grain across the ADVERTISING sea; after many days you may receive a return.’ (Ecclesiastes 11.1.) DOES NOT IMPLY – Noel Mitaxa, noelmitaxa.wordpress.com ENDORSEMENT.

NEW LIFE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT Sri Lanka – State Of Alert ADVERTISING DEEMED Sri Lankan Christians fear more attacks are coming as the nation UNSUITABLE. still mourns the horrific bombings on Easter Sunday. There are warn- PUBLISHED BY: ings that terrorists could target places of worship again. New Life Australia Ltd Australian Evangelist Bill Newman has been advised to postpone a planned crusade in the country until further notice. ABN: 15 005 035 138 According to a report from CBN it's very quiet in two major cities in Sri Lanka as residents and office workers are staying indoors and NOTE TO CONTRIBUTORS: shops are closed. Authorities say they have rounded-up a lot of sus- New Life is archived by the pects but there are still active terrorists on the run. National Library of Australia. Religious freedom advocate Daniel Mark says terrorist attacks It is assumed that contributors make Christians in the West mindful of the need to keep persecuted agree with this arrangement and Christians a top priority of prayer and practical support. Meanwhile, so are willing to be published on this basis. the Sri Lankan military is still actively seeking some 140 people sus- pected of having links to Islamic State. – CBN World Christian News

NEW LIFE – 15 June 2019 – Page Two WITNESSING FOR CHRIST BY ALL MEANS EVERYWHERE Izzy A Daniel – ACL Honours Rugby Player’s Courageous Stand At the Australian Christian Lobby’s Draw The Line Dinner in Melbourne on 13 June, controversial Rugby player Israel Folau was the surprise special guest. Nearly 50,000 members signed the #IS­ tandWithIzzy letter of support in recent weeks, and I was thrilled to present a book containing all their names to him, personally. The letter reads: Dear Israel, We are among the millions of Australians who are proud to stand with you. We believe that sin is real, and salvation in Jesus Christ is the equal answer for all, re- gardless of our identity or background. We believe that the Bible is God’s Holy Word and should be openly celebrated and spoken without shame or fear. We want to thank you for your boldness, despite overwhelming pressure from some who deny these wonderful, life-giving truths, Martyn Isles (left) presents Israel Folau and wish to punish those who promote them. with the bound copy of the letter of support. Your example is all too rare in a time when compromise is easy and religious freedom is under threat. By publicly signing this letter, we thank you, we stand with you, and we commit to pray for you often. ‘For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.’ [Romans 1.16] You are not alone. The 400 dinner guests were thrilled to spend time speaking to Israel, who is so grateful for the ongoing support of those fellow Christians who stand firm in the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We continue to stand with Izzy. – Martyn Isles, Managing Director, Australian Christian Lobby, https://www.acl.com.au/

For The Deaf, Faith Comes By Seeing God At Work Behind Prison Bars Twenty eight sign languages now have Bible por- Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias and his team tions available on the Deaf Bible App and website. have visited one of the largest penitentiaries in the Deaf Bible Society’s Chantel Pagan says having . Following his visit to Angola Prison God’s Word in 28 sign languages may not seem like he wrote on Instagram, ‘It is powerfully moving to a big deal when there are 400-plus sign languages see what God is doing behind these prison bars.’ that have no Scripture. But she says that this num- CBN news reports Dr Zacharias as saying, ‘Walking ber is significant considering hundreds of the sign through Death Row is one of the most sobering languages only gained recognition as a ‘real’ lan- things I have ever done. Praying with people there guage during the past century, and many of the made it impossible to block the tears.’ As he prayed, Bible translations have been created in the past 20 suddenly from one of the cells burst out a ringing years. The Deaf Bible Society has several goals for voice singing Amazing Grace. Dr Zacharias walked this year, including 1,000 devices per sign language to that cell where the prisoner handed him a pre-loaded with content and distributed in Deaf wooden cross that he had made. ‘Even in a dark communities. They currently have 30 sign language place, the Gospel is shining with grace and power,’ Bible translation projects, and are training more Zacharias says. ‘The cross is the only hope for the than 500 people to engage their local community world because we are all prisoners of sin.’ with God’s Word in sign language. – CBN Christian World News – Mission Network News NEW LIFE – 15 June 2019 – Page Three ‘STRIVING TOGETHER FOR THE SAKE OF THE GOSPEL’ Cairns Ironman Triathlon Strengthens ‘The Ties That Bind ...’ Voted the world’s best Ironman Triathlon, the Carins Ironman Triathlon also doubles as the Asia- Pacific Championships. The race boasts the stun- ning tropical waters off Palm Cove for its 3.8km swim, the world famous coastal road from Cairns to Port Douglas as the challenging 180km bike leg and the waterfront esplanade of the city of Cairns for the 42km marathon.The championship race Jeremy Dover (right) with local Pastor and Ironman drew over 1,300 competitors from all around the Geoff Snook world. I had the blessing of being one of them. This year I had the opportunity to compete in this race as both a personal challenge and to raise support and awareness for a Mission Aviation Fellowship family. MAF reach some of the most physically and spiritually remote people in the world using aviation and technology. The family I was supporting, the Morrell’s, are based in East Arnhem Land and serve many Northern Territory communities. Race day was a long, hard day. Difficult swell and choppy conditions made it a struggle to navigate the 3.8km swim course. The bike also featured a strong headwind from Port Douglas to Cairns, making the last 50km of the 180km a real challenge. This all added up to tired legs and bodies as the athletes started the 42km marathon in the heat of the day. Even for the professional athletes finishing in just over eight hours, it is a long day. For the final competitors crossing the line in over 16 hours it is even longer. Full credit goes to these athletes who are still running late into the night. Some highlights from my Ironman experience focused around the people. Local Pastor Geoff Snook competed in the Half Ironman distance and was sharing how the sport has helped build relationships both within his church and with the community. MAF engineer Darren Lydeamore also took on the Half Ironman challenge and shared the way the event draws many Christians together from the Cairns re- gion. Another highlight was meeting the team at Tree Tops Lodge and witnessing their ministry. Tree Tops is a joint project of MAF and Wycliffe Bible Translators. It provides accommodation and support for missionaries, accommodation for the wider Christian community and the general public. They sup- ported me in my race preparation. The whole experience highlighted the way Christ has His people all around the world, including the world of sport. He uses these connects to encourage one-another and build His Kingdom. – Jeremy Dover, former sports scientist and pastor, and writer for Press Service International An Easter Highlight In Exmouth Frank and Jo Nicol, working with Bush Church Aid in the Far North West of Australia, are on the move and report: I hate getting up really early, but I love Jesus, and I love celebrating His death and resurrection with the believers of Exmouth at Easter. What a privilege it is to meet three times in one weekend with our brothers and sisters in Christ, to celebrate our risen Saviour together. The highlight is always the dawn service at Vlamingh Head Light- Easter Dawn Service at house. The 4am start is not that friendly and it was cold and windy Exmouth (WA) Beach this year, but it's a church service like no other. Ocean views all around, an amazing sunrise, a cuppa, a hot cross bun, and fellowship around the risen Lord. For the Christian, it beats whale sharking every day of the week. If you were going to visit Exmouth, you would not be disappointed if you came over the Easter long weekend. Please pray for our town, that believers of all denominations would continue to share rich fellowship around Jesus, not just at Easter but all through the year. The Nicol family are about to move to Karatha so are praying the Lord will watch over their move and provide another minister for Exmouth. NEW LIFE – 15 June 2019 – Page Four FAITH NEWS with Stan Hunt Logos Hope Back At Sea And Steaming On The Logos Hope missionary ship is back at sea, making for her next port of call after a successful phase of annual maintenance. The Oper- ation Mobilisation vessel has emerged from six weeks of scheduled repair work and renewal of maritime licences at a shipyard in Monte- video, South America. Two hundred and fifty non­technical members of crew vacated the ship to allow 130 colleagues room to work on a job list of more than 500 tasks. The Ship Ministry’s Technical Project Manager, Matt Blair from Australia says that during the main- tenance, four fishing vessels from East Asia were being worked on alongside them. He says the Asian seafarers were excited when they were given a gift and a copy of The Jesus Film in their language. The Logos Hope is now on a short voyage to Argentina, where the freshly-painted ship will be open to the public. – Operation Mobilisation Bibles For The World Active In Cambodia Good News for the first time. TWR will air their The Bibles For The World mission is planning to be programs The Way Of Righteousness, The Christian a part of Franklin Graham’s Love Phnom Penh Fes­ Home and Christian Youth. Mr Fugler says these tival in Cambodia later this year. BFTW will help by programs were selected because they will intro- providing Scriptures for people who make a deci- duce people to God and Jesus and give listeners an sion for Christ during the Festival and by Bible dis- understanding of Christianity. He told Mission Net- tribution in the city. John Pudaite, president and work News the Silk Road Transmitter is so vast, CEO of BFTW, says their hope with this project is they can reach 60 million people from different re- to assist local churches in the Buddhist nation, ligious backgrounds. The Silk Road is a famous where only about 2% of the population is Chris- route that connects parts of Asia with East Africa tian. He told Mission Network News that the Cam- and Southern Europe, so named because China’s bodian proverb ‘Fear not the future, weep not for silk comprised a large proportion of the trade along the past’ is appropriate for a country whose recent this ancient road. history is riddled with tragedy. He says their project Two other ministries have partnered to help es- will strive to tell Cambodians that true fearlessness tablish a Family Radio Station in Mongolia. Guide- and healing comes from the hope that is offered by lines International Ministries is working with the Jesus Christ. BFTW has been working in Cambodia Far East Broadcasting Company Mongolia to create since the late 1990s. a station in Choibalsan. Guidelines partners to help – https://www.mnnonline.org/ establish Christian radio stations that empower the Gospel Broadcasting Along The Great Silk Road local church and provide humanitarian assistance. Trans World Radio this week is debuting their new Guidelines devotional programs, distributed in 16 Silk Road Transmitter to improve and expand the languages throughout the world, are being trans- coverage of their programs in Central Asia. TWR’s lated for the station in Mongolia. From its newly- John Fugler says the programs will share the Gospel furnished studio, FEBC is now broadcasting 24/7 with unreached Muslims and many will hear the to the community. 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

NEW LIFE – 15 June 2019 – Page Five FAITH NEWS with STAN HUNT Trek, Trek, Trek, For The Homeless Wesley Mission, , invites you to join Wesley Mission’s Hike For Homelessness for an extraordinary adventure to support Aus- tralians living without a safe space to call home. Regarded as one of the world’s greatest treks, the Kokoda Track links the south and north coast of Papua New Guinea across 96 kilometres of rocky mountain terrain, tropical rainforest and remote vil- lages. On this adventure, you’ll lace up your boots to trek with Wesley Mission supporters, raising money that could help fund homelessness support programs and emergency shelter. By day, you’ll trek Papua New Guinea’s tropical rainforest – the terrain as challenging as it is beautiful. As nightfall descends, you will stay in isolated camps, swapping stories with local Koiari and Orokaiva people and falling asleep to the nocturnal sounds of the jungle. Though the Track is challenging, you’ll be rewarded with an unmatched sense of accomplishment and the knowledge that you have made a huge difference for Wesley Mission, and raised funds for those most in need in the community. This is a guide­led group adventure for those who are relatively fit and willing to train. You don’t need to be an expert trekker. It will take place from 11-21 May 2020, and those who register by 28 June 2019 will get $280 off their registration fee. For further details and to receive the full itinerary and info pack with more about Wesley Mission’s Hike For Homelessness go to: https://inspiredadventures.com.au/events/wesleymissionnsw­kokoda­2020/

Churches Of Christ Develops Aged Care List ‘for service to the community through faith- The new Fassifern Aged Care development is full based organisations’ (the particular faith concerned speed ahead since work started in April. The $23.3 being the Christian faith – Ed). Among other distin- million project of the Churches of Christ, Queens- guished contributions to the Lord’s work, Mr Free- land, is the largest development currently under- man was a member and chair of the Belgrave way in the Scenic Rim. Throughout construction it Heights Convention Council for many years as well will provide approximately 600 jobs for tradespeo- as being involved with OAC Ministries. ple, which will be sourced locally and from the re- China’s Network Of Surveillance Cameras Now gion where possible. When complete it will boost Includes Churches the number of high-quality residential aged care Within one district, 155 of the 170 Protestant services available for seniors and their families. Three-Self churches have government-mandated Bryan Mason, with Churches of Christ in Queens- cameras that are connected to a network allowing land, says the new development will include a 64- the government to watch Christians. One church bed residential aged care facility, landscaped has 28 high-definition surveillance cameras, in- gardens, a central courtyard and a man-made lake. cluding six above the podium and four at the en- By the time the Fassifern development is complete trance. A member of the church says ‘The in July next year, Churches of Christ Care will have government can see our every move, and if we did- invested $115 million into new aged care develop- n’t follow their demands, the church would be shut ments across Queensland in Boonah, Warwick, down.’ China’s persecution of illegal house Stanthorpe and the Sunshine Coast. churches is well-documented. But Three-Self – Churches of Christ, Queensland churches (which are ‘legal’) face severe restrictions An Honour Due too. There are an estimated 176 million surveil- Mr Robert Bruce Freeman of Melbourne was lance cameras across China. awarded an OAM in the Queen’s Birthday Honours – Christian Headlines Jeremiah 29.11 – His Plan For You

NEW LIFE – 15 June 2019 – Page Six MATTERS FOR PRAYER by Elizabeth Kendal ERITREA: Christian Crisis In The Horn Of Africa On 9 July 2018 Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (42) and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki (73, president since 1993) signed a 'declaration of peace and friendship' and declared the 'state of war' officially over. President Afwerki had long used the 'Ethiopian threat' as a pretext to justify his regime's violent and repressive dictatorship and the need for indefinite National (military) Service. Consequently, many hoped that peace would pave the way for reform and especially improvements in human rights. Unfortunately, it seems Eritrea's rulers are not interested in Eritreans, nor in their own legacy. Er- itrea's rulers are interested only in regime survival and how they might cling to their power and privilege. When President Afwerki addressed the nation on Independence Day, 24 May 2019, he spoke of the need for stability and security, stressing 'patience' and ruling out 'hasty and emotional conclusions', dashing any lingering hopes for reform. Meanwhile, thousands of prisoners of remain incarcerated. Some key leaders have been detained for over a decade, such as the chair of the Eritrean Evangelical Alliance, Dr Kiflu Gebremeskel, who has been held incommunicado, without charge or trial since his arrest in May 2004. Though Eritrea might no longer be in a 'state of war', indefinite military service remains in place with police and military increasingly resorting to giffas (flash raids) to conscript children forcibly. As long as the human rights situation remains appalling, so too will the refugee outflow. When the border with Ethiopia was opened in September 2018, the rate of Eritreans fleeing into Ethiopia increased more than fourfold. At that time there were already 175,000 Eritrean refuges in Ethiopia, a large proportion of whom were unaccompanied minors. By 22 April 2019 President Afwerki had unilaterally closed all the border crossings into Ethiopia. Despite this, Eritreans are still fleeing at the rate of around 4,000 per month. Most hope human traffickers will get them through Sudan and Libya to Europe. Many never make it, while many who do, find life as refugees in Europe just as intolerable as life in Eritrea. Doubtless watching events in Khartoum, Afwerki PLEASE PRAY FOR GOD TO has determined there will be no protests in Asmara. • 'bind the strong man' (Satan) so that the brutal Consequently, the regime was on high alert through- regime of President Isaias Afwerki will crumble; out May as the country prepared to celebrate Inde- may it be powerless to resist the desire of the Er- pendence Day (24 May). Sources told Release itrean people (for liberty) and the will and pur- International that the regime had flooded the streets pose of God (redemption). (See Mark 3.27 and of Asmara with police and secret police and raided Ephesians 1.7-10); several Protestant groups. On 10 May 141 Eritrean • preserve and sustain His long-suffering, pre- Christians, including 14 minors, were arrested as they cious Church in Eritrea; may she have wisdom to gathered in the Mai Temenai administration area in navigate the treacherous path before her and may north-east Asmara. According to Christian Solidarity all her captives be freed; Worldwide, men and women were separated and sent • magnify the voice of the Body of Christ, along to separate detention centres. with that of the increasingly united and active Er- Around 50 believers were subsequently released. itrean Diaspora, so that voiceless Eritreans, in- A further 30 Christians were arrested on 17 May as cluding those of Eritrea's severely persecuted, they gathered in two locations in the Godaif adminis- long-suffering Church, will have a voice that will tration area in south-west Asmara. According to Re- be heard on Earth and in Heaven. lease International, some of those detained on 17 May ‘Remember those who are in prison, are believed to be in Adi Abeito prison, close to where as though in prison with them, they were arrested, while others are still being held and those who are mistreated, by police. Barely survivable, conditions in detention since you also are in the body.’ are among the worst in the world; torture is routine. (Hebrews 13.3 ESV).

Elizabeth Kendal is the author of Turn Back The Battle: Isaiah Speaks To Christians Today (Deror Books, Melbourne, 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 – 15 June 2019 – Page Seven FROM ALL QUARTERS

Fruitful On The Frontlines Christian Soldier A CMA CBD Business Breakfast will be held on Remembered D­Day 11 July 11, 2019 at 7am for a 7.15 start, conclud- A former leader of the Salvation ing at 8:45 am at the Athenaeum Club, 87 Collins Army in Australia who first para- St, Melbourne, VIC. Christians from the corpo- chuted into Normandy 75 years rate world, NFP sector, politics and churches are ago for D-Day, jumped again over welcome. The cost is $75 ($65 for CMA mem- the site of that historic invasion. bers). Commissioner Harry Read, 95, was skydiving The speaker, Mark Greene, is the Executive Di- with the Red Devils as part of the 75th anniversary rector of the London Institute For Contemporary commemorations. Mr Read says at whatever age Christianity, a highly regarded global leader in we are, we are more than capable of shrinking thinking, writing and speaking about faith at from something that we feel is beyond us. work. At this breakfast presentation he will be Harry believes we should not withdraw from a helping people shift their way of seeing their challenge – yesterday is not our best; our best is own lives, how God has been working in and tomorrow. He parachuted into Normandy on 6 through them. June 1944 at just 20 years of age. During World This is not only intended to introduce the War Two, he was a wireless operator and served 6Ms as a way of seeing how God has already with the Parachute Brigade. been working in people's lives but includes ma- He is a life­long member of The Salvation Army, terial on helping people to read their lives having previously served as the leader of The Sal- through biblical lenses - a hugely liberating skill. vation Army in both the UK and East Australia. To register go to: cma.net.au – Christian Today An Idea We’d Like To See Catch On Ugandan Mission Muzzled Did you know that New Life is FREE Police have banned evangelistic events in a Ugan- on request? All you have to do is ask! dan town following open-air preaching where many Muslims put their faith in Christ when churches in Bwera, on Uganda’s western border with the Demo- cratic Republic of Congo, held an evangelistic event amid the large Muslim population. The success of the event led not only to the ban but also to church leaders receiving death threats. The John and Pauline Freeman, retired SIM mis- ban sends a chilling message to those who have be- sionaries, in their SIM Seniors’ News, which they come Christians, who say they are afraid to go to send to their fellow SIM retirees, are promoting worship services or other Christian meetings. New Life by including New Life’s masthead (see Church leaders in Bwera have called on the inter- above) with the message: ‘Did You Know That national community to pray for protection and that New Life Is Free? All You Have To Do Is Ask.’ converts remain firm in Christ. The opposition (Details are included on the masthead). Could marks the latest of many cases of persecution of YOU use this bright idea to encourage others to Christians documented in Uganda. join up and receive New Life fortnightly by email? – Morning Star News TURN BACK THE BATTLE: Isaiah Speaks To Christians Today. With persecution escalating globally, Elizabeth Kendal calls us to revisit the prophecy of Isaiah, maintaining that Isaiah 1-39 provides an unambiguous treatise on how God's people are to respond to persecution, suffering and existential threat. For purchasing options, visit: www.ElizabethKendal.com

NEW LIFE – 15 June 2019 – Page Eight ‘WITNESSING FOR CHRIST – BY ALL MEANS EVERYWHERE’ Steve And Jordan Grace – Father And Son – Set An Example For A Broken World On their recent trip to the USA, Steve and Kerrie Grace met up with son Jordan. Steve reports: ‘It was such a joy to share the stage with Jordan Grace last week at Water Of Life Church in Fontana, California. These are rare and cherished moments these days as our boys are busy doing life in other parts of the country and planet but we were so grateful to the folks at Water Of Life Church for their generous sup- port of all we do. ‘Jordan flew from Nashville to serve with us and we are hoping we can do a few more bookings to- Jordan (left) and Steve Grace gether while Kerrie and I are in the USA. ‘It amazed us that most comments from people were about the witness of a Father and Son standing on a stage together sharing their faith in Christ. In a world that is broken in family relationships there is something powerful about the witness of generations testifying to the goodness of the Lord. We are grate- ful that the love of Christ compels us and inspires us to keep singing of His faithfulness.’ – [email protected] World Vision Farewells Chief Advocate, Tim Costello Tim Costello, World Vision’s Chief Advo­ cate, has announced his decision to retire after 15 years serving Australia’s largest hu- manitarian organisation, World Vision Aus- tralia, but will continue to lend his expertise to the aid agency on issues of global poverty. ‘After so many years at this wonderful organ- isation, I am no less passionate about the work that we do around the world. I remain a committed supporter and a passionate member of the alumni,’ Mr Costello said. Tim Costello began his journey with World Vision Australia as Chief Executive Officer in 2004, becoming Australia’s voice for the hundreds of thousands of lives af- fected by the devastation of the Boxing Day tsunami. In 2016 he moved into the role of Chief Advocate and welcomed incoming CEO Claire Rogers. For more than two and half years Mr Costello embraced his position as Chief Advocate, saying it allowed him to continue to speak out on issues of social justice at home and abroad while supporting the organisation as it moved forward under its new CEO, Claire Rogers. Mr Costello said that his time with World Vision was more than just a job, but an expression of his life purpose. World Vision CEO Claire Rogers said that Mr Costello’s unwavering dedication, passion and humanity through his work at World Vision had improved the lives of millions of vulnerable people. ‘He is an in- spirational and much-loved figure not just in Australia but around the world and I thank him for his ex- traordinary service to our organisation and the world’s most disadvantaged children,’ Claire Rogers said. Tim Costello will continue to be an advocate for social justice as Chair of the Community Council of Australia, Director of the Alliance for Gambling Reform and Executive Director of Micah Australia. – [email protected] NEW LIFE – 15 June 2019 – Page Nine PERSECUTION WATCH Christians Top The Persecution List Following an unprecedented rise of violence against religious com- munities and religious minorities, including Christians, the United Na- tions’ General Assembly has set aside 22 August as the ‘International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief’. Co-sponsors of the resolution include Brazil, Canada, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Nigeria, Pakistan, Poland, and the United States. Ironically, five of the nine co-sponsors are on the Open Doors World Watch List. Numerous sources have reported how Christians are the most perse- cuted group in the world. In May, the BBC News released a report titled Christian persecution ‘at near genocide levels’. But this is not new. In 2016, the Centre for Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary discovered 240 Christians die each day for their beliefs. Samuel, of Redemptive Stories, puts it this way: ‘Christians are martyred every six minutes for their faith. That persecution is often [the] everyday situation for Christians around the world and needs to be vocally addressed around the world.’ Yet, low media interest keeps that story from gaining traction, in addition to a fuzzy understanding of what persecution actually is. And, rather than nurturing a global Church perspective, some Christians in the West have knotted nationalism with their faith. In doing so, they alienate themselves from their Christian brothers and sisters abroad. – Bethann Flynn, MNN Brave Christian Who Aided Victims At Bombed Sri Lankan Church Dies Of Injuries A worshipper who bravely tended to victims of a suicide bomb attack at a Sri Lankan church despite being severely injured himself, died on 4 June after spending 40 days in intensive care. Arun Prashanth collapsed while helping others in the im- mediate aftermath of the Islamist terrorist attack on Zion Evangelical Church, Bat- ticaloa, on Easter Sunday, an eyewitness recalled. The 30­year­old was taken to hospital where it was discovered he had a serious spinal injury. Arun’s condition deteriorated and after fighting for his life in intensive care for 40 days he passed away. Arun, the sole family breadwinner who cared for his widowed mother, was very active in Christian ministry and known as someone who was always available to help out anyone in need, said a Barnabas Fund contact. At least 30 people including 14 children have now died as a result of the bombing of the Zion church by Islamic State terrorists. More than 250 people were killed and at least 500 injured in the co-ordinated bombings on 21 April that targeted three churches and three hotels where Christians gathered. Two other devices exploded later, one at a housing complex and another at a guest house. – Barnabas Fund Muslim Gangs In Uk Jails Beating Prisoners prison they need to become Muslim. That way they Until They Convert To Islam are protected,’ said Song, who was later reinstated. Muslim gangs in UK jails are forcing prisoners to ‘Some people have been forced to convert with vi- convert to Islam with threats and beatings, accord- olence. How do I know? Because three or four peo- ing to a new Ministry of Justice report. ‘The tactic ple come up to me and tell me,’ the pastor added. they use is to befriend someone when they come – Barnabas Fund in. If they don’t convert, they will then start spread- CHINA: ‘Hide God’s Word In Your Heart’ ing rumours about them, that the person is a snitch Chinese Christians imprisoned for their faith are (informer), so that they will be ostracised. Then the memorizing Scripture passages smuggled to them beatings follow,’ said a non-Muslim inmate. Chris- on small pieces of paper. Christian material is con- tian prison pastor Paul Song recently spoke out fiscated by prison guards, so Christian prisoners about Muslim extremists in prisons after he was hide the papers and memorize as fast as they can. dismissed from Brixton Prison in London. Song One former prisoner said that though the guards was kicked out by a Muslim imam who had taken can take the paper away, they can’t take what’s hid- over as head chaplain and disapproved of the pas- den in their hearts. One prisoner had memorised tor’s Christian courses. ‘If someone is secular and the whole of First Peter. in prison and they want to lead a peaceful life in – Christian Post NEW LIFE – 15 June 2019 – Page Ten JOURNEY THROUGH JOHN with David Cook ‘Was Blind, But Now I See’ – Read John 9.1–41 John links this section with the previous one in which Jesus claims to be the light of the world (John 9.5; see 8.12). Restoring sight to the blind is uniquely God’s activ- ity. There is no miraculous healing of the blind in the Old Testament, and there is no record of the apostles restoring sight (the closest is the ending of Saul’s temporary blindness in Acts 9). As in Mark’s Gospel, where Jesus spits on blind eyes (Mark 8.22,23), here He makes mud with His saliva to put on the man’s eyes. The man is told to go and wash, and we are simply told, ‘So the man went and washed, and came home see- ing’ (v.7). Jesus, the light of the world, substantiates His claim by bringing light into this man’s darkness. Like Job’s so-called comforters in the Old Testament ac- count, the disciples connect this man’s blindness with human sin (v.2). As it was considered deserved, he had probably been shown very little sympathy for his plight, making him the bold person we meet here. His curious neighbours can’t believe this is the same man who was born blind (v.8), but he reassures them, ‘I am the man’ (v.9) and repeats what Jesus has done for him (v. 11). The Pharisees (v.13), who condemn Jesus for working (healing) on the Sabbath, are confused; for how can a lawbreaker make blind eyes see (v.16)? The blind man’s growing illumination is evident: he referred to Jesus earlier as ‘the man’ (v.11), but now declares, ‘He is a prophet’ (v.17). The man’s fearful parents confirm that he is their son, born blind, FOR PERSONAL but as he is of age they let him explain this miraculous healing himself, for they fear expulsion from the synagogue (v.22). His testimony is clear, REFLECTION: ‘One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!’ (v.25). Progression to light or regres- Again the Pharisees ask how it happened. The man wonders if their sion to darkness: which way persistence indicates a desire to become Jesus’ disciples. No, they say, are you headed? they are disciples of Moses (v.28). The indisputable logic of vv.31–33 is The true light has come (John met by personal abuse, and ‘they threw him out’ (v.34). Jesus meets this 1.4,9). Are you walking in the man, whose pilgrimage has led him to physical sight and clarifying spir- light? itual sight. His conviction has grown, from recognizing Jesus the man, to To walk in the light is to have Jesus the prophet. Now he worships Jesus, believing Him to be the ex- fellowship with one another alted Son of Man (v.38). and to be cleansed by the pu- Like the blind man, those who are spiritually blind (v.1) and admit it rifying blood of Jesus (1 John will see (v.11). But like the Pharisees, those who think they see are really 1.7). How can you help others spiritually blind, because they refuse to see Jesus as their light (v.41). to see the true light? SEEN ON FACEBOOK:

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NEW LIFE – 15 June 2019 – Page Twelve ‘WITH CHRIST ... BETTER BY FAR’ LLOYD JOHN OGILVIE, Celebrated Preacher and Senate Chaplain died on 12 June 2019 aged 88. The lifelong leader and teacher encouraged pastors and politicians alike to ‘Let God Love’ them. An acclaimed author, speaker, and preacher, Lloyd John Ogilvie pastored historic First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, California, for 23 years and served as chaplain of the US Senate from 1995 to 2003. Ogilvie’s aspiration in high school was to become an actor, but the influence of classmates Bruce Larson and Ralph Osborne at Lake Forest College led him in a different direction. These young men shared an interest in personal piety and social concern, markers that would define Ogilvie’s future ministry. After gradu- Lloyd John Ogilvie ation, Ogilvie attended Garrett Theological Seminary at Northwestern University (Credit: CQ Archive/Getty) and later studied at New College, Edinburgh, where he ‘fell in love with the awesome task of preaching.’ So rather than becoming an actor himself, Ogilvie used his oratory skills to preach God’s Word to those in the movie industry, the business world, and even politicians. US Senator Mark O. Hatfield of Ore- gon said of Ogilvie, ‘I’m mesmerized by his preaching. His words are more than words of eloquence. I re- ally think it’s an incarnation experience to hear him. It’s truly a living Gospel.’ Hatfield would later prove important in Ogilvie’s selection as Senate chaplain. In a 1989 interview with Christianity Today’s sister publication Leadership Journal, Ogilvie said: ‘I preach to a procession: church members who need a fresh touch of the power of God, people who don’t know God and aren’t part of any church, Christians who’ve just come to visit, and others who are facing perplexing problems. … My big challenge is to present the Gospel in a way that will be an initial invitation to those who don’t know Christ and an encouragement to those who do and who need to get on with the responsibilities of discipleship. – Kyle Rohane, christianitytoday.com For Further Reading: Every fortnight New Life receives more material than we are able to include in the current issue mainly due to the exigencies of space. However, we believe that such articles would be of sufficient interest to enough of our readers to refer them to the websites where these articles can be accessed. The following items come into this category as we go to the publication of this issue: Every Home For Christ Newsletter, [email protected] No Silver Bullet, But Worth Trying: Can Evening Services Stop/Slow The Exodus Of Young People? no­[email protected] Wrath: The Divine Reality We’d Like to Gloss Over (But Mustn’t) no­[email protected] 2019 Leaders Resources Monthly Newsletter Bible Society Australia Best of Lausanne: Why We Should Care about Jewish Evangelism [email protected]

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NEW LIFE – 15 June 2019 – Page Thirteen ‘HOW SHALL THEY HEAR?’ Reaching Nomads With Megavoice Are nomads impossible to reach with the Gospel? Phil Short, a missionary with SIM among the Fulani peo- ple of Niger report: Since we first heard of the Fulani people, our hearts have been burdened for them, and our desire has been that they hear the Good News, which the Book of Romans so profoundly describes. The following points in Chapter 10 have motivated us in all our years of service: 1. People can be completely sincere and committed to their belief but have their faith misplaced, with disas- trous consequences. (1,2) 2. It is not possible for us to attain to the perfect stan- dard required, to be made right with God. ‘All fall short A king receives a message from the King of God’s glory.’ (3) via Megavoice. 3. Christ has Himself completed the work of forgive­ ness to rescue humanity. We can’t add to it. It is already accomplished – when Jesus cried ‘Finished!’ (6,7) 4. Our being made right with God depends on our belief in Christ, and confessing that He is Lord. This is what makes us right with God. (9) 5. Whoever believes will be saved. The Gospel is for all people. (12,13) 6. How can someone believe unless they hear? How can they believe in the One they have not heard of? Faith comes by hearing the Word of Christ. (14) We have had the honour and privilege of living among the Fulani for many years. Our hearts have been burdened for these dear people, who are so religious, but to them, Jesus is only a prophet. We have enjoyed their hospitality, relationships have been established and friendships formed as we’ve shown that we care. Opportunities to share spiritual conversations, to read Scripture and to discuss and explain truths are so common. Theirs is a holistic world-view where the spiritual and the material are not de-compartmentalised. However, we have been overwhelmed by the need and the number of people who haven’t anyone to tell them, where often the places we work are so isolated and remote. We thank God for the incredible tools we have today that enable us to multiply many-fold the number who can hear the message. Many Fulani are nomads who have relatives living far from them. We are able to give those we meet and get to know a MegaVoice which contains the teaching of the Messiah Jesus in their own mother tongue. I wish you could see how their eyes light up when we first give them one, how they are immediately en- gaged. I remember sitting with a chief who had received a MegaVoice the previous evening. As we were drink- ing fresh milk together from a calabash and waiting for the green tea to brew, he was listening to his MegaVoice. I asked if he was understanding it. He held up his finger and said ‘Quiet! Don’t interrupt. I’m lis- tening.’ We have no idea how many thousands have heard the message by this means, as they listen in their family groups, as they traverse the country on their long migrations, crossing borders and maintaining a link with distant family members, particularly at times of bereavement. Visiting relatives often say, ‘We’ve never heard this before and this is such good news. Please can you give this player to me so I can take it back to my people so they can hear?’ This even results in the message reaching communities where we have never been. We are so thankful for the generosity of many who enable us to also supply MegaVoices to our Fulani colleagues, and others. It is truly incredible to think of the number listening to these. Both Ali and Ado were with us when we accompanied a Fulani king to the proposed site for a new cement well last year. On that first visit, the local chief accepted a MegaVoice from Ali. The chief is listening to the MegaVoice, he carries it in his gown pocket, close to his heart. Another king we know listens to his player every night before he goes to sleep. Oh, that the Word of God might enter into the hearts of all who hear so that they might be saved. – Phil Short via Tom Treseder. To learn more about Megavoice go to: www.megavoice.com NEW LIFE – 15 June 2019 – Page Fourteen WITNESSPIC

‘May my prayer be set forth before You like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.’ – Psalm 141.2

NEW LIFE – 15 June 2019 – Page Fifteen