theadvocate.tv SEPTEMBER 2015
In Conversation Australian author Naomi Reed talks “Not drowning, just waving: Six thoughts on serving without about The Plum Tree in the Desert. PAGE 12 >> sinking in your local church.” RORY SHINER PAGE 13 >>
4 Leaders’ mission Global Interaction and Baptist World Aid Australia in Malawi >>
5 Sexuality discussed Vose Seminary Principal speaks at seminar hosted by BCWA >> Photo: Baptist World Alliance Vibrancy and diversity left wonderful memories for delegates at the 21st Baptist World Congress held in Durban, South Africa. Jesus is the gateway
Keith Jobberns Other Australian Baptists that count, from every nation and all 8 Bordered by love are members of Committees and tribes and peoples and tongues, Australia’s treatment of Commissions included John standing before the throne and refugees and asylum Over 2,500 delegates from more than 80 countries Beasy, Rod Benson, Bill Brown, before the Lamb, clothed in seekers >> came together for the 21st Baptist World Congress in Ross Clifford, Heather Coleman, white robes, and palm branches Durban, South Africa in July. Ken Edmonds, Brian Harris, were in their hands; and they John Hickey, Keith Jobberns, cry out with a loud voice, saying, Sue Peters, Frank Rees, “Salvation to our God who sits African Baptists hosted and the quality of the preaching. Mark Wilson and Stephen Vose. on the throne, and to the Lamb.”’ welcomed the delegates and the The sermon can viewed on the The 22nd Baptist World [Revelation 7:9-10] induction of Rev. Paul Msiza from BWA website. Congress will be held in Rio Preceding the BWA Congress Building South Africa as the President of Forums covered topics de Janeiro, Brazil in 2020. a group of Australian Baptist the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) including human rights, However, regionally all eyes are leaders had the opportunity to healthy added to the African flavour of evangelism, peace building, now focused on the Asia Pacific visit Malawi. While the need for the first BWA Congress held on gender violence, relief and Baptist Conference to be held in community transformation was churches. the continent. development, preaching with Yogjakarta, Indonesia in 2017. most overwhelming, the group Over 30 Australians attended imagination. These topics The overarching experience reported coming away from the the Congress and participated provided a glimpse of the breadth of any BWA Congress is to Malawi visit with a deep sense of in the four day program. Each and depth of the world Baptist participate in a worshipping gratitude of the contribution the BAPTIST CHURCHES day commenced with a worship movement and its engagement in community that stretches Australian Baptist movement is WESTERN AUSTRALIA service followed by Bible Study the contemporary world. us beyond our own local making, through the support for sessions conducted in five A meeting of the General experience of being a follower Baptist World Aid Australia and major languages. Council was also held during the of Jesus. To share a series of Global Interaction in the lives of The theme of the Congress Congress. The Council affirmed worship events with fellow Malawian villagers in bringing was ‘Jesus the Door’ and the the appointment of members believers from a variety of hope through the love of Jesus. final session was presented of the BWA Commissions and different languages and More about the visit can be by Rev. Dr Joel Gregory, Committees for the next five ethnicity is a foretaste of the read on page 4. Professor of Preaching at Baylor years. Australian Baptist Miyoh eschatological event highlighted University’s Truett Seminary in Chung was nominated for the by the apostle John, ‘… a great To view Baptist World Congress Texas. His sermon underscored role of Vice-President. multitude which no one could videos, visit www.bwanet.org 2 my view
SEPTEMBER 2015 The ultimate host
Jesus’ disciples’ stress levels were peaking. Matthew and Judas were 23; from the Promised Land to anxiously doing a second head count and James was mumbling about the the Last Supper; from breakfast lack of planning. Here they were kilometres away from the nearest town, it on the beach to the marriage supper of the Lamb; we are was getting dark with no plan for feeding thousands of hungry people. confronted with the ultimate host who invites us to eat with A few of the disciples agreed Then Jesus asked a couple of the situation under control. Him, then offers something we that the best plan would be to the disciples nearby. What food People were sitting down and, never expected. send everyone home, but when do we have? Can you ask around with the basket in His hand, As I have begun to appreciate they suggested it to Jesus His and see if someone has anything? Jesus was praying. this pattern something surprising reply was: “You feed them”. “At least He’s got the idea This story of the miraculous has happened. I’ve been This was crazy. They that something’s got to be done,” feeding of 5,000 is one among challenged to see myself as a host. were faced with a major Thomas grunted to Peter. many accounts that make up a Not a leader, or a manager, or a Rob Douglas logistical nightmare and The next thing Thaddaeus pattern throughout scripture. CEO, but a host who is learning Rob Douglas is the Pastor at Jesus was ignoring the is running down the hill with It’s a pattern that shows God as from the ultimate host how to Maida Vale Baptist Church problem and preaching to a basket. the ultimate host – a host who welcome, feed and provide spaces and author of He Speaks the crowd. Couldn’t He see “I’ve got a couple of fish and prepares a place, invites people where restoration can occur. Our Language. that if He didn’t come up with some bread, he puffed”. to join, Him and provides a safe something soon, there would Almost before they realised space in which people can be be a riot? what was happening, Jesus had restored. From Eden, to Psalm
Sugar, fat and all that ...
Due to a recent flight’s disappointing movie choice, I was reduced to watching we think in such legalistic Damon Gameau’s That Sugar Film which pontificates on the dangers of terms? After all, we are saved by consuming too much sugar. grace, not because we say ‘no’ to chocolate cake. True, but doesn’t grace work its way out in the The documentary alerts us to the Super Size Me, which tracked this month’s theological gem. stuff of life ... like the way I treat health epidemic likely if we don’t the man who ate nothing but How about this ... in ethical my neighbour and my family change our ways and say a solid McDonald’s for too long. Clearly reflection Christians have and my body. ‘no’ to sugar and spice and all those fats did him no good. never hesitated to condemn the The psalmist says we are things nice. It was probably even more misuse of the body. Substance fearfully and wonderfully made. I won’t be able to look at a disturbing than That Sugar Film, abuse, be it via drugs, alcohol Even atheists mumble an ‘amen’ glass of apple juice in the same but as I’ve never been a fatty food or tobacco has always been to this obvious truth. Should way, and whilst I have never been fan, I found it easier to dismiss. frowned upon. However, whilst it impact our eating habits? Dr Brian Harris a Mountain Dew fan, if I was, Trouble is, I’ve always had a bit of the church fathers regarded Or, would it be better to stop Dr Brian Harris is the I would be depressed for weeks. a sweet tooth. gluttony as one of the seven watching movies? Principal of Vose Seminary So which is worse for you Very interesting you yawn, deadly sins, it has been the and Pastor at Large for the – sugar or fat? Naturally that but you’re a theologian, not most respectable. Carey Group. depends on which movie you’ve a dietician, so why not stick Are there some vices not just watched. Do you remember to your knitting and pass on worth tackling? Indeed, should
The strangeness of soccer and Peter’s life
As a coach of my son’s soccer team, we won every game the first season. will ‘fail not’. The word for fail The next season, we nearly lost every game! I am always looking for ways to here is basically that his faith will encourage the soccer team. not ‘pass by’ him, it will not ‘be left out’. Peter was put through the furnace of pain and misery A great football coach once said, he was nonetheless devoted temptations, where we can easily and was then prepared and “You may fail a thousand times, to His Master, the Lord Jesus become too sure of ourselves. better equipped to help others in but success may be hiding Christ. There is hope for us if When examining the that position. behind the next step. You never we put our faith and trust in downfall of Peter, we see that it We need to be prepared, at know how close the prize is Jesus – despite our failures. We was an attack that came when he all times, for the sly attacks of unless you continue.” must constantly be aware of the felt he was strong. Despite that the evil one – even those on the Looking at Peter’s life, we warnings that come our way. strength, Peter failed. This should opposing soccer team! May our see that there is such a strange Jesus warned Peter on a be a warning to all of us. We experiences in life give us the Dr Peter Christofides paradoxical mixture in his life – number of occasions and it is should not think we are strong, sympathy and understanding to Dr Peter Christofides is the many times like the lives we live perhaps Peter’s over-confidence lest we fall. It is astonishing to help others out of their suffering Pastor of Mount Pleasant – a life of failure and success. that brought about his failure – see how Peter recovers and ‘turns and into a place of restoration Baptist Church’s new This may sound illogical, but, like this one soccer coach I know! back’ and ‘helps his brothers’. with Christ. Coolbellup campus. no matter what Peter did and We live in a very modern society Jesus said a wonderful thing to however terrible his failure, where there are a myriad of crafty Peter in Luke 22:32 that his faith letters to the editor send us your letters
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SEPTEMBER 2015 Bible Society, Koorong combine
Terry Hicks
Bible Society Australia has acquired prominent Christian retailer Koorong with the aim of strengthening both organisations as well as the Christian community.
The Bible Society’s fundamental of our customers we have 300 cross denomination mission is to dedicated employees, a thriving translate, distribute and engage online business and 15 stores people with the Bible. nationwide,” Paul said. “The partnership will allow “We’re thrilled with the [us] to deliver more services new partnership as it allows towards a shared mission to us to both share the important enhance access to the word of resources that mean so much God for a world that desperately to our fellow Christians and needs it,” Bible Society Australia support vital missions around Chairman Richard Grellman said. the world,” he said. Bible Society Australia CEO Greg Clarke believes the Bible Society and Koorong share a common goal and together they It is a match
have the potential to transform Photo: Bible Society Australia hundreds of thousands of lives. made in Bible Society Australia CEO Dr Greg Clarke and Koorong’s Managing Director Paul Bootes confirming their new “It is a match made in heaven and business relationship. heaven and will ensure that both organisations are positioned will ensure positively for growth and can thrive for years to come,” that both Greg said. organisations “We will now be able to share our important Bible work are positioned with, and garner support from Koorong customers.” positively for “What’s more those who growth ... shop at Koorong can now know that their purchases will fund even more Bible mission The partnership will help projects here and around the support the overwhelming need world,” he said. for more literacy and translation Koorong Managing Director efforts such as the Bible Society’s Paul Bootes will continue to lead new appeal for its mission work Koorong operations and said it in Zambia. will be business as usual with all “We look forward to current staff to be retained. expanding our mission efforts “Over 40 years ago my father alongside our loyal Koorong and mother started selling customers and seek the Bibles and Christian books continued prayers and vital in our garage near Marsfield. contributions of our valued Today, thanks to the support supporters,” Greg said.
Open to serve
Jill Birt (City of Bayswater) attended the celebrations. While Greg Holland representing Baptist A festive atmosphere Churches Western Australia also complete with balloons attended. and colourful bunting A video of the history of the church was a highlight of welcomed people as the service. Morley Baptist Church “The local community has officially opened their been very positive about our move new premises on to the area. They are wanting the church to be involved in 16 August. community activities,” Senior Pastor John Crosby said. Local politicians Ian Britza Following the service the (MLA Member for Morley) and café team served morning tea David Kelly (MLA Member with canapés from the church’s for Bassendean), along with commercial kitchen. local government officials The building in Hanwell Way, Counsellor Gerry Pule Bassendean, which is now home
(Town of Bassendean) and for the growing church, was Photo: Terry Myers Counsellor Chris Cornish formerly a convention centre. Morley Baptist Church Diaconate team gathered in celebration at the formal opening of the Church’s new premises. 4 news
SEPTEMBER 2015 Baptist leaders’ mission
Australian Baptist leaders travelled to Malawi see firsthand the ministry of Global Interaction and Baptist World Aid Australia in August on route to the Baptist World Congress.
Both organisations work has been involved in for many independently, but share a years with the Yawo people. common desire to see the Most of the Yawo are Sunni gospel transform communities Muslims and not heard the throughout the world. Together, good news of Jesus in a way they dream of a world where they can understand. The poverty has ended, where cross-cultural teams from the truth of Jesus is known Global Interaction are living throughout the globe, where among the Yawo people, vibrant, indigenous faith mentoring and discipling communities are growing, small communities of
and where all people enjoy the followers of Jesus. Photo: Baptist Churches Western Australia fullness of life. Western Australian Baptist World Aid Australia and Global Interaction Malawi and Mozambique team’s rare experience of being together The team saw some of missionaries travelled from the child centred community Mozambique to join with development that Baptist World the Malawi team and the Aid Australia is assisting in as Australian Baptist leaders for they work with Livingstonia a day to catch up with the Church and Society visitors and others as it was Growing sustainable kids Programme, a local ministry in a unique opportunity. The the rural north of Malawi. excitement, unity and loving Australian Baptist leaders in fellowship was expressed the team included Directors of openly as everyone shared in Ministries from each state Mark a church service, lunch and Wilson (WA), Ken Clendinning impromptu cricket game. (NSW/ACT), Daniel Bullock (Vic) One leader commented and Mike Mills (SA) along with that it was wonderful to see National Ministries Director all the Global Interaction Keith Jobberns. Senior Pastor missionaries who are working Syndal Baptist Church and with the Yawo across two Australian Baptist Ministries countries come together in Chair, Bill Brown, and Baptist such a special way. World Aid Australia CEO John Malawi is a remarkable Hickey also attended, along place with a difficult history with Global Interaction’s and many challenges. It is General Director Heather a small, landlocked country
Coleman and Chair John in south-eastern Africa and Photo illustation: South Coast Baptist College Peberdy. is ranked 160 out of 182 Artistic concepts show how part of South Coast Baptist College’s sensory garden will look once completed. “Seeing communities that countries in the Human are being supported to take Development Index. Rural Jacqueline Outred After many months of work on around the childcare centre, control of their future and poverty is particularly a grant application, the Waikiki raised garden beds so that the address their challenges in prevalent, with remote areas based school recently received an children can grow vegetables and poor education, the need for lacking infrastructure and South Coast Baptist approval letter from Lotterywest other plants, four gazebos around more sustainable livelihoods economic opportunities. College (SCBC) will have a for the total amount of $102,522. the grounds for creative play, and abuse of children was a brand new sensory garden The sensory garden will be and various outdoor play space highlight,” Mike Mills said. built at the front of the school fixtures. In addition, the school The leaders also saw the for their youngest students and will serve as an interactive plans to construct a chicken coop work that Global Interaction by the end of 2015. resource to support the early for ten chickens and enclosed learning curriculum. fencing within the outdoor areas Catherine Jones, Director where needed. digital church of the School of Early Learning “The space will [facilitate] Childcare at SCBC, said the garden a process of learning,” will be integral to meeting essential Catherine said. Compiled by 11/08/15 13/08/15 curriculum guidelines. “We will be harvesting Breege McKiernan Todd Rhoades Eugene Cho “There’s a national standard vegetables to use at the school, and toddrhoades.com twitter.com/Eugenecho that we are required to adhere to we have a lot of scrap we can use to 07/08/15 Maybe you’re stressed Breathe. Show yourself some and it has certain criteria and one feed the chickens.” Rick Warren today. Maybe this will help: grace. We can’t do everything is about being sustainable and so SCBC staff are already twitter.com/rickwarren ‘It is the Lord who goes for everyone in every situation. the idea of this garden is that it will introducing students to God transforms sand before you. He will be Do what you can and do it with help instil [in the children] those chickens by bringing chicken into pearls and coal into with you; He will not fail a cheerful heart. values of sustainability,” she said. toys and books into the diamonds using time plus you or forsake you. Do “Some children don’t know classroom and teaching them pressure. He’s working on not fear or be dismayed.’ 14/08/15 where their food comes from.” how to look after them. you too. [Deuteronomy 31:8] Alex Duke “Recently, I asked one child Work on the garden has already thegospelcoalition.org where carrots came from and he commenced and the coop will be 10/08/15 13/08/15 The task of a Christian in said ‘They come frozen from my ready to house chickens by spring. Nils Smith Carlos Whittaker relation to those who don’t mummy’s freezer’.” The parents and wider twitter.com/NilsSmith twitter.com/carloswhittaker share our presuppositions is “So we grew a carrot so the community are also invited to be ‘No, despite all these things, The Word of God isn’t magic. first sincere empathy, then children could see the process. involved in the garden and watch overwhelming victory is ours Yet it absolutely gives you specific engagement. They were so excited when they as it develops. through Christ, who loved strength far greater than could see a carrot,” Catherine said. “We want it to be a sustainable us.’ [Romans 8:37] your own. The school will put the grant centre for all the staff, students and towards installing rainwater tanks parents who use it,” Catherine said. news 5
SEPTEMBER 2015 Sexuality under the microscope
Rob Furlong they start attending your church,” he said. Perth-based forensic sexologist “I am sitting in this chair to say this is their chair Sandra Basham encouraged … and when you look at this chair you will think attendees to “listen to a person’s of people you know who struggle with sexual story before passing judgement on them”. While Olive Tree brokenness of one form or another …” Media CEO and Pastor Karl Faase reminded everyone that, “It should So said Vose Seminary Principal Dr and traditional marriage is worth not surprise us that we will be Brian Harris as he addressed the fighting for, but it must done in criticised as evangelicals for not audience at the recent Sexuality the true spirit of Christ and with accepting gay marriage and the and the Church seminar hosted by deep compassion for those who are like because as true followers of Baptist Churches Western Australia struggling in different areas. Christ who are committed to the (BCWA), held at Mount Pleasant The aim of the event was to authority of the Bible we will find Baptist Church. address the question of what it ourselves regularly in conflict with The empty chair that sat means for a church to welcome our culture.” alongside the lectern was a someone in the Name of Jesus, but The day concluded with poignant reminder that while without affirming their lifestyle. a lively Q&A as each speaker Baptists are committed to Other speakers for the day included answered a number of questions God’s principles they must also Morling College Principal Dr Ross from participants.
remember that they are called Clifford, who urged churches to The feedback was extremely Photo: Baptist Churches Western Australia to minister to real people with clearly spell out on their websites positive along with strong real struggles. and in their literature what endorsement for the initiative of to be welcoming but not affirming,” want to say that we love all people Two hundred and seventy ‘welcoming not affirming’ means. BCWA in conducting the event. BCWA Director of Ministries Pastor regardless of what they might be registered pastors, leaders and “Does it mean you will accept “Our purpose in running this Mark Wilson said. struggling with.” members from denominations people into membership or event was to create a space where “As Baptist churches we clearly “None of us is perfect and across Perth heard Dr Harris leadership? People have a right we could talk openly and honestly state that marriage is between a we are all on the road together in remind them that the family unit to know what you mean before as Christians about what it means man and a woman but we also becoming more like Jesus.”
Coffee roaster owes it all to God
Jacqueline Outred [for the 15 years prior] along a path God had prepared for us was by far the greatest reason we felt From school teacher so confidently within His will to coffee mogul, Dean when the moment came to start Gallagher says that at the the business,” Dean said. Dean runs Five Senses Coffee time circumstances and – a specialty coffee roasting a desire to ‘have a crack’ business and household name motivated his jump among coffee lovers in Perth, into the world of self- Melbourne and Sydney. Raw green coffee beans are purchased from employment. all around the world, roasted and sold – mostly to cafés. “Now, 14 years later, it becomes Five Senses Coffee is also on a
Photo: Five Senses Coffee obvious to me that our mission to fund the growth of God’s Dean Gallagher, head of Five Senses Coffee, started as a novice but is now supplying cafés across Australia. willingness to walk the journey Kingdom, locally and further afield. “We support churches and God’s people in ministry. As we’ve grown, so too has our capacity to support more people and projects and that’s very exciting,” Dean said. Navigating the world of global business has its challenges, but Dean has always had faith that things would work out. “I didn’t really know anything about coffee when this got started,” he said. “We always thought that this was God’s business anyway that we were just starting and managing for Him.” “That made it much easier, especially at the beginning, to expect miraculous solutions to problems that were way outside my human capacity to resolve.” “This isn’t a very ‘businessy’ way of thinking but it is a truth – and yes, He always turns up,” Dean said. 6 news
SEPTEMBER 2015 Robotics to grow school
Tahlia Storms giving students the skills for a hobby, he is actively encouraging female student Alkimos Baptist College has designed a new to join the program and learn specialist Robotics Engineering program that will about robotics and engineering. be launched in 2016. “There is a lack of female engineers in tertiary schools,” Kieran said. Principal Kieran Graham is “We identified robotics as “We would like to instil currently conducting interviews something that no one else is some of the concepts and ideas with 2016’s Year 7s and Year 8s doing; we are creating a niche into them from Year 7 to give who are interested in joining up market,” Kieran said. them the chance to realise that for the program, with a focus “Robotics is something a engineering is a pathway they placed on also getting female lot of people have a natural could take in future years.” students to enrol in the program. interest in.” For students to become part The specialist program will The program has been of this program, they have to teach students how to build designed as a four year course, go through an application and a robot from start to finish. for students in Years 7 to 10. A selection process. This includes an They will be learning the art of new group of approximately 12 application form and a selection designing, programming and students will start the program test, which is followed by an coding, constructing, circuitry each year. interview with the Principal. The and wiring, and ultimately how “Each week, these students top 12 students will then be invited to create something. will attend six periods in to pursue this specialist pathway. Quinn Wallace has been Robotics Engineering, which is Alkimos Baptist College is also employed as the Robotics more than English,” Kieran said. planning to offer Engineering as Engineering Program teacher. The program will fill the time an Australian Tertiary Admission The program was developed lower-school students generally Rank course in 2019. from the idea that as a private spend doing electives such as “This will further encourage
school Alkimos wanted to offer Cooking, Drama and Art. students to not close the door on Photo: Alkimos Baptist College something that no other schools Kieran has larger dreams any tertiary decisions that they Student Council representative Kawana Burns (Year 11) works on his are offering. for this course than simply make,” Kieran said. robotics project.
Church swapped for jazz Principal sees gold
Jill Birt “It’s culturally rich. There is a good ‘vibe’ about the College and it’s awesome Goldfields Baptist to walk around and see and College in Kalgoorlie hear joy,” he said. welcomed their Chairperson of the College Board Helen Kenny new Principal at the and Senior Pastor of beginning of Term 3. Kalgoorlie Baptist Church Eliot Vlatko have shared they Craig Dredge and his wife are excited to be working Angela returned to the closely with Craig. Goldfields after working most recently in Warrnambool, Victoria. Daughter Danielle is now a student at the College. There is a
Photo: Mark Wagenaar “We first came to the The WAAPA student’s band performing for the Harrisdale community. Goldfields ten years ago from good ‘vibe’ New Zealand,” Craig said. Jill Birt Carey Baptist College’s high “It is a real community about the quality sound and recording where a lot of people come facilities meant each group that from elsewhere and therefore College and Carey Community Baptist Church’s regular worship performed received a recording it becomes inclusive – people it’s awesome service made way for a morning of volunteering on of their performance with become part of the family.” comments by the adjudicators to Craig considers his role to walk 9 August in support of the Your Music Festival at their take home. as Principal primarily as Harrisdale campus. The day included pastoral. around and performances from the Western “I am relational and see and The Carey group which includes to worship around serving the Australian Academy of Performing approachable and see the Church, Carey Baptist College, community,” Senior Pastor David Arts (WAAPA) Big Band and the WA the position not as one hear joy. Jump Early Development Services Kilpatrick said. Youth Jazz Orchestra. of hierarchy, but one of and the Carey Centre with the “We had about 100 volunteers The event was made possible connection with colleagues, recently opened Timber Café involved from across Carey through the support of sponsors, students and the community.” held a community festival in and it was a wonderful day of as well as the Carey group. “I don’t get stressed easily conjunction with the annual WA welcoming the community onto Sponsors included the Australian and see every problem as a “I call this place Schools’ Jazz Festival. our site.” Jazz Education Association, challenge – not as something ‘paradise’ as you wake up “Given we have just opened More than 60 jazz ensembles Heron Park Estate, Satterley, that is negative,” Craig said. every morning to blue sky the Carey Centre for the ranging in size from small groups WAAPA, WA Youth Jazz Orchestra The College has a diverse and scenery that is always community we thought it would with eight musicians or less to and Yamaha. staff and student body with beautiful. I know I’ve been be good as a Church rather than full ensembles from public and The day’s activities was a many nations and people called back here by God,” gathering to worship around private schools across the state focus of praise for Carey’s regular represented. Craig said. the scriptures, we would gather competed on the day. Sunday evening worship service. news 7
SEPTEMBER 2015 Fun for heroes and Egyptians
Jacqueline Outred information about the church each day. “During the week we handed This year organisers of out 400 bags,” Robyn said. the annual July school East Fremantle Baptist Church holiday program, Fun also runs a holiday program that serves an evangelistic purpose Factory, at Maida Vale within their community. Baptist Church had to Construction Zone is their stop taking registrations successful annual school holiday early because of how program run for primary school children over the course of a week. quickly places were filled. Out of 100 children that attended the program in July, Now in its seventh year, this East Fremantle Baptist Church year’s holiday program theme Pastor Phil Beeck estimates that was Heroes. Volunteers dressed 70 percent of those were children up to suit the theme and helped from the local community. facilitate crafts activities, games, This year’s theme was Egypt. stories, music and special visitors. “For five days kids entered the Maida Vale Baptist Church land called Egypt,” said Phil. Children and Families’ Worker, “We took them on an Robyn Douglas said that on one expedition to find the lost
of the days Fun Factory held a treasure of the Prince of Egypt.” Photo: Maida Baptist Vale Church ‘Healthy Food Day’ which was “We explored the story of Super heroes at Maida Vale Baptist Church’s school holiday program. supported by Superchef Kerry rescue of the Israelites and Duncan and her team, who also the great rescue plan and then volunteered their time. God’s rescue plan for their “On our Healthy Food Day we lives,” Phil said. invited families to bring dry food The program has been and donated 87 kilograms of food running for ten years and New hub for Harrisdale to Foodbank, who came along remains incredibly popular. and talked about how we could be “I’m always amazed – heroes in supporting families in people can’t believe how good need,” Robyn said. it is, from the props through to The children were visited by the scale of the production and Lakeside Lightning basketballer, the work of over 60 volunteers,” Jordan Swing, who is an import Phil said. player from the US, and two of the “The kids love it. They want guys from How Ridiculous who to come back each day, each year showed the children a video of and be a part of it.” their world record basketball shot. “We used to advertise, but The program presented an it gets full so quickly, now, that opportunity for evangelism, with we just email out to previous children able to take home a show attendees and it fills up bag that included activities and overnight.” briefs Photo: Simone Jubb Kalgoorlie baptisms Child abuse book The Timber Café staff serve the community, providing a home away from home. Rachael Adams, Justin Drage, launched Martha Fouche and her teenage Retired Baptist Pastor Fred Stone son Aubrey Fouche were baptised launched his new book, Safe Places Caitlin du Toit The Centre also hosts Timber, at Kalgoorlie Baptist Church on Safe Hands, in late August. The a brand new café open to the Sunday 16 August. book follows Owenie’s story and surrounding community. The offers hope for families affected by Carey has been bustling with the launch of many café has been embraced by the Oxford bound child abuse. For more information long-awaited and exciting projects, including the community and it has quickly South Perth Baptist Church and to purchase the book, visit launch of a new community centre, Timber Café become a local favourite, with farewelled Vicki and Rodney Facebook and search for: Book mothers groups and other regulars Lorrimar in early August. Vicki, Launch – Safe Places Safe Hands. and a Carey-wide rebrand. visiting weekly. a graduate of Vose Seminary, “The Carey Centre is a place has been awarded the FJ Church Vose books launched The Carey Centre, was opened The facility will also provide for friends to gather, for new Overseas Scholarship and Five books were launched at Vose in July and holds various a space to showcase the friendships to be made, for support commences her studies for the Seminary at the end of July. Two facilities and family resources creative talents that abound and encouragement to be found,” Doctor of Philosophy degree at by Principal Dr Brian Harris, The for the wider community and in the community through David said. Oxford University in September. Big Picture: Building Blocks of a is the new home for Jump Early art exhibitions and live music “It is a third place that is not Christian World View, and a book Development Services. It also performances. work and is not home, but is Pastoral changes he co-edited entitled Revisioning, features a large youth space, “There is a community that for community. It is a place for Pastor Mark Lilley has been Renewing, Rediscovering the where Carey’s youth groups meet has developed around Carey the people of our surrounding appointed the Senior Pastor of Triune Center: Essays in Honor on Friday nights. with parents of students at the community to feel at home.” the Carey Community Baptist of Stanley J Grenz. Another The Centre also contains College and Jump, and soccer Carey also continues to prepare Church Forrestdale campus. Pastor three books launched are by resource rooms which host new families, but there has been for the opening of their second James Middleton was inducted Richard Moore, Paul’s Concept of and existing programs run by nowhere for them to connect campus in Forrestdale next year. to the ministry at Craigie Baptist Justification: God’s Gift of Right Carey Baptist College, Carey and meet,” Senior Pastor David This campus will initially cater for Church on 1 August 2015. Dr Peter Relationship, Under the Southern Community Baptist Church and Kilpatrick said. Kindergarten to Year 4, but will Christofides has been appointed Cross: The New Testament in Carey Community Resources. “There have been lots of grow each year to eventually be a the Pastor of Mount Pleasant Australian English, and Panorama Family resources will increase places for the children but Kindergarten to Year 12 campus. Baptist Church’s new Coolbellup of the Bible. over the coming months and not much for the parents. The Enrolments are now open and campus. Services commenced at when the second floor of the ground floor begins to answer interested families are encouraged Coolbellup on 23 August 2015. Centre is completed. that need.” to apply soon as places are limited. 8 feature
SEPTEMBER 2015
Scott Higgins
If there is one issue sure to polarise opinion in Australia it’s our treatment of refugees and asylum seekers, and, in particular, how we respond to people arriving by boat. Should we welcome them with open arms or detain them on Manus Island? Are they ‘genuine refugees’, ‘queue jumpers’, or ‘economic migrants’? Do they present a threat to us?
My passion for this issue Internally displaced person: Someone who has been forced to flee in a country such as Australia, was ignited in 2010. I was their home due to persecution or conflict but remains within the the United States, or the United attending a conference in borders of their homeland. Kingdom. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and That is the theory at least. had the opportunity to meet Refugee: Someone who has been forced to flee their homeland, or The reality is that these options some refugees from Chin is unable to return to their homeland, due to a reasonable fear of are not available to any but a tiny State in Burma. The Chin are persecution, and has been assessed by a government recognised minority of refugees. In 2014, an ethnic, and predominantly authority to be a refugee. less than one percent of refugees Christian, minority group who were able to return to their home are systematically brutalised Asylum Seeker: Someone who claims they have been forced to flee country; less than one percent by their government. In 2011 their homeland, or is unable to return to their homeland, due to a were offered the opportunity to Doctors Without Borders reasonable fear of persecution, and has not yet been assessed by a become citizens of the countries surveyed households in government recognised authority to be a refugee. to which they had fled; and less Chin State and their report than one percent were offered the highlighted just how horrific opportunity to resettle in a third life is. In the previous 12 month countries have resettlement million people is host to almost country. This leaves 98 percent period: programs, and each year 3,000,000 refugees. Lebanon, of the world’s refugees in a state • 92% of households had between them offer resettlement with a population of four and a of limbo, living in countries a member who was to less than one percent of the half million is host to over one where they are not afforded the conscripted into forced world’s refugees. That means million refugees. Kenya, with an possibility of establishing a life, labour by the military; the equivalent of a 100 to 200 average income just a fraction of and with no prospect of finding a • 15% of households had a year wait, unless you can make Australia’s, has over half a million new life somewhere else. These 19 member tortured; it onto the United Nations High refugees within its borders. million human beings need places • 5% of households had a Commissioner for Refugees Australia has around 35,000 they can be safe and live decently, member abducted and (UNHCR) high priority list, which refugees still in need of a solution. but the international community disappear; reduces your wait to four to When a Sudanese family flees is dismally failing to provide this • 50% of households had their ten years. to Kenya, a Syrian family crosses for them. home attacked; and This is the reality for the the border into Jordan, or a Chin Australia is part of this • 3% of households had a 19 million refugees in our family makes its way to Malaysia, collective failure. Imagine member raped as an act of world. It’s easy to think that the they have three options for the for a moment that the world political violence. world’s refugees are fleeing to future. First, they can wait until it community agreed to equitably This was all in one 12 month industrialised countries such is safe to go back home. Second, share responsibility for protecting period. as Australia, but they’re not. they can put down roots in the the 19 million refugees in the Persecution like this has They are fleeing to countries country to which they have fled world today. If the allocation was seen tens of thousands of Chin that border their own. Jordan, and build a new life. Or third, on the basis of wealth, Australia, flee their homeland. Many fled with a population of just six they can apply for resettlement with 2.34 percent of global to Malaysia, where they are recognised as refugees. But life remains incredibly difficult. Top 10 Refugee Host Nations and Australia (End 2014) The Chin I met in Malaysia were not allowed to work; their Non-Palestinian Palestinian Total children were not entitled to Refugees Refugees Refugees attend Malaysians schools; the health system was accessible 1. Jordan 641,141 2,097,338 2,738,479 only on a full user pays basis; refugees were subject to 2. Palestinian Territories 2,020,847 2,020,847 arbitrary arrest, detention, 3. Pakistan 1,505,525 1,505,525 and caning; and there were 4. Lebanon 1,154,040 449,957 1,603,997 instances of refugees being transported to the border with 5. Turkey 1,587,374 1,587,374 Thailand and sold into slavery. 6. Iran 982,027 982,027 My Chin friends couldn’t return to their homeland and 7. Syria 149,140 526,744 675,884 couldn’t create a new life in 8. Ethiopia 659,524 659,524 Malaysia, so what were they to do? Most pinned their 9. Kenya 551,352 551,352 hopes on being resettled in a 10. Chad 452,897 452,897 country such as Australia or the USA. But the wait was long 49. Australia 35,582 35,582 and uncertain. Twenty-seven feature 9
SEPTEMBER 2015
never set foot in Australia. He this agreement to include other will spend many years here, and countries in our region, until like hundreds of others will likely we have a system in which become severely depressed and the supply of the protection lose hope. matches the demand. This is the brutal and ugly We have done it before. In face of a collective failure by just three years after the Second the world’s nations to provide World War we welcomed over protection to refugees. To correct 150,000 refugees. In the 1980s this we need each member of Australia, the US, Malaysia and the international community, Vietnam formed an agreement including Australia, to play its part. to ensure protection for those First, we need to work harder to fleeing Vietnam, and there were help countries stop persecuting years we welcomed more than their minority groups, so that 20,000 refugees. fewer people are forced to flee and Surely part of the prophetic those who have fled can return witness of the church must be home. Diplomacy and a strong to call the global refugee crisis aid program are key measures for what it is, a failure to love to achieve this. Second, we need our neighbour as we would members of the international love ourselves. We can and community to equitably share should debate the best ways to responsibility for protecting operationalise love. But it seems refugees who cannot return undeniable to me that our home. This means industrialised current response is not driven countries like Australia must by love and falls far short of Above: A child displaced by the income, would provide protection accept more refugees than we what love demands. fighting in Darfur smiles from the to around 450,000 refugees. do at present; host countries We can’t do it all on our folds of her mother’s scarf from We don’t. Of the 19 million with manageable numbers own, but we can do it in the El Geneina displaced camp in refugees in the world today, we such as Malaysia and Indonesia partnership with other nations. West Darfur, Sudan. currently afford protection to must improve conditions for We must, for every refugee less than 40,000. This means refugees and offer pathways for the international community other countries have to provide them to become citizens; and leaves languishing for decades Left: Unidentified women live in protection, and they are mainly a the handful of host countries in a camp, every boat we turn the Dadaab refugee camp where handful of poorer countries. with overwhelming numbers of back, every asylum seeker we hundreds of thousands of Somalis Our response has been refugees must be assisted by the subject to the dehumanising wait for help because of hunger. twofold. First, we operate a rest of us. conditions of indefinite resettlement program that each What would it mean for detention, it is as if we are doing year sees around 11,000 refugees Australia to make a start on this? it to Jesus [Matthew 25]. He and Below: Syrian refugees. welcomed to start a new life in First, we could substantially they deserve better. Australia. It is a well-run program increase the number of refugees and a beautiful gift to those 11,000. we accept. We have an annual For more information, visit Second, we have implemented immigration program of 190,000. ajustcause.com.au/refugees, the harshest regime in the We could quite comfortably read Boundless Plains to industrialised world against those double, triple or even quadruple Share? Australia, Jesus and who arrive on our shores asking our refugee intake. Second, Refugees (available from for protection. we could find positive rather ajustcause.com.au), or arrange If one of my Chin friends, than punitive ways to stop a representative from A Just knowing he could not go back people making the dangerous Cause to conduct a workshop home, could not stay in Malaysia, sea journey from Indonesia to in your church. and would be years, even decades, Australia. People get on boats waiting to be resettled in Australia, because it is too dangerous to Scott Higgins is an ordained was to pay a people smuggler to return home, they are unwelcome Baptist pastor from New get him to Australia, he would where they are, and only a tiny South Wales and the founder most likely be transported to fraction are offered resettlement and Director of A Just Cause Indonesia and from there board a in a third country. They are stuck. which facilitates education, boat for Australia. The Australian We can change that. Give people advocacy, and service in Navy would most likely intercept some certainty about when and four areas: refugees and the boat at sea and send it back. where they will be settled and asylum seekers; environment; If the boat managed to make they have no need to board a boat, disadvantage; and indigenous Australian territory my Chin we have no reason to lock them wellbeing. Scott has extensive friend would be sent to Nauru up, and there will be no boats experience in church based or Manus Island where he will to turn around. This could be advocacy and education be placed in a detention centre, achieved via an agreement with concerning justice. offered no time frame as to Indonesia to jointly process and when his claim for asylum will settle the rather small number of be assessed, and once found refugees that enter their country. to have a legitimate claim will Meanwhile we work to expand 10 news
SEPTEMBER 2015 Duty to care and to serve
Jill Birt
Ajay* lives in a vertical slum in Kuala Lumpur. Stuck in a country without documents. A person of no standing. Surviving on a meagre income.
Hoping for a United Nations place home to his village where the Ajay found work in a to migrate to a safer country. The military found him. restaurant, but after a knife Principal of a community school attack by a fellow worker he for 120 children at the age of 20. left. His family was struggling Ajay escaped from Chin State But prayer as Ajay’s father developed in Myanmar with his parents and diabetes and couldn’t work in the two sisters in mid-2011. is the only construction industry where he The Myanmar (Burmese) had found work. military arrived unannounced hope we It was a confronting day in Ajay’s village and conscripted have. when his father said to Ajay, him and his father at gunpoint to “You my son are now the one to carry provision for the military. lead our family.” In the depth of predawn During the days of
darkness, the pair fled from The journey to Kuala Lumpur unemployment Ajay noticed many Photo: Jill Birt their captors and ran, stumbling was desperate and full of danger: children running around the Twenty year old refugee Ajay carries the weight of responsibility for his through the jungle to their an agent who demanded cash community. There was no school family and a school of 120 Chin children in Kuala Lumpur. village. Within hours, as marked payment to connect the family for these children who have no men, the family fled to Malaysia, with a ‘carrier’ who hid them legal standing in the community three rooms on the top floor of to families who have so little. longing for a safe place to live. in a truck for an unforgettable and no rights to education. a block of flats, the vertical slum “I have lost so much faith Ajay was just 16 years old, journey in stifling heat through So Ajay started a school for where eight to ten people live in over the years since we left our newly graduated from high border crossings in remote jungle young children teaching them a two room unit. homeland. But prayer is the only school. He had spent two locations; hunger and thirst for maths and language, society With five teachers and very hope we have,” Ajay said. months at college, but limited days; and then the new experience and geography. Within a short limited resources Ajay leads the family resources forced him of the capital city of Malaysia. time there were 120 children in school, bringing hope and courage * Not actual name. international briefs
Ramadan with them in Zhejiang province, breakthrough a particularly Christian area, as a Train International reports leaders sign of rebellion. This comes after of a Muslim village of 500 people the authorities claimed crosses in the heart of Kosova sent a were removed for health and delegation to a distant Christian safety reasons to comply with village during the recent month building regulations. of Ramadan. They asked the Christians to visit their village, Reaching share their story of conversion unconnected and explain the gospel. Nine Faith Comes By Hearing (FCBH) followers of Jesus made the trip continues with an ambitious and were welcomed hospitably agenda to provide digital Bible in the village. They shared access to the most remote and their story and the good news hard to reach regions in the world. with 27 Kosovars immediately FCBH has awarded a contract to responding, asking to follow the Integrity Applications Incorporated way of Christ. Two days later, 27 (IAI) to determine the best way had grown to 300. to provide the digital Bible to ‘unconnected’ people in the Middle Pastors free East, North Africa, Southeast Asia Rev. Yat Michael and Rev. Peter and China by leveraging space and Reith, the South Sudanese telecommunications capabilities. clergymen who were on trial FCBH Vice-President Troy Carl, in Khartoum, Sudan on serious said IAI are leaders in finding criminal charges have been communication solutions for the released following a court most difficult problems. hearing on 5 August, reported by Christian Solidarity Worldwide. Deaf find Jesus They faced at least six charges, Christian Aid Mission reports two of which carry the death when a Christian organisation penalty or life imprisonment. based in Lebanon started reaching out to deaf people five years ago Chinese protest they discovered that they were Premier Christian Radio has an unreached people group. informed listeners that Christians Introducing sign language into in China have launched a the ministry’s existing outreaches campaign to protest against the to the primarily Muslim people removal of crosses from churches in Lebanon has seen nearly 90 in the country. The Make and deaf people become followers Carry a Cross campaign is a of Jesus. Two groups of 40 to 45 reaction to the state removal of people meet regularly for prayer. crosses on religious buildings by A director of the work said they authorities. Organisers have asked have witnessed miracles among Christians of all denominations the Muslim people and many are to make crosses and carry them turning to Jesus. news 11
SEPTEMBER 2015 Iranian refugees find hope
Jill Birt Faheem left Iran more than “We heard of a Christian family two decades ago, spent time as a that had been denied refugee refugee in Pakistan before arriving status so I wrote to the United Canadian based Pastor in Canada where he is now a Nations confirming the family are Faheem Moini devotes citizen. He married Akram and they Christians and deserve refugee Sundays and Thursdays now have five children who think status.” of themselves as Canadian rather “Long story short, they to teach and disciple than Iranian, their traditional roots. were granted visas to the USA,” followers of Jesus across A ministry to Persian speakers Faheem said. the Middle East by in Vancouver developed as In September 2015 Faheem live broadcasts. Faheem visited prisons and will travel to Turkey for the fourth mental institutions where Persian successive year. Already 65 people speakers were being held. have asked to be baptised while he During the Sunday services text “So often I’d see people trapped is there. Many registrations for the messages will continually arrive in mental institutions who were teaching seminars he will conduct from around the world – Doha, frustrated and angry just because in several Turkish cities have Iran, Turkey and many more. there was no one to translate already been submitted. Pastor Moini continues to for them, they had no English,” Calvary Baptist Church Senior expound the message as questions Faheem said. Pastor Chris Price will travel with and comments arrive. “There was nothing Pastor Faheem. A group of singers lead the medically wrong but so much The majority of people congregation in songs of worship, misunderstanding which led to the pastors will meet with are all with the haunting melodies and angry outbursts then sedation.” refugees from Iran, seeking a safe rhythm of Middle Eastern music. “It just kept going and getting place to live. The songs convey their grateful worse from some.” “These people have left hearts for what Isa (Jesus) has done As the church grew, Faheem everything because of their belief in their lives. sensed God was asking him to in Jesus. It is not safe for them in “I usually teach for an hour on reach out to a wider group of their homeland,” Faheem said.
Photo: Jill Birt Thursdays, live streamed, then Persian speakers. Because of “Now they are in the United Pastor Faheem Moini broadcasts Sunday services in Persian to a spend the rest of the day following his background, he thought that Nations system, waiting for a visa worldwide audience from Calvary Baptist Church in Coquitlam, up one on one with people, mostly meant Pakistan, but he felt God to a country where they will be able British Columbia, Canada. from Turkey and Iran,” Faheem said. directed him to Turkey. to live in peace.”
Gateway for Freeset
Jill Birt
After almost two years of planning and fundraising Freeset Business Incubator in August became the proud owner of property strategically located at the entrance to Kolkata’s largest red light district, Sonagacchi.
The transfer of ownership is the For the last 14 years, Freeset result of months of hard work has provided a vocational ensuring everything was ‘just alternative to the sex trade for right’ to complete the purchase. at-risk and trafficked women Two founders of Freeset, Kerry in Kolkata. It is a business
and Annie Hilton, were witnesses for freedom. Today, Freeset Freeset Photo: to the official signing and provides employment for Members of the Kolkata Freeset Business Incubator team witness the signing of purchase documents for the handover of the ownership papers. nearly 200 women. Gateway building at the entrance of the Sonagacchi red light district.
Freeset provides employment for nearly 200 women.
The 2,000 square metre building stands on the gateway to one of the largest red light districts in Asia where more than 10,000 women and young girls are trapped in the sex trade. Freeset’s dream is to see Sonagacchi transformed into a place of freedom. The building will provide an ideal place for new sustainable freedom businesses and space for social services for those seeking freedom. 12 in conversation
SEPTEMBER 2015 The plum tree in the desert
Naomi Reed is an award-winning Australian author. Recently she was in Perth talking about her new book The Plum Tree in the Desert and to run a workshop on storytelling.
Tell us about the conference But then, in answer to my you were in Perth for recently. question about what they’d I was in Perth in mid-August learnt, there was a longer list – for the Interserve Encounters all about the goodness of God Day, which was wonderful. I told and His kindness, and what it stories from my new book and means to persevere, to trust Him, I led a storytelling workshop in to keep going, even when life is the afternoon. Everyone was hard and the men are barging very encouraging and I loved through the door. They said that the way they shared their stories. even then, God is still God and It was actually my third time we can trust Him, and we’re in Perth and this time I also all sinners and hopeless, and managed to visit Kings Park and hopelessly loved. catch a glimpse of the Botanic And I sat there in Kuala Garden. Gorgeous! Lumpur and thought – this book is for me, this book is for all of us How did The Plum Tree in the – for all of us who’ve had times Desert come about? when we’ve struggled to get out In 2012, I was struggling. I’d of bed. Because the reason the finished my fifth book and put partners could keep going and on a big launch … and then one not give up (even though I’m of our closest friends passed sure they felt like it), was because away from a brain tumour. It was of God’s grace and mercy to all the saddest time. For months, of us. I couldn’t wait to collect my husband and I felt shocked the stories. I couldn’t wait to start and empty. I sat at my desk and writing again. couldn’t write anything at all. Our friend Peter and his wife Describe how you collected had been friends with us for 20 the stories. years, in Nepal and Australia. In most cases, I travelled They were the guardians of our with Darren to meet the partners children. It didn’t seem possible in Asia and the Arab world. We that he was no longer with us. then followed them around We grieved. and I asked lots of interesting Then after six months, questions. They told me amazing
the International Director of stories while I wrote madly in my Photo: Interserve Interserve contacted me and notebook, ate spicy potato curry, Naomi Reed with Iris whose story is included in Namoi’s latest book, The Plum Tree in the Desert. asked me whether I would like caught jeep rides through the to write a book for Interserve, jungle and mini buses in Central community, but it was hard. By What other challenges did being aired on Inspire Digital telling some of the best stories Asia. I even figured out the 1986, they’d used up all their you experience? Radio as well as stations around of faith and mission through the London tube. It was wonderful! money and even sold all of It was difficult trying to juggle the country. Prospective radio eyes of Interserve partners, in Iris’ jewellery. the travel and the interviews with producers can access them on Asia and the Arab World. I said There are ten stories in the book. Then that same year, Paul the rest of life! Our eldest son Media Point or on my website. ‘yes’, mainly because I knew it Do you have a favourite? became very sick. His kidneys was doing his final year of high I’m also working on a TV series. was an incredible privilege, but Every time I write a story, it’s weren’t working and they went school and my husband Darren You never know what God will also because I knew I needed it, my favourite … until I write the south to the hospital in Vellore. was trying to finish his PhD. do next! for me. I needed to hear again, next one. But I’ll tell you about Paul had an operation and he But everyone was wonderfully the reasons to get out of bed Iris. She’s a Chennai raised died in the middle of it. Iris was supportive and we all got to the For more information, and keep going and not lose Indian Interserve partner who 42 and they had four children, end of our projects. visit www.naomireed.info heart. I wanted to find out what has been involved with medical the youngest was 9 months It’s amazing the way God kept the partners going through and gospel work in the jungle of old. And everybody said to her, provides and enables, in the their hard times, through their Orissa, for 40 years. For the first “Don’t go back to Malkangiri, things that seem too big, struggles and deserts, because I 15 years, Iris and her husband stay here in Chennai, set up a as well as in the seemingly knew they’d had them as well. Paul lived in the village, with medical practice.” inconsequential daily tasks. So, in early 2013, I went to the no water or electricity, and they But nine days later, Iris and Interserve office in Kuala Lumpur spent all day treating patients and the children got in a jeep and What other writing projects and we began to make a plan. We sharing their faith. And for the returned to the village and do you have planned? wanted to tell a range of stories of first 15 years, nobody from the the people in Malkangiri. She After I finished the people serving cross-culturally, Bondo tribal people came to faith went back to seeing patients manuscript for The Plum in a variety of ministry contexts. in Jesus. They were interested, from sunrise till sunset. And Tree in the Desert, I took I then emailed ten of the possible but they didn’t come to faith, and the people noticed and said to some advice from a partners, asking them about what they didn’t ask for baptism. each other, “You see, she loves fellow Christian in the they’d been involved with, as And every month, for 15 us. That’s why she came back. media and he suggested well as their struggles and their years, Iris and Paul had to fill in The God she loves must be real.” that I turn some of my joys in service. They replied by forms from their Indian mission Within six months, there writing and books into email, answering my questions. society asking how many were 36 people asking for stories that would suit In response to the question villages they’d visited, how many baptism. And now there are radio or TV. Since then, about challenges, they described people they’d shared the gospel 5,000 believers in Malkangiri. I’ve been writing and bombings, health epidemics, with and how many people had It’s amazing. That’s what God is recording ‘Everyday near rapes, rocket attacks, being taken baptism. And every month, like. He loves us relentlessly, and Stories with Naomi held at gunpoint, seeing death for 15 years, the answer to the in response to His love, we get to Reed’. They are 60 in the raw, being forced to leave third question was nil. Nobody. pour out His love, to the people second radio segments the country, witnessing the That’s a lot of months. 180. They with whom He’s called us to be. that address issues of murder of their colleagues, and it were both doing much needed We trust that He will do His work, faith and mission, in went on. medical work and helping the in His way, in His timing. everyday life. They’re leadership 13
SEPTEMBER 2015 Not drowning, just waving: Six thoughts on serving without sinking in your local church
Rory Shiner
1. First, the truth is the other of His gifts, but our needs. desperately trying to get the way around. Without serving Jesus didn’t die on the cross new program off the ground you will sink as a Christian. because He was really good at doesn’t know that all your To wash one another’s feet, it, but because we needed it. meaningful relationships to share the gospel, to care with unbelievers are for the poor, to build up the 4. Of course, your gifts are not withering on the vine. Don’t body of Christ – that is the irrelevant. God has made worry – God knows, and He Christian life. If you don’t you you, and in some way or loves you to death. Play, as want a life shaped by service, other your ‘youness’ is God’s they say, to the gallery of One. there are other religions. This supply for the church’s needs one is about serving. [1 Corinthians 12:12-26]. God 6. Your local church should be has attended to our needs by a place you serve, but not 2. Because the first comment is means of your gifts. As you necessarily the only or main true, we sometimes believe serve, you’ll no doubt discover sphere of your service. The that unless I’m drowning, that you’re good at serving in building up of the body of I’m not really serving. No! certain areas. It is the path of Christ is a task to which we It’s true we are to pour out wisdom to foster and extend are all called as Christians [1 our lives for others. And it in those areas of service in Corinthians 12]. But of course is true that it will be costly. which you are gifted. our service extends beyond But if you are drowning in that. Indeed, in a very real your service – if you feel 5. Every yes is also a no. When sense the purpose of the constantly overwhelmed, you say, “Yes, I’ll be at that event of church – the church anxious, exhausted, angry, soup kitchen”, you’re also gathered – is to act as base susceptible to elaborate saying, “No, I won’t be visiting camp. It’s where we go to spur revenge fantasies and so Mum in hospital”. If you say, one another on in our service. on – don’t take that as a “Yes, I’ll spend every night The older liturgies preserved sign that you must be doing with church people and in something of this. The service something right. It could be church programs”, you’re doesn’t begin with the words a sign that you’ve taken on saying no to bearing witness ‘come in here to love and too much. to Jesus among your work serve the Lord’, but ends with friends and social network. So the words, ‘go in peace to love 3. As you seek to serve, put consider the ‘no’ in your ‘yes’. and serve the Lord’. needs before gifts. That is, don’t first think, “What am I Of course, the person Rory Shiner is the Senior Pastor good at?” Rather ask, “What to whom you say no to at Providence Church, Perth, are the needs?” Which is won’t always know your and is currently completing a variation on “Who is my circumstances. The people a PhD through Macquarie neighbour?” That is what at soup kitchen don’t know University on the life and work Christ did. He didn’t think your Mum is sick. The pastor of Donald Robinson.
No blame analysis
Steve Ingram In my experience the answer to ascertain the real factors processes to help us achieve is simple: Blame. When conflict behind the conflict or division. that aim. An external, no blame arises we are quick to blame and This process is called ‘no analysis is a good way to begin One of the awe-inspiring moments in nature is slow to analyse. Blame is easy, it blame’ analysis or ‘root cause’ that journey. walking through an area of bush that has been is emotive, it tends to be illogical analysis. It is not the only way destroyed by fire and seeing the regrowth emerge. and it is often built on haphazard to move forward after conflict, collections of assumptions. but it is practised in many No one, not even those at the industries, including medicine On closer inspection the miracle beautiful new growth comes out centre of the disagreement, and aviation, and is designed deepens. Some of the new life of some of the most devastating experience all the elements and to gather information from the emerging is from the hardest circumstances. In some cases, aspects of church divisions. people involved. This allows the seeds and nuts in nature. The by God’s grace, intractable Yet we are quick to back our possibility of analysing the real devastation of the bush fire has situations and deep-rooted sin own perspective and blame causes of the problem without also released new life that would can be confronted and dealt those that we don’t like or don’t people worrying about fear of have remained trapped without with as a result of conflict and trust. Blame tends to obscure punishment or retribution. the shattering intervention. disagreement. The problem our thinking and mislead us Having been involved in a No one would wish for the with this noble account of good in attributing attention to the number of cases with churches destruction that bush fires bring outcomes from bad situations wrong factors. That inevitably over the last five years, I have and yet they play an important is that it is not inevitable. We means there will be no real personally seen some of the role in the cycle of life and the can all quote situations where resolution and we are prone to benefits that emerge. If we want balance of nature. conflict and division have repeat the same mistakes again our churches to be places where Without holding the analogy brought deep pain without in the future. we can learn from the things
too tightly, I am constantly any good outcomes. So which An alternative approach is that go wrong, so that we are Photo: Jill Birt reminded while working with factor determines the path that to examine the circumstances not doomed to keep repeating Steve Ingram is the Director churches that some of the most will triumph? that led to the conflict and try the same mistakes, we need of Deep Well Leadership. 14 feature
SEPTEMBER 2015 Yatal sing good news to French
Jill Birt
Progressive folk French music group, Yatal, are using their creativity to engage their post-Christian community with the good news about Jesus.
Based in the French provincial over the summer months the town of Grenoble, the band group has experimented with consists of five musicians: Jean- community concerts in the public Marc Boggetto (Guitar/Banjo/ squares of provincial towns. For Vocals), Charles Butin (Violin/ these events they wrote specific Guitar/Piano/Vocals), David music to engage people through Charrier (Hang/Guitar/Banjo/ story, capturing people’s attention Vocals), Charlie Beboua (Bass) and through the characters of the Yves Charrier (Percussion). songs and carefully layering Initially they focused Biblical worldview truth within
on instrumental music but the music. Photo: Luc Charrier three years ago they boldly “There was little Christian Yatal use their musical gifts to spread the news of Jesus. launched into writing words for music from a Protestant their compositions. perspective written in French, Currently the band is The band is keen to 50 live shows in France and David brings a unique sound so we wanted to do that and composing songs for their collaborate with churches for Québec, Canada. to the group with the Hang, a engage our local community,” second album which they concerts and worship events as Their strong desire is to share UFO shaped steel instrument Charlie said. hope to release in May 2016. well as participate in community the good news of living life to the of two half shells of steel sheet The majority of worship French Canadian musician festivals where there is no full with Jesus where ever there glued together that produces a music for the evangelical Sebastian Demrey is helping Christian influence. Their first are French speaking people. haunting sound. community is translated from with technical expertise and album, Ticket en main was As well as leading worship in English, limiting the heart of the mentoring the compositions of launched in 2012 and since For more information, their home church in Grenoble, music for a French community. David and Jean-Marc. then they have played about visit www.yatal.fr
Old hymn inspires
Matt Redman has been inspired by the traditional hymn, ‘It Is Well With My Soul’.
Jill Birt of worshipper in the trials of life and in the bright shiny sunshiny times of life,” Matt said. Singer songwriter “There is something about Matt Redman’s new worshippers – we have a song, ‘It Is Well With buoyancy about us.” “No matter what happens you My Soul’ came from keep returning to the surface,” a collaboration with he said. his wife Beth, drawing The song’s verses touch on inspiration and using some of the hard times in life. “Those hard times are really the chorus from the the biggest test of what kind of old hymn by worshipper we are too.” Horatio Spafford. “I’m hoping this song is going to help people have hope, and “I love songs that are all about I hope it’s going to help people hope and being the same kind trust God,” Matt said. intermission 15
SEPTEMBER 2015
A minute with ... listen
Empires Hillsong United The new United album is filled with subtle worship to bring you into the presence of God and stand in awe of who He is. ‘Touch the Sky’ is a call to a prayer of repentence, that as we lay down our life and will to seek the life and will of God we will experience His overwhelming love. This is followed by the track ‘Street Called Mercy’ which supports this theme by conveying that we can search everywhere for fulfilment but will only end up empty until we find ourselves at the feet of Jesus, wrapped in His mercy. Let the tones and rhythms of Empires wash over you and bring you face-to-face with the Maker of the universe. watch Photo: Jill Birt
Carey Community Baptist Church 23 Blast Senior Pastor David Kilpatrick Five Loaves Entertainment 23 Blast is an amazing true story of a high school football star that What led you to this role? seems to be on his way to the big league when tragedy strikes. Travis God really led me to this role. I was enjoying myself as a has to deal with the loss of his dreams and facing a life of disability, as lawyer and contributing to the church by being on the Board, a young man, he understandably does not cope well. Through some however God had other ideas. tough love and a revelation from God, Travis and those around him turn his tragedy into an inspiring testimony showing what we can Where is the church located? achieve if we are willing to just step out in faith. Rated PG it would In Harrisdale, in the southern suburbs of Perth. be good to review before younger viewers see the movie as there is footage of a young man not walking God’s path but his turn around What time are services held? is also very inspiring and encouraging to see. Recently at the cinema, We hold a service at 9:30am and a youth focused service at this is due to be released on DVD in October. You can pre-order now, it 6:30pm every Sunday. will be a great addition to your movie collection.
How and when did the church start? The church was a plant from Mount Pleasant and Riverton Baptist Churches. Carey Baptist College was established at the time as its main missional platform. read
Who makes up the ministry team? We have an awesome team including a family and children’s pastor, worship director, two youth and young adult pastors, The Oath creative ministries and events worker, and two administrative Frank Peretti staff members. Apart from two staff, all are part-time. In An ancient sin. A long forgotten oath. A town with a deadly secret. addition, Mark Lilley will lead the new Forrestdale church plant. As with many of Frank Peretti’s books, The Oath is not for the faint- hearted. Set in a small mining town, The Oath looks at how sin, What is a feature of your church or ministry you’d like even hidden sin, impacts not just us but a whole community and to share? the generations that follow. Frank Peretti is a brilliant author with God has blessed us with an amazing platform into the the power to paint vivid pictures that draw you into his novels and community with the school and Jump childcare program, almost allows you to experience the emotions and experiences of however the church has never had a place it can be clearly visible his characters. So good on many levels, a beautifully crafted novel during the week. The newly opened Carey Community Centre that can be ‘just a great read’ to ‘a brilliant teaching to wake us from will provide this. our cultural cosy slumber’. Look for the moral to the story and be challenged to live a more holy life through the power of the Holy Spirit. A final thought … Carey turns 20 next year. The future is exciting. Reviews by Koorong Mount Lawley Assistant Manager Dorothy Waddingham.
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SEPTEMBER 2015 Fellowship off and racing Photo: Craig Fildes Albany’s go-kart ministry is bringing men together in fellowship and providing opportunities, on and off the track.
Jacqueline Outred life. [We are] a group of men [who are] there for each other.” The ministry started in A new ministry in Albany is pitting men against one August last year with a small Basketball with a another on the track, all in the name of good fun. group, but has now grown to over 20 go-karts. difference A group of men from Albany “The main ministry is to “We have about five father Baptist Church come together on encourage other men, be it non- and son or father son-in-law a regular basis to race go-karts on Christian men or men who are combinations, which has been Maclain Bruce a dirt track in the local area. just struggling to get involved a great way to spend family time in other activities within the together that probably wouldn’t church, to come together away happen otherwise,” said Craig. The Western Australian Baptist Basketball from the church atmosphere, Having only been operating Association is nearing the business end of but still mingling with Christian for a year, Craig says the interest the season, with the finals series set to run men,” said ministry coordinator is still growing and reflects a need Craig Fildes. within the community. throughout September. Specialising in: It was started to offer “Our numbers are still Commercial cleaning an alternative setting for growing. We do not advertise It has been another successful Christians a platform Industrial cleaning Christian fellowship. our race days – attendance is by year for the Association, to come together, play Offices general cleaning “We stop at lunchtime for a invitation only,” he said. with 90 teams from over 30 basketball in a high quality School general cleaning barbecue and have a sharing “This is done to keep on top churches and schools going league and be connected Window cleaning time where we discuss a range of safety and to ensure there are head to head each Saturday at with local churches. Carpet steam cleaning of topics that are related to men enough karts for everyone.” Lakeside Recreation Centre in A unique feature of the High-pressure cleaning and what areas each of us may be But, even though it is still Bibra Lake. competition is that each
Post-construction cleaning struggling with,” said Craig. early days, Craig acknowledges Teams are spread across game commences with
End of lease, move in, move out Even though it fosters there is plenty of potential for the 16 junior, mixed and senior the two competing teams or bond cleaning healthy and spirited competition, ministry to grow. grades, ranging from the coming together in the
the group is focussed on “The ministry is still very highly competitive Men’s A centre of the court to say a * Special discount for brothers and sisters in Christ within Baptist Churches WA relationships. new we are still developing the grade division to the social quick prayer before tip-off. Community “It gets some people involved ministry role and what it can mixed competition. The 2015 season will
For a free quote, contact Chris in church ministry that otherwise achieve,” Craig said. Originating in the culminate with grand finals Phone: 0455 331 957 Email: [email protected] wouldn’t get involved,” Craig said. “[The Ministry] is mainly to 1960s the competition and the announcement of
Web: http://www.mtdcleaning.com.au “This gets them involved in have fun and we hope that other has grown and evolved to most valuable player award
Armadale area, Perth, WA our discussion times and gets people then know that being a offer Christians and non- recipients on 19 September. them thinking about Christian Christian can be fun.”