AUSTRALIA’S CHRISTIAN NEWSPAPER

VOLUME 71 NUMBER 23

Thursday 25 June 2009 $2.00 Print Post Approved No. 34918100419 Miracle On Morris Road saw amazing answers to prayer. The Principal of Mueller College of Ministry (the tertiary arm of the school), Dr Ivan Bowden, told how the College was accredited by the Australian College of Theology, and further developments were expected in the relatively near future. He told how cramped they had been in those early years, but now it was a tremendous- ly humbling experience to see the provi- sion for the College campus on the 6th floor of the new building. Will Graham Endorses Grandfather’s Message In introduc- ing Mr Will Graham the ‘IT'S a miracle!’ That’s how Mueller Coll- members of Mueller Community Church, Chair-man, ege has been viewed for years by the was conducted by Russian born Mr Renat Dr Vern neighbours in Morris Rd, Rothwell, a Yusupov, ably supported by his own gifted Heazlewood, northern suburb of Brisbane. The miracle wife on the piano. Another internationally told of the continues, and the latest addition to the acclaimed member of the Faculty was tremendous complex is surely a miracle. When the Attila Sautov, from Uzbekistan, who led impact that project was first discussed in 1990 there the violin section. Dr Billy were many who regarded it simply as a Several items were presented by Graham had daydream. Now, nearly 20 years later, it Mueller College students including some when he first was our privilege to be invited to the offi- from the Primary School. There were visited cial opening of the Mueller Performing many favourable comments as to the Australia 50 Arts Centre on Saturday 30 May. quality of the presentations and the spiri- years before. This Centre comprises five levels – six tual nature of the students' offerings. He and his if you count the basement parking area. The Chairman, Dr Vern Heazlewood, colleagues The dream has become reality, and it was spoke of hardships that had been over- were now made very clear at the opening that the come during the 25 years of planning, and privileged to vision of Mueller College includes helping testified that those in leadership had have Dr students to develop their God-given tal- known the peace of God and experienced Graham's grandson, Will, address the ents in the service of God and mankind by great joy as they noted progress made. thousands of people who had come to providing the best quality education and Mueller Community Church praise God at this dedication. educational programs. A major objective is Pastor Brian Goodwin, who had recently Will Graham gave some interesting a distinctive to develop music in the cur- become Senior Pastor of the church, statistics: 24% of the population of all riculum. The college is investing in the spoke enthusiastically of the wonderful Australia came to hear his grandfather at best quality Christian education today for way they had seen the hand of God on one or more of the sites in Australia, and children to reap rewards tomorrow. this work. The church would now be 4% of the population came forward at Professional, Spiritual, Musicians known as 'Mueller Community Church'. those meetings. Dr Graham has always The international chamber orchestra and George Mueller was an earlier English given God the glory for those results. choir, composed of students assisted by Christian who trusted God completely, and (Continued on p. 3) www.nlife.com.au ‘Tell the people the full message of this new life.’ (Acts 5.20b) HERE, THERE AND EVERYWHERE WITH THE WILSONS

Unexpected Visit Home Visit By Dr Darrell Bock JON and Lyndell Paschke are currently working in Vanuatu with Scripture Union, MUELLER Community Church, Brisbane, ADELAIDE College of Ministries announces but they had an unexpected visit to announces a special seminar by Dr Darrell the forthcoming visit of Dr Darrell Bock of Adelaide when Jon's father passed away on Bock on 25 July. Dr Bock is Research Dallas Theological Seminary on Wednesday 23 May. 'He has been the best husband, Professor of New Testament Studies and 29 July at 7.30pm in the College Chapel. father, grandfather, father-in-law, brother, Professor for Spiritual Development and Dr Bock will be speaking on 'Jesus In friend, mentor, counsellor, we could ever Culture at Dallas Theological Seminary. His The Public Square: Jesusanity And Christi- have hoped for,' John said in tribute to his theme will be: 'Have We Domesticated anity – What Is The Difference?' All are wel- dad. Jesus?’ Contact 07 3897 2706 for details. come. Official Opening On 27, 28 June His teaching, and these communicated truth Great News From Malaysia AFTER months of frustration Dennis and to the listeners. Pray for those who live in CMS also reports that the first copies of the Kate Grotto, serving in Loja, Ecuador, report the Middle East and are hearing stories of newly completed Malay translation of the that the new chapel will be opened this Jesus, that they will remember His teaching. New Testament and Psalms has arrived and month. It has double-paned windows which Church In Iran Is Doubling In Size they pray these precious books will now avoids noise filtering out to the street and CANADA Free Press reports that the church reach the Malay people. annoying neighbours. Their prayer is that in Iran is doubling every six months. Meet- Muslim Head Of BBC Religion the children's/youth section will be complet- ings are held in secret but police raids con- AAQIL Ahmed has been appointed as the ed by that time. Dennis and Kate are active- tinue and believers are arrested and ques- Head of Religion and Ethics at the BBC in ly involved in training local believers to be tionned. Pray for them to stand firm in their the UK. He previously worked for BBC responsible for the various ministries with faith in the face of this persecution and to Channel 4. The appointment has stirred up which the Chapel is involved. They are grow through listening to International much controversy, but to no avail. planning to be leaving Loja for Home Christian radio or satellite TV broadcasting. Tahlee Ministries Inc Ministry Assignment as from mid- Update From The Shaws With GRN RON and Pam Schravemade ask prayer as September, returning to Loja mid 2010. ALEX Shaw has added the responsibilities they conduct assemblies at the Rock Public 89.9 Light FM of the Australian Studio Manager to his role School on 26 June. PHIL Gray, the past manager of the popular with the mission and Sybil rejoices that TWR In India Melbourne Christian Radio Station 89.9 recordings in PNG were done in nine lan- FOR over 30 years TWR has broadcast in Light FM, has moved to the Sunshine Coast guages. The Buhutu language now has India where many have come to know with his family, and Graham Hasler has over 60 songs recorded in their own lan- Christ. Many are now suffering for their faith been appointed as Acting Manager. Con- guage and Sybil hopes to return to PNG in as they have been thrown out of their tinue to pray for the outreach of the station October for more recording. Their son Victor homes and persecuted in other ways. TWR and for it to reach many with the Gospel. is a student at Moore College and has broadcasts in 62 languages, 21.5 hours per God Is Moving In Bangladesh recently announced his engagement to day in India, bringing comfort and hope to EVERY Home For Christ reports that more Claire East. listeners. than 1,000 came to attend special revival News From Global Interaction Look Who's Coming For Dinner! meetings in Dhaka recently. Many came to GLOBAL Interaction asks prayer for Cliff, ALAN and Deb Hirsch are back on a break know the Lord and several were healed. who serves in Central Asia, as he learns from their work in the United States and Pray they will find churches in which to about the local culture and customs of they invite you to share a meal and hear grow in Christ. those he lives amongst, so that he can what Alan and Deb have been up to. Please 'Abuse In The Workplace: effectively share about Jesus in a meaning- RSVP right away as numbers are limited! Can I Forgive?’ ful way. The dinner will be held on Friday 10 July THIS is the title of a workshop to be run by New Address from 7-9:30pm at Northern Community, Margaret Brown of the Nurses Christian AFRICA Inland Mission International (Aus- Preston, Vic. Fellowship on 21 August at 7pm. Contact tralia) Inc has a new address: C/- Bethshan NCFA NSW, 5 Byfield Street, Macquarie Ministries, 70 Wyee Road, Wyee, NSW, but Donations Make A Park 2113, phone 02 9888 5842. their postal address is still PO Box 270, Difference! Remembering Stories Belmont, NSW 2280. MECO Magazine, Issue 1, 2009 reminds us Warning! Call Alison On that in 2002, 70% of the world's population CHURCH Missionary Society warns us that 03 9890 3377 were either illiterate or functionally so. This one of their missionary's prayer supporters means that they learn through 'spoken received a poorly written email claiming that To Donate And Help words, especially proverbs, poetry or sto- she had requested money to be forwarded Extend And Maintain ries, all of which are designed to be under- to an address in the UK. This is not the only stood, remembered and reproduced'. We do time it has happened, so be on the alert for Our Ministry! well to remember that Jesus used stories in fake emails. Page Two – 25 June 2009 – NEW LIFE MUELLER MIRACLE ... Will Graham Preaches At Dedication Of Mueller Performing Arts Centre (Continued from p.1) When Will himself came to Australia last year, the Performing Arts Centre was very different, and very unfinished! The contrast to this day of the dedication was amazing and he spoke glowingly of the huge amount of work that had been done, and God's faithfulness in providing for it. Totally Dedicated To God He used the illustration of the time when Solomon dedicated Israel's Temple to the Lord. The details are given in I Kings 8.54ff. where we read that after praying, Solomon addressed all the assembly of Israel in a In the Scriptures the heart is the centre and then we will keep His commandments – loud voice and blessed God for giving rest of our affections. The Bible refers to the that is something for this present day. That to His people as He had promised. The thoughts of our heart, and if there are evil verse reminds us: 'AS AT THIS DAY'. Lord is still faithful to His people, and the thoughts in our hearts, we are not really in 'Will you do that today? Are you willing assurance is clear today that not one word touch with God. God expects us to serve to surrender to Him now? It will be a day of God's promises will fail. Him with hearts that are clean and holy you will never forget. The wonderful truth is He Will Not Leave Us Nor Forsake Us before Him. that if you truly surrender yourself to Him Will emphasised verse 58, 'That He may He expects us to be totally surrendered you will find that He is able to satisfy your incline our hearts to Himself, to walk in all to Him – all we have should be handed need to find purpose in your life. Will you do His ways, and to keep His commandments back to the Lord. All our possessions, our it today? If you do, you will never forget this and His statutes and His ordinances which families, our futures – and our past too – day, and you'll never regret it. He commanded our fathers.' What did should be surrendered to the Lord. He 'When you surrender to God you are Solomon mean by urging the people to wants us to be prepared to have Him incline doing something even more important than incline their hearts to God? our hearts to Himself, to obey Him, and to dedicating this building to the service of That word 'heart' is very interesting as it keep all His commandments, His statutes God. I want you to surrender to Him, to be means there is a personal choice on the and His ordinances. We should do it with a used by Him for His perfect will right here in part of one who is following God. Will's own love that is complete and surrendered – the Australia. May God help you to undertake wife was born on Valentine's day – 14 Feb- best love that is possible. that act of surrender at this time.' ruary. In America Valentine's Day is very Will emphasised: 'Let your heart there- Dr Vern Heazlewood then called on Will important, and he is always careful to re- fore be wholly devoted to the Lord our God, Graham and Geoff Miller, Vice-Principal of mind her of the warmth of his love. Three to walk in His statutes, and to keep His Mueller College, to dedicate the building to important words are emphasised: 'I love commandments, as at this day.' the Lord. This was done with a deep sense you'. (Very often the word 'love' is not used These desires of God are not just some- of commitment to God, and a desire to – instead there is a picture of a heart.) The thing that was good for our fathers, and of please Him in every way, especially in the point is, one lover is saying to the other, 'I no worth for us today. As verse 61 tells us, future of this important work. have given you my heart'. there is to be a practical devotion to Him – Clifford and Barbara Wilson Archaeological Exhibition – The Wilson Collection The last item after Mr Will Graham spoke Mr Will Graham did not know him, he had was a commendation and thanks to Drs the privilege of being the co-editor of the Clifford and Barbara Wilson for the provi- official book of the New Zealand tour of his sion of a large number of archaeological grandfather, Dr Billy Graham, back in 1959. replicas, supported by many pictures of on- He concluded: ‘The title of that book was site locations where archaeology, illustra- part of the theme song of the Billy Graham tions of Bible persons or events, had been Crusade: Let The People Rejoice and Let found to touch the Scriptures. This exhibi- The People Rejoice is an appropriate sum- tion is located on the 4th floor foyer. Many mary of the way the Bible endorses the favourable comments were made as to its Gospel message of Dr Billy Graham used value for a college and church community by Him for His perfect will right here in such as that of Mueller. Australia. May God help you to undertake Dr Clifford Wilson told them that while that act of surrender at this time.' NEW LIFE – 25 June 2009 – Page Three CURRENT COMMENTS – CLIFFORD WILSON Another Billy Graham

BARBARA and I had the privilege of hearing We were wonderfully surprised at the Will Graham at the opening of the Mueller quality of what we heard from his grandson. College Performing Arts Centre – a six- Will Graham rightly has a great affection for that the time of decision was now – and storey building which now houses the newly his grandfather and in his preaching it is they would never regret the decision they renamed Mueller Community Church, and very obvious he has studied his methods would make. He even spoke carefully of Mueller College of Ministry, Brisbane. As and message very carefully. The result in hell, and the certainty of coming judgment. reported on pp 1,3 of this issue, the speaker Brisbane was spectacular, and it was Perhaps God has raised up this relatively at the opening was Mr Will Graham, the almost as though Dr Billy Graham were young man to turn large numbers of Aus- grandson of the much appreciated and well there again to reach our needy country. May tralians from indifference to, and even rejec- loved Dr Billy Graham. It is 50 years since it prove to be the case, for we desperately tion of, our wonderful Gospel message. We Billy Graham campaigned in several States need another such man of God. – Barbara and I – both felt that very proba- of Australia and a high percentage of Aus- Many dozens came forward for coun- bly he was God's man for this hour, and we tralians actually heard him at that time. selling at the end of Will's address, for the encourage people throughout our land to do Many thousands came forward at the end of message they heard was a real challenge their best to have him undertake an evan- Dr Billy's campaign addresses to ask Christ from the Holy Spirit of God Himself. The gelistic crusade in their area. Thank God for to be their Saviour. crowd of several thousand heard clearly him!

'Poor Told To Pack Up' metres tall. We are told that it is an extinct (Genesis 5.4) and 'giants in the Earth' THAT is the headline to a recent article in species of enormous size. In our own book (Genesis 6.4). Evidence of giant men of the Melbourne Herald-Sun. It gives exam- The Paluxy River Dinosaur Controversy we long ages and huge dinosaurs fits the Bible ples of very old people being faced with ask the question: 'When did dinosaurs die record. This explains why the elephant serious housing problems. One grandmoth- out?' And we report that a university investi- found in Indonesia was of such an enor- er was told she had to leave the home she gation involving oxygen that was trapped in mous size. Probably it died in Noah's Flood. had lived in for 36 years because the Hous- amber had been undertaken by R.A. Berner Team member Dr van den Bergh said it ing Department wanted to sell it. She had of Yale University and G.P. Landers of the was of an extinct species of enormous size, raised her six children there with her hus- US Geological Survey, Denver. After nega- 'Much bigger than modern day Asian ele- band who died five years ago. She is re- tive criticism the results were rechecked by phants with a femur alone being 1.2 metres ported as saying: ‘I don't see why they can't the researchers, and other experts, and long.' Dr van den Bergh is a paleontologist wait for me to die before they sell it.’ they showed that their conclusions were for the excavation. Another great-grandmother had lived in correct. He reported that the elephant must have her home for 54 years, but she also has Their research showed that at an earlier suffered an uncommon demise. He states: been told she must move out because the period (which would have been pre-Flood) 'Normally, such dead animals would have Housing Department wants to sell it. She 'partial oxygen pressure' was 32.05 pounds been ripped apart and eaten by carnivores. has struggled to make ends meet for 60 per square inch whereas today it is 14.7 But it appears that the elephant became years, for her husband died at only 25. She pounds at sea level. (Partial oxygen pres- bogged in the river shallows, perished, and had taken very good care of her home, so it sure relates to atmospheric oxygen pres- was quickly covered by sands – about was in good condition for sale. For others in sure on our bodies.) The ratio of atmospher- 200,000 years ago.' that street who were faced with the same ic oxygen in pre-Flood times was about If only the world scientists would accept possibility it was not such a bad story, for 30%, where it is 21% today. the truth of our wonderful Bible records, their houses were not in good condition, so This change in oxygen pressure ex- they would know that such figures are they were not put up for sale. She has cried plains why the larger dinosaurs died out grossly exaggerated, for the flood took all the time since she heard of the plan to even before they reached the age neces- place less than 5,000 years ago. As Jesus sell. Thank God for the hope of the Chris- sary for procreation (capable of having off- said: 'Thy Word is Truth.' tian – whose rewards are eternal and gen- spring). Larger dinosaurs need a huge vol- A Church Meeting Banned In Fiji erous. Jesus Himself reminds us that when ume of oxygen for survival, and in a short IT is reported that the Fiji military regime we serve the Lord faithfully, in a coming day period they would have died because of the has ordered the Methodist Church to cancel we will hear Him say: 'Well done, good and insufficiency of the oxygen supply. its annual conference – and they have been faithful servant.' This is a far more realistic explanation accused of trying to destablise the country. Freak Discovery Of Jumbo Bones than that a meteorite struck the Earth, killing This follows the arrest of a former AUSTRALIAN and Indonesian researchers the larger dinosaurs but leaving smaller Methodist Church President because of a have reported finding what they term 'a creatures such as sparrows, dogs and hors- sermon he preached calling for peaceful 200,000 year-old skeleton of a giant ele- es still alive. One practical effect is that pre- protests to restore democracy (Melbourne phant in East Java'. It was about 4 metres Flood land creatures would have lived much Herald-Sun, 1 June 2009.) Let's keep pray- high and alongside the Melbourne Herald- longer and grown much bigger. This fits the ing for a peaceful solution for a very won- Sun picture a man is shown about 1.65 clues in Genesis of long-living men derful country! Page Four – 25 June 2009 – NEW LIFE VOLUME 71 AUSTRALIA’S CHRISTIAN NEWSPAPER NUMBER 23 25 June 2009 ISSN: 1033-7903

FOUNDER: Eric J. Daley (1910-1992)

EDITORIAL TEAM: Rev Dr Bob Thomas Dr Clifford Wilson The Friend Of Those Who Fear God Dr Barbara Wilson THE Psalmist wrote: ʻI am the friend of all those who fear You, O Lordʼ (Psalm 119.63). These words impact the ministry of New Life, which EMAIL: seeks to raise a standard for Conservative Evangelical Christianity and [email protected] particularly, though not exclusively, for the non/trans/multi/inter/denomi- [email protected] national church. PHONE: News concerning missionary and evangelistic endeavour, especially 03 9890 3377 when it goes beyond the bounds of one denomination, is grist for our FAX: mill. Nevertheless we also carry significant news of particular denomi- 03 9897 4561 nations which we trust would be of interest or encouragement to the POST: wider church. PO Box 457 News items and articles come to us from many sources, sometimes Mitcham VIC 3132 from denominations or agencies whose work or focus is similar to oth- REGISTERED OFFICE: ers but whose methodologies differ. Sometimes there is an underlying CBM Building, ʻturf warʼ as one group feels that another is moving in on their territory. 56 Rutland Rd, Sometimes there is an unseemly power struggle going on, often not Box Hill VIC 3128 too far beneath the surface. WEB-SITE: New Life generally seeks to look at each item on its intrinsic merit www.nlife.com.au rather than on matters of expediency such as whether or not it is in SUBSCRIPTION: New Lifeʼs interest to publish it or on external considerations such as $50pa ($25 half year) whether or not a well-known person is the author or subject of it. In like $45pa (student/ manner, New Life is consciously the organ of the little people of God, pensioner/ those who come into the 1 Corinthians 1.26 category – and who, we f/t Christian worker) are persuaded, are just as precious to God and just as vital in the serv- $25pa (email version) ice of the Kingdom as the great ones are. Do be sure to read the article on pp 18,19 of this issue: With Christ Your subscription – Marjorie Dewe Vines. Space is always at a premium in New Life, and continues as I necessarily cut out large parts of this obituary because of ʻthe exi- until you cancel. gencies of spaceʼ, I was moved to tears at the sacrifices this one little woman and her late husband made, the trials they endured, if only they ACCEPTANCE OF might minister Christ to a needy world. Shades of Gladys Aylward, ADVERTISING shades of the Apostle Paul. DOES NOT IMPLY I guess we all need to remember from time to time, editors includ- ENDORSEMENT ed, that the enemy is not us, but it is he who ʻprowls around like a roar-

Published by New Life Australia. Ltd ing lion, seeking whom he may devourʼ, so that we should be friends of ABN 15 005 035 138, of 56 Rutland all the friends of God. Rd, Box Hill Vic 3129, and printed by Newsprinters Pty Ltd, Melbourne Rd, Bob Thomas Shepparton Vic 3630. (All letters to New Life please).

NEW LIFE – 25 June 2009 – Page Five CHRISTIANS IN THE ACTION ... VIGILANT INTERCESSION AND A PROVIDENT GOD: – Elections In Indonesia, India And Lebanon SO far this year we have prayed about fight Israel, which it has been claiming for caches and fortification, and preaching 're- three significant elections: Indonesia, where some time. We must pause to acknowledge sistance!' to free people in a sovereign Islamists were poised to take the balance of God's provident hand and to thank Him for state. power; India, where analysts predicted that His mercy. May the Lord alone be exalted! In essence, little has changed domesti- the Hindu nationalists would come out in Lebanon's Election Results cally: Hezballah will continue to dictate the front; and Lebanon, where analysts and Lebanon's surprising election result retains terms, for while it might not have a man- domestic opinion polls indicated that the the status quo. Before the elections the date, it will have the right of veto and the Hezballah, leading its March 8 Alliance, Sunni-Druze-Christian March 14 Alliance, strongest fighting force in the state. Further- would win the mandate it was seeking. backed by the Arab states and America, more, it will still have the support of Iran, In each of these elections, the results held 70 of the parliament's 128 seats, while the ascendant power in the region. predicted would have seriously undermined the Hezballah-led Shi'ite-Christian 'March 8' Once a cosmopolitan majority-Christian religious liberty and risked the security of opposition backed by Iran and Syria held state, Lebanon's trajectory is clear. The Christians. Therefore we prayed. 58. Though opinion polls and analysis had election result has not changed that – it has Indonesia: placed the 'March 8' forces on a winning only applied the brakes. What Lebanon Whilst the Indonesian elections did give the trajectory, the March 14 Alliance maintained needs is for the direction to be reversed. So Islamist coalition considerable influence in its majority, holding 71 seats to the 'March we pray for Lebanon, that Christianity will President Yudhoyono's ruling coalition, 8' opposition's 57. be revived, but not through a return of the Yudhoyono surprised everyone in mid-May Hezballah's ally, the predominantly Christian diaspora. Rather may the Leban- when he marginalised the Islamists by Christian Free Patriotic Movement, failed to ese Church, particularly in Lebanon, experi- choosing Bank Indonesia governor Boedi- deliver Hezballah the mandate it was seek- ence profound spiritual renewal and revival, ono to be his running-mate in the July presi- ing. In some majority-Christian districts, leading to the conversion of many Leban- dential election. A struggle continues – more FPM candidates only held their seats ese and regional Muslims, for peace is on this later. thanks to Shi'ite votes. Despite being the essentially a fruit of a spiritually transformed India: election's biggest loser, the FPM is still the people. (Isaiah 2.2-4) India's Congress-led United Progressive largest Christian bloc in the parliament. Please Pray Specifically: Alliance collected a swath of swinging vot- Lebanon's Christians remain deeply l thanking God for His mercy and restraint, ers and romped home, even routing the divided. The 'Unity Government' established for while He is warning (roaring like a lion – Hindu nationalists in some of their former under the 21 May 2008 Doha Declaration Amos 3.4a,8a) He is giving nations more strongholds, particularly the prayer-soaked which was formulated after Hezballah's 7 time to repent, and so we pray for revival in state of Orissa. God frustrated the ways of March 2008 blitzkrieg takeover of Beirut, will the Church leading to the drawing in of the wicked magnificently, providing India doubtless continue. So too will the Doha many peoples and transformation of society. with another five-year window of opportunity Declaration's concession that Hezballah l for God to bring the eyes of all Lebanese to advance liberty and combat Hindutva. have the right to veto the democratically Christians to focus on Christ their Saviour, Lebanon: elected government's decisions as long as it for He is central and key to their spiritual In Lebanon, so many Christians (and has the support of one-third of the assem- revival, their wisdom, unity, hope and wit- Sunnis) deserted the Hezballah-led opposi- bly, a foregone conclusion as the Hezbal- ness. tion out of fear of Hezballah that the scales lah-led opposition controls well over that. Written for the Australian Evangelical tipped in favour of the more moderate Hezballah will continue to operate as a Alliance Religious Liberty Commission by March 14 Alliance. Now Hezballah cannot state within a state: monitoring Beirut air- Elizabeth Kendal, an international religious choose which ministries it will control or port, running a separate telecommunica- liberty analyst and advocate, and a member claim to have a mandate to rule Lebanon or tions network, building up its weapons of the AEA RLC team. News From Global Interaction There are more than 6,000 unreached people groups around the training and advice but also further immerse herself in the language world. This accounts for more than 2 billion people who are yet to and gain deeper insight into what life is like for her friends and col- hear of Jesus in ways that make sense in their culture. Ask God to leagues on a day-to-day basis. Pray for her health and wellbeing send out the workers to share His Good News. during this time and ask God to bless the friendships that grow. Bruce and Pauline’s short-term visas in the Silk Road Area will Pray that Norm and Karen Roberts will know God’s strength, soon expire. Their applications for extended visas have been sub- health and wisdom in the coming weeks with a busy itinerary sup- mitted. Pray that the process goes smoothly in obtaining the docu- porting the churches in Outback Australia. Pray God’s blessing on mentation they need to stay. the Yapa communities of Yuendumu, Willowra and Ali Curung. As part of her role supporting farmers in Malawi, Rina is moving Remember Nathan as he visits churches and groups to raise a to a village for two months. There she will not only be able to give partnership team to support his work in South Asia. Page Six – 25 June 2009 – NEW LIFE CHRISTIANS IN THE ACTION ... Queenslanders Proud To Host Uganda's Watoto Children's Choir QUEENSLANDERS have a lot to be proud dren's villages and cares for of: 150 years of history, beautiful coastlines over 1,900 children. The vil- and some of the best athletes in Rugby lage homes each accommo- League are just a few obvious things. But date eight children and a now, thanks to the support of Queensland, mother who cares for them. Ugandan children like Jackie Nalumansi, These villages contain a aged 10, and Fred Samula, aged 11 can complete school system for realize their dreams to someday become the Watoto children and intro- community and government leaders in duce leadership principles. Uganda. The Watoto villages also Jackie, Fred, and 16 other children be- include things such as a tween ages eight and thirteen are participat- medical clinic, church, com- ing in a series of free concerts across munity centre, and an agricul- Queensland and Australia as part of the tural project providing food, Watoto Children's Choir. clean water and electricity. Some of these remarkable Watoto chil- ‘These children carry the dren have been literally rescued from message of hope they them- rubbish dumps. The Watoto Children's selves experienced at Choirs travel the globe with a very unique Watoto. The people in brand of energy and hope, and are ambas- Australia are privileged to sadors for the Watoto Child Care Villages. watch this beautiful choir and Help From Various Sources to participate in the cause. Hearing of the choir and the work that Australians will be blown Watoto has done, several venues in away by the best of African contemporary menced in 1994 by a couple from Canada, Queensland have invited the children to music as presented by the Watoto Gary and Marilyn Skinner. Watoto Childcare perform and are very excited to host them. Children's Choir’ says Esther Agwang from Ministries exists to teach and produce the One dentist in Mt Gravatt, Dr John Gooley, Watoto's Ugandan office. next generation of Ugandan leaders and cit- even invited the children for complimentary When asked what the children thought izens. Some of the long term goals include dental checkups in his surgery, while other of coming to Australia, they were extremely providing familial life and shelter, education, organizations such as Sunlovers Reef excited. Jackie says that she wants to come medical care and spiritual guidance to those Cruises in Cairns are hosting the children to Australia because ‘I want Australians to children left parentless as a result of war on their first Great Barrier Reef experience. know that I'm going to sing and dance with and disease. The Children's Choir, to per- ‘Seeing how the Watoto children have all my strength to show God's love.’ Fred form in several countries across the globe, emerged from hard circumstances and now says that he looks forward to seeing what consists of a few of these future leaders passionately aspire to become future engi- Australian people eat, while his friend who have a heart to raise awareness of the neers, nurses, and teachers for their local Bridget, also 11 years old, wants to see the devastation in their country and to enlist the communities will be encouraging and re- big buildings and ‘incredibly friendly people’ participation of Aussies for the work Watoto freshing for Australians’, says Mark Brad- she's often heard about who live in has started. shaw, Director of Watoto Australasia. Australia. For more information and schedules, Watoto currently operates three chil- Watoto Child Care Ministries was com- go to: www.watoto.com Steve Estherby Commissioned As NSW State Officer For FamilyVoice Aust REV Steve Estherby was officially welcomed with great joy as NSW State Officer for FamilyVoice Australia at his commissioning service at 2pm on Saturday 20 June at St Anne’s Anglican Centre, Ryde. Rev Dr Barry Chant of Wesley Mission was the keynote speaker, and Rev Dr Peter Barnes of Revesby Presbyterian Church and Pastor Peter Rahme of Auburn Baptist Church prayed for Steve, his family and his ministry. Contact Dr David Phillips, National President, FamilyVoice Australia, GPO Box 9894, Sydney NSW 2001, or phone: 1300 365 965 to learn more about FamilyVoice Australia. Have You Recommended New Life To A Friend Recently? NEW LIFE – 25 June 2009 – Page Seven ‘BEARING ONE ANOTHER’S BURDENS’ – 1 Is Your Church A Disabled Church?

Jim Stellard tells his story via DVD.

CBM (Christian Blind Mission) threw ing to help people in all their various needs. others who had serious disabilities but now out a challenge to the Church at a Why Luke 14? boldly proclaimed their faith. They showed breakfast on Friday 11 June when Our Lord gave a parable about a man who us how to relate to others with such disabili- prepared a great supper and when every- ties. One was Ric Mallard who many years they launched their new program: thing was ready he invited his friends and ago dived into what proved to be very shal- Luke 14 – Disability Inclusive Chris- colleagues to come to the supper. The story low water and broke his neck. Ric’s future tian Communities. The New Life Edi- is wonderfully descriptive, told in only a few seemed hopeless but he enrolled in a torial Team – Bob Thomas, Cliff Wil- verses in Luke 14. We can almost picture course at the Bible College of Victoria son and Barbara Wilson – were the scene. As our Lord put it – ‘They all with where, with the help of others, he kept one accord began to make excuse.’ When it going until he had degrees in theology and there to report it .... was clear that none of the invited guests became a tutor, helping other students learn would be coming, the Master sent his spe- how to write essential essays and prepare ‘IF your church doesn’t cater for disabled cial servant with a new instruction, ‘Go out for examinations. In a coming day, many will people, then it’s a disabled church.’ That into the highways and hedges, and compel rise up to call him blessed – as the Scrip- statement seems contradictory on first hear- the blind, the lame and the disabled to ture puts it. ing it. But think about it. One of the reasons come in, so that My house may be filled.’ At the end of the presentation Mrs for the Church’s existence is to share the At first you would think they were hardly Lindsey Gale encouraged each participant compassion of Christ for people in all their the ones who should be invited, but they to implement the goals of Luke 14, and disabilities. were now to be honoured guests – an invi- facilitate relationships with those who are ‘Jesus went about doing good’ ... ‘And tation they would be more than glad to disabled in our local churches. He had compassion on them’ the Gospel accept. In our Lord’s day Luke 14 shows that the record tells us. So a church which doesn’t That is the challenge of Luke 14 poor, the crippled and the lame were more cater for and minister to the disabled is not Ministries. As CBM say in their publicity than welcome when they turned to the Lord completely fulfilling the Great Commission – folder: ‘Luke 14 is ‘CBMs new initiative to Himself. That same offer is available today, to that extent it’s a disabled church. equip the Australian Church to fulfil this and that is why CBM is encouraging able- CBM seeks to help churches cater for mandate.’ bodied people to rigorously pursue the Luke people with disabilities so that the church 14 program with its wonderful principles. will no longer be disabled but enabled to Strong Faith Despite Great Disability Teaching tools are available for those who minister the love of Christ for them. The supporting speaker was Nerida Fidock are interested in learning how to implement Originally set up to specifically help blind who encouraged and challenged us with her such a program in their own church fellow- people, CBM recognises that Jesus minis- very personal experience with Multiple ship. tered to ‘the lame, the halt and the blind’ Sclerosis, especially telling of her own per- For more information go to: and so many others with so many different sonal faith and commitment to Christ. www.luke14.cbm.org.au, or phone toll free disabilities and today its ministry is expand- Then there was a very moving DVD of 1800 678 069. Page Eight – 25 June 2009 – NEW LIFE ‘BEARING ONE ANOTHER’S BURDENS’ – 2 – CBM CAN HELP YOU ENABLE IT! CBM has so far produced four resources in its Luke 14 initia- tive. Table Talk DVD is a disability awareness tool for church communities. Running for seven minutes, it carries the testi- monies of several people with disabilities who have been inte- grated with caring Christian communities, finding faith, wel- come and support through the ministry of their local church. With an estimated one fifth of the Australian community, or 4.3 million people affected by disability, it presents a timely chal- lenge to the Church to reach out to these people with the love and care of Christ in practical ways. Accessible Church is a guide to improving the way the Church welcomes people with a disability – both emotionally in terms of establishing caring relationships and physically in making the best use of the building, providing aids such as ramps and handrails. These resources are available free of charge on request to CBM (see address on previous page). In addition to these resources, Church Bar None DVD and Workbook and Disability Awareness Sunday Manual are also available for a small charge. The website www.luke14.cbm.org.au provides further help- ful material and directions for ordering. John Anderson’s Testimony And Endorsement HOW many countries in the world would be colleague was a church-going, believing Nonetheless he has known through it all blessed with their former Deputy Prime man who quietly showed his Christian faith, that the Lord is faithful and He has been his Minister courageously telling the story of both in words and in action. John confided constant Friend and Supporter. how they learned their fifth child would suf- in his closest colleagues: the then Prime John acknowledges that the support he fer from Downs Syndrome and other seri- Minister, John Howard, and Treasurer Peter and his wife have received from fellow ous disabilities … and then saw that child Costello, who sympathized with him and church members has been extraordinary. whom they learned to love deeply, taken proved to be true friends as well as worthy He greatly appreciated the many who into the presence of the Lord after only six political colleagues who at times prayed showed great concern for him and others months? with him. All sides of politics acknowledge like him who have needed encouragement John and Julia Anderson struggled with John’s honesty and integrity, and this is and strengthening. the same questions everyone in that situa- reflected in his uncompromising commit- He personally encouraged us to be tion does: Was it a waste? Why did God ment to the Christian faith. encouragers of others even though we allow it? Where was God in that situation? At the CBM breakfast he shared his per- might be asking at times, ‘Why? Why? But for them there was the additional sonal experience of disability in his family Why?’ He has learned from experience that question: What would his colleagues in the and was able to provide invaluable advice God’s grace is sufficient. Government think? They knew that their on how to implement Luke 14 in all our He referred to John Newton who wrote churches. the very popular hymn ‘Amazing Grace’. He was a very interesting speaker John Newton experienced God’s grace in a who told us that at the moment he has a special way when he found God in an old personal problem in that he can’t turn sailing ship where he spent ten days in a his mobile phone off! He lives in north- massive storm. John Anderson pointed out ern New South where they have recent- that all of us are disabled by sin and so we ly had floods of such intensity that you often walk away from God. We need to rec- have to walk through mud. He dropped ognize God and let Him bring healing and his mobile phone, and a steer walked on wholeness – but this wonderful experience it – mud and all. No problem, the phone is possible on God’s terms. It is important to still works – but it can’t be turned off! know that we are dear to our heavenly John has shown tremendous leader- Father. He loves us and we can know His ship ability in his public life and has love through Jesus Christ. known what it is to suffer, at times to John warmly commended the work of even wonder why he has had to suffer. CBM and endorsed the Luke 14 project. NEW LIFE – 25 June 2009 – Page Nine PERSECUTION WATCH ... ‘Remember those in prison ... and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.’ (Hebrews 13.3) GFA Women Missionaries Harassed By Mob Of Boys THREE Gospel for Asia-supported women the other woman, tried to calm the boys, but missionaries were cornered and harassed the boys were so enraged that they began by a mob of nearly 30 boys. Chameli, Har- to verbally harass the women, even calling shita and Vinaya were giving out tracts and them prostitutes. They grabbed all the tracts sharing the love of Jesus in one of India's the women had been carrying, tore them coastal cities when the incident took place. into pieces and threw the fragments into the They had been able to reach out in the air. Chameli, Harshita and Vinaya tried to community for a while that day without inci- escape into another street but saw two dent. Then, as they were walking down one more boys standing in front of them. When street, two young boys approached, deman- they looked around, they saw more boys ding to know if the women were there to standing at every possible way of escape. convert people. Soon, the mob grew to 30 boys surrounding They came toward them in full force, took them and verbally abusing them. GFA asks away their tracts and began hitting Harshita for prayer for such women as they daily and Vinaya in the head with them. Chameli, share the Good News of Christ. PLEASE PRAY FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH! Pastor Attacked, Arrested On False when she sought their help. After three tered or to be involved in religious activity Charges Of Conversion In Andhra days, officers finally filed the report but list- not specifically listed in the organization's Pradesh, India ed Huma's age as 16, the legal age for girls statute. HINDU radicals attacked a pastor and re- in Pakistan to marry. Imran subsequently Pray for the Body of Christ in Azerbaijan ported him for distributing Christian litera- demanded nullification of the report, claim- as it faces ongoing opposition for His Name. ture in Hyderabad on Saturday 6 June at ing Huma converted to Islam and married Pray that believers will confidently entrust around 8.30am, when Pastor David Raju him of her own will. He also submitted a themselves to Christ so that they can from Hyderabad went for a Christian meet- fake birth certificate which listed her age as preach the Gospel without hesitation (2 ing in one of his churches in a place called 18. Local Muslims have since tried to extort Timothy 1.7-12). Mangalagiri in Guntur District. money and labour from Sajida in exchange More information on the persecution fac- On his arrival a group of about 20 peo- for information on Huma's whereabouts. ing Christians in Azerbaijan can be found at: ple, allegedly belonging to Hindu radical Pray that Huma will be returned to her fami- www.persecution.net/azerbaijan.htm groups, severely beat up Pastor Raju and ly. Pray for wisdom for the family's lawyer. Threatened Nepali Christians Stand Firm, later the attackers informed local police that Pray that those who prey on Christian girls Start Radio Stations he was participating in ‘forceful conversion’, in Pakistan may experience repentance and HINDU extremists in Nepal have threatened which were false charges. The pastor was salvation. – Persecution And Prayer Alert to bomb Christians within one month unless taken into police custody and released at Repressive Religion Law, New Penalties they stop sharing the Gospel. Ty Stakes, around 2.30pm. In Azerbaijan with HCJB Global says the Christians will After a meeting with the church leaders, On 31 May, a new Religion Law in Azerbai- stand firm. ‘The Lord has really changed the the matter was brought to a compromise jan came into effect along with amendments climate there and created opportunity for and the police and the Hindu radicals to both the Criminal and Administrative the Gospel to flourish. And so along with allowed the pastor to carry on with his Codes, according to a 3 June report from that necessarily, I think, comes opposition, meeting in the church that had invited him. Forum18. Under the new law, all religious because this is a battle that we're in. I don't James Varghese, ASSIST organizations which have currently man- think these guys are going to give up. Christian Girl Kidnapped In Pakistan aged to obtain state registration will have to They're going to keep walking forward.’ SAJIDA Masih, the mother of a 12-year-old re-register by 1 January 2010. Many reli- Christians in Nepal are starting radio sta- Christian girl who was kidnapped in the vil- gious organizations fear they will fail to tions to reach people with the Gospel. Pray lage of Hanif Kot, Gujranwala District, Pak- maintain their legal status. Producing, im- that God will help them communicate well in istan and forced to marry a 37-year-old porting, circulating or selling religious litera- a hostile environment. ‘It's a real delicate Muslim man, is embroiled in a legal battle to ture without required permission from the balance they need to strike. And they need recover her daughter, according to a report State Committee for Work with Religious real wisdom from the Lord in order to effec- from Compass Direct. On 23 February, Organizations is now considered an tively speak to the community and present Muhammad Imran abducted Huma Masih offence. It is also now an offence to conduct their identity so that people will be attracted after threatening to kill her, her aunt and her religious activity at a different location from to the message of the cross.’ parents. Sajida was ridiculed by police where one's religious community is regis- Page Ten – 25 June 2009 – NEW LIFE GOOD NEWS FROM ABROAD ... Message Of Hope Sees Many Come To Know Jesus In Nepal Simon Pandey, imprisoned in 9.30pm for half an hour. The programs We are thankful to our friends, mainly in Nepal for his faith in Christ in mainly include Gospel songs and Bible Australia, who have been faithful in making messages. For the last several months I contributions towards this program. We do the 60's, shares the following ... have been speaking on the subject: ‘Who is hope and pray that God will give us more THE radio ministry of the Message of Hope Jesus?’ based on John's Gospel. friends who are interested to partner with us with Radio Nepal is going on as usual. We It is encouraging to hear from various in this ministry. We are also thankful to the are thankful to God for His continued help churches that many of our listeners are Omega Training Partnership for partnering and guidance to run this ministry to this attending church services. For example, a with us in organizing follow-up training pro- date. God has been always faithful to us. church in Dhulikhel (some 40km east of grams in various places to the listeners of We are also grateful to those friends who Kathmandu), which has about 150 mem- the radio programs. OTP has also shared have been continually praying and gener- bers, recently invited me to speak in their their office facilities. ously supporting this ministry. worship service. I found almost all of the I am happy to write that HCJB has As usual, we are receiving encouraging members listen to our programs regularly. recently agreed to partner with us in estab- responses from the listeners of our pro- They even have been collecting some con- lishing local FM stations. In this connection grams across Nepal and beyond. The lis- tributions to this ministry. two stations have been established, one in teners include both Christians and non- While we have this opportunity to preach Butwal and others in Dhulikhel, in co-opera- Christians. The Christians who listen to the the Gospel through national media such as tion with local Christians. Once again I want programs are being blessed and encour- Radio Nepal, and hearing such encouraging to express my sincere thanks to all our dear aged, and non-Christians are opening their news from the listeners, we are also facing friends for your prayers and partnership for hearts to Jesus Christ. challenges for the continuation of our radio this ministry. We do trust and pray that your Since the inception of this ministry our programs. One of the challenges is the partnership will continue to grow in the programs with Radio Nepal (Government funding requirements for the ministry, mainly years to come for the extension of God's media) have been running every Sunday at the cost of air time, which is very high. Kingdom in Nepal. – NACL News Release Hezbollah's Lebanon Election Challenge lion people on five continents. Some, like languages. More than 400 of these Audio Fails Arabic and English, are major world lan- Bibles are available for free download at: HEZBOLLAH'S challenge for power in Leb- guages, while others are regional or www.FaithComesByHearing.com anon has failed. The March 14th Coalition, Amerindian languages. – Jeremy Reynalds, ASSIST a US-backed group, retained its hold on the In Mexico, for example, Mixteco de Demand Grows For Christian Bookstores government. David Harder, with SAT-7 Tezoatlán is spoken by about 6,000 people In Greece, Especially Among Students Christian television satellite ministry to the in the Oaxaca area while Totonaco de la INCREASING demand for Christian book- Middle East and North Africa, says: ‘The Sierra has roughly 120,000 speakers. stores in Greece has been reported by coalition led by Prime Minister Hariri has a ‘Mexico has more than 200 indigenous AMG International. more Western outlook and has been sup- languages, 120 of which have New Testa- Some 25,000 evangelicals live in ported by a majority of Christians within the ment translations ready for recording,’ said Greece where AMG has been working for country. That party has been the one that Phil Kenney, Faith Comes By Hearing's decades and had the first Christian publish- has been more Western looking, and I think regional manager for the Americas, speak- ing company. most of the Christian community is pleased ing in a news release. Faith Comes By There are now five such bookstores in that this is the way it has gone.’ Hearing's present Audio Bible catalogue the cities of Athens, Thessaloniki, Patra, Their staff is relieved because of Leb- now lists nearly 70 Amerindian languages Larissa and Volos. Local churches in the anon's turbulent history. ‘That there is peace available for ministry purposes. latter three cities have partnered with the in the country and that the losing side Faith Comes by Hearing said research stores in those cities. More churches are seems to be accepting the results is really a shows there are more than 6,800 languages available and willing to create partnerships wonderful thing for that country that's been spoken around the world, and half of the if financial resources become available. so divided’, Harder says. As for ministry, world's population is illiterate. Many of the customers who utilize the Harder urges continued prayer. ‘That's a Faith Comes By Hearing is working to bookstore in Patra are university students very good thing for all of the Christians and bring the Word of God to every nation, tribe who make use of the copy machines. They certainly for our operations there. It means and tongue. The ministry said it is coming ask questions about the literature they see that Lebanon is remaining peaceful. At closer to its goal of recording the New and often encounter Christ for the first time least, that's the way it appears at this point.’ Testament in 2,000 languages and imple- because of the Christian workers they meet. More Audio Bibles For Global, Native menting two million Bible listening groups In Larissa, the bookstore ministry also Peoples by the year 2016. When accomplished, the serves as a distribution centre for Christian FAITH Comes By Hearing, an Audio Bible Audio Bibles in those languages will reach literature in the Albanian language – a min- ministry, recently released Audio Bibles in the majority of the world's speakers. istry conducted in partnership with seven more languages. These seven new Faith Comes By Hearing now has 439 Operation Mobilization. Audio Bibles represent more than 530 mil- Audio Scripture recordings available in 371 – Mission Network News via HCJB NEW LIFE – 25 June 2009 – Page Eleven DIGGING AND DELVING ... Evidence For The Defence Of The Faith DR Vern Heazlewood, Chairman for 3. Long Living Kings at Kish (Sumerian) – of all Egypt' – a plural word mizraim – the the dedication of the Mueller College supposedly they lived from 10,000 to 'im' shows it is masculine plural Performing Art Centre, commended 64,000 years – but these figures were later (Genesis 45.8). This includes north and amended so that the total was only about south Egypt. and thanked Drs Clifford and 200 years different from that of the Bible. 2. Joseph's installation as Vizier (Chief Barbara Wilson for the provision of a The Bible record is conservative and is the Minister) is very similar to other recorded large number of archaeological repli- true account – Babylonian and other tradi- ceremonies, and his new name is known - cas which consistently show the his- tions were embellished and were unaccept- 'Zaphnath-Paaneah' – is 'Head of the torical relevance of archaeology to able to right thinking people. Sacred College' (Genesis 41.41-45). B. Genesis Chapters 11 to 36: Patriarchal 3. Dead Sea Scrolls make Genesis 46.27 to the Bible records. These were sup- records with special reference to Abraham, be 75 descendants of Abraham, not 70, ported by many pictures of on-site Father of the Hebrews. The Bible was right, thus correcting a scribal error: Stephen's locations where archaeology has and the critics were clearly wrong about the figure was right (Acts 7.14). been found to touch the Scriptures Hittites being known so early. D. Exodus to Deuteronomy: These four or to illustrate events and even such Three Major Evidences books of the Pentateuch were written by 1. Abraham's home city of Ur excavated by Moses, and probably at times in consulta- seemingly unimportant titles of both Sir Leonard Woolley, with surprising evi- tion with Aaron (priestly) and Joshua (mili- friends and enemies of Israel. dence of near-luxury. (There was another tary). This is a major exhibition on the 4th northern 'Ur' mentioned in the Ebla Tablets. Three Major Evidences Floor foyer and there were many favourable Woolley's 'Ur' was Abraham's city.) 1. The Law of Moses – genuinely written comments as to their value for a college 2. Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. against his background, and greatly superi- and church community such as that of Despite hostile criticisms, all five 'cities of or to other known Laws such as of Hamm- Mueller. the plain' (Genesis 19) are referred to in the urabi King of Babylon and Eshnunna (1900 Dr Clifford Wilson told the large group of same order in the Ebla Tablets, which date BC). Covenant forms are endorsed as a assembled people how these replicas had to about 2200 BC thus preceding Abraham. unity, and from the middle of second millen- been collected over many years and con- It is believed the cities have now been iden- nium BC (the time of Moses). cluded with the comment that Christians tified on the Jordan side of the Dead Sea. 2. Ten plague-judgments against Egypt’s can rejoice at the way archaeology has sup- (Some scholars believe they were under the leading gods (Exodus 12:12). ported the Scriptures. southern part of the Dead Sea.) 3. Ethical concepts are not too early for Each box reflects one period of Scrip- 3. Abraham's negotiations with Hittites. Moses, despite earlier hyper-criticism. (Ebla ture and has a photograph and description (Genesis 23) include Hittite words and fol- tablets (ancient Syria) pre-date Moses and, of each item alongside the box. Each year low known forms of such Hittite transac- e.g., include penalties against rape.) the school is planning to rotate these and tions. E. Joshua to Saul: the conquest, Judges, many other similar items and integrate the C. Genesis Chapters 37 to 50: Especially and the early kingdom. The 'Cup of Iniquity' exhibition into the curriculum. What follows about Joseph in Egypt. Egyptianisms and of the Canaanites was full – their evil prac- is a survey of the first portion of this display. local colour are plentiful throughout the tices were shown by excavations. Of The Bible And Notes,Then Three record eg the first Bible reference to the Three Major Evidences Major Evidences horse (47.17), the methods of embalming 1. Deities such as Baal, Asherah and A. Genesis 1-11. This is the 'Seed-plot of the dead and other burial practices as with Dagan are properly identified, with the right the Bible'; doctrines – God, Creator, De- Jacob and Joseph (50.2,3,26). people. signer, Friend, Grieving Father, Judge, Re- Three Major Evidences 2. City-states are identified – eg Hazor as deemer, Restorer, Covenanter, Sustainer, 1. Known Egyptian titles such as 'Captain of ‘the head of those kingdoms' (Joshua God in Jesus, Real history, Beginnings. the Guard' (Genesis 39.1), 'overseer' (39.4), 11.10). The excavation of Hazor corroborat- Three Major Evidences 'chief of the butlers' and 'chief of the bakers' ed its great size. 1. Enuma Elish – Babylonian Creation Rec- (40.2), 'Father to the Pharaoh' (actually 3. Saul's head and armour were put in two ord, and also Ebla Creation Tablet. The 'Father to the gods' which to Joseph was temples at Beth-Shan. Both Philistine and Bible record is clearly superior. It is the orig- blasphemy as he could not accept that Canaanite temples were found - the Bible inal. Pharaoh was a manifestation of Ra the Sun record was endorsed when that seemed 2. Epic of Gilgamesh – includes the Baby- God – Joseph Hebraised the title, and so unlikely. (I Samuel 31:9, 10 and I Chronicles lonian flood story. Again, the Bible record is did not dishonour the true God), 'Lord of 10:10.) greatly superior ... and is the original. Pharaoh's House' (the palace), and 'Ruler To be continued. Page Twelve – 25 June 2009 – NEW LIFE FAITH SHIP BEGINS THE JOURNEY ... World's Largest Floating Book Fair Opens in London – LOGOS HOPE Gets Down To Work By Peter Wooding, ASSIST News Service more possibilities and more same time. Tens of thousands have made crew to meet the visitors is re-commitments of their lives on the ship. really exciting.’ Many have come to Christ in the first place. Graham Jack, leader of ‘Many ministries trace their birth back to Public Ministries for Logos someone coming on the ship, usually the Hope, says visitors are founder. We of course want to impact the already experiencing the church to do more missions. That's one of presence of God as they the strongest parts of our DNA. Evangelism come on board for the first is there, discipleship and leadership training time: ‘We have some unique is there as well as mission mobilization. It's Logos Hope docked in London. connection places particular- all going on at once. Of course with a staff Logos Hope has docked in South Quay, ly with our visitor experience and we're and crew of 350 when we sail into a port London. Having received tens of thousands hearing great stories coming out of this par- you can imagine what can happen through of visitors in Edinburgh, Belfast and Cardiff, ticular deck, of people who've come on prayer.’ the crew of this unique vessel, run by Oper- board. Logos Hope is staffed by an all-volun- ation Mobilization, are now welcoming the ‘They've got their first Bible in their own teer crew of 350 – even the captain and offi- public from the country's capital on board. language. People have come on board and cers receive no salary. All those serve on During a special ceremony on the ship, just sensed God's presence. Our shipping board as a practical expression of their Deputy Mayor of London Richard Barnes agent here even said “there's something dif- Christian faith. The crew are also very inter- cut the ribbon to officially open the book fair ferent about this ship. I don't get this actual national, representing over 40 countries. to visitors of the ship that has 350 volunteer sense of peace on any other ship I go on”. Besides exploring the book fair, visitors to crew from more than 40 nations. ‘The mes- Also many people are experiencing the real- the ship will have an opportunity to meet sage you give is an inspiration, that we shall ity of God in their lives for the first time.’ crew members, experience their many cul- understand each other through learning,’ he The newly created Logos Hope Experi- tures and learn how they bring knowledge, told the gathered crew, guests and invited ence (converted from the original ferry's car help and hope to the people of the world. VIPs. area into two separate decks) will hold up to For more details go to: For Logos Hope Captain Dirk Colen- 1,000 visitors at any time, with capacity to www.hopestartshere.info brander from the Netherlands, serving on host an additional 700 in the board is the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition Hope Theatre and Logos Lounge. since he visited the original Logos as a Almost 500 crew and guests can young boy and determined that someday he be accommodated in the ship's would serve as an officer on one of OM's 200 cabins, with better facilities ships. and spaces for catering, health ‘We’ve had some great experiences services and schooling. already going through the ports in Europe George Verwer says the and knowing the other countries where we greatest strength of the Logos will go will attract a much greater interest,’ Hope is its multiple uses: ‘The explained Dirk. ‘On our other ships we also thing that makes the ship such a saw long lines of people wanting to come winner is the multiple, different George Verwer on deck. on board, and having a bigger ship with things that are all going on at the

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NEW LIFE – 25 June 2009 – Page Thirteen FROM ALL QUARTERS ... Insight For Living Dedicates New Australian Office ON the evening of Friday 5 June many peo- and is accessible by 60% of the world’s video mes- ple gathered at the Insight For Living offices population. sage espe- to thank God for and dedicate their new IFL started in Australia in 1987 in a cially premises to His work. The office had been garage in Mitcham (Vic) and then moved to recorded for the occasion. He thanked all of located in the Outer Eastern Melbourne offices in Blackburn (Vic), Bayswater (Vic) those who pray and give to the ministry as suburb of Bayswater, but due to the expan- and now Boronia (Vic). well as the staff and volunteers who serve sion of the business of the owners of the Another board member, Malcolm Gill, so diligently. premises a new site was needed. then brought the dedication address and Joy Solberger closed the dedication Peter Tyrell, the Executive Director of prayer. He spoke from Joshua 4 regarding service in prayer. Afterwards everyone was IFL, welcomed everyone and introduced the the building of the memorial to remind the free to stay, take another look around and staff and board members. Everyone was people how the Lord dried up the Jordan so talk to staff and board members about the then free to have a chat and look over the they could cross. ministry. new offices. Bill Watson, Vice Chair of the Malcolm reminded those present to look The new contact details for Insight For Insight for Living Board, started the official back and thank God for what He has al- Living are: 2/280 Dorset Rd, Boronia Vic proceedings with the history of IFL, which ready done as well as what He will do. 3155 (PO Box 443 Boronia Vic 3155). started in the USA in 1979 and is now Although Chuck Swindoll, the founder of Phone: 1300 467 444, fax: 1300 903 900. broadcast in 16 languages on 2,100 outlets IFL could not be there, he sent along a – Alison King Upcoming Events: ‘Fire On The Mountain’ 2009 Dale on 07 5545 2041 or visit keen to learn about Christian leadership. FIRE On The Mountain is a weekend con- www.fireonthemountain.org.au Keynote speakers for Leaders Forum 09 ference organised with the purpose of see- Christian Worldview Monthly Forum are Tony Campolo and John Ashmen. ing God’s will worked out in every area of REV Hon Fred Nile MLC will host Chuck Dr Anthony Campolo is a speaker, our lives – the straight-forward and the not- Missler speaking on the subject: Global author, sociologist, pastor, social activist, so-straight-forward. Unrest and the Bible on Wednesday 1 July and passionate follower of Jesus! This year a seminar leader, Rev Roger at 12 Noon in the Theatrette at NSW John Ashmen is CEO of the Association Marsh, will be looking at the issue of self Parliament House, Macquarie St, Sydney. of Gospel Rescue Missions, an author and esteem. Every day we deal with this issue The cost is $10 per person (includes after- eagerly sought after speaker. in a world contaminated by sin and selfish noon tea). RSVP to judy.russell@parlia- Visit http://www.christianvenues.org.au ideas. What does God have to say about ment.nsw.gov.au or 02 9230 2478. For for further information and registration this? Seminar leader Dr Andrew Bain will more information contact Pastor Peter details. The Forum will be held from 2-4 also be addressing the relevance of the Rahme on 0418 249 989. August 2009 at the Collaroy Centre, Reformation to our lives as Christians today. Christian Venues Association Collaroy Beach NSW. The third seminar offered will be delivered Leaders Forum 09. Christian ministry requires good leader- by Rick Quinn, practising lawyer in PUT your leadership under the microscope. ship. Equip yourself and your Board by tak- Washington DC. He will be investigating the Be the Leader God has called you to be! ing part in this two day forum with Directors, claim that Christ is seen throughout all of Christian Venues Association presents its Managers and Board Members from Chris- Scripture. 2009 Leaders’ Forum. tian Venues Association Centres and other Main talks will be given by accomplished This conference is for Pastors, CEO’s Christian Ministries in Australia and New theologian Dr Henry Krabbendam. and Management of Christian ministries, Zealand. Program commences with regis- For more information contact Charissa Board Members, Denominational leaders, tration from 5pm on Sunday and concludes Campbell, phone 07 5545 0404, or Kim Principals, School Executive Staff & anyone with lunch at 1pm on Tuesday.

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Page Fourteen – 25 June 2009 – NEW LIFE FOR THE YOUNG ONES:

NEW LIFE – 25 June 2009 – Page Fifteen BOOKS WORTH READING

Desolate Beauty, Trudy Adams, Ark expressed through the experiences and House, North Sydney, NSW. reactions of those characters Trudy so TRUDY, at 22 years of age, has just clearly brings to life. launched this, her first book. My initial reac- The story is set in western New South tion when I was asked to review the book Wales where Elizabeth Hunter is struggling was one of surprise – but please read on! I with Year 12 at school and a family life that Christian concern for Elizabeth and her was surprised because there was no page is filled with turmoil. Perhaps more than older sister. There are unexpected adven- giving the table of contents, and the chap- anything else she is struggling with her own tures and unexpected relationships des- ters themselves had no titles. Probably the identity and rebelling against anyone who cribed. Trudy also gives us insight into the book would be enhanced if these typical seeks to help her. self-talk that Elizabeth hesitantly reveals as points of journalistic expression were used, Other important areas touched on in- the story unfolds. The Holy Spirit was nudg- but as I read the book I was increasingly clude peer group pressure, bullying, shame, ing her even then and touching the very impressed and no longer noticed the omis- fear, rebellion, the results of wrong deci- depth of her being. sion of chapter headings. sions, economic struggle and drought. You will need to read the book to see Put briefly, this is a moving book that Nevertheless, her aunt out on her how it all works out. helps us see issues facing teenagers today drought-stricken farm shows a very caring – Barbara Wilson John Calvin And His Passion For The Institutes of the Christian Religion. As a ample, based upon Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, Majesty Of God, John Piper, IVP, 2009. succinct summary in crystal clear prose of he shows where faith can find support, and JOHN Piper has written more than 40 the fundamental truths of Christianity it is discusses God’s providential dealings with books and needs no introduction to the unsurpassed. us. We need to humbly recognise the gifts Christian reader, but the man about whom Calvin explains that the unregenerate and blessings God bestows on others so as he writes perhaps does, for John Calvin is person sins freely and gladly, but has no to preserve Christian unity and give glory to not as well known, and certainly not as well natural ability to do good or to turn to God – God. Likewise, the words of Simeon show understood, as he should be. In terms of his which is what Calvin means when he de- what should be the believer’s attitude to devotion to Christ, grasp of the truth of the nies what is commonly called ‘freewill’. The death. Faith, and his efforts to explain and spread first chapter, therefore, discusses our lost- Calvin’s doctrine of assurance, wherein that truth through preaching, pastoring and ness and our utter inability to help our- the Holy Spirit convinces us of God’s love writing, Calvin is one of the greatest Chris- selves. The second chapter expounds the for us, comes through strongly in his ser- tians who ever lived, yet few men have law of God as a righteous standard that mons. Calvin shows that it is the assurance been more spoken against and slandered. condemns us and shows us, therefore, our of God’s favour that sustains the believer in John Piper seeks to set the record straight. need for Christ as Saviour. In chapter three, times of trouble and empowers Christian Calvin’s zeal for the glory of God is his Calvin urges believers to embrace the doc- service. dominating trait, and this is what is conspic- trine of predestination as a comforting truth, The clarity of Calvin’s gospel preaching uously absent from much of modern evan- for it gives the certainty that everyone who is impressive, for he allows no element of gelicalism with its self-focus and self-promo- trusts in Christ will undoubtedly be saved. human merit to make any contribution to tion. Passion for the majesty of God runs Already at age 29, the young Calvin our salvation, nor does he allow any diminu- like a thread though Calvin’s life and ex- showed himself to be a clear thinker, an ac- tion of God’s glory. There is a healthy real- plains everything he did and wrote. It is the complished theologian and an effective ism about the Christianity preached by Cal- explanation behind his punishing program teacher of ordinary Christians. Small won- vin: ‘although Christ brings us spiritual joy, of preaching almost every day of the week der that believers around the world this year we will not be exempt from trouble and sad- for many years and of his commitment to are celebrating the 500th anniversary of the ness’. How refreshingly different is his sequential expository preaching through birth of this faithful and gifted man of God. preaching from that of many popular pulpits whole books of the Bible. Songs Of The Nativity: Selected Ser- today, when he declares (on the basis of Let me encourage you to make use of mons On Luke 1 & 2, John Calvin, Luke 2.35): ‘the purpose of Christ’s coming this brief publication to re-examine your Banner of Truth, 2008. was not to deliver us from all earthly strife, estimation of John Calvin, who deserves the ROBERT White has already translated cares and dangers’. As noted by Calvin, a admiration of every lover of Scripture and of Calvin’s Sermons on the Beatitudes (Ban- person’s true nature is revealed by their re- all who are zealous for God’s glory. ner of Truth, 2007), and we are again in his sponse to ospel preaching and to persecu- Truth For All Time: A Brief Outline Of The debt for making available to readers of tion. Calvin, in one way or another, continu- Christian Faith, John Calvin, Banner of English 14 sermons by Calvin on the canti- ally proclaimed the Gospel and never min- Truth, 2008. cles in Luke 1 and 2. In a 13-page introduc- imised the difficulties and sufferings that are THIS pocket-sized book is Calvin’s attempt tion, White explains the origin of and back- regular features of Christian life and service. to provide a brief and clear introduction to ground to the sermons that date between We will never find a better model of the Christian faith for the ordinary people of October 1559 and March 1560. faithful and effective preaching than that of his day. It is translated from the French by The lessons Calvin draws are never John Calvin, and through this book of ser- Stuart Olyott, being a 1537 summary by the mere theological niceties, but matters cen- mons, he continues to edify the Church of 29-year-old Calvin of the first edition of his tral to Christian faith and practice. For ex- Jesus Christ. – Greg Goswell Page Sixteen – 25 June 2009 – NEW LIFE THINKING THINGS THROUGH ... Immoral Moralism THE well-publicised rugby league scandal ing the Lord, we know what to do, how to It is simply with regard to players involved in group sex behave, what constitutes what is right and ‘right’ that children has provided an insight into how modern what constitutes what is wrong. obey their parents secular Australia views issues of sexual In the recent scandal, there have been (6.1), and bless- morality. Almost all expressed some kind of appeals to ethics based on supposed ing will come of it outrage, either at the players or at those progress, self-interest, cover-ups, and mutu- (6.3). Ultimately, who were outraged at the players. al pleasure. The whole thing has been a we shall all appear before the Lord in the Peter FitzSimons has long prophesied shambles. judgment, and there is no partiality with Him regarding those involved in rugby league: ‘If (6.5-9). Paul declares: ‘we aim at what is they carry on as if it were 30 years ago, honourable not only in the Lord’s sight but then the 21st Century will shut them down.’ Worldly moralism is also in the sight of man’ (2 Corinthians According to FitzSimons, we are moving bereft of truth and 8.21). out of the Neanderthal age of the late 20th power. It is the God appeals to the total person, and His Century (when men did not respect women) God of the Bible claims upon us are powerful and convinc- into the age of universal enlightenment in ing. The world can only appeal to part of the the 21st Century (when, enlightened by who reveals to us truth, and its claims are weak and embar- feminism, men will respect women) – a what is right and rassing. common though not entirely convincing wrong, and gives us There is some overlap, of course. The view of history and ethics. husband is to love his wife as his own body Even worse was the analysis of one pro- the standard by because he who does so loves himself and fessional footballer who suggested that which we are able contributes to his own welfare (Ephesians much of the trouble could have been avoid- to judge all other 5.28,29). ed if the players had put the woman in a The world has some limited capacity to cab afterwards and thanked her instead of standards. Most judge right and wrong, but the operative slinking off. His conclusion was: ‘It’s how importantly, we are word is ‘limited’. When the pressure is on, it you treat them afterwards that covers a lot able to judge our­ becomes every man for himself. Human of that stuff up.’ It is difficult to respond to selves, and see beings are inherently moralistic. We think in insensitivity as hard-core as that, except to terms of right and wrong. point out that there are those of whom the clearly our need Even when we are wrong, we will seek Scripture speaks who have their con- for grace. to cloak that with the vocabulary of what is sciences ‘seared’ (1 Timothy 4.2). right. We do not lose our tempers, we stand Yet more disturbing, and ultimately more up for our rights; we do not engage in sexu- ludicrous precisely because it has the As T. S. Eliot commented: ‘Human kind al impurity, we show our sexual maturity; we appearance of being more intelligent, was cannot bear very much reality.’ Even more do not steal, we only take what is rightfully the suggestion of Adele Horin, who agreed to the point is Thomas Mann: ‘Tolerance ours; and we are not selfish, we are only with an American expert on date rape, becomes a crime when applied to evil.’ looking after number one. Professor Mary Koss, that anything is allow- How different is God’s Word! As Nehe- Yet worldly moralism is bereft of truth able provided there is mutual pleasure. miah sought to stop the oppression of the and power. It is the God of the Bible who The response to the whole sordid epi- poor in Jerusalem, he appealed to con- reveals to us what is right and wrong, and sode was almost as sordid as the episode science (Nehemiah 5.9a, ‘The thing that you gives us the standard by which we are able itself. Human beings are inherently moralis- are doing is not good’), to the fear of God to judge all other standards. Most important- tic, but not inherently moral. To those with (Nehemiah 5.9b), and to Israel’s testimony ly, we are able to judge ourselves, and see eyes to see, we are surely living in a culture before a watching world (Nehemiah 5.9c). clearly our need for grace. which has no clear way of answering the In Ephesians, Paul can appeal to Chris- – Peter Barnes, Minister, question: ‘What is right and wrong?’ The tians on the grounds that we are members Revesby Presbyterian Church, Sydney Bible’s answer is clear: ‘sin is lawlessness’ one of another (4.25), that we do not want (1 John 3.4). to give an opportunity to the devil (4.27), Donations Make A God has made His law known. When we that we do not want to grieve the Holy Spirit Difference! break that law, that is sin. Hence, when God (4.30), and that God has forgiven us in told Israel what to do and what not to do in Christ (4.32). We will want to imitate God in Call Alison On the Promised Land, He punctuated His Christ (5.1,2) who gave Himself for His peo- 03 9890 3377 commandments with the oft-repeated state- ple (5.25-27), bearing in mind always that To Donate And Help Extend ment: ‘I am the Lord’ (Leviticus 19.4,10,11, ‘the wrath of God comes upon the sons of And Maintain Our Ministry! 14,16,18,25,28,30,31,32,34,36,37). In know- disobedience’ (5.6). NEW LIFE – 25 June 2009 – Page Seventeen LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dangers Of Mah Jong I have a copy of a testimony in a A GROWING number of Christians are Christian magazine of a Chinese lady who involved in playing the game Mah Jong. On could not stop playing the game before making inquiry to a fellow Christian worker becoming a Christian. She was totally the letter below is his reply. I’m wondering if hooked. But when she became a Christian others familiar with Mah Jong can offer the bind was instantly broken and she never information or insight into the game and returned to it. whether it is a game Christians should be Hope this explanation helps, getting into or steering clear of? Yours in His bonds, Ian in humanities at Griffith University called for Ron Tibbey, Mill Park Vic a total ban on alcohol ads, across the board Dear Ron, In Defence Of Senator Fielding tax hikes and health warnings on all alcohol Mah Jong is traditionally a Chinese game The Australian Constitution requires the products and the heavy subsidisation of but spreading to many of other nationalities. government to present their taxing propos- non-alcoholic beverages in pubs and clubs For the Chinese, Mah Jong always has als to the Senate, which is the House of to make a sober and safe night out a cheap gambling attached to it, and the game Parliament designed to review proposed and attractive option (Courier-Mail 28/4/09). becomes like a drug. It seems to grip – and government legislation. If even a fraction of the above things come people have been known to play it for 48 The present government was acting ille- to pass then Senator Fielding is to be con- hours with no rest. Indeed if you interrupt gally by not doing so and collecting taxes gratulated, not condemned. anyone playing a game of Mah Jong you on Alco pop sales. Obviously they expected It is true that if the same legislation is could be extremely unpopular. the Senate to rubber-stamp this illegal rejected a second time in the Senate, there I remember a group sitting and playing a behaviour, thus setting a very dangerous can be a double dissolution of parliament game – four people using the square table precedent. Whether he realised it or not, followed by a general election for both – on the stair-well of a block of flats in Senator Fielding has nipped this dangerous houses, but that is not mandatory. That Sandakan. They never seemed to move! precedent to usurp power in the bud, at option would be a political gamble that the So the main problems are the factors of least for the time being. present prime minister may or may not gambling, addiction and time consumption. As a result of Senator Fielding’s action, choose to take. It is a totally wasteful exercise for non-Christian commentators are calling for V.A. Wigzell Christians. a range of reforms. For instance, a lecturer Alexandra Hills (Qld0 With Christ – Marjorie Dewe Vines (nee Squires) BORN Marjorie Dewe Squires in Bluff, the they stayed for three years during which dwindle and they knew they wouldn’t be tol- southern tip of the South Island of New time they had two children, Geof and erated any more. They were granted a per- Zealand, Marj was the second youngest of Doralle. mit to leave and after a number of prob- nine children. In 1944 the family was forced to flee lems, including Reg having to kow-tow to After leaving school, Marj went nursing advancing columns of Japanese soldiers by officials, they were allowed to leave. and then felt the call of God to missionary travelling about 190 miles on foot along hill- They travelled through southern China work in China. In December 1935 at the side tracks. They had their two young chil- by train and arrived in Hong Kong in 1950. age of 24 she went to Wei Hai Wei in dren with them and for some of the walking Despite all the hardships they had endured Shandung (North China). In Beijing she Marj, Geof and Doralle were carried in a the Vines elected to continue their work as studied the Chinese language. After com- sedan chair by some coolies. They boarded missionaries going to Malaysia in 1951, and pleting her language course she travelled the last plane to fly out of China and then to Thailand in 1953. by bicycle or mule carts, into areas of North escaped to Calcutta in India. For a number of years they were left at China where many people had never seen On the ship taking them back to Aus- peace to do their work, but in 1970 Reg and a white face before. She practised her nurs- tralia they proved the power of prayer as Marj were both shot when they were am- ing skills and shared about Jesus. not one single torpedo was fired at them. bushed by insurgent guerrillas. While on the The Japanese army was rapidly invad- At the end of the war the Vines family main road driving south they were in a Land ing the coastal areas of the country. At one returned to China thinking the country would Rover very like the one owned by a local stage she was trapped in a mission house be peaceful. In 1948 Kelvin was born in official. They found out later the ambush dodging bullets as Japanese soldiers fired Kiukiang. In 1949 the communists moved was meant for the official. off their guns and searched for Chinese into their village. The communists just toler- Reg drove right through the ambush guerrillas. ated the Vines because they had a medical despite all the bullets flying around, setting Soon a romance between Marj and Reg dispensary. The communists could not use the petrol tank on fire. Marj was hit in the Vines blossomed and they were married in the medicines, but the Vines could. The abdomen, but didn’t feel it. Reg couldn’t 1940. Senior missionaries chose Reg and Vines were under house arrest for two take his foot off the accelerator, as part of Marj to trial an escape route south, skirting years. Reg was taken in for questioning his foot had been shot away. Finally Marj the Japanese army on the coast. They most weeks during this time. jumped out of the vehicle because her hair reached free China, Siushui in 1941 where Finally the medical supplies started to was starting to burn. (Continued p.19) Page Eighteen – 25 June 2009 – NEW LIFE BREAKPOINT ... CHUCK COLSON’S COMMENTS The President in Cairo – Islam and Religious Tolerance

SO, President Obama has given his much- saying ‘we respect you.’ Similarly, while the ordered the slaughter of its pigs – the only anticipated speech at Cairo University in President made the Treaty of Tripoli sound country to do so. Since Muslims don’t eat Egypt. The speech was eloquent, and pow- much more important than it really was, this pork, the effect was to further impoverish erfully given. The theme was ‘a new begin- was part of an effort to put his audience at the Coptic minority. As one Muslim ning’ in the relationship between the US and ease. Moroccan writer put it, ‘The Copts are vic- the Muslim world, and was well-received by But more troubling is what the President tims of the flu without ever having been its intended audience – building important had to say about Islam and religious toler- contaminated.’ bridges. ance. The President spoke of how Islam Why? Many Arab intellectuals – Muslims In it, the President spoke of the need to had demonstrated ‘through words and and Christians – believe it was to appease ‘speak the truth’ and avoid a ‘self-defeating deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance the Muslim Brotherhood, which opposes focus on the past.’ Well, on that score I wish ...’ raising pigs on ‘Islamic soil.’ Then again, that the President had taken his own words Well, it’s true that some Islamic societies they’re not crazy about raising Christians more to heart. have embodied the tolerance the President there, either. Copts are murdered and semi- The next morning, David Brooks of the spoke of. The 16th Century Mughal emper- naries are burned. The Egyptian govern- New York Times wrote that the President’s or Akbar was so renowned for his commit- ment’s response has been less than vigor- speech combined ‘idealism’ and ‘cunning,’ ment to tolerance and equality that he re- ous. and included ‘historical distortions, eloquent ceived a letter from Queen Elizabeth I of Now to be fair, if you are a Christian, appeals and strained moral equivalences.’ England telling him that reports of his there are much worse places to live in the Some of the President’s rhetoric was ‘humanity’ had reached her. Islamic world than Egypt. But what does simply flattery, as when the President said But folks, that was 400 years ago. Since that say about Islam and religious freedom that ‘Islamic culture has given us majestic then, you would be hard-pressed to find today? arches and soaring spires; timeless poetry another instance of this kind of genuine reli- ‘Speaking the truth’ means acknowledg- and cherished music; elegant calligraphy gious tolerance in the Islamic world. ing this reality. Avoiding what’s called a and places of peaceful contemplation.’ Take the President’s Egyptian hosts – ‘self-defeating focus on the past’ requires Well, I know from my own experience persecution of Egypt’s Christians, the acknowledging that Akbar has been dead that complimenting a person you’re trying to Copts, ranges from systematic harassment 400 years – and that it’s time for the Islamic win over is part of diplomacy. Acknowledg- to murder. An example of the former was world to demonstrate ‘tolerance’ in deeds, ing a society’s achievements is a way of Egypt’s response to the ‘swine flu’ scare: it not just words. And to demonstrate it today! Copyright (c) 2009 Prison Fellowship Ministries. Reprinted with permission. ‘Breakpoint With Chuck Colson’ is a radio ministry of Prison Fellowship Ministries. Prison Fellowship Australia National Office, PO Box 579, Eltham Vic 3095; Phone: 03 9431 3877; Fax: 03 9431 3830; email: [email protected] Marjorie Dewe Vines – From Gumption To Glory (Continued from p.18) could have gone up into her heart. she watched others go to Glory before her. As Marj jumped clear she felt like she was The Vines went back again to Thailand She was ready to go and didn’t want to live knocked to the ground by an invisible force. after the shooting and continued there until to 100. She was still as sharp as a tack. A shell smashed into the side of the Land retirement in 1978. Reg passed away in Reg spent 21 years in China and Marj Rover sending shrapnel splinters into her Brisbane in October 1991. 15 years. They both had three years in face. In October 1998 Marj moved into a room Malaysia and 25 years in Thailand. Geof, Locals helped Reg and Marj put the fire in the Hostel at Bethany Riverside and was Doralle and Kelvin spent six years at school out on the vehicle. A passing truck took Reg later transferred to her room in Beth Lomon in India. to hospital. Marj, who still didn’t realise she at Eight Mile Plains. One week before she ‘Charm is deceitful and was bleeding from her abdomen wound, passed way, she was moved into a High beauty is vain, was left behind to guard the luggage. Later Care room in Beth Tappuah. in hospital, doctors found a bullet had Marj passed away on Monday 6 April but a woman who fears deflected off a rug she had knotted around 2009. She made and cemented many the Lord is to be praised.’ her waist and gone into her abdomen. If she friendships during this time at Bethany/The had not been wearing the rug the bullet Plains, and it was with great sadness that (Proverbs 31.30) NEW LIFE – 25 June 2009 – Page Nineteen HOLIDAY GUIDE (UK) NEW LIFE ADVERTISING

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Page Twenty Two – 25 June 2009 – NEW LIFE ‘WITH CHRIST’ A Rabbi Who Found The True Messiah

Rabbi Harold Vallins, 6-4-41 to 2-6-09. After completing his studies Harold of Jesus the Jew’. His decision placed great HAROLD Vallins was born the elder of the worked with the Jewish Blind Society as a strains on many of his relationships. As a two sons of Eve and Percy Cohen. His par- social worker and established himself as result the synagogue dissolved and his mar- ents had lived in London but this was the outstanding in this field. From there he was riage ended. Harold felt the separation time of the blitz and so they moved to appointed to St George’s Settlement deeply and missed his young children, to Wales where the boys were born and Synagogue in London’s East End. It was whom he now had only limited access. where, tragically, Percy died. during that time that he met and married his Harold began to undertake a wide rang- In 1945 the family returned to London first wife Naomi. ing ministry among Christian churches, and Harold carried lifelong memories of In 1981 the family moved to Melbourne, around Australia and abroad, to help them sheltering in the London underground rail now with two children, Daniel and Nina, understand the Jewish roots of their faith system during bombing raids. where Harold was appointed the rabbi of and to tell his own story of discovering Later his mother married Sam Vallins the Bentleigh Progressive Synagogue Jesus as his Messiah. For a time he served with whom she had a daughter. Although where he became a well known community as a staff member of Beth HaMashiach, a the boys took the Vallins name, their rela- figure, much loved by many. messianic congregation in Caulfield, Vic. tionship with their step-father was very diffi- But his controversial approach to a num- He undertook studies at Tabor College cult. Eventually the marriage ended. ber of issues was one of the causes for his and along the way set up a gardening busi- Harold left school in his mid-teens and forming a breakaway synagogue in the mid ness. worked for a while as the odd jobs boy for 1990s. It met in Gardenvale and shared In recent years Harold became an inte- the Jewish News, and did some shoe facilities with the Cheltenham Church of gral part of Grace Court, a Christian designing. Christ. Some years after his first marriage Brethren complex and fulfilled a number of But Harold found his real calling in life ended, Harold married Johanne, the mother roles there as manager, gardener and ‘in- when, under the influence of the charismatic of his two younger children, Akiva and house’ pastor and mentor. rabbi, Dov Marmur, he became very Shiree. Harold is survived by his mother Eve involved in a Jewish Youth Group During a visit to the National Prayer and step sister Marion (UK), his brother Movement, which led him to enter the Leo Breakfast in the US in 1998 Harold took the Michael (USA), Marion and his four chil- Baeck Rabbinic College. momentous decision to become a ‘follower dren.

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NEW LIFE – 25 June 2009 – Page Twenty Three ‘NEW LIFE’ – AUSTRALIA’S CHRISTIAN NEWSPAPER The Silent Tragedy In Africa ‘EVEN in countries where obstetric fistula is common, many in the general public remain unaware of its cause and therefore its prevention. It really is a silent tragedy.’ Those are the words of Brisbane uro- gynaecologist, Dr Hannah Krause, who has returned from West Africa again as a vol- unteer with Mercy Ships performing correc- tive surgery on a small number of the mil- lions of women still suffering silently. ‘Over the past 14 years I have made several trips to Africa, and first became aware of obstetric fistula while working as a resident doctor in a rural hospital. Women came to the hospital as a result of obstructed labour during childbirth. Babies were stillborn, and the mother sustained a fistula. The big problem is that many such women are shunned by family and their community and are forced to become out- Most have lost a child in labour and the fis- viders who bill Mercy Ships for former casts, hidden away with their shame.’ tula caused by the long labour causes patients. In an effort to build fistula surgeon After seeing the problems faced by them to leak urine and/or faeces continu- capacity in West Africa, Mercy Ships also African women, Dr Krause received train- ously. Some of the women we see have provides training for local surgeons inter- ing at the now famous Addis Ababa fistula developed this injury only recently and are ested in contributing to the treatment of hospital (‘The Hospital By The River’). still grieving over the loss of the baby. But obstetric fistula in Africa.’ Since then she has returned to West Africa most of those we see have had their fistula Mercy Ships is an international Chris- to perform fistula surgery and to train local for years … some for more than 30 or 40 tian charity that has operated hospital surgeons in the procedure. Her most re- years. It’s remarkable how such women ships in developing nations since 1978. cent time was spent in Benin on board the have survived life despite the extreme Following the example of Jesus, Mercy hospital ship Africa Mercy, operated by adversity,’ she concludes. Ships brings hope and healing to the poor, Mercy Ships. ‘As with most of my visits to ‘Mercy Ships provides free corrective mobilizing people and resources world- West Africa, I go for a short time – usually surgery for obstetric fistula patients on wide. Mercy Ships offers a range of health a few weeks – arrive, work hard, then board the Africa Mercy, currently on and community development services free leave. So I don’t often get to see much of assignment to Benin, as well as at a dedi- of charge. Working in partnership with local the country apart from during my days off. cated fistula centre in Sierra Leone where people, Mercy Ships empowers communi- What I do see, however, is always very Mercy Ships works in partnership with ties to help themselves. The result is a way confronting. The level of poverty and suf- another organisation. Patients also have out of poverty. fering is heart-breaking. opportunities to learn about community and The emphasis is on the needs of the ‘I have a lot of compassion for these maternal health, while other programs seek world’s poorest nations in West Africa, women. I try to help by visiting various fis- to increase awareness of the plight of where the hospital ship Africa Mercy pro- tula centres, usually in Africa, to perform women with fistulas. When a patient is dis- vides the platform for services extending surgery. I usually go about twice a year for charged there is a time of great rejoicing. up to ten months at a time. Mercy Ships a few weeks each time during my holidays. Each woman receives a new dress in the works on land-based projects in Sierra It is hard work, but the results are so fabric of her choice, signifying a new begin- Leone in partnership with other organisa- worthwhile when you see women’s lives ning, while dancing and singing reflect the tions, while teams also work in several restored. My patients are so amazing and change. nations of Central America and the resilient. I learn so much from them. God ‘Discharge teaching includes instruc- Caribbean. has given me my skills and training, en- tions about sexual intercourse, family plan- There are 14 support offices around the abling me to do this work. When I operate ning and the need to have caesarean deliv- world, including the Australian office on the I pray that these women will be healed ery for subsequent pregnancies to reduce Queensland Sunshine Coast. physically, spiritually and emotionally. The the risk of recurrence. Provision for C-sec- Go to www.mercyships.org.au for fur- fistula women have very tragic life stories. tion surgeries is arranged with local pro- ther details. Page Twenty Four – 25 June 2009 – NEW LIFE