theadvocate.tv May 2012

In conversation “We want to help set up leaders for Audrey Assad has just released her the long haul.” Julian Dunham Page 7 new album Heart. PAGE 12 >>

3 YouthCARE praise West Australian Premier Colin Barnett praised YouthCARE recently >>

5 Beat helps youth Young adults participate in a group lesson during the Unearthed gathering >> Photo: Simone Jubb Channel 7’s Greenfingers presenter Tod Johnston with Carey Baptist College students playing in the garden of their new outdoor learning centre. Carey grows future 7 Passion in Perth Perth enjoyed the UK-based Students at Carey Baptist College have a new for the Greenfingers team to build executive producer Trevor production of The Passion outdoor learning centre after the team from a sustainability classroom came Cochrane to highlight the of Christ 2012 on the Easter up, the College was only too features of the garden and learn weekend Channel 7’s Greenfingers program built a >> happy to be involved. how to care for it. sustainability classroom at the College in “We’ve already got a strong Trevor devised the Harrisdale. sense of care for the environment sustainability classroom that we’ve really tried to instil in concept. The set-up mimics a be transformed into a fantastic the children over time,” Jennifer mini-ecosystem. It offers a wide Baptist Churches garden where our students will said. “We are committed to seeing variety of teaching opportunities Western Australia Over five days an area of 1,100 be able to get hands-on growing it become generational so that for students from numeracy to square metres of bare sand was and harvesting their own fruit, these children will grow up aware strategic planning. exists to build transformed into a vibrant garden vegetables, fish and eggs.” of the need to look after the The construction of the with 13 vegetable and herb During the construction planet and be sustainable in their sustainability classroom featured healthy churches. garden beds, an outdoor kitchen, of the garden students from practises.” in the new series of Greenfingers

rainwater tank, chicken coop, across the Primary School took on Channel 7 and in The West aquaponics systems and several part in filming sessions with Australian’s ‘Habitat’ liftout in fruit trees in an urban orchard. Greenfingers presenters Tod early April. BAPTIST CHURCHES Benches and tables completed Johnston and Renae Wauhop, We have been It is expected the garden WESTERN AUSTRALIA the area, allowing the garden getting their hands dirty helping truly blessed to will also act as a further point of to be truly used as an outdoor to plant seedlings and fruit trees. connection to the surrounding classroom. Building a garden that could have been given community. The College will “We have been truly blessed be a valuable teaching resource soon be launching a ‘Friends of to have been given this great has been a long-term dream this great garden. the Carey Garden’ group to assist garden,” said Primary School for the College which is already with the upkeep and long-term Principal Jennifer Argue. “It was involved in the Waterwise development of the garden. amazing that in only one week and Waste Wise sustainability Staff were given a special tour For more information visit a patch of grass and sand could programs. When the opportunity of the garden by Greenfingers www.carey.wa.edu.au. 2 my view

May 2012 Humility ­– just another virtue

Most of us think of humility as just another virtue — forgotten but when humility is lost. It’s not about self-loathing or much like patience, goodness, or kindness. It’s nice We grow least content not when dejected defeat. Rather, true and we appreciate it when we see it, but we rarely circumstances are tough but when humility comes when before God entitlement buries humility. we see ourselves as nothing, have discuss it and almost never pursue it. Yet, the Bible put aside self and let God be all. Let seems to indicate that humility may be the bedrock of God be all. Sounds simple enough, discipleship. but the striving and fruitlessness Marriages fail of our lives suggest that we find it easier to let God be some. Jesus humbled himself by that generates little attention, not when love The challenge of our day is becoming a man and submitting especially in a culture devoted to not to rise to the top but to live even to death. [Philippians 2: 5-8] achievement, recognition, status grows cold, faithfully among the least, because Mark Wilson He called His disciples to “deny and significance. But if pride is the but when pride of who He is. It will change Mark Wilson is the Director of yourself ... take up your cross ... be root of our fallenness [1 John 2: 16] everything; our homes, our Ministries for Baptist Churches last of all ... be slave of all” [Mark then humility paves the way to our trumps humility. families, our churches and our Western Australia. 8-10]. restoration. workplaces. James reminds us that “God Marriages fail not when love opposes the proud but gives grace grows cold, but when pride trumps to the humble” [James 4: 6]. humility. Churches experience Of course, our definition of It’s an old biblical theme conflict not when unity is humility makes all the difference.

On deadlines ...

Oops! Even as I am writing this column I have the world didn’t end that day, edition, remember that grace is already missed the deadline — so I’m writing in a though at the time I wished it alive and well and sometimes hurry. Blame it on the Easter weekend. I’ve no idea had! applies even to missed deadlines. Is it true that we should never Perhaps God can help you to find how we’re supposed to have days off without the put off until tomorrow what we it for some of your more notable schedule collapsing in a heap. Sigh ... can put off until the day after omissions ... tomorrow? Depends what the Now when students at Vose miss yet, and the universe has not decision is ... their assignment deadlines by ground to a halt. Then there is Time with the kids ... don’t two days, they lose 10 percent. the question of my ideal weight. I delay that. Time to forgive others Presuming you rate this as a 100 was supposed to be 10 kilograms ... why postpone that? Time to percent column (as I do!), you lighter before Easter 2010. Given pray ... Paul’s instruction to pray are entitled to grade this edition the ridiculously generous haul without ceasing suggests that we Dr Brian Harris down to a 90 percent. But are of chocolate I scored this Easter, should never have stopped in the Dr Brian Harris is the deadlines worth five percent a it could be January 2372 before first place. Principal of Vose Seminary day? that happens. But then there is Better get this off. If it only and Senior Pastor of Carey Some don’t matter at all. I 25 August 1984 when I set off for appears in the June edition, Community Baptist Church. committed to tidy my desk before work forgetting to wish my wife a you’ll know the reason why. But Christmas 2009. Hasn’t happened happy birthday. Now technically if you’re reading this in the May

Thought about the poor recently?

Do you ever get a sense of coming full circle? I garage. Possessions? Can’t keep number of families with children remember sitting in the Maida Vale Baptist Church moving them ... sell them, leave facing the same challenges. as a 14 year old troubled by verses in the Bible them with friends, or just leave How should we as things behind. Relationships? ... Christ followers respond? referring to Christ’s teaching on our response to the Stressed. Living? ... Can’t afford Complex problems require poor. More than 40 years later I am still confronted to buy sufficient food ... eat at multiple strategy responses. by this challenge. Who are the poor? least one meal a day from a soup Individuals need support and kitchen. Health? When very sick, encouragement; charitable find a street doctor; never see a organisations need donations If you are single, unemployed and empower people who are seen to dentist. And all the while trying of time and resources to ensure eligible for government assistance be the most in need within our to ensure you can front up for a food and other services are in Australia, you receive a community. We work with people job interview ready and able to available; the policy of non- payment of $34 per day as long as who are unemployed in many of convince an employer to take you indexation of Newstart Allowance Sue Ash you have almost exhausted any our programs. They tell us that on. needs to be changed and single Sue Ash is the Chief Executive savings or liquid assets. What is it the consequences of becoming While single people have unemployed people need an Officer of UnitingCare West. like to try live on $34 per day? unemployed are short and sharp. been the biggest group in the immediate increase on their $34 Our organisation was Rent? Can’t afford it ... start unemployed population, housing per day. established by the Uniting living with friends, sleeping on prices and job insecurity are Church to support, serve and other people’s couches or in their contributing to an increasing

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send us your letters Apology

In the April edition of The Advocate the incorrect version of an The Advocate welcomes your letters to the editor on topics of advertisement for Trinity Theological College was run. concern to you and the community. Send your letters of no more than 100 words to [email protected] by the 10th of each month. The Advocate apologises for this error. news 3

May 2012 Praise for YouthCARE

There are currently more than 500 chaplains in West Australian West Australian Premier, schools. More than 80 YouthCARE Colin Barnett, said 30 District Councils are the driving years of YouthCARE force in local communities to support and encourage school chaplaincy chaplaincy in local schools. was an “extraordinary During the last decade there achievement and has been exponential growth enormous credit to through State and Federal funding for school chaplaincy. YouthCARE” when he YouthCARE continues to addressed the group’s engage with WA’s changing celebration dinner in community, appointing the first March. two fly-in fly-out chaplains for remote community schools in the Pilbara and Kimberly regions. More than 500 chaplains, district In the past two years, council volunteers, church leaders YouthCARE has trained a team and YouthCARE supporters of 80 people as Pastoral Critical attended the event at Swanleigh in Incident Response Chaplains the Swan Valley. able to be sent at short notice to Stanley Jeyaraj, CEO of communities overwhelmed by E

YouthCARE, presented Glenys events such as major bushfires. R A McKinnon from Lakeside Baptist YouthCARE recently appointed Church with flowers in honour a Sudanese pastor as a support of her recent retirement after 24 chaplain to a number of high-

years service as a chaplain in local need schools in Perth’s northern YouthC Photo: schools. suburbs. West Australian Premier Colin Barnett addresses guests at the YouthCARE’s celebration dinner in March.

Teachers build community Broadcaster seeks help Social historian and ABC Radio National “I just think we need to broadcaster Bill Bunbury, interviewed Marc build strong bridges with our Chan, Baptist Churches Western Australia An initiative from Quinns Baptist College new student’s families, and one way Cross Cultural and Indigenous Ministries Principal, Tel Williams, has seen parents receive to do that is to talk together. It’s also good for students to Consultant recently. more phone calls than usual from teaching staff know that their teachers notice this year. their hard work and consistent Katanning community and behaviour. Affirmation is a make a unique contribution to Mr Williams is encouraging all Mr Williams has received a powerful thing. It can change an Bill interviewed Marc as part of the area. of his teaching staff to phone number of emails and return entire community,” Mr Williams a program he produced about The program aired on 21 up to three pupils’ parents a phone calls from parents explains. the development of the multi- April. A podcast is available on week with good news about the applauding the school’s “Another thing I’ve noticed cultural community of the WA the ABC radio website. students. initiative. personally is that it’s easier to south-west town of Katanning. For more information visit “We’re nowhere near reaching For some of the teachers phone a parent when there is a Bill Bunbury said Marc’s www.abc.net.au/radio. the goal yet, but the response has this was a new type of phone problem if you already have a insights were crucial to been astounding,” Mr Williams conversation. Most teachers relationship with them.” understanding how immigrant, said. “It seems parents don’t get only get to talk with parents ethnic groups like the Karen too many phone calls affirming when a student is in some people had been able to their children’s attitudes and sort of trouble or at a parent- fully engage with the local work at school.” teacher conference.

Share Your Will Power

‘preparing people for effective Christian service’ Thinking about your Will? Call 1300 789 991 or visit baptistworldaid.org.au/ OPEN DAY bequests for a copy of th Saturday 19 May Baptist World Aid

Australia’s ‘Guide to Come and taste life at College —all are welcome! Wills and Bequests’ Hear our ethos and purpose, experience mini-lectures, meet students and staff, see the College, ask your questions

632-634 Newcastle Street, Leederville, Perth, WA 6007 08 9228 9067 • [email protected] • www.ttc.wa.edu.au

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May 2012 Retreat renews workers faith

More than 150 pastoral workers from Baptist ministries across Western Australia met in Mandurah recently for the annual Pastoral Retreat.

Mark Wilson, Director of in private practice, were the Ministries with Baptist Churches speakers at the retreat. Their Western Australia (BCWA), said he deep passion to see pastors and was deeply encouraged to see so their spouses in strong healthy many Baptist workers and their relationships shaped their spouses at the Retreat. message to the group. “This is a great opportunity Their open candour as they for us to build into the lives of our unpacked their relationship front line workers,” Mark said. engendered them to the audience Pastors from Broome, Port and modelled the depth of Hedland, Karratha, Newman, vulnerability needed for a strong Kalgoorlie, Esperance and many lasting partnership for couples in churches in the south-west and ministry. suburban Perth attended along with chaplains and staff from Vose Seminary. An absurd looking pink rope creation helped break the ice for The stories several people who were first of different time attendees at the Retreat.

Gareth Magowan is the most churches’ Photo: Jill Birt recently appointed Pastor to a Steve Ingram (right) with Gareth Magowan wearing the bright pink ‘turban of truth’ which people wore while BCWA congregation having started journeys are being interviewed during the recent Pastoral Retreat in Mandurah. as part-time Pastor at Chidlow inspirational. Baptist Church in mid-March. Dan McGrechan, Children and Youth Pastor at Parkerville Perth city awakens to Easter Baptist Church, led several “Partnership is about learning vibrant worship times helping the together, adjusting, shaping and Victory Life Centre, Inglewood group engage deeply with God’s being shaped,” Judy said. “The Community Church, Pastor Word and heart. learning and growing doesn’t Christians from churches all around the Tim Edwards from Eagle Rock Mark Wilson encouraged stop and we need to be aware of metropolitan area converged in the city at Easter Community Church and the the group as he outlined the that and committed to it.” with a very special message for the people of Perth. Christian Dance Fellowship of rich diversity of ministries A highlight for many people WA.” among the Baptist churches in at the retreat was the opportunity On the stage at Forrest WA, from work among asylum for conversations with friends In a most simple but powerful Churches of Christ and the Place the celebrations began seekers in the Kimberley region and new acquaintances that way, more than 1,500 people Anglican Diocese of Perth, was with the very colourful to new church plants in local also happen to be in ministry. marched through the an example of the power of African sounds of the communities and among ethnic Extended time over meals meant CBD, handing out balloons God at work. “I was impressed Gospel Echo Singers. As the groups. people could share more of their declaring the message that by the amazing spirit of joy afternoon of celebration He highlighted the sacrificial journey than a quick, ‘hi, good to ‘Jesus is risen’. It was all part of and celebration amongst the and worship continued, the work of the team at the Baptist see you again’. this year’s Awakening event, participants and the warmth of sights and sound attracted Ministry Centre that supports the “We see this annual event now in its 21st year, held at responses from passersby.” many people to the Forrest BCWA churches and the strategic as a significant opportunity for Forrest Place on Easter Sunday. “I think this Easter we saw a Place precinct. “We sensed contribution of Vose Seminary in people in pastoral ministry,” Mark Awakening WA resurgence in Christian things,” the Spirit’s presence and it preparing people for ministry. Wilson said. “I’m really glad so Coordinator, Andrew Braun he said. was wonderful to share the Ken Clendinning, Director of many of our churches support says the celebration, put on in “We were assisted by celebration of Easter in this Ministry Support Development their pastors by sending them. partnership with the Baptist Whitehouse Community Church, very public way,” Mr Braun for NSW Baptist Churches and The stories of different churches’ Churches Western Australia, Aflame Community Church, explained. his wife Judy, a family counsellor journeys are inspirational.” digital church briefs

05/04/2012 11/04/2012 diving headfirst into worship, Marriage Basketball service Todd Rhoades Steve Fogg we critique the room. Jason Watterson, son of Ron On Sunday 25 March the www.toddrhoades.com www.churchmarketingsucks.com and Sandra Watterson of Lakeside Lightning Men’s and Jesus did preach in the NT, but I may be living in a post- 11/04/2012 Cranbrook, married Anika Women’s State Basketball League we also see Jesus doing many Christian age, but I still believe Mike Friesen Fitch, daughter of Doug and teams were presented to the other things that seemed, at I can help my church make www.mikefriesen05. Janet Fitch of Mindarie at Caves church during the worship least to him, to be really (really) an impact in our corner of wordpress.com House, Yallingup on Saturday 18 service, filling the stage with important … Jesus was a Melbourne for Jesus. What we do After all, to love my neighbour February. more than 40 players and storyteller. To say that he would matters. The way the story is told, is to love myself. In this kind of officials. For some, this was only tell his stories today through the typeface, the paper, the word love, we remember who we are History meeting the first time they had been to spoken word is a stretch, I think. choice — it all matters. Especially as the beloved. We are choosing The Baptist Historical Society church. It was encouraging when we’re at our lowest point. to not only give the gift of meets on Sunday 24 June at afterwards to receive positive 09/04/2012 God’s presence to them, but we 2.30pm at Perth Baptist Church. feedback from the players. Steven Furtick 11/04/2012 choose it for ourselves. Rev. Bob Clark is speaking Many people were challenged www.stevenfurtick.com David Santistevan about the progress of the Baptist and encouraged when Claire How often in your Christian www.davidsantistevan.com Churches Western Australia while Johnson, one of the Women’s life do you lose your sense of Too many of us are content with he was Superintendent from 1981 SBL team, shared her powerful gratitude because you take on a observing. We watch what others to 2000. All are welcome. For testimony, the story of the sense of entitlement? do and we critique it. Rather than more information contact Philip alignment of her basketball career Friend on 9458 1684. aspirations and her faith. news 5

May 2012 Beat helps youth learn

Sweating and hand- sore, more than 40 young adults enjoyed a group lesson playing jembe drums during the young adults’ Unearthed gathering at Riverton Baptist Church in March.

Paul Osei Kofi and Colin Depeiza from Akwaaba, a Perth-based African drum company, ran the workshop. “This workshop really helps people connect,” Paul said. “You have to work together to do the rhythms and patterns we teach. It really helps to break down barriers and build a sense of team.” West Australia Young Adults Consultant with Global Interaction Australia (GIA), Rachel Philp, organised the entire Unearthed event around an Africa theme. “West Australian Baptist churches have close connections with GIA’s work in Malawi and Mozambique, so this was a great opportunity to give more young adults a taste of Africa,” Rachel

said. Photo: Jill Birt The evening started with Colin Depeiza and Paul Osei Kofi led a drumming workshop during the Unearthed gathering at Riverton Baptist Church in March. the 45 minute drum workshop followed by an authentic African People from East Fremantle, who walk in and are not mixing the group found the sweet spot The dishes were presented meal. Lakeside, Riverton, Parkerville, well usually find themselves fully on their own drum as flat hands on mats on the floor so the Later Cameron Beeck, one of Eaton, Bunbury and Carey Baptist engaged.” connected with the drum skin. people could sit in small groups GIA’s newest cross-cultural workers Churches, Paradox Church and Laughter and engagement to eat. in Mozambique, spoke about his Kalamunda Church of Christ rippled around the big circle of Pam explained some of the journey in preparing to leave Perth attended the event. seated drummers as their skills finer points of food etiquette in for Lichinga, Mozambique, with Several of those present have This workshop increased. Africa and demonstrated how to his wife Kath and their three young already visited Africa as part Exhilarated and exhausted eat insima using her hand. children. Cameron talked of how of a GIA Global Exposure short really helps the apprentices mimicked the “It was a brilliant night,” his identity is being redefined as term team, visiting GIA staff drum masters right to the end of Rachel Philp said. “There was he’s learning to see himself first and working with the Yawo people in people connect. the workshop. so much energy and we got to foremost as a child of God. Mozambique and Malawi. Long time GIA worker in learn a lot.” Meagan Taylor, Darren Kidd Drum teacher Paul migrated Africa, Pam Gallagher, helped and Anna Nash talked about their to Perth more than 20 years ago several volunteers prepare the experience and life lessons on the from Ghana. The hollow pounding of meal of insima (maize meal recent Riverton Global Exposure “I like to watch people during the rhythm became almost porridge), vegetable relish and team. the workshop,” he said. “Those hypnotic as more and more of as a treat, a meat stew.

Mighty Men’s Conference encourages reflection

load was shared by several men where they fit and how their faith Stephen Dunjey, an emergency “The journey was an important including Paul Morrison, Chaplain can help. There are so many men physician who gave up his part of the morning as men got More than 400 men to the West Coast Eagles Australian craving nurturing relationships weekend to peel potatoes and wash to talk with each other as they converged on a farming Football League team; Mark but not sure how to find and dishes in the kitchen, said it was walked,” Craig said. “Communion property in Cuballing Wilson, Director of Ministries sustain them.” exhausting but inspiring. was a simple celebration, yet for Baptist Churches Western Men flew into Perth from During the Saturday evening memorable. There wasn’t a lot of for the Mighty Men’s Australia; and Craig Lydon. Queensland, South Australia, meeting, after an extended talking then, but we had teams of Conference in late The conference also heard Tasmania and Victoria for the time of singing and listening to people ready to pray with those March. powerful testimonies of faith, event. Others arrived from testimonies, it started to rain. The who wanted help.” courage and integrity from Karratha, Port Hedland and speaker for the evening was Mark Mighty Men’s Conferences ordinary men involved in ordinary Kalgoorlie as well as country Wilson. started in WA in 2008 with input Organiser Craig Lydon, Senior work lives. regions of southern Western “It didn’t matter that it was from Angus Buchan from South Pastor at Beaumaris Baptist “A lot of men don’t really know Australia, including Pingelly and raining,” Mark said. “The guys just Africa. This year’s conference Church said the response what it means to be a Christian Narrogin. sat there and listened. I couldn’t was the second year the event confirmed the need for men to man, and they want to know,” Men camped at the site in tents even read my notes, but I think was totally organised by the West have the opportunity to get away Craig said. “They don’t have and caravans while others slept in God met us.” Australian team. from the busyness of life and role models, so this is a great swags in the open. Early on Sunday morning the reflect. opportunity.” Sixty volunteers ran the event. men walked almost two kilometres There was no key speaker “We’ve tried to shape this The camp kitchen fed more than to the top of a nearby hill and at the conference. The teaching conference to help men find 400 at each meal time. celebrated communion together. 6 news

May 2012 Youth event a success

There was barely standing room at Lesmurdie Baptist Church when youth groups from many city Baptist churches met together one Friday night in March.

The building buzzed as 400 for young women to overcome young people caught up with old life controlling struggles and friends and met new people. issues in a safe, structured and Lesmurdie’s Youth Band supportive environment. provided dynamic music as Parkerville Youth Pastor Dan the group sang worship songs McGrechan and some of the together. Parkerville youth contributed to “As a Youth Pastor, I couldn’t the on-stage creative flair as they be prouder of the way Lesmurdie made the announcements on the Baptist Church youth embraced night. this event,” Lesmurdie Youth Lesmurdie Baptist Church Pastor Chub Sykes said. funded the free sausage sizzle “It takes time and effort to provided for everyone. A team of build a good team, but once it’s in adult volunteers cooked more than place you can really dream big,” 400 sausages for the crowd. Chub said. “Everyone went the Chris Green was the main extra mile to make this a great speaker for the event. night.” “Chris was entertaining and Chris Green, out-going engaging. The young people Baptist Churches Western loved his presentation,” Chub said. Australia Youth Consultant “There was plenty of laughter and coordinated the event, working fun, yet there was a challenge closely with youth pastors and within that definitely hit the leaders across the city. mark.” “Its several years since we ran Scott Ingram, youth group an event like this,’ Chris said. “I’d leader at Parkerville Baptist

really like to see it continue each Church said the gathering was a Photo: Natalie Ruck school term.” great experience for young people Lesmurdie’s Youth Band performs for the event at Lesmurdie Baptist Church. A dance troupe from Esther from his group, some of whom House performed at the event and had never been to a big gathering “As leaders we need to take Pastor at Riverton Baptist Church The next combined service received loud support from the of Christians who worshipped advantage of every opportunity said. “Being part of a group will be held at Lake Joondalup crowd. Esther House, in South together then got to hear someone to give our youth these of hundreds of young people Baptist Church on Friday 8 June. Perth, provides intensive support speak based on God’s truth. experiences,” Craig Palmer, Youth praising God together is great.”

Messy church unites Harmony through food

Maida Vale Baptist Church Children and Family Worker, Robyn Douglas said their first For Baptistcare Support Services staff, A Taste of Messy Church attracted more Harmony week held in late March turned out to than 50 people, including families be a world tour of taste. who had been contacted over the years through children’s holiday programs, Toddler Jam and A Taste of Harmony was Kwame Selormey invited staff SUPA Club at the local primary created by the Australian to create foods that would school, as well as regular church Multicultural Foundation with potentially be ‘a party in your attendees. the idea of encouraging the mouth’. celebration of cultural diversity “One person can create a through food. meal; two people who share Baptistcare’s newly formed that meal can travel to each Life can be Catalyst group saw the event other’s worlds.” messy ... as an opportunity to celebrate “The simple action of cultural diversity within the sharing a meal can begin to organisation and decided to weave people and communities

Photo: Rob Douglas participate. together and the home-cooked Hamish McGillivray with his grandfather, Alan Booker, enjoy some time “It was good to see children Starting at home, the group dishes brought to light the together at Messy Church. and grandparents, mums, dads started with emu and kangaroo wide range of cultures which and teenagers playing together, from Australia. Then it was make up our organisation,” Mr worshipping together and eating off to Indonesia for some urap Selormey said. together,” Robyn said. salad, to Malaysia for some beef “Taste of Harmony gave us Maida Vale Baptist Church has launched Messy “Life can be messy and church rendang and to Ghana for some all a wonderful opportunity to Church to help people who don’t normally needs to acknowledge that and local bean stew. share stories of heritage.” attend church to become a part of the Christian help people find their way through The meal ended with a For more information visit the difficulties,” she added. visit to the UK for some North www.tasteofharmony.org.au. community. Messy Church was started by Lancashire quaker oat biscuits Lucy Moore of the Bible Reading and Scottish shortbread, It is a different approach Held on a Saturday evening Fellowship in England in 2004 finishing off in New Zealand to church that has proved once a month, Messy Church and has since grown to at least 12 for Pavlova. valuable in building on existing brings together whole families countries around the world. Baptistcare’s A Taste of community contacts in the High for a time of creativity, worship For more information visit Harmony experience organiser, Wycombe area. and a meal. www.mvbc.org.au. news 7

May 2012 Play makes impact in Perth Photo: Craig Chiswell Photography Chiswell Craig Photo: Actor James Burke-Dunsmore flew to Perth to play Jesus in the UK-based production of The Passion of Christ 2012.

Perth community to perform the “When I arrived and met Director, Tony Howes says Passion. “Professional actor James the cast there was a real the event allowed a wonderful It has been many years since Perth has seen a Burke-Dunsmore, who plays Jesus understanding of the potential preparation in the lead up to Passion play on the scale of the one performed at in the London production flew to of this play. It was very uplifting Easter for performer and audience Government House gardens in Perth this Easter. Perth to play the role here in ours.” to see that everyone was focused alike. “It was tremendous Planning for the Perth on the spiritual potential of opportunity to join together production began more than placing the scripture in the city as an audience to proclaim the The Passion of Christ 2012 was first time the production has been a year ago. “It has been an centre.” Christian faith and show by sheer written by UK-based Peter Hutley, staged outside of London. extraordinary experience and we It was the first time in many numbers assembled that the who stages the play in Trafalgar Award winning director had a lot of support from the UK years the Easter story was Easter story really matters to the Square and is usually performed Anthony Howes assembled a cast as well,” James Burke-Dunsmore presented as a play in the heart whole community.” there on Good Friday. It was the of more than a hundred from the said. of the city.

Arrow leader visits Perth The End of Greed

focused,” Julian said. “We work The synergy and camaraderie is with men and women usually inspiring.” The consumer culture in which we are immersed Julian Dunham, aged 25 to 40 who have the gifts Deep friendships are formed urges us to acquire as many things and experiences Program Director of and passion to lead but have also through the peer clusters of five as our incomes will allow. From updating to the Arrow Leadership known suffering and pain.” or six leaders that meet together “We want to help set up leaders throughout their training. latest technology, to planning regular overseas Australia, visited Perth for the long haul.” “I know of groups that still meet holidays to upgrading to larger homes, our culture in early April to speak at Almost all the participants in together from across Australia tells us that we want more and that getting it will a number of churches as the Arrow course have graduated ten years after graduating,” Julian make us happy. well as Kalgoorlie Baptist from some form of theological said. “The bubble of enthusiasm training. inspires.” Church’s family camp Over a two year period “Research shows us the prime Scott Higgins and Baptist World grandparent’s generation in Rockingham over the participants study 18 modules age for men as leaders is around Aid Australia have released a and yet we find ourselves still Easter weekend. of training including strategic 30. Arrow training deals with real book and preaching/Bible study wanting more,” says Rev. Dr planning, administration and stuff – behaviours and disciplines. series called The End of Greed. Mike Frost, Vice Principal of human resources. Men often have destructive ego These resources explore Morling Theological College. Arrow is an interdenominational “We’re not seeking to stuff to deal with and we see many how consumerism is damaging “This is a brilliant resource leadership development program compete with Bible colleges and men exit ministry in their late to our relationships with that nicely smacks you around for emerging leaders. seminaries,” Julian said. “We want 40s. Sometimes it’s because these God, saps our capacity to be the ears with the harsh “We have two intakes each to value add to what’s already issues haven’t been dealt with.” generous, exploits people in realities of God’s universal year,” Julian said. “There are 30 happened in leaders’ lives. We see “More than half of the people poorer countries and wreaks reign on earth. Then, having people in each intake. We usually a huge need to help leaders in team who come to Arrow are in a havoc on creation. The End confronted us with our own take up to six from Western ministries.” different job by the time they of Greed also helps identify greed, Scott offers us realistic Australia.” The course includes four complete the course as they take simple, practical steps towards ways forward. If The End of Currently students from WA one-week residential sessions in time to think through the work a Christ-shaped consumer that Greed does contain a prophetic Baptist churches include Mark Melbourne over the two years. they do and their passion for it. embodies love for God, people, challenge, and I believe it does, Parsons from North Beach and “One of the great things about We think this refining is a good the planet and our fellow then like all prophetic texts we Anthony Palmieri from Lakeside. Arrow training is that it puts thing. That’s what we want to help creatures. ignore it at our peril.” Aashish Parmar from Kalgoorlie emerging leaders in contact with people with — preparing them for “Scott reminds us that we For more information visit Baptist Church graduated in 2011. other emerging leaders. They really the long haul of leadership in God’s have vastly more than our www.endofgreed.com. “We’re unashamedly strengths get each other — leader to leader. Kingdom.” 8 feature

May 2012 All the rage about Tebow

Even though I couldn’t know less about American football, it’s practically impossible to not have been sucked into the vortex of Tebowmania currently stirring up equal amounts of ire and adoration in the United States.

detractors as admirers and made say, by his bizarre (not that I can stand the way that he is so Such a practice could be At the eye of that particular storm him the most divisive figure in the really tell) throwing technique and over the top about his faith and overlooked as a devout, if slightly is Tim Tebow, the star quarterback National Football League today. his at-times erratic game. Others the way he, like your average kooky, idiosyncrasy except for the of the Denver Broncos, whose Tebow’s critics make up a are just put off by the fuss made Grammy Award winner, thanks fact that Tebow has an uncanny frequent and enthusiastic broad church. Some are content over him. Jesus and God in compulsory knack for pulling off unlikely proclamations of faith in Jesus talking amongst themselves about But a great chunk of his prelude to any speech made in last-minute wins for his team. Christ have won him as many his zero-talent — attested to, they detractors mostly just can’t front of a live audience. And that kind of triumph can’t be shunted off into the shadows, even if it’s linked to a man many wish would just shut up about Jesus. Those eleventh hour victories, combined with Tebow’s tendency to pray publicly before games and after touchdowns (which has sparked an internet craze called ‘tebowing’ — Google it) have attracted the cynical suggestion that Tebow’s wins are the result of a long string of prayers petitioning for victory on the field. Now given some Christians’ enthusiasm for the ‘prosperity gospel’ — or the belief that God blesses those who follow Him with riches, good health and success — it’s easy to come to such a conclusion. According to this way of thinking, there’s no reason why sporting victory couldn’t qualify as God’s favour to those who love Him. feature 9

May 2012

The suggestion that the town. Conservative commentator While Tebow hasn’t (yet) had Tebow that he “rarely lectures almighty is pushing His Daniel Flynn puts it this way, “Tim a private failing splashed across and does not fight back”. It omnipotent buttons to guarantee Tebow doesn’t know his place … the headlines, professionally he strikes a curious chord with Tebow victory obscures that touchdown celebrations give glory face-planted the earth when the Jesus, another guy who many central tension of Christianity to oneself not to one’s God.” New England Patriots recently wanted to see fall, and who just between victory and defeat. In other words, Tebow smashed the Broncos 45-10 and took the hits. Fudging that paradox leaves us remains strangely untouched by with it, any hope of the Broncos Engel, then, appreciates the with the impression that God all that we’ve come to expect of winning the Super Bowl. In that way that Tebow loses gracefully. prefers rubbing shoulders with our sports stars. Nowadays, we’re game, there was no improbable If she’s right about him, and I winners. used to sporting legends with last-minute win. suspect she is, then his character numerous dents in their shining Further, Tebow played pretty is worth celebrating. For not only armour — ranging from drug poorly. His haters might have felt will such a gracious attitude use and wild partying to animal they’d been dealt a boon from long outlive the quarterback’s abuse and sexual assault charges. the gods. You can imagine round sporting career, but its strange ... detractors Tebow challenges all that. And after round of mock-tebowing mix of victory and defeat mostly just while one day he might prove going on in the grandstands aptly honours the God Tebow to be a flawed human being (at and in living rooms around the worships. can’t stand the best) or a colossal jerk (at worst), country. It won’t be for the last in the meantime he’s just getting time, and it certainly wasn’t the Used with permission from the way that he on with what he knows how to first. Centre for Public Christianity. is so over the do: play football, visit the sick (or After a Broncos game with Dr Justine Toh is a Senior bring them to him) and thank his the Detroit Lions last November, Fellow at the Centre for Public top about his God at every opportunity. Fox Sports writer Jen Floyd Engel Christianity and an Honorary Perhaps this helps explain commented on the way that Associate of the Department faith and the why he irks some: he’s just too some Lions players set up Tebow of Media, Music, and Cultural way he, like good to be true. And we find that, by tebowing after tackling him or Studies at Macquarie University. frankly, annoying. Dan Barry of scoring a touchdown. your average The New York Times observes Those players may not have astutely: been mean-spirited and Tebow’s Grammy “Decent people who are skin is probably thick enough to Award winner, proud of their faith, do good take it, but you have to wonder things and succeed in life tend to whether the jeering gets a bit old thanks Jesus irritate some of us; they remind after a while. us of our private failures, so, In any case, Engel said that and God in naturally, we hope they stumble. she found it telling that in the compulsory Spectacularly. Face-first into the face of such mockery and all the mud.” criticism otherwise heaped on prelude to any speech ...

Nothing could be further from the truth. And Tebow, who many might think would have most reason to believe that, doesn’t buy it for a second. You can tell because Tebow makes a habit of inviting the sick and suffering to Broncos games. But we’re not talking a go-through-the-motions public relations-exercise or a casual The prevalence of this belief meet-and-greet affair, but is probably why the bible verse something more along the lines John 3:16, that Tebow habitually of a lavish welcome. daubed on his eyeblack during Here’s what he did for his college football days, trended 16 year old Bailey Knaub on Google in early January. when he hosted her and her That search spiked after the family at that infamous game Broncos defeated the Pittsburgh against the Steelers: arranged Steelers in overtime, during a flights to the game, car rental, game in which Tebow threw accommodation, dinner, gave for a season-high 316 yards. It them front seat tickets, visited her was another freaky and thrilling before kickoff and after the game. win, but one amplified by the Then he sent them home with a coincidence of another ‘316’ linked basket of gifts. to Tebow. No wonder it spurred When faced with such a on many a numerological quest to list, Entertainment and Sports explain Tebow’s bizarre ability. Programming Network (ESPN) But the idea that divine favour reporter Rick Reilly was floored. explains Tebow’s success on the “Who among us is this selfless?” field is a strange assumption to he asks. Especially on the eve of make, especially given that the a make-or-break game where central event of Christianity a star quarterback might be alluded to in John 3:16 — the forgiven for taking some time out crucifixion of its founder, Jesus for themselves. Of course, there Christ — is a devastating loss. are plenty of people doing more Of course, Christians also selfless acts — and without the understand the giving of Jesus public acclaim — but Tebow is as an expression of God’s love for doing what he can. the world as God’s complete and Tebow, however, seems to final victory over death. But it’s wear his official duties lightly. an unlikely win, one that’s only While he’s passionate about possible through suffering, defeat football and works really hard at it, and death. he knows it’s not the only game in 10 news

May 2012 Engaging Muslim religion

as many natural connections as people’s hospitable culture means we can, visiting their homes and the visitor will often be invited in. Tillman Klein was having them in our home.” Storying, the art of telling guest speaker at a Tillman suggested people a series of Bible stories that one-day seminar on interested in engaging Muslim encompass the gospel, is an people can do so by joining sports, effective way of engaging with Islam as part of Perth poetry and culture clubs to be part people, from children to older Bible College’s series on of their circle. adults. World Religions. “We set up a Book Table in a “On Sunday afternoons in prominent community location Lakemba you’ll find hundreds of each Friday and often have the families having picnics in local Originally from Germany, opportunity to talk with people. parks,” Tillman said. Tillman has spent the past One of the things we use is the “We’ll take the opportunity decade working with Operation Magdalene DVD. It’s a modified to ask people if they’d like us to Mobilization in the Sydney version of the Jesus DVD with tell them a story. That’s often the suburb of Lakemba, engaging Mary Magdalene telling her beginning of good conversations.” with the local multi-ethnic story of deliverance. Women in Partnering with Arabic community. Almost 14 percent of particular engage with it.” Christians during local street Lakemba’s population of 147,000 festivals is another option for follow the Muslim religion. people wanting to engage with “That group is made up Muslim people. of people from Lebanon, It’s in my heart “We set up an Arabic Coffee Afghanistan, Iran, Bangladesh, Tent with carpets and cushions, Pakistan, Somalia and other Arab to enhance and of course very good coffee nations,” Tillman said. and people come to share the Tillman and his family try to ministry to ambiance and the culture, men connect with Muslims wherever Muslims. I can and women. That’s a great way to they are. connect.” “We try to mobilise Christians help mobilize “It’s in my heart to enhance to engage with Muslims and we ministry to Muslims. I can help spend time supporting churches and train others mobilize and train others,” Tillman in suburbs where many Muslims said. “There’s an enormous growth live. Many of these churches are in awareness of Christians about in decline and no longer have Islam and Muslim people. We just

Photo: Jill Birt ministers or youth work.” Tillman explained that door need to keep riding the wave.” Tillman Klein believes engaging with Muslims in your local community “We get to share our lives with knocking is a difficult method can be a great learning experience. the people around us, building to engage people, but Muslim

Help is on the way for GIA workers

left Perth on 15 April to join the will care for the two families’ Sally has been Crèche GIA team in Lichinga. children for up to seven hours Coordinator for the last two years Sally Pim resigned from her administration work at a day from Monday to Friday and a Sunday School Teacher at Curtin University recently to move to Mozambique while Cam and Kath Beeck, and Riverton Baptist Church. to care for the children of Global Interaction Tobias and Heather Houston learn Funding the entire trip from ... this is what Portuguese. her savings, Sally has an open Australia (GIA) workers while they study Portuguese. “I just love kids and I really return air ticket and expects to be God is asking ... believe this is what God is asking in Africa at least until late August. While Sally was part of a team Houston, who are already in me to do,” Sally said. “I was visiting Mozambique and Malawi Mozambique, and the Beeck surprised how comfortable I felt in January this year, she heard of children. while I was in Africa earlier this the desperate need of someone Cam and Kath Beeck and their Sally expects to arrive in year. This is just the next step for to care for Elijah and Rachel children Jack, Matilda and Sydney Mozambique in early May. She me.”

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May 2012

Kony goes viral Ethiopia in need

We have seen many powerful images of hunger and starvation in Ethiopia, but never has the international call for action to support people facing death from starvation been louder.

Ethiopian Kale Heywot Church, “We have sold our jewellery supported by TEAR Australia, to feed our families. Now that we has been providing food relief have this maize and beans our to nearly 16,000 people in the children will get good food.” Gelana district of southern The people in the Gelana Ethiopia where long-term district rely on their land for food drought has put people in a and income. Some communities desperate position. graze cattle and other livestock while others produce food or coffee from their land. Severe drought has affected both these We have not livelihoods. Rain did finally arrive in late 2011 but there was had enough too much of it and what was to food for more be a good harvest was mostly destroyed. than a year ... TEAR Australia says getting food supplies into wet areas has been difficult. Organisations such as TEAR Australia are awaiting The church, which has the outcome of a government thousands of congregations assessment into the current around the country, wants the situation. Based on the outcome, world to understand that relief the organisation will decide how is much more than dropping off it can continue to partner with

Photo: Jon Warren/World Vision bags of food — it is engagement of Ethiopian Kale Heywot Church to Children at World Vision’s Gulu Child Soldier Rehabilitation Centre where social activity is a key in local communities. One church provide food relief or to move to a rehabilitation after escaping the Lord’s Resistance Army. member says relief doesn’t end rehabilitation phase. when the rains come. “We have For more information visit regions of Uganda, across the in the area and Megan was in not had enough food for more www.tear.org.au. border into Sudan and the Congo. danger of being attacked. than a year but we do all we can Online social networking World Vision has been “I was very concerned for to feed our children.” continues to grow in working with child soldier Veronica and her family. I could scope and some would survivors in the Gulu and Pader leave because I had the means to districts of Uganda for more than do so. Thankfully they were safe say, in influence. 20 years. that day.” Rehabilitation project Megan McGrath is World “In 2009 I returned and spent In six days more than 100 million Vision Australia’s Mental Health six months working with World changes lives people around the globe viewed a and Psychosocial Support Vision in the Gulu Children of video clip denouncing the Lord’s Coordinator in the group’s War Rehabilitation Centre where Resistance Army (LRA) leader, children who had escaped from People (CBRDP) program Joseph Kony. the LRA or had been rescued goes beyond education and Created by Jason Russell, received much needed medical The people of skill training — it is leading founder of Invisible Children, It was so attention.” Bangladesh have to sustainable incomes for Inc. the documentary aimed to “They were also fed and clothed always stood out people in need. promote the charity’s ‘stop Kony’ encouraging to and brought back to full health. Furniture shop worker movement to make the Ugandan They received psychological as resourceful and Ajgar Ali lost his leg after a war criminal and International see the change support in the form of art therapy, committed to seeing workplace accident. “I am a Criminal Court fugitive globally that could counselling, livelihood training, a difference in their member of a self help group known in order to have him educational opportunities, family circumstances. and with my own savings arrested by December 2012. take place in a tracing and family counselling.” and a small loan I was able to Invisible Children enlisted “World Vision worked to establish a grocery store.” the support of celebrities to bring child who had reintegrate these children back Baptist World Aid Australia “Now, with my wife’s help, the plight of children abducted by into the community and focused has been a driver for I am earning an income and the LRA and forced into military been through its attention on reducing the change within the country, we have a very good life,” Mr service and acting as sex slaves. such horrific stigma attached to former child partnering with local people Ali said. The 30 minute documentary soldiers that existed within the who have been working to Baptist World Aid went viral as YouTube, Vimeo and circumstances ... community.” help themselves. One such Australia says in addition Facebook users posted and re- “It was so encouraging to see the partnership is in Northern to conducting classes in posted the clip. change that could take place in a Bangladesh where the tailoring and functional Critics of the documentary child who had been through such Protibondhi Community education, the development say the video is simplistic in its Humanitarian and Emergency horrific circumstances,” Megan Centre is working to of kitchen gardens and understanding of the situation, Response Team. said. strengthen the rights of livestock rearing projects encourages easy-come activism “My first encounter with Children who had once been disabled people and their have not only provided food and the possibility of Kony Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army forced to kill are now acting as families. but also income from selling becoming a celebrity. was in 2005 when I was visiting peace advocates within their own The Centre is helping off excess produce. The Ugandan government my sponsor child in north eastern communities. people with disabilities For more information visit responded to Invisible Children’s Uganda,” Megan said. “After The long-haul work of groups who have limited formal www.baptistworldaid.org.au. criticism of its attempts to capture enjoying a few hours getting to like World Vision working with education and virtually Kony by posting its own video on know Veronica and her family, I troubled children taken by Kony no skills. The training YouTube. was told (not asked) to get in the is making a real difference. that is being conducted The LRA has existed for more World Vision Land Rover and we via the Community Based than two decades, creating fear quickly took off down the road.” Rehabilitation for Disabled and despair among the northern The LRA had been sighted 12 in conversation

May 2012 With love comes heart

With the release of her second album Heart, singer songwriter Audrey Assad views her song writing style as a hybrid of the 70s and today’s music. She recently spoke with journalist Kerryn Bricknell about what inspired her when writing her latest album.

So Audrey you released your well. So I feel like those two things debut album The House You’re are very present on this album. Building in 2010 which was well received — can you share with me So when you are developing the journey from that album to these songs are your quiet times this new album Heart? with God where you start to hear After the release in 2010 I went the heartbeat for the album? on the road for what felt like two Actually no. I think for me years but it was probably just for a my times like that have become year. Then I found myself getting quieter and quieter and quieter that phone call from the label in the sense that I don’t tend to saying “hey it is about time you become immediately inspired start getting ready to record your during those times to write. next album”. Which is really good Sometimes I don’t hear anything. news because I’m like “oh they But I’ve started seeking more and want me to do another album”. more in my prayer time when For me it became about focusing I am just still in the presence of in on what I really wanted to say God and have that be my focus to the world through the music and goal. I think that is the most and the lyrics. Once I had found heavenly place on earth. What a trajectory I had to run with that. has happened for me with song I asked myself “what have I been writing is not only that but my experiencing in the last eighteen perspective of the Christian months that is worth writing person has informed my world music about and putting out view in such a way that it is in there for people to hear”. To me it the practical parts of my life that became pretty obvious that I had I am finding material. It is the been learning so much about love things about being human that and what love requires of you. I has informed my perspective

decided that would be what I would as a believer. I am also finding Photo: Crossroad Distributors base the record around. The songs much inspiration in the everyday circle around the love of God, love and writing about those things Your first radio single has been Taylor, Paul Simon and Carol King Kat to find a time to make that of man and human love. I was from the perspective of what the beautiful song ‘Sparrow’ but I also love the pop music of happen. I would absolutely love to writing all these songs on the road my worldview is. So I tend to which is a rearrangement of now. I feel like now I am definitely come out. My husband has been in between tour dates. I love the have more of those ideas on the the classic hymn ‘Eye is On influenced by that style of song and absolutely loved it and would songs. I think that out of that hectic airplane when I’m travelling or the Sparrow’ — what was your writing but honestly I am seeing love to go back. Hopefully we can experience something was born when I am in the middle of honest inspiration to choose this hymn it become a hybrid of the 70s and make that happen in the next that I hope is really beautiful. It was confrontations. I think to myself and then put your interpretation today. It is kind of fun. I love that year or two. such a great experience writing it. “do I need to say this?” because on it? kind of blend. my heart is saying “I’m finding Well I heard it as a kid in the What do you want listeners to something out about myself and I movie Sister Act Two with Whoopi So Audrey when will you head out take away with this concept of need to refresh it.” Goldberg and the dancing nuns. It to Australia? Is there a chance of love? was gorgeous and I just really liked you and Matt Maher doing a tour? Well I think two things. You have collaborated with a it. Then I got older and realised Oh I want to! I am seriously Number one is that I realised number of well known Christian ‘man these lyrics are great’. There going to talk to my manager being a Christian, exploring faith artists — Matt Maher, Ben Glover, are lyrics in the song that say ‘Why and the heart and what I believe Mia Fieldes — how does this sort should I be lonely, long for heaven about God has led me to realise of collaboration take place — do and home’ which are very simple Heart Competition that being human is something they come to you or do you seek statements. They are simpler than The Advocate, is giving you an opportunity to win a copy of Heart. worth exploring. Because God their input? I usually like to write. I like to be To be in the draw, simply answer the following question: came through us and became a With the second record a little more morose and sober. I human person in Jesus it is like the people I co-wrote with are thought ‘oh man I need to believe Question: being human is my greatest gift. It people I already have a very close these things; I am going to write In what year did Audrey Assad release her first is something God was prepared to relationship with whereas for these songs because I need to album The House You’re Building? become and so I need to learn what the first record, I was meeting believe this stuff.’ So I did. A friend Answer: it means to be fully human. I think all those people for the first time of mine, Kyle and myself just in that, I am going to learn how to with the exception of Matt Maher reapproached it. I really didn’t do give God glory in my life. That is who I had already been friends much rewriting in lyrical terms; I Name: one thing and the other thing is with for a while. I developed those kind of shuffled the lyrics around a love. I’ve started using this phrase relationships for two to three years bit and wrote a melody. I wrote it in Phone number: ‘Love is free. You can’t buy it. You at the start of my career. Now I a way that fits my voice. Please complete this form with your details and post it to: can’t earn it. But once you accept have discovered a writing team love it requires everything you that works for me. I call them up How would you describe your Heart Competition have’. That is sort of a paradox and and say “hey, can we please write. style or genre of music? 11 East Parade East Perth WA 6004 a mystery about love both human I need some songs.” I’ve written I am very much influenced Entries close 18 May and all winners will be announced in the and especially with the love of God songs on my own but I also write by the 1970s and the singer June edition of The Advocate. that I am learning to explore as with these friends. songwriters of that era like James leadership 13

May 2012 Thinking your way to the top

thoughtless hyperactivity. The 4. Find a place to land your first step to getting out of the pile thoughts. is giving yourself permission Before an idea can make an to disconnect. You have to get impact, it must make the descent away from the daily barrage of from your head to your hands. information by retreating to In other words, the thought a space free of interruptions. must come out of thin air and Initially, scheduling time to think take on a concrete existence. will feel incredibly unproductive. The number one question to ask However, you’ll quickly gain when landing or implementing perspective which enables an idea is: Who will own it? That you to work smarter and more is, who will champion the idea strategically. and push it forward? In addition to the logistics of landing the 2. Find a place to shape your idea, a leader relationally must thoughts. prepare the way for the idea to In their infancy most ideas are touch down safely. Practically, fuzzy, flabby and fanciful. Firstly, this means winning the support our thoughts initially are unclear. of key decision-makers and As a leader, challenge yourself to communicating clearly with translate your gut intuitions or those most likely to be affected by inklings into distinct ideas which the idea’s implementation. you can plainly articulate to your team. Secondly, new ideas never 5. Find a place to fly your come fully formed. They need a thoughts. workout to tighten them up and to If you wanted to fly an get them into shape. As a leader, airplane, you would begin by your job is to submit ideas to a taking lessons from a pilot. fitness test by asking a battery of Likewise, to fly an idea, you first questions. Does the idea proceed need to learn from a pilot or trial from reliable assumptions? Does run. Testing your idea on a small the idea align with the values and scale exposes its weaknesses vision of the organisation? Does before a major launch. Sometimes the idea make sense given the the flaws are fixable, and the

Photo: Chung King structure and strengths of the idea can be reworked. On rare organisation? Thirdly, thoughts occasions, you may even have you will get out of the pile spring into existence in the realm an idea that tests out brilliantly fast, because 99.9 percent of of possibility. However, to be on the first attempt. However, By John Maxwell all employees are in the pile useful they must undergo tests other ideas, though theoretically because they don’t think. If you of practicality. For instance, how solid, are not feasible in real life No one wants to feel invisible as they pass through understand this principle, you would the idea actually take shape and ought to be scrapped. A trial life, yet we often get the impression that others see will always be given more critical in your organisation? What would run confirms that an idea which us as little more than a statistic. Our resume ends questions to answer. And in time, it cost to pursue? How long would sounds impressive can actually you will be the one giving out the it take to implement? withstand the challenges of real- up in a pile, our performance reviews go into a file, questions to others!” world application. and like everyone else we get a raise every once in In this lesson, I’d like to offer 3. Find a place to stretch your a while. We’re referred to as applicants, employees, five practical steps to help you thoughts. Used with permission from The or human resources and we sense our individuality think your way to the top. Throughout my career, some John Maxwell Company, of my best thinking has been www.johnmaxwell.com. being somewhat buried. 1. Find a place to think your done by others. Often my ideas thoughts. start out small until my team gets Jack Welch called this feeling of elevating yourself in business Today’s work environments a hold of them and finds ways to anonymity ‘being in the pile’ and is to go above and beyond are incredibly fast-paced and stretch them to their maximum he recommended thinking as the expectations whenever you’re fraught with pressing demands. potential. Isolated leaders never means of escape. Most people go asked a question or given an Unless you’re intentional about obtain as much influence as with the flow, doing what’s asked assignment. As he writes … getting away from the rattle and those who surround themselves of them but not much more. In “If you understand that the hum of day-to-day operations, with an inner circle of creative, Welch’s estimation, the key to question is only the beginning, you’ll be sucked into a vortex of intelligent advisors. Leaning – the pressures of life

strong wall that Marcus Aurelius Although I would like to be of shelter, of hope, of destiny and to the strong tower of our God. built in Regensburg in 179AD, I a Marcus Aurelius original, I am legacy. Those who are teetering We leaders don’t need to be a By Monica O’Neil was awestruck by the hugeness more like my super-six fence. I and bruised are more vulnerable. Marcus Aurelius stone wall in of the stones and the tight wonder if you are the same. We The forces that seek out the weak our own capacity. We do need The super-six fence at home tessellation that had kept those are simple leaders who live with are prowling about, seeking where to be joined into the strength has developed a bit of a lean. blocks locked together almost the pressures and weights that are they can devour. We, who are of God. Hope and strength The ground on our side is two millennia. It was majestic part of leading. Sometimes we are called to offer strength, also need renew like a spring when we are higher than the ground on the and inspiring. Leaning on it gave strong and noble, like the giant protection. connected with our rock, our other side so that now it has me a sense of place and privilege stone wall, yet at other times the So what hope is there for the fortress and our high tower. this look of something about to in history. Its sheer size and pressure mounts and we start to leader who finds themselves topple. The pressure is getting strength gave a gift of strength develop a tottering demeanour. tottering? David, in Psalm 62 refers Monica O’Neil is the Director to it and if something is not to me. I have been fascinated by Our toppling super-six fence to the swaying leader as a tottering of Vose Leadership. done, eventually it will take a archaeology since childhood, version of a leader is much less fence ... and points us to the tumble. If things look a little but I wasn’t prepared for the noble looking than Marcus deepest source of strength. unsightly now, then surely it real thing. I thought it would be Aurelius’ wall in Regensburg. In the teetering places, he will be plain ugly when it all interesting. I did not expect it to But leaders are supposed to be sought the quietness of being with tumbles down. give me a sense of strength and strong, aren’t they? And for good God to renew his soul. When he When I first saw the big connection. reason. Those we lead have need was tottering, he ran to the rock, 14 news the facts

May 2012

events calendar

May 8 June Faith Booster Youth and Young Adults Service, Lake 5 May Safe Church Workshop, Joondalup Baptist Church, Lesmurdie Baptist Church, 6313 6300 6313 6300 10 June Safe Church Workshop, 6 May Compassion Sunday, Karratha Baptist Church, Compassion Australia, 6313 6300 www.compassion.com.au 11 June Quiz night, South Perth 19 May Open Day, Trinity Baptist Church, 9368 1479 Theological College, 9228 9067 24 June Public Meeting, Perth Baptist Church, 9458 1684 19 May Safe Church Workshop, North Beach Baptist Church, July 6313 6300 9-13 July Juniors Camp, BCWA, 26 May National Day of www.baptistwa.asn.au Thanksgiving, www. thanksgiving.org.au 14-19 July Inters Camp, BCWA, www.baptistwa.asn.au 27 May Cancer Council Morning To find your local Baptist church visit Tea, South Perth Baptist August www.baptistwa.asn.au Church, 9368 1479 14 August South Perth Baptist Church June dinner and birthday party, Bocilli Restaurant, 9368 1479 5 and 12 June Safe Church Workshop, Lakeside Baptist Church, September 6313 6300 29 Sep – 1 Oct Sportsfest, BCWA, www.sportsfest.org.au

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May 2012

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The 5 Love Languages Milltown Pride Standing Firm Discover the secrets to love that Will dreams of playing big league Dave is working himself to death. The Christian Network lasts! Dr Gary Chapman uses baseball and he’d sacrifice Late nights and running on TheChristianNetwork.com (TCN) is a new site which aggregates over 30 years of counselling anything to make it happen. But fumes is the norm. Bills are piling Christian news and views as well as providing original content experience to guide couples on in South Carolina in the 1920s, the up by the week and foreclosure from a range of popular writers. With a distinctly Australian how to love by understanding only path to professional baseball looms on the horizon. Blaming flavour, one of TCN’s goals is to provide international, national and utilizing ‘The 5 Love is through the local textile mill God for his wife’s death, he as well as local content and information. TCN publishes weekly Languages’ concept. Whether team. Against his wealthy father’s ends his relationship with the sermons and stories from prominent Western Australian you are in a new relationship wishes, Will leaves his family and church. His son, Steven, has been Christian leaders, allowing local Christians to feel a part or looking to revive a failing privileged life to work in the harsh watching with great concern. and a sense of belonging to a larger online community they marriage, The 5 Love Languages conditions at Newton Mill. While Despite his grieving, Dave begins can connect with. The site offers popular daily devotionals, effectively teaches how to meet natural talent on field makes him to move in the right direction testimonies and links to local churches. your partner’s deep emotional the rising star in the team. How seeking an answer to the need to feel loved so you can much will he risk for his chance at question that has been haunting truly feel loved in return. The five the big leagues? And, when he hits him since his wife’s death ... fundamental ways to express love rock bottom, is there a way up? why? Standing Firm is a story of win emotionally are explained clearly personal suffering and finding and concisely. God’s purpose in it.

A Great and Terrible Love Mark Galli read Written in the form of a study, A Great and Terrible Love is a glimpse into the person of God. What is He like? How can we relate to Him? Through understanding His attributes, we soon understand how He thinks and the ways in which He moves. Careful examination of God’s attributes reveals a God full of mystery, eternity, righteousness and mercy. A Great and Terrible Love delivers unexpected glimpses into 15 classic attributes of God, exposing cheap substitutes and delivering a fresh vision of God. “In the end of course, when it comes to God’s love, little separates everlasting and eternal. If divine love is experienced with an intensity that transcends time, making every moment an eternal present, then it is also true that we will experience this love in an unending stretch of time in the new heaven and earth: I am the resurrection and the life,” says Jesus. “Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die … ” The Advocate in conjunction with Word Bookstore is giving you an opportunity to win A Great and Terrible Love. To be in the draw, The Prayer That Great Day Every Day Breaking Free simply answer the following question: Changes Everything Max Lucado Beth Moore Stormie Omartian New release Great Day Every Day Breaking Free is the breakthrough Question: Stormie Omartian expresses how by Max Lucado is an inspiring book on how to overcome How many classic attributes of God are noted in the significant our praise is to the read helping navigate us through strongholds and discover a Lord. “One of the ways we can life’s challenges. Max encourages better life. Deeply exposing what novel A Great and Terrible Love? learn to completely trust that God us to come back to the basics. strongholds are, where they start is a good God is to praise Him for “Saturate your day in Jesus’ grace. and what to do about them, Moore Entries close 18 May and all winners will be announced in the June His goodness. Every time we do, Entrust your day to His oversight. shares personal experiences as edition of The Advocate. it opens up the channels through Accept His direction. It’s the only well as circumstances that may Jesus: A Novel competition winners: which that particular aspect of prescription to fill your day with attribute to strongholds in all of H Hartland, R Read, J Prangnell His nature is poured into our God-given purpose.” With a 30 our lives. “How thankful I am for hearts. The more you praise Him day journey, a discussion section the freedom God has increasingly for His goodness, the more you and a daily compass, this book is given me in Christ. I’m in the will see it manifested in your life. practical also. throes of middle age. Time is a competition great healer but a lousy beautician.”

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May 2012 Lisch at home with Wildcats

Kevin Lisch is not just the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the Australian National Basketball League (NBL) and a key member of the Perth Wildcats team, he’s also a man of faith.

From his early childhood, Kevin has an enduring memory of his family attending Mass on Sunday mornings. His faith in Jesus Christ brings steadiness and calm to the world of elite sport that he now calls home. As a high performance athlete in a national competition, games are often scheduled on the weekend so Kevin goes to church on Saturday evening if he’s playing basketball on Sunday. As a 188 centimetre guard on the Wildcats team, Kevin’s deft touch, explosive acceleration and fine balance enable him to make two and three point shots that keep the scorers busy and often get his team out of trouble. Photo: Perth Wildcats It was a leap of Kevin Lisch, a key member of the Perth Wildcats team and also a man of faith. faith. In saying There’s strong sporting stock the Wildcats in the 2009-2010 than 18,000 kilometres from Kevin has already applied in Kevin’s family. Dad Rusty was Season. home. for permanent residency in that, I was totally quarterback for National Football “I was pretty naive. I got out The fit has been very good Australia and plans to apply League Saint Louis Cardinals, the globe and thought, ‘man, for the Wildcats and Kevin. He for Australian citizenship. He committed. just about the pinnacle of Perth is pretty much the furthest won Most Valuable Player in the dreams of one day playing for American sport. He retired at 27 spot you can go’. It was a leap of 2009-2010 Grand Final series; Australia at the Olympic Games. when his first daughter was born. faith. In saying that, I was totally was named co-winner of the But before those dreams and Australian Chris Harriman, committed. I never once thought Wildcats MVP in 2010-2011 and celebrations, Kevin Lisch faces Born in Belleville, Illinois, 26 Assistant Coach at Saint Louis, about going home if I felt things recently won the NBL MVP to the pressure and intensity of years ago, Kevin left his family — was on the lookout for new weren’t working out. Fortunately become only the second Wildcat the NBL final series as we go to father Rusty, mother Cathy, two talent suitable for the Australian the whole organisation was great to win the award. print. sisters and a brother — and the scene. He talked with his to me,” Kevin said. Kevin met West Coast Waves broad farmlands of his youth to friend Rob Beveridge, Coach of Wildcats Assistant Coach basketballer Rachel Watman two study at Saint Louis University the Perth Wildcats and Kevin Andy Stewart spent some intense years ago. They plan to marry on a basketball scholarship when headed to Perth at the end of weeks with Kevin as he found in July, forging stronger ties to he finished high school. his university time to play for form and settled into life more Australia.