theadvocate.tv OCTOBER 2014

“Nourishing a vision — generates the In Conversation CEO of Fairbridge Mark Anderson speaks about his passion that can propel us to overcome work with young people; how it began and the challenges involved. fear.” JOHN MAXWELL PAGE 13>> PAGE 12>>

5 Stamps fund work Australians doing their part by funding mission work through stamps >>

7 Middle East Crises Thousands of children displaced and left destitute due to fighting >> Photo: Cameron Worts Professor John Lennox talks with Professor Carmen Lawrence at the Perth Concert Hall event ‘Do Science and God Mix’? Science and God? 15 School Scoop articulate Irish Professor with a be intentional in their follow Esperance Anglican lilting cadence as he spoke about up as they continue to build Community School writes Thousands of West Australians recently had the ‘Why I am a Christian’. relationships and have faith for The Advocate >> chance to hear from acclaimed Oxford Professor Church Planter and author conversations,” Paul said. John Lennox as he spoke on the challenging topic Steve McAlpine summarised Dan McGrechan attended the the event: Riverview Church event with a of ‘Do Science and God Mix?’ “Uncle John was Jesus group of young adults, some of focussed, soft-hearted and whom are still exploring how We are The Professor of Mathematics the 15th and 16th centuries formidably academic. It was they will respond to Jesus. at Oxford University and was the work of God-believers, an encouraging night. His “He articulately explored the stronger when bestselling author spoke at two including Galileo and spoke about conversational approach offered question of the meaning in life: we work public events, the first of which the confusion that exists today entry points for Christians ‘We know a lot about what we are took place at the Perth Concert around the nature of God. to discuss the intellectual made of, but what are we made together. Hall. Former Western Australian Professor Lennox quoted C. S. reasonableness and emotional for?’ That’s the bigger question Premier, Professor Carmen Lewis in his presentations: “Men satisfaction of their faith with he argued. He brilliantly weaved Lawrence, who described herself became scientific because they their friends.” scientific, philosophical and BAPTIST CHURCHES as a non-believer, moderated the expected law in nature and they City Bible Forum (the ethical thought into a coherent WESTERN AUSTRALIA sold out event. expected law in nature because group that sponsored the plea for the Christian faith. Yet ABC Mornings radio presenter they believed in a law giver.” visit of Professor Lennox far from being an intolerant Geoff Hutchison also interviewed “I am not remotely during National Science and insensitive plea, he was Professor Lennox on the topic embarrassed to be a scientist Week) director Paul Whitfield, sensitive and warm toward those while he was in Perth. and a believer in God,” Professor reported Christians were who have adopted a different “There is misunderstanding Lennox said. encouraged in their own faith worldview,” Dan said. around new atheists, including The second public event and strengthened in their Prof John Lennox spoke Richard Dawkins forcing a choice was held at Riverview Church in apologetics through engaging to over 20,000 people across between God and science,” Burswood, where one thousand with Professor Lennox. Australia during his visit. Videos Professor Lennox said. people, including youth groups “That it is not just a one- of the Perth Concert Hall event Professor Lennox challenges and young adults from across off event. We’re praying that are available from City Bible that the science developed in the city, listened intently to the Christians will continue to Forum (http://bit.ly/johnlennox). 2 my view

OCTOBER 2014 A time to laugh I watched with dismay the trailer for the new show on Channel Ten hosted by Grant Denyer reviving ‘Family Feud’. Not because it is a terrible show or hosted badly, something I will leave the discerning viewer to decide, but ... where is the because of the top answer given to the question asked of Australians ‘where is worst place to the worst place to laugh out loud?’. The number one answer was ‘Church’. laugh out loud? It is quite distressing to think about our services, about how churches? I personally value a that the average Australian seriously we take ourselves? good laugh while fellowshipping thinks a church is a terrible Many of us from within with my friends and expressive place to laugh out loud. churches could share stories joyful worship. Indeed the or trite, but if humour is a natural Obviously their experience or of services and meetings Psalmist commands us to come part of who we are, then an perception has led them to this where there was tension, overt before God with joy. authentic church service will Mark Edwards conclusion. I wonder if our formality and hushed silence. Does this mean the preacher reflect that. It will reflect our Mark Edwards is the contemporary culture is looking There can also be a theological should see him/herself as the Saviour Jesus who often used Senior Pastor of Inglewood for authenticity, and sadly framework, which ignores the next Seinfeld and provoke humour, particularly to provoke Community Church. they have not associated that earthy humour we see in the humour at every opportunity? and challenge. A church where with their church experience. scriptures. If humour is a natural Certainly not. Some of us have laughter is heard may attract What message have we sent to part of who we are, surely that terrible comedic timing. It a generation desperate for Australians about ourselves, should be on display in our should not be something forced authenticity and community.

On winners and losers …

Don’t you love it when a sports team comes from behind, grabs a goal in the who don’t quite make game’s dying seconds, and wins? It’s the stuff of euphoria, and sparks outbursts it. Sometimes the backing is of joy and delight … for the team that came from behind, that is. Very different if equally uncritical. At times it gets really difficult. yours is the team suddenly relegated from hero to zero. In Romans 12:15 Paul tells us to rejoice with those who rejoice, Take the David and Goliath story David used his sling and the some fairly serious outcomes, the and to weep with those who weep. for example. The Philistines unimaginable happened. likely loss of your life being one Fair enough, but what happens were really enjoying their battle You can guess the way each of them. when that rejoicing and weeping with the Israelites until David camp told the story afterwards. So whose victory stories are is within the same congregation stepped on the stage. Actually, The Israelites no doubt you listening to at present? Which and over the same event? Church they still enjoyed it for several congratulated themselves at losers are you empathising with? battles have been around for far minutes after that. What luck length for their novel, bold and Sometimes the line between the too long and also have winners Dr Brian Harris that as inconsequential an decisive strategy. The Philistines two is very slender. Some people and losers. Dr Brian Harris is the opponent as David had been would have been muttering instinctively support whoever No, not really. Everyone loses Principal of Vose Seminary chosen to face their favourite about a fluke outcome and a non wins - as though victory removes when we fight each other ... and and pastor at large for the giant, Goliath. Indeed, it was representative result … well, those the requirement for ethical the world no longer believes we Carey Movement. marvellous to be a Philistine of them still able to mutter. Losing reflection and evaluation. Others are Christians, because they really until two seconds after a battle in the ancient world had reserve their sympathy for those can’t see the love.

Become a ‘connector’

Most of us at some point have either played with Lego or had our kids enjoy hours even more ’socially uncomfortable‘ of creative fun with the brightly coloured blocks, which makes us some of the 400 than I do to connect with them. million people around the world that have played with Lego in their lifetime! My husband and I now often have so many meaningful conversations with people that Have you ever noticed that each and have been involved there awkwardly make conversation our teenagers groan as they wait Lego piece needs a “connector” in ever since. In the early years, I with someone? Or others never for us in the car while we talk to order to make amazing structures? struggled with living in a new coming back to church because people after church. It starts with a compatible base country and making friends. I no one spoke to them? 1 Thessalonians 3:12 says “… but from there the construction often felt lonely at church while I often think of a simple saying may the Lord cause you to increase cannot go upwards without pieces waiting for people to initiate my mother taught me in my and abound in love for one connecting to each other. Now contact with me. I cringed when primary school years: “If you want another, and for all people.” think about it in relation to your the pastor announced, “it’s time to to have a friend you need to be Consider the challenge Anina Findling church community. ‘meet and greet’”. a friend”. In Latin, Lego actually of becoming a “connector”: Anina Findling is the When I emigrated from How often do we hear about means, “I put together”. perhaps catch up with church Relationship Manager WA for Canada to Australia 13 years ago people sitting at the back of God helped me shift my focus friends midweek or have a meal Baptist Financial Services. with my husband and two young the church so they can make off myself and onto others, and together. You can make an children, we started attending a quick dash out the door after since then I continually challenge eternal difference by starting a Mount Hawthorn Baptist Church the service so they don’t have to myself to look for people that look simple conversation. letters to the editor send us your letters

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

OCTOBER 2014 Fresh strength for women

Seven hundred generous hearted women have donated in excess of $118,000 to help rebuild a Philippine village devastated by a typhoon last November. The women gave the offering at the recent Fresh Conference held in Perth in September.

The conference gifts will be Many women appreciated administered by Baptist World Jeng’s stories of Filipinos who Aid Australia through their are challenging poverty. partners on the ground in the “I’ve never seen life like that Philippines to rebuild the village but Jeng made it so real,” Salters of Plantico that was destroyed Point resident Jo Mutton said. by Typhoon Haiyan. “It’s been so helpful for me to “Fresh is not a pamper understand more about poverty.” conference with fluff and When Karen called for luxury,” State Director for Baptist response from the Saturday Women’s Ministry in Western crowd at the end of the day, Australia Karen Wilson said. almost 200 women walked to the “It’s about strengthening front of Riverview’s auditorium, women for battle in life and signalling their desire to no ministry.” longer be controlled by fear Guest speakers flew in from when considering obeying Manila, the Philippines, Darwin Jesus but to go where ‘our feet

and Sydney to teach and inspire haven’t gone before’. Photo: Jill Birt the women. Three hundred women Martu women travelled 18 hours by bus to join with more than 700 women at the Fresh conference in Perth in A group of 23 women, attended Fresh Leadership on early September. including more than a dozen the Friday of the conference. The Martu women made an 18 hour day was intense with six speakers bus trip from Newman to attend talking about aspects of their the conference. Eight drove spiritual and leadership journeys. from Kalgoorlie after work the Karen spoke at a public night before the conference, meeting on Friday evening while others came from the where the music was loud and south west. Many represented the community spirit strong. metropolitan churches. Almost 800 people attended the Chief Executive Officer of event and also spontaneously Alliance of Philippine Partners gave over $7000 to purchase Employment Opportunities: in Enterprise Development school uniforms and a railway (APPEND) Virginia (Jeng) carriage to be a mobile school Canning Bridge Early Leaning Centre are calling for applications for a number of positions within our Juan flew in for her first visit classroom for children living in Long Day Care Centre opening in January 2015. We are an equal opportunity employer that is looking for to Australia. She brought poverty alongside railway tracks a number of suitably qualified applicants for the following roles within our centre: a freshness that crossed in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. cultures well. Her humility and 2 FTE x Room Leaders/ Diploma trained or higher – one of which will have a Mother Crafting qualification tremendous capacity for life or has experience working with babies from 6 weeks to 18 months of age. and ministry were very evident. Jeng shared her heart for people I’ve never seen 4 FTE x Diploma trained Early Childhood Educators in poverty and explained how life like that APPEND is working to help 4 FTE x Certificate III Early Childhood Educators communities move out of but Jeng made poverty through micro-finance, We are looking for staff who are able to work flexible hours within the hours of 7am to 6:30pm, Monday education and mentoring. it so real ... to Friday. For more information or an application package please call (08) 6161 5154 or 0411 522 905 or APPEND has 7000 workers and visit our website www.canningbridgeelc.org.au. two million clients. 4 news

OCTOBER 2014 Grandma heading to prison

asking the prisoners if God had ever shown them love and how Carol Goodwill is heading to Thailand again but she that had happened. One prisoner won’t be spending time at any of the popular tourist called out, “He sent you to us!” beaches. She will be heading to prison. Carol was speechless. The opportunity to partner with the Korat Christian Church For more than a decade the 70 a small team to go to Pitsanulok continues, but Carol who is still year old Mandurah resident has maximum security prison for travelling and serving on her own been teaching English in prisons half a day. Carol asked the prison knows that she can’t do this alone. as part of the outreach of the director Mr Piak, whom the “There must be others with a Korat Christian Church in the Goodwills knew well, whether he heart for the Thai people and a Thai city of Korat. wanted them to teach English, or willingness to teach English and Carol a member of 1Church- do a Christian program. share their heart with prisoners,” Mandurah Baptist Church has “I want you to give them Carol said. spent many months over the hope,” Mr Piak said. “If you are in reasonable past 15 years visiting Thailand One hundred men in prison for health, you can serve the Lord and teaching English in prisons 15 to 50 years sat on the concrete anywhere and at any age. We alongside Korat Christian Church floor waiting for the team. have seen many lives change Pastor Prasarn and his wife Carol remembers the prisoners dramatically as people have met Ampawan. were listless and a little morose. Jesus. Some are now out of prison The majority of Carol’s trips The Christians sang worship and continue to follow Jesus.” to Thailand were with her late songs and different people The availability of cheap air husband Kerry. preached the good news of Jesus. travel and the strong partnership Kerry was 77 years old when Kerry then shared how he had with Korat Christian Church makes he last visited Thailand in 2010, felt when he received the news this a real ministry opportunity for before passing away due to that he had mesothelioma. The Western Australians.

Photo: Jill Birt mesothelioma in February 2011. prisoners were confronted by his For more information, Carol Goodwill has a heart for Thailand and is once again headed there During Kerry’s final visit to story. Carol preached on faith, email Carol at on a short-term mission trip. Thailand, Pastor Prasarn gathered hope and love and concluded by [email protected]

New facility helps to serve

Learning Centre, which began More than 80 people attended operating in February this year. the celebration service on 24 For one hundred and The Centre is a ministry of South August, including former pastors forteen years there has Perth Baptist Church. of the church, Geoff Westlake been a Baptist Church “It’s been a big project and and Noal Atkinson and the a huge change for the church,” Mayor of the City of South Perth, in South Perth. The Senior Pastor Steve Izett said. Sue Doherty. church community “We’re working hard on Following the service guests celebrated the milestone connecting with our local enjoyed a lunch served in the in August when they community, hence the early newly landscaped covered area, learning centre.” which doubles as a play area officially opened The last few years have during the week for the children their newly renovated seen the church congregation who attend the centre. buildings in Lawler dwindle as the local community The church plans to Street, South Perth. has changed considerably, but re-commence its English the new venture is beginning Language Learning group in to attract people who are October and there are plans to

The building now includes interested in bringing change engage international students Photo: Ruth Chapman a modern early childhood through being embedded in the and workers in the Guests at the 114 church anniversary enjoy the newly renovated learning facility, Mosaic Early local community. coming months. alfresco area at South Perth Baptist Church.

digital church

21/09/2014 15/09/2014 would always agree. He did however 11/09/2014 07/09/2014 Alvin Reid Eugene Cho leave us hoping that we would stand Bill Hybels Brian Croft twitter.com/alvinreid twitter.com/EugeneCho together for His name sake.” twitter.com/BillHybels practicalshepherding.com “If you’re breathing and you “How do we wrap our minds “This week God illuminated a “Serve your church well while know Jesus, you’re a missionary.” around so much pain in the 13/09/2014 text that took my breath away. they have you, but pastor world? Begin with our hearts. Paul Maxwell Teachers know what a moment your flock in such a way that 16/09/2014 May the things that break God’s desiringgod.org like that feels like. Only God!” they will remain steadfast once Todd Adkins heart...break our hearts.” “Apathy does not trump the you are gone.” twitter.com/ToddAdkins Redeemer. God engages apathy in 07/09/2014 “Have confidence that Christ is 15/09/2014 a few surprising ways.” Rob Douglas enough to fulfil all He is calling Rick Warren robdouglasblog.wordpress.com 01/09/2014 you to do.” twitter.com/RickWarren 12/09/2014 “Relationships are the key Garry Mo “God didn’t put you on earth to Ron Edmondson building blocks and it’s good www.garrymo.com 15/09/2014 judge you but to enjoy you.” ronedmondson.com to look back and see how you “If God had one thing to say to Craig Groeschel “… there are also leaders who are have contributed to the life of us, what would it be? And what twitter.com/craiggroeschel 13/09/2014 great because they serve. They someone else, and perhaps would it sound like if we really “God didn’t shout his love from Carlos Whittaker serve others by leading them helped to establish new believed it?…I think it’s this: heaven but He showed his love twitter.com/loswhit places they wouldn’t or couldn’t relationships.” YOU ARE LOVED.” on earth.” “Jesus didn’t leave us hoping that we go on their own.” news 5

OCTOBER 2014 Rocking the Asylum boat

children and the length of time the government takes to process A stormy Sunday applications as deterrents to future afternoon did not asylum seekers. deter 50 people from “The government’s actions polarise society and feeds attending a forum titled xenophobia,” Rod said. ‘Rocking the Boats’ at Lecturer from Harvest Lake Joondalup Baptist West Bible College in Perth Jon Church in September. Bergmann spoke of theological issues of community, explaining Trinitarian community, the As he opened the forum, Senior relationship within the Trinity as Pastor Stephen Nosworthy the model for the church. explained how the church wanted “What I see is lacking in to engage with the issues of the debate are answers to these refugees and asylum seekers. questions: Who is God and how Keynote speaker at the forum does he act?” Jon said. and Public Theologian and “The Trinity gives us a picture Ethicist with the Tinsley Institute of what authentic, human at Morling College in New South relationships can look like. Wales, Rod Benson flew to Perth Inclusion is the driving dynamic

for the forum. of Trinitarian love…society is Photo: Jill Birt Rod said the current marked by individualism.” Rod Benson, Wayne Belcher and Jon Bergmann spoke at a forum addressing the issues of Asylum Seekers and methods used by the Australian Several people from the Refugees at Lake Joondalup Baptist Church recently. Government to handle and audience asked questions of the process asylum seekers and speakers during a vibrant Q & A church might respond to asylum on the number of days spent in “It’s good that we have started refugees is diminishing Australia’s session that ran for 45 minutes. seekers. There was consensus detention. The workshop groups this journey together as a church,” global reputation. He described The final section of the among the group that Asylum also concluded that the church said Lake Joondalup Baptist Church the government’s treatment forum was a workshop where Seekers should at least be met with needs to develop ways it can work Associate Pastor, Wayne Belcher. of asylum seekers as cruel, participants discussed some of compassion. Another resolution to minister to asylum seekers in highlighting the detention of the issues raised and how the suggested there should be a cap their own community.

Stamps fund cross-cultural work

“We sell more than 150 The rise of email may have kilograms of stamps like this every reduced the number of personal Individuals and businesses across Australia are year. There’s about 5,000 stamps in letters and cards being mailed, doing their part to fund mission work by sending each kilogram.” but businesses continue to used stamps to volunteer teams around the country. As well as selling used receive many letters, particularly stamps, the group buy old, from people paying accounts The stamps are trimmed and sorted then sold to unused stamps at auctions by cheque, so there has been local stamp dealers and stamp collectors. Trimmed for less than the face value. no reduction in the number of and sorted stamps can sell for up to $40 a kilogram, They then on-sell these stamps being donated to providing $65,000 a year for the cross-cultural work stamps to churches and other Global Interaction. organisations for them to use for Individuals and churches of Global Interaction. their postage. can send their used stamps or “We can even pre-stamp unwanted stamp collections to

“The generous hard work of all on such a huge profit to Global envelopes for people,” Bryan said. Global Interaction at the Baptist Photo: Jill Birt our volunteers means that our Interaction,” Chair of the Global “This raises a considerable Ministry Centre in Rivervale. For BCWA’s Natalie Coulson with operating costs are virtually Interaction Stamp Committee amount of money for Global more information, contact Pam used stamps from Western nil and we can therefore pass Bryan Laurens said. Interaction each year.” Gallagher on (08) 6313 6300. Australian churches.

Exceptional learning experiences in ministry, theology, education and management

Albany Baptist Church OPEN NIGHT AT VOSE OPEN DAY AT VOSE Monday 13th October Wednesday 15th October Welcomes anyone visiting for the Anzac Commemorative Events 7pm 9.30am - 5.00pm Oct 27- Nov 2, 2014 marking 100 years Come and explore, talk to staff We open our doors to anyone who would like since Australian and New Zealand troops 08 6313 6200 and students about your future to experience ‘Vose for a day’. set sail from Albany to the First World study goals, and see how Vose War, to join us for a special service [email protected] Come to chapel, sit in on a class, meet our can provide exceptional learning www.vose.edu.au renowned lecturers, join our student community experiences to get you there. lunch, and spend time in our amazing library. Sunday, November 2 at 9.30am Please RSVP by the 14th October for the open day. Albany Baptist Church Bethel Way off North Rd

and afterwards for morning tea and a sausage sizzle and salad RTO 0145 SAVE THESE DATES VET CRICOS 01052B ACT CRICOS 02650E Enquiries to: Church Office 9841 8699 6 news

OCTOBER 2014 A coffee for conversion

Vose Leadership sponsored an event exploring evangelism in the local church at Vose Seminary in September. Leaders from Bunbury, Mandurah and suburban Perth attended the event hosted by Vose Leadership Director Monica O’Neil.

“It’s good to give time to focus on “Being a witness means you this topic,” Monica said. tell what you have seen and “So many other things take experienced. It’s your real life precedence but evangelism experience of living with Jesus, needs constant focus.” not a list of rules or verses.” Director of Deep Well The five gears that Leadership Steve Ingram drive evangelism that were (deepwellleadership.com.au) was shared at the event included: guest speaker at the event. His building bridges of authentic talk explored a way of engaging relationships; loving whole congregations in the extravagantly like God has loved process of evangelism, a process you; waiting patiently until

he developed during his years you’re asked to give an account Photo: Jill Birt as Senior Pastor at Parkerville of the life and hope you have; James Douglas, Snr Pastor Bunbury Church of Christ, Ben Bandiera and Karen Siggins, two members of the Baptist Church around the turn sharing your story about how Pastoral team at Lesmurdie Baptist Church and Janet Carey from Mosaic Early Learning Centre in South Perth of the century. God has changed your life; discuss an issue during the event. Steve has published his work asking gently for a response, and continues to update the are like markers or stages for resources that are available to building connections and individuals and churches across friendships that can grow deep. Australia and internationally, to The take home message Expat life connections train and use the elements of from the talk was that connecting and engaging with relationships are a key to “It’s taken us a good friends, family and communities. fruitful evangelism. 12 months to feel at home Senior Pastor at South The second speaker at the Perth man Ellis Taylor’s life took a new direction there. We made an early Perth Baptist Church Steve event Jill Birt shared her journey when he moved to Singapore in October 2012 to decision that we were not Izett brought two volunteers since the death of her husband, start a job as a journalist in the aviation industry going to live in the ‘expat from the church and their Peter, almost two years ago. She bubble’.” Mosaic Early Learning Centre, a spoke of how God is opening doors working for Flightglobal. Singapore has a large ministry of the church, to help for her in her local community expatriate population the church learn more about of East Victoria Park. She is The recent loss of two looking at the gaps in the industry, providing differing cultural being intentional as they build meeting regularly with a group on Malaysian Airways flights like how we record where a plane groups with support, relationships with the Nepalese migrant workers using – MH370 lost without trace is located at any time.” but the Taylors decided local community. the Discovery Bible Study method over the Indian Ocean in Ellis will continue to they wanted to live and “This is a great opportunity and sees potential for other groups March and MH17 shot down report on these developments socialise and worship with for us to re-plant the church after through friendship networks along over Ukraine in July – has as well as the people and Singaporeans. Sabrina works it’s dwindled down to about 30 the coffee strip. placed the aviation industry technology that make up the for an International School over the past decade and Mosaic “Changes is life bring and its operators under aviation industry. where the majority of pupils Early Learning Centre is in its opportunities for ministry significant scrutiny. Ellis and his wife Sabrina and staff are expatriates. first year,” Steve said. changes too,” Jill said. “These events have were part of Carey Community Ellis’s office includes Malay, “Evangelism is more “It’s a delightful adventure certainly put the airline Baptist Church and Paradox Singaporeans, Chinese and concerned about ‘how you live’ crossing cultures in my own industry in the spotlight,” Ellis Church in Armadale before Canadians. than ‘what you do’. It’s about neighbourhood.” said on a recent visit to Perth. leaving for Singapore. “For me expressing adopting a lifestyle not learning Steve is available for one or “There has been pressure “We’re part of Changi my faith in my work place a new process,” Steve said. two day seminars to present The to speculate about causes and Baptist Church in Singapore,” means living a life of love, “We are called to be, not to Five Gears that drive Evangelism implications. There are people Ellis said. grace and peace,” Ellis said. do,” he continued. at churches. briefs

Baptisms City Alpha Green Team Life work people will attend the event to be Micah Randall and Jane Har Trinity Church (72 St Georges The Green Team, which runs The Global Interaction reports the held at The Australian National were baptised at Dalkeith Terrace, Perth) is hosting Alpha Zone, a safe, fun environment death of Norma Schubert who University (ANU) next year. Baptist Church on Sunday in the City on Tuesdays at lunch for school leavers to celebrate served with Australian Baptists 17 August by (former) Pastor time starting on 21 October the end of exams and their high alongside her husband Walter Assembly Meetings Nathan Randall. from 12.30pm to 1.30pm. It school careers, still needs more among the Muslim people in The Annual Baptist Assembly is an opportunity to explore than 100 volunteers to join their Bangladesh between 1946 to 1966 meeting will be held at Riverton New pastor the questions of life and the team. Volunteers need to be and 1983 to 1986. Her funeral was Baptist Community Church on Toodyay Baptist Church basics of the Christian faith in a over 18 years of age and have a held on Thursday 4 September Saturday 18 October from 9am welcomes their new pastor, non-threatening environment. Working With Children Card. in Bunbury. Stories from the to 12noon. Three pastors who Keith Hall, on Sunday 2 Lunch will be provided. Seven thousand school leavers Schubert’s years serving in have completed the accreditation November. The church has not visit The Zone, a specially built Bangladesh are included in Global process will be presented to the had a pastor for more than ten This is a joint ministry entertainment precinct just out Interaction’s history book: From Assembly. Pastor Rob Furlong will years. The Baptist community in supported by several of Dunsborough, each night of Five Barley Loaves. be the speaker on the day. Toodyay is eagerly anticipating denominations and ministry leaver’s week. The Green Team Keith’s arrival. Visitors are groups focused on city works with WA Police, Red Frogs Science conference welcome to attend the induction workers. For more details email and other not-for-profit groups Rachel Forman of Como Baptist service on 2 November or the [email protected] or phone to provide a safe place for the Church has been selected to Church Open Day on Saturday 8 0455 506 338. leavers to celebrate. For more attend the National Youth Science November, when the church is information, contact Michelle Forum in Canberra in January open to the public. Smoker on 6313 6300. 2015. Four hundred young news 7

OCTOBER 2014 Baptist support launched

Over one and a half million Iraqi people have been displaced since January as a result of Islamic insurgency. While up to six and a half million Syrians have been internally displaced as a result of crimes against humanity being perpetrated by both the Syrian Government forces and the Islamic State.

As a result, Baptist World Aid entire communities because Australia (BWAA) has launched of ethnic, religious or a campaign to support people sectarian affiliation. displaced and traumatised by the People directly targeted have Islamic State insurgent group’s been Christian, Yezidi, Shabaks, domination over areas in Iraq Turkomen, Kaka’e and Sabaeans. and Syria. “Our integral alliance partners The United Nations High and agencies in the area are Commissioner of Human Rights reporting that thousands of condemned the appalling families and children are sleeping widespread and systematic wherever they can out in the open deprivation of human rights without their basic needs of food, in Iraq by the Islamic State. or any form of sanitation being Violations include targeted met,” Baptist World Aid Program killings, forced conversions, Director Anthony Sell said. abductions, trafficking, slavery, “Our greatest concern right

Photo: Medair, Stella Chetham used with permission with used Chetham Stella Medair, Photo: sexual abuse, destruction of now is shelter and there is a huge Thousands of children are some of the most vulnerable people who have been displaced and left destitute due to places of religious and cultural amount of work required to ensure fighting in Iraq and Syria. Winter is coming to the regions of Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan where refugees are camped. significance and the besieging of that families have protection from the cold.” Of the internally displaced people, 112,000 are currently living in camps, 225,000 are Ping Pong combats trafficking living in schools and mosques and 121,400 are squatting in “So often we get caught up young people from a range of abandoned buildings. There are in our own lives and forget that different angles. The newest 200,000 Syrian refugees in Iraq. The humble game of Table Tennis has become the there are others in our world partner, International Justice The crisis in Syria is being feature of a national fundraiser aimed at freeing who are facing circumstances Mission, recently opened an described as one of the worst some of the world’s most vulnerable from sexual that are much more office in Sydney. humanitarian crises facing challenging,” Adrian said. the world. exploitation and human trafficking. Started in 2011 as an The Syrian crisis began in experiment to try to engage Spring 2011 when a widespread During October and Churches, schools, sporting men on issues of trafficking and popular protest arose against the November, twenty-five clubs, public spaces and even a exploitation, fifteen Melbourne regime of President Bashar Al venues across Australia will pub are hosting events and will men raised awareness and $10,000 Assad. The Assad Government host the 2014 Ping Pong-A- engage 1,000 Aussie men as to help children and teenagers in responded through a series of Thon, (www.pingpongathon. advocates and fundraisers on South East Asia who are among violent crack downs which saw com). Three venues in behalf of trafficked or exploited the most exploited in the world. the protests devolve into a civil Western Australia will be young people through a 24-hour The event aims to raise more war. This instability allowed the hosting events during table tennis event. than $100,000 to support the work entry of a number of rebel groups October, including Mount Founder of the Ping Pong- of nine partner organisations into Syria. Most concerning has Pleasant Uniting Church A-Thon Adrian Rowse sees the in South East Asia, who are been the presence of the Islamic and venues at Canning Vale event as a fun way for men to combating issues of human State which has captured one and Bunbury. show they care. trafficking and exploitation of third of Syria and the majority of the nation’s oil and gas fields. It is estimated that 10.8 million people, almost half the population of Australia, are in need of emergency assistance. There are EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES 2.9 million Syrian refugees outside of their homeland. The plight of GOLDFIELDS BAPTIST COLLEGE children is critical with 325,000 children currently under siege where no aid can reach them. An excellent education in a Christian context Through a group of partners in surrounding countries Baptist Goldfields Baptist College is committed to providing an inspiring teaching and learning World Aid is sending financial and practical help to meet the needs of environment. We believe in a holistic education where learning is balanced with the displaced people. pursuit of emotional, spiritual and physical wellbeing. Located in Kalgoorlie, the College “Our partner teams, including caters for approximately 320 students from Kindergarten through to Year 10. Medair are living out the love The College seeks applications from suitably qualified, experienced and dynamic Secondary of Jesus in very challenging and Primary teachers who can make a positive contribution to our College, specifically in circumstances,” Western our Science and Maths Departments, starting January 2015. All GBC staff are expected to Australian BWAA representative uphold and support the College’s ethos, be a practicing Christian, and be able to provide Dushan Jeyabalan said. a letter from their Church pastor or minister. “This is crucial work for people who are suffering deeply.” Please visit our website on http://www.gbc.wa.edu.au/gbc/employment-opportunities/ To give to the Middle for the selection criteria and to see if our ministry might be part of your next step. East Crises Appeal, visit Please email your application to: [email protected] - Applications close at 4.00pm on 23 October 2014. baptistworldaid.org.au or call 1300 789 991. 8 feature

OCTOBER 2014

Losses and subsequent grief: We thought we’d had enough grief in our life to this point between singleness, divorce, blending a new family, difficulty conceiving and bullying at work amongst others. So when I finally gave birth to Ethan, and Steve started his dream job, we were finally in a good place – even though they coincided with moving house.

By Sarah and Steve Wickham

However, loss is no stranger to life and we soon found had to make. On 4 July I had an amniocentesis and The response to the letter was overwhelming - grief calling to visit our home again, but this was no on 18 July at 4.30pm we learned our little one has there was so much love for baby and for us. So many typical loss. We are experiencing a grief we’ve never Pallister-Killian Syndrome (PKS) – a rare chromosomal people lifting us up, and with that came a sense of known before – the expected loss of our unborn child disorder. We were devastated. We had already been peace that cannot be explained in our understanding. – and we live in a surreal world of enjoying our baby told that our case was both serious and very complex. So much of that love has come from the congregation only until he/she is born. We now learnt that our growing baby lay on the very at Lakeside Baptist Church who have supported us On the first day of July this year life took an extreme end of worst case scenarios. On 5 August we with messages, cards, flowers, meals, and so many unexpected turn at the regular 19-week scan. We were told quite emphatically that our baby deserved offers of practical support. We are also ever so grateful will never forget the doctor telling us with watery “comfort and respect.” Steve wrote this little lament to our families who have dropped everything to eyes, “You will need to be strong for each other. This that very day: provide assistance as we need it. is a long journey.” You forget that these scans are not about coming away with a pretty picture and Tiny little fingers and wiggly little toes, finding out the gender, if that’s your inclination, but Why this tiny life will die about finding foetal abnormalities, and significant Only God really knows, abnormalities were found in our baby. Our baby has a His body is so active, Isn’t praying about congenital diaphragmatic hernia, which means most In his mother’s womb, of the abdominal organs are situated in the chest, He has no idea at this time, bending our will pushing the heart to the right, so there is no room for Of his impending doom. towards his? About the lungs to develop. We cannot tell you why our child, Steve wrote beautifully of the moment when we We don’t know what to say, us finding his will? found out, and it was how many people initially learned But our love for you will always remain, of our sad news. Through our every night and day. If you were to live, On an innocent enough Tuesday morn, We’d love you so much, When the strangest experience makes its dawn, And you’d love us too, It seems so long until we meet this little one, and “Abnormal internal structures” in our dear little life, We’d treasure every touch. we want it to take forever to come because right now We learn that she or he is in the state of real strife. With each day that passes, is all the time this baby has to know me and for me to As the doctor stared into our eyes that day, Knowing now this very news, feel him/her alive and kicking me. Yet, the physical The moment surreal, emotions not kept at bay, To have to say goodbye, limitations I have with being so big far too early are To hear “there are issues” and to let that sink in, We’ll all know what it’s like to lose. weighing me down and have me wanting the day To our faith in that moment was all we could cling. So surreal to know you move right now, to come quickly. So instead, we wait on God for His Sitting there silently as he broke the news, As if the promise of life were real, perfect timing - a time that we can’t plan. Shattered and shaken, no thought of a ruse, But we must ready ourselves, We walked out into the world, forever it’d changed, For the loss and grief we’ll feel. This space, this time, this waiting leaves us out Somehow our lives were indelibly rearranged. I think it helps to write this ode, of control, in a mix of emotions and having to trust It helps to ponder the grief, entirely in our God. All we can do is take it one day at We will never forget being ushered out of the To touch the very emotions, a time, one appointment at a time, and sometimes one Ultrasound room by the doctor feeling unworthy That one day might bring us relief. minute at a time. We plan what we can plan around for simply being there amongst so much life when the birth, spend time with baby, plan a funeral, and we felt we were carriers of death. We drove home in How we would pray changed as the news rolled wait and wonder what God’s hand will bring. tears; 15-month-old Ethan in the back seat confused in, initially moments of grief, followed by calm and and worried. a hope that perhaps baby could be saved, but then It was an afternoon of disbelief. How could the despair - no hope given to us by the doctors, so saving Lord allow this child, whom we felt was a gift from this baby was entirely in God’s hands. Some said to God to us, to be taken away from us? At times such as us that they were still praying for a miracle, while these we search for God as he searches for us; “God we questioned if that’s really what God wanted? Isn’t is good – he is, despite it all.” Upon hearing the initial praying about bending our will towards his? About diagnosis, Steve recalls, the still, small voice of God, us finding his will? So we wrote to our church and “Steve, thank me for your faith; your faith will get you friends to convey our news to those that didn’t know both through this.” and let everyone know how we wanted them to pray. The next few days and weeks were a roller coaster Steve published it on his blog and it was read over of emotion because of the different assumptions we three thousand times in a few days. feature 9

OCTOBER 2014

Sarah and Steve Wickham Photo: Ray Brown 10 news

OCTOBER 2014 Freeset weaves new hope

Freeset Fabrics, the first freedom business under a new business incubator program, is being launched in the Indian village of Valkundi in West Bengal, an area where women are trafficked to the sex trade in Kolkata.

The New Zealand Baptist years. One day another sex- Following the death of her community implemented the worker told her about a meeting parents Kundulla inherited a business incubator program to where some foreigners were small plot of land with an old address the issues that cause talking about opening a sewing building on it. Two years ago women to be trafficked to business in the area. She went, she proudly took her friends (the Kolkata and to bring freedom and listened and bravely decided to same foreigners that she has been choice to them. join the freedom business where working alongside for the past Kundulla is one such woman she learned to sew jute bags for a 12 years) to her family home in from Valkundi. From a poor living instead. Valkundi. She offered her land family, she was married at 13 to Twelve years later, Kundulla and the old building to them, an older man. Several months is a woman of faith, a woman of and is now the site of the new

later she was sold by her mother- vision and has a burning desire Freedom Fabrics centre where Freeset Image: in-law to a group of young to see women set free from the looms are currently being built. Kundala is committed to seeing women freed from the sex trade. men who gang-raped her one sex-trade. She no longer sits at a The new centre provides afternoon. Shamed and afraid, sewing machine, but now spends choice and freedom to women Kundulla fled to the safety of her most of her day at the drop- through meaningful work, “We’ll be offering a choice New Zealand and Melbourne, uncle’s home. Some weeks later in-centre in the main lane of but more importantly a to girls from her village and the is marketing Freeset products. her uncle promised to find her Sonagacchi, Kolkata’s largest red- fulfilling alternative to the sex surrounding area for a better life. Jeff Ward ([email protected]. work in Kolkata. Instead he sold light area. She is at the frontline, trade in Kolkata. What a remarkable woman of au) is based in Melbourne and her into a brothel. visiting brothels, using her own “Her generosity and her dream faith, hope and love Kundulla is.” is keen to talk with people Despising her life in the city, life story and sharing her faith to have inspired the birth of Freeset Liminal Apparel (liminal. interested in supporting the Kundulla sent money home to encourage other girls and women Fabrics,” Freeset founder Annie org.au), a not-for-profit group business and changing the lives her family in the village for many to ‘leave the line’. Hilton said. with offices in Christchurch, of women in India. briefs Preparing & delivering an Nigerian nightmare place where locals could practice World Watch Monitor reports their English. Originally from Christians are on the run in Vancouver, the Garratts worked as northern Nigeria. Nigerian cleric teachers in southern China since evangelistic message Rev Samuel Dali says what ISIS 1984 before moving to Dandong has done in Iraq, Boko Haram and opening the popular coffee A workshop with Dennis Pethers (the Muslim based militia group) shop. The couple had been is doing in Nigeria. Recent hosting church services in their territorial gains made by Boko home and taking food and aid Haram in the northeast have across the border into North Korea Dennis Pethers is based in England with a background left churches destroyed, pastors with government permission. scattered and members killed In August Chinese authorities where church did not feature at all. He didn’t know that or fleeing the area. Fleeing accused them of espionage and he didn’t know Jesus! He came to follow Jesus after his Christians are heading towards stealing state secrets. boss gave him the book “Mere Christianity”. He discov- Cameroon for safety, adding to the numbers of displaced people. Indian persecution ered a staggering truth that God doesn’t just exist; He Among a wave of attacks against loved him enough to die for him. Dennis wanted every- Albania openings non-Hindus since the Hindu one to hear this amazing news. This passion grew and he An unlikely mission field has nationalist Bharatiya Janata emerged in the former atheist Party took power in India in left his work and trained at Spurgeon’s College in London. nation of Albania. For nearly May, a Christian couple in Bihar 25 years, from 1967 to 1990, State required hospital treatment Event Details “I was a student pastor when my Senior Pastor said he all religious observations after Hindu extremists beat and wanted me to preach one evening and challenge people throughout the nation were publicly resolved to kill them. A Leader: Dennis Pethers to respond to the gospel. I struggled with this over 4 prohibited and all churches and group of men forcefully entered Date: Thursday October 30, 2014 mosques were closed. But today, the home of Shri Lal Khatiyan in sleepless weeks. I knew I had been called to “do the The Tide (www.thetide.org) global Balwanazir, Kaliyanganj calling Time: 9.30am - 3.00pm work of an evangelist”, but how do I preach the gospel radio ministry is expanding its him and his wife pagans as they Venue: Yokine Baptist Church programs into Albania to reach beat them. According to the 50 Frape Avenue, Yokine WA 6060 and challenge people to respond?” Philip Bryant people with the message of Evangelical Fellowship of India, Cost: $40 salvation through Jesus Christ. when Khatiyan’s wife, Asha Devi, People are meeting Jesus and tried to intervene they called her Morning Tea will be provided. Lunch is not provided however you can bring your own lunch lives are being changed. a slut and hit her on the head with or dine in one of the nearby eating establishments. the handle of a sickle. Canadians arrested Christian Broadcasting Network Himalaya floods Registrations: To register your attendance go to www.baptistwa.asn.au reports Chinese authorities are International Baptist relief Registrations close Friday 24th October 2014 accusing a Canadian missionary agencies are working with Nepal couple of spying. Kevin and Baptist Church Council and Julie Garratt own a coffee shop Arunachal Baptist Churches in Dandong, a Chinese city near Council following flash floods the North Korean border, which and landslides in early September. they opened in 2008. Peter’s Hundreds of villages in Nepal, Sponsored by: Crossover Australia and Baptist Churches WA Coffee House, named after their Kashmir and northern India have For further information contact Philip Bryant or Katarina Miller at the son, made a name for itself in been flooded and more than a Baptist Churches WA office on 6313 6300. the city for its menu and as a million people displaced. news 11

OCTOBER 2014 Cooking school saved

In the pre-dawn darkness of an August morning, a group of buildings in the Khlong Toey slum in Bangkok, Thailand erupted into flames. One of the properties destroyed was Khun Poo’s Helping Hands Cooking School, more commonly known as Cooking with Poo.

More than 100,000 people call the two square kilometres of the Khong Toey slum home. Each day The Urban Neighbours of Hope (UNOH) team has been Poo hosts living and working in Khlong 10 guests Toey for more than 13 years. Currently they have two teams who come to in the slum. Lifestreams Church (South Perth) member Alisha learn her fine Faulkner leads the team in the art of Thai

Lok 3 neighbourhood, where Alisha Faulkner Photo: Poo’s cooking school operates. cooking A fire fighter extinguishes the smouldering ashes of what was the Helping Hands Cooking School in “I met Poo about seven years Bangkok, Thailand. ago when I came to Bangkok on a short term mission trip to run a holiday club for the kids in the slum,” Alisha said. but also many other people in “She was just starting out and the neighbourhood. I was one of her test customers to “Poo has an incredibly see if it would work.” generous heart and is one of the The fire destroyed the entire most beautiful people I know,” cooking school building, Poo’s Alisha said. home, her parents’ home and “I feel challenged by her several neighbours’ homes. generosity and love for others No-one was seriously hurt in every day and I’m so thankful to the fire but Poo had to cancel God for the joy of life here with classes and look for temporary neighbours like Poo.” accommodation for the school In her spare time she cooks and her family. The estimate to for the lonely and elderly in her rebuild is AUD$30,000. neighbourhood. Even after a However by the end of long day working, Poo invites August the school was again kids over to play so they have running smoothly, in a rented something to do. Poo has helped building in the slum. Each other neighbours to start their day Poo hosts 10 guests who own small businesses, often come to learn her fine art of buying equipment for them and Thai cooking. Many tourists to sitting with them to work out Thailand have learnt from Poo budgets and costs. over the years and classes are The cooking school booked out weeks in advance. provides a legitimate way for

Poo employs several of Westerners to experience the Photo: Sergey Uryadnikov / Shutterstock.com her neighbours at the cooking slum while giving something school. This has helped improve back to the local community not only her own family’s life and economy. Ebola cripples Sierra Leone

The Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone is having a devastating impact on the country’s health systems, economy, education and community life.

The Baptist World Alliance (BWA) industries for the country and of the highly contagious virus. has sent US$20,000 to provide have all been majorly impacted. “Church attendance is dwindling. food, educational materials for Coordinator of social Baptist activities are being slowed the prevention of the spread ministries for the Baptist down,” Samuel said. of the Eloba virus, as well as Convention of Sierra Leone “The traditional embrace materials and equipment to Samuel Conteh, reports that most and handshake among provide adequate sanitation for of the Ebola deaths are occurring members after church services people who have been affected by in people aged between 15 and have also disappeared.” the crisis. 45. These deaths are of key Approximately 50 medical The outbreak began in agricultural workers and heads personnel have died, including March 2014 during the height of families. As a result, there is three prominent doctors. People of the farming season. It has a large population of children are not visiting health facilities had a detrimental effect on the and the aged without carers for fear of being labelled as Ebola agriculture sector, which accounts or resources. There are in turn patients, resulting in many for roughly 58 percent of the food shortages and prices have people not receiving the medical country’s gross domestic product subsequently skyrocketed. care they need. (GDP). Rice, cocoa and coffee Church activities have also The virus continues to spread crops are the main agricultural been drastically reduced because across West Africa. 12 in conversation

OCTOBER 2014 Leading is a calling

what you are striving to achieve. When you disconnect your heart In an interview Chief Executive Officer of from the work you are doing, Fairbridge Australia Inc. Mark Anderson discusses you can easily stray as a leader how to be a good a leader, what about his work is and those working with you can lose their focus. If people sense the most fulfilling and challenging, and how faith and feel that your job is just a job enriches his life. they are less engaged. Steven Covey talks about “the law of the You’re the CEO of Fairbridge. Tell significant heritage. Ultimately, harvest”, which is that you have us how you came to this job. we needed to be economically to understand when to prepare I worked for five years in self-sustaining while still the ground in the right season, Halls Creek and Kununurra partnering with Government and plant, water, harvest and if you managing youth and community the corporate sector. Fairbridge try and rush that process both organisations before returning today runs the whole of the in bringing about organisational to Perth in 1996. A development village as a live social enterprise change and move people, it officer role came up at Fairbridge through corporate training, day doesn’t work. Western Australia Inc.. The role trippers, coach tours, weddings, was to help the organisation church camps, festivals, events, What is most fulfilling for you restructure then develop and retreats, training and contracting, about the work at Fairbridge? launch a redevelopment program. which generates a surplus to To see the courage of young I could see the potential of fund our work with young people who come from such Fairbridge in providing a holistic people. Fairbridge is a Registered destitution and trauma but wrap around service and using Training Organisation under are able to bring about such the whole town site as a live the Australian Quality Training dramatic change in their life community engagement process Framework. On any given night through someone being willing for young people. Employment the village can accommodate to meet them where they are at for me is not about having a job, over 350 people, and for major and give them a hand up. I am it’s about a calling and I felt that festivals and events we can also inspired every day by the Fairbridge was the place that I accommodate over 6,500 people generosity of others who give so was being called to. in our accommodation and much of their time and resources camping areas. because they want to make a real

The Fairbridge organisation difference in someone else’s life FairbridgePhoto: has not always had a good How has Fairbridge engaged who is not as fortunate. Mark Anderson is the CEO of Fairbridge Western Australia Inc. situated reputation following their care and partnered with community just north of Pinjarra on the South West Highway. of child migrants coming from groups? What is most challenging about the United Kingdom in the early Fairbridge is not the be all and the work? 20th century. How has that end all of youth and community I struggle with the destitution How has your personal faith You’re part of 1Church- history impacted the current organisations, but we own and trauma that I see each day, enriched your life? Mandurah Baptist Church. With day Fairbridge? and operate a whole heritage the impact of drugs and alcohol My great grand pa, my grand such a heavy workload, how are Fairbridge Western Australia listed town site, therefore for and a sense of despair in young pa and my dad were ministers you and your family involved in Inc. (Fairbridge) came into Fairbridge, partnerships are a people. I’m embarrassed as a and most people thought I would your local church? existence in 1983 and had core part of the philosophy we West Australian to know that we be a minister but it was not my I used to be an elder at nothing to do with child operate within. We are a values have the highest imprisonment calling. I walk daily with God and the church, but due to work migration or the early history driven organisation and are rate of Aboriginals in Australia find Him to be my grounding, commitments have stepped of the site. We own and operate very particular about who we and in the western world for my inspiration and my guide to down and play an advisory role a heritage listed village that are willing to partner with. We indigenous people. That is why everything that I do. I view my for the Board, and when required has a broad and deep history in look for organisations that have I am passionately committed to life already as being eternal and chair the members meetings. I Western Australia. From the early the skill set that we don’t and not just be involved in running don’t see any difference on life have also been involved in an Aboriginal history of the site, to are committed to our vision programs, but to structurally on earth and life after. It’s part of advisory capacity around some the Fairbridge Village developed of enabling young people to shift the state of Western the journey. I’m a great believer of the project work of the church. from the vision of Rhodesian reach their full potential and Australia and if not Australia so that your faith is not about I play a mentoring role to some born Kingsley Fairbridge. During to bring about positive long that we have a community in being religious, but it’s about a of the church leaders when and the Second World War, it was term sustainable change. We’re which we live so each person relationship with God where as required. a base for Guildford Grammar committed to structurally feels included, valued and able to you live your life by actions school. It was the first legal drag changing the state of Western positively contribute back. not by words. strip in WA, housing the big Australia to ensure that we no sister and big brother movement longer have the highest rate of of the 50’s through to the 70’s, imprisonment of Aboriginal as well as the single parent young people in Australia, the program. The Fairbridge of highest rate of youth suicide, the today has brought the founders highest rate of drug overdose in vision of wanting to provide Australia and a growing number opportunities for young people of homeless young people. to reach their full potential into the 21st century. What leadership skills and lessons have you learned as When you arrived at Fairbridge you’ve led major change at in 1996 it was running at a loss Fairbridge? and the buildings were falling You need to live your life down. What did you do to turn and lead by example. I’m a great things around? believer in creating a vision that is We brought people together right out there that people can see from Government, corporate and visualise and work towards. and community groups across Bringing people together who Western Australia to see if have the same values, passion Fairbridge could become and commitment to the cause economically sustainable with a skill set that you don’t in its own right and support necessarily have is absolutely its focus on young people critical to the success of what with an environmental focus it is you’re trying to achieve. and acknowledgement of its Keep your heart connected to leadership 13

OCTOBER 2014 The king of the forest can still be a cowardly lion

In the classic film, the Wizard of Oz, the Cowardly Lion famously lacks courage. He’s scared of his own tail, and skittish at the slightest sign of danger. His companions constantly have to encourage him to keep going on their journey.

In one scene, the Cowardly Lion 3. Accept fear as the price of imagines how much better his progress. life would be as king of the forest. If you want to grow, then you will battle fear the rest Dorothy: If you were king, of your life. The good news: you wouldn’t be afraid of each victory over fear adds anything? to your confidence and helps Cowardly Lion: Not nobody! you to overcome fear again Not nohow! in the future. Tin Man: Not even a rhinoceros? 4. Stoke Your Passion. Cowardly Lion: Imposerous! We have both fear and Dorothy: How about a courage within ourselves: we hippopotamus? cannot purge either one. We Cowardly Lion: Why, can weaken the emotion of I’d thrash him from top to fear by starving it, refusing bottomus! to grant it entrance into our Dorothy: Supposing you met thoughts or to influence our an elephant? decision-making. However, Cowardly Lion: I’d wrap him in addition to starving fear, Care before self-interest up in cellophane! we also have to feed hope. Scarecrow: What if it were a brontosaurus? An inspiring vision Cowardly Lion: I’d show him consumes us with the who was king of the forest! possibility of what could be By Steve Ingram and should be. It fills us with If only he were a king, the powerful emotions of hope and In 1978 Ford recalled its Pinto car model. It turns out that Ford recalled the Cowardly Lion believes, he would excitement that can dwarf the vehicle, after months of controversy, due to a design fault which meant it was be fearless in the face of danger. emotion of fear. Nourishing susceptible to catching fire in the event of rear end collision. Ford became the Of course, the Cowardly a vision—thinking about it, Lion is misguided; courage talking about, and taking small focus of media scrutiny when Mother Jones magazine published an article comes from our personal steps toward it—generates the accusing Ford of knowing about the problem but deciding that it was cheaper to character and not from our passion that can propel us to payout potential burn victims than recalling the car. position. As William Brown overcome fear. said, “People don’t follow titles, they follow courage.” Thought to Ponder Whether the article was correct apology was offered compared normally have not been Courage and fear are not Thomas Edison delivered his or incorrect, it probably captures to financial compensation. The disclosed) mutually exclusive. In fact, final public speech during the some of the public’s sentiment general principal here transcends • Admission of inadequate the most courageous acts take depths of the Great Depression. about organisations. There governments, business and even previous response place despite fear. No one has In it, he encouraged his audience seems to be a perception that the concept of an apology. An ever figured out how to get rid with the following words: organisations are inclined to appropriate response from leaders In contrast, a non-response of fear; it’s an emotion that we “My message to you is: protect themselves, including can herald significant healing encourages individuals that feel instinctually whenever we Be courageous! I have lived a their bottom line, more readily and forward movement for the have been hurt to project their encounter danger. However, you long time. I have seen history than caring for their customers, individual and the group. own version of reality into the can learn to resist fear—to feel it repeat itself again and again. I clients or adherents. It is sad that Significant responses which vacuum. This in turn damages but to move forward anyway. have seen many depressions in churches are not exempt from should be considered include: our reputation but more business. Always America has this perception. • An apology importantly negates our mission How to Fight Fear: come out stronger and more Leaders in organisations • Expression of care and of sharing God’s love. Even in prosperous. Be as brave as your have the power to heal or further concern the face of financial or legal 1. Discover the foundation of fathers before you. Have faith! damage individuals when they • A commitment for implications shouldn’t we be fear. Go forward!” respond inappropriately to restitution brave enough to value honesty Fear usually resides in We often gain courage to people’s concerns. In church • A commitment towards and care above self-interest? feelings rather than facts. move forward by looking back we exert a lot of effort creating change (fixing a past Drill down into your to the example of others. Whose pastoral care systems. These mistake) emotions to figure out the heroic example of courage has systems have the potential • A willingness to note the basis of your fears. inspired you to be brave? to be undermined through situation in writing (letter, inadequate leadership responses records and minutes 2. Focus on what you can Used with permission from to mistakes and damage that could be used) control. The John Maxwell Company, our organisation may have • Disciplinary action I can’t foresee every www.johnmaxwell.com caused. I have been searching my towards an individual financial crisis, but I can memory, without success so far, who has acted build a savings fund in for a recent example of a church inappropriately case of emergency. I can’t that apologised when they got • A commitment to report control the actions of something wrong. to authorities or oversight others, but I can control my In research published in bodies attitude. Remember: it’s not Economics Letters journal, based • An explanation of actions

what happens to you, but on commercial relationships it was taken Photo: Jill Birt what happens in you that found that customer responses • An explanation of Director of Deep Well Leadership matters most. were twice as positive when an circumstances (that Steve Ingram. 14 intermission

OCTOBER 2014

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Bible! Logos Bible Software https://www.logos.com/iphone

The free Logos Bible! app puts a suite of resources onto your phone or tablet giving you a powerful Bible study tool. Featuring the ability to highlight text, access Scripture’s original Greek and Hebrew words and view side-by-side resources allowing parallel reading, the Bible! app offers iOS and Android users a wealth of opportunities. The app comes with over 70 Bibles and books. Whilst others can be purchased from Logos giving users access to an extensive digital library, where users can search, Eyes be Open You Amaze Us Overcome share verses, and bookmark favourite passages. The app also Alabaster Box Selah Heather Clark synchronises across all platforms, Much loved Aussie band You Amaze Us is the new release Overcome is a new album so you can access Alabaster Box has returned with from contemporary pop group from Heather Clark and is the everything on any its fifth studio album Eyes be Selah showcasing their special first album she has created device. Search for Opened. This is surely the best blend of rich tones and sweet whilst working with Jesus Bible! in the Apple to date with 11 new compelling harmonies. Each song captures a Culture. Heather Clark travels App store or Google songs; fresh edgy sound and deep sense of heartfelt worship. internationally singing and Play store. powerful anthems such as This album features classic hymns leading worship, speaking ‘Give me the rain’ and ‘Candle’. such as ‘Just As I Am,’ ‘I’d Rather and calling people into a great Moving amongst the well crafted Have Jesus’ and ‘The Old Rugged place of wholeness, healing and moments and guitar hooks, Cross’ along with some new freedom in their lives and in their the album finishes with a cry songs. A beautiful new soundtrack relationship with Jesus. Heather from the heart through the new from a sweet, honest group who Clark will be travelling to Australia song ‘Never gave up on me’ cherish the moments found in to take part in conferences and proclaiming there is hope for that place of worship. worship meetings across the city all of us. to close out 2014.

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This is Vineyard Worship Vineyard Music

This new album comes with 10 tracks from Vineyard USA and UK to introduce the new generation of songwriters and worship leaders. There are also two bonus tracks of Vineyard Music classics ‘Sweetly Broken’ and ‘One Thing Remains’. A fresh season of worship and a new sound is brought together in this beautiful and diverse compilation of songs released by Vineyard Music.

The Advocate in conjunction with Word Bookstore is giving you an opportunity to win This is Vineyard Worship. To be in the draw, simply answer the following question: Same Kind of For Loves Sake Psalm 91 Different As Me Jessica J Davis Peggy Joyce Ruth Question: Ron Hall and Denver Moore with Jessica leaves middle-class There is a place in God - a secret How many tracks are on Vineyard Music’s new Lynn Vincent America the day after high school place - for those who want to seek album, This is Vineyard Music? When lives are brought together graduation to travel throughout refuge. In Psalm 91, Peggy Joyce through the most extraordinary Africa ministering to the poor. Ruth, a veteran Bible teacher, circumstances; a homeless drifter She discovers how the vibrant guides you through a personal who grew up in slavery finds a land and amazing people reveal study of this psalm, explaining Entries close on Thursday 16 October and all winners will be friend in the most unlikely of the upside-down nature of God’s verse by verse the protection announced in the November edition of The Advocate. people – an upscale art dealer Kingdom. Mary was called to that God promised us. Reading who is accustomed to the world bridge Heaven and earth by through you will find hope and The winners from the A Time to Plant competition: of Armani and Chanel. This bringing life to a new movement encouraging stories of people E Mileon, M Barrientos and Z Stephens. true story shines with the life- of God into the world around her. from all walks of life who have changing love of a God who They both experience great joy personally found refuge in these makes all things new. A New York and profound sorrow. covenant promises of God. competition Times bestseller.

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Phone number: Reviews and competition kindly supplied by Word Bookstore. Please complete this form with your details and post it to: Website: www.word.com.au This is Vineyard Worship Competition Address : Victoria Park - 359 Albany Highway, phone 08 9361 7899 11 East Parade East Perth WA 6004 school scoop 15

OCTOBER 2014

Each month a school highlights news from their campus through the writing and photography of students on the School Scoop page.

Esperance Anglican Community School provides a holistic, Christian education to give our young people: • Qualifications to give choice in life • Interests to sustain them • A character of value

International ties Country week success

By Chelsea Rushton (Year 12) Country Week is a week run by School Sports WA that allows the remote and isolated high schools of Western Australia to come together and compete against each other in a wide variety of sports at some of Perth’s best venues.

For the first time, Esperance Photo: Jen Biscoe Anglican Community School Photo: Fleta Walsh Jumping for Joy at Lucky Bay. (EACS) sent a netball team Netball girls demonstrate the teamwork which was hallmark of Country and two basketball teams Week. Lucky Bay, where they patted and (one boys and one girls team) feed the iconic kangaroos. to participate in the highly the girls had an enjoyable week a river cruise were among the By Max Bosworth There was a lot of excitement regarded event. In total EACS playing and supporting their students favourite activities. at Saturday’s bonfire on a local sent 21 students and five fellow Esperance teams. The students wish to thank Sixteen Japanese farm. Students shared sticks for teachers to Perth to the event. Miss Laura Salomone their parents and guardians who students and two marshmallow toasting and enjoyed The girls’ netball team, coached the boys and girls helped them to attend the event teachers from Osaka the stars that so many Japanese coached by Mrs Lisa Marquis, basketball teams, which had through fundraising ventures, students had not seen before. consisted of 10 players. Jordan some great wins against older School Sports WA, the teachers came to Esperance Sadly it was time for the Bradley (Year 11) captained the and stronger opposition. and coaches who accompanied Anglican Community students to return to Japan, but team. Emma Curnow was named It was a fabulous week for the students, Mr Liam Newton, School (EACS) in August many of the friendships are best player on the team. Maciee all those who went. The food Miss Laura Salamone, Mrs Beth on a well-planned student continuing long-distance via the Taylor was the leading goal scorer and nightly activities were the Stewart, Mrs Lisa Marquis, and internet. A trip by EACS students to and scored EACS’s first netball major highlights, after the sport. Miss Fleta Walsh who made the exchange program. Japan is being planned for 2016. goal in Country Week. Over all Ice skating, tenpin bowling and whole trip possible.

After initial conversations between host families and their student, parents soon realised that Google Translate was going to be their best EACS’s first major production friend for the next 11 days. The weekend was full of we got to work. Under the careful enjoyable experiences such as direction of our talented drama the Teen Fashion Awards and By Lucy Gardiner teacher Ms Lyndel Taylor our the Japanese students’ first ever (Year 10) production blossomed. Among Australian ‘Barbie’, as well as other things we had to learn how bonding between the exchange Esperance Anglican to stuntfight, surf, slow dance, and host students. Community School mime woodwork, waterski and Many of the Japanese students recently kiss on stage! Rehearsals were students were anxious starting relentless, but filled with fun and school on Monday surrounded presented their laughter. Some amazing talent was by so many people who could not inaugural school uncovered on and off the stage. speak their language, but their production, Lockie Opening night loomed worries were soon put to rest Leonard, Human quickly and we all worried we upon experiencing one of EACS’s wouldn’t pull it off, but through warmest welcomes and many Torpedo. hard work and dedication our strong friendships began. opening night was an amazing, Throughout the week, The play, written by Paige sellout success. Japanese students attended Gibbs, but adapted from the On the stage of Australia’s English classes and other novel by Tim Winton is a oldest functioning theatre, lessons with their hosts. EACS quirky look at teenage life. Esperance’s Bijou Theatre, Lockie students were delighted that the The 28-member cast and Leonard came alive. Japanese students were able to crew comprised of students from The cast and crew not only share their culture during their Years 8 to 12, managed to prepare developed their acting, teamwork

Japanese classes. a whole stage production in just and organisational skills, but we Photo: Lyndel Taylor On Wednesday the Japanese eight short weeks. also created a strong bond, lasting Esperance Anglican Community School Year 10 student Lucy Gardiner students went on an excursion Auditions were held, the memories and a sound platform enjoys a laugh at Lockie’s expense in her role as Vicki Streeton in the with one of the Year 9 classes to cast was selected and then for future school productions. EACS production of Lockie Leonard. Esperance’s most famous beach, 16 news

OCTOBER 2014 Bentley Royals rule the court

The Bentley Royals’ debut season in the WA Baptist Basketball League has been a big success and taken them all the way to a grand final victory. The team, who play in men’s D grade, was invited to join the competition after playing the summer basketball season at Lakeside Recreation Centre.

The team is made up completely six hours at Lakeside most of prisoners from the Wandoo Saturdays, supporting the Reintegration Facility. Wandoo teams through the season and provides a facility for minimum troubleshooting issues, such as security prisoners aged 18 to fixturing and uniforms. 26 who have been identified as “We have teams right across low risk prisoners, preparing for the competition from the young reintegration into the community. boys and girls to the A grade Chaplain at Wandoo, Gavin groups,” Carole said. Douglas approached Bentley “There’s also a mixed team Baptist Church Youth Pastor Brad that’s more of a social team Lewis about the possibility of the than the higher grade men or Wandoo men being connected women’s teams.” with the church. Bentley now Wearing the distinctive black supplies uniforms to the team and gold uniform of the Bentley and has sent a group of their own teams, the Wandoo men walk basketball players into Wandoo less than one kilometre from

to train with the men, which is Wandoo to Lakeside each week Photo: Jill Birt set to become a regular event and take to the court with the Wandoo Recreation Officer Chris Sharrat on court at Lakeside Recreation Centre with members of the Bentley pending prison approval. nervous energy of passionate Royals basketball team. Wandoo recreation officer sportsmen. There has not been Chris Sharrant is passionate one technical foul called against about his job and basketball. He the team all year. These men coaches the team at their twice know the referee’s whistle rules weekly training sessions and has on the court. even filled in for the team when Serco’s employee at the Advocate wins ARPA gold short on players. Wandoo facility James Ng Players and staff from the sees the significant influence Perth Wildcats also supported basketball is having on the the team during their season young men in the team. The Advocate newspaper won the gold award for ‘Best Designed Newspaper’ at with visits to Wandoo to help “I see their self-confidence the 40th Anniversary conference of the Australasian Religious Press Association with skills training as well as growing, their willingness to (ARPA) held in Canberra last month. attending games at Lakeside to work together is developing encourage the team. and there’s hope. This team has Bentley couple Gary and made such a difference,” Sub-editor and primary writer of Australia, New Zealand and parts Carole Bezant are the link James said. the newspaper Jill Birt won the of the Pacific Ocean region. between the Baptist competition Carole Bezant said bronze award for the ‘Best News The Advocate, a monthly and their local church. The the Bentley Royals were Story’ for her article reporting 16 page full colour newspaper couple coordinate the 22 teams invited to join the rest of the on the Tasmanian bushfires in is designed by Perth from Bentley Baptist Church, Bentley teams at their end of February 2013. She won a similar communications company which involves spending about season celebrations. award at the 2013 Conference. imageseven. Hard copies of the Entries for the awards and newspaper are distributed to over attendance at the conference 5000 readers in churches across came from more than 60 Western Australia and also read Christian publications across online by people around the globe.

Editor: Terry Hicks EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING: Managing Editor: Andrew Sculthorpe Email: [email protected] Subeditor: Jill Birt [email protected] Production: Laura Sheahan Mail: Baptist Churches BELLEVUE BAPTIST CHURCH Maclain Bruce Western Australia Graphic Design: Peter Ion PO Box 57, Burswood WA 6100 Advertising: Natalie Coulson Tel: (08) 6313 6300 Distribution: Natalie Coulson Fax: (08) 9470 1713 Editorial deadline: 5th of each month Celebrating 110 years of

PUBLISHERS GENERAL DISCLAIMER God’s faithfulness and provision All the articles, comments, advice and other material contained in this publication are by way of general comment or advice only and are not intended, nor do they purport to be the correct advice on any particular matter of subject referred to. No reader or any other person who obtains this publication should act on the basis of any matter, comment or Sunday 26th October 2014 advice contained in this publication without first considering and if necessary taking appropriate professional advice upon the applicability of any matter, advice or comment 9.30am herein to their own particular circumstances. Accordingly, no responsibility is accepted or taken by the authors, editors or publishers of this publication for any loss or damage suffered by any party acting in reliance on any matter, comment or advice contained herein. Morning Tea followed by The Advocate is published on behalf of Baptist Churches Western Australia by imageseven. BYO picnic lunch from 12 noon Tel: (08) 9221 9777 Email: [email protected] at Whiteman Park – Shelter VW More info: http://bbc.asn.au imageseven bcw P1509 bcw imageseven