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No. 383 THE GOOD NEWS PAPER NEW ACCEPTANCE Dr Saleh was on the verge of suicide in his personal crisis

edical offi cer age and short stature had not seri- Dr Ashraf ously fazed Ashraf, but he recalls Saleh has a personal crisis began at age 13 endured when he pondered why his family’s Ma lifelong religious rituals “really did not have heartbreak- any meaning in my personal life.” ing confl ict between desiring Fearing repercussions from his to respect his parents and his parents, Ashraf quietly searched hunger for seeking the true for answers in his own mind, then meaning in life. began independently exploring how Ashraf’s parents migrated he could know God in a personal way from Egypt in the midst of after high school. declining political stabil- “It was important for me at that ity and settled in Sydney stage in life to be able to freely ask during the 1970s heyday of God to be in my life,” he continues. immigration, all the while “I had this innate desire to be at maintaining a careful adher- one with God, to be in a relationship ence to Islam. with Him. If there is a purpose [to School bullying due to his my rituals], I wanted God to show Arabic appearance, younger it to me.” INCREDIBLE FEELING: Ashraf Saleh, seated with his family, says, “I felt an amazing sense of peace that I had never felt before.” While studying medicine at uni- versity he took advantage of the open-minded learning environment and resolved to directly approach Great Aussie Dream is no surety God with his questions. “I said, ‘God, if you are real, you should show yourself to me. I am BY HADYN SENNITT tired of having to go through this life alone and not knowing what it is OWNING ONE’S HOUSE is all about. I feel emotionally numb.’” something that Australians have Many months passed without any long aimed for, and even expected. answer from God, leading Ashraf It is, for want of a better phrase, to angrily tell God, “You have done the Great Australian Dream. yourself a disservice by creating me Having your own house gives a and I really want to end [my life] sense of security and a sense of now.” community. Just hours before Ashraf planned Many, however, simply cannot to jump from a four story building afford a house and that is a bitter he was awoken by an extraordinary pill to swallow. In a world that is feeling. quickly becoming less secure and community links are weakening, “I woke at 2am, drenched in sweat, heart pounding, and felt an REALITY this issue is posing many problems. depend on the mood of the Reserve “One’s life does not consist in the amazing sense of peace that I had Our TV stations offer little solace: Bank and ‘market forces’. abundance of his possessions” (in never felt before. It reassured me, a few nights ago there was a pro- Even when you buy and pay the Luke 12:15). ‘You are at peace. You have peace Page 2 RULES gramme on British home renova- house off, it can be burned down, Nothing in or on this earth will because I am in you.’ No fi reworks, tions, followed by two other such broken into, and it falls apart. last because it is all made of mat- no big dream, just a sense of peace. I programmes in Australia. One of Upkeep and renovation is costly, ter! But what will last? Eternity knew that I couldn’t go on with that BACK PAGE those was a repeat of a previous laborious, and time-consuming. with Jesus Christ, and all who put [suicide] plan.” episode and all the ads concerned Worse, some families invest more their trust in Him. The well-known where to purchase home renovation in the condition of their homes than John 3, verse 16 tells us, “For God As Ashraf wandered through the AGAINST products. For those of us, like me, they do in one another. Instead so loved the world that He gave His streets of Parramatta, working out priced out of the housing market, of having community, they get only begotten Son, that whoever his next steps, he was approached THE it’s like waving a fi sh before a starv- absorbed in the house. believes in Him should not perish by a friendly man whose sense of ing cat. When Jesus walked this earth but have everlasting life”. Ashraf’s loneliness encouraged him All of this, however, poses the He offered a stunning alternative. To have this security we need to open up. GRAIN question about where we fi nd hope Profoundly and simply he said, “Do to seek forgiveness from God for After quietly listening, the man and security. Is it in bricks and not lay up for yourselves treasures rejecting Him and accepting Jesus said, “You’re going through stuff, mortar? Is it in a career, or family, on earth, where moth and rust Christ as Master and Saviour. He and we all have. But you have to or more, or all of the above? destroy and where thieves break in wants to give us abundant everlast- respect your parents, because that The problem with having security and steal; but lay up for yourselves ing life in Himself, but that can only is the right thing to do, and I think in a house is that the one owning, or treasures in heaven, where neither happen when we let go of our stuff you know that.” trying to own it, is victim to other moth nor rust destroys and where and allow Jesus Christ to control ● Turn to page 2 people’s behaviour. Prices rise thieves do not break in and steal” our life. ● and fall according to supply and (Matthew 6:19-21). Haydn Sennitt is pastor of a church demand; interest rate repayments More to the point, He said, in Georges River, Sydney www.challengenews.org.au 2 • Edition 382 YOLO and the House Rules YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE, so make sure you know the Universe’s rules

BY RICK LEWERS said he was a fool. He had forgotten the most important of house rules. I AM FASCINATED by reality TV. He built with no regard for God. Whether it be Renovation Rumble, With his plans before him, a glass House Rules or My Kitchen Rules, of wine in his hand, and some big it is clear that every contestant is dreams for his future he dropped trying to rule. When I was at school, dead, exposing this glaring mistake. and later with my sons, a ‘rumble’ A person ruled by their stomach had nothing to do with and their possessions often building but it did have “Those makes this mistake, for a lot to do with ruling. which there is no prize. I am very interested seeking the At least on MKR and in reality TV’s use of the House Rules, those seeking word ‘Rules’. prize never the prize never lose sight of There is a famous the judge. parable of a wealthy lose sight of First, there are the super and successful man who judges who are rather appeared to be ruling his the judge” despotic. Then comes peer MELBOURNE, 3 MAY 2015: Contestants from Reno Rumble (The Block) arrive at the life rather well. He was judgement by fellow con- 57th Annual Logie Awards at Crown Palladium. (Photo Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) so successful, he planned testants who deep down a complete renovation of his property don’t want others to succeed. Finally, temple or shrine then my debt will tianity is not about ‘do, do, do’ but Christianity is about God, who but this was not to provide for others’ there are the unseen judges like be cancelled and we can sit back, eat, about what has been ‘done’ for us through His undeserved love, seeks needs, no, his complete motivation myself, sitting in a living room some- drink and be merry. by the person of Jesus Christ. It is to decorate your life with everything was to satisfy his own stomach. where debating the merits of those Well, that is religion and the prac- not about a judge who picks away at that is beautiful, noble and honour- His prize when the renovation with whom we have no relationship. tice of the religious – people seeking our efforts but the Judge powerful able. It is about God’s invitation project was done would be the ability Why such religious effort on these to satisfy a judge or judges who do enough to repair them. Christianity to wine and dine with Him at the to sit back, eat, drink and be merry. shows? Why do they work like slaves not really care about them person- is about the God who builds a future greatest banquet in heaven. There’s You would be forgiven in our age for all week to satisfy judges who pick ally, and whom the person doesn’t for us that we could never build for the prize, not for your efforts, but for thinking that this man ruled his own their efforts apart? It is all about really know, in the uncertain desire ourselves. Christianity is about a the efforts of Jesus Christ. It is not life well. He appeared to have made the prize. And such is the prize, of attaining a better future. Saviour who makes right every life a prize for us but a gift, and the only a great assessment of his life situa- they religiously compare themselves Many people think that is what renovation bungle with forgiveness, judgement you need ever fear from tion, economically and in terms of with each other and even compete Christianity is all about – and they and repairs every failed recipe for life Him is the one reserved for those who his pleasure seeking. with one another to gain the judges’ could not be more wrong. Chris- with the right ingredients. reject His invitations. ● In the parable’s conclusion, Jesus, favour. Religiously they ‘do, do, do’ the originator of the tale, said the in an attempt to win a better future: if man’s problem was that he made no only I offer the sacrifi ce of the perfect accounting for the Judge of the Uni- meal I could one day own my own verse. He thought he was wise. God restaurant; or if only I build the best NEW ACCEPTANCE Ashraf ● From page 1 Six months later, 18-year-old Ashraf Saleh Crossword Ashraf says, “Deep within me I decided to believe knew that. But he gave me this open- that Jesus is God and ness and unconditional love that I took the penalty for ACROSS 8 Woolly South 13 Close to closed 17 Somewhat old had been missing and that I didn’t his wrongs against 1 Rainbow fi sh (5) Americans (7) (4) (7) know existed. I had to ask him, ‘What God. He was then 3 Deadly snake (5) 9 Bulb gas (5) 14 Young military 18 Golfer’s gadget is so different about you?’” publicly baptised as 6 Polyvinyl chloride (3) 10 Animal shelter (4) trainee (5) (3) The man, a Christian immigrant a symbol of his faith 19 Shoulder gesture from Ghana, replied, “I believe in in Jesus. (5) God and God through Jesus Christ He naively told his 20 Dark time (5) has set me free.” parents of his con- Impressed by this man’s testimony fession of sin and DOWN and his relationship with God, Ashraf dedication of his life 1 Sort (4) began attending his church to learn to Jesus. They physi- 2 Hot drink more. cally beat him and dispenser (6) Until that church, Ashraf says, ordered him to never 3 Superhero “I never had free access to a Bible return to church. He accessory (4) before. I learnt about God, and saw agreed to obey them 4 Capital of in His wonderful Scriptures things I for two years until he Romania (9) had innately appreciated even in the graduated university 5 Soak up (6) Qur’an, but never seen in that kind of and visited Ghana to work out what up a Muslim, have come to open my 7 Herb (9) colour and life.” he wanted to do with his life. life to Jesus Christ because He is the 11 Documents (6) “I saw abject poverty but at the truth, the way and the life.” 12 Ravine (6) same time amazing humility and a Ashraf has not had contact with 15 Talk big (4) &KDOOHQJH7KH*RRG1HZV3DSHU love for God, which I had never seen his father for over six years, but says ZZZFKDOOHQJHQHZVRUJ 16 Liquefy (4) before,” Ashraf shares. there is still a tacit bond with his SOLUTION His experiences there “opened mother and his siblings. He has been PAGE 11 my eyes to see the truth about life”, excommunicated from the family and a truth that “brought peace to my asked to never share his faith with heart.” anyone in the Egyptian community. 913 “I realised that this is not a perfect “I have told my father that I will Sudoku world, we are amongst sin and a lot of forever be a child of God through the 3947 imperfection and turning-away from sacrifi ce of our Lord Jesus Christ,” Fill in the grid so 7HVWLPRQLHV‡&KLOGUHQ¶VSDJHV God, and our attempts to be right- Ashraf says.  /LIHVW\OHDUWLFOHV‡6SRUWV that every row, every 791 eous are as fi lthiness in God’s sight.” When he is discouraged, Ashraf 3XEOLVKHGPRQWKVRIWKH\HDUE\&KDOOHQJH column, and every 3x3 /LWHUDWXUH)HOORZVKLS $%1  Now living in Toowoomba with receives comfort from the Bible, box contains the digits 857LQDVVRFLDWLRQZLWKWKHLQWHUQDWLRQDOIDPLO\RI &KDOOHQJHQHZVSDSHUV his Kenyan wife and three children, which he says “continually reminds 1 through 9. 16 83 (GLWRU&DUO&DUPRG\ Ashraf says he loves to share his story me that since the world around Puzzle Level: Medium 6WDIIZULWHUV'DUU\O%XGJH&DLWOLQ&KRYHDX[ with Muslims and Arab immigrants me is imperfect I cannot rely on it, :$17$<($5/<68%6&5,37,21"LVVXHV who are settling in Australia. including my family, for peace and 75 6 FRS\SHUPRQWK :$ FRSLHVSHUPRQWK :$ “To those who are interested”, he joy which can only come from our %8/.35,&(6$9$,/$%/( 73 8 1HZVVWDQGIRUSXEOLFSODFHGLVWULEXWLRQIUHLJKW says, “I would love to share my expe- loving Father.” rience, as well as the love of God with “Though my father and mother 2UGHU&KDOOHQJHIURP 2681 &KDOOHQJH/LWHUDWXUH)HOORZVKLS those who are going through such forsake me, the Lord will receive 32%R[&ORYHUGDOH:$ tumultuous times. me,” he quotes from Psalm chapter SOLUTION PAGE 11 95 1 &DOO (PDLODFFRXQWV#FKDOOHQJHQHZVRUJ “I show them that I, being brought 27, verse 10. ● • Edition 383 3 SHADOW OF PROTECTION After a string of divorces, Christa found the safe place she longed for ell-educated and raised invited her to their church. There in a stable loving fam- she heard the most hopeful message ily, Christa Britz recalls of her life. Wher life was set on a The preacher spoke from Psalm confused course when 91: “Those who live in the shelter of a preschool teacher molested her. the Most High will fi nd rest in the “The teacher asked me to put my shadow of the Almighty.” hand on a black Bible and swear I will The Psalm concludes, “‘I will res- not tell anyone ever about what has cue those who love me,’ says the Lord happened,” Christa begins. ‘…I will be with them in trouble. I “I knew enough to know what a will rescue and honour them. I will “I so longed promise was, especially on a Bible, reward them with a long life and give so I never told anyone.” them my salvation’”. for that Although this teacher soon disap- Christa continues, “I so longed for peared, more tragedy, confusion and that shelter, that peace and protec- shelter, that loneliness followed when her parents tion against the world, myself and divorced during her teen years. all that was happening around me. peace and Christa’s internal battles were Slowly something happened inside ultimately displayed outwardly in me.” protection two devastating forms: adultery and After making up with her mother, against the anger. “To be honest,” she shares, Christa moved in with her and began “everybody lies and cheats, steals attending her church. world” and curses, but my problems were “I learnt a lot about Jesus’ salvation adultery and a bad attitude. I was and knew I had to make a decision. married three times, and now in my “I heard from the Bible that Jesus fourth, and last, might I say.” is the only One who can save you “At 32 years of age, what a freedom I found! Total peace came over me,” says Christa, pictured beside husband Cobus It upset her greatly that she had and forgive you, and who loves you no money to study for her dream job unconditionally. Who does not hold working with children. your sins against you and does not She also battled loneliness when remember them anymore. she found work after graduating “So I asked the Lord to come into Addictive past given up high school and had to live with an my life and take over my life. I turned unfamiliar family member who had away and repented from all my sins many boyfriends. and made Jesus Lord of my heart. uriosity led Neil Caintic to try drugsugs forfor the To escape her isolation she impul- “At 32 years of age, what a freedom fi rst time. Little did he know he was being sively married a school friend she I found! I asked many people to for- led into a trap – one that seemedd to have Neil Caintic C with his wife barely knew and was soon pregnant. give me for my wrongs against them.” no escape. and children “Six months after I was pregnant After this, Christa says, “Total Drug use and abuse was common in Neil’s we were married in a simple civil peace came over me. I was not afraid home in the Philippines, and as a youngng boyboy ceremony. We were poor and I cried anymore. I was so excited and the of 14 he graduated from cigarettes andnd through my whole pregnancy. After emptiness was gone!” alcohol to illicit drugs. my fi rst son was born, something Now free of her burdens as a “I always wanted to fit in with really bad happened, so I fi led for Christian, Christa explains that she those around me and get along with divorce and began living with my dad. still made more mistakes and learnt the people in my neighbourhood,” “I will never forget that terrible day another hard lesson. Neil says. of my divorce hearing when I was fi ve “I did not consult God’s guidance His hopes and dreams for a bright months pregnant, and the most gra- about a man I wanted to marry, and successful future took a hit cious old magistrate asking me over a mistake that led to another sad when his lifestyle started to affect and over, ‘Are you sure?’” divorce. It was a very hard lesson to his education. Feeling guilty that her father had to learn. I have made my peace because From seemingly harmless con- support her, Christa married another God knows and He forgave me. sumption of marijuana to “shabu” school friend she knew well and had “Eight years after I joined a full- (crystal meth) and other prohibitedd “I have no a third son. time Christian outreach ministry, I drugs, Neil became a self-confessedd interest nor “Life was so meaningless for me; met my husband Cobus. God spoke “menace to society”. I was so empty inside,” Christa clearly to us through Isaiah 54-55 to Neil knew his lifestyle could not go on, n, any joy in remembers. both of us during a Christian confer- and a customer of a relative who soldd “Hoping it would add meaning ence. We have been married now for Bonsai plants showed him the solution. thinking about to my life, I started an affair with a three years. This Singaporean customer hap- wealthy man who was old enough to “I have been diagnosed with an pened to be involved with a Christian drugs now” be my dad. I then left my husband to incurable auto-immune disease drug and alcohol rehab centre House be with this man. called Lupus. We pray every day for of Hope, which Neil signed up to in “I remember praying every night His strength and healing, and God 1998. Bible, they helped me grasp again the truth and brought to a God I did not know: ‘Please help often shows me this verse, ‘My grace “Everything went smoothly during the year of reha- back the joy of my salvation.” me out of this situation.’ One day I is suffi cient for you, for my strength bilitation,” Neil recalls. “Broken relationships with my Upon fi nishing the program in 2002, Neil felt called got the courage to leave. is made perfect in weakness’ (2 Cor- loved ones were reconciled. to help others dealing with the same things he had and “Many times I wanted to end my inthians chapter 12, verse 9). “However, getting to know Jesus Christ and having a became a volunteer for the organisation. life, but three beautiful boys popped “I love God, my husband, my three personal relationship with Him was the greatest thing Now 16 years in sobriety, Neil is a mentor and liaison up in my mind every single time.” sons, and two four-year-old angel I learned.” offi cer at House of Hope, and the head teacher of the In a troubled neighbourhood granddaughters. To God be the praise Feeling like a new man, Neil set off to encourage centre’s day-care ministry for children. Christa met some acquaintances who for His salvation, forever and ever.” ● people and spread the good news he had heard about “Drug addiction is not a lifetime struggle,” he says Jesus Christ. confi dently. “I have no interest nor any joy in thinking But behind the scenes he continued to do wrong, suc- about drugs now. What is constant is the fi ght against cumbing to lying, lust and gluttony. sin, such as with lust and pride.” “Lust and pride seemed to always be present and often When he is tempted to sin Neil says that he sets his I fell to their allure,” Neil confesses. “When I left the eyes on Jesus “the author and perfector of our faith.” WITH KARL FAASE centre I returned to my old ways and within two years “God is always faithful. His eyes is upon me, guided was worse off than before.” me and let my eyes see upon the perdition of this fallen Money can become a drug Neil re-admitted himself in 2001, refusing to give up, world. I drag myself back to Him,” he says. this time giving everything he had to the Lord. “The Lord has been faithful in answering my prayers UK University professors Stephen Lea and Paul Webley argue that human He was determined never to return to the man he all these past years. He has enabled me to stand fi rm behaviour towards money cannot solely be explained by its usefulness. had hated being, pressing forward towards a better life. from temptations through the grace of Christ. They write: “Money isn’t just a tool but it also acts as a drug on the mind, This was no easier feat the second time around, but “I thank God in Christ for his mercy and his gift of sal- changing how we feel. Part of the benefi t people derive from acquiring money Neil was aware of the support system that surrounded vation given in Christ,” he adds. “His joy is my strength.” (is) feeling good… So we chase money partly just for the sake of having it.” him. Married to “a God-fearing Christian lady” Neil says he This helps us understand why Jesus taught that you cannot serve both God “God provided people that would inspire me and is grateful they have been “gifted with two kids, a son and money and why we must be very careful in our response to wealth. ● helped me get back on track,” he says. “Through the and a daughter”. ● For more Daily Nudge by Karl Faase, see Nudge.org.au 4 Challenge • Edition 383 Officer Rudi’s awakening I was not prepared to die, says former cop

udi Van Zyl was a police “The Holy Spirit asked me, ‘When realised that my tears and repentance officer who loved to will you turn to Jesus for your cannot save me because God does not party and drink with salvation?’ owe me salvation. So I begged Him his friends, yet a fear of “I told God, ‘Lord I want to repent, for His love which I did not deserve, Rthe judgement of death but my friendships and parties have confessing that I despised Jesus’ remained. power over me.’ sacrifi ce for me for so many years. “Every time I looked at a deceased “God clearly responded, ‘I am “When I asked for God’s mercy, I person in my job, I heard an inner going to speak very loud.’” immediately realised my sins were voice ask me where I would be if I The next morning Rudi remembers gone! I just knew God had forgiven was dead,” Rudi explains. standing in the mortuary identifying me.” Although he was someone very close to him. Since that day Rudi has known he raised as the son of “I asked “I identifi ed the body of has peace with God. a church pastor he my younger brother who “I know without a doubt that I will confesses he had a God why he was killed in a car accident. spend eternity in heaven with Jesus combative attitude, Three months earlier he had when I die. which resulted in killed my believed in Jesus Christ as “God made me free from all the his attraction to the Lord and Saviour. sins I was addicted to, and He gave police force. brother and “I asked God why he killed me a love for His Word the Bible, “I had the inten- my brother and not me, prayer and meeting with other tion of becoming a not me” because I was living in sin Christians.” successful, dedicated and deserved to be killed. He also had a desire to tell other hardworking cop,” “God said to me, ‘I did not people about Jesus, not out of obliga- he recalls. come to kill but to save!’” tion, but because he wanted to. However, he says his lifestyle was A few weeks later, Rudi discovered “The Bible verse became true: ‘if “dominated by alcohol abuse and that these words were written in the any man be in Christ, he is a new fi ghting”. Bible. creation: old things are passed away; “From childhood I loved fi ghting. “I found Jesus said in Luke chapter behold all things are new’ (2 Corin- I had an arrogant attitude especially 9, ‘For the Son of Man [Jesus] did not thians 5, verse 17).” when I joined the police force. Lying, come to destroy [people’s lives], but Shortly after his new life with Jesus stealing, immorality and almost every to save [them].’” began Rudi resigned from the police Rudi Van Zyl admits his life was “dominated by alcohol abuse and fi ghting” other sin was part of my lifestyle.” Rudi pondered these words about force. Following four years in private Although his offences were never God’s undeserved kindness to him work he had theological training and discovered Rudi could not shake even though God knew about all his became a church pastor in 2007. his guilt because when he looked at wrong-doing and evil thoughts. Days “I know that it is ‘God who works a dead body a chilling truth came later he came to a deep conviction. in [me] to will and to work for His over him. “I felt like I was the fi lthiest person good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). You’re a feminist “I just knew that I was not pre- who ever lived on earth. I had the And that I must “neither give place pared to die,” Rudi says. deepest desire to get rid of all my sin. to the devil’, according to Ephesians “I foolishly decided that when a “I wanted to get right with God, chapter 4, and avoid places and peo- BY CLAIRE DEBROIS bullet entered my body I would turn for Him to change me, so I would no ple where I will be tempted to sin. to Jesus!” longer live in sin and guilt.” “God enabled me to trust Him for The concept of feminism Then a convicting voice, which Picking up his sister’s Bible, Rudi a deeper work in my life so that I can today has become Rudi knows was God, spoke to him began praying desperately. live in spiritual victory,” Rudi says confused with the idea in February, 2000. “As I became desperate in prayer, I gladly. ● that women are the same as men. But that’s not what feminism is about. According to the Oxford Instant answers smother truth Dictionary, feminism means, “the advocacy of women’s rights on the ground of equality of the sexes.” BY BEN HALBROOKS Yes, women are equal in value to Claire Debrois, a NZ Army reservist men. But we are not the same. On TheVerge.com, Thomas Ricker gives a comical refl ec- Just like that brainteaser we’ve all heard, a tonne of steel and tonne of tion on his increasing forgetfulness: Google’s making me feathers both weigh the same, but they are certainly not identical. dumb. He blames the search giant for its ready-made, Likewise, my television might be worth the same as my washing easy-access answers to everything: “Why memorize any- machine, but they certainly don’t have the same abilities. thing when it’s so readily accessible?” His tech-dependent Just because two things are of the same value, does not mean they are laziness might sound familiar – but is he right? the same. On Salon.com, writer Ian Leslie probes the question fur- I was very sporty growing up, and always took great delight in beating ther from a psychological and philosophical perspective. the boys in pretty much everything. I was taller, stronger and faster. His piece Google makes us all dumber is an excellent read. Around age thirteen it all came tumbling down. Overnight, the boys Leslie warns: “Google is known as a search engine, yet around me shot up in height, they suddenly could run like the wind, and there is barely any searching involved anymore. The gap smash my hand into the table in an arm wrestle. between a question crystallizing in your mind and an survive only by tightly controlling what their followers It took me a while to accept that although I was equal in value, I was not answer appearing at the top of your screen is shrinking know. Where Christianity’s concerned, Dennett couldn’t equal in physical ability. all the time. As a consequence, our ability to ask ques- be more wrong. But when we equate a simple Google A DEEPER DIFFERENCE tions is atrophying… One day, the gap between question query with the search for truth, what do you expect? As I’ve grown older, I defi nitely see the diff erences between men and and answer will disappear. I believe we should strive to It’s not just Google. The tech world is full of companies women, particularly highlighted in a military environment (I work as an NZ keep it open. That gap is where our curiosity lives. We using anticipatory algorithms that promise to “know Army Reserve fi eld engineer). During extreme stress, we react diff erently. undervalue it at our peril.” what you want before you do,” as if that were a thing to We prioritise diff erently. We behave diff erently. Some of this may be The irony is unmistakable: in the internet age, we have be desired. (…Maybe we just don’t know we want it yet?) inadvertently following cultural norms, but there is defi nitely a deeper an overabundance of information but a corresponding Why track down the perfect present when you can just ‘diff erence’ that makes men stronger in some areas, and women stronger in lack of wisdom and depth of inquiry. When it’s all at our use an Amazon gift guide for anyone from “Boyfriend/ other areas. fi ngertips, we lose the thrill of the hunt. It’s what Leslie Husband” to “Motor Lover?” A radical feminist would argue with me. She might argue women can calls “a short-cut to stupidity.” Contrast that to the tire- Of course, the problem isn’t really the technology itself; do everything men can, and we need to break free of our perceived less curiosity of a child and the never-ending barrage it’s how we’re using it to outsource our humanity. Leslie weaknesses and fi ght the stereotype of our perceived strengths. But I of “How?” and “Why?” questions: “Somehow, children puts it well: disagree. instinctively know there is a vast amount they don’t know, “We will only realize the potential of technology and It’s just the way we are. According to the Bible God made us diff erent. and they need to dig beneath the world of appearances.” humans working together when each is focused on its We are all of equal value, regardless of gender, but we are not the same. We need to recapture that sense of wonder. strengths… Technology visionary Kevin Kelly succinctly Gender inequality is still a huge issue around the world. It needs to be Instead, we’re just a few clicks away from being know- defi nes the appropriate division of labor: “Machines are tackled by those who understand the true meaning of feminism—that it is it-alls, a mile wide and an inch deep. “The Internet can for answers; humans are for questions.” The practice of about recognising equal value, not attempting to be identical. make us feel omniscient,” notes Leslie – but it’s a foolish asking perceptive, informed, curious questions is a cul- “The woman was made of a rib out of the side of Adam; not made out of illusion. Case in point: just a few months ago in the Wall tural habit we should inculcate at every level of society.” his head to rule over him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, Street Journal, atheist Dan Dennett forecast the demise of Here’s to that. but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, religion at the hands of the internet, arguing that religions COURTESY FIXED POINT, WWW.FIXED-POINT.ORG and near his heart to be beloved.” – Matthew Henry 8 • Edition 383 LOVING OTHERS IS HIGHEST HONOUR Sporting honours comes a poor second to golden relationships, says Shannon

rack and fi eld athlete Shannon sports as much as he did but as in successive years. Winant found that every aspect he watched them he noticed they After two Tof his life and sport improved behaved differently to him. months working when he stopped focusing on “They were brighter and more joy- to repair his knee, personal gain. ful, so I wanted to see why,” Shannon he recalls expect- Today, he is thrilled to be building recalls. ing to jump really up and training with South Africa’s As these friends attended a church far at his fi rst meet. Olympic-calibre athletes. youth group, Shannon began going “My body was Shannon confesses that he “lived as well. As a 13-year-old he recalls not ready to jump for sport” and gained confi dence, his enjoyment of the activities and that far and I discipline and determination as he devotional talks, and even attended landed my worst Shannon Winant (centre) with friends and South African elite athletes Menzi Mthembu, Ruswahl competed in track and fi eld from one Friday without his friends. On result for every Samaai (Commonwealth bronze medalist in the long jump), Apelele Rasmeni, Junior Mkatini, and fi rst grade. that night he knew he needed to ask jump. I was so Dylon Cotter While there were many positive for God’s forgiveness and let God angry at myself results from sport, he admits, “As I change his heart. and jealous of my teammates who My body had not strengthened that break at the end of 2013, Shannon became more talented sports became “The youth pastor asked if there were healthy. I was not being a good much in seven days, it was about my remembers, “Rush said to me, ‘You part of my identity and everything was anything holding us back from teammate and I was not honouring perspective.” have [taught] me a lot and I am so became about my own gain.” fully giving our lives to Jesus Christ. God.” From then on, Shannon says he blessed for that. You gave me the Shannon’s group of friends loved I felt God tugging on my heart, and One of Shannon’s teammates, worked his hardest on the track and most blessed gift in the whole wide as soon as I raised my hand I felt the Emmanual Bofa, a two-time NCAA loved and supported both teammates world [the Bible].’ weight of the world release from my DIII National Champion, offered him and competitors “as much as I could”. Seeing the changes in his team- shoulders. some advice. Shannon’s commitment to his mates, Shannon says, “I feel it is “I prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, thank you “Emman said, ‘God makes it pretty team led to becoming team captain God’s appointed task to tell South for dying on the cross for my sins, and simple for us: love God and love in his third year at university. “I had Africans who have never experienced raising on the third day. I am a sinner others’, which is Jesus’ summary of an amazing year as I put teammates the love of God.” and the only way to God the Father His Ten Commandments” (see Mark before myself, loving them and loving Being a staff member of AIA South is by you. You are my Lord, my God chapter 12, verses 30-31). God through my sport.” Africa is a “dream come true”, says and Saviour. I love you.” “Life and athletics is not about us,” Wanting to go abroad to tell others Shannon, who graduated with a From then on, Shannon wanted Emman added, “it is about spreading about God through his sport, Shan- marketing degree from Whitworth to follow Jesus, but in competitions the love of God to all you come across, non gained an internship an inter- University in 2013. he admits he was focused on himself and using the talents that God has national Christian sports ministry “I love Jesus with all of my heart. rather than God and others. blessed you with to do so.” called Athletics in Action. For me, Life is about using my gifts “I gave God a little shout out,” Shannon recalls, “As I talked with “I was placed on a track and fi eld and abilities to spread the love of Shannon says, “but the only reason I Emman, it felt like God was taking team at the University of Johannes- Christ. worked hard was for my own gain: to out my old heart and giving me a new burg, South Africa. Here God created “I have experienced team unity be better than everyone else.” one”. Shannon then prayed to ask relationships with Olympic calibre issues, car troubles, and very dan- He also recalls that when his per- God to change his attitude. athletes that will last a lifetime.” gerous car-jacking situations, but formance dropped “I had a really At the following day’s practice, One of South Africa’s strongest God calls us to be thankful in these poor attitude that led to a major Shannon remembers, “I felt so much prospects for the 2016 Summer situations. The will of God is to give downfall for me.” weight was off my shoulders. A week Olympics is long jumper Rush, who thanks in all circumstances, accord- This downfall came after he was later I jumped three feet further. is one of these friends. Before his ing to 1 Thessalonians 5, verse 18.” ● accepted into Whitworth University Shannon placed 7th in the Senior in Spokane, USA where he became Men’s long jump at the South the fastest on that team and had African Central Gauteng Athletics almost achieved “All-American” Championships in 2014 honours before he was humbled by a foot fracture and a severe knee injury Anxiety is over BY JOANNA DELALANDE

nce a happy and confi dent child, 25-year-old Nateeka White spent years of her life crippled by Osevere social anxiety. You could say it began with a hat. As a Year 4 student, Nateeka was told off by her sports teacher for not having brought her hat, an unpleasant experience she came to associate with sports in general. That feeling then grew into an irrational fear of sports carnivals. “Every year at the lead up to carnivals I would cry, gripped with great fear. Mum never forced me to go. She would encourage me but she could see how gripped with Nateeka White with young friends in East Timor, fear I was,” Nateeka recalls. where she often helps teach children Soon it was not just sports carnivals but any kind of social interaction that terrifi ed her, and she grew to dread her Bible she read in 1 John Chapter 2 verse 13: “I am shopping centers, social events and even the social time writing to you who are young because today you have won following church services. the battle with Satan.” “This fear wasn’t something that I could simply face She realised her social anxiety had not been from God on my own,” she explains. “It’s a diffi cult thing to explain but was a lie from the Devil. By dying on the cross for eve- but anyone who has experienced irrational fear will know rything she had done wrong, Jesus allowed her to access that it’s not an easy thing to get over.” the love of the Father and be delivered from all her fears. But in 2005 Nateeka was able to attend her school All she had to do was realise God was stronger than any carnival with no fear. “I actually love crowds and thrive lie Satan was trying to tell her about herself, and accept in social settings,” says Nateeka, who is now studying to Him into her heart as her Lord and Saviour. become a primary school teacher. “Since then God has also showed me how He has healed The change happened in a matter of seconds. Nateeka, me of fear in other ways. I am healed of my fear of crowds. who had grown up in church, was singing songs of praise I know that this liberating feeling I have now is truly how to God and heard Him say to her: “Today I am going to God created me and intended for me to be.” take your fear away.” Nateeka is now studying and preparing to be a primary- “I didn’t feel different but I had a deep sense of knowing age teaching trainer in East Timor from 2016. that what God had told me was true,” she says. “If obedience to God has brought me this much joy I will On the morning of her sports carnival that year gladly obey Him wherever He sends me and in whatever Nateeka says she felt only peace, and when she opened He tells me to do,” she says. ● • Edition 383 9 Former drug dealer is now a prisoner mentor “Power from drug dealing was replaced At 16 he was selling marijuana and hanging out with street gangs, fi nally with a life of peace” says transformed experiencing the kind of belonging and popularity he had longed for in former prisoner Glen Roberts high school. “I had girls, friends and constant is customers were Glen was 11 when his desire for excitement,” he says. “I felt like I was addicted to the drugs cool clothes lead to stealing because really on the right path in life; I was but Glen Roberts was he thought it was easier than washing popular and I fi tted in.” more addicted to the cars and odd jobs. Glen lived by the law “Do what power that came with He began breaking into lockers and thou wilt”, justifying his unethical Hdealing. selling his “fi ndings” at the local fl ea behaviour by saying he was merely “When you sell market on Sundays. “robbing from the rich”. drugs and people are addicted to At 14 he was discharged from the “I had a real hatred for any author- them,” Glen explains, “they will do army cadets for stealing and selling ity. If I was told, turn left, I would go whatever you tell them and they will Army equipment. right,” Glen says. make you feel like a king.” Glen began taking drugs and Glen’s parents were forced to This feeling stemmed from grow- rebelled against his parents, thinking spend all their savings on lawyers ing up in a poor family without some their hardworking ways were slow to keep him from going to jail, only of the nice things other kids seemed and he had found a more effi cient for him to return to his lifestyle as a to have. road to success. drug dealer. Eventually Glen’s actions caught up with him and he was sent to Cas- uarina Maximum Security prison, then relocated to Albany Regional Believe it or not Prison where “my cell mate was beaten up twice by two different peo- Glen Roberts once had "a real hatred for authority" but now mentors prisoners BY CREATION MINISTRIES ple within the fi rst hour of us being INTERNATIONAL, allocated the cell.” CREATION.COM The next day when a prisoner life to the Lord Jesus after praying brought into my life and I am so invited Glen to the church service he with a guy named Marlin,” he says, grateful to the Lord for that time in Human gene agreed for some reason, despite the “and I soon developed a thirst and a Albany Prison,” Glen says. risk of becoming a target. hunger to know everything about the Later in Wooroloo Prison Glen mutations “arose “When we walked Bible and God.” began a Bible study for the prison- down to the church “My mindset began ers, where even the toughest, non- in the last 200 area I felt a warm, “[At Albany's to change. I went from Christian criminals encouraged and calming atmosphere thinking I would go admired him. generations” like the rest of the prison church] back to society after After prison Glen had to start from jail was behind us jail to a life of crime to the bottom, working a menial job. We have periodically pointed out that, from a biblical perspective, there have and I met all the ... I felt thinking that if I was “But God worked with me. He has only been about 200 human generations since time began. (E.g. creation.com/ guys and felt com- smart enough to make built a great life for me surrounded human-population-growth, creation.com/biologos-adam) pletely welcomed,” completely it in life the wrong by good friends and a great family,” In that light, consider these recent fi ndings by evolutionary geneticists, who he describes. way, surely I was smart he says referring to his wife and twin studied more than one million mutations, or changes to our DNA code, found For the second welcomed” enough to do it the boy and girl. across human populations. time in his life Glen right way,” Glen adds. Glen now has a passion for lead- “Most of the mutations that we found arose in the last 200 generations felt like he belonged Soon he spent every ing Bible studies for drug addicts or so,” said Joshua Akey of the University of Washington. He and his co- somewhere, only this time it was not moment he had learning more about and prisoners, working closely with researchers found that of the mutations likely to be harmful, 91% emerged for his power or success but simply God and praying with his friends, Prison Fellowship and two friends he in the last 5,000 years. Many of these have only existed for the last thousand for being himself. notably Kevin Barry Nolan, one of met during his time in prison. years. His addiction to power was soon Perth’s well-known criminals who “Now I pray God can continue to Echoing Akey’s statements, population geneticist Alon Keinan of Cornell replaced by a hunger to know more had also given his life to God. use me and my past experiences for University said: “Humans today carry a much larger load of deleterious variants about God. “This was one of the many amazing His glory I am His humble servant than our species carried just prior to its massive expansion just a couple “I ended up giving my heart and Christian brothers that God had to do with as He pleases.” ● hundred generations ago.” These observations match the Bible’s declaration of a world “in bondage to decay” since Adam sinned (Romans 8:19–22). Evolutionary geneticists Family Finance belatedly realised that the rate of degradation of the human genome poses huge problems for the evolutionary timeline (See creation.com/time). ● ● Analysis of 6,515 exomes reveals the recent origin of most human protein-coding variants, nature.com, 28 November 2012. TAKING THE STRESS ● Human evolution enters an exciting new phase, wired.com, 29 November 2012. OUT OF FUNERALS Arranging a funeral is never easy due to the emotional and fi nancial cost but there are various arrangements that we can prepay as well as fi x the arrangements and cost ahead of time. Prepaid funeral: This option involves prepaying a part or total of the funeral cost, fi xed at today’s prices. Options include a progressive payment plan, or a pre-purchased funeral package including a cemetery plot, or plaque on a memorial wall or the memorial garden. Make you have provided your preferred ‘nominated benefi ciary’. sure you check the inclusions and exclusions in Rules vary by state, so contact the Australian Taxation the fi ne print. Offi ce or investigate super death benefi t policies. Funeral insurance: Insurance should be considered as a Funeral bonds: Bonds are typically off ered by method of ‘prepaying’, by paying the monthly or annual life insurance providers, paid for in a lump sum or policy until you reach age 90, after which the cover instalments. The company holds your money in continues for free. Pick from fi xed or variable premiums, investments, but as this may not cover additional items the latter likely to increase annually and will vary by like fl owers and a burial plot, it may be wiser to have your specifi c health and lifestyle conditions. own separate savings account for this. Some exceptions may apply in the early years of a policy, The sooner your funeral preferences are known, the and the later you purchase a policy, the more costly cover better the fi nancial outcome and experience your family will be. Premiums are unlikely to be refunded if you stop will have during their grief. Make sure you read the fi ne paying for the policy. print of any fi nancial contract you enter into as there Superannuation: Most super funds include a death can be hidden and unexpected diffi culties, which can be benefi t. Make sure you are aware of what it covers, and avoided with due care. ● 10 • Edition 383 PUFFED UP PARATROOPER CHANGES TACK

My amateur boasting was humbled in a family devoted to serving God. “God wants to be part of every after 10,000ft jump, says Hermann aspect in life – not only at special times or certain traditional occa- s a young ambitious para- and doubting that the jump would sions,” he recalls his parents often trooper Hermann Meyer not go ahead because of additional telling him. wanted to be a ‘sky god’ but security regulations. “Yet over the years I pushed the Awas forced to swallow his Yet one week before the event Her- ‘Jesus business’ more and more pride after his big mouth led mann was informed that everything into the background and relied only him into life-threatening had been approved and on my personal skills and abilities. trouble. he would be jumping There seemed to be no need to get “I believed a ‘real’ “I suddenly out the plane following any closer to God.” paratrooper would not another experienced Yet the reality of what he was be the one jumping with knew there freefall paratrooper about to face showed Hermann that static line and falling out from the army reserve. he could not rely on himself, life was of the plane like a bulky was no way “With that informa- not in his hands. refrigerator,” Colonel tion my throat imme- Sunday morning dawned and more Hermann remembers out of this diately swelled close … than a thousand spectators assem- thinking as a young Sec- I suddenly knew there bled in the city square to watch the ond Lieutenant 35 years calamity was no way out of this paratroopers make the 10,000 feet ago. calamity other than freefall. With this notion in other than humiliating myself,” he “The Lord’s grace was over- mind, he began exagger- explains. whelming,” Hermann recalls of that ating his abilities to gain humiliating “Three sleepness moment. “I followed the old soldier respect from his military myself” nights full of fear fol- out of the plane and was immediately comrades. lowed before I made whirled down in highspeed spirals “I started to claim to my decision: I prayed – not a chance for an amateur and be a qualifi ed free faller to God and told Him cheater like me to gain command and although I had only done about two how ashamed I was of my big mouth control of anything at all.” dozen parachute jumps – all with and vanity.” As Hermann tried to stabilise his static line,” he admits. As he knelt before God pleading lightening-like descend, he contin- As rumours of his feats spread, for forgiveness, Hermann prayed ued praying to God for protection Hermann confesses, “my blatancy God would help him face up to the and breathed a sigh of relief when and swollen chest eventually led the consequences of his sin. he fi nally had the chance to open his lord-mayor of our unit’s garrison to “I begged Him to please carry me parachute and come into landing. “Tremendous silence and peace surrounded me”, says Hermann Meyer request if I could conduct a freefall through … and decided to make that “Tremendous silence and peace jump demonstration as sort of high- freefall jump.” surrounded me. The Lord let me and faithful even though I did not this revelation but each time he found light for the 1250 year jubilee of the Hermann had learned about God’s complete this fi rst freefall jump of my deserve it and would never meet His himself humbled before God once city.” grace and undeserved love through life tremendously shaken and abso- perfect standards.” more, fi nding comfort in the Bible’s Light-headedly he agreed, hoping Jesus Christ as a child growing up lutely convinced that God is patient Reflection on that frightening book of Psalms chapter 91. experience helped Hermann realise Looking back on a life now as an that he was not as in control as he experienced Colonel, Hermann has had thought and God deserved to be this to tell younger military person- fi rst priority in his life. nel: “Trust in the fact that God loves “From my parents’ example, I you exactly how you are, because He knew it was totally unfair from me designed you. Don’t be ashamed and Lust loses to love to only pull that last and ultimate don’t keep yourself away from Him. rescue-cord of His help in situations Run straight to the Lord because He One faithful man changed Leonie’s mind about love that showed no success by using my is waiting with His arms wide open own,” he admits. to welcome you back. ntil she met Brian, Leonie Edge thought a friendly neighbour living below her new Mel- “I felt deeply ashamed and decided “There is no one like our Lord and that men cannot love in the same way as bourne fl at. to make God the pillar of my plans of [nothing better than] to rest and live women, but now she has a happy 22-year Brian was a church-goer, but Leonie was operations from then on.” in His loving arms and to try to fol- Umarriage. The secret, she says, is his hugely impressed when he gave up smoking at As time went on Hermann says low His son, Jesus Christ, the way He daily expressions of unconditional her request. prideful ambition, self-reliance and showed us how to live. Dare to believe love. “He was prepared to sacrifi ce for me in a ungratefulness sometimes clouded in Him and He won’t let you fall.” ● After sleeping with nearly 100 men, way my former husband had refused, so Leonie fi rmly concluded, “Men do not one Sunday I asked him to take me to care, they do not have affection, they his church.” only want to get into bed.” After the sermon explaining God’s Now, she says of their marriage forgiveness through Jesus, Leonie says, based on the love of Jesus Christ, “There was an altar-ation by God. I YOU COULD BE WRONG “Brian has taught me that love wins knelt to ask Jesus into my life.” over lust every time and that men When another person in the service BY JOHN HUTCHINSON do have loving feelings. He is said “not yet”, Leonie felt crushed and HAPPILY MARRIED: Leonie Edge wonderful!” believed she was not good enough, but We’ve been wrong about many As a child growing up in Coober kept going to church. things – never assume the obvi- Pedy, Leonie had seen her mother leave her natural father Upon telling Brian about this, three months later, he ous is true! after four years of “the silent treatment”. said, “Don’t you know the Devil loves church? He loves Being wrong about a sports Her next father-fi gure was a violent man who gambled all the hypocrites there!” game or the weather may not away nearly a million dollars of her mother’s jewellery “I left so released – Jesus Christ had accepted me and matter too much. But some- shop income, was a pimp for a prostitute, and made her loved me for me!” Leonie explains. times we need to get things mother sterile due to venereal disease. Guided by other Christians, Brian and Leonie married right. With this history, Leonie dismissed the idea of a loving in Warrnambool, and have a teenage daughter. The right diagnoses of an ill- heavenly Father. She wondered, “Why would God allow Leonie says their trust in God was tested in 2006 when ness and taking the right medi- all this?” Brian, a self-defence instructor, was thrown off his motor- cine may help us recover. I know Her impression of God was formed in the stiff church bike at 90 kilometres per hour by a four wheel drive. The of a lawyer who got it wrong of her step-father’s relatives, where she remembers the police did not expect him to survive, nor did the local bike in a legal issue which cost his services were “boring and all in Greek”. wreckers when they saw the wrecked bike. clients dearly. They nearly lost The religions she knew were disconnected from her An acquired brain injury and 13 operations did not stop their home. inward needs so Leonie invented her own. Brian from defying expectations that he would walk again. We are entitled to opinions She thought to herself, “I prefer the ‘romance’ of being a “God, as He always does, prevailed, and so did our but, sometimes restricted by white witch – after all I didn’t worship Satan, did I?” At the prayers,” Leonie says. them. However, our quest must Howzat?! I cannot be wrong, umpire! time, she had no idea of what she was getting involved in. “From the accident payout, we bought a small farm in always be the truth. Truth liberates. One of her needs was male affection. At many weekend Cavenish, Victoria where we grow food to help others. We Jesus once said to His opponents, “You shall know the truth and the truth discos, she remembers, “I bedded any bloke I wanted, told God that if He ever gave us our own place, we would shall make you free.” trying desperately to get the love I needed but, of course, call it ‘Rejoice’ in His honour. It’s more His property He had said incredible things, particularly about His eternal pre-human exist- it was only sex.” than ours.” ence, and proclaimed that “I and (God the) Father are one”. His resurrection from Leonie turned to a dating agency to meet men, had By growing fresh produce for others, Leonie says, “We the dead, however, authenticated Him in every way. He is, as the Bible says, “the another failed relationship and a two-year marriage to do what we can, where we can, with what we have. God Son of God’”– “the Saviour of the world” – “the Way, the Truth and the Life.” ● an Air Force man, before she met her current husband, continues to give and give.” ● • Edition 383 11  Computers & Technology YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A FATHER AND GRANDFATHER Australian music streaming services BY DARRYL BUDGE BY ROB FURLONG while their family has love by throwing his arms around you stayed with us as they and giving you a big hug. Many companies are competing for your music spend, with a going price of “Gramps! Gramps! Can prepare to move east I found out that my fi ve-year-old around $12 per month. The only free track-on-demand service is Spotify, plus we do super hero and for a few years. granddaughter cannot stop giggling the web-only interface of Myspace.com. If you are happy with ad-supported free dragging please?” Over Why am I telling you as you “super hero” her around the playlist streaming, try Pandora, iHeartRadio and Rdio. If you have a Samsung the past two months this? house. Galaxy device, try the free “Milk Music” radio app, or on a Nokia Mobile try the this has been a con- Because while they And I also learned that my eldest free “Nokia MixMusic” radio app (both can be purchased via other devices). stant question that I have been living with us granddaughter, though excited about have heard from the I have been reminded moving to the other side of the coun- Music streaming Free streaming Specifi c features Basic/Premium lips of my grandchil- that you never stop try was also understandably sad to service (ordered or Trial period (all services are Android/iOS/Web Price dren during their stay being a father, never. be leaving her extended family and alphabetically) compatible) (per month) with us. Having six extra peo- friends behind. Apple Music Three-month 30m tracks, live worldwide radio station, $12 or $18 per What, exactly, is ple living in our house I would have missed all this and trial artist-centric social network, requires iOS family “super hero and dragging” I hear for two months, four of them under more if I had simply chosen to with- 8.4, Android app 'coming soon' you ask? It involves me picking up the age of seven, has been challenging draw into myself and ride things out Deezer Ad supported 30m tracks, pre-release album streaming, $12 (after 12 mths, auto Facebook sharing, WinPhone, each of my grandchildren (there but it has also been one of the most until they left – I’m glad I chose to 2 hour monthly Windows, Blackberry, plus many unusual are four in this particular family!), rewarding experiences I have had in engage with them. limit) platforms. holding them in the plank position a long time. Let me speak to you as one Dad Google Play Music 30-day trial 20m tracks, upload for free your own $12 while I simulate fl ying them around It would have been tempting to (and Grandfather) to another. I know All Access music collection to stream (50k max), the house Superman style on their have “checked out” when they all that you are busy and that at the end off -line caching way to bed. The dragging bit was descended on my family back in early of the day you need some space when Guvera Video-ad 10m tracks, guest-curated playlists, $12 supported off -line caching where they held onto my ankles and June and just wait out the next two you arrive home. Coming home to iHeartRadio Free 15m tracks, artist/song based playlists, - I would drag them across our slippery months until they left for the East a house full of excited (sometimes Windows Phone, Kindle Fire, Blackberry, wooden fl oors. Coast. But I chose to engage with whinging!) kids is no picnic. I have Sonos and Xbox. This has been my regular, night them and make this as enjoyable a been in fairly demanding roles for iTunes Radio Ad supported (6 Easy purchasing of tracks, subscription $35/year time routine for each one of them time for all of us as possible. most of my working life so I under- skips per hour) includes iTunes Match for cloud storage And so I discovered many things. stand what this feels like. of your music I discovered that my one-year-old But the reality is that we only have JB Hi-Fi Now 10-day trial 18m tracks, offl ine caching, Windows $6.67 for web or grandson has an adorable smile that the briefest of moments with our Phone, Airplay and Sonos compatible. $8.25 for mobile lights up when you do one of those children. It’s a cliché but it’s also Pandora (Radio) Ad supported Select artist you like, get instant ‘station’ US$5 per mth or (max skips & of similar music. Compatible with many US$55 per year for stupid things that grandfathers are true – they really do grow up quickly! timeouts apply) platforms, see pandora.com/everywhere ad-free renowned for. Don’t abdicate the role that you Rara $3 for 3mths on 22m tracks, Special playlists by London- $8 for web or I learned that my three-year-old have as a Dad or a Grandfather to web, or $9 for 3 based curators. $13 for mobile grandson expresses his gratitude and someone else. Only you can be that mths mobile person in their lives. So get involved Rdio Ad supported More independent & eclectic music, $6 (25 tracks with your kids and resolve to do offl ine caching. Compatible with offl ine) / $12 WinPhone and Kindle Fire (unlimited cache) something stupid with them as well, Spotify Ad supported 20m tracks, Facebook & Last.fm $12 / $30 per like “super hero” them to bed! (60-day trial until integration for music discovery. family could God love Is it worth it? The sad look in my Oct 5, 2015 Compatible with WinPhone, Blackberry, granddaughter’s eyes as she told me Sonos, Playstation. PC can be controlled someone like me? the day she left that “we couldn’t via ‘Spotify Connect’ mobile app. do the ‘super hero and dragging’ Tidal (Jay-Z No trials as it is Curated playlists by Jay-Z, Beyonce and $12 for 320Kbps tonight” tells me it is. co-owned) artist controlled Cold Play. High quality 16-bit FLAC 1411 quality or Yes, He LOVES you and has a plan for your life Kbps available. $24 for FLAC You’re a Dad. You have been We read in God’s word: “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Groove Music Pass 30-day trial 30m tracks, sync your library to OneDrive, $12 per mth / Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16) blessed with beautiful kids. Don’t (formerly Xbox Music) stream via Xbox/web/ Windows app, $120/year waste a minute of it! ● downloading to 4 devices, FLAC available OUR SEPARATION from God PROBLEM: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” ADMIT (Romans 3:23)

GOD’S JESUS died on the cross 15 SIMPLE THINGS REMEDY / “God demonstrates His own love for us in this; while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” BELIEVE SOLUTION: (Romans 5:8) DADS MAY NOT REALISE ARE

TRUST Jesus by receiving Him OUR “To all who received Him, to those who believed in THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS RESPONSE: His name, He gave the right to become children COMMIT of God” (John 1:12) DADS, here are 15 simple things your kids want from Here is an example of how you can pray. you. As it turns out, these little things are actually the biggest things of all. “Lord Jesus, I need You now. Please forgive me for my sins. 1. Hang out in the garage. Invite your children to see I open the door of my life and receive You as my Saviour and Lord. Thankyou that You loved me so much that You died on the cross for and hear about what you’re building or repairing, and let me. Take control of my life. Make me the person You created them help. The job may take longer but you will make their me to be. Amen” day. when you can. Take the day or the morning off work to do The Lord Jesus says: “He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 2. Dance with your children. It doesn’t matter if you something fun with your kids, even if it’s just once a year. out of his heart will fl ow rivers of living water.” (John 7:38) can’t dance. Sway side to side, spin in a circle, jump up and 9. Bring your children to work. Show them your desk, AS A NEXT STEP : down. Listening to music together creates healthy family where you fi ll up your coff ee, and the meeting room where bonds and shapes positive memories. you have your weekly staff meetings. Tell them what you If you prayed If you have NOT prayed the above prayer, the prayer at this 3. Stick to a routine. Have regular special times together do all day when you’re away from them. tick this box stage, tick this box every day, such as: make and eat porridge together every 10. Tell stories. Your children love to hear simple stories morning, meet up for lunch, help them get dressed, or from when you were a child. Also, tell stories about when I have prayed I would like to brush teeth together at night. they were younger. this prayer. think about this. 4. Ask questions. Ask about school, their friends, what 11. Go outside. After work, play outside together before Please send me: Please send me: they’re worried about, what they’re looking forward to. If dinner for a few minutes. Some suggestions are looking for Bible More information as I am inquiring they share a problem do not try to fi x it – they really just bugs together, play catch or kick-to-kick, or take a quick Some ‘starting off ’ literature about being a Christian. want you to listen. Otherwise, try gently nudging them in bike ride around the block. Information on a helpful church I have a problem (see att ached lett er) the direction of a solution. 12. Make dinner. Pick a night and make dinner with 5. Teach the rules. Next time you’re watching a game on your children – ask them to help pick what to eat and if * Please tick and write clearly * TV, explain the rules to your child. You’ll probably end up they help make it they are bound to eat it too. with a friend to watch the next game with. 13. Look through family photos. Spend an evening Name ______6. Leave messages. Words from your heart mean the reliving your vacations, their fi rst steps and birthday Address ______world to your child. Regularly surprise your children with parties. notes in their lunch box or sticky notes on their bathroom 14. Show up. To concerts, ball games, dance recitals, and Phone ______mirror. Tell a joke, relate what you admire about them, or school open days. Whatever their hobbies or interests are, Age and occupation (it helps) ______just say “I love you.” be there. 7. Read out loud. They’re never too old for this – a bed- 15. Hug them whenever possible. You cannot get too All overseas enquiries are referred onto someone in their own country time story in their younger years or taking turns reading many hugs from your dad, especially quality hugs that last Challenge Literature Fellowship Fax (08) 9453 3006 or email when they’re older. over six seconds. For older children try working up from PO Box 978, Cloverdale WA 6985 [email protected] 8. Surprise your children. Come home early from work high-fi ves to hugs. ● Challenge SPORT AFL favourites AGAINST

Kangaroos captain Andrew Swallow THE GRAIN “Australians typically wince when someone publicly mentions God”

BY CAITLIN CHODAKOWSKY stating, “Australians typically wince Hall formed their own “Life Group” ond; of Gold Coast when someone publicly mentions where they could meet regularly worrying Suns captain ome AFL greats are publi- God”. and invite others in to talk about for team- Gary Abbett cally declaring their faith He adds that Gold Coast captain life, their struggles and, according mates is a dual in Jesus despite the norms Gary Ablett made some people to Smith, “to encourage each other more than Brownlow of our sporting culture. uneasy in their seats during his in our faith.” yourself … medallist S Australia and footy go speech on Brownlow night back in These footy boys are not the only ‘We are in hand in hand but when it 2013 after his second win. ones passionate about their Chris- this together,’ comes to the Christian faith it has “I want to thank God because tian faith. Hart said. ‘At Port always been more of an American without Him I wouldn’t be up here North Melbourne captain Andrew Adelaide it is team thing to pray to God before a big tonight,” he said, adding to this bold Swallow adds his support saying, fi rst, self as second, and game. public statement with frequent Bib- “People are so passionate about that is a very similar Despite this, sports writer Michael lical references, links and Christian football, why can’t we be passionate theme to faith. There is Gleeson wrote an interesting article Youtube clips on his social media about our God?” a strong parallel there’.” last year for The Age about AFL’s pages. When asked about his beliefs, These footy players are growing band of religious players On one occasion Ablett posted Swallow explained, “Yes, I am reli- not the only professional and their boldness in going public a photo on social media of himself gious but I don’t like the term reli- Aussie sportspeople to risk with their beliefs. praying with Gold Coast teammates gious because of the connotations it their image in revealing a confi - AFL players Gary Ablett, Zac Aaron Hall and Zac Smith accompa- has. I am a spiritual person. Chris- dent faith in the God of the Bible Smith, Aaron Hall, Andrew Swal- nied by scripture from 1 Corinthians tians believe Jesus died for my sins. publically. low and Jonathan Giles were among chapter 10 verse 31, “So whether you “For me it gives me great ground- Yet, if AFL is the epitome of Aus- some of the boys Gleeson high- eat or drink or whatever you do, do ing and a sense of purpose and sie sporting culture, Gleeson has lighted as going against the grain it all for the glory of God.” destiny and that allows me to go cottoned-on to a shift in thinking. with their bold Christian faith, The picture attracted more and do what I do. All the guys know It is clear Christianity is not an than 1600 likes on I go to church and do all that but I outdated, dying religion for the old Instagram and 86 don’t stand around bashing them folk but a dynamic, thriving relation- retweets on his Twit- with it. Hopefully they see it through ship with Jesus that has got even our ter account. me and they are drawn to it within sporting heroes passionate about When Smith was me and the boys are always asking sharing. ● asked about this pub- questions.” lic display of his faith Essendon player Jonathan Giles – praying with Ablett also attends a Christian church regu- and Hall before each larly or makes a plan to spend quite game – he affi rmed time alone with God when playing that he too was “a interstate. man of God”. “I downloaded a couple of Easter “I trust in Jesus services to my laptop and watched every day just to help them on the plane and in my hotel me through,” Smith room,” he shares about one past explained to Gleeson. experience. “It’s just our group Port Adelaide coaching director but we invite others and former Brisbane Lions player in, it’s open to anyone Shaun Hart also identifi es himself … We love it, that’s as a church-going Christian and

why we do it. We just described a metaphoric connection DISTRIBUTED BY: love having that rela- to Gleeson between faith and team tionship with Jesus.” sport. Along with prayer, Gleeson writes, “Football preaches Essendon ruckman Jonathan Giles formerly played for Smith, Ablett and an ethos of team fi rst, self as sec- Print Post Approved 10001398. Published by Challenge Literature Fellowship (Aust.) Inc. of PO Box 978, Greater Western Sydney Cloverdale WA 6985. Ph (08) 9453 3311. Fax (08) 9453 3006. Email: [email protected] - Printed 08/2015