Triumph in partnership

IN THIS ISSUE ... few years ago I went on a short-term mission. It was my way of ‘testing Athe waters’, seeing whether I was cut out for long-term mission or not, See you at Assembly P. 4 and also trying to help the missionaries and local people. While I found that I could handle being in a third-world country, I wasn’t nearly as useful as I’d Thank you, Guido P. 5 hoped to be. I didn’t have relationships with the people. I didn’t know their language. I quickly realised that I’d need to stay there long-term in order to Jesus, Athens, and Evangelism P. 7 be able to effectively minister to them. But when I heard about Proshikkhon, it made me think again. Read Kirsty’s story on page 2.

Mission to Kenya (Part 2) P. 16 (Kirsty is currently in her third year of the Bachelor of Divinity at Moore Theological College in Sydney. This was her second time on Proshikkhon, Transition from St Petersburg to Kandern P. 20 and she is planning to go back again this coming year.) New Directions, June/July 2013 - Page 2 Going with someone and working in partnership

YOU MAY have heard it said that One of the other great things about short-term missions are a “waste of partnership is that the work continues money” and have “little impact on the long after we’re gone. The church community”. asked BSFB to help them set up new Perhaps sometimes this is true. But Bible study groups in the area and the Proshikkhon short-term mission to run a follow up Bible storytelling is different. And the key to its success seminar. Staff from the Global is partnership. Recordings Network (GRN) and the I believe that Proshikkhon is one Evangelical Cell Church Trust (ECCT) of the best short-term missions have also partnered with Proshikkhon available, for several reasons: in recent years. Not only that, but #1 Tribal Leaders: Our major in the months afterwards they send project in Bangladesh is facilitating evangelists back to the villages where three seminars for tribal church the gospel was shared during training. leaders. We minister to these leaders Wycliffe Australia has also been by doing the Biblical research to asked to help support getting new enable them to contextualize their Bible translation projects underway faith. The second seminar is to in Bangladesh. That’s the body of teach them how to craft and use Christ working in partnership. Bible storytelling for evangelism and It has been said, “If you want to discipleship. And the third is on go faster, go alone. If you want to go the Biblical basis for Christian unity longer, go with someone.” - inter-denominational rivalry in Proshikkhon has certainly seen the Bangladesh doesn’t do much for the benefits of going with someone and cause of the Gospel. working in partnership. Who can #2 Staff Training: We empower you partner with for the sake of the Bangladeshi pastors and Christian gospel? workers to do all the teaching. By modelling empowerment and the priesthood of all believers to the Proshikkhon participants, we are Andrew Hutchens tells of his hopefully shaping their attitudes to experience on Proshikkhon on ministry for the rest of their lives. page 8, along with information on #3 Unreached People: Bangla- desh is an example of a mostly how to sign up for Proshikkhon unevangelized country with 340 2013/2014. unreached people groups. That makes it one of the neediest countries in the world. Through Proshikkhon Learning to apply God’s Word to culture we help the students understand the needs of the thousands of unreached people groups in the world. These learning, anthropology, orality and He said, “Let’s work together to run the training sessions. Our main could be reached in our generation if Bible storytelling, contextualization run a short-term mission which will hands-on role with the trainees is in we put our minds to it. and syncretism. be beneficial for both Australians small groups working on case studies, #4 Poverty: Most Australians #6 Modelling Cross-cultural and Bangladeshis. It could aided by a translator. They contribute know very little about poverty. Ministry: We expect each include training for pastors and cultural and language knowledge. Bangladesh is a shock experience. Proshikkhon participant to build a evangelists from the ethnic minority We contribute biblical expertise and At the same time we see some of prayer team who will undergird the communities.” resources. They organise the logistics the excellent work of Christian whole ministry trip with prayer. BSFB agreed and said, “Let’s work beforehand and follow up people organisations involved in poverty together. We also have a heart to afterwards. We bring the money to alleviation. Proshikkhon was conceived back in reach out to the rural areas.” “What make it possible. That’s partnership. #5 Cross-cultural Training: 2006 when Keith Benn from Wycliffe shall we call it then? Proshikkhon. It This year we also partnered with a Through Proshikkhon, participants Australia met with the General means ‘training’ in Bangla.” And so local church in the north. The head of receive a variety of training in Secretary of the Bible Students Proshikkhon was born. their denomination wasn’t expecting cross-cultural communication. Fellowship of Bangladesh (BSFB is a What attracted me to Proshikkhon much when we came. They’ve had This includes training in language member of IFES). was that it isn’t about the foreigners many short-term mission teams coming in thinking they know before, and they didn’t do much everything, evangelizing the country long-term good. But at the end of the and then nicking off. Rather, it’s Proshikkhon seminars he said, “What about empowering the locals who are has happened here has been both there long-term. unbelievable and unimaginable.” After I’d signed up though, I found Each day participants went to Muslim out that we (Aussies) weren’t going to and Hindu villages. When they came be running the training. I thought to back they said, “They welcomed us in, myself, “Well, what are we going to be put out seats for us and gave us tea. doing then?” We asked them, ‘Can we tell you a It turns out that our part of the story from the Bible?’ and they said, partnership isn’t doing the upfront ‘Yes’.” Before this, their people had stuff. Right from the very beginning never shared the gospel with Muslims. the BSFB staff were equipped to What a difference partnership makes. Good communication is built on good relationships

Quality Bible research is hard work

The hospitality of poor village Muslims was overwhelming Everyone loves to hear a Bible story New Directions, June/July 2013 - Page 3 New minister for Cairns

Dr Ian Putt, Moderator, Presbytery of North Queensland, and Rev. Andrew Richardson

CAIRNS PRESBYTERIAN Church Andrew also expressed his gratitude celebrated the induction of Rev. to the current minister, Rev. Harry Andrew Richardson as their new Lead Oh, and the congregation for their Pastor on Wednesday 6 March 2013. enthusiastic welcome since he arrived In talking about his aims in ministry in mid-January. Andrew said, “God has been generous During the induction service, to Cairns Presbyterian Church with Session Clerk Alex Farquharson View of Geneva from the bell tower of Cathedral St Pierre a history of faithful ministry, state observed that the church in Cairns of the art buildings, and a strategic has always had a growing healthy location in a city of 150,000 people. ministry when there has been two “It’s my prayer that we will be able full-time ministry staff at work and Geneva - Cradle for the Reformation to work together to be a church that so it was exciting to have Andrew hears God’s Word through clear, joining Harry as the second full-time Christ-centred Bible-teaching, lives minister. by Dianne Parker out God’s Word in holiness, trust and Please pray for Cairns Presbyterian loving service, and shares God’s Word Church in this new stage of its SWITZERLAND IS a beautiful place decoration and ornamentation was use of objects, books, manuscripts, with our city and beyond.” ministry. to visit and there is much for the removed and the painted décor was paintings and engravings and in the tourist to enjoy with the combination covered over but the stained glass various rooms different aspects are of beautiful scenery and its ancient windows were spared. emphasised and explained. Individual history with buildings which date Today the cathedral still dominates commentaries are provided so that back to the thirteenth century and the old town and it is possible to see visitors can explore the displays at Queensland Presbyterian Church Buildings beyond . the pulpit from which Calvin preached their own pace. Travelling through the modern Swiss and also a chair which is said to have The significance of the events is also countryside reveals an interesting mix been his. presented using twenty first century of modern manufacturing industries This beautiful building is open to technology. In several rooms, by use and traditional farms with their tiny the public and a climb up the 150 or so of media, characters of the time tell Wynnum chalets and large barns and the many steps into the tower gives a wonderful their story. Theological perspectives cattle grazing in the fields. view of the city of Geneva; but it is are argued as various Reformers are Switzerland is also the country not for the faint-hearted as the stairs allowed to present their points of which was the cradle for the up to the top of the towers go straight view with clever use of sophisticated Reformation. Geneva was the city up by means of a spiral staircase – audio-visual equipment, making the which gave the Reformers freedom coming down is, if anything, more topics of the time current for those to share their views and thus challenging than climbing up. present. allowed their teachings to be spread, Adjacent to the cathedral is The museum has thirteen different eventually impacting throughout the the International Museum of the areas which begin with Martin world. Reformation which is housed in Luther, the invention of the printing The centre of Geneva’s old town the headquarters of the Protestant press and the translation of the is dominated by the Cathedrale St Church of Geneva. scriptures into the language of the Pierre, built at the end of the 12th A visit to the museum provides a people. The spread of his teachings, century and finished a century later good overview of the Reformation told with an overview of the arguments for as a Catholic cathedral. against the backdrop of the history and against, is presented clearly and By the mid sixteenth century, of Europe at the time. The story is concisely. during the Reformation, all interior told in an imaginative way with the Calvin’s role and those of the many other Reformers is given. As well, the situation in Geneva and the way the expanding population impacted on the city is described. The place of music and its place in worship throughout the ages is dealt with. Opportunity is given to listen to the way that the music of worship has developed to the present day. An overview of the influence of the Reformation on world history up to the current time is also considered. The museum is connected to NEW DIRECTIONS an archaeological site beneath the cathedral and this area is also Editor and Advertising: Lynda Rackley available to be explored. There are Proofreaders: Keith Booker, Gay Fletcher, Lesleigh Hall, Joan Pigram three separate areas in the same Printer: Beaudesert Times site and entrance prices allow for one or all to be visited. Entrance to the Museum alone is thirteen euros ($13) and a combined ticket Deadline for advertisements and copy: for the museum, church, towers and 1st of the months of archaeological site is twenty euros January, March, May, July, September and November. ($26). A brochure for a walking tour, “In the footsteps of the Reformation”, is a good way of seeing the city and the Send copy to: Reformation Wall is testament to the place of the Reformation in the life New Directions, PO Box 1508, FORTITUDE VALLEY 4006 of Geneva. Organized tours are also Fax: (07) 3852 1564 Phone: (07) 3251 4100 available. Email: [email protected] David and I made our own Please note: If quoting other people’s work, that work should arrangements with the help of an be acknowledged in your article. American tour company which specialises in Reformation tours and provided some suggested itineraries. Advertising: Casual classifieds 20c per word; casual display $5.00 per col. cm. For full Websites for the museum and the details, contact The Editor. Articles and advertising in New Directions are the opinions of Reformation tour company are as the authors, not necessarily the editor or publishers. Every effort is made to ensure the follows: correctness of facts and information; however, we cannot accept responsibility for errors. https://www.musee-reforme.ch/ The publishers reserve the right to accept or decline any advertising or submitted articles. english-version/ http://www.reformationtours. Please limit letters to editor to 500 words. Calvin’s chair com/ New Directions, June/July 2013 - Page 4 See you at Assembly

NEW DAY - Saturday 22 June 2013

The Presbyterian Church of Queensland presents ... Celebration Rally

CompellingVENUE love - Clayfield College Assembly Hall Bayview Terrace, Clayfield

Please pray for Incoming Moderator (Mr Greg Rodgers), Moderator’s Chaplains (Revs Matt Viney & Garnett Swann), Clerk of Assemby (Rev. Ron Clark), Deputy Clerk of Assembly (Rev. Lesleigh Hall), Business Convener (Rev. Guido Kettniss) and the business of the Assembly MEETINGS OF ASSEMBLY Sederunt 4 1.40 pm FAIRHOLME COLLEGE 8.45 am Communion Service [Clayfield College PRESBYTERIAN & METHODIST Assembly Hall, Clayfield College Chapel] SCHOOLS’ ASSOCIATION 10.15 am Morning Tea GRACE COLLEGE (The following order is subject to change. Agendas for each sederunt will 10.45 am Sederunt 4 resumes in Assembly Hall EMMANUEL COLLEGE be distributed at the commencement of each Session.) PWA Presentation ST ANDREW’S TOOWOOMBA 10.55 am PETITIONS AND APPEALS HOSPITAL Sunday 23 June 2013 12.00 noon Biblical Exposition #1 - Rt Rev David COMMUNICATIONS 5.00 pm Business Committee meets in Board Jones 3.15 pm Afternoon Tea Room (Room 4), Clayfield College 12.30 pm Close/Lunch 3.45 pm OVERTURES 5.30 pm Dinner 1.20 pm Praise 5.00 pm Biblical Exposition #4 - Rt Rev David (Buses will be arranged to take Sederunt 5 Jones Commissioners to Wavell Heights PC) 1.30 pm Devotions 5.30 pm Close Sederunt 1 1.40 pm WOMEN’S MINISTRIES PCQ 6.00 pm Dinner 7.00 pm WORSHIP SERVICE TO INDUCT THE Presentation 7.20 pm Praise MODERATOR (WAVELL HEIGHTS PC) PRESCARE Sederunt 9 COMMITTEE ON MINISTRIES 7.30 pm Devotions Monday 24 June 2013 RESOURCING (Inside Out Chaplaincy PUBLIC QUESTIONS - AP, Christian TV 7.00-7.25 am Prayer and Praise, Dining Room to address the House) AD HOC COMMITTEES 7.30 am Breakfast 3.45 pm Afternoon Tea REMNANTS (Buses will be arranged to take 4.30 pm Presbytery Presentations (Four 9.30 pm Close/Supper Commissioners to Creek Road PC) Presbyteries) ­Sederunt 2 at Creek Road PC 5.00 pm Biblical Exposition #2 - Rt Rev David Thursday 27 June 2013 9.15 am Public Seminar - Engage Your Jones 7.00-7.25 am Prayer & Praise, Dining Room World 5.30 pm Close 7.30 am Breakfast SEMINAR SPEAKERS & TOPICS 5.45 pm Mission Barbeque - Tuckshop Area Sederunt 10 Engage or Disengage - David Jones Sederunt 6 8.45 am Devotions Engage on a Sunday - Steve Cree 7.00 pm APWM Qld will present their report, 8.55 am REMNANTS Engage Australia - Karl Faase followed by the Mission Rally 10.15 am Morning Tea Equipped to Engage - Gary Millar 9.30 pm Close/Supper 12.00 noon Close of Assembly Engage 2013 - Media presentation Stories from the frontline Wednesday 26 June 2013 Morning Tea, Lunch & Afternoon Tea 7.00-7.25 am Prayer and Praise, Dining Room MORNING DEVOTIONS provided. 7.30 am Breakfast 4.00 pm Close 8.15 am Moderator’s Nominating Committee Chapel devotions will be led by Rev Jens Norved speaking 5.45 pm Dinner (Room 5) on Jesus Changes Lives: The revealing God (Psalm 19); Sederunt 3 8.45 am Devotions The forsaking God (Psalm 22); The saving God (Psalm 7.30 pm Devotions Sederunt 7 37); The forgiving God (Psalm 51). 7.40 pm Business O/D STIPENDS COMMISSION BUSINESS AND GENERAL MINISTRIES TRAINING PURPOSES COMMITTEE OUTREACH & NURTURE BIBLICAL EXPOSITIONS CODE AND LEGAL REFERENCE 10.15 am Morning Tea COMMITTEE & Return to Remits 11.45 am Introduction of Moderator-Elect Biblical expositions will be delivered on Tuesday and FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION 12.00 noon Biblical Exposition #3 - Rt Rev David Wednesday by Rt Rev David Jones, Moderator General, BOARD Jones speaking on THE MICAH CHALLENGE: 12.30 pm Close/Lunch #1 - What is God like? (Micah 1 and 2); Tuesday 25 June 2013 1.20 pm Praise #2 - The Shepherd King (Micah 3:8-4:5; 5:1-5); 7.00-7.25 am Prayer and Praise, Dining Room Sederunt 8 #3 - What does God require of us? (Micah 6:1-8); 7.30 am Breakfast 1.30 pm Devotions #4 - What’s in a name? (Micah 7). New Directions, June/July 2013 - Page 5 Two Brave Young Women in Uganda Thank You Guido by Frances Tilly by Rev. Lesleigh Hall, Moderator, Presbytery of Brisbane FORTY-FIVE MINUTES outside Kampala, in the country of Uganda, significant responsibility into his two girls aim to set up a house for already-crammed life. teenage girls who are victims of He undertook his responsibilities human trafficking and sexual abuse. as Presbytery Clerk while also serving Toowoomba girl, Jane Andersen as Minister of the Gateway Charge (27), whose family attends St David’s with a specific ministry to refugees Presbyterian Church, along with her and others in need of pastoral care; friend, Anne Campbell Black (22) while serving as Manager of the from Alabama, have responded to Christian Reformed Bookshop; while God’s call to help these forsaken heavily involved in the ministry of the victims. Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Their suffering is a violation of Association; whilst serving as the human dignity, yet it is sadly not Assembly’s Business Convener; as considered out of the ordinary in well as serving as Convenor of the Uganda. Statistics say that 1 in 5 General Assembly of Australia’s women are raped in Uganda, however Reception of Ministers Committee. these are only the officially reported Guido is also the Presbytery’s Mission rapes; many go unreported due to the Convener and has kept the Presbytery cost of the process. updated on mission-related issues Following nearly seven months of throughout the world. working and researching in Uganda, As Clerk, Guido has been a source Jane and AC saw this great need and of much-appreciated guidance and have set up their own organisation, I support for each of the Moderators AM MORE THAN. AFTER NEARLY twenty four years of who served during his Clerkship. The name was inspired by the committed service to the Presbytery Guido has also been pivotal in co- words Paul used in his prayer to the of Brisbane, the Rev. Guido Kettniss ordinating special Presbytery events Christians in Ephesus that God “is has concluded his term as Clerk of with the assistance of the Moderator, able to do immeasurably more than Presbytery. such as services of Ordination, all we ask or imagine, according to his Following the Clerkship of Rev. Licensing of Candidates and funerals. power that is at work within us”. Hector Dunn and Rev Graham Lake, He was instrumental in On 21 March, St David’s congre- Rev. Guido Kettniss was appointed organising special Presbytery meals gation arranged an opportunity for Clerk of Presbytery on 2 August 1989, commemorating significant events Jane to tell the I AM MORE THAN relinquishing his then present role as in the life of the Presbytery and its story, sharing photos of some of the Moderator of the Presbytery. members, for example the twentieth girls they had met during their time Guido has faithfully fulfilled the or thirtieth anniversary of a minister’s in Uganda and relating their tragic Oath of Office de fideli throughout or elder’s ordination. experiences. this extended season of service At the Annual General Meeting of Jane explained, “It is our aim to and has successfully swamped the the Presbytery of Brisbane in March provide housing, rehabilitation, Presbytery in a sea of paper for its 2013, the Presbytery appointed the education, life skills and job training entire duration. His minutes were Rev. Steve Blencowe as Clerk of for young women, between the ages extensive and accurate; he circulated Presbytery. of 11 and 18 years, who are victims of them first as an expanded agenda, At this meeting members of the sexual abuse and human trafficking, with some provision for adjustment Presbytery were given an opportunity while advocating for the eradication and amendment by the members of to personally acknowledge Guido’s of human trafficking and sharing the the Presbytery, before they became work as Clerk and to thank him for effects of sexual abuse to unreached the confirmed and official record of his extended period of service to the people groups”. the Court. Presbytery. In the early years of his Clerkship, As Moderator of the Presbytery, and Guido received some secretarial a previous colleague of Guido who was support in order to achieve his “welcomed into the close proximity of PHOTOS (left): responsibilities. However, in later the photocopier”, I would like to place Top: Jane beside the map of years he fulfilled these responsibilities on record the sincere appreciation, single-handed. thankfulness and indebtedness of the Africa, pointing to the Presbytery of Brisbane to Guido for country of Uganda Anyone who knows Guido would wonder how he was able to fit this the tireless and sacrificial service he Bottom: The Andersen Family has given as Clerk. at St David’s - (Left to right: Ian, Laura, Jane and Lynne) Annual service of dedication and communion

Pray, Live, Serve …. but what about the storm? by Naomi Reed

BOOK CLUBS are the best audience. in-law during the state of emergency I turned up at Vaucluse last week but he didn’t heal Jalpa.” and even before I sat down I realized That’s right. He didn’t heal Jalpa. that it was going to be a good night. In 2005, she died of a brain tumour They were all carrying a copy of and left her husband and three small ‘No Ordinary View’ under their arms children living in Nepal, in a tiny and they had a list of questions longer room with a broken window. than their arms. Then I realized that Why didn’t he heal Jalpa? I don’t not only had they read the book more know. I really don’t know. All I can recently than I had … but they also say is that I sit with the pain … as we knew my stories better than I did! all do. And as we sit with the pain, we Luckily for me, their questions get that feeling that we must be seeing State President Mrs Heather Ross welcomes the Rt Rev David Niven. weren’t related to details and only the underside of the weaving that Back: Mrs Ailsa Kelly, Mrs Margaret Taylor, Rev. Chris facts as much as to concepts and God is making beautifully – with our Perona, Mrs Heather Burton, Mr Robert Thompson feelings. “How did you adjust back lives and with this world. to Australia?” “Do you still have During the storms of life we often a go-bag?” “Were you really that ask God to make it smooth. Of course THE ANNUAL service, held in the There are many obstacles in calm during the evacuation and we do. “Please Lord, calm the storm, Ann Street Presbyterian Church on running a race so we need to throw revolution?” I laughed at that one. heal my friend, stop the pain, ease her Naomi Reed Tuesday 5 February, was conducted off anything that hinders us. He gave Did I sound calm? No … I wasn’t tears.” by the State Moderator, Rt Rev. David examples like too much TV, too much calm. And we believe in a sovereign God to keep walking with Him, to keep Niven. Mr Niven spoke on “Running time on hobbies or an addiction to It’s funny though, isn’t it? The way Who can do that. We also believe in a for Jesus” from Hebrews 12:3. social media. Sometimes it is too hard we respond to emergencies can often sovereign God who wants to conform pressing on, to keep praying and singing till we get to that place where Mr Niven commenced by talking to go to church socials. be quite different to the way we expect us into His image (Rom. 8:29), slowly about a race - how we prepare for Sin is a big obstacle in our race to respond, or to the way we respond and painfully, to get us ready for we’ll never cry again. And in that place, we’ll look around, it and that it is not over until it is - white lies, gossip, being critical, to more mundane matters. Maybe heaven. And amazingly, He knows finished. We need perseverance and speaking ill of others. God gives us extra grace and courage what it takes to conform each of us, breathe out slowly and see the upper, beautiful side of the weaving. he likened it to a marathon. We need the grace of God to say for the moment. Maybe He knows to make us more like Jesus and to get He made the comment that usually “no” to certain things and to enable what we need. Maybe He enables us there. [Naomi Reed is a returned young people run sprint races and us to get rid of what is hindering us us to keep going, for the sake of the So sometimes, He speaks and the older people do the marathon races from running and finishing our race. children. Or maybe He just knows storm is stilled. Other times, we look missionary, author and speaker. Her four popular books and an audio so “old age” is an advantage for a long We need perseverance to “fix our more about emergencies than we do. up and meet Him there in the middle race. eyes upon Jesus”. He ran a great race He certainly knows how they end up! of it. book (The Promise) are available at Reformers Bookshop. She and her The Bible tells us that we can learn to the cross and He did it for us. We But, as always, there were some The storm carries on … we bury from previous runners - Gideon, all have different races and we need harder questions. “Why do you think our friends and weep over them; but family attend Blaxland Presbyterian Church. For more information, go to William Tyndale, Jim Elliot. People to remember to always look forward, God answers some prayers amazingly somehow we find His grace, presence like this are watching over us as we never backward. We need to never and not others? For example, He and love right there. www.NaomiReed.Info or join ‘My Seventh Monsoon’ on Facebook.] run our race. They groan when we lose heart and remember that no-one allowed you to contact your mother- And then He gives us the strength fail, they cheer when we do well and can take prayer away from us. we can learn from them. If we do this we will not grow weary and we will not lose heart. New Directions, June/July 2013 - Page 6

Heading Home - a book review

thoughts informed by Scripture; and (3) she has an endearing humility that comes across in each chapter. As I reflect on the impact of a year of cancer and treatment, the book has had much to say to me. Who am I? Where do I belong? What am I to do with my life? Why don’t I feel settled? Naomi’s shared experiences have rubbed a little salt into a few of my wounds – and I’m glad she has. It’s easy to think that I really should be in Darwin, planting a church for God, making a difference, finding fulfilment in the challenge of ‘exotic’ and recognised ministry. But I’m reminded that it’s not a matter of which particular vocation, or which particular location. It’s about being content in the fact that God is in control, and He will use us wherever, and however, to fulfil His purposes, and for His glory. Naomi writes of dreams and plans coming to an end, and feeling loss of purpose upon returning to Australia. I could relate to this and was moved to pray her prayer also: I CONFESS this is the first book that Lord, there are times in our lives I’ve read by Naomi Reed. I think when we feel purposeless. The my mother and Fiona have read dream is over. We don’t even know them all, and I’m just disappointed what do anymore or why … But that I’ve waited this long. Heading Lord, when we feel like this – lost Home: My Search for Purpose in and directionless and lonely – please a Temporary World is her third in remind us that we find our living QTC represented at the Gospel Coalition an autobiographical series of books, in you; we find our focus in you … following on from My Seventh (p20) Monsoon and No Ordinary View. I’ll This leads to a highlight of the book Conference 2013 need to catch up on these stories later. for me. Every chapter finishes with This was a book in season for me, a heartfelt, well-considered prayer because we’ve spent a year working to God. Naomi is not satisfied with AS OTHERS were enjoying the Easter Keith and Kristyn Getty, panel strangers - as the Messiah dies in our through where we belong, who we are, raising the dilemma, or even with holidays this April, Gary Millar was discussions with many of today’s place, that we might taste life with what we should be doing, why we do finding resolution in the words of God packing his bags and boarding a very foremost theologians and apologists, him. and don’t feel at home, and constantly – she brings these matters to God in long flight to Orlando, Florida. and a range of workshop strands from Gary’s sermon was enjoyed by the being confronted by the Bible’s prayer. This is an excellent model to This was not to enjoy a week-long which to choose. audience there, as well as an audience message that we are not at home until us all as we grapple with issues in our break on the shores of the USA; Gary preached from Luke 22 and back here in Australia with many QTC we are home with the Lord. lives: rather Gary was heading to the Gospel 23 and shared that as we draw close students staying up late to watch his Naomi tells the story of returning i. observe our circumstances Coalition’s National Conference for to Jesus’ execution, the pace of Luke’s sermon live online. to their ‘home’ in the Blue Mountains, ii. analyse and consider what we’re 2013. account slows right down. We are Although the week was tiring Gary near Sydney in Australia, after being going through The conference, which ran 8-10 made to pause, think, linger and gasp, enjoyed representing QTC at the overseas for some time, mainly iii. reflect on Scripture April, had the theme ‘His Mission – as Luke painstakingly explains the conference and found the time very in Nepal. The account is full of iv. change our attitudes and actions Jesus in the Gospel of Luke’. significance of the unthinkable events encouraging. For anyone interested humour and pathos as we’re given a v. talk to God about it It was a very busy few days for unfolding before our eyes. in hearing Gary’s sermon or workshop window into the confusion of reverse Naomi models this, and her prayers attendees with keynote talks from a He highlighted that Luke’s strand, or any other session from the culture shock. After living through give a head start to those of us facing number of speakers, including Tim account contains echoes of the Old conference, these were all recorded a revolution in Nepal, and being similar issues in our own lives. Keller, Don Carson, Kevin DeYoung, Testament, but is carried along by and will be made available online free without many of the things Aussies Heading Home is a helpful book John Piper, and QTC’s Gary Millar. Jesus of Nazareth’s final encounters of charge at http://thegospelcoalition. take for granted, it was overwhelming for people who are not sure where Attendees also enjoyed music from with people - friends, enemies and org/ to visit supermarkets and department they belong, or who are going stores with the complete over- through significant, even unwanted indulgence of choice. And no time life changes; people with illness is worse than Christmas with it’s red that’s not going away; people who PUBLIC SEMINAR - ALL WELCOME and white pimping of the season. are experiencing significant job The real message of Christmas barely changes, redundancy, unemployment gets a look in. I’ve spoken to other or retirement; people suffering returned missionaries, coming back bereavement and grief; people finding from economically poorer countries, themselves strangers in a foreign who’ve found this so difficult. One place (that they might even know family vowed to never return to well). Its helpfulness and hope lies in Australia in the lead up to Christmas. applying God’s Word into our lives, They found the whole experience and then helping us to bring this to obscene. God in prayer. Ultimately, this book I’d suggest that returning succeeds by reminding all Christians missionaries would be helped and that God deeply understands our encouraged by reading this book, and circumstances and this world is not knowing that those who support them our true home – heaven is. have read it too. So why not read it So Lord, today, when we are yourself, encourage others in your surprised by being the outsider church to do the same, and send a or by a myriad of choices or copy to your partners overseas before misunderstandings or falling in they return. between two worlds, or not belonging Heading Home is a mosaic of anywhere, help us to comprehend the themes and ideas that paints the fact that you have walked our road bigger picture of discovering and and felt our pain and suffered for us, living out who we are in union with so that every day, here, we belong Christ. It’s a profound message that to you and that’s enough. Lord be raises real issues for all who claim to glorified in all we do and are, today. follow Jesus. I believe that Naomi And remind us that there will come a is well placed to write such a book day when we will never be outsiders for a number of reasons: (1) she has again. Lord, thank you. Amen the advantage of looking at different (p46) societies both as an insider and an Used by permission of Pastor outsider; (2) she has taken the time to reflect, meditate, and have her Dave McDonald, ACT

QUALITY EDUCATION FOR A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE

Somerville House Day and boarding school for girls 07 3248 9200 Preparatory to Year 12 www.somerville.qld.edu.au Brisbane Boys’ College Boarding and day school 07 3309 3500 for boys in Prep to Year 12 www.bbc.qld.edu.au Sunshine Coast Grammar School Co-educational day school 07 5445 4444 Preschool to Year 12 www.scgs.qld.edu.au

Clay eld College Girls: Prep to Year 12 07 3262 0262 Boarding: Girls over 10 years www.clay eld.qld.edu.au Presbyterian and Methodist Boys: Prep to Year 5 Schools Association A ministry of the Uniting and Presbyterian Churches, providing excellence www.pmsa-schools.edu.au in education in a Christian and caring environment. New Directions, June/July 2013 - Page 7 An April Afternoon Craft Affair

Silk painting Brisbane Festival Male Voice Choir at St Paul’s HymnFest

IN PERFECT autumn weather on 20 more than one source. April, St Paul’s Brisbane hosted an The church was adorned with Reflections on HymnFest Afternoon Craft Affair where an array gorgeous quilts and how peaceful it of creative talent was on show. was to stroll around the church and by Annette & Ivan Brown From lavender to lace, papercraft admire these works of art, while the to paintings, quilling to quilts, sewing gentle strains of exquisite choral to spinning, sequins to silk painting, music could be heard through the tapestries to turned timber – and brand new sound system. One could THE WELL-LOVED words and tunes future, as the congregation continues An added touch to the feast of sacred a host of other crafted creations - have been forgiven for thinking they of the traditional hymns of our faith to bear Christian witness, as begun by music was the Elan Sopranos duo, the grounds and church of St Paul’s were in Notre Dame. soared throughout the historic walls its founders 150 years ago. Alyssa and Annika, who captivated were ablaze with colour and a hive of The garden café area on the lawn of St Paul’s Brisbane Presbyterian “Sing lustily and with good the audience with their sensitive activity with patrons busily putting was adorned with red checked Church at the recent celebratory courage; lift up your voice with rendition of Amazing Grace. their fingers to work on the Make and tablecloths for the ‘taking of tea’, and HymnFest. strength” - John Wesley 1761 A ‘choir wife’ summed up the Take crafts on offer. all in all, it was a most enjoyable, Led by the fine voices of the Brisbane “Directions for Singing in Worship”. Hymnfest in this way ... I thought last “It was the best day I’ve had for a happy and positive April Afternoon Festival Male Voice Choir and the Sunday’s presentation at St Paul’s long time” was the feedback from Affair. stirring pipe organ accompaniment, Two hundred and twenty people would rate at the top of any I’ve the congregation quickly warmed to from various denominations and heard the choir do since I’ve been a this opportunity to raise their voices parishes, braved the elements on ‘choir wife’. It truly was a beautiful in praise to our Lord, inspiring minds, a very wet Sunday afternoon on 3 afternoon. The sound was awesome uplifting souls and exhilarating the March to sing praise to God. in that splendid old building and hearts of all who participated. Though some heavy rain fell during the whole presentation I believe, May many repeats of such a rousing the program, our gracious God caused certainly did bring glory to God. occasion resound throughout this the rain to cease as people arrived and beautiful place of worship well into the departed.

Jerusalem, Athens, and Evangelism

by Roland Lowther

EVERY AUTHENTIC Christian agrees most sophisticated pagan culture and Paul’s speech at the Areopagus had that the Gospel should be willingly home of polytheism. Two very, very an attractional dimension, Paul shared with the lost. “That” we different cultures! nevertheless found himself very much should share it is largely undisputed; Jerusalem, following the ascension on the front-foot and in missional “how” we share it is another matter of Jesus and during the Pentecost mode. altogether. event, was what you might deem a There was no passive Even if you only have a passing “God-receptive environment”. The acknowledgement of monotheism familiarity with the Emerging Church vast majority of people already had here; Paul had to look hard for subtle Movement, you may have encountered a strong monotheistic belief in the clues to mount a case for it—hence his terms such as “attractional” and God of Judaism, and it would be a clever appeal to the “unknown god”. “missional” (don’t you just love those fair assumption that most people Following a rather eloquent speech, Americanisms?). would have heard of Jesus; many well-reasoned, and seasoned with Simply put, these terms are would have heard His teaching and a nice touch of pagan poetry, Paul Jewellery Make and Take generally used with reference to the witnessed His miracles—some may presented the gospel better than methodology employed by particular have followed Him. anyone could. churches, in their quest to evangelize When the events of Pentecost Yet, 3000 did not come to faith 15% non-Christians. unfolded and the emboldened Peter that day! And those who registered discount As you might have guessed, preached his famous sermon, the interest, at best, agreed for an encore to all “attractional” refers to an approach audience was already highly-primed hearing. New Directions that aims at drawing the “seeker” into to act on the claims of the gospel. In the end, when Paul left, only a readers the communion of the faithful where Moreover, notwithstanding the fact handful of Athenians accepted Jesus. they might hear the gospel; and that 3000 came to faith in one day, I wonder, would an attractional “missional” is more orientated toward the reality that many continued to be church “fly” in a culture like Athens? reaching unbelievers by sharing the added to the ranks of the fellowship Put it this way, I wouldn’t be investing gospel in their own context. (Acts 2:27) should come as no in a huge sound and light system! I am sure the devotees of each great surprise, given that they were I don’t wish to mount a case for or school-of-thought could marshal accustomed to coming to the temple against “attractional” or “missional” cogent arguments in support of their anyway! churches. particular method. However, what Would such an environment be a In fact I am not too sure that may be of greater importance than great place for an attractional church? evangelistic approaches can be so the question of “how” is actually the I don’t know about you, but I am clearly delineated. question of “where”. leaning toward a strong yes! However, I want to make us think Perhaps the first question the Then there was Athens: home of about “where” God has placed us. evangelizing Christian or church rationalism and hub of paganism. In what cultural context do we find should ask is, “In what context has Monotheistic Jews were thin on evangelistic endeavour? God placed us or me?” the ground and even the mission- So, when you are next contemplating To make the point more clearly hardened Paul was deeply distressed your methodological approach to NEED TO UNWIND FOR A FEW DAYS? I shall refer to two examples of by the degree that pagan idolatry had evangelism, let us ask ourselves these Leave stress behind and pamper yourself in this beautiful old Bed & Breakfast, circa 1880. evangelistic endeavours from the New gripped the city (Acts 17:16). simple questions, “Where has God Accommodation has own entrance, own bathroom and is very private from the rest of the Testament: Jerusalem and Athens. In contrast to Peter’s Pentecost placed us? And is our context more house. Being right in the heart of the Warwick CBD you will be close to all amenities. At the time of Jesus and the Apostles, message, Paul’s preaching fell on like Jerusalem or Athens?” Jerusalem was a religious epicentre hard soil with few comprehending his If you are like me, (to use another for Judaism and monotheism, message. Americanism) it’s a no-brainer! 31 Guy Street, Warwick 07 4661 7669 or 0416144070 Athens, the centre of the world’s Whilst you could argue that www.guyhousebnb.com.au email: [email protected] New Directions, June/July 2013 - Page 8 Saving Eutychus Don’t Put God in a Box Eutychus is a reference to the unlucky man who falls from a third Reflections on Proshikkhon 2013 by Andrew Hutchens* floor window when he nods off during a sermon given by Paul (Acts 20). Maybe that’s a warning for listeners appreciated in Bangladesh. So often – but Gary Millar and Phil Campbell we heard, “Please come and stay at see it as a lesson for preachers instead. my house and meet my family, here They have put together a are all my contact details”. challenging, practical, and sometimes And the surprising thing is that light-hearted book, to help both new most of these invitations were from and old preachers keep people awake Muslims. God was teaching me what long enough to hear the transforming loving your neighbour looks like words of God. through them. Not only that, but He Don Carson says “I have read books also smashed my puny worldview of on how to make sure your sermon is Muslims, and also challenged my interesting, and I have read books view of Him and of the priesthood on how to make sure your sermon of believers that we have globally in is faithful to the text, but this book Jesus Christ. wants your sermon to be both. Reflecting on The Harvest: One “If I could, I would make this day in our wanderings we ended up at little book mandatory reading for a Christian shop in a Christian village. seminarians everywhere, and then We sat down and many village people urge them to read it a couple more surrounded us. Our Bangladeshi times during the course of their companion, without notice, told the ministry. Creation story and started giving QTC STAFF Gary Millar and Phil “It avoids cutesy and manipulative applications of that story for daily life. Campbell have been very busy this suggestions, and makes its practical Everyone seemed tuned-in to listen. year. points while urging integrity, We ordered chai tea. After we finished Alongside lecturing and being the faithfulness, and imagination. our chai we started to make our way Principal of QTC (Gary), or running “Many books on preaching are back home, but suddenly realised that a church (Phil), our staff have put published every year; this one is a we had walked out without paying! together a book on preaching. ‘must’.” We went back feeling like dills that It’s titled ‘Saving Eutychus – How The book is being published by we hadn’t paid. Then a Hindu widow, to Preach God’s Word and Keep Matthias Media and will be available who had been standing next to the People Awake’. in Australia from June. shop listening to the Creation story, came up to us and said, “I would be very happy for you to come to my village to discuss these things with me”. So we did. She had lived in the same house YNET CONFERENCE 2013 in the same village for 55 years since birth. Her husband was a freedom fighter in the 1971 war between Sharing in Ministry Together Bangladesh and Pakistan, but had passed away in 2000. She has 3 daughters who have all moved away, so she is very lonely. She was more than happy to have us come and chat with her about the things we learn from the Bible. I was reminded that Jesus said, “There are plenty of people who would be willing to hear the Good News, if only there were people willing to tell it.” Conclusion: I cannot really pinpoint what impacted me most on Proshikkhon, because only time will tell, but if I felt like God was telling me one thing it would be, “Don’t put me in a box! And don’t ever become complacent with being a Christian in Australia.” God is limitless in every way, and His ways are not our ways, so instead of seeking theological perfection when Andrew building relationships with a man on the bus I get back home, I will endeavour for relational wholeness, with God and with His people. We are all made Introduction: From the moment I rich harvest which God has been in the image of God, be it man or arrived in Dhaka I felt completely out preparing; all it needs is the workers. woman, Christian or Muslim, Hindu of my comfort zone. Reflecting on Retirement: One or something else, and it is God’s Leaders attending YNET Conference From odorous drop toilets, to people day as I walked through the fields desire that we all come to a saving with missing limbs and deformities I saw a magnificent building that knowledge in Him, through Christ. banging on our car window for money looked like a palace. As we walked Basic truths such as these have so that they can simply survive, to closer, a man came out to meet us. become deep truths for me during rubbish lining every street, to the “Hello, my name is Kobil.” He invited Proshikkhon because they have shouts of stall holders only being us in. gone past my head and penetrated overpowered by the Muslim call to Kobil was born in Bangladesh, but my heart. Proshikkhon has been prayer blasting from every speaker worked his way up and got a green a priceless time of self-discovery, on every street corner; it’s what every card to the USA. He worked in New people-discovery, Christ-discovery, documentary depicts and it’s exactly York for 35 years, and travelled the and mission-discovery. It’s amazing the reason I never wanted to come to world in luxury. Even though he is what God can teach us and do, when Bangladesh. still a US citizen, he chose to return to we are willing to step outside of our One month suddenly felt like a life Bangladesh to retire in comfort. He comfort zone. sentence. Actually jail in Australia all looked very young still for 70. I asked of a sudden sounded very attractive. him, “So what do you do now?” He *Andrew is a ministry apprentice A New Perspective: Two weeks said “Eat!” at the Soul Presbyterian Church, later, as I walked along the path In fact he grows his own ginger, Hobart. besides the river in Birisri, holding turmeric, vegetables, and even my Bangladeshi brother’s hand, I peanuts from which he extracts could not wipe the smile off my face. cooking oil. He said, “Everything I eat We had just entered another is organic”. Kobil is very happy with extremely poor Muslim village and his current lifestyle. I thought, “Wow, had been overwhelmed again by their wouldn’t it be so nice to put my feet YNET Conference Speaker - LT Hopper hospitality and acceptance of another up and retire like Kobil?” Bible story, this time about Jesus The same day we met a man called YNET CONFERENCE 2013 – it came, and Everyday Life, and Creating performing His first miracle. Bongkim, who at the age of 85 still it went, it was great. Though there is Connections Across Age Groups. The air smelt fresh, the sun was walks kilometre after kilometre, far more to the story than this. However, the unique part of shining on our backs, and we laughed praying in the name of Jesus for Each year around 200 leaders from YNET Conference remains the along the way as we struggled to Hindu and Muslim village people, children’s, high-school and young ability for ministry teams to connect understand each other. and they love him. And he has no adults ministry congregate on Mt with other groups and share their Reflecting on Preconceptions: plan to stop any time soon. I had to Tamborine for YNET Conference. diverse experiences together. The Our preconceptions and surface level ask myself, “Which is the preferred They hear great Bible talks, participate mutual encouragement is invaluable evaluations often do us no good at retirement plan?” in electives relevant to their ministry and continues to encourage teams all, as they are generally far from the Changed Perceptions: Again and and network with other leaders from that we do not work in isolation truth. again, God altered my preconceptions around the state. or competition, but as one body in Bangladesh at a glimpse is a poor, and ignorant evaluations of This year L T Hopper spoke from Christ. neglected, over-populated country Bangladesh and Bangladeshis. Jonah, reminding leaders of the YNET Conference would not without much hope. Before coming on Proshikkhon relentless God they serve whose grace happen without the support of local The reality, however, is that I was really struggling with the is the great motivator in ministry. churches across the State, so thank Bangladesh is full of hard working, question, “How can I truly and The electives also provided great you for sacrificing your leaders so patriotic, loving people, searching for genuinely love my neighbour, and food for thought as attendees they can be better equipped to serve. hope. Their doors are open, and as what would that look like?” we experienced, their hearts are also Time and time again, we were considered a variety of topics such We look forward to next year’s Applications open for the Proshikkhon as the Foundations of Children’s conference which will be shifting to open to the Gospel. stopped in the street just to chat. 2014 team. Leaving Australia 27 Ministry, Teaching Teens to Love the ANZAC Day long weekend, but Like their luscious green rice We were invited into tea shops and December 2013, returning 30 January. the Bible, Work, Big Theology will remain at Mt Tamborine. fields, Bangladesh has an extremely homes. We were told that we were Email [email protected] for details.

New Directions, June/July 2013 - Page 13

Update from the Moderator Timor Leste: Multiplication

by Rt Rev David Niven

A meeting of old friends - Rt Rev. David Niven and Elder Bill McClintock, now of Caloundra, formerly a member of The Gap congregation THIS WILL be my final Moderator’s join with some of the staff for lunch. Update because, by the next edition, Some readers may be interested to I will no longer hold that office. know that several Army Chaplains Greg Rodgers will be inducted as (myself included) marched as a body Moderator on 23 June at Wavell on ANZAC Day since this year is the Heights PC. centenary of the establishment of a I hope that, by giving you a glimpse Chaplains’ Department within the of my activities during the past year, Australian Army. It is an important you have a better appreciation of the milestone, and many Presbyterian role of the Moderator. Ministers have served as Chaplains, I spent 8-13 March visiting the not only in the Army but also in the Central Queensland Presbytery, which other two services. included Mackay, Fitzroy, Yeppoon, The remaining few weeks of my Biloela, Monto and Gladstone. At Moderatorial year are sure to go each centre I was warmly welcomed quickly. Visits are planned for and either preached or gave a short Charleville, Browns Plains, Dalby, talk and a devotion. I was especially Goondiwindi and St George. grateful for the hospitality that was I will also be involved in regular extended to me wherever I stayed. monthly Board meetings and in some Other churches that I visited were ground-breaking ceremonies for new Caloundra for a service of covenant developments being undertaken by Previously we had only met around the Throne of Grace, but now we have met face to face renewal, Eatons Hill and Mt Isa, PresCare. where I conducted a teaching session, It would be remiss of me not to the Lord’s Supper and received a new thank publicly the Assembly for the member by confession of faith. All of opportunity afforded me to serve PICTURE THE scene: There are brothers and sisters in Australia who within their culture. these visits were wonderful times of as Moderator, those churches that well over 5000 people. How can cared for him, and he was faithful in We currently have money set aside fellowship and encouragement. welcomed both me and Diane so they be fed? There’s one boy with seeking our blessing. for Bible translation and also for a During the past few weeks, I warmly, the Church Office staff for five loaves of bread and two fish. He I don’t invite you to give to me or building in Dili. This money has been attended the Queensland Theological their assistance, PresCare for the gives them to Jesus who multiplies to APWM, but I do invite you to give given for these purposes and will be College Graduation and also attended provision of a vehicle and arranging it and multiplies it and multiplies it some of the resources that the Lord spent for these purposes. a chapel service and had morning tea travel and accommodation, and last, until 5000 people are fed and there is has given to you. We presently have no funds at all with students and staff. but by no means least, my wife Diane plenty left over. It may be the value of two small for sending a teaching team to Timor There were also the regular monthly and my family for their support and Do you think that boy ever forgot buns; or you may be able to give Leste in June. We expect that this Board meetings of PresCare and encouragement. what happened to his five barley much more than that. It does not will cost around $2500. We also have Fairholme College, two Commissions It has been a busy twelve months loaves and two fish that day? Of matter how much because God can no funds at all for the next quarterly of Assembly and meetings of all the and I give thanks to God for His grace course not! work with much or little. grant which is due in June ($4000). Standing Committees to attend. and sustaining power during this time Sometimes the grace of God works Maybe you will give to Timor Leste We have mission teams going from It was a privilege to be able to share and I wish Greg every blessing for his in unexpected ways, but if there was or to PIM or to other of the Lord’s Darwin Presbyterian Church at the in an ANZAC Service at Vela and to time as Moderator. anyone who you would expect to have ministries - that is up to you to decide. end of May and another one from been blessed through this event it BUT, I will tell you what the needs are Western Australia in July. Both are must have supremely been this young currently in Timor Leste and then funded by the participants. boy. As Jesus said, ‘It is more blessed simply leave it in your hands. We are not worried, because we to give than to receive’. (Acts 20:35) Currently the Presbyterian Church know that the Lord is not short of The people within the Evangelical of Australia gives the Church in money - far from it. Presbyterian Church of Timor Leste Timor Leste $4000 each quarter to We do, however, encourage you pray for you. They pray in their use for ministry purposes. We have to be faithful with the resources that regular church services. They pray in agreed on the type of expenditure for the Lord has given you. Whether their prayer meetings. They pray that this money, but we do not involve that be through giving here, there or the Lord would richly bless us who ourselves in the details. elsewhere, or praying with us that the are in the Australian Church. At the end of each quarter the Lord will send His provisions, and The words of one young man are church in Timor Leste reports to us multiply them for effective witness imprinted on my mind. He is from a exactly where the money went. This in the land of Timor Leste. What He very poor area, and when we met for allows us to give them an appropriate sends will be just the right amount. the first time he said, “Previously we degree of autonomy. Rob Duncanson, Minister at had only met around the Throne of They take up their responsibilities Darwin Presbyterian Church, and Grace, but now we have met face to faithfully before the Lord and APWM Coordinator for Timor Leste face”. we preserve ourselves from any APWM 8 Sylvan Grove, Picnic I don’t know his name. He did not colonialist arrogance which would Point, NSW 2209 know my name, and he does not know suggest that we know better than they www.apwm.org.au/supporting/ yours; but he did know that there are do what is the best way to minister finance With the Mt Isa congregation following Sunday worship

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At Biloela with Roger and Margaret Crane (PIM) and Andrew Purcell New Directions, June/July 2013 - Page 14 Presbyterians “story” the Easter message at the Redlands Easter Family Festival

OVER THE Easter weekend, twenty- three experienced and trainee Bible storytellers prepared themselves to partner with the Redlands Easter Family Festival (REFF) Committee for the Easter Monday extravaganza at the Redlands Showground. Among the experienced storytellers were Russell Harden (Mt Tamborine PC), Peter and Ruth O’Loghlin (Southside PC), and Peter and Ann Brown, Peggy van Buuren and Keith Benn (Creek Road PC). Each year, for the last thirteen years, the churches in the Redlands area have worked together to provide the community with a fun day where families can be together as well as hear the Good News of Easter. Two weeks before the event, the storytelling staff recorded a set of nine Easter stories, beginning with the death and resurrection of Lazarus. The set finished up with two resurrection stories – the first where the tomb guards were paid off by the religious leaders to spread the news that Jesus’ disciples had stolen his body; and then the final one where Jesus eats a piece of grilled fish and commissions his disciples to take the Good News to every ethnic group. The REFF Committee took these stories and put them together with some songs and a message which asked, “What if it’s true?” Then they prepared about 5,000 CDs to be given away at the Family Festival. On Easter Monday, people from Story Telling Team many ethnic groups came to the Family Festival to enjoy a day of entertainment, merry-go-rounds, and joined in the Bible studies. They opportunity to practise their newly- train rides, food and drinks. commented, “This is wonderful! learned skills. One reported, “As I Many people waiting in the long Which churches are participating in began telling a story to a couple, a queues for free food were interested this event? We would like to connect group of boys came over and said, to hear Bible stories told by the team. with a local church here.” ‘What’s going on here?’ They listened Two Chinese girls were happy to After hearing one or two stories, to the start of the story, then weren’t hear an Easter story from a storyteller two girls stayed on to hear all nine interested, but really wanted the CD. who was standing in their food queue. stories, even when everyone except Later on I ran into them and they He told them about Jesus’ trial the storytellers had left. One of them said. ‘Oh, the storytelling guy!’ And before Pilate. They asked to hear said, “I went to a Roman Catholic they wanted a photo with me!” another one, so he followed with the school, but I never heard the whole The storytellers worked in three crucifixion story. They said, “We’ve story before”. teams and the three groups (23 people never heard these stories before”. One storyteller reported, “I was in all) told 189 Easter Bible stories to After hearing the Caiaphas trial standing in the line, going to get over 300 people in either 1-to-1 or story, one girl responded, “Oh, then scones, and I asked the woman in small group scenarios. They also told he died, didn’t he?” front if I could tell a story. As I was the nine stories eight times during the One storyteller went to the face telling it, I could see a few other people day to hundreds of people. painting section and offered to tell a were interested. In the end there By the end of the day the storytellers family the Easter stories. The father were three or four people listening.” were exhausted and exhilarated. said, “No”. Then the mother also Another said, “I started telling a They knew that hundreds of people said, “No”. But then the kids said, lady a story in a food line, and the lady had heard the Good News, and at “Yes, please!” As the Easter stories behind came around, and was really least 2,000 families went home with a unfolded, the parents listened in! close, like a sponge, absorbing what CD from which they could learn much A large number of New Zealanders was happening”. more, and even commit themselves to turned up for the day. One couple Many of those who heard stories Jesus as Lord. came into the storytelling tent, also asked if they could have a CD. What could be better than that? listened to all nine Easter stories The storytellers appreciated the

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Redlands Easter Family Festival New Directions, June/July 2013 - Page 15

* * * * * Comments from some of the M2W women on what they learnt, how girl they changed, highlights of the course ... Christine: I learnt talk - That we have messy lives (still) and that God is always working to make us more Christ-like. And still He wishes to work through us! - That the gospel message can be found throughout the Bible and it is exciting to look for it. - That our personal walk with God is vitally important. Our heart attitude is what God sees and He is chipping away at it to make us more like Christ – renewing us over and over – a work in progress. Mardi: For me, M2W has been a journey of discovery. I feel as though I know my sinful self much better, know WENDY HENRY TALKS WITH ROBYN BAIN ABOUT M2W - Jesus better and I want to know Him even more. I am a woman in need A NEW COURSE FOR WOMEN AT QTC of change, who is looking forward to helping other women in need of change, clinging to the Cross all the Wendy: Welcome Robyn! our time interacting with the Bible in while. Can you start by telling us lots of different ways – listening to Janelle and Gavin Henderson with Millie and Angus exactly what M2W is and how talks, searching the Bible in groups, Cathy: did it come about? talking through practical situations I really enjoyed the M2W training. Robyn: M2W is designed to and praying. Each week there is a The course has strengthened my faith encourage women to be comforted, bit of pre-session prep to stimulate and deepened my understanding convicted and transformed by God’s thinking and reflection. We’ve of God. The presenters were grace in His gospel. And, of course, certainly tried to make the sessions outstanding. The lecturers from QTC, to help those women encourage challenging, but helpful, for women who presented the more complex other women to be transformed by at any level of biblical knowledge! theology and doctrine topics, made the gospel too! Similar courses have the content easy to understand. I been run elsewhere around Australia W: Robyn, what outcomes highly recommend the course to but Gary and Fiona Millar wanted to are you personally hoping for, other women. design something specifically for the from a course like this? Queensland context. R: We really do want to see women deeply comforted and transformed by Sue: W: What has your role been the gospel. Women who love Jesus To be able to spend a block of three in all this and who else was and love reading God’s Word can hours a week focussed on the Word involved? make an enormous impact on those of God, leaving the distractions of R: I’ve been helping Gary and around them. There may be some life at the seminar room door, has Robyn Bain Fiona to design and run the course. women who find M2W gives them the been amazing, encouraging and We’ve also had some wonderful confidence to go on to further training rejuvenating. input from QTC lecturers and some at QTC. But we are hoping there wise and godly women from around will be many who simply feel more Colleen: Brisbane. confident to encourage others. I loved M2W and would recommend it to other women! It has confirmed W: How many women W: What about the future to me what I already believed. I enrolled for this first course? ... is it likely that M2W will be loved the discussions and personal R: About 60 – far beyond our repeated or perhaps expanded challenges and being with a group expectations! It’s lovely to see so in some way? of women who love God. The leaders many women keen to serve. R: We are hoping to develop M2W were transparent with their own and run it as long as it serves and walk with God, which encouraged W: Can you tell us a little helps women! me and taught me how they apply about what they’ve been doing? God’s grace to their own lives. The What does a morning at M2W W: Has there been a highlight Bible teaching was great (I wish I look like? for you? knew Greek!). I need to work hard R: We spent the first seven R: I’ve loved plumbing the depths at applying God’s Word to my life weeks mainly learning to read and of the gospel in such good company! and do what it says! Praise God for understand the Bible well. Over the M2W! next five weeks we built on those W: Thanks, Robyn, for foundations and thought about introducing us to M2W. We * * * * * identity, relationships, practical pray that God will be gracious Word ministry and evangelism. Each in renewing a passion for session runs for three hours with sharing the gospel in all those morning tea in the middle. We spend who have been involved. Hard at work behind the desks WOMEN @ PRAYER ... O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. Psalm 63:1-5 • Thank God for the privilege of prayer and begin by praying Psalm 63 (above) as your own personal prayer. • Thank God for the gospel of Christ! Thank Him for the way He has presented it to us in His Word – both Old and New Testaments. • Praise God for the M2W course and the amazing effect it has had on the lives of the women who were able to attend. • Give thanks for the presenters who gave of themselves in sharing their wisdom, experience and love for the gospel and also for the Queensland Theological College for taking the initiative to provide such a course for women. • Pray that after the course concludes and the women go back to their respective churches and their messy lives, that they will find many opportunities to share the great gospel message of hope with others, who also have messy lives. • Pray for those who may be considering further study, that there will be an opportunity to make that part of their journey, if it is God’s will. • Pray for the future of M2W, however God chooses to develop it, and that it will continue to provide for women who want to be equipped and encouraged in ministry at whatever level is appropriate for them. • Praise God for the Be Nurtured retreat in May where women were encouraged by Lesley Ramsay’s teaching. Pray that they will be refreshed and nurtured as they return to their daily lives, taking with them the blessings and encouragement of learning from God’s Word. • Pray for our church as its leaders meet at Assembly in June. Pray for unity, wisdom and humility. Pray for the women’s events too, and especially for Fiona Millar as she shares her passion for the gospel at the WMPCQ gathering.

Deep in discussion over morning tea Footnote: Be Connected with WMPCQ through the website and newsletter www.wmpcq.com or email [email protected] Visit the WMPCA website www.gaawomensministry.com New Directions, June/July 2013 - Page 16 Mission to Kenya – Part 2 – The Great Rift Valley

Leaving Nairobi: “Mission The Privileges of Going Beyond Gospel mandate. The Lord and Head Accomplished” our Comfort Zone of the Church does not give us the After two very busy weeks working Our worship that Sunday was one privilege of “cherry picking” the Great in the Agape Hope Orphanage, our of the real highlights of our time Commission. Nor does He intend for team was ready for a change of pace in Kenya as we enjoyed the bright the Christian Church to operate on a and place. We were all glad that we colours and joyful worship of Maasai business model. When it does it will were able to leave Nairobi for the next Christians. Each of the main groups fail. The Church is on a mission, and stage of our Kenyan adventure with a in the congregation – the children, its mission is to send “into all the sense of “mission accomplished”. the young men, the women and the world” and support those whom the We had been able to see substantial men – all contributed separately Lord sets apart to “make disciples of improvements at the orphanage. to worship in ways that were so all nations”. The responsibility of the Indeed, it seemed as though different from our more formal style Presbyterian Church in Queensland is everything was being made “light, of worship. However, they had about not only to Brisbane or the Sunshine bright and white”. Skylights in each them the same presence of the Holy Coast, or even to Queensland; it is also of the classrooms brought light Spirit that we enjoy at home. to “all nations” that are to hear and into what had previously been very Our little group also did our best to obey the Gospel. The support should dark rooms. The main office was make a contribution to the worship by not only be tangible in the form of the painted, and three of the children’s singing “Father we love You” as best missionaries we send through our dormitories were lined and painted we could. Our effort was appreciated local congregations under APWM, it - all bright white! Electric lights though, and there was certainly an should also be tangible in the financial were provided for most of the rooms unexpected resonance for us as we and prayer support that we give, in the orphanage. A computer had Candlelit dinner with Nann Barratt, River House, Gilgil sang “glorify your Name in all the especially through the good example been purchased for keeping and earth”, not in the familiar context of and leadership of the Assembly and storing records. Running water had Northern Ireland, which meant that reported to have said that it was her our church family in Caloundra, but wider Presbyterian Church. been provided for the kitchen and she and Eleanor were able to form a privilege to live in “the most beautiful in the very different surroundings of the laundry area, along with laundry bond of friendship as both of them place on earth”. The scene before us, a Maasai congregation in the heart of A Challenge to our Presbyterian tubs and benches for the children to speak with the same lilting accent. as we climbed up the western side of Kenya! Theology and Tradition wash their clothes. And an efficient Even though one of them was from the Rift Valley, made it hard to argue After the service everyone shook The Lord’s promise to Abraham sawdust-burning stove had been Country Antrim and the other from with her sentiment. hands with everyone else in a line that was that “all peoples on earth will provided for the kitchen, to replace County Armagh they understood each The Maasai name for the mountain grew longer and longer as we all left be blessed” through him [Genesis the inefficient and smoky charcoal other well enough [“to be sure”]! in the area we visited is El Donyo the building. 12:3]. By His “Great Commission” fires. Nann came to Kenya in 1955, was Eburru. The village and its church Our time among the Dorobo and to “make disciples of all nations” the married in St Andrews Presbyterian were about 9500 feet above sea level; Maasai people that we visited was Lord has given the Christian Church Safari to the Great Rift Valley Church, Nairobi, and has lived in high enough to give two of our team, brief. Yet it led to a sense of privilege the privilege and responsibility of As we left Nairobi to climb the Kenya ever since. Like many people Trevor and Barbara, altitude sickness. that we had visited the Lord’s fulfilling His promise to Abraham. three thousand or so feet that led to of British stock before her, she has The little congregation is small and people in a remote part of Kenya, There are several million the eastern edge of the Rift Valley, made Kenya her home. As a result of struggling but we were so grateful to had experienced their culture in an Presbyterians in Kenya, mainly but we were also heartened by the fact the political wisdom of its founding be able to enjoy a meal with them, unaffected way, and had enjoyed not exclusively from the Kikuyu, that Eleanor, who had fractured her President, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, the cooked in the open air. We were experiences that many or most Embu and Meru tribes. They are upper right arm on our first full day predominantly African nation that is able to encourage them, and leave western people who travel to Kenya Christians, humanly speaking, in Nairobi, was given clearance by independent Kenya has taken such with them a financial contribution, as tourists never have the opportunity because of the witness and sacrifice of the specialist and medical team at people as its own. some Swahili Bibles and a number of to enjoy. previous generations of Presbyterian Nairobi Hospital to travel with us, Our two days with Nann were just children’s Bible story books. It was a striking reminder that churches and Christians, particularly, and to spend at least a little time with what we needed to recover from the the family of God and the Church of but not exclusively, from the Church the rest of us in the team. hard work, diesel pollution and busy- The Tungi Tatu Congregation Jesus Christ embraces all peoples, of Scotland. The Great Rift Valley is one of the ness of Nairobi. We were able to and Maasai Worship languages and cultures. It was also major geographical features of the enjoy cordon bleu candlelit dinners, Our journey on Sunday took us world. It runs from Lebanon and the log fires in the lounge in the evening, around the southern end of Lake Dead Sea in the north to Lake Malawi and do whatever we wished during Naivasha. As we travelled down and Mozambique in the south, a the day. Those of us who chose the eastern and southern sides of distance of some 6000 kilometres. to sightsee went to a small game the lake, our road passed acres of In East Africa it divides into two. reserve at the foot of “The Sleeping flowers grown under protective The secondary valley extends along Warrior”, a small mountain near Lake plastic “glasshouses”. Kenya exports the border between Congo Zaire Elementaita, and to Joy Adamson’s millions of flowers to Europe and and Uganda that is marked by Lakes home on Lake Naivasha - of “Born other destinations every year and Edward and Albert. Meanwhile the Free” and Elsa the Lioness fame. is reputed to be the second largest major valley runs through Tanzania rose growing and exporting country and Kenya and is marked by a series Two Special People: Shel and in the world. Flowers that are cut in of lakes, including Lakes Natron, Kym Arensen Naivasha one day are being sold on Naivasha, Nakuru and Turkana. This Then after a two-day break, it was the streets of Europe, North America eastern branch of the Rift Valley is back to the work in hand. Our hosts and Japan only two or three days also home to the teeming wildlife of for our visits to the two churches that later. the Serengeti, Masai Mara and other we were to see were Shel Arensen and The excitement of the day was national parks for which East Africa is his wife Kym. Shel’s parents were heightened when we saw several so justly famous. It was to this region missionaries with the Africa Inland giraffes close to the side of the road, of the Great Rift Valley that we came Mission in the former Tanganyika along with zebras, baboons and other for the second stage of our Kenya [now Tanzania]. Shel was born in small animals further in the distance. adventure. Mwanza, on the southern end of Lake Our journey took us along stony and From its highest point on the Victoria in the mid 1950s. rock strewn roads as we travelled into edge of the escarpment at around Apart from time spent in the the hill country west of Lake Naivasha. nine thousand feet, the Rift Valley United States to complete his tertiary However, our driver Charles was road then drops some two-and-a- education and to marry Kym, Shel always equal to the occasion and took Erin and friends, Eburru village half thousand feet to the valley floor has spent the greater part of his life in us safely to our destination. below. As we descended we could East Africa, speaks fluent Swahili and The villages we visited were lower a reminder that we are not really Passing on the Gospel Baton clearly see the dormant volcano of Mt has built his own home on a property in altitude than the one we had visited out of our “comfort zone” when we Our privilege in the Presbyterian Longonot with its distinctive profile, that is tucked into the hills on the on the previous day, so altitude are with others of the Lord’s people, Church of Queensland and Australia and the shimmering waters of Lake eastern side of the Rift Valley, not too sickness was no longer an issue. Here no matter how different the culture will be to pass the baton of the Gospel Naivasha. The town of Gilgil, to which far from Naivasha. we were able to visit the Moidapi [the and language. God’s Holy Spirit is to the next generation. To be part we were heading, was only another 50 On the night before our arrival, village is partly named after Kenya’s as much with them as He is with us. of a mission team, such as the one or so kilometres to the north. We had one or more Cape buffaloes had former President, Daniel arap Moi] It brings to all a sense of “family- that visited Kenya in January and dropped some 2500 feet to the valley grazed and left their mark all over and the Tungi Tatu congregations. belonging” even when skin colour, February this year, was to have our floor but we were still higher than the Shel’s expansive lawns. The local Once again we were able to give language and culture are all so very vision enlarged to the work that the approximately 5300 feet of Nairobi. Malewa River, which forms one of stuffed toys and Bible storybooks different. Lord calls our congregations and the boundaries for Shel and Kym’s to the children and a financial gift “Cherry Picking” and the Great denomination to do. His promise to “R and R” at River House property, is also known to have hippos to the congregation, along with the Commission Abraham rests on our obedience. If Our first stop was River House, near wallowing in it on occasion. As Shel remainder of the forty Swahili Bibles Our visit was also a good reminder we fail, He will sadly leave us to our Gilgil on the eastern side of the Rift once discovered, it was no place to that we had brought from Nairobi. that our own Presbyterian Church own preoccupations and devices, Valley, and about half-way between take the grandchildren fishing when needs to take with ever-renewed our own “small ambitions” and the Lakes Naivasha and Nakuru. During the river was already occupied! seriousness the fulfilment of the niceties of Presbyterian traditionals. the days of European settlement and Among his many other interests He will find others who will obey farming in the first half of the 20th [rugby and editing a magazine about Him and fulfil His promise made by century, Gilgil was, and still is, in a times past called “Old Africa”], over solemn covenant to Abraham “to thriving agricultural district. It has the last twenty years Shel has also bless all peoples on earth” through a club, golf course, polo team and been instrumental in planting a him [Genesis 12:3, Matthew 28:19 preparatory school on the British number of churches. These have been and Acts 1:8]. model named after Pembroke College, among the Dorobo and Maasai people Cambridge. of the Mau Escarpment and Mau The Blessing of a Supportive Sadly its Commonwealth War Forest area on the western side of the Session Cemetery is also the last resting place Great Rift Valley. It was our privilege Since the publication of the April/ of over two hundred British and to visit two of those congregations May 2013 issue of New Directions, Commonwealth service personnel over the weekend that we were with the Caloundra Session has given from Britain, East, West and South Shel and Kym. permission for another team to go to Africa, the Indian sub-continent and Kenya in 2014. We already have gifts Australia. El Donyo Eburru and Altitude totalling $1900 to give towards the Sickness various ministries that we support, Of Irish Accents and Cordon On Saturday our journey took and five team members are eager to Bleu Cuisine us high up on the western side of go. We also have children and leaders Our hostess at River House was the Rift Valley, overlooking a vast in the Agape Hope Orphanage who Nann Barratt, and her home was an expanse of the Valley, Lakes Nakuru are already eagerly awaiting our oasis of distinctive green “fever” and and Naivasha, and the Aberdare return. There’s plenty more work to other trees, and lawns that calmed the Mountains beyond the far side of the be done. Now, where’s the rest of that spirit and provided a perfect place to Rift – truly an awe-inspiring sight. bucket of white paint….? rest and recover for a couple of days. One Kenyan notable of times past, Nann originally came from whose name was Joan Root, was Next Time: A stuffed toy made with love by a member of the Caloundra church, Last few days and then home again Moidapi congregation to Brisbane. New Directions, June/July 2013 - Page 17

of the ungodly, Romans 3:26; 4:5) can be addressed through a proper understanding of being “in Christ”. Serving as missionaries later in life As just one example: justification by faith has been accused of being a legal fiction - how can someone be justly punished in the place of another? Yet when we understand what the Bible teaches about being united to Christ, Shiner explains how sinners can be actually (not just apparently) justified in Christ. In the final three chapters the book is at its most practical. Shiner discusses how the theology developed in the opening chapters impacts our struggle with sin, the importance of church, and living in the light of the resurrection. If you struggle at times navigating the theological river of the book’s opening, these chapters give firm ground to anchor the theology in real life. In chapter five there are hints of how being “in Christ” enables us to live for Jesus when tempted with such One Forever: the sins as gossip or greed. Transforming Power Chapter six considers how union with Christ changes the way we serve of being in Christ his Body, the Church. Rory Shiner Finally, chapter seven assures believers in the hope of joining with A Book Review by Christ’s resurrection, and considers (for example) how this changes Daniel Saunders our response to fleeting, sinful temptation. Although the book keeps to its IT’S EASY to skip over the little promise of showing how being “in things. And little words like “in” and Christ” makes a world of difference “Him”. ‘on Tuesday’, there are plenty of These little words, however, places where more practical reflection punctuate the New Testament, could have been hinted at. I would Gordon and Ruth Russell... serving God in Nepal especially Paul’s letters (eg Ephesians have loved to have heard, for example, 1; Colossians 2). how Jesus’ incarnation interacts with Nepalis have a proverb: “Argo the wisdom gained through years of well as show and share the reality of In this short book, Rory Shiner bioethics, or how union with Christ shows how the little words “in thapnu mudako, kura sunnu life experience and are keen to learn God’s love to us in Jesus with those shapes the union of marriage. budhako”. A rough translation is: “If from it.” who haven’t yet heard, or responded Him” describe a central (but often However, in such a brief book not overlooked) New Testament teaching you want to warm up, stand by a fire Speaking with a couple, Ken and to this good news”. everything can be said. with big logs, if you are looking for Alison in their 60s, who are serving Gordon is a Civil Engineer and Ruth of our union with Christ. A second critique is that although The book covers a vast scope in its good advice, ask an old person.” in Nepal for one year, Gordon says, is a palliative care specialist. They will I enjoyed the journey that readers In their own words, Gordon and “Ken told me that several young be involved in development work in seven chapters—from creation to new are taken on through the ‘big picture’ creation. Ruth Russell, now CMS missionaries men from his church in Nepal have Pokhara as part of the International approach, some readers may find in Nepal, “felt convicted by the Lord individually come to him asking if Nepal Fellowship’s (INF) integral In the opening chapters (creation this disorientating. It may have been and incarnation), we are drawn into to use our senior years to share our he would disciple them. He has been mission ministries. INF is a Christian less risky to begin the book in a more faith and knowledge of God with meeting with them for a few months organisation involved in health and the big picture of God’s work in the expected place (relating our ‘in Christ- world. In particular we are shown the younger people. God has an eternal one-to-one to read the Bible, pray and development projects, particularly ness’ to salvation and justification), rest prepared for us in heaven. Now chat with them. These young guys among the poor and marginalised. pattern of “unity in diversity” that is which may be more familiar, though seen in creation, marriage and Christ. is our opportunity to labour as good really value his life coaching in being Gordon will initially manage the less majestic. stewards of all that God has entrusted a Godly man. construction of a specialist ear The central chapters (salvation and Coming from Matthias Media’s justification) delve into the topics to us.” “Because the church has grown hospital in Pokhara, while Ruth will series of Guidebooks for Life, this Gordon served in Nepal from 1983 so quickly here, there is a shortage utilise her palliative care skills. where union with Christ is most book aims to both dig deep into the commonly thought about. to 1995 and worked mainly with of older Christians to mentor the Many opportunities exist for Bible (and theology) whilst applying constructing hydroelectric projects. younger generation. Ken’s time in older Christians to have a valuable Chapter three (salvation) uses these reflections to real life. many helpful illustrations to describe “All Nepal’s electricity is produced Nepal is coming to an end in a couple contribution in cross-cultural mission Despite its brevity (88 pages) One from hydroelectricity and the long- of months and he asked me if I would situations. However, Gordon and what it means to be “in Christ”. Some Forever masterfully achieves both of these illustrations are biblical (a term strategy for the three projects be prepared to take over mentoring Ruth emphasize that when serving as these goals. What it says will help you constructed by the mission was to these young guys. This is something missionaries later in life you need lots vine and its branches, a body), and to notice the little things in the Bible others much more modern, being train Nepalis how to build future I believe the Lord has been preparing of flexibility, patience and openness that you may have previously skipped projects. Ruth came to Nepal in me for.” to God’s leading. in an aeroplane will be a spiritual over, and also spark your thinking experience after reading this book. 1985 and we married in December Encouraged by the words of Psalm about how to live because you are in that year. She worked in some of the 71:18 (“Even when I am old and If working in mission is something In chapter four (justification) we see Christ. how some of the suspicions that we mission hospitals and in clinics set up grey, do not forsake me, my God, that you are considering, serving as have when we think about justification at the construction projects. There is a till I declare your power to the next missionaries later in life or indeed [This review was first published in deep tradition of respect and honour generation, your mighty acts to all at any age, then please talk to Sam by faith (the Bible’s teaching that Eternity Online News.] God is both just and the justifier for older people in the Nepali culture. who are to come.”), Gordon and McGeown on 07 3112 6530 or email In fact, I think it’s probably the same Ruth are excited about, “the many him on [email protected]. in most non-western cultures!” says opportunities to befriend, encourage Working for a world that knows The oldest in the room was 120 Gordon. “Younger people recognise and mentor younger Christians as Jesus. www.cms.org.au Please pray for Christians in Syria

“Greetings in the name of our Arabic. So we all started wondering afraid of having no future in Syria Lord Jesus Christ. My name is MM, what to expect in the future. if Islamic groups take over. Indeed former president of the Near East Syria has 22 million. Originally violence has been the rule of the game School of Theology. 15% were Christians; it is now about by all, but the Christians are only Just after my retirement from 8%. Christianity existed in Syria as threatened by the rebels. Christians theological education, my church, far back as the early church. are told openly by rebel groups who the Presbyterian Synod of Syria The majority of Christians have gained control in certain areas, and Lebanon, assigned me the task are Orthodox, but all other that the options available to them of communicating with partners denominations are found. The are to become Muslim, to leave the regarding the tragic Syrian situation, Protestant community is a minor one country or be killed. ie how the church is ministering to with the Presbyterian church being When a Christian student is the refugees and displaced. the largest. The tragic situation kidnapped and his family asked for Until the last two years Syria meant all Christian churches needed ransom they are openly told, “you do has been the most secure country to do relief work; and, at the same not fight, you have to pay money”. in the Middle East. The Christian time, to encourage Christians to And sometimes they take the ransom community worshipped freely and stay in Syria, fearing the country and do not return the kidnapped served the community as full citizens, would be emptied of its Christian person. The stories of suffering never experiencing discrimination or community. and of unprecedented crimes are denied rights that were common to It is a fact that there are about four countless. all. million displaced within Syria and Thus we appeal for prayer. We While Syria cannot claim to have a million refugees in neighbouring appeal to all those who are able to been a democratic country, all lived countries, all in tragic situations and help bring the parties to dialogue to with security and were provided with in need of the basics. help end this tragic situation. “Barbara”, a 120-year-old doll, held by her proud owner Laurel free education, free hospitalization We, as a Presbyterian Synod, have Somehow, it looks as if the whole McCosker and health. All had enough food, and had two major church buildings world is against the people of Syria as long as one did nothing against in Aleppo and in Homs destroyed, and we ask why. Why do all these THE MOTHER’S Day luncheon held at St David’s Presbyterian Church North the government, one did what they and the congregations scattered. groups who have no idea what Syria Toowoomba on 9 May featured “Cherished Memories”. A delicious two course liked. Four other churches are no longer needs, come and fight in Syria and meal and items of singing and poetry entertained the appreciative audience. However, we all wanted reform, functioning as the congregations are they are paid and supported to do so? The tables provided for this memorabilia were arrayed with Mrs Potts irons, a more freedom and participation. All displaced. We help 442 families with Our cry is for peace, for justice, for lantern, embroidered doylies, historical articles and a beautiful porcelain faced wanted to end corruption. And so, food, medicine, clothes and funds for the end of the suffering. doll named “Barbara”. when the events began, many were renting new homes. May God have mercy and “Barbara” was created in Germany last century with a registered number and in support of the desire for reform. We are trying to renovate old forgiveness. as a limited edition. She is dressed in a white bonnet, frock and booties and Sadly, the violence erupted as we church buildings in Lebanon Many thanks to all who are under her dark hair has one earring. never knew before. Many groups expecting Syrian Christians to flee concerned.” The doll was given to Laurel as a child by her mother who had previously been appeared with names we had never there. MM (on behalf of the given the doll in her childhood by the McKay sisters from Warialda in NSW in heard, all claiming to kill in the name Syria has been described as the Synod of Syria and Lebanon) the late 1800s. She is Laurel’s treasure. of God. Many of these do not speak cradle of Christianity. Now we are New Directions, June/July 2013 - Page 18

Multi-million dollar retirement living development commences at Corinda

CONSTRUCTION OF PresCare’s will be home to hundreds of residents. new retirement living community at Demolition is now complete, and Corinda started on Tuesday 7 May early works commenced in May on with a ceremonial ground-breaking the 10 year, six-stage development. Mackay tees event. The 68 stage one apartments are due Minister for Housing and Public for completion in 2015. Works, Tim Mander, turned the Mr Mander said housing the off for charity soil on the $100 million Kingsford elderly was likely to be a significant Terrace project that will provide challenge in the future which made golf day premium accommodation to developments like Kingsford even Queensland’s seniors and provide more important. thousands of jobs. “The number of senior households ON SUNDAY 19 May local tradies and Greg Skelton, PresCare’s CEO, in our community is expected to businesses teed off at Black Springs said for over 80 years the site was almost double over the next 15 years”, Golf Course for the PresCare Woollam home to Hopetoun, which provided he said. Constructions Annual Charity Golf independent living cottages and “This demographic shift means we, Day. residential aged care services to tens as a society, have to get serious about With a goal to reach $25,000 for of thousands of people. ensuring we have enough appropriate PresCare Mackay, players competed “The site at Corinda has been an housing available, close to family, Ambrose-style. integral part of PresCare’s history; health services and other forms of PresCare provides in-home care it represents our legacy of caring for support.” services for the elderly and people people as they age”, he said. Mr Skelton said the apartments with disabilities in Mackay. “To move forward and to elevate will be fitted out with modern CEO Greg Skelton said the day the quality and type of care provided conveniences and with facilities such would not be possible without the to people as they aged, rebuilding as cafes, games rooms, function committed support of Woollam Hopetoun was not acceptable. rooms, cinema and an indoor pool. Constructions, the dedicated PresCare wants to provide services “The heart of Kingsford is all about volunteers and the local community. that people want so they can stay in community and the assurance that “For over seven years now, PresCare their communities.” somebody is always around if you has teamed up with Woollam The new community, named after need them”, Mr Skelton said. Constructions to run this great event. aviator Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, We are grateful for their generosity and enthusiasm”, Mr Skelton said. “We had teams from local businesses including Mackay Solicitors, AE Smith, Dig It Landscaping and Demos Plastering. Recycling demolished aged “It was our biggest, best and most fun day ever. We look forward to next care facility costs years’ one on Sunday 18 May.” Future golf days will be held in Rockhampton (Sunday 4 August) and Brisbane (Monday 2 September). ACCORDING TO Myron Lichtenstein cable/aluminum and 120 tonnes For more details, or to register of Enviro Site Services there is not landfill. interest in future golf days, contact much on a building site that cannot Myron said up to 80 per cent of Kerry Cutting [email protected]. be recycled. construction waste is made up of Tim Mander, Tarnya Smith and au or 0478 881 463. Enviro Site’s latest job, demolishing discarded materials that are ideal for PresCare’s Hopetoun facility at re-use or recycling. Greg Skelton ‘turning the soil’ at Corinda, saw the Brisbane-based “Recycling saves the earth’s Kingsford Terrace company salvage and recycle 95% of resources and does make a big Right: Golf Day with Greg the site. difference. For example for every one Skelton and Craig Percival, CEO The former aged care facility tonne of aluminum we recycled at Woollam Constructions will be given a new lease on life the Corinda site, over four tonnes of as the premium retirement living bauxite and seven hundred kilograms community – Kingsford Terrace. The of petroleum were saved. The flow 10-year project kicked off early May on effect of that impact results in the with a ground-breaking ceremony. prevention of associated emissions For Community Myron said the buildings were from entering our air. Services enquiries, call spread over three hectares. “Over “Recycling demolition and the past three months, we have construction sites also reduces the 1-800-PRESCARE (1-800 methodically demolished and recycled impact on our landfill sites”, Myron a range of materials. said. 773 722) or visit www. “Recycling construction debris A total of 19.0 million tonnes of prescare.org.au pays off big-time in development cost construction and demolition (C&D) savings”, he said. waste was generated in Australia in Enviro Site recycled 4,500 cubic 2008-09. Of this total waste stream, metres concrete and brick, 75,000 8.5 million tonnes was disposed to terracotta roof tiles, 450 tonnes landfill while 10.5 million tonnes, steel, 250 cubic metres timber, 60 or 55%, was recovered and recycled. Couple recognised for giving to Queensland’s cubic metres plasterboard, 10 tonnes (Source: Waste and Recycling in nonferrous materials - electrical Australia 2011 report.) elderly

MARYBOROUGH COUPLE Coralie and Kevin Larsen have a lot of love to give – love for family, for each other and for their community. It is their love of community that was recognised on Friday 26 April with a ceremony to present them with an Australian Government’s National Volunteer Award for 2012. Coralie and Kevin will be presented with the award by Federal Member for Wide Bay, Warren Truss, for their volunteer services to Groundwater Lodge. The Larsens are an integral part of the PresCare Volunteer Program and were nominated for the award by Volunteer Manager Julie Hoffmann. Kevin said Coralie is the heart of the volunteer work they do. “She loves giving”, he said. With four children, twenty grandchildren and one great grandchild, plus volunteering for the local motor home club, the Larsens are just doing what they love; content Kevin and Coralie Larsen to be in the background giving something back. Coralie said volunteering at look forward to it because I fill it with Groundwater Lodge Service Groundwater Lodge is their way of interesting anecdotes and jokes; it Manager Stephen Leggett, said showing appreciation to Queensland’s really brightens the residents’ day.” Coralie and Kevin are an inspiration. older people. “It’s nice to do Coralie also cooks for the “They give their time and provide an David Niven delivering the dedication at Kingsford Terrace things that you know the residents fundraising events and always avenue for the residents to feel part of look forward to. My mum lives at produces 40 containers of slices a family and the wider community”, Groundwater Lodge so it is a pleasure and cakes to sell with Kevin as the he said. to help”, she said. ‘handyman’. “Their selfless attitude brings One of Coralie’s passions is “Kevin recently gave the planter laughter and stories to people who preparing the newsletter for the boxes a fresh lease of life. The planter may not have an opportunity to leave residents and staff. boxes will sit outside the dining room the residential facility, because of “I research, produce and deliver the for everyone to enjoy”, she said. frailty or health issues, to know about newsletter. The residents and staff their neighbours.” New Directions, June/July 2013 - Page 19

Women’s Activities - ASSEMBLY briefly Presbyterian Women’s Association What’s on ... UNIT TO LET MONDAY 24 June 40th ANNUAL MEETING AND CALOUNDRA, beachside units, CONFERENCE from $300/week. For details Commencing at 10.00 am contact Ray on 0427 990 161/ Ann Street Presbyterian Church, 45 Ann Street, Brisbane [email protected]. Moderator, Hon. Greg Rodgers, will address the Conference and install and dedicate new Office Bearers. TELEPHONE Guest speakers: DIRECTORIES Mrs Dianne Parker, 40th anniversary of 1st meeting Any charges wishing to make Mrs Lyn Nicol, work amongst young women at Caboolture Mr G. Sharpe, Gideons International changes to their entry in the White Pages should contact Church Office on 3251 4100 or email TUESDAY 25 June [email protected] Presentation of PWA Executive to Assembly at Clayfield College, HELP FOR ARCHIVES 10.45 am Mrs Heather Ross (State President) will address the Assembly. Since the refurbishment of Morning tea at 10.15 am. Church Office the books kept by archives are needing to be sorted WEDNESDAY 26 June into order. If anyone has library full day bus trip experience and would be willing (morning tea at PresCare Vela plus tour of com- to help catalogue these books, plex; lunch at Wynnum PC) could they please email Dianne Bus leaves old People’s Palace (Backpackers), Parker on [email protected] Ann Street (cnr Edward Street) at 9.00 am sharp, returning or contact Church Office on 3251 approximately 4.00 pm. Pick up and drop off at Creek Road PC. 4173. COST for the day - $40.00 including lunch

WMPCQ @ Assembly Guest Speaker - Fiona Millar ‘Sweet Talk’ 10 am Tuesday 25 June Swimming Pavilion, Clayfield College Morning tea ($6) and lunch ($8-50) available All welcome *** no child care available

**All welcome** RSVP by 16 June on 0418 755 914 New Directions, June/July 2013 - Page 20 Transition from St Petersburg to Kandern

by Linda and Richard Buchanan

Please do not reproduce this article in any form without permission.

AS I write this we are in “transition”, a But in St Petersburg, there is subject that we have regularly taught freedom to share about the Lord on the orientation courses we have and give them Scriptures. We took run in St Petersburg for the last four every opportunity that arose to make years. friends with these people and have We left St Petersburg in Russia by them for meals. train on 8 February. It was the farewells with them that After a weekend with friends and were the hardest because, as yet, colleagues in Finland, we flew to the despite their happy acceptance of Netherlands to spend three weeks printed materials and DVDs, we are with experienced Dutch colleagues not aware of any heart-changes. whom we had asked to help us in We do know though that we have producing the new orientation course altered their understanding of what that we have been asked to head up. a Christian is, and we trust that our After that we hired a car and drove Lord will bring along others to build to the south-west corner of Germany on that. where we will be based for the next I am reminded of Paul’s words in three years. 1 Corinthians 3:6, “I have planted, Accommodation is scarce in Apollos watered; but God gave the Kandern. increase”. Please join us in praying Our organization has an office there for our friends. from which we will work. In our new role, we won’t just be We spent the first three weeks orientating new members going to the in a holiday unit in a village fifteen regions of the former Soviet Union, minutes out of town, while waiting but also the new members of SIL for a studio apartment in the home of who will be going into a much wider some Americans to become vacant. geographical area. This too is temporary as we wait for In addition, we have been asked to another American family to return to give some orientation to members of USA in early July for a year, during other organizations with similar goals which time we will rent the top floor to ours. of their home which has just been We obviously won’t be teaching Family photograph at Jasmine and Callum’s wedding (January 2012) L to R: Steve and Louisa Jenyns converted into a small apartment. them specifics of the regions they with Micah and Samuel, Grant and Jen Buchanan with Liam, Jasmine and Callum Bengtson, Richard and Between April and June we will be will end up in; so the course will be Linda Buchanan, David and Corallie Buchanan with Esther, Linda’s cousin’s son Joshua from Bundaberg, away for meetings in England, the shorter than the ones we have been north of Germany, and God willing, running. Linda’s mum Mary Dingle with her friend, Elder Doug Richards from Bundaberg back in St Petersburg. But we have also been asked to By the time we move to our ensure a location-specific orientation This is a team effort and we are permanent apartment, we will have is being undertaken by colleagues in relying on the combined experience of been living out of our suitcases for each of the regions. everyone to produce the best course. over five months. At the end of June we are planning We wish to thank all of you who So it is rather a long transition. to run a pilot course for the various have supported us and our family Meanwhile, we are in a beautiful area coordinators so that they know prayerfully and financially over the 21 place in the Black Forest enjoying the what the new members are learning years we have been with SIL. Without company of our new colleagues. from us. you, we would not have been able to In our move to Germany we have We will then help them to formulate do all that we have done. seen many instances of God going what they will teach for their part of May the Lord bless you richly for before us working things out. We the orientation process. your sacrifices of time and finances. can’t help but praise Him and know we are where He wants us. Leaving St Petersburg was not easy. In the last week, there were many farewells with tears on both sides. Farewells are not uncommon to us though, as we have trained each new group of people joining SIL’s work in the current and former Russian speaking parts of the world. We would become very close to the Farewell at the train station with some of the young Russians we participants, then we would see them trained off to their respective allocations. This is probably the hardest part of our job, but it comes with many blessings. We are often reminded of Matthew 19:29, “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life”. Though we miss our own children and grandchildren immensely, we have been blessed to be adopted as parents and grandparents by many of our colleagues as well as our church Our farewell to our Home Group friends in St Petersburg. So our church family was also hard to leave. As part of an English speaking Home Group, we ended up having a Mum and Dad role with many of the young people in the group. The Home Group was comprised Our old home - the densely populated St Petersburg of Russians and people from all over the world who had left families and friends to work or study in St Petersburg. We saw many grow in their relationship with God during their time there. We did not fully realize the role we had played until our Home Group farewell, when there were many tears. We feel so privileged to be used by God to love and encourage these younger believers. But it wasn’t just our colleagues and church friends that we had to farewell. Since we arrived, we had made a point of making friends with many migrant workers from southern Russia and Central Asia who came to St Petersburg to get work to support their families back home. Believers are severely persecuted in some of these countries, and the possession of Christian materials regularly results The main entrance to the famous Heritage Museum in jail sentences or worse. Our new home - Kandern in Germany