theadvocate.tv OCTOBER 2012
“ ... there may be slight In conversation Actress Shari Rigby talks about her role in the differences between our faith-based movie October Baby. PAGE 12 >> beliefs ...” PAGE 5 >>
4 Inaugural business conference Dr Ian Harper is keynote speaker at Beyond the Bottom line >>
5 MPs face poverty Anti-poverty campaigners confront politicians at Voices for Justice >> Photo: EvermorePhoto: Photography Dr Lucy Morris, CEO of Baptistcare, with recipients of Baptistcare’s inaugural Recognition Awards during the 1970s themed 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner in early September. Awarding caring people
Baptistcare’s inaugural Recognition Awards were and Rob Douglas, Leader Preparations for the 40th 11 Gift box shock presented to winners during their 1970s themed of Mission and Service at anniversary year and the design Gift boxes raise awareness Baptistcare, decided the winners of the Recognition Awards during the Olympics 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner in early September. >> of the other five categories. began in late 2010. “It is exciting The theme of the event reflected the era in which The winners of the to be here, finally, and to be able Baptistcare commenced operations in 1972 and Recognition Awards were Kim to thank you for your hard work guests dressed accordingly. Collet (Dignity and Compassion and commitment in ensuring Award), Sandra Coulson that the celebrations for this, (Integrity and Respect Award), our 40th anniversary year, are Morris, CEO of Baptistcare, said Wendy Cream (Stewardship so successful and in making during her speech on the night. Award and CEO’s Award for this evening a truly wonderful Baptist Churches The Awards recognised staff “The awards recognise Advocacy), Vicki Leishman celebration,” Dr Morris said. who display Baptistcare’s values individuals from every part of (Courage and Justice Award), The prestigious awards Western Australia of dignity and compassion, Baptistcare’s services. It has Kwame Selormey (CEO’s Award will be held annually, serving exists to build integrity and respect, courage been extraordinary to see the for Leadership) and Margaret as a yearly reminder to every and justice, stewardship and diversity of nominations and West (Accountability Award). member of the Baptistcare healthy churches. accountability as they carry out to read and hear the powerful Certificates of appreciation were team that practising our values their roles in our communities. stories of the difference that is also awarded to selected staff on in our daily work provides the “Tonight is the opportunity being made every day by you the night. opportunity to make a real for Baptistcare to say ‘thank you’ and your colleagues. To each of “[This] is the opportunity for difference in the lives of others. to its employees, to honour the you, thank you.” each of you to accept the thanks extraordinary women and men Dr Morris determined of your colleagues for your who make up this organisation the two CEO category award hard work, and in particular, to ... which exemplify Baptistcare’s winners while a panel of three recognise the award finalists, values and who continue to judges, including Stephen who represent the dreams and make a difference to the lives of Kobelke, CEO of Aged and aspirations of the nearly 1,500 thousands in WA through the Community Services WA, Dr wonderful individuals who work services we provide,” Dr Lucy Nicky Howe, CEO of Southcare, at Baptistcare,” said Dr Morris. 2 my view
OCTOBER 2012 Most Australians still Christian
In June, The Wall Street Journal carried an article by Shani Raja entitled such (61.1 percent). People who ‘Australians Are Losing Their Faith’. It examined the results of the 2011 Census. I ignored the denominational boxes see a much more positive picture of people of faith in this great southland of the but wrote Christian in the ‘Other’ box increased by 50.4 percent Holy Spirit in those same figures. ‘Most Australians Still Christian’ would be an (157,747) on 2006 and almost equally accurate headline. tripled from 1996. Moreover, to quote one official summary, Shani notes those ticking the ‘No are a very inexact and clumsy relentlessly reports the negative. ‘The Charismatic churches Religion’ box increased from 15 representation of faith in a culture. With marriage, for instance, such as Baptist (over 35,757) and percent in 2001 to 22 percent in They’re a snapshot and the the Australian Institute of Pentecostal (over 18,305 which 2011, including 28 percent of 15 to number of times I hit delete on my Family Studies states, ‘Current includes Hillsong) continued to 34 year olds. One hundred years digital camera reminds me how trends suggest that one in three record increases (they were well Graham Mabury ago, the figure was 0.3 percent. dodgy a frozen moment can be. marriages will end in divorce’. up from 1991 to 2006 so this is a Graham Mabury is a This prompts the bold opening Census data experts point out the Why not say two in three longer term trend)’. broadcaster and Pastor at sentence, ‘Australia is turning religion question is voluntary; any marriages will not. The fact is As John Newton’s Amazing Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. its back on religion’. I’m not sure set of boxes struggles to capture twice as many marriages last. Grace has it, we have come You can hear Graham on Radio an increase of one in five over the variety of spiritual expression Most Australians stay married. ‘through many dangers toils and 6PR (882AM) every weeknight a century substantiates such a and any change in labelling boxes Most Australians are Christian. snares’. His Saviour, whose grace from 8pm to midnight. dramatic claim. can significantly skew responses. In the 2011 census, six out of ten inspired the hymn, promised, ‘I Admittedly census figures Furthermore, media chose to identify themselves as will build my church’. He is.
The new normal
Ever complained about Perth traffic? Don’t! I’m writing from Jakarta and really, You can live in Perth for weeks Perth motorists hurtle through rush hour by comparison. It’s interesting being without encountering any God on roads where traffic lanes are simply suggestions — suggestions routinely talk. In Jakarta, it is less than ten minutes. How strange migrants ignored by the vast majority. to our country must find it. I wonder how long it takes them to Strangely, those who insist on which they most certainly are Faulty thinking on my part. I’m adjust to the new normal ... adhering to them cause the most not. genetically disposed to explore And in Perth we’ve got problems. These roads require But today I fell asleep as I was every bookstore I pass and used to refugee boats sinking. intuitive drivers, not rule book being driven home from church. most have had some Christian Our new normal is to shrug off fanatics. Not that I am personally A bus alongside had a tyre literature for sale. And Christian such reports. But at church this driving. I’m here speaking at a explode ... I glanced up. No one schools are everywhere. I am morning I heard that nine people conference and travel by taxi. hurt. Whatever. It barely cost me speaking at a conference for a who had previously worshipped Dr Brian Harris My chauffers have earned my seven seconds sleep. I’ve adjusted few of them ... some impressive in Jakarta were on one of those Dr Brian Harris is the gasping admiration. We routinely to chaos as the new normal. work going on here. But it is an boats. None of them survived. I Principal of Vose Seminary miss other vehicles by less than I assumed that being in Islamic country. You hear the wonder if those families will ever and Senior Pastor of Carey six centimetres as we dart from the most populous Islamic call to prayer over and over and adjust to their new normal ... Community Baptist Church. one non-existent lane to another country in the world I would over again. It reminds me of how as though the roads were empty, find few signs of Christian faith. secular Australia has become.
On starting a new life in Australia
There can be little doubt that one of the most contentious issues in the public God given opportunity for us as policy arena in Australia today is the issue of refugees. The loss of life associated followers of Jesus to act justly and with boating disasters in recent months has again highlighted the desire of compassionately to the ‘strangers at the gate’. The reaching many people wanting to start a new life in Australia, and the difficulties of out in practical ways that are finding an appropriate way to deal justly and compassionately with people culturally sensitive ought to be a seeking refuge on our shores. characteristic of our local church communities. Jesus challenged the people of first century The social history of Australia has links that continue to the present multi-ethnic character of modern Palestine to treat their strangers as been one of a series of migrations day. Australia. The most recent arrivals neighbours and the challenge is of people to our continent. Refugees fleeing the from trouble spots in Afghanistan, no less true for us today. Whatever Anthropologists suggest that the destruction of Europe following Burma, Sri Lanka and middle the politics of the refugee crisis, Keith Jobberns earliest Aboriginal migrants used a World War II caused the fabric eastern countries add to this ever the command to act neighbourly Keith Jobberns is National land bridge from South-East Asia. of the Australian society to changing scene. is still obligatory for us today. Ministries Director for British settlement saw waves of dramatically change again. In While there is no doubt the Australian Baptist Ministries. migrants making the dangerous more recent years the flow of arrival of refugees and other sea voyage to start a new life in refugees from Vietnam as well as new settlers has always given Australia. The gold rushes saw other south east Asian countries rise to concerns about the another wave. The use of labourers and Lebanon, Egypt and the cohesiveness of the Australian from the Pacific Islands created Balkan states has added to the society, it has also provided a letters to the editor send us your letters
The Advocate welcomes your letters to the editor on topics of concern to you and the community. Send your letters of no more than 100 words to [email protected] by the 10th of each month. news 3
OCTOBER 2012 Fresh leadership delivers joy
Fresh 2012 brought together 750 women from over 119 churches across Western Australia for a two-day celebration of joy at Riverview Church in Burswood.
In its sixth year, Fresh is a we feel we are inadequate as a Baptist churches initiative, but leader, God still has a calling it seeks to serve the broader and a gifting for us. So the church community. This year theme was to really focus on the event attracted attendees who God has made you to be from interstate and across and thrive on that, not who you metropolitan and regional WA. think you should be.” “We had attendees Karen has received much from about eight or nine positive feedback following denominations, with women Fresh Leadership, with much of travelling from the Northern it centring on how people’s lives Territory and Queensland. have changed. And in WA from as far north “Ultimately, I think everyone as Broome and Karratha, down connected with one of the through Perth, across to Albany speakers in a different way and the Great Southern region and was able to see themselves and out to Kalgoorlie, which in that leader, which is really
is really exciting,” President powerful.” Photo: Sarah Wickham, SJ Creative of Western Australian Baptist Nancy Beach, from Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago, speaking at Fresh Leadership on day one of Women, Karen Wilson said. the two-day Fresh 2012 conference in September. The conference theme was ‘joy’, with day one dedicated to Fresh Leadership — a day devoted to strengthening Beachfront busy bee in Busselton women and addressing the real issues women face in their leadership journey. Invited international, Volunteers worked for a full weekend in early interstate and local speakers September refurbishing beachfront cottages included Nancy Beach from on Busselton Baptist Camping Centre grounds. Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago, USA; Approximately 20 people contributed their time to Sue Peters, State Director of the refurbishment saving the Centre labour costs. Queensland Baptist Women; Perth-based Pastor Lynette Ross Daniels, Director of Camp opportunities for church and Tobin; Anne Galambosi from Ministries, said the need was community use to continue. Kolbe Catholic College in great. “Numbers were lower than The Inters Summer Camp Rockingham and Karen Wilson. anticipated due to the weekend ‘Sherlock Mysteries’ is planned “Nancy spoke about the being Father’s Day, but those for 2 to 6 January 2013 and the things she has learnt from who attended made up for it Juniors Summer Camp ‘Promises her 30 years of ministry; the with their effort and enthusiasm. of Adventure Island ‘ from 8 to 12 challenges she’s faced, the The general feeling from the January 2013. attitudes she’s had to overcome, volunteers was that it was so For more information visit and importantly, how to have much fun and they enquired as www.baptistwa.asn.au. joy in leadership,” Karen said. to the date of the next busy bee!” “Lynette talked about leadership Recently, the Centre has
when there’s a cost and wove been granted a renewed lease Daniels Ross Photo: in the story of Abraham and for the next 21 years, enabling Volunteers refurbished beachfront cottages on Busselton Baptist Sarah, and the promise of affordable accommodation and Camping Centre grounds in early September. God. Anne, who is a trained counsellor, spoke on how to deal with difficult people, and gave really practical pointers on how to process difficult people well. Sue focused on the calling of God. She comes out of a Give an extraordinary difficult background and talked about almost reluctantly being called by God. And I finished gift this Christmas off the day talking about joy in leadership and how to find ways to keep that joy factor high,” said Karen. Each speaker brought their own set of experiences and leadership style, but Karen points out there was a common thread that ran through all of the presentations. Order now at “Each presenter spoke baptistworldaid.org.au of those times when we feel or phone less than capable, less than 1300 789 991 qualified, less than appreciated, for a copy of but to follow the call of God the gift catalogue. through all of that. Even when 4 news
OCTOBER 2012 Beyond the bottom line
On 5 and 6 November, Dr Ian Harper will present the keynote speech at Vose College’s inaugural business conference, Beyond the Bottom Line. Drawing interest from academic and business leaders around Australia, the conference will address what it means to understand the marketplace through a Christian worldview.
Dr Harper will be giving an Dr Brian Harris, Principal of the world behaves but, again overview of modern economic Vose College, said. “Dr Harper is like physics, economics simply science and then offer a critique a significant Christian thinker sidesteps questions of morality from a Christian worldview and has been able to integrate and ethics — at least in its of the ethical foundations of his theological insights with modern ‘neoclassical’ form.” modern economics. his economic perspectives. He In addition to the conference, “I hope people will learn is one of those rare academics people have the opportunity to something of the strengths and who is able to communicate submit papers for a book to be weakness of economic science as effectively with academics, published by Vose Research. “Dr a device for explaining what we the business community and Harper’s papers will be in the observe in the market economy,” ordinary people.” book, and will enrich it greatly,” Dr Harper said. “I also hope “One doesn’t need a Christian said Dr Harris.
they will see where a Christian worldview to ‘understand’ the “Attendees are to be Photo: Deloitte Access Economics worldview can bring perspective marketplace — secular economic stretched, challenged and invited Dr Ian Harper will present the keynote speech at Vose College’s inaugural to ethical dimensions of market science is quite up to explaining to think in ways they have business conference, Beyond the Bottom Line, in November. behaviour which has been lost how it works,” Dr Harper said. perhaps never thought before,” to the modern discussion of “But a Christian worldview said Dr Harris. “They will see to think ‘Beyond the Bottom Economics and Emeritus economics.” casts an ethical light on the the importance of economics Line’ and to ‘Develop a Christian Professor at the University of “We are absolutely delighted marketplace that is obscured or in the mission of God. They will Vision for the Marketplace’.” Melbourne. His book Economics to have such an outstanding ignored by secular economic network with business leaders. Dr Harper is one of Australia’s for Life was voted Australian keynote speaker for our science. Economics, like physics, And at every point they will be leading economists. He is Christian Book of the Year in inaugural business conference,” helps us to understand how grappling with what it means a partner at Deloitte Access 2011.
Women answer Freeset plea
Generosity has become a thumbprint of the FRESH at the conference that would awareness for Freeset. It was conference. This year, Kerry Hilton, Founder of help’,” Karen Wilson, President electrifying!” Freeset, witnessed what can happen when people of Western Australian Baptist Out of the conference, over Women, said. 130 children were sponsored make a commitment to make a difference and Conference attendees heard through Baptist World Aid and stand together. Kerry’s plea and responded in $23,000 was given as an offering their own personal way. to the vulnerable children fund. women out of prostitution, but “We challenged women to In addition, $3,600 was raised also the importance of stopping either sponsor children through for Jade Lewis and Friends — an Speaking on day two of the trafficking at the source. Baptist World Aid, or say ‘Here I organisation giving women FRESH conference, Kerry shared “Before the conference I am, send me’. We gave a call at prisoners a second chance stories about women trapped in asked Kerry what can we do the end of the day and we had — and Tree of Hope, which poverty in India’s sex trade, and to help? He looked me in the about ten women come forward provides Christmas gifts to the role his organisation, Freeset, eye and said, ‘We don’t need to give their life to Christ. We underprivileged children. plays in providing education your money, we need people’s gave a call for those who suspect and assistance programs to hearts and we need people. We God is asking them to do more, help these women find freedom need people to come and run and we had 50 to 60, and we and dignity. He highlighted businesses. If you can have a connected another 600 people the need to continue to help ‘Here I am, send me’ moment through Facebook who will raise digital church briefs
21/08/2012 going to come through … it “Achievement isn’t the goal. Engagements Pastoral changes Dave Burchett doesn’t mean you are a bad God is. You need to waste Christopher Metcalf (Albany/ Pastor Alistair Bain is concluding www.daveburchett.com person … it just confirms the more time in the presence of Riverton Baptist Church) and as Senior Pastor at Riverton Baptist “Of course our faith directs fact that you are human.” God.” Angela Bosel (North Beach Church in January 2013. Pastor our decision making (or it Baptist Church) announced Mark Parsons is concluding at should). But does that allow us 10/09/2012 11/09/2012 their engagement on 11 August. North Beach Baptist Church at to demonise those who think Carlos Whittaker Bill Reichart Parkerville Baptist Church the end of the year. Pastor Peter differently?” www.ragamuffinsoul.com www.ministrybestpractices. couple Rhys Ludemann and Wight concluded as Senior Pastor “3,000 people around the com Charis Waugh announced their at Moora Baptist in August. Pastor 07/09/2012 world die every day because “Too often many of us engagement on 6 September. Aashish Parmar is concluding as Perry Noble of suicide. God’s heart is approach church like we’re a Adam Martin (1Church Lakelands) Senior Pastor at Kalgoorlie Baptist www.perrynoble.com breaking every 40 seconds. consumer or a guest — that and Felicity Taylor (Three Crosses in December and commences “If you are a church planter/ It’s time for the church to stop our purpose is simply there to Church Murdoch) announced as the new Senior Pastor at leader then there have been burying mental health with have a good experience. We their engagement on 8 September. Ellenbrook Baptist in February times in your life that you ‘pray harder’.” think that church is all about 2013. Pastor Ben Good concluded wondered why you do what us.” Baptisms at Wagin Baptist church in August. you do, if you should quit, 10/09/2012 Kiara Waller was recently baptised if you misheard God and/ David Santisteven at Lesmurdie Baptist Church. or whether or not the Lord is www.davidsantistevan.com news 5
OCTOBER 2012 MPs face up to poverty
Hundreds of Christians from across the country joined politicians at Parliament House on Tuesday 18 September as they attached their photos to a giant 2015 puzzle. The puzzle, the highlight of Micah Challenges’ Voices for Justice four day event, was a symbol of Australia’s commitment to halve global poverty by 2015.
Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Labor Member of Parliament Peter Garrett, Fremantle’s Labor Member of Parliament Melissa Parke and WA Greens’ Senator Scott Ludlum were among a group of federal MPs and Senators representing most parties who added their
faces to the 2015 puzzle in support Photo: Micah Challenge of ending poverty. Labor Member of Parliament, Peter Garrett speaking at Micah Challenges’ Voices for Justice event in front of the 2015 puzzle – a symbol of Australia’s They were joined by a group commitment to halve global poverty by 2015. of anti-poverty campaigners who have been urging politicians to training on how to run an finish what Australia started when effective campaign. “We were able the government signed onto to attain all these campaign skills Kalgoorlie business awards the United Nations Millennium and information, and put them to Development Goals in 2000. use for a good cause.” Sophie Stuart, who works for Anti-poverty campaigners Young Christian Students and held around 100 private meetings attends Redemptorist Monastery with MPs and Senators to Kalgoorlie Baptist in North Perth, was one of the encourage all parties to support Church members campaigners who attended this an increase in Australia’s overseas James Buchanan, year. aid. According to Micah Helen Kenny and Challenge’s National Coordinator Kristen Fragar won John Beckett, significant progress awards at the 2012 We got a chance is being made towards the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Millennium Development Goals to talk to a lot in every country that receives Chamber of Commerce of politicians Australian aid, which is why it is and Industry Goldfields crucial to keep global poverty on Business and Employee and MPs about the political agenda. Awards in August. “It is great to see our political the issues of leaders come out in such strong poverty ... support of such important goals. James won Goldfields Business Goals which have, in some cases, Person of the Year and already been achieved. In other Business of the Year with 11 to “I think it’s a really good cases many inroads have been 20 employees. James started opportunity for people of all made,” John said. his company, Gyro Australia in different Christian faiths to come “In the top ten Australian 2010. together. I understand there may aid recipients, child mortality The company has be slight differences between has fallen from between 30 adapted some advanced oil our beliefs but we all want to to 70 percent since 1990. For and gas technology for hard
work together for a common example, in one of our closest rock mining, which suits Photo: Jill Birt cause which is helping those less neighbouring countries East their specialist market of Kalgoorlie Baptist Church members Helen Kenny (left), Kristen Fragar fortunate,” Sophie said. “We got a Timor, one in every six children organisations with mining and James Buchanan with their awards. chance to talk to a lot of politicians was dying but that number is now interests. and MPs about the issues of all the way down to one in every “I spent four years working Church with young people, and Goldfields businesses what poverty which you wouldn’t 20,” John said. just south of the Arctic circle as in administration. They joined they need to be sustainable normally get to do.” Micah Challenge and Make a petroleum geologist, then the forces in October 2011 and and innovative as the region The four day event included Poverty History launched a oil price collapsed,” James said. opened Design Sense Graphics & continues to move into the advocacy training, theological new report on Millennium “People said they were mining Web in Boulder earlier this year. future. teaching, worship, prayer, Development Goal progress at the for gold in Australia so I came to “I think we’re a brilliant fit,” “We seem to have a lobbying, events at Parliament Voices for Justice event, and all Perth, then discovered I needed Helen said. “We’ve done ministry niche for doing design House, workshops, political MPs and Senators were asked to to be in Kalgoorlie. That was 12 and mission trips together, now work, video editing and web forums, MP lobby meetings, youth pledge renewed commitment to years ago.” we’re in partnership.” development,” Helen said. program and more. the international goals. Helen and Kristen have Award judges believe Helen “We’re aware of God providing Sophie, who attended all For more information visit worked at Kalgoorlie Baptist and Kristen’s company offers work for us.” four days of the event, received www.micahchallenge.org.au. 6 news
OCTOBER 2012 Celebration of Pastor Peter Birt
Pastor Peter Birt preached the last of a teaching series on the Dallas Willard book, The Divine Conspiracy at morning services at Parkerville Baptist Church on Sunday 9 September. Peter, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer in April 2010, has been pastor at Parkerville Baptist Church since January 2006.
The first morning service, which couple. He worked full-time until is usually attended by 60 people, April 2010. From then he worked saw 280 people, including a three days a week and then in couple from Australind, gather to late 2011 he cut back to one day a celebrate Pastor Peter Birt’s life. week.” “From time to time I hear Peter graduated from Perth people make derogatory Bible College in 1974. He was part- comments about the church,” time pastor at the new Craigie Peter said. “I take delight in Baptist Church for the first six telling them about the amazing months of 1975 then he went to church community we’re part work with the Dayak people of of at Parkerville Baptist Church. West Kalimantan, Indonesia for They have been so generous ten years. In 1986, the Birt family and supportive. They’re an returned to Perth and Peter outstanding community. I feel became Pastor at Scarborough like I’m the most blessed person Baptist Church. In 1989 the family on planet earth. Some of that is headed to Manila, Philippines, to directly attributed to the way that work with Go Ministries, planting Parkerville has treated us.” churches in Marikina, Metro Both Peter and his wife Jill Manila. In 1992 Peter became have been involved at Parkerville Senior Pastor at Mandurah Baptist Baptist Church since January Church. He spent some years 2006. Jill was Pastor for Children at Lakeside Baptist Church and and Missions, resigning in Como Baptist Church before February 2011 to work at Baptist heading to Parkerville Baptist Churches Western Australia. Peter Church. has been teaching from God’s These services, which were Word for over 37 years. a physical feat for Peter, were “Pete has been a pastor all the last sermons he preached. In the time of his cancer journey,” September his oncologist said
Jill said. “Parkerville has been so there are no more treatment Photo: Jill Birt generous and supportive to us as a options and his time is limited. Pastor Peter Birt preached his last sermons at Parkerville Baptist Church on Sunday 9 September.
Legends of faith Changes to charity laws
The Western Australian Council of Social Service Baptists across Western Australia are invited to (WACOSS), the peak body for community service join Baptist Churches Western Australia for the organisations, Add-Ministry, a provider of Legends of the Faith celebration service on Friday technical advice and information to charities, and 19 October at Woodvale Baptist Church. Senior Christian churches in WA will be hosting a series Pastor Dale Stephenson, from Crossway Baptist of training and information sessions regarding Church in Melbourne, is the special guest for changes to charity and not-for-profit laws. The the evening along with well known Australian sessions will be delivered by the Australian musician Steve Grace. Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) during October. Mark Wilson, Director of for seeing our great nation of Ministries at Baptist Churches Australia come back to God and Musician Steve Grace Western Australia, invited Dale all to come to know Jesus.” With the commencement of the Education, or Susan Pascoe, to Perth especially for the event. The service will be a time of ACNC, there will be obligations ACNC Commissioner-elect, “I am excited by the opportunity worship, prayer and inspiration. for churches to report to this new and Francis Lynch, WACOSS to speak to the broader Baptist Mark will share the vision of external government body. The President. family,” Dale said. the Baptist family of churches. sessions are designed especially The legislation will be debated “I am definitely seeking to Accreditation candidates within for charities and not-for-profits, in Senate in early October. If it make an impact for the glory the Baptist churches of Western and will provide information is passed, all charities receiving of God. I have given my life Australia will also be introduced about the role of the ACNC, what charity tax concessions will need over to that end. My personal on the night. steps charities, churches and to be registered with the ACNC. passion is a converted atheist. While in Perth, Dale will not-for-profits will need to take It is anticipated from People come to know Jesus as be also be preaching at Mount to comply with the new law, and 1 July 2013, all registered their Saviour and their Lord. I Pleasant Baptist Church on 21 what support is available. charities will need to lodge an am very passionate about the October. The sessions to be held across annual information statement local church stepping into all For more information Perth, and in Geraldton, Port containing core, non-financial that God desires it to be and I contact Baptist Churches Hedland and Bunbury, will be data. want to be part of the solution Western Australia on 6313 6300. Senior Pastor Dale Stephenson presented by Sue Woodward, For more information visit ACNC Director of Policy and www.wacoss.org.au. news 7
OCTOBER 2012
Aussie team visits Living lighter Photo: Bible Society Australia Dr Greg Clarke, Chief Executive Officer of Bible Society Australia, recently spoke in Perth as part of the ‘Live Light in 25 Words’ campaign.
Bible Society Australia, in partnership with the Centre for Public Christianity, hosted a series of public talks around Australia as part of their ‘Live Light in 25 Words’ campaign during September. Renown Australian Christians, including Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Senior Pastor Nick Scott, Photo: Mihai Bojonca were part of the campaign to encourage people to (From left) Australians Darryl Collins, Lynette Collins, Barbara Moulds, Roger Kemp, Heather Chatfield and Graeme Chatfield outside the Haus Edelweiss theological college. commit to reading the Bible daily, starting with 25 words for 31 days. Eastern Europe to encourage the “The greatest joy for me in underground church and provide this ministry is to hear of the Dr Greg Clarke, Chief Executive “We developed the ‘Live Former West Australian practical assistance. faithfulness of God in the lives Officer of Bible Society Australia, Light in 25 Words’ campaign Rev. Dr Graeme Chatfield, After the fall of the Berlin Wall, and ministries of the students author and renown media in response to survey data that Associate Dean at the the Haus became a theological who come to Haus Edelweiss,” commentator on religious issues, revealed that 80 percent of college where students from 38 Graeme said. “Often they come spoke at the University of Western Australian Christians don’t have Australian College of countries come for two week from environments hostile to Australia on Monday 10 September a daily Bible reading habit. One of Theology, led a team intensive sessions. Many are the sharing of the good news of as part of the tour, ‘Can we trust the excuses people made was that from Thornleigh Baptist working towards postgraduate Jesus.” the New Testament?’ Other they weren’t sure if the Bible, and Church (NSW) to serve degrees. Graeme first taught Church speakers included Mike Raiter, in particular the New Testament, This year, Graeme taught History at the Haus in 2008 while Director of Melbourne’s Centre was reliable. That’s why we’ve at Haus Edelweiss, near History of Christian Doctrine II he was on the staff of Morling for Biblical Preaching, and Dr asked Dr Clarke to address this Vienna, Austria, during (Reformation to late twentieth Theological College in Sydney. He John Dickson from the Centre for issue.” September. century) while his wife, Heather, has returned each year since then Public Christianity. Dr Greg Clarke has written Darryl and Lynette Collins and to continue to support and train “The campaign’s aim is to books on topics ranging from The Theological students from Eastern Barbara Moulds served guests at church leaders. encourage Australian Christians Da Vinci Code to the end of the Europe travelled to the Haus on the Haus by undertaking kitchen The program is run by The to read the Bible every day for the world, from marriage to the life of the edge of the Vienna Woods and maintenance work. Great Commission Initiative month of October and turn that Jesus. for intensive studies during the The Haus is the equivalent through Training Christians for a lifetime habit,” Chris Melville, northern autumn. From 1963 of a 50 bed motel and runs a full Ministry International Institute. Programmes and Campaigns the Haus was a base from which commercial kitchen producing For more information visit Manager for Bible Society American pastors went into 120 meals three times a day. www.tcmi.org. Australia, said.
Vose celebrates 50 years
for inclusion. There are three Youth Service To mark their 50th categories: Fri 9th November anniversary, Vose Seminary • Scholarly essays on changes 7:30-9:00pm is publishing a book of in theological education, essays which celebrates the ministry, church life and past and looks to the future. society over the past fifty The publication will place years and looking to the the 50th anniversary of the future. seminary in the context of • Historical essays about the the great shifts in theological seminary. education, ministry, church • Personal stories of !? life and society over this significant experiences or Growing up period. Personal stories will be events at Vose Seminary/ featured alongside scholarly Baptist Churches Western reflection. Graduates and Australia. others associated with the college over its history are For more information, contact invited to submit an essay Nathan Hobby Riverton Baptist Community Church proposal to be considered 6313 6200. 38 Modillion St North, Shelley 8 feature
OCTOBER 2012 Turmoil in Sudan
Abyei Egypt Some 67,000 displaced Libya people from Abyei remain in Agok/South Sudan. Some 10,000 people have so far returned to Abyei, according toUNISFA. Port Sudan Red Sea
South Kordofan Chad Ed Damer An estimated 520,000 people have been displaced or severely Khartoum affected by the conflict, Eritrea 350,000 of them in Kassala SPLM-N areas, according to the South Kordofan Wad Medani Relief and Rehabilitation El Fasher SUDAN Commission. Almost El Obeid 61,000 people from Sudan have been registered by UNHCR in camps in Unity State, South Sudan.
Blue Nile Malakal Ethiopia Some 145,000 people have been displaced or severely Central affected by the conflict, Wau African including some 70,000 in Republic SPLM-N areas, according to the Juba-based Blue SOUTH SUDAN Nile Coordination Team. In Ethiopia, 37,000 refugees have been Juba registered by UNHCR. In Upper Nile State, South Sudan, over 107,000 people Zaire have been registered by Uganda Kenya UNHCR.
FREE EVENT Baptistcare *SUPPER PROVIDED 40th Anniversary and Commissioning
This year Baptistcare is celebrating its 40th anniversary. To recognise this milestone you are invited to attend a special service of celebration and the commissioning of Baptistcare’s leaders. Date : Thursday 1 November 2012 Time : 5.30pm to 6.30pm (by coming 5.15pm you will experience the full benefit of this special event) Venue : Riverton Baptist Community Church 38 Modillion Avenue, Shelley WA 6148 To assist us with catering we would love to hear if you are planning to attend. Please call (08) 9282 8600.
www.baptistcare.com.au feature 9
OCTOBER 2012
Ryan, a former aid worker members in the [Sudan People’s] who is married to a Nuban Liberation Army. There are Since June 2011 bombs woman, has lived in the region villages in South Kordofan that Perth Sudanese support have been raining for the past decade. On 7 are pro-government and there down on the Nuba September he commented on the are villages that are pro SPLM-N. The plight of the Nuba the clothing, stationery, situation in South Kordofan and These villages are known by Mountain people in Sudan has blankets and other goods. Mountains of Southern Blue Nile areas: everyone in the region.” been a painful reminder to Approximately 1,000 Sudan as President Al- “As I look at the current “I am sure the government many Christian Sudanese who kilograms of goods has been Bashir, an International situation with ten years will show some families that came to Australia in the 1990s packed for transportation to Criminal Court (ICC) experience in the region and support the government and in more recent years. Sudan. an extensive knowledge of the receiving aid and they will not Elezirig has family in the A generous benefactor will war criminal, wages yet history of the region, from the show the lack of aid and the Nuba Mountains and at present transport the container for another war against his last war up until the present, I atrocities taking place in other cannot return to his homeland. free on a ship from Fremantle own people. do believe that the Sudanese communities. This is already Other men and women are port to Mombasa, Kenya. From Government has a plan to delay happening now in Kadugali, suffering in the same way with there the container will travel and ultimately re-route the aid to Al Abassiya and Delami. We their families in Sudan going by truck. Cut off from the rest of the world, use for manipulating populations have received several reports hungry and living in a very Currently the sealed many Nuban families have fled into displacement camps where of women leaving their villages tenuous, insecure situation. container is waiting for space from their villages and are living they can be controlled. In in SPLA-N controlled areas and The Sudanese on an Africa bound ship. in caves, unable to plant food the last war we have seen the crossing over into Delami village congregation at Yokine Baptist “We feel so helpless here,” crops. With no aid groups allowed establishment of ‘peace camps’ in and being raped as soon as they Church includes many people Elezirig said. “Yes, we pray for to operate in the region, famine South Kordofan.” entered the town. We are trying to who arrived in Western our families and that is good, is looming and the situation is confirm these reports.” Australia as refugees and who but this is another way we can increasingly critical. “Some people in the Sudan are now fully connected with help.” The people of Southern People’s Liberation Army-North Australian society. As they Marc Chan, Cross Cultural Sudan fought a war (1981-2005) controlled areas look at their talked with other members Ministries worker with Baptist with their Khartoum based Yes, we pray children deteriorating trying to of the Sudanese diaspora in Churches WA, worked with the government as they struggled decide if they should cross the line Perth, especially the Christians group on the relief aid project. for a democratic and inclusive for our families or not in order to get food for their at Eden Hill Church, they “The Sudanese people here government. Hundreds of and that is children. The battle must go on realised they could help their in Perth are very resilient,” Marc Sudanese arrived in Australia as in their minds if crossing the line families in Sudan. said. “They have suffered and refugees during this time. In 2005 good, but this is worth the risk of being beaten, They purchased a sea endured much hardship. This a peace agreement was signed raped, arrested or even killed.” container and packed it with is a wonderful way for them to which lead to the separation of is another way “It should be with great care food and clothing. The people support their families who are North and South Sudan. we can help. if aid is provided to the region from Yokine provided most of still in Sudan.” The people of the Nuba as not to expose venerable the food. The Eden Hill Church Mountains fought on the side of populations to more atrocities by people collected and packed the south for independence, but their own government.” when the borders were re-drawn, they found themselves living “These camps are where under an increasingly hostile the highest number of rapes, government where they had unlawful arrests, torture and no representation. Many of the killings took place. I know many Nuban people are followers of people who were trapped in Jesus. these peace camps in the last In June 2011 the Sudan war in the villages of Mendi, government launched a Umdorain and Delami and the scorched-earth ethnic cleansing story is always the same. People campaign including door were either captured from their to door assassinations and villages by the Sudanese army ruthless, random air raids using or drawn into these villages with Antanov planes raining shrapnel food and other aid provided filled bombs on civilians, and by international governments Leaver’s Zone dates 26th-29th of November destroying crops. The Sudan and used by the government of People’s Liberation Movement – Sudan.” North (SPLM-N) has fought back. “Once people reached these Independent news reports camps they were not allowed from the area have documented to leave. Many women were numerous cases of the Sudanese raped and men arrested in these army targeting civilians, burning camps.” villages, raping women and “I do believe that this is engaging in indiscriminate the plan of the Sudanese bombing of civilian areas. The Government as history repeats United Nations has called the itself. They will try to convince tactics crimes against humanity. the international community, More than 250,000 people through the tripartite are displaced in the South agreement, to ‘preposition’ Kordofan and Blue Nile regions food aid in Sudan Armed with thousands more crossing Forces (SAF) controlled areas the border into South Sudan. in South Kordofan, Blue Nile The Sudanese Government has and North Kordofan with the refused to allow aid groups to promise to deliver aid into the Volunteer Area work in the region. regions they control. But there +) are needed for Towers the following/ Border Patrols areas: Pamper Tent (AGED 18 Traffic Toilets A memorandum of will be obstructions made for Volunteers Central Areas Site Office understanding between the international non-government Response Team Band and DJ Tents Entrance / Exit Gate SPLM-N and the African organisations (NGOs) to deliver Greeting Team Accommodation Rides First Aid Union/League of Arab States/ the aid and there will be no Lounge Tent United Nations Tripartite on way to control the aid once Humanitarian Assistance to war- it is prepositioned far from affected civilians in Blue Nile and Khartoum where most NGOs Run by South Kordofan states was signed will be stuck.” on 4 August. “Then the food will be used to The parties agreed to stop draw people out of their villages For more information hostilities and allow immediate into the SAF controlled towns Baptist Churches WA: Michelle 6313 6300 access for relief aid. where they can be controlled, Neither of these conditions questioned, exploited, and where www.greenteamwa.org.au | www.leaverswa.com.au | www.baptistwa.asn.au | Facebook: Leavers WA – Green Team has been met. they cannot support their family 10 news
OCTOBER 2012 Gift of healing inspires hope
Acclaimed singer/songwriter Gina Williams is using her gift of song and storytelling to connect and inspire others to reconciliation action.
A trained journalist, Gina spent “I love singing and performing, had people want to call their mum 15 years as an Indigenous affairs but the thing I’m most passionate after not speaking [with her] for reporter telling other people’s about are songs that have years. Now that’s reconciliation at stories before writing her own something to say. So my songs work.” deeply personal journey. Her songs have evolved with these stories “I feel like I’ve been given this and performances weave the story attached to them.” amazing gift of healing. God has of Gina’s childhood, bringing to Gina strongly believes in the healed my heart. I’m a product of life events that include twice being role music and song has to play in four dysfunctional families. But I’m made a ward of the state and placed connecting people and advancing the mother and wife of one very into foster care, the discovery of reconciliation. Live performances, solid family. And that’s a miracle. her indigenous heritage and an like her show at Parkerville Baptist I’m so grateful and so blessed that adoptive past. Church in July as part of National I feel there is a responsibility that “A few years ago at my local Reconciliation Week, highlight the comes with this and that is to share church I was invited to share my deep connection Gina builds with with people.” testimony — and it was suggested audiences through her songs that Gina has recorded the song Gina Williams is using her gift of song and storytelling to connect and that I should share some of my deal with love and loss. ‘Wanjoo’ (Welcome) in Noongar inspire others to reconciliation action. songs. And the response was “I’m not an orphan in what specifically with children in incredible; I was really stunned I’ve experienced. People identify mind and hopes that it will sit as a students all stood together and often what happens is that we at how people reacted. I’d told so with that,” Gina said. “The beauty permanent reminder of Australia’s sang the national anthem, and see a mountain of problems, feel many interesting stories about about music is that you don’t have original inhabitants and inspire then right on the back of that they overwhelmed and think, ‘what other people that I’d probably to agree with my politics to enjoy others to personal reconciliation sang a beautiful Noongar song that can I do?’ My take on this is here’s ignored the fact that I had a pretty my music. People will come to my action. welcomes them to country.” something you can do; you can interesting story of my own,” Gina shows, listen to lovely tunes and “Wouldn’t it be great if at “We know that there are still a teach this song to your kids,” Gina said. have a great time. After a show I’ve primary school assemblies the lot of problems to overcome, and said.
Riverview Church hosts global summit from our church – in whatever unpacked by a local facilitator industry they find themselves – to who is trained to help you Riverview Church in Burswood will be hosting Willow Creek Association’s consider seriously the Summit and your team apply what you The Global Leadership Summit on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 October. The as a vehicle to, as Bill Hybels puts have learned to your unique Summit exists to transform Christian leaders around the world with an it, ‘ring their leadership bell’. The context. With time to reflect, Summit brings together some of you can turn good intentions injection of vision, skill development and inspiration for the sake of the local the best leaders – from across a into positive action. church. range of disciplines – and they “Leadership is important won’t leave disappointed, ” Senior and is to be encouraged – but “There’s no doubt the Summit Creek Community Church; The Summit is designed Minister Haydn Nelson said. leadership that is shaped has experienced a favour from Condoleezza Rice, Former USA for a church’s entire leadership Willow Creek Association by obedience to Christ is God because it seeks to inform Secretary of State; Jim Collins, team, staff and volunteers, key believes that leadership is more important still. It is and inspire leadership that is acclaimed business thinker and influencers and innovators within critical to church vitality and that Christ-centred servant honouring to God and faithful author; John Ortberg, Senior the community, emerging leaders that a church’s effectiveness in leadership that I would want to Christ,” Riverview Church Pastor of Menlo Park Presbyterian and students with leadership gifts. pursuing its God-given mission to mark our Riverview staff Senior Minister Haydn Nelson Church and author; Craig The entire staff of Riverview is largely dependent on the and community – indeed, it said. Groeschel, Founder of LifeChurch. Church will be attending the character, devotion and skill of needs to be mark every part of This year’s speakers tv and Senior Pastor; and Patrick Summit to experience the its leadership core. Christ’s church.” includes Bill Hybels, Founder Lencioni, Founder and President learning together. “We’ve been Throughout the Summit For more information visit and Senior Pastor of Willow of The Table Group and author. actively encouraging everyone experience, elements are www.gls.org.au. O_Advocate Ad Children's and familes2012.pdf 1 17/09/12 3:42 PM
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OCTOBER 2012 Gift boxes raise awareness
The United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking (UN.GIFT) and STOP THE TRAFFIK launched the ‘GIFT Box’ campaign during the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games to raise awareness of human trafficking. People were lured into two metre tall ‘gift boxes’ with enticing promises but when inside, discovered the harsh reality of human trafficking.
The ‘gift boxes’, erected around people but we’re not. I am all in London, were walk-in pieces of favour of the work you’re doing.” public art that enticed people John flew to London with a inside by luring them with team especially for the campaign appealing promises including during the Olympics. “We ‘see the world and earn good wanted to work to bring a team to money’ and ‘guaranteed work, London and put some boots on no experience required’. Once the ground so to speak, raising inside, details and information awareness at the Olympics, on trafficking for forced labour, where thousands of trafficked domestic servitude, street women were brought in for the crime and begging, and sexual Olympics,” John said. exploitation were revealed. Volunteers, branded with the campaign’s message ‘things are not always what they seem’, were We feel like on hand at all boxes to answer a ‘drop in a questions about the project and Photo: UN.GIFT provide visitors with further bucket’. But One of the ‘gift boxes’ outside St Paul’s Cathedral in London which aimed to raise awareness of human information on how to become trafficking during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. involved in efforts to combat remember: human trafficking. A petition to the United Nations to make enough drops human trafficking a priority in its will fill the agenda was also on-hand to sign. “Our team worked at St bucket! Paul’s Cathedral and it was a wonderful time connecting with people from all over the world “All of us who are working to www.baptistcare.com.au and sowing seeds of change,” stop human trafficking feel like UN.GIFT Box project volunteer our efforts are so feeble, given the John Nielsen from Justice For scale and gravity of the problem Youth said. we face globally,” John said. “We BAPTISTCARE BOARD A local Londoner praised the feel like a ‘drop in a bucket’. But campaign. “The trafficking of remember: enough drops will fill anyone, particularly of women, the bucket! Each person’s effort EXPRESSION OF INTEREST is wicked. We spent thousands of can create a ripple but together Baptistcare Inc. is a thriving, Christian organisation offering a significant range of community services to years getting rid of slavery and in we can make waves that will various countries we have seen move mountains!” individuals, families and communities. It specialises in providing care for those who are ageing, people whole populations enslaved in For more information visit living with disabilities and people with mental illness seeking recovery, together with their families. It the past. We think we’re better www.ungiftbox.org. provides a range of residential, home and community based services throughout rural, regional WA and in the Perth metropolitan area. It is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
Baptistcare is seeking expressions of interest from members of the Baptist Community to participate as Board Members and work towards achieving Baptistcare’s vision ‘to transform and enrich lives’. Prayer for justice The work of Baptistcare is exciting, complex and challenging. The Board is appointed by the Baptist Council for a three year period and is responsible for the overall governance and direction of Baptistcare. Areas of expertise or involvement that are being sought include, but are not limited, to: From 19 to 21 October, Baptist communities • Health and community service professional experience across Australia will pray together for the second • Clinical and human resource governance annual Just Prayer. Last year, thousands of people • Leadership of large organisations, preferably Not-for-Profit experience. gathered across Australia to pray for least-reached people groups and the work of Global Interaction Expressions of interest should be addressed to the Board Chairperson, Mr Garry McGrechan and include: details of relevant experience and expertise, a resume and two referees for an initial teams among them. assessment. Please email details to: [email protected]
Thousands of people around to take part in Just Prayer with Or mail to: The Chairperson the world still haven’t heard of youth groups, small groups, The Baptistcare Board the message of Jesus due to during a church service or with PO BOX 263 cultural, political and linguistic a bunch of friends. Bentley 6982 barriers. Some of these include Resources are available the Yawo people of Malawi and online along with prayer Mozambique, Bengali people ideas to help involve people in of South Asia, Khmer people of praying creatively. Cambodia and many more. For more information visit Global Interaction are www.globalinteraction.org.au. encouraging the community 12 in conversation
OCTOBER 2012 Healing and forgiveness
The faith-based movie October Baby, inspired by a true story, explores the journey of 19 year old Hannah searching for her natural mother after discovering she is adopted and the survivor of a failed abortion. Actress Shari Rigby played the role of Hannah’s natural mother, Cindy Hastings. Journalist Kerryn Bricknell spoke to Shari about how this role took her on a journey of her own forgiveness and healing.
Shari, you’ve had such amazing tell you a whole lot about the television soap opera roles in movie but there is a part in it for The Young and The Restless you that we would love you to and Bold and the Beautiful. Tell play. We would like you to read me about how you became an the story. Get back to us if you actress. like it and if you do the part is I became a teenage mum yours”. at the age of 17. I went back to school and really didn’t think I believe this movie has led you too much about the acting on your own journey of healing
world or modelling. The next and forgiveness. Photo: Crossroad Distributors thing I knew my husband (who When I got the script my I have been with for the past 18 husband printed it out and doing?’ I locked myself in the to me. He said ‘I forgive you. You Saviour who forgives us and years) and I were married. My there was a beautiful picture bathroom. I was in the bathtub are forgiven. It is done’. And, I that there is nothing too big picture perfect life at that point of Rachel Hendrix, who plays crying and I started praying got to wrap up the next part of for Him. We need to start was that I was going to raise a the main character Hannah, over it saying ‘God I just want my life. I got to go into the next sharing our secrets so we are house full of kids. I was told I on the cover. My husband said more’. He spoke so loud and scene, sit down and share with not held captive. was not able to have any more to me, “wow, this girl really clear and said ‘you need to another man what I did with babies after my last child, Levi. looks like you”. I sat down and seek forgiveness on this’. I was my husband and go through During this time my husband started to read it right away. I seeking forgiveness. And He the emotions of forgiveness, and I had started a coffee shop got to the part where Jasmine said ‘this isn’t about you. This showing what it looks like for a in our church. Three days after Guy’s character, Mary the nurse, is about all of these women’. He loving husband to show grace I was told that I wasn’t going starts sharing about Cindy showed me at this moment in and forgiveness. That is just to have any more children I Hastings, the birth mother to 2010 a sea of women’s faces. I power. had a man approach me in the Hannah. I realised as I was had no idea what that meant. All coffee shop and said how he’d reading line by line that Mary of a sudden I got out of the tub What do you think is the key like me to come and audition was really speaking about me. and I realised He had given me message for audiences when for a commercial. I had to go, Right down to the career that so much in that moment. they see this movie? ‘ok God are you kidding me? I’d had and that I’d been a post I walked onto the set for You know I think the key We are going from babies to abortive woman 20 years ago. I my first scene. I walked into message of October Baby is commercials’. This was a really was bawling as I read through a room and I’m standing face healing and forgiveness, and big jump. I was scared to death some of the parts of forgiveness. to face with Rachel Hendrix that every life is beautiful. We but I stepped out in faith and the Then I got to the end part and looking at her eyes. I just need to realise that we have a Lord really started to work in my there is this moment where my knew God had given me this life. character Cindy is sharing with moment and said ‘I’m going to her husband her secret. That show you what you’re beautiful October Baby is not your happened in my life six or seven girl would have looked like’. October Baby Hollywood style of movie. How years into my marriage. You I was standing there face to did you get a role in this movie? can imagine, here I am reading face with her. The only thing Competition Well honestly, I’d worked something that has happened I could feel in that moment The Advocate in conjunction with Crossroad Distributors is giving with the film makers Andy in my life and you know in was shame. I was feeling the you an opportunity to win a copy of October Baby. To be in the and John Erwin on a Casting that moment that it has been shame of aborting this child draw, simply answer the following question: Crowns music video called ordained. I couldn’t quit crying and yet at the same time a level Slow Faith created for the movie and I called John right away. I of excitement. Then the next Question: Fireproof. That was my first started sharing with him my beautiful moment of the movie What is the name of Shari’s character in the movie real introduction to these two story and he was just like ‘Wow, is when she comes back and October Baby? gentlemen. The Slow Faith video wow!’ As actors we don’t walk leaves me this handwritten note ended up winning the Dove onto film sets and start telling saying ‘I forgive you’. I’ll never Award for the best video of the people ‘hey I’m post abortive’. So forget that moment of walking Answer: year so I knew these men were they knew nothing of my past. into that room and picking up talented. During that time they I have to be really honest the note. As a believer we know Name: were telling me, “Shari we’re with you, when you wait for a Christ forgives us, He has died going to do a feature some day. film role to come like this in our for us, but to see it written out Phone number: We’re definitely going to keep human minds we want bigger by the woman whose eyes I had you in mind”. So when they and better. I really kept thinking just looked into .... I will never called me I knew that this was ‘ok God ... I have been waiting forget the moment — it was so Please complete this form with your details and post it to: going to be something good. and working so long. Why is powerful. I always tell everybody October Baby Competition John said, “Shari we’ve finally there not more?’ As I started to that wasn’t me in that moment 11 East Parade East Perth WA 6004 done it. We’ve got our script for prepare with my acting coach, of acting. That was the Lord — Entries close 19 October and all winners will be announced in the our first feature film. It’s called I came home one night just He was there with me; He sat November edition of The Advocate. October Baby. I’m not going to devastated, asking ‘what am I there; He cradled me; He spoke leadership 13
OCTOBER 2012 Clear vision in uncertain times
Americans dream of a political leader with the wherewithal to erase the government’s budget deficits, slash its debt and restore its international reputation. As enormous, or even impossible, as the task sounds, Anne Mulcahy performed a similar feat during her ten year tenure at Xerox. As CEO, she took a near bankrupt brand, whose name had at one time been synonymous with copying, and transformed it into a lucrative enterprise admired for its originality. Under her leadership Xerox went from losing $300 million per year to pulling in $1 billion in annual profits in the span of five years.
How was Anne able to orchestrate it. Transformative leaders have “One of the things that is such a dramatic turnaround? I faith in their people. They believe mind-boggling right now is argue that a primary reason for that as long as their teammates how much we have to change her success was her capacity are convinced why the vision is all the time. For anybody who’s to communicate vision with important, they resourcefully can into comfort and structure, it imprecision. While she was figure out how to make it happen. gets harder and harder to feel crystal clear as to where Xerox To be clear amid uncertainty, satisfied in the company. It’s needed to go, Anne embraced transformative leaders tell stories. almost like you have to embrace a ambiguity and, in doing so, Storytelling inspires people lot of ambiguity and be adaptable fashioned an agile corporate to move toward a destination and not get into the rigidness or culture that valued flexibility. without committing the error of expectation-setting that I think specifying the roads they must there used to be ten years ago, Embracing uncertainty travel to reach it. While at Xerox, when you could kind of plot it out In leadership literature, clarity Anne and the leadership team and define where you were going has become a fashionable word authored a mock Wall Street to go. I think it’s a lot more fluid and for good reason since leaders Journal article and circulated right now. It has to be. The people have responsibility to set the it to employees. The fictitious who really do the best are those direction of their organisation. story, dated five years into who actually sense, [and almost However, many leaders the future, included glowing enjoy], lack of definition around mistakenly attempt to define the customer testimonies, praise their roles.” path forward before convincing from business analysts and As a leader, your ability to their people about the urgent reports of the corporation’s return narrate your vision equips people need to reach the destination. to profitability. In writing the with the sense of direction Leaders touting specific strategies news piece, Anne’s goal was not needed to face uncertainty with are in for trouble, because plans to outline the exact way forward, confidence. What story are you constantly must be reworked but to reinvigorate the emotional telling your people to help them or even scrapped entirely as connection workers had to Xerox focus on an unchanging mission unforeseen developments arise. and its mission. The message rather than on ever-shifting Mindful of the of the story was that Xerox once plans? unpredictability of tomorrow, again could become a brand of transformative leaders are which to be proud. Used with permission from The evangelists rather than tacticians. In giving an interview John Maxwell Company, They first seek to persuade people to Adam Bryant of The New www.johnmaxwell.com. to align with the vision before York Times, Anne stressed the worrying about finding the growing need to come to terms perfect plan for accomplishing with uncertainty.
Swim with confidence: tips for leading meetings
• Ensure you and every member • Insert a timeline for each item • Don’t be afraid to have fun in of the team are clear about the on the agenda to give guidance the meetings, but be prepared By Philip Bryant purpose of each meeting. to the meeting. Have an end to bring people back to the • Prepare an agenda, no matter time goal. agenda quickly. how small the meeting. • Ensure that each decision I was first thrust into • I suggest the agenda is is minuted clearly and I am still learning, but over the a leadership position constructed with minutes refers to any supporting years I have found these meeting about 45 years ago and and business arising (actions) documentation. tips have helped streamline followed by the big ticket items • From each meeting ensure meetings and assisted busy had no idea what to do that need to be discussed. an action list is prepared that people to use their time and skills and no one to mentor Leave the reports until the includes who, what and when. profitably. Well run meetings also me. It was a case of sink end of the meeting. This Ensure it is distributed to the encourage highly competent or swim and I think allows for discussion on issues team members as soon as people to be involved in their related to the direction of the possible after the meeting. membership. I trust that you can that I managed to dog organisation. • When considering the ‘swim’ with confidence when you paddle. • Ensure all proposals for membership of the board, are called upon to lead a meeting. decisions have papers sent out determine the variety of skills In the last year I have taken on the with the agenda at least four and experience that will best Philip Bryant is Church Health, role of chairman of some boards days before the meeting. assist the organisation to make Planting and Evangelism and this has caused me to review • Encourage all board members the decisions to move forward. Consultant with Baptist how we carry out meetings. I have to read the papers before the • Successful boards need their Churches Western Australia. re-learned some things, others are meeting by accepting the membership to be based on new. The following are some tips paperwork as being read prior character, competence and about leading meetings. to the meeting. chemistry. 14 the facts
OCTOBER 2012
events calendar job vacancy - writer
October November The Advocate Christian If your answer is yes, then this newspaper is seeking an is the role for you. This is a 19-21 October Just Prayer, 5 - 6 November Business Conference, experienced writer for this monthly contract role. www.globalinteraction.org.au Vose College, highly respected publication, To express your interest in this www.vose.edu.au popular in Baptist circles. position, simply email your CV, 19 October Legends of the Faith, Is your finger on the pulse of news article samples of your Woodvale Baptist Church, 9 November Youth Service, Riverton Baptist the latest news in Christian work and a short paragraph 9309 4044 Community Church, circles? outlining why you are well www.rivbap.org.au suited to the role to nicole@ Do you have journalism and 20 October Dr William Dyrness presents imageseven.com.au. ‘Christianity, Islam and 26-29 November Leavers Green Team, editorial experience? The Advocate aims to foster a Buddhism: Understanding, www.greenteamwa.org.au Reporting to the managing sense of community between Dialogue, Mission’, editorial team, you will be Evangelical Churches across Vose Seminary, 6313 6200 responsible for ... Western Australia, promoting • sourcing imagery for unity and fellowship to 21 October Leeming/Rossmoyne/ December articles encourage working together Willetton YouthCARE Council • contributing to article to achieve their common goal. Chaplaincy Fundraising Concert, 5 December Registrations close for Summer ideas At all times it is aligned to, promotes and supports the Riverton Baptist Church, Baptist Camps 2013, 6313 6300 • writing news and feature mission, ministry and vision 9354 7546 articles to brief provided of the Baptist church and the • fostering strong biblical gospel of Jesus Christ. 26-27 October Global Leadership relationships with Summit 2012, January contributors and readers Riverview Church, • contributing to enriching www.willowcreek.org.au 2-6 January Summer Inters Baptist Camp, The Advocate with the Serpentine Camping Centre, production team 28 October Baptist Historical Society of WA 6313 6300 Public Meeting/AGM, Perth Church, 9384 5460 8-12 January Juniors Summer Baptist Camp, Serpentine Camping Centre, Correction 28 October MountyChurch’s 100 year 6313 6300 community celebration, In the September edition of The Advocate, Jeff Johnson Mount Hawthorn Baptist Church, was incorrectly named as the new pastor of Cranbrook www.mounty.org Frankland Baptist Church. Jeff Jackson is the new pastor.
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OCTOBER 2012
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The Jesus Film Project www.jesusfilm.org Jerusalem Beyond Acceptance How Great Is Our God You may remember the Jesus film which was released in 1979. Countdown First-time foster parents Aaron Your life is a miracle, and the Campus Crusade for Christ has kept the project going and it With the Middle East in turmoil, and Stacy Border struggle to trust Creator of the universe knows has now had over six billion viewings and as a result more Israel’s pre-eminent ally is in God’s plan after they welcome you by name. He’s big enough than 200 million people have indicated their decision to accept thrust into an impending war — an emotionally damaged to breathe out stars, yet intricate Christ as their personal Saviour and Lord. That’s one every America is now the target as the child into their stable home. enough to fashion together the eight seconds! This has been made possible because it has battle for Jerusalem begins. When Abandoned at birth and shuffled trillions of cells that make up been translated into 1,145 languages with more being added nuclear weapons are smuggled through foster homes, ten year every facet of who you are. The all the time. This has allowed people in over 200 countries to into America, Senior FBI Agent, old Evans presents a challenge God who spoke the universe into experience the gospel of Luke in a language that they know Shane Daughtry is faced with for the Christian couple and their existence made you, too, and and understand. You can catch up on the story of the project, an impossible task — find them daughter, Jennie. Shaken by their knows everything about you. watch the film, or even get involved in this amazing ministry before they are detonated. The lack of control, crushed by Evans’ That’s where we find hope in the at www.jesusfilm.org. clock is ticking and the only rejection of their affections and midst of the darkest places in people who can help are a washed resentful of the chaos he has life. The cross of Christ reveals up arms dealer, a converted Israeli created, they fight to find the God’s promise to preserve and Mossad agent and a by-the-book strength to reach the troubled restore you no matter what the win CIA Deputy Director. child before his erratic behaviour circumstance. sends the couple over the edge.
Martin Luther By Thomas Lindsay read This is the story of a passionate, flawed and courageous man who loved his family and the people around him; a man who went further in challenging the status quo than any other in history, the man who started the German Reformation. The author, Thomas Lindsay was an internationally respected theologian and church historian. His gift for writing meant that he wrote for many historical compilations, such as the Encyclopaedia Britannica. This is one of the most accurate biographies of Martin Luther and the Reformation available.
The Advocate in conjunction with Word Bookstore is giving you an opportunity to win Martin Luther. To be in the draw, simply Chasing Daylight: The Fiddler Surprised by Laughter answer the following question: Seize the Power of By Beverly Lewis By Terry Lindvall Every Moment Amelia is disillusioned with life All of his life, C S Lewis possessed By Erwin McManus and love after the collapse of her a spirit of individuality. An atheist Question: In this inspiring book, Erwin long-running romance. She sets from childhood, he became What Reformation did Martin begin? McManus uses the biblical out on a road trip through the a Christian as an adult and a account of Israel’s war with the Pennsylvania mountains. She respected theologian. He was Entries close 19 October and all winners will be announced in the Philistines (1 Samuel 13 and 14) leaves her cell phone behind so known worldwide for his works of November edition of The Advocate. and the characters of Saul and life’s demands can’t intrude on fiction, especially the Chronicles Jonathan to demonstrate the her solitude. When her car breaks of Narnia; and for his books on Winners from Blessed Be Your Name: difference between living a life down deep in the mountains, she life and faith, including Mere P Bullen, A Simpson, R Skupin of purpose and adventure, and realises the flaw in her ‘no cell Christianity and Surprised by living one of apathy and missed phone’ plan. She abandons her Joy. But perhaps the most visible opportunity. Using powerful car, searching for help. Following difference in his life was his examples from his own life and the sound of music, she finds a abiding sense of humour. It was ministry, Erwin asserts that rustic log cabin where she meets through this humour that he often God crafts divine moments a young Amish man that will reached his readers and listeners, competition specific to each of us — priceless change her life forever. allowing him to effectively touch opportunities for us to actively so many lives. Answer: engage in God’s plan.
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Phone number: Reviews and competition kindly supplied by Word Bookstore. Please complete this form with your details and post it to: Website: www.word.com.au Martin Luther Competition Locations: Morley - 4 Wellington Road, phone 08 9375 3722 11 East Parade East Perth WA 6004 Victoria Park - 359 Albany Highway, phone 08 9361 7899 16 sport & youth
OCTOBER 2012 High scorers and big crowds
The Western Australian Baptist Basketball Association (WABBA) grand finals were held on Saturday 15 September at Lakeside Recreation Centre. Fifteen games, involving 30 teams from churches across Perth, decided the premiers of each division.
The game that drew the biggest crowd in the junior competition was the Under 12 Mixed division game between Dale Christian School and Kelmscott Church of Christ while one of the last games of the day, the Women’s D division game between Faith CC and South City, drew the biggest crowd in the
senior competition. Photo: Erin Tuckey “The two biggest movers [in Lakeside Baptist Church Tia and Bentley Baptist Church battle it out in the Women’s A grade game in the Western Australian Baptist Basketball the competition] were Lakeside Association grand final games in September. Tia in the Women’s A division, coming from fourth spot to first “The main change that we Grand final results (15 September): and South City in the Women’s D made with referees this season division coming from third place was the introduction of the referee Under 12 Mixed Kelmscott Church of Christ 29 defeated Dale Christian College Hawks 22 to first,” Ben Jefferies, WABBA liaison. This was a role aimed at Under 14 Mixed Mount Pleasant BC (2) 38 defeated Mount Pleasant BC (1) 31 Convenor, said. supporting and getting alongside High goal scorers on the the referees and ministering to Under 16 Boys Lakeside BC (Marshall) 57 defeated Bentley BC (35) day included Brian Elliot from them. This worked well for the Under 18 Boys Lakeside BC Ravens 53 defeated Lakeside BC Borders 25 the Claremont (Gerbaz) team most part and it is coming along Women’s A Lakeside BC Tia 75 defeated Bentley BC 39 with 34 points of the team’s 62 nicely as different people get used points in the Men’s A2 division. to their roles.” Women’s B/C Bentley BC (B) 26 defeated Riverton BC 17 Nathan Beisley from the Lakeside A national Baptist Basketball Women’s D South City 30 defeated Faith Community Church 24 (Marshall) team and Luke Petersen Carnival is planned for Men’s A1 Claremont BC (Jackson) 50 defeated Claremont BC (Genat) 42 from the Bentley team also scored Launceston, Tasmania, in January many points for their teams in the 2013. There are plans to increase Men’s A2 Claremont BC (Gerbaz) 62 defeated Mosaic Church 50 Under 16 Boys final with 21 points the size of the contingent WA Men’s B2 Melville City Church 48 defeated Notre Dame University 32 (of 57) and 26 (of 35) respectively. sends to that competition. Men’s B1 Beckenham Community Church 33 defeated Kelmscott Church of Christ 25 At the beginning of the season, “We have a number of people the league started a new strategy heading to the Carnival in Men’s C1 Perth Christian Life Centre Shim 45 defeated Huntingdale Christian Church 35 for referees. “From the start of the Tasmania. We are aiming to have Men’s C2 Joycity Church 38 defeated Claremont BC (Godfrey) 32 season we initially found it hard a minimum of four teams heading to find referees from the churches across. We would like at least Men’s D1 Lakeside BC 45 defeated Claremont BC (Young) 18 that were able and still willing to two women’s teams and 2 men’s Men’s D2 Riverton BC 34 defeated Metro Church 30 referee, however this will be an teams. This allows for more people ongoing strategy,” said Ben. of diverse skill levels to go.” BC – Baptist Church
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