New book traces cancer battle School chaplains Baptist make a difference Carnival

February 2011 theadvocate theadvocate.tv WESTERN AUSTRALIA’S NEWSPAPER FOR CHRISTIANS

Boys’ Brigader Churches serve flood victims honoured

Woodvale Baptist Church member Brian Prangnell was award the Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day Honours List in recognition for service to the community through church, youth, sporting and ex- service organisations. Mr Prangnell has been a member of various Baptist churches in Western Australia since 1954, serving in voluntary roles including Deacon (12 years at Woodvale Baptist), Church Secretary (Kojonup Baptist 1963), Organist (North Beach Baptist 1974- 1982), Librarian, Seniors’ Coordinator and Boys’ Brigade Captain and Chaplain. Mr Prangnell’s significant contribution to the Boys’ Brigade includes time as State President, Secretary and Executive Officer of The Boys’ Brigade (WA). He served as a member of the State Council

Photo: Andrew Nix from 1968 to 1986. He was made Rachel Thompson and Carly Pfeffer from Kenmore Baptist Church participated in ‘Love Invasion’ to help clean up after the floods ravaged Queensland. a Life Member of the organisation in 2008. Prime Minister Julia Gillard thanked In Brisbane, almost 15,000 “We really wanted our young Diamond Valley Baptist Church He served as Boys’ Brigade the faith communities across homes were completely flooded, and people to see that this is ‘not’ an (Melbourne) hosted ‘Together We Company Captain at North Beach Australia for their assistance for 18,000 homes were partially flooded event, but the normal every-day life Stand’, a concert featuring Australian from 1973 to 1986. He then served at flood victims in the eastern states. in 67 suburbs. that displays the love of Christ to artists Levi McGrath, Compliments Woodvale Boys Brigade as Company “I have visited a church being Local communities in those around us. There’s so much of Gus, Simeon, Dave Powys, Jesse Captain from 1986 to 1993 and as used as an evacuation centre and Rockhampton, Biloela, Moura, devastation and loss around us Mitchell and other special guests on Company Chaplain from 1995 to seen the work being done amongst Mundubbera, Gympie, Ipswich currently, and to witness hundreds of 21 January with all proceeds going 2003. those in evacuation centers by and Toowoomba continue mop-up young people reaching out to those to flood relief. Hundreds of young men and church leaders. Faith-based charities operations with the expectation that in need and sharing the love of Jesus Spearheaded by Justin boys involved in Boys’ Brigade over have given crucial help to those in rebuilding will likely take years. was awesome!” Michael and Jared Haschek from the past four decades have been need. Many flood victims I have The congregation at suburban Across our nation individuals Compliments Of Gus, a group of the influenced by Mr Prangnell’s example met are also very grateful for the Kenmore Baptist Church mobilised and groups are responding with nation’s leading Christian singers of living life to seek, serve and follow prayers that people of faith have on Saturday 22 January for a ‘Love generosity to meet the immediate recorded a song, ‘Toowoomba Sun’, Christ. been making.” Invasion’ of their city, sending teams and on-going needs of flood affected to honour the spirit of people in the Former Federal Treasurer, Peter Baptist churches continue to to clean, remove rubbish and help families across the eastern states. flood-ravaged Toowoomba region. Costello, from a prominent Baptist work together with relief agencies and with gardening while others stayed Web-based social networks and Proceeds from the project will benefit family in Victoria, was appointed government departments providing at the church preparing ‘flood relief internet sites are providing immediacy relief efforts in Toowoomba and the a Companion (AC) of the Order of emergency relief to families. packs’ containing basic kitchen and for news and information on how and surrounding area. Australia for eminent service to the While the south west of cleaning supplies for families who where to help, that was unknown With flood waters continuing to Parliament of Australia, particularly Western Australia continues to have lost everything. The church’s even a decade ago. rise in parts of Victoria, the cost of through the development of landmark endure a hot, dry summer, huge Counselling Service is providing The Salvation Army’s Emergency damage from the summer rains of economic policy reforms. areas of Queensland, New South support for individuals, and people Response Teams have provided 2011 will not be known for some Mr Costello was educated at Wales, Victoria and Tasmania are can apply to the church for help with meals accommodation to thousands time. The personal stories of grief and Carey Baptist Grammar School experiencing heavy rainfall and longer-term needs. of people in emergency evacuation courage, loss and faith, uncertainty and attended Melbourne’s Monash destructive flooding. Queensland Youth Pastor Grant Gehrke was centers across the nation. The Bible and hope have the power to add University, where he graduated in floods alone have claimed 30 lives amazed when almost 300 youth and League is providing Bibles for anyone depth to our identity as Australians arts and law. He is known to attend since November 2010. young adults turned up to help. who lost their Bible in the floods. and turn hearts towards God. Baptist and Anglican churches. news theadvocate February2011 Faith wins cancer battle

briefs

Baptism Bob Jongen was baptised at Rockingham Baptist on 12 December 2010.

Engagement Adrian Clews and Ann Bettison from South Perth Baptist announced their engagement recently. They plan to marry in March.

Marriage Clint Fleming and Tracey Niman were married at North Beach Baptist Church on Saturday 18 December 2010 by Pastor Mark Parsons. Afternoon tea followed at the church before the reception at Claremont

Photo: Jill Birt Yacht Club. Many guests flew in from Rob Merrells and his daughter Jess Merrells with their book about Jess’s experience with cancer. South Africa for the occasion.

On Saturday morning 4 July 2009, be dead in a few hours unless they the first time on 25 July 2009,” Jess reveal honest engagement with Jess Merrells visited her local doctor started treatment. said. “I remember sitting in Kings God.” Rob’s journey reveals how Vose Book Sale with a sore neck. By that evening her Jess kept a journal over the Park and feeling so free.” he grappled with God in prayer for The team of volunteers who sort independence was gone as she lay enduing months of treatment, pouring The initial treatment had his daughter’s health. and price books has started work in an isolation room at Royal Perth out her heart to God, pleading for arrested the leukaemia, but Jess “We hope God will use the book in preparation for the Annual Book Hospital. Chemotherapy for acute his strength to endure the painful required on-going treatment. to open up people to the word of Sale at Vose Seminary. The sale, a lymphoblastic leukaemia started treatment and his power to heal During the next nine months of God, to explore faith in God and a fundraising event for the Seminary is the next day. her. Rob, who is part-time Pastor at less intense chemotherapy Jess relationship with God,” Rob said. planned for Saturday 16 April at the “It was such a shock,” Jess’s Chidlow Baptist Church, sent regular developed a string of problems: Jess is now in remission and is Seminary, 20 Hayman Road, Bentley. dad Rob Merrells said. “We were emails to a group of friends who were pancreatitis, diabetes, appendicitis about to start studying Occupational Fiction and non-fiction books are going to a wedding that day, and praying for the family. and a brain infection. Therapy at Curtin University. available. Organiser, Sue Clark said Jess was due to babysit for friends Their book, For You I Will Run, Mum, Sue, hardly left Jess’ side For You I Will Run i s there are huge quantities of books for during the evening. I asked if we is a compilation of Jess’ journal during some stages of the traumatic available by emailing Jess at all ages including children. Books are could take her to the hospital on entries and Rob’s emails as they treatment. [email protected], sorted according to special interests, Sunday or Monday.” both grappled with issues of faith, Through the difficult treatment, alternatively you can enter our including gardening, cooking, craft The doctor insisted Jess went to prayer and God’s care. Jess demonstrated strength of competition on page 15 to win a and music. There will also be a section RPH immediately, saying she could “They let me out of hospital for character. Her journal entries copy of the book. on Christian writings. The event starts and 9:00 am and will conclude at 2:00 pm. Refreshments are available BCWA Chairman moves to city all day. Toddler Jam After 18 years ministering at ago as a youth worker. He said he will Kalgoorlie Baptist Church, miss Allan Thomas. Conference Senior Pastor and Chairman of “Allan has been a fantastic coach, The third annual Toddler Jam the Council of Baptist Churches mentor and mate to me and has Conference is planned for 26 Western Australia, Allan Thomas, played an extremely significant role in February and is open to the public. has accepted the call to become my life,” Aashish said. “He instilled a This year marks the 10th year of the Senior Pastor at Parkerville passion in our church for developing the innovative children’s music Baptist Church. leaders and giving people a go. That program. “We’re releasing a ten year Pastor Thomas is due to begin culture of seeing God’s Spirit at work, anniversary CD at the conference leading the Parkerville church this transforming people and communities this year,” Sandi Vlatko from month. He and his wife, Sandie, and is one that is very much a part of our Inglewood Community Church said. their teenage children have relocated foundation. For more information visit to Perth’s eastern suburbs. “I am very excited to be taking on www.jamcentral.org.au. Interim Senior Pastor at Parkerville, the role of Senior Pastor at Kalgoorlie Peter Birt, said that the people of Baptist. The church here is a fantastic Parkerville are excited about Allan community with a real desire to be Perth Children’s Thomas coming to lead the church the change of Christ in our city and Ministry Convention with his characteristic passion for life beyond. To be able to be part of the North Beach Baptist Church is the and faith. story in a different role is a great venue for this year’s Perth Children’s Allan and his family will be honour for my wife Louise and me,” Ministry Convention on 26 March. The welcomed to the church at a combined Aashish said. topic is ‘Teach it Right!’. Kanishka service of the three Parkerville Kalgoorlie Baptist’s new Pastor is Raffel and Steven Daly are presenting congregations on 6 February. looking forward to hearing how God talks on faithfully interpreting the The new Senior Pastor at is going to work in and through the Photo: Mark Wilson Bible in children’s ministry. Visit Kalgoorlie is Aashish Parmar, who Thomas family to further His work in Aashish Parmar (left) will replace Allan Thomas as Senior Pastor at www.ccowa.org for more information. joined the Kalgoorlie team nine years the city context. Kalgoorlie Baptist Church this month. 2 February2011 theadvocate news

Switchfoot coming Summer fun at Serpentine San Diego’s Rockers, Switchfoot will perform at Strawberry Jam Music Festival in Albany over the Easter Close to 200 children enjoyed Baptist weekend of 24 and 25 April. This is Summer Camps at the Serpentine the group’s only WA appearance. Camping Centre during January. Other acts booked to perform include Ninety-two young people in years 8 Article One, Oh Sleeper, Petra, to 10 attended the Inters Camp during Rapture Ruckus and The Smart. the first week of January. There were Further announcements are planned. 103 campers at the Juniors Camp during the second week of January. With activities around the theme Chaplains join of ‘Splish Splash’, the Inters Camp police briefing Leaders prepared a round robin of Over this summer the Perth Street games that had sufficient complexity chaplains have started each night to engage everyone and still encourage by joining the police briefing. This building team spirit through a relatively has produced positive outcomes competitive atmosphere. with the police making many more Jethro Sojenko spoke at the worship referrals throughout the night for services. He linked the movie Finding the chaplains to assist. On at least Nemo to Paul’s teaching in 1 Timothy one occasion the police stood by 4:12. He developed the idea that youth and watched a hand-cuffed and does not disqualify young people from aggressive man ask the chaplains fully participating in God’s Kingdom, but who were nearby for prayer. After by God’s Spirit they can be an example the prayer the man was so changed and show God’s love and mercy to ‘all Photo: Andrew Sidebottom for the better the police took off believers’. The Inters Camp at Serpentine in early January was a lot of fun for all the young people who attended. the handcuffs. One of the women After the worship times, the entire chaplains who prayed over him group divided into cabin teams to “Growing with the campers over a fun. Lots of water activities were planned sessions, where the children heard spoke later of the way she felt the discuss and ask questions about the small period of time creating a plethora for the long hot summer days helping engaging, challenging and fun talks power of God as she prayed for him. teaching. of life-long memories and sharing the to create an ideal setting for the kids to from Brendan Hurley. After some high- The group of enthusiastic leaders Word is what a Camp Leader is all have loads of memorable fun as they energy singing and games, Mr Hurley working with the camp organisers valued about,” Leader Travis Sheehan said. made new friends and engaged with spoke from the book of Mark, teaching Muslims protect the opportunity to build relationships As the inters kids left camp, 35 God’s Word. the children about Jesus the King. He Christians with the campers and share stories of volunteer leaders arrived to lead the The most important part of the challenged campers and leaders to treat Muslims turned up in droves for the their own spiritual journey. 103 juniors for the next week of summer week was morning and evening worship Jesus as the King he is. Coptic Christmas mass on 6 January, offering their bodies, and lives, as ‘shields’ to Egypt’s threatened Christian community. Yasmine Goods gain experience in Wagin El-Rashidi, writing online, says that amidst clashes and threats, Copts feel Ben Good recently started as interim meals and offers of help. It’s been Ben’s parents are at Katanning to work with the Yao people. marginalised in the Egyptian elections. Pastor at Wagin Baptist Church four amazing.” where his dad, Malcolm, is Pastor at “So this year, we’ll be at Wagin,” El-Rashidi says that from the well- days a week for 12 months as a way Ben’s wife, Sam, is due to have their Katanning Baptist Church. Ben said, “then in 2012 we’ll build the known to the unknown, Muslims had of widening his ministry experience first child in Perth in early February, so The time in country WA will help team of partners we’ll need before we offered their bodies as ‘human shields’ before moving to Mozambique with they’ll be back in the city for a few weeks the Good’s re-fresh friendships and can fly to Mozambique later in the year.” for the service, making a pledge to Global Interaction. around the time of the birth. reconnect with family at a crucial time It promises to be a full year for the collectively fight the threat of Islamic “The Wagin people have been very “I was actually born in the country, in their ministry life. At the end of their family as they serve the people of Wagin. militants and towards an Egypt free wonderful,” Ben said. “They brought a so I’m really happy in the country,” Sam time at Wagin, they will move directly to Ben is planning some part-time study from sectarian strife. She states that: truck up to Perth and helped us move; said. “It’s a nice little stepping stone being full-time with Global Interaction, at Vose Seminary and they will continue “We either live together, or we die they’ve been working on the church as we prepare to take the big leap of the sending agency they’ll be working to learn the Portuguese language in together,” was the sloganeering genius house we’re living in. There’ve been moving to Africa.” with in Mozambique where they plan preparation for living in Mozambique. of Mohamed El-Sawy, a Muslim arts tycoon who has been credited with first floating the ‘human shield’ idea. Among those shielding the Christians were movie stars Adel Imam and Yousra, popular Muslim televangelist and preacher Amr Khaled, and the two sons of President Hosni Mubarak.

You are invited to join us for a time of celebration. 20th anniversary opening of the new building Christians arrested More than 70 Christians have been 25th anniversary of fellowship in Margaret River arrested in a crackdown on Iran’s A lot has happened since Howard and Stephanie Lalor house church movement by the commenced a fellowship in Augusta and meetings at authorities. Armed special security the St John’s Ambulance hall in Margaret River in the officers forced their way into various mid 1980’s. Our first church building before delivery to Margaret River homes in Tehran and the western city of Mashhad in the early hours of 26 December 2010 while the occupiers Whatever your contact has been with the Margaret For further information or to RSVP contact: River Baptist Church, we hope you can join with us for were asleep. Dozens of Christians, the following anniversary events: Pastor Michael Lochore 9757 3881 many of whom are converts from [email protected] Islam, were verbally and physically th abused before being detained for Saturday 12 March - Family Picnic Neville Veitch 0439 914 896 12 noon at Amaze’n, Margaret River interrogation. Among them were [email protected] house church Pastors and leaders, Sunday 13th March – Thanksgiving Service married couples, two of whom were Accommodation: separated from their young children, 10am at Margaret River Baptist Church Contact Neville for accommodation with a local family and a number of young single women. 28 Tunbridge St, Margaret River or the Margaret River Visitor’s Centre on 9780 5911

3 opinion theadvocate February2011 Today is the first day of the rest of my life I read a note just before Christmas process, and relationships take true that I might be inclined to waste day for praying, dreaming and that a friend of mine sent me. It time. I want to make up for lost more time or be less careful. But planning. Today is a gift from God. reflected an old adage which got opportunities — even if they no when I recognise that this is a new He delivers it to us without grudge me thinking. “Live today as though longer exist in this 24 hour period. day with new opportunities that or reservation. it is the last day of your life!” I I feel hurried and urgent. Yes, I will potentially shape years (and lives) I don’t know how you have understand the basic sentiment — assess everything I say and do. Does ahead, I feel as though I am standing started 2011. Perhaps already, on “Don’t waste time on the trivial!” it really matter? Yes, I will probably on a frontier rather than a cliff. This this day, you are living with a sense Or is it, “Live it up while you’ve still undergo a major values clarification. is not a factor of age, but a factor of apprehension, anxiety or regret. got breath?” Either way, I’m not sure What’s really important to me? of faith. Such things are conceived in our that such an outlook is the one I And yes, I may make more serious The Lord tells us that His mercies circumstances, but birthed by our want to adopt. Whatever happened choices — though some will eat, are new every morning. Every day is choice. I choose to say that my glass to, “Today is the first day of the rest drink and be merry. But the driving a fresh beginning. It is to be filled is half-full and filling. Not half-empty of your life?” ethos is one of pending finality ... with hope and anticipation not dread and draining. What about you? When I live today as though it is closure ... completion ... end. or regret. Every day is a clean slate. If you are in leadership in God’s my last, I am driven by desperation. When I live today as though it is We can do little about yesterday Kingdom, I pray at the start of 2011 Mark Wilson is the Director of I want to right wrongs quickly — the first day of the rest of my life, I — certainly nothing to change it. that you have grasped the power and Ministries for Baptist Churches never mind that forgiveness and am much freer. It’s true that urgency But today is a day for building — a wonder of little words like — ‘new,‘ Western Australia. reconciliation can be a lengthy might be replaced by laziness. It’s day for implementing vision — a ‘fresh,‘ ‘beginning,‘ and ‘start‘.

My Thoughts On hearing the melody ... WHAT PEOPLE ARE BLOGGING

Don’t know if Christmas left you My iTunes gift continued to 02/01/2011 11/ 01/ 2011 with any confusing gifts. My accompany me on the numerous Andrew Hamilton: www.backyardmissionary.com Todd Rhodes: mondaymorninginsight.com birthday (long past), produced one trips I made, systematically cycling “Increasingly I am coming to the conclusion that the “Rick Warren says he hopes to lose 90 pounds in that category. Donated by my through the 44 songs I secured with reason we find it so hard to engage in mission is because this year, and is hosting three popular health experts at youngest son, it was an iTunes card my astute purchase. One of those our own spiritual formation is lacking and has been lacking Saddleback this weekend to kick off a 52-week church entitling me to legally download trips was after a particularly trying for a long time. We have not done discipleship well, so fitness campaign. This is all a part of Saddleback’s ‘Decade music from the web. Given that day and annoyed at my inability to we have people who ‘know the rules’ and can keep the of Destiny’ campaign that is hoping to help Saddleback I’ve never downloaded music of solve the problems of the universe club functional, but lack the passion to do much more. attendees in seven key areas of living: spiritual, financial, either the legal or illegal variety, I I suddenly exclaimed aloud, “This is When love for God is fading it’s hard to find enthusiasm physical, vocational, relational, emotional and mental. wondered what I was supposed to the most irritating music in the world,” for introducing others to him. Its epidemic to be so busy What do you think? Would you consider this type of do with it, and left it alongside the and switched it off. As the silence with work (often because we have bought the consumer program in your church? Why or why not?” computer hoping that an answer settled in the car, I realised that the myth) that we lack time to build relationships with people would mysteriously emerge. strains that had died away were those let alone God. Simply challenging people to ‘get on with the 05/01/2011 Six months later no music had of Beethoven’s ninth. job’ of mission is like telling a fat person to run a marathon. Mark Beeson: www.markbeeson.com appeared, and I was contemplating As the silence lingered, I It just isn’t going to happen. Or if it does it will be from all I meet with our staff every Wednesday. We call it SWAT throwing the card out when the thought through the paradox. What the wrong motives and will then get done in bizarre and (Staff Working As Team) and the meeting is brief, ordered youngest asked why I hadn’t made a few days earlier had moved and unhelpful ways. When mission and evangelism are engaged and regular. We flatten the ‘org chart’. We laugh. We pray. use of his gift. When the extent of delighted, today only annoyed and in dutifully and as tasks they are rarely effective, but when We encourage each other. It’s good. Today I asked my my ignorance dawned upon him, frustrated. Truly we see life not as a person who is encountering God regularly and genuinely friend Doug Turner to talk with us. The story he told hit he offered to perform the required it is, but as we are. connects with another person then its impossible for that me right between the eyes. “When I was 28, we were task for me, and I am now the proud Actually the music is as experience of God to stay hidden. So when we ‘send people participating in a new church, meeting in a double-wide on owner of some popular classical beautiful as it has ever been. A out’ who are running on ‘spiritual empty’ it ought not be ten acres of land,” he said. “My wife and I gave the single music — my whim on the day. few days later, in a lighter frame a surprise if they come home disappointed, burnt out or largest financial contribution we’d ever made to see that Driving to work I had the tunes of mind, that same melody again simply disinterested and uninspired.” church succeed. It mattered that much to us.” Doug had blaring forth, hoping that fellow captured my imagination. Again, I our attention. His tale became more challenging when he travellers would be impressed by urged the orchestra to loftier places. 7/01/2011 pressed us with this question: “When ministry demands my cultured selection. Truth to tell, The response was instant and soon Jared Wilson: gospeldrivenchurch.blogspot.com sacrifice, when the struggle for progress takes everything I was finding much of it a little dull, it felt as though I was singing with “Someone once wrote to Roger Ebert and asked him you’ve got ... and then some, how will you feel if things don’t but was then struck by the beauty the angels. why critics loved Sofia Coppola’s film Lost in Translation so go as planned? What if your sacrifice doesn’t achieve your of the rendition of Beethoven’s ninth In Mark 8:18 Jesus laments much while audiences in general didn’t even appreciate planned objective? We gave more than we’d ever given to symphony — ‘Ode to Joy’, for those that people had eyes to see and it. Ebert responded that the film transmitted on a different see that church succeed,” Doug added. “Then, within one of you too ignorant to download ears to hear, but that they failed to frequency than audiences are accustomed to receiving. year, that church went under. It folded and closed its doors.” music from iTunes. This is music use either. Most significantly, they It works the same way with books, I think, particularly as … Blood, sweat, tears and money. Ministry costs. Giving at its finest. Remembering to keep failed to see that the Messiah was it relates to the dulling of the evangelical artistic palate. Is requires sacrifice. Leadership demands more surrender one hand on the steering wheel, in their midst. Not noticing the value it too much to say that Christian readers have a distinct than most understand. How do you survive giving so much, I conducted the orchestra to new of the gift before them, they settled taste for mediocrity? I know evangelicals take a lot of hits and sacrificing a lot, if the project fails?“ heights of splendour, joining the choir for more ordinary songs. for poor artistic sensibilities, but maybe the critique is a to ensure a vocal rendition worthy of As in Jesus’ day, so in our own. cliché for a reason? Is it a supply problem or a demand 11/01/2011 the heavenly realm. Arriving at work Could it be that even today a God problem? I think it’s both, which means the Christian Tim Stevens: www.leadingsmart.com a little breathless, but totally inspired, given melody is playing, but that publishing industry (and Christian retail in general, really) “We live our lives based on a series of assumptions. I plunged into the day. our ears are tuned to other music ... is in a vicious cycle of sorts. Publishers print what sells and Those assumptions are built on our previous life experiences. until readers start buying substantive literature, publishers For example, we assume a great deal about other drivers. won’t produce it. But if publishers aren’t producing it in the We assume they will stay on their side of the centre line as first place, then readers don’t even have the opportunity we fumble with our phone or change the radio station. We to buy it. So basically, Christian readers are consuming assume they will respect a red light as we blow through a what’s available because they don’t perceive any other green one. We assume pedestrians will stay on the sidewalk option. The unfortunate side effect of that, though, is that as we cruise through a crowded street looking at our GPS we are producing generations of Christians whose literary … but I wonder if some of our assumptions, even if based appetites are for junk food.” on previous experience, are unhealthy? I’m trying to be aware of my assumptions. I want to live in the moment, Dr Brian Harris is the Principal of like Jesus did. I want to pour myself into the relationships Vose Seminary and Senior Pastor Digital Church is Perth’s own online look around me that matter — as though I will never have of Carey Community Baptist at all aspects of digital life in the church. another opportunity. I want to go to bed each night with Church. He can be contacted at www.digitalchurch.com.au. Proudly no regrets to how I lived the day.” [email protected] supported by The Advocate.

4 February2011 theadvocate news

Flying Bible man The Bible Society of Australia recently announced the appointment of David Pastors go bald for poverty Curtis as the Flying Bible man. Based in Darwin with his family, Mr Curtis will visit remote communities and properties across an area stretching from Broome in Western Australia to the tip of Queensland and south into the arid regions of South Australia, encouraging followers of Jesus and engaging others on their spiritual journey. As a graduate of Geelong Bible College as well as holding a Diploma in Mission Aviation from the Australian Centre for Mission Aviation, Mr Curtis is well suited to the position. His experience working with Government departments, indigenous enterprises and with Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) in Central Australia has been good preparation for this crucial role Photo: Anne-Marie Taylor as a flying ambassador for God’s Word. Inglewood Community Church Pastors, Quentin Gribble (left), Mark Edwards and James Middleton (right) participated in ‘The Brave Shave’.

In late November 2010, the four people suffering in poverty. Firstly, reached during the service they support: Kiva, which connects people Lausanne impact Pastors at Inglewood Community they decided to raise money for would allow the kids to shave their through lending to alleviate poverty; The Third Lausanne Congress on Church (ICC) spent an anxious the poor and secondly they came head immediately after the service. Dorcus House, an organisation World Evangelization continues to Sunday morning waiting to see if up with a project they called ‘The Children’s Pastor, Quentin started by Cecilie Homes from ICC impact ministries, churches and their hair would be removed in ‘The Poverty Project’, which includes Gribble, was a prime target. People in Kolkata, India that helps widowed organisations around the world. Brave Shave’. researching and producing a DVD gave $1,439 to see him with a bald women; Elim Kids, a Chinese Many leaders are already holding During the previous weeks, the to give families in the church and head. Senior Pastor Mark Edwards orphanage for HIV positive children; post-Congress gatherings in their kids in Sunday Jam (ICC Sunday community information and tools topped his goal of $1,000 and went and Free To Be Kids, an organisation regions or countries. In early School) had been learning about the to make a real difference to global home with pink, yellow and green hair that rescues kids from situations December approximately 20 Italian complex factors including culture, poverty. and beard. Pastor James Middleton where they are being exploited due leaders who attended Cape Town beliefs, location and government, that The kids handed out pledge slips crossed the line and had his locks to their extreme poverty. 2010 (CT2010) met with 370 church contribute to severe poverty. to everyone in the congregation on removed too. Only Pastor Eliot Vlatko “The lessons learnt (through and student leaders in Pescara, Italy, Twelve-year-old Jack Mihic, Josh Sunday morning. Each Pastor of didn’t reach his giving goal, so he this event) for future generations to to focus on the theme of ‘the whole Vlatko, Emma Ruben, Aidan Taylor the church was listed alongside the kept his hair. There were murmurs take hold of are immense,” Pastor church, taking the whole gospel, to and Thomas Trenaman came up organisation they were representing that his ‘advanced’ age was reason Edwards said. “And the short term the whole world’. Throughout the with two ideas of how the kids could and their financial target. They for compassion. goal of helping (financially) was also weekend visiting CT2010 leaders make a difference in the lives of all agreed that if their target was More than $4,400 poured in to achieved.” shared lessons learned from the Congress through Bible teaching, interviews and video clips. Those present shared what they saw as some of the implications for the Amazing results for identical twins church in Italy as it seeks to bear witness to Christ in this generation. Identical twins Angelo and Edward Souti from Swan View scored just 0.05 differently in their Australian Haiti help Tertiary Admission Results (ATAR) Baptist World Aid (BWAid), the last month. Angelo scored 98.3 and relief and development arm of the Edward scored 98.35. That equates to Baptist World Alliance, has spent one mark difference out of 400 marks. over AUD$680,000 for critical help Angelo received a Certificate of to Haitians over the one year period Excellence from the WA Curriculum since the massive earthquake that Council with 22 A-level scores in devastated Haiti on 12 January Years 11 and 12. Edward received 2010. The 7.0 earthquake killed his for 20 A-level marks. an estimated 230,000, injured The boys studied at Guildford hundreds of thousands more, and Grammar School on music left more than one million Haitians scholarships from Year 8 to Year 12 homeless, most of whom are still with Edward playing double bass, living under tents and in other piano and bass guitar, while Angelo temporary shelters. BWAid spent focused on piano and cello. money on emergency relief, medical Their ATAR scores were not for supplies and medical care in the the same subjects. Angelo studied immediate aftermath of the quake, Maths, Maths Specialist, Physics, and increased its grants for medical Chemistry, Economics and English. assistance after the outbreak of Edward took exams in Maths, cholera in the northern Caribbean English, Politics and Law, Economics, country in October last year. BWAid and Chemistry. The boys confessed Photo: Jill Burt is helping to resuscitate Delmas to some serious sibling rivalry in Identical twins Angelo Souti (left) and Edward Souti made almost identical scores in their final year high school exams. 19, a depressed area in Port-au- Chemistry and Economics. Prince, the capital of Haiti, which Their marks will give them automatic February 2010, they also passed regularly. I didn’t want my life to be of Western Australia (UWA). Angelo was devastated by the quake. A entrance to Guildford Grammar’s their driver’s licences during their consumed with study.” accepted an offer from UWA to complex, which includes a school Academic Excellence Guild. final year at school. Dad, Jobi, The whole family attends church study Commerce and Engineering. that will accommodate 250 students Year 12 was hectic for the drives a bus and Mum, Galina, is at Parkerville Baptist each week. This guarantees lecturers and fellow and an orphanage is being built on Souti household with the twins a control systems engineer. Angelo “I like going to church,” Angelo students will experience some land owned by the Haitian Baptist continuing in music ensembles, the and Edward are their only children. said. “It’s good to have different confusion about the identity of Convention. school debating team and playing “I enjoy watching TV and things to do other than just study.” the two new students as staff and badminton and tennis as well as listening to music,” Edward said. “I’d Edward Souti is set to study students did during their years at normal classes. Turning 17 in late make time to do things with friends Economics and Law at the University Guildford Grammar. 5 news theadvocate February2011

Arts connect Following the success of the interfaith Caravan Festival of the Noongar language revitalised Arts held at the historic St John’s Church in Cairo over the last two years, a new and broader festival with the theme of ‘My Neighbour’ will open on 3 February. The goal of the upcoming festival is to build bridges between East and West, Muslim and Christian, through the visual arts, literature, film and music. The initiative has generated attention from the international media and art world over the last two years and exceeded all expectations. The Caravan Festival of the Arts comes out of an Operation Mobilization vision that the arts can be one of the most effective mediums to enhance understanding and deepen respect between the Middle East and the West. Photo: Denise Smith-Ali Denise Smith-Ali (centre) speaks at the launch of her five new Noongar language books in Perth in 2009. Sharing Jesus “Peace is not the end of conflict Denise Smith-Ali, a Noongar will assist Ms Smith-Ali as she are endangered. There are only can learn the Noongar language is and war, nor the result of woman born in Kojonup, has continues researching the Noongar five elders left who speak the old through a weekly radio broadcast so-called ‘peace talks’. It’s written or produced more than 20 language among the 14 clans of the language.” on 100.9 FM. rooted more deeply in inner books in the Noongar language to people group that stretch across The books are produced with “I think I would be safe in peace with God and people ensure the language is preserved the south west area of WA, from captivating colour art work in a saying she is one of the most around us,” says Anne Van der and revitalised. east of Esperance to the Geraldton bi-lingual format, using Noongar impressive students we have Bijl, better known as Brother With funding assistance from region, as part of her Master’s language and English, and have helped financially,” Mike Carter Andrew. When asked how he got the Minnie Bairstow Trust, which degree. accompanying DVDs and talking from BCWA said. access to the Taliban, Van der Bijl is administered by the Baptist A further 14 books, including a books as well as resource material Ms Smith-Ali is very grateful for replied,”I just go there. I find out Churches Western Australia dictionary for the Juat clan and a for LOTE (Languages Other the financial support the Minnie where they live. They ask what I (BCWA), Ms Smith-Ali recently new a title for the Balardong clan, Than English) teachers. All of Bairstow Trust provides. come for, and I tell them about completed a Bachelor of Arts in are currently in production with the resources are produced by “Their support means a lot Jesus. We’ve become way too languages from the Batchelor plans for more works. Batchelor Press. to me,” Ms Smith-Ali said. “They diplomatic and careful in our Institute of Indigenous Tertiary “We’re trying to catch the A qualified linguist, Ms Smith- understand what we’re doing and approach. “One day I visited a Education in the Northern Territory. stories of the old people before it’s Ali coordinates the Noongar LOTE know how important it is. Thanks large, notorious Qur’an school The Minnie Bairstow Trust too late,” Ms Smith-Ali said. “We program in WA. Another way adults to them.” where 90 percent of the graduates immediately join the ranks of the Taliban and al- Qaeda. Hundreds of students were lined up. The head of the Pastor Graham Johnston – Vale school and a minister of the government gave a short talk, Graham Johnston was Senior Pastor speaking and in coordinating the contributor to the Christian Church passion for cross-cultural mission. and suddenly the microphone was at Subiaco Church of Christ for 21 city-wide campaigns. in Western Australia and worldwide. He travelled extensively, mentoring handed to me: ‘Anne, it’s your years until his death on Monday 17 A statement from the church Graham will be missed.” Pastors and leaders from Russia, turn’. “I was surprised as I only January. He was diagnosed with a announced Pastor Johnston’s death Graham Johnston brought strong China, Pakistan, East Africa countries came to visit ... I told them about rare mesotheliona sarcomitiod in and commented: “We will miss him leadership and a shepherd’s heart to and Papua New Guinea. He was Jesus.” June 2010. The crowd of mourners greatly. He has been a great Pastor Subi Church as it offered friendship, a Board Member of Pioneers of overflowed the church auditorium at and friend for 21 years at Subi biblical teaching and vibrant worship Australia. the Subi Church for his funeral on Church.” to international students and local The Graham Johnston Memorial Chinese lawyer Friday 21 January. The leadership of Subi Church families. Fund has been established missing Originally from America, Graham asked people to pray for God’s He contributed to evangelism through Subi Church to continue Geng He, wife of missing Johnston first visited Australia in comfort and strength for Pastor and leadership training in Australia to resource and empower capable Christian Lawyer Gao Zhisheng, is 1988 while working with the Billy Johnston’s wife Tracey and children, through Arrow Leadership Australia. and passionate young people into demanding answers from the Graham Evangelistic Association Paige and Carson. His first book, Preaching to a leadership of the Church in East Chinese government following as a member of Leighton Ford’s Director of Ministries for Baptist Postmodern World was published Africa and Papua New Guinea where new revelations of torture of her evangelistic team. He shared Churches Western Australia, Mark in 2001. Pastor Johnston had a strong focus husband. After consulting with responsibilities both in evangelistic Wilson said, “He was a huge Pastor Johnston had a deep during the last decade. Geng, The Associated Press (AP) on 10 January published an April 2010 interview with Gao in which he revealed details of the torture WA team ready for African mission he had suffered during the previous 14 months. The AP A quick check of the history of and Malawi to work with the Yao help introduce the wider Baptist It is crucial for all of them released the interview in advance missions in Western Australia people. There has never before community to these families that to have strong teams of prayer of an official visit (18-21 January) proves God is at work among been such a large group of West are preparing to leave. supporters, and churches and by Chinese President Hu Jintao to his people in this place. That is Aussies preparing to go west across Scott and Bek Falconer, Arthur individuals who will financially the United States. Geng planned especially true of God’s call for the Indian Ocean. and Debbie Broughton, Ryan support them. Without that they to travel to Washington to further his followers to leave Western A new video highlighting the and Donna Lupgen, Cameron cannot go. highlight her husband’s case. Gao Australia and contribute to his team and the type of work they will and Katherine Beeck and their God’s Spirit is doing amazing was initially seized by public Kingdom in Africa. be involved in is in the last stages families along with Bus (Andrew) things in Malawi where the Life security officials on 4 February Baptist sending agency, Global of production. Every Baptist church Main and Alan McGrechan are all Groups team of Malawians is 2009, shortly after his wife and Interaction, based in Melbourne in WA will receive a copy in coming designated members of the Malawi stretched to capacity, following up two children fled China to seek is currently assisting 12 West weeks to use in small groups and and Mozambique teams at various and encouraging many people God asylum in the United States. Australians to head to Mozambique larger congregational gatherings to stages in preparing to go to Africa. is drawing to himself. 6 February2011 theadvocate news

NZ host rugby The Rugby World Cup will be held in New Zealand during September Partnership brings lessons and there are many opportunities to serve. Derene Els, Engage Co-Facilitator, said the ministry Ellenbrook Baptist Church Pastor, received by the churches as well organisation’s ‘ENGAGE’ website is Alex Huggett and his friend Steve as many Hindus. now live. Christians interested in Dennis recently returned to Perth “The first night we were doing getting involved through prayer and after ten days teaching Pastors street preaching in a small, remote serving opportunities can visit and working among the Dalit village and at the end a man ran www.engagerwc.com and register to people of Andhra Pradesh state out of his house to see us,” Pastor be included in the Engage mailing list in India. Huggett said. “He said the power for prayer letters and other updates. They travelled at the invitation of of God came on him and he was Deva Junapudi, founding Pastor and healed of a stomach complaint Director of Restoration Ministries. while we preached. He received Today there is a movement of Christ on the spot.” Sri Lanka floods almost 100 churches, mostly in With the Junapudis, they visited Flash flooding and mudslides have rural villages. a very poor Dalit village on the killed 43 people in Sri Lanka and “We flew into Hyderabad via outskirts of Guntur. A Christian destroyed 5,594 homes. Almost Dubai, and then endured an eight family wanted to give them a meal. 22,500 homes have been partially hour drive to our destination,” It was the family’s first real meal for damaged. International Needs Pastor Huggett said. a week — beef curry and chapatti. Executive Director Sri Lanka, About 100 Dalit Pastors and “It was very humbling and Cynthia Devadason said about one evangelists from Restoration reduced us to tears,” Pastor million people are homeless and Ministries attended the two-day Huggett said. affected badly in the flood areas of Pastors’ Conference where Alex Ellenbrook church and others in Anuradhapura, Pollannaruwa and spoke with the help of translation Perth contributed $5,000 towards the eastern coast. “Our churches into Telegu by Deva Junapudi the cost of the conference and have been collecting funds for the and his wife Mary. About half of outreaches. They also gave $10,000 refugees in the refugee camps over the group was illiterate. Most of to commence work on a combined the last month and an urgent appeal the 25 women who attended are orphanage and ministry centre. They has gone out to all who could help evangelists. plan to raise the remaining $30,000 further,” she said. “The people of the “Most are Pastors who have needed to finish the project. east coast have had their share in been saved through evangelistic “I met Deva at the Mighty Mens full, as they were severely affected ministry and appointed by Pastor Conference in Perth last year. I felt by the Tsunami, the war, and now the Deva, with only basic instruction and prompted by the Spirit to invite him flooding,” Sheldon Rankin, CEO of then regular follow up,” Alex said. to stay at our home, which he did International Needs Australia asked

The Australians spoke at for ten days,” Pastor Huggett said. Photo: Deva Junapudi Australian Christians to pray for those evangelistic events for five nights They plan to continue their Steve Dennis (right) and Alex Huggett talk with Dalit rice farmers in India suffering. Donations can be made at in two villages. They were well friendship and ministry partnership. during a visit to encourage Dalit Pastors. www.internationalneed.org.au.

Age 14 At Vose Seminary, I have a strong desire to investigate the claims of Jesus no two stories are the same. People join us to learn more Age 16 about Jesus and The Word for all I have decided to follow Jesus. kinds of reasons. Some are young, some older. Each one seeking to follow Jesus Age 18 in a deeply biblical, highly I’m at university reading philosophy and anthropology. it’s near my sweet spot. practical learning environment. Some come to fuel and equip a ministry journey they’re already Age 22 on, or are exploring. Others There’s more to know, there’s deep truths I want to explore. because they’re wanting to add I want to dig deep and keep digging. I want to explore the unfathomable. knowledge to cultivate a robust faith. Others come because they know that this is simply the next Age 23 step on a long journey. I love theology. There, I said it! Whatever your story, come, grow at Vose Seminary. Continue your journey at www.vose.edu.au Age 24 I enrol at Vose Seminary and begin a new journey of learning, growth, equipping and discovering Jesus in community. Pretty excited...

Age 34 The journey continues...what’s next , Lord? come, grow

7 feature theadvocate February2011

School chaplains make a difference In mid-2010, the Federal Government confirmed funding for school chaplains until the end of 2011, acknowledging the important contribution chaplains make to the well-being of school and local communities.

YouthCARE, a not-for-profit organisation, as anger, visiting parents and care-givers, equips and supervises 260 full-and part-time leading school events or special ceremonies, chaplains in 310 government schools across and participating in school camps. Most Western Australia. spend several hours each week meeting “YouthCARE Chaplains are drawn from students in the school playground and building diverse backgrounds of varying professions relationships through good listening and and qualifications. All (YouthCARE) Chaplains engaging with students’ activities. are required to participate in a five day In November 2010, YouthCARE, in induction program and a 12 month supervised collaboration with the WA government and professional practice. YouthCARE Chaplains the Department of Education, implemented are supported by a YouthCARE Area Australia’s first Pastoral Critical Incident Chaplain who provides both pastoral care Response (PCIR) program for chaplains in and supervision,” Fiona Berrmier, Head of public schools. Eighty-three chaplains now

Chaplaincy Services with YouthCARE said. form a team of workers qualified to work with Photo: Jill Birt Many private schools, including Baptist disaster survivors. They can be mobilised at Fiona Langley works as a part-time chaplain at Mundaring Como Secondary Campus Chaplain, Phil Smoker enjoys hiking the schools and colleges across the state, also short notice to assist with disasters like the Primary School two days a week. Bibbulmum Track with students from school. appoint chaplains with the endorsement of flooding in Queensland during January, or fires their local church. or deaths in school communities. Phil Smoker has been a Chaplain at Como hope that something has had an impact on Vose Seminary offers courses to equip At the launch of the program, Paul Secondary Campus for five years. Initially he their lives. I like taking students on wilderness chaplains including units in ‘Ministry Formation Ganderton, Principal of Carine Senior High worked full-time for three years, but currently trips on the Bibbulmum track. They encounter for Educational Chaplaincy’ and ‘Chaplaincy in School, said the PCIR is a powerful initiative works two days a week on campus. He is also emotional and physical hardship and that’s an Educational Setting’. Both units are fully which he is sure all principals and school a Pastor at Como Baptist Church. character building,” he said. accredited at undergraduate and graduate communities will take maximum advantage of “It’s a real joy for me when I see students “Being a government school, I find sharing level. in times of high stress and trauma. find strength and a sense of being able to my life and God’s involvement is a good thing. Chaplains are Christian workers, employed The day-to-day contribution of chaplains is achieve something of value when they’ve had I’m comfortable with leaving it at that. That’s on a full-or part-time basis to work within the hard to over-estimate. Mike Smith, Principal of experiences that have pushed them in another sufficient for the Spirit to work as He wills.” school as a caring adult working as part of a Quinns Baptist College believes chaplains are less positive direction,” Phil said. Fiona Langley works two days a week at professional student services team. They do vital in the life of the College. He is amazed “I like it when I’m at the local shops or Mundaring Primary School. Fiona is married to not have a disciplinary responsibility in their how much God works through them. somewhere and students come up and want to Phil and they have two primary age children. school. The Advocate talked with two YouthCARE talk,” he said. “They’re comfortable with me.” Her passion for Jesus and strong desire to help Their work is varied, dealing regularly Chaplains and two chaplains appointed by a “Knowing you only have a small window of children through rough patches of life makes with behaviour management issues such Baptist College to learn more about their work. influence in students’ lives makes it hard. You her an ideal chaplain. 8 February2011 theadvocate feature Photo: YouthCARE WA Photo: YouthCARE YouthCARE has 83 chaplains trained and ready to mobilise at short notice to assist with disaster recovery throughout Australia. Photo: Alicia Wills Talia Cunningham says her YouthCARE School Chaplain, Kita Stinger (right) enabled her to work through personal issues. “Coming through this experience has made me a much happier person,” Talia said.

Many YouthCARE School Chaplains are trained as peer skills facilitators where they are equipped to teach key students in school communities with the skills and knowledge to act as guides and supporters to their peers as they face issues or

situations on their journey into adulthood. Photo: YouthCARE

Photo: YouthCARE WA Photo: YouthCARE YouthCARE Chaplain Shane Thaw with a student. Photo: Phil Smoker WA Photo: YouthCARE Photo: Jill Birt Como Secondary Campus Chaplain, Phil Smoker enjoys hiking the A sense of fun is a great resource for chaplains. Jules Birt is a part-time chaplain at Carey Baptist College. Bibbulmum Track with students from school.

“I believe praying for the children is so shape parenting skills seminars for families “We’re part of a great team,” Liz Hearn “It gives me massive joy and it’s a important,” Fiona said. “You can help them in the church and the hills area. In late 2010, said. “Tony Severin is Assistant Principal for huge privilege,” Liz said. “The kids are so with skills and be a good listener for the they hosted a ‘Parenting Away’ seminar run by Pastoral Care and Bernadette Celliers is the precious. Jules and I work well together. children and the staff, and even parents, but Ngala addressing the unique needs of families School Psychologist. We’re directly responsible He usually works with the boys and I work praying is crucial.” where a parent works fly-in-fly-out. Annually to Bernadette.” with the girls. We have a lot of fun. And we Josephine van Voorthuizen values Fiona’s the church provides funds for extra resources The Student Services team also includes laugh a lot.” interest in the Scripture Union Primary-Aged for Fiona’s work. Psychologist Anthony Ingram and Cheree Jules’ sense of fun and high energy club she runs at the school. Liz Hearn and Jules Birt are both part-time Harris, Chaplain to the Primary School. Clear endears him to the students. He organised “Fiona is great,” she said. “She often drops Chaplains at Carey Baptist College, working in communication within the team is vital. Action a school yard hacky sack competition last in on our meetings each week. She knows the the Middle and Upper School communities. plans are agreed on to ensure accountability year and enjoys going on school camps with kids so well and that’s a bonus for us.” Liz was a Physical Education teacher at and support for the chaplains. the kids. As well as running programs to help Carey Baptist College before she moved to “It used to kill me to see my kids in Physical “Being an adult in the school, but not a children with issues like grief, bullying and chaplaincy in 2010. Jules has worked as a Education classes battling with issues,” Liz said. teacher or parent is helpful,” Jules said. “I facing parental divorce, Fiona collaborates chaplain at Carey for several years and is also “I so wanted to be able to sit and talk with them, guess I’m a safe person for the kids to talk with her church, Parkerville Baptist, as they a music tutor (drum kit) one day a week. but teaching a class meant I couldn’t. Now I can.” with about anything.” 9 conversation theadvocate February2011

Steve Addison The Advocate recently talked with Steve Addison before he flew to India to encourage church planters. He spends his days distilling the characteristics of dynamic movements and making them available to leaders committed to the multiplication of disciple- making churches. He serves as Director of Church Resource Ministries (CRM) Australia — a mission dedicated to making disciples and multiplying churches everywhere. Photo: Peter Bergmeier

How would you describe what you do and what But if you want to look for success, you What writers or teachers most influence your of peace can be a doorway into a relational were the triggers that got you into this? have to ask, ‘where are our children and grand- spiritual formation and how? web. Let me give you an example. Early on My life calling is multiplying disciples and children?’ It’s second and third generation C.S. Lewis writes with such depth and in Boxhill, Michelle and I were out prayer churches everywhere. I was church planting followers of Jesus that prove a movement is simplicity. I’ve read everything he’s written. walking and we met one young girl. She in Melbourne before, and during the second happening. Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Jesuits has been opened the door to her network of friends. year there were some big challenges. I spent a influential too. I’ve worked through his book, Now there is a solid group meeting and couple of months asking God what he wanted What do you do on a day-to-day basis? The Spiritual Exercises. That’s a significant growing together. You’ve got to get out and me to do and I got a strong sense of call not to My wife Michelle is leading a team I’m book. So an Anglican and a Catholic influencing go and meet lots of people. just plant, but to multiply. That was 24 years part of, running a group in Boxhill, so we’re a Baptist! ago. sharing the gospel there. Michelle and I run a For someone interested in multiplication mission agency here and overseas. We’ve been You travel a lot. How do you re-charge after movements, what would you suggest they You’ve written a book, Movements that Change empowering leaders to the church since 1988 being on the road? read? the World. What is a movement? through Church Resource Ministries. We have Wherever I go to speak or run training In all humility, can I suggest my own book, A movement is a group of people committed about 20 staff in east and south Asia. I’m also events, I try to have a day or two to have some Movements. There’s an extensive bibliography to a common cause — social, political — an author so I write as well. Movements is out fun. I’ll take some local people with me and visit in it to help you read wider. Of course there’s any group of people. Of special interest are now and I’m working on more. I blog regularly a significant local attraction, or just go for a walk David Garrison’s book Church Planting movements that renewed the Christian faith at www.movements.net. and a meal together. Back home, I’m a keen Movements and more books coming out all down the ages — missionary movements. gardener. I’ve built a courtyard out the back of the time. Roland Allen’s works, Missionary How are you supported? our place inspired by one I visited in China. That Methods. Some of that is now 100 years old, What do you see are the particular challenges We raise our own support. There are some was fun. I read and walk a lot. Love going to the but the principles are there. or hurdles we face in Australia to see churches and individuals who help us and theatre to see Shakespeare performed. I have movements emerge in our context? then there’s conference speaking and donors a good collection of Shakespeare productions What do you find most encouraging in the We share some very common challenges help too. on DVD too. Kingdom? for the developed world: prosperity and What God is doing among the global south secularism. The biggest challenge — people What’s been the most significant turning point What advice would you give to a young Baptist — Africa, Asia and South America is amazing. are content, and living for this world. In the in your ministry journey? Pastor just starting out? There are estimates that one in ten in China church there is a drift away from centrality In the second year of the church plant Gravitate to where opportunities are to is a Christian. Don’t worry if the church in the and clarity. We have a lot to learn from the in 1988, the church had grown to about make disciples. Don’t think about being big west is in decline. Missionaries will come to developing world. 200 and there was conflict and challenges. and successful. Just do what Jesus did. Read the developed world. The gospel has gone to Definitely having the Gospel central is It shook my confidence in myself. I had a and re-read the Gospel of Luke and the book the poor. important. At Crossway (Baptist), Dave Lawton pretty big head and God had to unravel me a of Acts then go do the same things. Stop is doing a great job. He’s got 50 to 60 bit — actually a lot. Through extended times being impressed with your ministry. Get on What are you seeing that’s setting off alarm people mobilised in planting groups. They’ve of prayer I surrendered afresh to his Lordship with growing new believers. bells for you? planted about 20 churches now ranging then fresh vision came. You know brokenness The decline of the church in the west I think from a congregation of 100 or more, to home leaves life. I don’t think I’d be doing what I The Scriptures talk about a ‘person of peace’. is due to internal factors: passivity, lack of trust gatherings of Aussie battlers. There’s not been am now if God hadn’t got my attention. It’s How do you recognise a person of peace? in the Gospel. For whole denominations in the a lot of money, but people have been mobilised. important for us to see God at work in people, Number one, they welcome the western world there is no hope of turning them Tim, near Campbelltown out of Sydney is not to write them off when we see weakness messenger and the message. Secondly, around. If you try to change the gospel to make seeing the Kingdom come too. There’s 80 to or some major crisis or even sin in their lives. they are connected relationally. Like the it more acceptable to the culture, there’s always 90 people meeting now, some of them with Rob Clinton from Fuller Theological Seminary jailer in Philippi and Simon the tanner and going to be massive decline. backgrounds of second and third generation has done some research and says only five the Samaritan woman Jesus met at the well. It’s going to take an army of ordinary people, drug and alcohol dependency. This has been percent of church leaders don’t go through When the gospel spreads it travels along filled with the Spirit, confident in the gospel and over the last couple of years. some deep crisis event. pre-existing relationship routes. That person obedient to Jesus to change it. 10 February2011 theadvocate news

Somali murdered A mother of four was killed for her Pastor brings understanding Christian faith on 7 January on the outskirts of Mogadishu, Somalia by Islamic extremists from al Shabaab militia, a relative said. Pastor Faheem Moini is passionate Eventually he lost hope for life. The relative said Asha Mberwa, about helping people meet Jesus He fled to Pakistan when life 36, was killed in Warbhigly village and having him change their lives, became dangerous in Iran, but when the Islamic extremists cut especially those from the Persian his lifestyle did not change and he her throat in front of villagers. world now living in Vancouver, was imprisoned in Lahore, Punjab. She is survived by her children British Collumbia, Canada. Later he worked for the Pakistani — aged 12, 8, 6 and 4 — and her The Farsi speaking congregation, security agency spying on Christian husband, Abdinazir Mohammed which he leads, is part of Calvary missionaries who came to Pakistan Hassan, who has fled to an Baptist Church. They help new as teachers, engineers and doctors. unknown location. The relative immigrants with government and He eagerly reported people to the who spoke to Compass News said legal issues, run English language authorities as he was convinced that he had phoned her on 5 January courses, focus on hospitality often people who inspired Muslims to leave to try to make arrangements centered on community meals, their faith were committing a huge for moving her family out of the and help promote intercultural blasphemy. area. Al Shabaab extremists, who awareness for people from non- On one of his assignments with control large parts of Mogadishu, Islamic backgrounds. the security agency, Faheem lived were able to monitor the The congregation of more with a missionary he was spying on. conversation and confirm that she than 30 adults reaches both first Photo: Faheem Moini “As I carefully observed his had become a Christian, he said. and second generation Persian Pastor Faheem Moini leads a Farsi speaking congregation at Calvary behaviour and prayer life, my own life Canadians through youth and Baptist Church, Vancouver, BC, Canada. was transformed and I surrendered children’s programs and through myself to Jesus. I began to see Farsi-specific Bible study and prayer other in the name of God, although Rather, he still felt anger and a desire purpose in life, and to find real love Laos arrests groups. both were Muslim nations. The for revenge. and respect. I finally knew who God Armed police arrested 20 As a child in Iran during the renewal of religious zeal influenced Unsatisfied and bored with was, what His love felt like, and how Christians worshipping in the Islamic revolution of 1979, Faheem Faheem Moini deeply, and he practicing Islam, Faheem turned my soul could be satisfied,” Faheem home of Pastor Wanna in Nakoon, Moini experienced the dramatic strived to be a better Muslim. He to drugs, becoming a user and Moini said. Laos, on 4 and 5 January, charging cultural changes that followed the tried to earn holiness by going to dealer while still a teenager. He was He moved to Canada and became them with conducting secret introduction of sharia law. Then Iran the mosque and praying, but he estranged from his family, and jailed a Pastor with an understanding heart meetings. The arrests in Nakoon, and Iraq went to war against each did not feel anything change in him. several times for criminal activity. for hurting people. Hinboun District, come in the wake of renewed persecution and forced relocation of Christians in Katin, Ta-Oyl District. Southeast Asian Director Stephen Van Attack on Pastor leads to riots in India Valkenburg of Christian Aid Mission has confirmation from At least ten people are dead, a family wedding on 22 December of Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur, five persons will continue to be in force. reliable indigenous leaders that approximately 2,000 houses burned, 2010. has significant concentrations of Shambu Singh, a government government officials renewed and an estimated 50,000 people “Many villages have been torched Baptist Christians. official, reportedly claimed that the their persecution of Laotian displaced following clashes between and people left homeless,” reported “The Garo Baptist Convention ethnic clashes between the two warring Christians over the Christmas two tribes in the North East Indian Wanne Garrey of the Garo Baptist has started its relief work,” Garrey tribes were, “very well planned and holidays. Local officials expelled states of Assam and Meghalaya. Convention. Church leaders, she said, reported. “It is very sad and many are there may be some organisations 15 more believers (seven families) Baptists have mobilised resources were, “trying their best to calm down still living in temporary relief camps behind it.” from their homes and destroyed to assist the displaced and those the situation.” in pathetic condition, although some Two peace committees consisting rice fields in an attempt to starve otherwise affected. The incidents occurred in the have returned home. Healing will take of people drawn from the affected Christians out of the Katin area. The disturbances between the East Garo Hills region of Meghalaya time as many have lost their property.” areas in both states have been Garo and Rabha tribes began on and the Goalpara district of Assam, The area was placed under heavy constituted. The committees have 1 January, following an alleged both bordering each other. The region curfew for several days. Even though district officials, religious leaders and Solidarity attack on a Garo Baptist Pastor in has a large Baptist population. Much the curfew has since been lifted, the civil society groups from both the Muslim leaders expressed their Meghalaya who was returning from of Northeast India, including the states banning of the assembly of more than warring tribes as members. solidarity with Iraqi Christians when about 20 sheikhs from Arab tribes in Nassiriyia, Kerbala, Diwaniyia, Imara and Basra Coming soon visited the Chaldean Archbishop’s residence in Kirkuk to present Vose Annual Booksale their best wishes for the new year, to express their solidarity on Saturday 16th April from 9am with Christians and to voice their concern over mass Christian at Vose Seminary migration, particularly after the 20 Hayman Rd Bentley (opposite Curtin University) attack against Baghdad’s Syriac- Catholic cathedral on 31 October, and a Coptic church in Alexandria • Christian • Gardening (Egypt) on 31 December. During lunch with Archbishop Sako, • Children’s • Cooking the Muslim leaders expressed their outrage and condemned • Novels • Craft the attacks against Christians. “Iraq without Christians would • Music and more! not be Iraq,” one of the sheikhs said. Another noted that his tribe was Christian before the arrival Devonshire Teas, of Islam in the 7th century, adding that, “we cannot forget Sausage Sizzle and Plants. our roots.” The sheikhs gave Archbishop Sako a gift, a sword to Enquiries to the Vose Library symbolise their offer of protection to Christians. The archbishop 6313 6288 thanked them, but said that, “the Christian sword is love.” 11 leadership theadvocate February2011 Courage and determination By Monica O’Neil, Vose Leadership

Goodness! It’s February 2011. I have In Matthew’s account of Jesus’ temptation of peace and have confidence in your work, leave behind options and comforts or life as been on holidays and in case you are in the wilderness he is invited to turn stones you will benefit from time with the One we have known it, to obey the Spirit. asking, it was a wonderful break. Camping into bread to satisfy his hunger (what do we who is strength. I don’t want to rush helter with friends whose journeys have been crave?), to throw himself off a high place to skelter through tasks, surviving by my own Hope and joy intertwined with ours for decades now. test God’s protection (how close to the edge wits and energies. I crave a life where my Facing the New Year with hope and joy Time was spent at the beach and walking can we travel?) and finally to access power work flows from the One. I suspect you are will not be the result of happy circumstances. with my husband. We played games and and reward prematurely and by his own similar. Times dedicated to prayer, reflection It will be the result of you and me holding toured with the kids who joined us for a succession plan (been impatient lately?). and solitude help us to stay close to our very tight to the hope of the Kingdom. It little while. We could be seen fossicking You and I will need courage to be patient Father, hearing the voice of the Spirit, and will result from us bearing in mind Jesus, in op shops in nearby towns and visiting with the progress of our life. We will need responding on obedience to our Saviour. the author and perfector of our faith. Some galleries. determination to turn down every illegitimate things will be in the back of our mind, but let The most serious thing I faced each use of power and authority, both spiritual Compassion us place Jesus in the front of our mind. As day was whether to go to bed when the sun and organisational. We will need courage Crowds followed Jesus even when he we daily and consistently look to him to guide went down, after it went down or before it and determination to live within God’s didn’t want them to. People spoke about our heart, our actions and our decisions — went down. framework for our lives, acknowledging our what he had done, even when he asked them our sense of hope will strengthen, our joy Holidays must be faced with courage own frailties and hungers. If we are naturally to remain silent. When God is at work, things will renew. and determination. The courage and risk takers, as a few leaders are, then it takes can get unpredictable and messy. You and Whatever we face, it probably won’t be determination to relax and enjoy the people a decision not to take foolhardy risks morally I will need determination to respond with quite like my holiday. I want to face the and surroundings of the moment. You or with our health. It is a spiritual battle we love and care when our best laid plans are challenges of being a disciple with courage may laugh at me, but sometimes it takes are in, and time spent in God’s presence becoming a mish-mash or when progress and determination. Want to join me? courage to leave your work and leadership will be needed to resist the temptations we is interrupted. Face it, you and I won’t have in the hands of God and people and will face. everything go the way we planned or wanted determination to forget it. I hope you have it to. Facing that reality with compassion will faced your holidays with a similar courage Rhythm take determination. and determination to us. Jesus was not working 24/7. He withdrew Facing the world that precedes and regularly from the demands of his ministry, Pain in obedience follows my holiday hiatus also needs a both for solitude and prayer, and to have time Face it, obedience can involve pain. In touch of courage and determination. In the with selected people. It is not too late to put Gethsemane, Jesus faced the reality of the footsteps of the greatest leader of all, I bring retreat days, mornings and mini breaks into pain that would accompany his obedience. to you some courage and determination your diary. If you are an engaged leader, I want to be ready for real obedience and to points for us to consider for 2011. your time will disappear into important tasks face the associated costs with courage. The and meetings until what looked like space costs of discipleship vary in as many ways as Temptation in your calendar becomes a small sea of individual discipleship journeys vary. At the We are going to face it. It may be a activity, teeming with appointments and simple end there will be self discipline and For more information on Vose Leadership, temptation to use power on our own terms. projects. If you want to lead from a place at the other end there may be the choice to please call Monica O’Neil on 6313 6200.

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Graceford Hostel (08) 9526 2898 Tom Price Baptist Church (08) 9189 3454 Gracehaven Village (08) 9527 3535 Ministry Opportunities Toodyay Baptist Church (08) 9574 4546 Gracewood Baptist Fellowship (08) 9365 2537 Families Worker (2 days) Vose Seminary (08) 6313 6200 Gracewood Hostel (08) 9365 2400 Youth Worker (1 day) Waratah Christian Community (08) 9534 6673 Hedland Baptist Church (08) 9140 1962 Warwick Church of Christ (08) 9447 7877 We are searching for Indonesian Family Church (08) 9218 9809 committed followers of William Carey Court Village (08) 9752 2073 Inglewood Community Church (08) 9370 1135 Jesus to join our staff Winthrop Baptist College (08) 9314 7722 Kalgoorlie Baptist Church (08) 9091 4222 team; people who are Karen Baptist Church (08) 9495 1496 Woodvale Baptist Church Inc (08) 9309 4044 ready to say ‘yes’ to a new opportunity… Yangebup Baptist Church (08) 9417 2135 Karratha Baptist Church (08) 9185 4008 Katanning Baptist Church (08) 9821 1922 Yokine Baptist Church (08) 9344 7132 You might be a school teacher, social worker, nurse, or parent who has The Advocate is published on behalf of the been hearing the prompting Baptist Churches WA by Image 7 Group. of the Holy Spirit, and is Tel: (08) 9221 9777 ready to help our community theadvocate Email: [email protected] imageseven bcw 9338 help families and young Editor: Terry Hicks Editorial and Advertising: Publishers General Disclaimer people grow in love. Managing Editor: Brad Entwistle Email: [email protected] All the articles, comments, advice and other material contained in Sub Editor: Jill Birt [email protected] this publication are by way of general comment or advice only and Like to know more? Call: are not intended, nor do they purport to be the correct advice on Production: Fiona Hood Mail: Baptist Churches of WA any particular matter of subject referred to. No reader or any other Ps Jackie Smoker T:9450 5328 person who obtains this publication should act on the basis of any [email protected] Graphic Design: Phil de Glanville PO Box 57, Burswood matter, comment or advice contained in this publication without first considering and if necessary taking appropriate professional advice Applications close: 18 Feb 2011 Advertising: Claire Martin Tel: (08) 6313 6300 upon the applicability of any matter, advice or comment herein to their own particular circumstances. Accordingly, no responsibility Distribution: Fiona Hood Fax: (08) 9470 1713 is accepted or taken by the authors, editors or publishers of this Como Baptist Church Editorial deadline: 5th of each month publication for any loss or damage suffered by any party acting in reliance on any matter, comment or advice contained herein. 111 Robert St Como

13 entertainment theadvocate February2011

spotthedifference biblestory

Queens Club is our artist of the month. Can you spot five differences between the two pictures below? Jesus Calls the First Disciples

Matthew 4; Mark 2 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Peter and Andrew. They were fishermen, and they were throwing a net into the lake. “Come follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. Later Jesus saw two other brothers, James and John. They were in a boat with their father, preparing their nets. Jesus called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. Once again Jesus went beside the lake. As he walked along, he saw Levi sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him. And Levi got up and followed him.

Reproduced by kind permission of Candle Books/Angus Hudson Ltd.

10 Things You Didn’t Know

Teeth are the only parts of a human body that can’t repair themselves. A Boeing 747 plane holds about 216 846 litres of fuel.

The art of map making is older than the art of writing. The koala is one of the few animals that does not require water to survive.

24 frames per second are projected in most animated films. To simply walk you use 200 muscles.

The skeleton of a 70 kg body weighs about 13 kg. All hurricanes form over water and last for about 10 days.

Horseracing regulations require no racehorse’s name to contain more than 18 The top cork producing countries in the world are Spain, Portugal and Algeria. letters.

14 February2011 theadvocate entertainment

musiccompetition webreview Competitions Leaving Eden — Brandon Heath For You I Will Run — Dove Award-winner and Male Vocalist of the Year, Jess and Rob Merrells Brandon Heath pulls out all the stops as he testifies to God’s abundant love in his latest acoustic-driven pop For You I Will Run, is a compilation of Jess’ journal release. The album includes the songs ‘Your Love’, entries and Rob’s emails as they both grappled with ‘Only Water’, ‘The Light in Me’, ‘Now More Than Ever’, issues of faith, prayer and God’s care whilst Jess ‘It’s No Good to Be Alone’, ‘As Long As I’m Here’, underwent treatment for leukaemia. To read more ‘Might Just Save Your Life’, and more. about Jess’ story, see our article on page 2. The Advocate in conjunction with Crossroad Distributors The Advocate in conjunction with Jess and Rob is giving you the opportunity to win a copy of his new Merrells is giving you the opportunity to win a copy CD Leaving Eden. To be in the draw, simply answer the of their book. To be in the draw, simply answer the following question. following question. JesusRacing.com.au Question 1: Name a song on Brandon Heath’s new Question 2: What date was Jess diagnosed with Nearly two years ago, Andrew Fisher was challenged to pick CD Leaving Eden. acute lymphoblastic leukaemia? up his cross every day and make an impact for Jesus in motor racing. The result is Jesus Racing. Andrew races a XR8 Ford Entries close 16 Febuary and all winners will be announced in the March edition of The Advocate. Falcon Ute in the V8 Ute’s Australia competition and is now in demand every weekend and throughout the week speaking at schools, churches and conferences. As a ministry of the ‘Jesus Answer 1: Please complete this form with your details and post it to: All About Life’ campaign, Andrew’s car is easy to recognise The Advocate Competition on the track and promotes the verse, “Jesus came to give life 11 East Parade, East Perth WA 6004 Answer 2: and life to the full.” [John 10:10]. The Jesus Racing website keeps you up-to-date of where Chris Tomlin competition winners: N Murray, R Name: Andrew is racing, his speaking engagements as well as when Friend, E Strong. you can catch him race on television. JesusRacing.com.au — Phone Number: Passion for life. Passion for racing.

cdreview bookreview Kindly supplied by Koorong.com Kindly supplied by Koorong.com

Hillsong Chapel 2010: Yahweh Heaven is for Real Hilsong Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent Hillsong Chapel is an intimate and devotional collection of A young boy (Colton) emerges from life-saving surgery with Hillsong songs, both recent and beloved, by the Hillsong remarkable stories of his visit to heaven. Heaven Is for Real is Team. Recorded live in the Hillsong Chapel in March 2010, the true story of the four-year old son of a small town Nebraskan ‘Yahweh’ is the first instalment in this organic contemplative Pastor who during emergency surgery slips from consciousness expression of praise and worship. Comprised of 13 songs and enters heaven. He survives and begins talking about being carefully rearranged to be more intimate, this project is able to look down and see the doctor operating and his dad perfect for smaller gatherings and will help resource smaller praying in the waiting room. The family didn’t know what to congregations with the favourites from Hillsong Live and believe, but soon the evidence was clear. Told by the father, but Hillsong United. It is also ideal for your own personal often in Colton’s own words, the disarmingly simple message is devotional and meditative times of worship. heaven is a real place, Jesus really loves children, and be ready, rating: 5/5 there is a coming last battle.

Move Every Young Woman’s Battle Third Day Shannon Ethridge and Stephen Arterburn Move is award-winning rock band Third Day’s soul stirring The world you live in promotes sex as the answer to just about 11th studio album. Produced and recorded in the band’s everything. The pressure to go along with the crowd is greater than new studio ‘The Quarry’ and producer Paul Moak’s well- ever before, and it’s easy to compromise in little ways that are a lot known ‘The Smoakstack’, this 12-track offering is visceral more harmful than they seem. You just want to be normal — to fit and gritty, rootsy and riveting, hinting at Third Day’s southern in, to be liked, to look attractive to the opposite sex. Whether you influence. The project leads with the dynamic first single ‘Lift have so far protected yourself emotionally and sexually, feel that Up Your Face’ with highlight tracks including the worshipful you’ve been robbed of your purity, or have given in to temptation ‘Children of God’, ‘Surrender’, ‘Follow Me There’ and the raw in some way, this book can help you achieve or reclaim sexual and addictive ‘Make Your Move’. integrity. It can also guide you through the temptations and rating: 4.5/5 pressures of young adulthood while demonstrating how you can live your life to the fullest — without regrets.

WOW Hits 2011 Unlocked Various Artists Karen Kingsbury ‘Wow’ and ‘awesome’ are sometimes overused words. Holden Harris is an eighteen-year-old locked in a prison of However, when you take 30 of the best songs on Christian autism. Despite his quiet ways and quirky behaviors, Holden is radio and put them on two CDs for under the cost of four very happy and socially normal — on the inside, in a private world mocha’s, legitimately you can’t help but say ‘wow’! The all his own. In reality, he is bullied at school by kids who only see anticipated annual release WOW Hits 2011 promises to that he is very different. Ella Reynolds is part of the ‘in’ crowd. A be even better than the year before! WOW continues to cheerleader and star of the high school drama production, her outperform sales trends in the market and is still the largest life seems perfect. When she catches Holden listening to her brand in Christian music! WOW is the perfect gift for current rehearse for the school play, she is drawn to him the way he is fans and for those new to Christian music. rating: 4.5/5 drawn to the music. Frustrated by the way Holden is bullied, and horrified at the indifference of her peers, Ella decides to take a stand against the most privileged and popular kids at school. 15 theadvocate February2011

sport&youth National carnival fills Lakeside

Two hundred and fifty men and women from across Australia played in the Australian Baptist Basketball Championships at Lakeside Recreation Centre from 10 to 15 January. It was the largest tournament in the 39 year history of the Championships. Twenty four teams from Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania joined ten West Australian teams for the week of competition, playing games on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoon and evening, and on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday morning. The Championships were launched with 360 people attending a Church service on Court 1 at Lakeside Recreation Centre, the home of Lakeside Baptist Church, before the competition commenced. A BBQ supper followed the service. Each day competitors and support staff met on Court 1 for 30 minutes to hear from guest speakers including Wildcats players Kevin Lisch, Shawn Redhage, Jeremiah Trueman and Wildcats CEO Nick

Marvin. Anthony Palmieri, Lakeside’s Photo: John Chegwidden Young Families Pastor and a former Myra Donkin (WA1), runner-up most valuable player for the Women’s A grade teams drives towards the goal. Lakeside Lightning (State Basketball League) Captain, led these devotional couples who were married in the Country won from Victoria in the Australians. Brad Jackson (WA2) The top players from the meetings. weeks prior to the Championship and Men’s B1 grade. Victoria 2 (Blue) was voted MVP with Luke Ford (WA1) competition formed the All Stars Championship organisers a young couple who announced their defeated Western Australia to as runner-up. Brad Jackson was top team to play exhibition games against planned the week with time for social engagement during the tournament win the Men’s B2 grade. scorer for the Grade with 112 points, the WA State Under 20 teams on events as well as basketball games. after connecting during last year’s In the women’s games South averaging 18.67 points per game. Sunday afternoon following the The group visited Adventure World tournament. Australia defeated Western Australia Ryan Sofoulis (WA1) was voted best Championship. one afternoon during the week. Results of the tournament 1 (Black) to win the Women’s A grade defensive player. Andy Stewart, head of the Roy Robinson and a team of 46 were encouraging for WA games. Western Australia 2 (Gold) Women’s A Grade MVP was Championship’s organising committee volunteers transformed Court 1 into a teams. Western Australia 2 defeated South Australia 2 and won Amber Land (SA). Runner-up was said, ‘God’s presence was obvious’ reception centre for 270 guests who won the Men’s A grade with the Women’s B1 grade. Myra Donkin (WA1). Amber Land was and the event was ‘an outstanding attended the presentation dinner on South Australia as runners up. Victoria won the Women’s B2 top scorer for A Grade Women with week of ministry’. Representatives of Saturday 15 January, following the South Australia 2 defeated grade by defeating Western Australia. 98 points, averaging 16.33 points the state groups were excited to see final games earlier in the day. They South Australia 1 in the Men’s The A Grade Most Valuable per game. Jess Van Schie (WA1) was the spiritual growth evident among gave special attention to two young A Reserve competition. Victoria Players included several West voted best defensive player. many in their teams.

Last year Baptist World Aid Australia responded to emergency situations in Pakistan, Haiti, Indonesia, Bangladesh and India. Help us save lives again this year. Give to the Emergency Relief Fund and help Baptist World Aid Australia provide immediate assistance to those affected by disasters. Emergency Relief Call 1300 789 991 or visit www.shareanopportunity.org today.

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