theadvocate.tv MAY 2015

“What kind of environment are you in? In Conversation Senior Minister of CityLife Does it help you grow or is it holding you back?” Church, Mark Conner talks about awareness JOHN MAXWELL PAGE 13>> and attentiveness to God. PAGE 12>> Oxford offer for dux 3 Discovery mission WA pastors walk the streets of Melbourne during the Vose Master of Divinity graduate Vicki Lorrimar Capacity Builders’ visit >> has been offered a place at Oxford University with direct entry to a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) program.

Vicki received the honour of “I particularly hope to the Janet West Prize for the top combine my theological student of the Australian College studies with my background in of Theology (ACT) for 2014 at genetics and medical research the Vose Commencement and to consider theological Conferral Service at Riverton responses to emerging issues 8 Chronic lack of awe Baptist Church in March. She also in bioethics.” Stop and say ‘thanks’ on received the prize for the highest Vose Seminary Principal 30 May >> marked thesis at Masters level and Dr Brian Harris said Vicki the dux of Vose Seminary. is a high achieving student and her academically strong student peers must also be acknowledged. I particularly “[This year] we had the largest number of students hope to ever graduating which is combine my wonderful,” Brian said. “The service was a 15 School Scoop theological celebration of students’ Emmanuel Christian commitment to on-going Community School students studies with learning and God’s goodness.” write for The Advocate >> my background The diversity of the courses studied has expanded Vose in genetics Seminary’s influence in theological training. and medical Seventy-two students research ... graduated from a variety of courses during the graduation ceremony. The Building Vicki is waiting to hear if she keynote speaker on the night will receive a scholarship which Pastor Karen Wilson spoke healthy will provide living expenses for passionately on the topic ‘Let her further studies. the Adventure Begin’. churches. “ACT is always very excited Dr James Lee presented to see our best graduates awards to the first group of undertaking further study at a Korean students to complete premier institution like Oxford their studies entirely in the BAPTIST CHURCHES University,” ACT Associate Dean Korean language at Vose’s Photo: Sarah Wickham SJ Creations and Director of Research Rev. Dr Bentley campus. More than a Vicki Lorrimar is waiting to see if she will receive a scholarship to help her WESTERN AUSTRALIA Graeme Chatfield said. dozen students travelled from further her studies at Oxford University. Vicki said that she could not their homeland to study at Vose have chosen better than Vose. this year. courses. These are delivered Morling College in Sydney “Not only have I discovered Students from Vose Equip’s in the combined contexts also graduated and three a real love for grappling with Vocational Education and of active service in a local students graduated in Mauritius theological questions, but the Training program were also church or organisation with Certificate IV level staff and students have set a presented with their awards. and Vose Seminary, or qualifications. wonderful example of uniting Vose offers highly practical, distance learning. The evening was intellectual insights with deeply biblical training through Twenty students enrolled the highlight of the new practical application.” she said. its Certificate IV and Diploma in Vose courses through academic year. 2 my view

MAY 2015 Visionary seniors inspire change

Being a ‘senior’ still seems a bit strange, but it’s not because of my age. When “Despite my discomfort, my grandson asked, “Poppie, is your hair painted that colour?” I loved it. however, I can’t think of one Biblical tenet that would be violated. I trust the Holy Admittedly, when his little brother Fiebig accurately observed, “Age when God calls, and sorting out Spirit, and my fellow leaders, added, “Do you have a baby in does not diminish the extreme when conflict crashes in. In I trust you.” your tummy?” it wasn’t quite so disappointment of having a age appropriate ways, they are What a radiant portrayal much fun. In the words of Ogden scoop of ice cream fall from the still doing it. To me they are the of the vast difference between Nash “When I jog, I joggle”, but cone”. We are not constrained real ‘seniors’. what wrinkles the face and what I’m thankful I can jog and for so by labels like ‘senior’. Life bursts Some years ago for example, wrinkles the soul and spirit. many other blessings. out of all labels, but that’s not our young people proposed ‘Senior’ saints everywhere; Recently I had the joy of it either. something new and strikingly I honour every one of you. In conducting the first wedding It is because of my elders at different. Throughout a lengthy the words of scripture, “I thank Graham Mabury where I had also married the Mount Pleasant, and elsewhere, church board discussion a highly God for you … your love for all his Graham Mabury is 2015 bride’s parents. How is that who followed Jesus, not their respected foundation member holy people and your faith in the WA Senior of the Year and possible? How can 2014 be own preferences. Living and remained thoughtfully silent. Lord Jesus … has given me great a Pastor at Mount Pleasant the 50th anniversary of The breathing mission, they resisted When asked for his view, it was joy and encouragement, because Baptist Church. Beatles Australian tour? The the temptation to control. They our turn to listen intently. you …have refreshed the hearts years have flown but ‘senior’ lived authentic faith in triumph “In my day this would have of the Lord’s people.” hasn’t taken me by surprise. Jim and tragedy; in stepping out been unthinkable”, he said. [Philemon 4-5, 7]

On a granddaughter’s birth ...

Well, after seven years of marriage, my oldest son and his wife have presented memory of Christ’s victory over us with our first grandchild, a girl, Maya-Rose. Her welcomed arrival has seen sin, death and the devil firmly us swamped with good wishes from far and wide. etched in our minds and hearts. I long that she will allow those events to shape and direct her I have been touched and many affirmations of her, and form, or will her primary role life ... actually, that is my deepest delighted by how positive they when she opened her eyes, was have been that of an onlooker? longing for her. all are. I expected that people content to gaze at me with calm There is history waiting to be She is now carried in the would say, ‘You’re a grandfather but bemused curiosity. made, and even if her name is arms of loving parents, family – welcome to old age.’ Instead Statisticians report that a not the one forever mentioned, and friends. I am forever they assure me that I have female child born in Australia I am quietly confident that grateful that she, like you and I, joined the best club in the world. today is likely to live for around there is a Maya-Rose shaped is also carried in the loving arms There is something about 85 years – which gives Maya- difference that she can make, as of grace. Dr Brian Harris the birth of a child that touches Rose a fighting chance of indeed there is for each of us. Dr Brian Harris is the even hardened hearts. It is easy making it into the 22nd century. I am so glad she was born Principal of Vose Seminary to see why. As I gazed at Maya- Will that be a world she tut-tuts just a few days after Easter. So and Pastor at Large for the Rose, I saw innocence, fragility, about in her old age, or one that good to be on the resurrection Carey Group. trust – and great sleepiness. she affirms with satisfaction? side of those transforming Indeed, she dozed through my Will it be a world she helped to events. She arrived with the

Engaging the outer skin

I am sure you know it is better not to peel an apple before you eat it. As individuals we know Why? Because much of the goodness is stored in the skin. The skin is a how to interact with the tax thin boundary, the place the apple interacts with the sun and the rest of department because they give us the forms that translate our lives the environment. into data they understand. We know how to order at a restaurant You also know that you can kill have given enough thought to of Christ interacts with the rest of because they give us a menu that a tree by taking a ‘ring’ of bark the boundary where it interacts the world our church boundary is helps us ‘speak their language’. from its outer most layer – the with the world. Perhaps where being redefined and activated. What does a church need to boundary that interacts with the most important and defining Surely there is a place for us to think about to interact well with the rest of the world. For most work is done by the church. give greater focus and discussion the community around it? That living things and groups, there We put a lot of work into our as to how we can better resource is the task in front of us, we need is defining and unique work worship services, publications, and supply the outer boundary of to think deeply and act bravely as Steve Ingram done at the boundary where the branding and websites oblivious the church? Most churches have we develop a new and innovative Steve Ingram is the Director of organism interacts with the rest that the boundary of our church worked out how to ‘do’ stuff with outer skin. Deep Well Leadership. of the world. is better defined by the places people at the boundary, such as We have long understood that our individual people go, and evangelism and welfare, and yet that the church is an organism, the things that they do and say. very few seem to have worked out a living thing, but we may not Every time a member of the body how to ‘interact’ at the boundary. 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

MAY 2015 Discovery mission for pastors

As part of the Capacity Builders program, ten Western Australian pastors visited churches in Melbourne in March on a discovery mission.

During these three days in Melbourne the group visited three large Baptist churches: Crossway Baptist, New Hope Baptist and Syndal Baptist. As well as touring the church properties, the group had significant question and answer time with the key pastors from each church. The pastors the visiting group met all exuded vision, hope, a deep spiritual life; and all are highly disciplined. The visitors were struck by the longevity of pastors who

are dedicated to their churches Photo: Monica O’Neil – hardworking, knew difficulty Capacity Builders team members talk about the day’s meetings in Melbourne. and reality, but love Jesus, the church, their church and volunteers. Practical ideas more important than anything (Bentley), Mark Edwards “I think the time we had communities. ranged from building design to and that the pastors of the large (Inglewood), David Kilpatrick together as pastors laughing, Topics of conversation were parking and retractable fencing. churches were focussed on (Carey), Craig Lydon (Parkerville), learning, sharing and praying wide-ranging and included Director of Vose Leadership their spiritual life,” Monica said. Craig Palmer (Riverton), Anthony was very significant,” Mark staffing, change management, Monica O’Neil was among “Structure, savvy and hard Palmieri (Lakeside), Aash Parmar Wilson said. conflict management the group who participated in work were there, but under the (Ellenbrook), Karen Siggins “This group of Capacity and resolution, emotional the program. Lordship of Christ.” (Lesmurdie) and Jackie Smoker Builders has the potential to set intelligence, systems, and “Mostly there was a deep Baptist Pastors Phil Beeck (Como) travelled with Baptist up a crop of pastors to lead in empowerment of staff and sense that spiritual life was (East Fremantle), Aaron Bradfield Churches Western Australia’s Word and deed.” Director of Ministries Mark Vose Leadership is Wilson, Pastoral Consultant Rob committed to building skills, Furlong and Monica O’Neil for confidence and resilience the outstanding opportunity for in pastors. Global opportunity growth in pastoral leadership. “We expect the pastors who Capacity Builders started in participate in the Capacity June 2014 and runs until the Builders program will build end of 2015. A group of invited strong supportive relationship pastors meets regularly to stretch networks that will bring great and grow their leadership skills encouragement to them in and experience to lead larger their calling,” Mark said. churches. The course is included The course is already in the ongoing development seeing visions renewed, requirements for Baptist pastors, ideas fuelled and questions with the trip being an integral answered for some of part of it. WA’s pastors.

Girrawheen Baptist Church is seeking an Associate Pastor

Photo: Mike Bullard (Youth and Children’s Ministry Portfolio) Western Australians in the Global Interaction team in Mozambique enjoying Pastor Mike Bullard’s visit. 5 days/week overseeing youth and children’s ministries Mozambique, visas, living in the church, including- arrangements and increasing  Chaplaincy work in our growing Christian School Pastor of Riverton Baptist Church Mike connection and impact with Bullard had the unique opportunity to travel local individuals, families  Providing pastoral care, leadership and coordination of youth and children’s work to Mozambique in March to join the Global and villages. Several of the families  Developing youth leaders and community connections Interaction team at their annual spiritual retreat on the team will be on home at Lake Malawi. assignment during 2015 with Applications opportunities to be refreshed Associate Pastor (Youth & Children’s) Pastor Paul Price “It was a special time where different country and culture,” and recharged. This will assist we wrote psalms – mostly Mike said. their preparation to return to 3 Salcott Rd Girrawheen 6064 of lament, shared about The predominantly Mozambique and help people Ph: 0413 994 793 leadership, and prayed for one Western Australian team develop their own distinctive Email: [email protected] another about the challenges asks for ongoing prayer for ways of following Jesus. and opportunities of being the Spirit’s guidance and Applications Close 1st June 2015

Christ’s ambassadors in a strength, registration in 4 news

MAY 2015 A decade of community service

Roger and Lilian Jennings were honoured for their ten years of volunteering at Stirk Park Carols by Candlelight by the committee and friends in Lesmurdie early April.

Organising Committee Chair and More than $3,000 was Lesmurdie Baptist Church Pastor raised by selling glow sticks and Karen Siggins presented Roger programs at last year’s event and and Lilian with a pair of silver- at the gathering the proceeds plated candle sticks as a reminder were presented to Youthcare to of their decade of work with the help support school chaplains in Kalamunda event. the district.

As a local resident, Roger was The Stirk Park Carols by Photo: Jill Birt the Organising Committee Chair Candlelight commenced in Kalamunda’s St Barnabas’ Anglican Church Rector John Ward, Kalamunda Church of Christ Pastor Steve Hall, for five years until Karen Siggins 1969 and continues to be a well and Lesmurdie Baptist Church Pastor Karen Siggins congratulate Roger Jennings on his contribution to the took over the role recently. He spent supported event on the community Stirk Park Carols over ten years. another five years as treasurer for calendar with between 3,000 and the group. Lilian was Promotions 5,000 local people attending each churches, as well as guest artists during one of their monthly prayer Christ Pastor Steve Hall as Vice and Publicity Secretary and year. In 2014, recently retired 6PR and bands every year. meetings and asked for help. Chair, and Christine Ferguson produced the Stirk Park Carols radio host Graham Mabury was “Early in 2014 the organising Pastors from Baptist, Anglican, from Kalamunda Church of Christ sheet for several years. Master of Ceremonies. team was quite small and a little Catholic and Church of Christ as a member of the team. “It’s been a wonderful event to Kalamunda Community Radio weary. There was not much churches offered their assistance “There is deep respect among be part of,” Roger said. transmits the event live and replays support from local churches and and the event gained some the pastors for each other and the There was also a presentation it on Christmas morning each year. it looked as if the carols event may new inspiration. community we serve, so it is good for Lindsay Goodwin who recently Volunteers from churches have needed to become a more With Roger, Lilian and Lindsay to work together on a combined retired from the committee after within the Shire of Kalamunda plan secular concern in order for it to retiring, new committee members community event,” Pastor Steve eight years serving in various and coordinate a varied program continue,” Karen said. include St Barnabas’ Anglican Hall said. capacities, including secretary, with choirs and musicians As Chair of the Committee Church Rector John Ward as Planning for the 2015 Stirk Park stage manager and vice-chairman. from local primary schools and Roger visited the local pastors Secretary, Kalamunda Church of event is already underway.

Changing of the guard at BCWA insurance

billion and on behalf of over scheme we do so with a and look forward to getting to 1,200 constituents. ministry and servant focus,” know many more of the people Natalie Coulson is “Natalie brings an ideal he said. in our churches and schools,” the new Insurance mix of knowledge, skills and As well as property Natalie said. Officer at Baptist a kingdom heart to the role,” claims, Natalie deals with Natalie also deals with BCWA Business Manager risk management processes Workers’ Compensation Churches Western Greg Holland said for events and other claims, renewals and claims, and Australia (BCWA). “She has completed both a including public liability issues the renewal of several BCWA Bachelor of Commerce degree through BIS. group licences, including the Baptist Insurance Services in Accounting and Business There are more than 100 Christian Copyright Licensing (BIS) is a ministry of the Law from Curtin University and churches and 11 schools International (CCLI) licence, Baptist Union of Australia a Graduate Diploma of Divinity and several other ministries Australasian Performing Right and operates as a delegated from the Sydney Missionary and within BCWA that are insured Association (APRA) licence and body of its National Council. Bible College.” with BIS. the Big Studio Movie License.

It is a national insurance “This fits well with the BCWA “I see this role as a way to Natalie replaces Jill Birt who Photo: Jill Birt scheme insuring property and view that while we offer an serve the wider church family was the Insurance Officer for Natalie Coulson is looking forward other assets in excess of $3.4 exceptionally good insurance with their insurance needs the past four years. to her new role with BCWA. digital church

24/03/15 01/04/15 don’t have to pound gavels, 07/04/15 08/04/15 Chris Hefner Steven Tran point fingers, or cast blame. All Andrew (Hamo) JD Greear lifeway.com/pastorstoday thinkingofgod.org you need to do is share your Hamilton jdgreear.com “Easter is hope because Jesus “His [Jesus’s] death to pay story. The beautiful thing about backyardmissionary.com “The church needs more experienced sorrow, sickness, the penalty for our sins. His sharing your faith story is that “Allow Jesus to define life and Deborahs. We need those pain, suffering, and death. resurrection to prove His nobody can deny it. No one can priorities.” godly, strong women to step up Then on that first Easter victory over death and establish argue with your own personal and use the gifts God has given Sunday morning, he emerged lordship over all. It is the basic experience. When you share 08/04/15 them. We need Deborahs in the from the grave victorious. message of our faith since personally, it touches hearts Tim Challies home, speaking courage into Ultimately, Jesus is our hope.” that very first Easter morning deeply. What is most personal is challies.com their family’s lives. We need – and it is the basic message most universal.” “For all the good things my Deborahs in ministry, calling 30/03/15 that continues to challenge, parents did for me, I believe us to give and pray and go and Max Lucado confront, and transform lives.” 07/04/15 that the most important was sacrifice. We need Deborahs in twitter.com/MaxLucado Louie Giglio simply living as Christians society, women who lead with “ ‘My God, My God, why have 03/04/15 twitter.com/LouieGiglio before me. I don’t think wisdom, courage, and faith.” You forsaken Me?’ Why did Todd Rhoades “A seed may seem harmless, anything shaped or challenged Christ scream those words? So toddrhoades.com but what you plant today will me more than that.” Compiled by Breege McKiernan you’ll never have to.” “Your role as a Christ follower become the life you harvest in is to simply be a witness. You seasons to come. Plant well.” news 5

MAY 2015 Importance of a healthy soul

At the final session, Baptist Churches Western Australia More than 180 pastors, leaders and spouses with Director of Ministries Mark various Baptist ministries of Western Australia met in Wilson gave a powerful Mandurah for the annual Pastoral Retreat in April. message that highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy soul. At the conclusion, People travelled from as far as The team that organised the a significant time of ministry Derby and Esperance to attend. Retreat recorded video interviews took place as people came The theme, A Deeper Well, with pastoral couples Andrew and forward for prayer, followed by flowed through the three days. Danelle Hamilton from Quinns every person present placing a Individuals and couples had Baptist Church, and Josh and candle on two giant floor maps opportunities to learn through Marnel Thomas from Inglewood to represent the geographical the teaching of Senior Minister Community Church, that location where God had called at CityLife Church, Melbourne, highlighted some of the pressures them to minister. One was of Mark Conner, as he encouraged of pastoral life for couples. the Perth metropolitan area and pastoral workers to grow in Andrew’s story is that of a the other of the entire state of awareness and attentiveness ‘recovering workaholic’, learning Western Australia. towards God. (See page 12 for an to live life at a gentler pace. While As the lights in the interview with Mark Conner.) Josh and Marnel have been auditorium were dimmed, the “I so appreciated Mark’s learning much about themselves impact of the ministry of Baptist sharing of his personal story, and God through suffering that churches across the state shone personal vulnerability, and gentle has come into their lives. brightly. People lingered and nudging towards engaging with A powerful video greeting openly wept as Mount Pleasant God,” Riverton Baptist Church from the Global Interaction team Baptist Church Senior Pastor Pastor Mike Bullard said. leader in Mozambique, Jonno Nick Scott and Vose Leadership For the first time the meetings Crane highlighted the cost of Director Monica O’Neil lead were held at The Lakes Theatre keeping your ‘well’ clean. A everyone present in prayer. on the campus of Mandurah mud-encrusted Jonno emerged It was one of those God- Baptist College. Heart-felt times from the family’s backyard well inspired moments.

Photo: Ray Brown of worship gave opportunity for to speak directly to those at the The annual Pastoral Retreat Candles highlighting the Baptist ministries in Perth at the Pastoral people to engage deeply with God Retreat, encouraging them to was incredibly valuable for all Retreat held in April. through music and prayer. keep their ‘wells’ clean. who attended.

Jesus on trial Challenging TV codes

real expert witness and a current Perth judge presiding,” Proposed changes to the Australian CBF Perth Women’s and Commercial Television Industry Code of Training Coordinator Léni-Jo Practice were challenged by national lobbyists McMillan said. The jury deliberations will run FamilyVoice Australia in their submission to as discussion groups following the Australian Communications and Media the event. Authority review in late March.

This mock trial Free TV Australia is calling may now be shown in realistic for the abolition of all G time detail at 7.30pm. Currently will examine zones, and for moving the M such a program would be zone (and M rated advertising) rated MA15+.” Jesus’ reported forward to 7.30pm, when “Illegal drug use in M resurrection ... many children watch TV. programs cannot be shown in MA15+ programs would move detail at present, but could be forward to 8.30pm. shown in detail under the Free Extremely violent TV proposal.” audiovisual programs would Details of proposed “We will run a group in the be reclassified as MA15+, thus guideline changes are city and encourage churches allowing them to be screened available on request from to also run groups in their local at 8.30pm. FamilyVoice Australia. Jesus on Trial is a City Bible Forum (CBF) event communities in June,” Léni said. “The complaints process The increasing coming to Perth on 21 May at the Riverside Theatre, The mock trial will follow a would be tougher and more commitment to Pay TV, Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, to timetable with allocated time for drawn out,” FamilyVoice which has far less stringent Counsel’s opening statements, research officer Ros regulation, is putting consider if Jesus rose from the dead. evidence, cross-examination Phillips said. increasing pressure on of expert witnesses and The FamilyVoice research Free TV Australia to lower For 2,000 years Christians have A second barrister and closing arguments. team also identified retrograde its standards in an effort to laid claim to a historical event. Treasurer of Australian Skeptics The evening will be recorded changes to wording in the TV maintain market share. This mock trial will examine Inc. Martin Hadley will cross by West TV who have recorded guidelines that most people Results of the Australian Jesus’ reported resurrection using examine Professor Judge and call and screened some of CBF’s would not have noticed. Communications and Media the standards and procedures an expert witness of his own. previous events, such as Cosmic “Some changes may Authority review will be applied in contemporary Supreme Court Justice Chemistry with Oxford University seem minor, but taken as a publicised later in the year. secular courts. Kenneth Martin will instruct the Professor of Mathematics whole they could result in Ian Davidson SC will argue audience on how to assess the John Lennox. misleading classification the case for the resurrection with case. changes,” Ros said. reference to ancient documents “We hope people will bring For more information or to “In the guidelines for the M and by calling historian Professor their friends along to hear the purchase tickets ($30), visit category, for example, suicide Edwin Judge. evidence from real lawyers, jesusontrial.org.au 6 news

MAY 2015 Camps call for discipleship

Two successful camps have engaged young adults at Busselton and Albany camp sites over the Easter weekend this year.

For the first time an Easter camp was held at the Busselton Baptist Camping Centre. The Albany Easter camp at Camp Kennedy, Perkins Beach has been a highly regarded annual event for many years. Ninety-eight campers from

Albany, Busselton, Esperance, Photo: Brooke Sheehan Perth, Pingelly, Mukinbudin, The first group that attended the Easter camp held at Busselton. Wagin and other country towns attended the Camp Kennedy gathering while 32 campers were onsite at Busselton. Baptist Churches Western Australia Youth and Young Adult Consultant Craig Palmer said the two camps gave valuable options for young adults across the state to meet with peers and friends at a special time of year. Busselton Baptist Community Church Pastor Paul Colyer spoke at the Camp Kennedy event, while Quinns Baptist Church Pastor Andrew

Hamilton spoke for the group of Winning Liz Photo: 18 to 25 year olds at the Busselton Campers at the Albany Easter camp held at Camp Kennedy. Baptist Camping Centre. Paul focused on the live sheep mascots for sports as a convenient ‘add on’, as people stay connected to to be a bit of ‘taste and see’ condition of people without God, team-building exercises. Each experienced by followers of Jesus: pursue simplicity, but it was a great camp with a why people need God and how to team marked their sheep using recreational Christianity. choose fellowship, develop strong feeling of getting away accept God. coloured hair spray paint before “Statistics show only 60 to 70 healthy spiritual rhythms, deal in a beyond words beautiful “A highlight of the camp the sheep participated in a ‘sheep percent of the group at camp will with your demons, expect location,” Craig said. would definitely be Paul’s trial’ competition. be following Jesus in 20 years’ disappointments, choose to Planning for Juniors and sermons. Not one person left In Busselton, Andrew time,” Andrew said. marry a Christian and find Inters at Serpentine Camping camp without being convicted Hamilton spoke on the topic, “Some will give up on Jesus, someone to confess your sins to. Centre during the mid-year and encouraged by the gospel,” ‘The Road Less Travelled’, others will lose their way and All the campers at Busselton school holidays is already organiser Rachel Goodall said. calling young adults to costly some will wander off and declared the experiment well advanced. Other highlights included discipleship by intentionally reject faith.” a success. the Easter Sunday dawn following Jesus as the centre Andrew outlined some “Being the first Busselton To register for the camps, service, a large bush dance and of their lives rather than life disciplines that can help Easter camp it was always going visit www.baptistwa.asn.au

Life change for Cung

“It has humbled me and Cung Uk Lal left Myanmar in 2001 to start a new taught me to trust and rely on life in Australia. Today he is the Assistant Pastor at God more than ever.” Myanmar Baptist Church and recently graduated Forty-five people from Cung’s church, including from Vose Seminary with a Bachelor of Theology. his pastor Zaw Win attended the Vose Commencement Cung (29) started studying culture, food and many other and Conferral Service at a Certificate IV of Christian things, and I enjoyed every Riverton Baptist Church in Spirituality focusing on bit of these experiences,” March. His mother Sui Ci personal development of people Cung said. Chuntoi and Cung’s two sisters from cross-cultural churches Training at Vose has deeply also attended. at Vose Seminary in 2006. An impacted Cung’s life. Cung is one of the first adjunct lecturer at Vose Dr Marc “Vose has taught me to migrants from Myanmar to Chan was a significant person become a lifelong learner so I graduate with a bachelor degree in Cung’s academic journey, will continue to learn more and from Vose Seminary. helping him unravel the more as I serve God wherever Cung’s father died when systems of academic learning. He puts me,” Cung said. Cung was eight years old. He

“Everything was very “Vose has enhanced my was adopted into his aunt’s Photo: Sarah Wickham SJ Creations difficult for me – language, thinking, understanding family and migrated to Perth Sui Ci Chuntoi stands proudly with her son Cung Uk Lal after he recently ways of thinking, concepts, and doing.” with them. graduated with a Bachelor of Theology from Vose Seminary. news 7

MAY 2015 Fathering building community

Over the years of being involved in the East Fremantle Phil Beeck from East Fremantle Baptist Church is community Phil has seen some deeply committed to helping men become better dads. subtle and not so subtle changes in the school community. “We have stories of dads Phil is the President of the P&C For many men being a father quitting their busy jobs to do at his local school and has been does not come naturally and things that make more time for an integral part of the Fathering they need to learn the skills. their kids,” Phil said. Project in his local area for about Founder of the Fathering “I hope in the future that I can six years. The group helps fathers Project Professor Bruce say that the big beneficiaries are realise how important they are in Robinson started the group the kids who grow up with active a child’s life and offers advice on after repeatedly hearing from dads in their lives, who know they how to encourage their children. terminally ill patients in his are loved unconditionally, they are “I run an annual dads and work as a lung specialist that special and can say that dad was kids camp in our local school men regretted not spending there for me.” and help a few other schools more time with their children. Another visible change is that with their Fathering Projects,” “For a lot of blokes their dad dads are more involved in the Phil said. was either not around or was community. The school has seen a One hundred and thirteen not a really good guy, so they 30 percent increase in the number dads and their children camped don’t have a role model for how of dads dropping and collecting overnight on a local school oval to be a dad,” Bruce said. children. Previously there were in mid-March as part of the “Even if they had a good role only three or four. This has created P&C group’s involvement in the model, pretty much every dad a huge cultural shift and advanced Fathering Project. has to learn what to do.” community spirit. East Fremantle Baptist “No one ever teaches you Phil continues to connect Church members are also how to be a dad,” he said. men with the Fathering Project involved in the project and Phil believes changing how resources and is already planning

volunteers arrived at 6am to cook men function as the father of this year’s camp for dads and their Beeck Phil Photo: bacon and eggs for the dads and their children has the ability to sons at The Paddock in Pingelly Dads caught more of the vision of being fathers to their children when kids’ breakfast. change a generation. during spring. they camped overnight on the oval at a local school in East Fremantle.

Training for mission teams

mission fits into God’s plan sets “With more churches than the stage for further learning. ever before sending short-term Short-term mission trip Team dynamics and utilising team teams on mission, this is a great personnel will have the members’ personalities on mission, opportunity for churches to opportunity to receive as well as maximising personal help prepare team leaders and missional and relationship impact pastors to learn from people with training by Missions will also be addressed. a lot of practical experience,” Neil Interlink at Perth Bible The group of trainers have Anderson said. College on Saturday over 80 years combined missions’ Missions Interlink is an 27 June. experience. Trainers include association of mission-focused Missions Interlink Western organisations, colleges, churches Australia’s Neil Anderson; Vose and individuals that are committed The one day event offers a unique Mission Director and Operation to high standards in practice and opportunity for pastors, team Mobilisation State Director WA working together to maximise leaders and others to prepare for Lloyd Porter; Pioneers Australia – Australia’s contribution to cross-cultural short-term visits for WA and Stacey College’s Christa global mission.

Photo: Christa Smith Christa Photo: two to six weeks. Smith; Worldwide Evangelisation The training program costs Christa Smith from Stacey College, Perth and Pioneers WA with a group Broadly understanding God’s for Christ’s(WEC) Jim Dawson and $30 and to register contact of Chinese students in her English class in China last year. plan for missions and how a group’s Denise Rhodes. Peter Warren on 0417 916 323.

briefs POSITION VACANT Sport celebration of the 148 students killed at the service. The church meets in one

West Coast Eagle Nic Naitanui, Garissa University. of the earliest Baptist churches Church Administrator Perth Wildcat Shawn Redhage and built in Western Australia at Lakeside Baptist Church (P/T, 0.6 FTE) the How Ridiculous guys Brett, Cross-cultural event 451 Guildford Road, Bayswater. Derek, Kyle, and Scott will be at Cross-cultural churches are Situated in the southern suburbs of Perth WA, Lakeside is a unique church serving the community through a Recreation Centre. It’s a vibrant St Mary’s Cathedral, 17 Victoria planning a combined worship Winter camps church that is passionate about seeing people say “yes” to Jesus. Square, Perth for the Celebration of event celebrating Pentecost at Juniors camp for children in Years Sport service on Sunday 17 May at Morley Baptist Church, 33 Hanwell 4 to 6 will be held from 6 to 10 An exciting opportunity is available for an enthusiastic and experienced person to join the team at Lakeside in the role of Church Administrator. 2.45pm. Western Warriors Coach Way, Bassendean on Saturday July. The cost is $270 for early bird Justin Langer will be the speaker. 23 May from 2pm to 5pm. Choirs registration by 8 June and or $290 The successful applicant will need to have excellent people and communication skills, good computer literacy, strong administrative and This annual event is hosted by from some churches have already by 22 June. David Smith is the co-ordination ability and the capacity to develop and maintain systems. Christians Together in Sport. commenced rehearsals. For more speaker. Inters for young people in The Church Administrator is responsible for the overall management of information, phone Pastor Victor Years 7 to 9 runs from 13 to 17 July. all church administration tasks as well as providing administrative Prayer gathering Owuor on 6313 6300. Earlybird registration is $280 by assistance to the Senior Pastor. Wesley Church in the city was full 8 June or $300 by 22 June. Chris The successful applicant would be required to attend Lakeside Baptist on Saturday 11 April as Christians Romanian anniversary Field is the speaker. Both camps Church. gathered to pray for the persecuted The Romanian Baptist Church will be conducted at Serpentine For more information or a copy of the selection criteria, contact church. A focus for prayer during celebrated their 25th Anniversary Camping Centre in Jarrahdale. For Anthony Palmieri on (08) 9310 7111. Please send written application the meeting was the church in on Sunday 26 April with a special more information and registration, addressing the selection criteria to [email protected]. nd Kenya, particularly the families lunch following their morning visit www.baptistwa.asn.au Applications close Friday 22 May 2015. 8 news

MAY 2015 Photo: Ken Duncan A chronic lack of awe

I consider myself an Take a moment to really stop average photographer, with and smell the roses; lie on your By Ken Duncan a great God – I’m merely an back and stare up at the stars, interpreter of God’s creation. like you used to when you were Have you ever wondered why days seemed to last My ‘office’ is the lush a child. forever when you were a child … and now it feels rainforests of the Daintree, Perhaps over the years, it’s like we blink and another week is over? desert wonders like Uluru not just your childlike sense of and our magnificent, endless awe that’s left you but also your beaches. I’ve travelled the childlike faith. Ken Duncan is an award winning The pace of life is faster than And it makes sense. world, interpreting God’s Maybe it is time to recapture Australian photographer and an ever and we can trip over just I’m sure that like me, creation and I’ve come that too. ambassador of the National Day trying to keep up. We have all during childhood you spent to realise that the only ‘Enter with the password: of Thanksgiving. this technology to make life countless hours outdoors appropriate response is ‘Thank you!’ Make yourselves at easier, yet no invention that can looking up at the clouds, or the an overwhelming sense home, talking praise. Thank him. the world, what is the answer? slow down time. magnificent night sky. of ‘gratitude’. Worship him.’ [Psalm 100:4] I believe the answer is faith and A 2012 study published in But as we get older, we Gazing into crystal clear When we truly immerse thankfulness for what God is Psychology Today has revealed can tend to stop looking up water at the foot of a glorious, ourselves in God’s creation, we going to do. Our help and our the real problem … We are all and spend more time looking roaring waterfall is like staring cannot help but feel thankful. hope is in Him. suffering from a chronic lack down at computer screens and into the face of God – truly It creates a certain sense of The National Day of of awe. smart devices. comprehending His creative perspective – the same God who Thanksgiving is on Saturday During the study, My basic philosophy is nature and His rich blessings. created the Universe is taking 30 May. It is an opportunity some volunteers watched best summed up by these ‘Walk out into the fields care of each one of us. for us to stop, as a Nation, and imagery that was funny, words: ‘For since the creation and look at the wildflowers. I believe God has an say ‘thanks’ to God and to while others watched ‘awe of the world, God’s invisible They never primp or shop, incredible destiny for Australia each other for the blessings we inspiring’ imagery. qualities – His eternal power but have you ever seen colour and for us as Australians. As we all enjoy. Surprisingly, those who and divine nature – have been and design quite like it? The start to say ‘thank you’, He will watched the ‘awe inspiring’ clearly seen, being understood ten best-dressed men and start to open up those doors For more information, visit imagery felt like they had from what has been made, so women in the country look even more. www.thanksgiving.org.au more time, as if time had that men are without excuse.’ shabby alongside them.’ At a time when there is so slowed down. [Romans 1:20] [Matthew 6:29] much fear and anxiety around Reprinted with permission. news 9

MAY 2015

Get involved

up to the National Day of Thanksgiving for those The National Day of Thanksgiving gives working in the community Australians the opportunity to celebrate and give groups who are being thanked thanks for our God given heritage as a nation, this year across the nation. 3. Order and distribute and to thank one another for the contributions Thanksgiving Day cards each makes in our communities. and ribbons for all church members – five to six of each The uniqueness of the celebrate the values that bind us item to each member of your National Day of Thanksgiving together as a nation. congregation – to distribute is that it gives every to those they wish to thank congregation a way to How can your church be throughout your community. creatively reconnect with their involved? Cards and ribbons are community. Many churches 1. By outreaching to your available from Koorong books. across Australia have grasped community with acts 4. Take a group of disadvantaged the concept with outstanding of kindness to those in children on a day outing. Turn Sunday services treasurers of sporting results, and are now effectively greatest need. 5. Get your youth group into Thanksgiving Services and social groups, people connecting and engaging with Involve your local council washing cars, mowing lawns and honour and thank working in financial their community to the benefit and ask businesses to support or undertaking other chores special people in your own support areas and debt of all. and/or sponsor larger scale for free for those unable to congregation who work and counselling. It is a Christian based projects that will impact the leave their home, disabled or serve in the areas chosen to initiative endorsed by wider community. disadvantaged people. be thanked and honoured For a free Church Infomation government and supported For greater impact, join 6. Organise combined services this year – fathers, father Pack with more information by numerous community with other churches in your of worship and celebration figures and mentors; and and ideas, visit groups. It provides churches in area and make a combined to God, ‘Australia Worships’, people working in the finance www.thanksgiving.org.au Australia with the opportunity witness to your community. on the evening of Saturday departments of not-for- to give leadership in drawing 2. Organise morning teas or 30 May as we give thanks to profit groups, bookkeepers, Source: Australian Prayer local communities together to lunches in the week leading God for our great nation. accountants, bank staff, Network 10 news

MAY 2015 Kenyan university attacked

Al-Shabaab, the Somali-based Islamist terror group, attacked Garissa Universtiy in north-east Kenya on 2 April killing 148 people and injuring many more in the attack.

Local reports say the militants to support the Kenyan launched the attack at 5.30am government as it responds by throwing explosives at the to the ongoing situation and University’s main gate before formulates policies to address storming the facility, firing this heinous threat.” indiscriminately and gaining Al-Shabaab attacks in Kenya access to the student hostels. have increased since October The assailants separated the 2011, when Kenya’s army students based on their religion. joined international efforts to

They released Muslims and stabilise Somalia following the Photo: Public domain killed many Christians. cross-border abductions of Garissa Universtiy was the target of Al-Shabaab, the Somali-based Islamist terror group, in early April. Stories of survival emerged foreign tourists by the group. over the Easter period. The group formally aligned Ministries in the USA John how she was able to escape to be covered with His blood so Student Cynthia Cheroitich itself with al-Qaeda in 2012, Njoroge was asked where God from the tragedy as the shooters that we can live,” John said. told how she hid in a wardrobe although reports of foreign was in the horror of the Garissa hovered over her and her fellow “When we are thus protected, for more than 48 hours, fighters amongst its ranks attack. He recounted a story that students. She covered herself we may grieve, but we do not covering herself with the predated this announcement. emerged from the University with someone else’s blood and grieve like those without hope, clothes, eating and drinking A Kenyan born member which offers a powerful analogy. was thereby mistaken for dead. and we do not fear those who body lotion before she was of the speaking team at Ravi One of the students, Hellen “That is exactly what Jesus can only kill the body but cannot rescued. Zacharias International Titus, told the Kenyan media has done for us; He invites us touch the soul,” he said. “I was just praying to my God, saying that if it has come to my day, it has reached, but if not yet, let God decide whatever He likes,” Cynthia said. Four million flee Syria violence “We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those killed and injured in this World Vision is working with attack,” Christian Solidarity 1.2 million refugees in Lebanon Worldwide Chief Executive World Vision continues where they are installing water Mervyn Thomas said. to work with Syrian tanks and toilets in makeshift Christian Solidarity refugees desperate for settlements to ensure access Worldwide said the separation to clean water and sanitation. of hostages according to their safety and stability after They are also distributing food faith echoes previous Al- more than four years of vouchers and essential supplies Shabaab attacks and highlights civil war. like nappies, cooking equipment the group’s deadly and divisive and winter clothing. sectarian motivations. This was A staggering four million people In Jordan they are reaching

particularly poignant on the eve have fled across borders to escape more than 260,000 people by Photo: thomas koch/Shutterstock.com of the Christian celebration of the violence – equivalent to more providing basic supplies such Millions of Syrian children seek safety due to over four years of civil war. Easter. than the populations of South as food and clothing. They are “We welcome the statement Australia, Tasmania and the ACT constructing water and sanitation drainage to keep families safe violence and are scared by President Kenyatta assuring combined. Another 7.6 million facilities to meet the urgent needs and dry. and frustrated. the nation of the deployment people – more than New South of more than 50,000 people in More than half of those World Vision is providing of the necessary security Wales’s entire population – are Azraq, the new refugee camp caught up in the conflict are remedial classes and child- apparatus,” Mervyn said. displaced inside Syria. Some of built to support the overflow at children. Many have lost family friendly spaces, helping children “We call upon the these people have chosen to stay, Za’atari refugee camp, where members and their homes. They catch up on lost classroom time international community others cannot get out. they are rehabilitating road and have witnessed or experienced and restore a sense of normality. international briefs

Vietnam trouble Still missing Boy set alight Anti-Christian Christians across India urge the Mennonite Pastor Nguyen Tuesday 14 April marked the Christian Solidarity Worldwide violence Prime Minister to take positive Hong Quang was recently one year anniversary of the (CSW) reported that a 13 year A group of 20 Christian action to prove the sentiment. assaulted for the second time abduction of 273 Nigerian old boy sustained burns to 55 missionaries distributing leaflets in two months. A mob of about schoolgirls by Boko Haram. percent of his body after he to local residents in the city of Kazakhstan censorship 25 young men are reported to Although Nigerian President- was set alight by two men on Jaipur, Rajasthan in northern Norwegian Forum 18 News have attacked Pastor Quang elect Buhari has vowed to defeat 10 April. Noman Masih was in a India were detained by police Service reports a Baptist in and his son, Nguyen Quang the Boko Haram militants, as market in Gulshan Ravi, Lahore on 25 February. They were taken Kazakhstan, Nikolai Novikov, Trieu, at their church in Ho well as continue all efforts to when he got into a conversation to the police station where they could face up to three years in jail Chi Minh City. Both suffered find the captive Chibok girls, he with two men on a motorbike. were hit and kicked before being for refusing to pay a 2013 fine for facial injuries and Nguyen said in a statement that he is not When they found out he was released. The Christians were offering religious literature on Quang Trieu suffered bruising hopeful of finding all of them. Christian they assaulted him, from the Indian city of Hyderabad. the streets, which had not been to his body after being kicked He has declared his resolve to threw petrol on him and set The incident took place only censored by the State. Nikolai repeatedly. Two other pastors find the remaining captive girls him on fire. CSW urged the days after India’s Prime Minister refused to pay the fines, as he who tried to intervene were also if possible. Many events were Pakistani Government to ensure Narendra Modi broke his silence states they are unjust. Prosecutor injured. Police reportedly failed held around the world by Chibok the attackers are apprehended on anti-Christian violence, stating Aydin Rashidov described the to stop the attack and are said girls’ supporters to remember and that the right to freedom of that his administration “will crime as ‘middling seriousness’ to have filed a report accusing them and support the efforts to religion or belief, guaranteed in not allow any religious group … and if convicted he would escape Pastor Quang and his son of rescue them. international treaties to which to incite hatred against others, imprisonment but live under ‘disturbing local residents’. Pakistan is party, is upheld. overtly or covertly.” Although restrictions, including being his statements were welcomed, subject to a curfew every night. news 11

MAY 2015 Freeset campaigns for gateway

Freeset needs US $2 million by June 2015 to purchase a building at the entrance of the red light area of Sonagacchi, Kolkata, India to expand their work among women trapped in the sex trade. The Freeset Gateway Campaign was launched in March.

For 14 years, Freeset has provided Today Freeset provides a vocational alternative to the sex employment for 205 women. trade for at-risk and trafficked Many hundreds more can be women in Kolkata. Freeset trains brought to freedom through the and employs women who produce Gateway Campaign. fair-trade bags and apparel which The campaign will provide are sold online around the world. holistic social services including The model is a sustainable healthcare, childcare, education program that produces real results and counselling. Through and frees women – but it needs to Freeset women gain financial get bigger. independence, access to Finding space in Sonagacchi healthcare, literacy education is difficult, but the Freeset work and other social services, must be in this area where the transforming their lives, their women live. Being part of the families and their communities. neighbourhood is key to building People are invited to partner the relationships and trust with Freeset to help build freedom required for the women to join the for women in India. Freeset team. To make a donation to the Gateway Campaign, email [email protected] and the team

will send details of how to Freeset Photo: Within a few contribute in your area. Freeset has launched a campaign to buy a property in the red light district of Sonagacchi, Kolkata, India. square miles more than 10,000 women Anzac saved and girls stand in line selling In October, Western Australians will have the their bodies ... opportunity to see a Bible that saved the life of a gallant young soldier at Gallipoli and still cradles

At the heart of the Freeset the bullet in its pages.

Gateway Campaign is the Society Bible Photo: acquisition of a 20,000 square The Bible will be part Pine Memorial at Gallipoli The Bible that saved Lance-Corporal Elvas Jenkins’ life at Gallipoli foot building in Sonagacchi of a national touring to be part of its ceremonies will be in Perth as part of a Bible Society Australia touring exhibition which will provide ample space exhibition, Their Sacrifice, marking the 100th Anzac Day. in October. for the Freeset businesses conducted by Bible Society The Bible belonged to and community to grow. The Australia to commemorate Lance-Corporal Elvas Jenkins French New Testament and Tragically he went on to building is strategically located the centenary of the who was hit directly over his stopped at the gospels, saving become the first Anzac to die at the gateway of Sonagacchi, Gallipoli landing. heart by a lead shrapnel bullet him from instant death. on the Western Front. allowing the Freeset team’s The Australian Defence under intense bombardment Jenkins was one of the The exhibition will visit efforts and the women’s freedom Force is taking the Bible on at Gallipoli. The bullet first to land at Gallipoli and Westfield Carousel from to be visible to all who enter a pilgrimage to the Lone penetrated the pages of the one of the last to be evacuated. 19 October to 1 November. the district. The broader vision is to build on Freeset’s experiences and success, and for this to be a catalyst for the growth of new businesses, providing women with an array of vocational choices. “Our timeline is short. The owners of the property will close on the sale by the end of June 2015 so $2 million of our $3 million goal needs to be achieved by that date,” Freeset co-founder Kerry Hilton said. Within a few square miles more than 10,000 women and girls stand in line selling their bodies, trapped in the sex trade in Sonagacchi, one of the largest red-light districts in Asia. Many are trafficked from Bangladesh, Nepal and rural India. For others poverty has left them without options. 12 in conversation

MAY 2015 Awareness and attentiveness

Mark Conner is the Senior Minister of CityLife Church, a diverse community of Christ-followers meeting in multiple locations in Melbourne. Mark has a genuine love for people and a passion to help them grow and change. He has a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. Mark is married to Nicole and they have three young adult children.

Awareness and attentiveness; has variety. It flows out and please explain what you mean embraces others. So look for by these two terms. people God is working in. Don’t Awareness is being tuned in be afraid of difference. to God. We don’t need more of You know if you just have the God’s presence, we need to be same type of people in a group more aware of God. Like Jacob it gets flat, one-dimensional and in Genesis 28:1-10, “surely the you miss so much. Yes, you have Lord is in this place and I was to work harder when there’s a not aware of it … this place is wide range of personalities and awesome.” Busyness is a real styles, but it’s worth it. problem – we’re so busy doing we can miss the opportunity to What do you see as the major see and know God. hindrances to personal We rush around so awareness of God? busy doing that we miss I think busyness is a opportunities. This is a learned huge issue. posture. It’s closely connected I use the analogy of a kid with attentiveness, growing in playing with their toys. You listening to God and looking for don’t talk to them until you have Him. You’ll remember Moses their attention. I think as adults and the fire bush: “I will go over we all have our toys. It could to see … when the Lord saw that be email or … and while we’re he had one over to look, God playing with our toys I don’t called to him.” [Exodus 3:1-4] think God is going to speak. It’s Who opens up to an Samuel saying, “Speak Lord, inattentive person? No one. your servant is listening.” Slow down, take time, meditate, muse, ponder. What do awareness and I take regular time each week attentiveness to God look like and month to cultivate this. in the context of community?

A couple of years ago during a That’s one of the roles of the Photo: Jill Birt time when I was consciously leader – to collectively lead the Mark Conner with Steve Ingram at the Baptist Churches Western Australia Pastoral Retreat in April. focusing on learning to be congregation to sense what God attentive I went on my morning is saying to us as a community. we’re always encouraging prophetic people and give them looking over my shoulder walk and I noticed the pathway At the beginning of every listening to what God is saying. a voice. with a smile and approval. For battered and eroded, worn year when we have our vision Like prophecy. some God is up high, for some and exposed. I’d walked that weekend, we avoid ‘God told me’, Again in its distortion, it’s You come across as a man He is far away. For me I sense pathway hundreds of times but say, ‘I sense God speaking like, ‘Thus says the Lord’, but of God who is confident in God here with me, not looking and never really noticed, but to us as a church’ and naming I don’t think we need that. We this leadership role. You’re over in a judgmental way, that day God said, “that’s what the moment. need more of ‘I sense God may not threatened by others but encouraging. your soul is like. I want to repair Last year, in Term 4, I had a be doing …’. We do a lot of that giftedness or ideas. Is that a and restore”. message about re-digging the in our community. We need learned thing? Can you suggest a couple I love the story John Ortberg wells. You remember Isaac – the more of together listening I grew up under good, secure of books that may help our tells. He phoned his spiritual Philistines filled up the wells of to hear what God may do in leaders, so I had environments readers explore this area mentor Dallas Willard just his father Abraham and Isaac our churches. where I thought that was just of life? after he’d accepted a job as re-dug the wells. He then dug normal. But I truly believe that Present Perfect by Gregory Teaching Pastor at Willow Creek some new wells. I just said that How can a church grow no one has all the gifts and I Boyd. It’s a re-work of the Community Church in Chicago, I sensed there has been a bit in this? believe that leadership is team Brother Lawrence book The and asked his advice heading of clogging of the wells and If I was leading a leadership. I believe that the Practice of the Presence of God. to the new role. “Ruthlessly we need to re-dig the wells of community where I wanted to leaders’ role is to create an At a health level, Eat Move eliminate hurry from your our spiritual vitality. Then for lean more into this awareness environment where all gifts are Sleep by Tom Rath is a very good life,” Dallas said. John wrote three or four months, we had of what’s God saying to us, I’d being utilised. book on healthy living. I reckon that down and said, “Okay, small groups talking about re- be spotting the people in the it’s a very good book for pastors. what else?” digging the wells. That was just church who might be wired What have you been learning I’ve just started Soul Keeping me enabling something and it that way. about God recently? by John Ortberg, a very good How important do you believe ‘took off’. I have a Punjabi woman on Awareness and attentiveness book, and a business book called it is for a pastor to lead the There’s the ‘logos’, the my staff. She has a very sharp are two things, it’s so easy to Essentialism by Greg McKeown people in exploring intimacy written word and the ‘rhema’, ability to sense God. I’d push drift back into busyness and about priorities. It’s a very with God? the quickened or now word. It’s her forward. Ask her to lead not be as attentive as I should challenging book. It’s absolutely crucial. a bit like time. There’s ‘chronos’ the staff prayer meeting. Take be. Learning about God and His Personalities differ and give time with time just ticking away evangelism. If your church is patience with us and His grace. What are you reading at the expression to great variety in and then there’s ‘kairos’ time … not reaching out, what do you God’s grace is amazing. moment? life. How do you encourage that moment of opportunity. Like do? You find your naturally I’m reading a book by James a variety of expressions of when you catch a wave when wired evangelists and get Do you sense His smile of K A Smith called How (Not) to intimacy, giving different you’re surfing, quickened and them telling stories, giving approval? be Secular. It’s a fascinating personalities freedom? alive. It resonates with people. testimonies. It’s Ephesians 5. I do actually. To me God is book on the secular age. I’m also I think it’s really important Our job as leaders is to These gifts are for equipping Father. To me God’s presence reading N T Wright’s latest book to build a leadership team that create environments where the saints for ministry. Find the can be special. I sense God called Simply Good News. leadership 13

MAY 2015 Is your environment holding you back? – Part 2

9. People desire change. Growth equals change. If By John Maxwell the people around you don’t desire it, or worse, if they resist Last month we learnt about it, then your environment is five characteristics of a growth not one of growth. In a growth environment. This month environment, change is John Maxwell will discuss the encouraged and celebrated. remaining five characteristics he has identified. 10. Growth is modelled and expected. 6. You wake up excited. In a growth environment, No, not every day. Everyone the willingness to grow is has a bad day sometimes. demonstrated at all levels. Leaders But overall, in a growth expect it of themselves as well as environment, you feel so their people. They hold themselves positively challenged and and others accountable when it is affirmed that you are eager not occurring; and they celebrate to get up every day because growth when it happens. you expect to keep growing and learning. Writing my list had a great effect on me. It gave me clarity 7. Failure is not your enemy. on my then-current situation, as By focusing on solutions I became more aware of how it rather than blame, a growth was slowing down my personal environment gives you growth. It also showed me what permission to make mistakes, kind of situation I needed to look admit them, and learn from for in the future. Soon afterward, them. Failure is such a big part I made a difficult change, getting input into your environment. growing up. My parents did a not, you can learn and improve of growth, that people don’t out of my comfort zone and Use this list to see what kind of phenomenal job of nurturing where you are. I wrote my book, fear it. stepping into a new environment environment you might want and encouraging our personal Sometimes You Win, Sometimes where I could thrive and to be in. If you are in a bad growth and learning. Use this list You Learn, to help people like 8. Others are growing. grow again. environment, it may be time to to create a growth environment you to turn mistakes and losses In addition to those who are What kind of environment are move. If you are not able to move in your home. You’ll give your into opportunities. Even the ahead of you, are the people you in? Does it help you grow or is as easily as I did, here is some children a gift that they’ll use the most challenging situation around you growing? Moving it holding you back? good news: you can grow in a rest of their lives, as I have. can lead to incredible growth. together toward a common goal Are you a leader? If so, you can non-growth environment. It is Personal growth is Continue to keep your eyes on can be exhilarating, like being make your organisation into a just harder. challenging. It involves that prize. on a winning team. In a growth growth environment. Use this list Are you a parent? It wasn’t mistakes and failure. A good environment, people almost to check your progress. until after I wrote my list that environment certainly makes Used with permission from can’t help growing because it’s Are you a team member? I realised that I had basically it easier to grow. But whether The John Maxwell Company, emphasised and affirmed. If so, you may not have much described my home environment you’re in a good environment or www.johnmaxwell.com

Leadership mistakes I have made

This is not sustainable, as it be the community or the I found out. Had I discipled church? Both ought to receive the By Wayne Field someone else into leadership that pastor’s attention, but who will ministry may well be continuing be the primary ‘customer?’ Who It’s often said that the best kind of mistake to learn and bearing fruit today. The will get served first? Even Jesus from is someone else’s. No one likes to admit their apostles spoke about this issue prioritised whom He would serve mistakes, but doing so is cathartic and enables us when they said, “We apostles [Matthew 9:11-12]. should spend our time teaching When I have to prioritise and others to grow. the word of God, not running a I endeavour to give preference to food program” [Acts 6:2]. the lost before the saved. I have made plenty of mistakes and after a tumultuous season he One case where I did not in pastoral leadership. I offer just and his family left the church. was the time I chose to attend a

three of them here in the hope “Not quarrelsome” is one church camp over solemnising Photo: Operation Mobilization that they bring reassurance that of the requirements of church ... give the marriage of an unbelieving Wayne Field is the International no matter how stupid our actions leadership given in 1 Timothy 3. couple. They had been slowly Training Officer with Operation have been in the past, progress I overlooked that and our church preference to making their way into the Mobilization. can still be made. and the family involved paid fellowship. However, after Mistake #1: Allowing an the price. the lost before I declined to conduct their in my imperfection. The church opponent into leadership. Even Mistake #2: I once started the saved. wedding they never came back. is not perfect and the world we writing that sounds stupid now. a ministry when I had no one Maybe I’m being harsh on myself, live in is not perfect either … not However, I had every good else to lead it. Pastors are so keen but I do regret my choice on yet anyway. intention. In the face of an ardent to build bridges and see people that occasion. While we wait to enter into opponent, I mistakenly believed come to Christ that they will Mistake #3: Choosing the I sometimes make another the fullness, His perfect eternity, that by keeping him close I could sometimes do anything to make ‘in-crowd’ over the ‘out-crowd’: mistake and that is to let my faults let’s leverage our mistakes as disciple him and win him over as it happen, even if it means having Pastors choose who will take get to me. However, I take heart opportunities to learn, to grow a brother and friend. It didn’t work to do everything themselves. priority in their ministry; will from the fact that I’m not alone and to become more like Christ. 14 intermission

MAY 2015

A minute with ... read

When Jesus Wept Bodie and Brock Thoene When Jesus Wept is book one of a series by Bodie and Brock Thoene. Their easy but expressive style evokes your imagination, paints a vivid picture and takes you on a journey into the times of Jesus and the Jewish plight at that point in history. With scripture woven in, this book expands on what little we know of Lazarus and his sisters and builds the story of their friendship with Jesus. It brings greater insight into some of the metaphors used by Jesus, especially those relating to the vine. So often we forget how different the times and the culture were, but understanding them helps us understand more of God and His word. I am looking forward to reading book two Take This Cup and book three when it is released in 2016.

Photo: Jill Birt If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat John Ortberg Centred on the scripture where Peter walks on water, John Ortberg Perth Chin Baptist Church Pastor thoroughly unpacks it, giving us insight into how it applies to James Tin Kung our everyday lives. John Ortberg’s use of personal and friends’ experiences to example the do’s and don’ts will help us to see how What led you to this role? we apply or don’t apply this scripture to our lives. He challenges us to I was a pastor in Myanmar for 18 years before I was sponsored make the changes to live the way Jesus would have us live. At the end by the Western Australia Chin Christian Church to move from of each chapter there are points to ponder on and prompts to change Myanmar to Perth in 2008 to be the pastor for them. A year ago our personal habits. An easy to read, teaching book that will build your we started Perth Chin Baptist Church. faith and help you to make the changes to live more like Jesus. This title is also available on audio and as a group study. Where is the church located? We meet at Maida Vale Baptist Church, 24 Edney Road, High Wycombe.

What time are services held? Sundays at 2.15pm. The Prodigal Brennan Manning How and when did the church start? Written in conjunction with Greg Garrett, The Prodigal is the last The church started on 4 May 2014, formed by Baptist members. book Manning wrote before he died. A retelling of the parable of the Prodigal Son, it really screams of Manning’s total absorption with the Who makes up the ministry team? absolute love of God poured out on His undeserving children. Pastor James Tin Kung and Executive Committee members. Jack Chisolm is the pastor of a megachurch who fails morally, and in the blink of an eye finds himself without his wife, daughter and What is a feature of your church or ministry you’d like church. His estranged father turns up at his lowest point to take him to share? back to his childhood home; this is where his healing begins. A very The entire worship program is done in Hakha – the Chin easy read, focussing on the grace of God and its power to restore and language. change any prodigal. It is suitable for Christians of any spiritual age, but also as a good evangelical tool. A final thought … Our church meets the needs of Chin people from Myanmar who have come to Australia to find freedom to worship and work. Reviews by Koorong Mount Lawley Assistant Manager Dorothy Waddingham.

Editor: Terry Hicks EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING: Managing Editor: Andrew Sculthorpe Email: [email protected] Subeditor: Jill Birt [email protected] Production: Vanessa Klomp Mail: Baptist Churches Creative: Peter Ion Western Australia Catherine Bartlett PO Box 57, Burswood WA 6100 Advertising: Sally Phu Tel: (08) 6313 6300 Distribution: Sally Phu Fax: (08) 9470 1713 Editorial deadline: 5th of each month This voucher entitles you to 15% PUBLISHERS GENERAL DISCLAIMER All the articles, comments, advice and other material contained in this publication are by off your next purchase in store at way of general comment or advice only and are not intended, nor do they purport to be the correct advice on any particular matter of subject referred to. No reader or any other person who obtains this publication should act on the basis of any matter, comment or advice contained in this publication without first considering and if necessary taking Mount Lawley appropriate professional advice upon the applicability of any matter, advice or comment herein to their own particular circumstances. Accordingly, no responsibility is accepted or taken by the authors, editors or publishers of this publication for any loss or damage The Advocate – May 2015 suffered by any party acting in reliance on any matter, comment or advice contained herein.

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Reviews are kindly supplied by Koorong. Website: www.koorong.com Address: 434 Lord Street, Mount Lawley Phone: 08 9427 9777 imageseven bcw J1817 school scoop 15

MAY 2015

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

Emmanuel Christian Community School

Through the teaching of God’s Word we will bring people to Christ and help them to grow in Him. Kindergarten to Year 7 www.eccs.wa.edu.au

Emmanuel Christian Community School was established in 1982 as a ministry of the Girrawheen Baptist Church. In 2015, it commenced the first year of high school with Year 7.

High school Step by step here I come

By Nicholas Borbil (Year 7)

As I walked into the next step of my education I marvelled at how God had helped me to reach this stage of my life. It’s amazing really. When you get to this stage of life, it is like a new beginning, a new start to a great adventure that is going to unfold in our next six years of life. So many stories to come. So many things that God will help us through. As I ran into the Year 7 classroom I saw so many

opportunities for my future, so School Community Christian Emmanuel Photo: many future friends, such as my good friends Joel and Gabriel. I always pictured The first day of high school being bullied as depicted was great. I was introduced to lots By Jasmine Huynh in the Hollywood movies. of new subjects, Philosophy with (Year 7) Thankfully, that’s not my Mrs Davis and Latin with Mr Cruz experience. The people here for example. We have so many High school is revealing a are kind and helpful. They great teachers and the sport at whole different side of me. I, support and encourage me. Emmanuel is very extensive. Our Jasmine, have been in this Things do get hard every sport teachers, Mr Gabrielson and school since kindy. Who now and then, but God has Mr Leathard are always pushing would have known that time helped me through these us to do our very best, which could go by so quickly? difficult situations. We will most likely help us in our Year 7 started with a quick honour Him for what He has future endeavours. assembly introducing the done for all of us. We know I may not be perfect, I may Year 7 foundation class. The that all good things come not have the best grades, but this day started with a prayer from Him and we hope what school has still accepted me, and to our Heavenly Father. We good we have done will bring even though none of us are perfect were trusting that the Lord a smile to His face. That is God still accepts us. That is what would help us throughout the when we have to realise that we need to do to others. School Community Christian Emmanuel Photo: year and the rest of our high we need to take things slowly, school lives. step by step.

New kid on the block

The next few days were a bit overwhelming – I didn’t really By Gabriel Fleming know what I was supposed to (Year 7) do sometimes, but people were patient and helped me through Half way through the term I the week. I guess it was a good became the new kid at Emmanuel. week to start because swimming My name is Gabriel Fleming and I lessons had just begun. It was fun. am proud to be in room 7. I moved It is now the end of Term 1 to Emmanuel from a high school and I can honestly say it is a really where I was not doing so well, but I great school. It is a brand new am doing really well at Emmanuel experience for me. I did not know – so far, so good. time could go so quickly. I cannot When I first arrived, the wait for Year 8! teacher for the day had no idea I was coming so she had to quickly give me the work that the other kids were doing. I settled in and made some new, really

Photo: Emmanuel Christian Community School Community Christian Emmanuel Photo: good friends. 16 news

MAY 2015 Young ambassadors of faith Photo: Sheryn Hack From their humble backyard beginnings to internet sensations, the How Ridiculous team – Derek Herron, Scott Gaunson, Brett Stanford and Kyle Nebel – are taking on global poverty with the weapon they have in their hands, usually a basketball.

the WACA, the grandstands at a child survival program in play basketball with children from at Domain Stadium and the the Philippines. the local community, Derek said Four young men from Perth, a basketball and Narrows Bridge, to name a few. “I’d love it if our legacy would it was a confronting trip. hoop, and a drive to make a difference. Add them Known for their steady be [inspiring] Christians to be “We stayed in some pretty together, and what do you get? More than 15 million arms, quick reflexes and really passionate about seeing nice places and when we visited enthusiastic celebrations, the everyone in the world cared for,” Jefferson, my sponsored child, I YouTube views, trick-shot world records and a lot of boys are doing it all for a good Brett Stanford said. asked him where he slept and he children released from poverty. cause: to show Jesus’ love to “We’ve tried to model that as pointed at the floor, it just hit me.” children in need. How Ridiculous.” “I really struggled with the The How Ridiculous team — including the record for the Over the past few years The awesome foursome disparity in wealth there and I felt Scott, Brett, Kyle and Derek — ‘greatest height from which a as Compassion Australia recently travelled to Manila in the kind of lost by that.” are known for their incredible basketball is shot’ — a massive Ambassadors, How Ridiculous Philippines where they met their In all their travels and stunts, trick shots and athletic stunts. 91 metres. They have filmed have helped hundreds of sponsored children and found Brett said they try to remain They have broken several themselves sinking basketball children get sponsored, and themselves caught in a typhoon. focused on their main goal: Guinness World Records, shots from the light towers at supported mothers and babies While they still found the time to sharing the good news and helping children. “Our eyes have been lifted and lifted [by God],” Brett said. “If God can take the random things we do and use them for good … He can actually use anything and anyone.” “Our message for anyone who sees our videos is that God can use you.” “He’s created you and gifted you. If you’re open to it, He can use whatever you’ve got.” “Even if it’s a humble basketball.”

For more information about How Ridiculous visit, www.howridiculous.org, and for Compassion Australia visit, www.compassion.com.au

Thank you to Richard Miller from Compassion Australia for this story.