theadvocate.tv SEPTEMBER 2014

“Casting vision successfully requires both emotional and In Conversation Jeng Juan speaks about logical transference.” her work with people experiencing poverty JOHN MAXWELL PAGE 13>> in the Philippines. PAGE 12>>

5 Myanmar musos Myanmar music troupe, inspires Perth Karen community >>

7 Children for sex Cambodian communities accustomed to ‘virginity selling’ for quick cash >> Photo: joshfernandesPhoto: photography Amanda McCleary, Licy Be and Kenyon Bowyer use their music talents to address depression issues in our society. Licy Be back with hope 15 School Scoop The music video was filmed approximately 2,500 loved ones. Emmanual Christian at Edith Cowan University This is a significant number Community School writes Perth spoken word artist Licy Be has collaborated campus in Mount Lawley, Western when compared to the yearly for The Advocate >> with her friends and fellow musicians Kenyon Australia. It depicts a university average of 130,000 total deaths Bowyer, Amanda McCleary and Deb Bennett to write scene where an everyday girl per year in Australia. (acted by Licy Be) eventually Nearly all suicides are and record a new song, ‘Step up the Love’, in time for finds the courage, in a simple preventable. This World Suicide World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September. yet realistic way, to reach out to Prevention Day, SPA is asking Committed to a guy who experiences bullying, people to take the time to learn A video clip of the song will be on conversation between Licy Be family struggles and other issues about suicide and think about how being honest, GodTube and YouTube by early and Kenyon. He expresses the associated with depression (acted to get connected, help someone transparent September. lyrics from the perspective of by Kenyon) and who is on the connect to the support services A brief version of Licy Be and someone who is struggling in verge of taking his life. they need and influence your and above Kenyon Bowyer’s testimony will life with depression and potential “We are aiming to raise connections to get involved in be shared in the first 40 seconds suicide. Licy Be raps in response awareness about the need for suicide prevention initiatives. reproach. of the music video to provide the to Kenyon from the perspective ‘everyday people’ to reach out BAPTIST CHURCHES audience with context to the song. of someone who is observing his and help those that may be As a teenager Licy Be struggled struggles, yet does not know how struggling with depression or WESTERN AUSTRALIA with depression and thoughts of to reach out. suicide,” Licy Be said. For help right now: suicide. Kenyon was bullied and “The take home message The version uploaded to struggled with depression. The behind the song and main theme GodTube and YouTube will direct • Beyondblue duo are regular attendees of C3 is ‘Stand up and give someone a people to several services that 1300 22 4636 Church Beachway. hand up’,” Licy Be said. can help, including Beyondblue, Having both struggled “This message is about Lifeline and TheHopeLine. • Lifeline with depression, Licy Be and calling others to action and Suicide Prevention Australia 13 11 14 Kenyon decided to take their empowering everyday people to (SPA) reports that each year negative experiences and write reach out to their friends, family 65,000 Australians attempt • TheHopeLine a positive song to help reach out and those around them who to take their own lives. Of www.thehopeline.com to others. The song unfolds as a might be in need.” these attempts, Australia loses 2 my view

SEPTEMBER 2014 Check your pace

Ever feel like your soul needs to catch up with your nor advisable. But this I know, the elderly, sitting with the body? Years ago, social commentators declared that the Holy Spirit’s voice will not suffering, gently ministering to technology would free up our time and our lives. compete with our noise. The the afflicted. richness of His Word in my life If we want to see Him, to is found in seasons of soaking ‘fix our eyes on Jesus’ [Hebrews We could work from home – no The issue, of course, is – not moments of shock. Our 12:2], it will take some strategic more commuting. We could be not the hand-sized piece of greatest creativity and peace changes for some of us. In some connected to the world almost metal and glass that I stuff in emerge not by accident, but from instances those changes will anywhere with greater efficiency! my pocket or the tablet that connection with our Lord and relate to technology. In other We would no longer ‘waste goes everywhere with me. If Saviour Jesus Christ. cases, it is a matter of time time’ on tedious and repetitious I put them away, they have Beholding Christ in the management. In every instance, tasks. They anticipated a world no capacity to pursue me. shadows is not something that it will require us to slow down; of greater flexibility, improved But here’s the question I’m we can do as we roar down the not just so that our souls can Mark Wilson productivity, shorter work weeks, grappling with: Can I slow down road on our way somewhere else. rejoin our bodies, but so that our Mark Wilson is the Director of and more free time. my pace sufficiently to once It requires that we slow to a crawl hearts can rejoin Christ. Check Ministries for Baptist Churches They were absolutely wrong! again hear God? and peer intently. God does not your pace. Western Australia. Instead, we live at higher speed, Higher speeds require stand on a street corner to wave with more immediate demands longer slows. If we’re travelling flamboyantly as we zip past. upon us, and with raised at 150 kilometres per hour, an Instead, we find Him quietly expectations. abrupt stop is not possible, among the homeless, alongside

On a daughter’s marriage ...

By the time you read this, my daughter Amy is to buy her yet another of the My earn less, now that we’re used to likely to be within spitting distance of her Little Pony range. And although buying at will?” wedding day. my efforts to play Barbie dolls I was surprised at how were at best half-hearted, did quickly and decisively I they really end 20 something answered: “You will never regret My responsibility is to walk her is marrying a Vose graduate, so years ago? making time for your children. down the aisle and conduct the he would be family even if he Whilst pondering, a recent But you will regret it if you don’t.” ceremony. I am not sure how I wasn’t. But the most insightful conversation replayed in my In Psalm 90:12 the psalmist will do that without becoming cliché is the oft repeated, ‘I really head. He was speaking intently. prays, ‘Teach us to number our a tad tearful, but I’m reviewing don’t know where the years have The decision was major. Was days, that we may gain a heart of several strategies which won’t gone.’ I really don’t ... it time to change jobs and take wisdom.’ A prayer for 3,000 years necessarily be successful. So Wasn’t it yesterday that I on something less stressful, ago – a prayer for today. be it. marvelled at her one tooth smile? something that would leave time Dr Brian Harris I’m amazed at how many I would hide behind my hands for the kids? I asked him their Dr Brian Harris is the clichés turn out to be true. and suddenly reappear. I have no ages. He paused a while – too Principal of Vose Seminary Yes, weddings are ridiculously idea why that was funny, but it long really – and then got it. “Two and pastor at large for the expensive. And yes, we caused her to chortle endlessly. and four. Promotion came so Carey Movement. anticipate not losing a daughter Surely it wasn’t further back than quickly,” he said. “I didn’t realise but gaining a son. After all, she last week that she persuaded me it had a price tag. But how can I

Boyhood

I’ve just seen the film Boyhood, a film that charts the this day would come but I was paint to make his room into a guest development of a boy from the age of six through to totally blindsided by it. room. Stop! eighteen. I tried to pull myself together. Seeking solace, I turned to This is all good and as it should one of the great leaving home be. He’s a man now. Let him stories – the Prodigal Son. At first This coming of age movie was son was finally leaving home it go. Millions of people are going I wasn’t sure if the parallel applied. shot over a period of 12 years, was a bit too close for comfort for through the same and have been I’m not expecting my son to fall using the same actors. We literally most of us watching. throughout time. Be grateful for the into a dissolute despond and see the cast aging before our eyes. I recently saw my own son years you’ve had. But none of it was end up eating pig swill, nor am I And in just a few hours the main (just three days before his 18th working. By the time I got home I expecting him to return home in character, Mason, develops from a birthday) off on his travels. was a wreck. His empty bedroom disgrace. But that wasn’t the point. boy to a man. What should have been a simple triggered more waves. From now The story of a father letting his son Boyhood is as much about the summer holiday farewell was on, even the mundane would be go and then receiving him back Rhidian Brook changing stages of parenthood as freighted with heavier implication invested with reminders, no more unconditionally, with open arms, Author of The Aftermath, it is about growing up. I watched and intimation. His journey to switching off the left-on light every contains true encouragement for Rhidian Brook is an award the film with friends who are life’s next stage is well and truly morning. No more grumbling at any parent with a child about to winning novelist, screenwriter nearly all parents – it made for an underway. He set off a boy and the rumble and thrum of band leave home – for the love that lets and broadcaster. emotional evening. When Mason’s would return as a man. The practice. Pretty soon we’d be taking them go is also the love that brings mother suddenly realised that her moment caught me out – I knew down the posters and choosing them back. 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

SEPTEMBER 2014 Nurses making a difference

Western Australian nurses, Ann Mitchell (OAM) and Bethany McGrechan are currently establishing new orthopaedic operating theatres at Black Lion Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The short-term project came setting up management systems about when Ann was invited for the smooth operation of the by Australian Doctors for unit,” Ann said. It only took two Africa (ADFA) to commission “It’s been a bit slow at times,” the new operating theatres at Bethany said. weeks for Ann the hospital. With more than “Last week the doctors and and Bethany 50 years nursing experience, nurses were away doing surgery including several years setting up so we didn’t get to work with them to install all the nursing procedures in hospitals and of course there’s the issue of in Bangladesh (Square Hospital, language and needing translators.” equipment ... Dhaka) and Vietnam (Hanh Phuc Bethany has visited Malawi Hospital, Thuan An District), as and Mozambique in recent years. well as nursing for many years in This is her first visit to Ethiopia Australia, Ann is highly qualified and her first experience working Ethiopia. Dr Hamlin, aged in her for the job. She expects to be in in an African hospital. 90s continues to live and work Ethiopia for six weeks. A team of volunteer doctors in Ethiopia, helping women with Bethany, who celebrated her and nurses from Perth joined Ann specific needs following complex 23rd birthday while in Ethiopia, and Bethany on 17 August to work birth procedures. is a registered nurse working with local staff as they start using Another highlight for Ann and at Swan District Hospital. The the operating theatres. Bethany of their time in Addis hospital gave her four weeks leave The women hope to visit Ababa was visiting the Evangelical to travel and work with Ann. Both Dr Catherine Hamlin’s Fistula International Church for their two women are members of Parkerville Hospital during their time in hour worship service. Baptist Church. ADFA, founded by Dr Graham Forward, a Perth orthopaedic surgeon, started working YOUTH FOR CHRIST AUSTRALIA 1 in Africa in 2005, providing POSITION VACANT medical assistance and training Regional Director Western Australia in Ethiopia, Somaliland and Madagascar through its volunteer medical operations. The group recently funded the building of YFC is seeking applications from committed Christians, with four new orthopaedic operating proven leadership skills, who feel called by God to grow His theatres at Black Lion Hospital. Kingdom - to lead a team and drive the vision of Youth for Equipment for the new Christ Australia in the region of WA. theatres was recycled from Western Australian hospitals and Youth for Christ is an international, non denominational shipped to Ethiopia. They are fully movement that exists to give every young person the maintained and have a two year opportunity to encounter God and experience the guarantee. It only took two weeks for transforming love of Jesus Christ.. Ann and Bethany to install all the equipment in the theatres and Interested individuals should contact they are now beginning to train 1 [email protected] local staff. to obtain an application pack.

Photo: Ann Mitchell “Bethany and I will be Bethany McGrechan and Ann Mitchell are helping commission new teaching all the staff, working APPLICATIONS DUE 16th SEPTEMBER 2014 operating theatres at Black Lion Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. alongside them and we’ll also be

reach

beyond TM Reach Beyond (formerly HCJB Australia) Australia broadcasts every day to the Asia Pacific formerly HCJB Australia from far north west Australia. Unwavering in our mission to transform individuals and communities with the good news of Jesus Christ reachbeyond.org.au Ph: 1300 653 853

WA Advocate Ad Sept2014 - D1.indd 1 4/07/2014 10:29:10 AM 4 news

SEPTEMBER 2014 Helping to change lives

the attitudes of people in the community towards children with In 2011 a three year old Chinese girl, Feiyan, had disability and their families. never walked properly following her breech birth “Our team started getting that caused a serious hip dislocation. She managed invitations from medical groups in surrounding areas to share the to move around by hopping on her knees. things they’ve been learning and the methods and systems they’re Living in a remote village in the rehabilitation centre, Bless China using,” Rob said. mountain regions of Yunnan International. “We don’t feel we have a whole Province of Southwest China, Until their recent return to lot of answers, but when the other Feiyan had received little medical Perth, Rob provided pastoral care option is absolutely nothing, no attention before a visiting health for the medical teams of Bless help at all, then we’re happy to worker found her. She and her China International. The company share what we’re learning.” parents subsequently moved is known by the government and The team has a desperate need to the town to commence a community as a Christian group. for physiotherapists, occupational rehabilitation program with the “Today Feiyan is seven and therapists, behaviour therapists visiting medical team. walking on her own,” Rob said. and speech therapists. The rehabilitation team now “She was the first of many “We’d love to talk with anyone works with 30 children, offering children we’ve been working with.” who might be interested in joining care and training six days a “When we started there was us in China. We really need week. Families have sought no-one else working with these more workers, people with these help for children suffering from children in our whole region of therapy skills. The ability to speak conditions similar to Feiyan’s as China,” Rob said. Mandarin would be great, but it’s well as cerebral palsy, autism and As the small medical team of not essential.” Asperger syndrome. two, an American Chinese woman For more information Former Claremont Baptist and Chinese woman, refined their about the work of Bless China Church Pastor Rob Cain and his skills and methods, they began International, email Rob and

Photo: Rob Cain wife Janice have been working to see progress with the children Janice while they are in Perth at Feiyan (7) is now walking on her own and enjoying life. with the group running the they cared for and changes in [email protected].

Morley celebrates baptisms

More than 300 people attended the morning service and Morley Baptist Church congregation has seen an about 70 attended the evening influx of baptisms recently. Eleven people were gathering. baptised during two services on Sunday Most of the people who were baptised talked briefly about their 10 August. journey of faith and why they were being baptised before Pastor The baptisms came after Pastor Broun, Yury Ramos Castillo, John Crosby baptised them. John Crosby challenged the Rachael Cooper, Evan Crute, Some had made commitments whole church some months Caileb Hombergen Crute, Eliot to follow Jesus at an early age. ago to stand up and be counted. Hombergen Crute, Ashleigh Others had only recently taken Morley Baptist Church Ludovico and Jessica Potter were that step of faith. Board Chairman Terry baptised during the morning Each piece of music used Hicks said that it had been a service in August. in the morning service was while since the church had A video was recorded and significant to one of the people conducted some baptisms and shown at the 5pm evening service being baptised. that it was reaping the benefits before Isabella Hombergen Crute Other people from the church

following John’s request and her sister Amelia Hombergen are planning to be baptised in Photo: Terry Myers Mackenzie Broun, Jordan Crute were baptised. the near future. Pastor John Crosby baptises Rachael Cooper at Morley Baptist Church.

digital church

14/07/2014 His power much more neatly 22/07/2014 04/08/2014 or ask twice, but to keep Mark Jones and efficiently without us, Ron Edmondson Craig Groeschel asking until we receive, reformation21.org but that has never been the ronedmondson.com twitter.com/craiggroeschel keep seeking until we find “The topic of pastors receiving point.” “It is true that you can’t “I’d rather be remembered for and keep knocking until the calls, searching for calls, and necessarily put a number or standing out than forgotten for door is opened.” transferring from one church 16/07/2014 percentage on discipleship blending in.” to another is exceedingly Mark Howell growth, but you can tell — over 10/08/2014 complex. The Early Church markhowelllive.com time — if it has happened or is 05/08/2014 Basie van Rooyen addressed this issue, and “The most important happening.” Eric Dye vanrooyenb.blogspot.com.au made provisions against the contribution of a small group churchm.ag “What we do learn about practice of pastors carelessly pastor is to be a role model.” 01/08/2014 “80 percent of first-time church God from this verse and selfishly hopping from one BBC News Trending guests are there because [Genesis 2:18] and Genesis church to another.” 18/07/2014 bbc.com/news/blogs- someone they know personally 2 in general, is His concern David Santistevan trending-28602328 invited them.” for His creature, the human. 16/07/2014 davidsantistevan.com “Militants have marked God cares for the fact that Jenny Frank “Worship isn’t about your Christian houses with the 10/08/2014 the human is alone. He desiringgod.org passion on stage. It’s about letter ‘N’ in Arabic, to single Mark Broadbent thus acknowledges that “God is sovereign. He does your passion for Jesus behind them out for harsh markbroadbent.org something is lacking in not need us. He could display closed doors.” treatment.” “So the key is not to ask once, His creation.” news 5

SEPTEMBER 2014 Visiting troupe inspire hope

‘Triangle’, a music troupe from Myanmar visited Perth from 8 to 13 August to highlight the value of music in Karen culture and raise funds for medical work among the thousands of Karen people living in refugee camps on the Thai-Myanmar border.

People from the Perth Karen a drummer. Jena Tomas (34), community, including the a singer-songwriter, is the Buddhist Po Karen people, daughter of a famous Myanmar who have migrated to Western songwriter and performs some Australia, were inspired by the visit. of her father’s songs during the Paul Henney, a leader of the concert. Perth Karen Baptist Church that Along with several others in meets in the Bentley Baptist the group Jena and her husband Church on Sunday afternoons, Soe Pee Pee are Christians. Music organised the visit in conjunction is helping to bridge a divide in with Karen community Myanmar where the government representatives in Perth. continues to place tight “This is a special time for us to restrictions on the predominantly do something together,” Paul said. Christian Karen people.

“We need to work together here Music is a strong element of Photo: Jill Birt in Australia.” Karen culture with musicians, Members of the Myanmar music troupe with organisers and members from the wider Karen community in WA on The music troupe performed poets and songwriters highly the arrival of their first visit to Australia. at an event held at the Morley regarded in the community. Recreation Centre on Saturday 9 One guitarist explained how this August. The event ran from 9am element of culture is changing to 11pm with cultural ceremonies with young musicians taking the early in the day followed by a free tunes and rhythms of the songs communal lunch then the concert performed by Kyaw Like Thient Outback story for students during the evening. About 500 and performing them on guitar. people, mostly from the Karen The group performed people groups living in Perth, traditional, modern and gospel service, we are opening new attended the event. songs in traditional dress of avenues for sharing the gospel Kyaw Like Thient (63) is the the Po Karen and Karen people Cranbrook/Frankland River Baptist Church serves of Jesus.” oldest member of the music group. groups on Saturday. the local community in the Great Southern with “Sometimes it takes a little A famous musician throughout On Sunday afternoon they a unique gift — providing high quality incursions creative thinking to come up Myanmar, he plays traditional attended the church service of with a new way to connect instruments including the the Perth Karen Baptist Church for local schools by Christian performers. to the community, but we mandolin-harp and Karen drums. in Bentley where they performed have found the effort well “I play traditional music,” he several songs and reported on Recently John Arbuckle from schools. Last year Christian worthwhile.” said through an interpreter. the situation in Myanmar and the HATS Productions (History musician Sean W Smith “God has been very good in “I’m the only one on tour to border refugee camps. of Amazing people Through performed. bringing Christian performers play this music. I am training other The Australia-wide tour Story) told the story of John “If churches can be to our attention and who are people in Myanmar, but they are includes concerts in Brisbane, Flynn, the Christian minister associated with this type of available to come out to the not here.” Sydney and Melbourne before the who initiated and founded the material and community country,” Jeff said. The group of 13 included group returns to Myanmar via Royal Flying Doctor Service, to several singers, guitarists and Singapore. students at several schools in the Cranbrook area. John visited schools in Cranbrook, Frankland River, Fishing trip tragedy Mount Barker, Kendenup and Tambellup. He also performed at a free community presentation at the Cranbrook Sporting Tragedy struck the Burmese community Club where almost 100 people, in Katanning on Friday 1 August when close to one third of the town’s grandmother Oo Ku Thein was washed off rocks population attended. Students heard and by a king wave while fishing at Little Beach, participated in a presentation Two Peoples Bay, 40 kilometres east of Albany. which demonstrated how one man’s faith and desire to serve A member of the Katanning Katanning and have integrated others with the love of Christ Karen Baptist Church, Oo Ku, well into the local community. changed the face of outback aged in her 40s, her husband Pastor Moo Kwa said the Australia in a way that continues and seven other family community was deeply shocked to today. members and friends were by the accidental death. Children, teachers and on a fishing trip to the area Oo Ku’s husband, children and parents were very impressed where they had fished several grandchild are all part of the by the high quality, interactive times before the accident closely knit Karen community. storytelling. happened. Pastor Eh Tee Kaw from the “Many people in the country This is the first death Myanmar Baptist Church in have the misconception among the Karen community Bentley conducted the funeral that churches are just about of about 35 families since they service at Katanning Cemetery. something on Sunday morning,” arrived in Katanning several The local funeral director Pastor Jeff Jackson from years ago. Almost all of the worked closely with the Karen Cranbrook/Frankland River Karen community came to community to accommodate Baptist Church said. Australia as refugees. They cultural elements to the funeral The church pays for the

found work at the abattoir in and burial process. presentation each year, making Arbuckle John Photo: the incursion a gift to the John Arbuckle telling stories at one of the schools he visited recently. 6 news

SEPTEMBER 2014 Art from the margins

artistic skills to community members. Four artists taught Credo Café, a ministry people for a month with the of Urban Seed, gave exhibition displaying their five Melbourne CBD finished projects. Indigenous artist Morgan street artists a unique taught people to draw totemic opportunity when animals. Line artist Robert shared they held Art from the the secrets of his extremely Margins – Street to difficult and intricate line drawing method. Mark explored ways of Street Art Exhibition drawing cats and Wayne focused recently. on drawing trees. The artists mainly produce The exhibition ran for ten days their creative work on the streets in Collins Street Baptist Church, of Melbourne at night – Morgan Melbourne and was the result of outside the Arts Centre; Robert five months of engaging with outside Vodafone on Swanston local artists. More than 200 people Street; Mark on the pavement of visited the exhibition. Visitors Swanston Street near Flinders were able to purchase the artists’ Lane. Wayne draws and sells

works of art. beautiful cards outside Myer Photo: Susan Frykberg Street to Street Coordinator during the day. Melbourne artist Ange created this picture of a turtle for the Art from the Margins – Street to Street Art Exhibition. Susan Frykberg explained that Art from the Margins – Street Urban Seed engages people in Art Exhibition honoured the Urban Seed also offers Melbourne’s CBD from all walks of creativity and teaching skills of walking tours of Melbourne. briefs life – including those experiencing the street artists and the creativity They help school students by homelessness, addiction, mental of the Credo Café community. leading interactive walks around illness or isolation – to eat, play and “We believe everyone is creative the city and conduct Baptisms Historical Society create together. because we are made in the image creative workshops that address Fiona Lemon and Will Redshaw A public meeting of the Baptist “We also practice getting of God and the first thing God did homelessness, addiction and were baptised at Albany Baptist Historical Society Western outside of Credo Café to be in was create,” Susan said. community involvement. There Church on 25 May 2014. Australia is planned for 2.30pm different spaces and to invite “Our practice acknowledges the are also walks for Christian and Sunday 14 September at South others into the Credo community,” acceptance of each for the other, workplace groups for people Engagement Perth Baptist Church, 2 Lawler Susan said. and consequently self-acceptance, interested in urban community Mark Jefferies, son of Peter and Street, South Perth. Dr Richard Early in 2014 the Credo and the quiet, focused, mutual that offer insights into Connie Jefferies of Tenterden, Moore will present a paper titled community invited several local companionability that develops homelessness, marginalisation is engaged to Kate Chapman, ‘200 years of American Baptist artists to the café to teach their around the art table at Credo.” and street culture. daughter of Tom and Pat Overseas Missions’. This is a good Chapman of Dersingham, opportunity for people to meet at Norfolk, UK. the recently renovated church.

New arrival World War I Perth children in prayer Jason and Anika Watterson, The Baptist Historical Society from Tenterden, welcomed the Western Australia is seeking safe arrival of Levi Jacob, 4lb information about people from God for forgiveness; asking the 6oz on 20 July 2014. Baptist churches who served Holy Spirit to help them hear in World War I or supported the God’s heart and worship. Marriage troops from Australia through Soaking in Prayer is a time Natalie Wilkinson and Aaron knitting, letter writing, and of silence when children lie Coulson were married at their packing and sending parcels to quietly on the floor in a space home church, Riverton Baptist the troops. “We think there may on their own, listening to Community Church, on be lots of history and memories God’s voice while some gentle 2 August 2014. of associated events among our music plays. After ten minutes church people,” Society Secretary they have the opportunity to New Vose staff Rhoda Walker said. “Events for draw pictures or write about Daniel Bonallack has been the centenary of the start of the what they sensed God was appointed a Ministry Assistant War could be a catalyst to help us saying to them during the at Vose Seminary. Until this build a picture of the way many Soaking in Prayer time. appointment Daniel has Baptists of that era contributed

Photo: Ken Lee “There were some amazing been a volunteer in the Vose and were affected by this horrible Children work in small groups during the recent Perth Children in things the children reported,” Library. Lyn Cowper has also event.” For more information, Prayer event at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. Kathy said. been appointed as a Ministry phone Rhoda on 9384 5460. “A five year old girl said, Assistant, focusing on ‘I saw the heavenly throne reception duties and offering Detention hope and God was showing me personal assistance to Vose A lady from the Christmas Island Children from 11 Perth churches met at Mount He is a very great King’, Principal, Dr Brian Harris. Detention Centre family camp Pleasant Baptist Church recently for the third other children spoke of God has been engaging regularly with encouraging them to pray Evangelism some followers of Jesus. In early meeting of Perth Children in Prayer. Almost for Afghanistan, Iran and the workshop August she and her husband 60 children aged six to sixteen attended, along Middle East.” Crossover Australia and Baptist sat with a camp visitor and an with some adult volunteers and group leader The program finished Churches Western Australia Iranian Christian detainee to talk Kathy Sinclair. with the children spending an are hosting a workshop with and study. Switching between extended time praying for the British trainer Dennis Pethers Persian and English they again “There’s a growing movement Kathy, the Children and things and people God had put on Thursday 30 October from explored what it means to be of Children in Prayer around Families Pastor at Mount Pleasant, in their hearts. 9.30am to 3.00pm at Yokine a Christian. “I felt in my spirit the world,” Kathy said. has a strong God inspired sense Another Perth Children in Baptist Church, 50 Frape that this lady was to become a “I’ve been part of gatherings that children in Perth should be Prayer gathering is planned Avenue, Yokine. The workshop Christian that very afternoon,” in Indonesia and Sabah praying together. towards the end of the year. subject is ‘Preparing and camp visitor Jack K said. “That [Malaysia] and also attended the Each of the prayer gatherings For more information, Delivering an Evangelistic is exactly what happened for her global gathering in New York follow a similar program: time email Kathy Sinclair at Message’. Cost is $40. For more and her husband. Only God could last year.” for confession of sins and asking [email protected] information, phone Phil Bryant have organised this time together on 6313 6300. in the way it happened.” news 7

SEPTEMBER 2014 Selling children for sex

Research shows that in these marginalised communities, a Earlier this year, Baptist World Aid Australia facilitator approaches a family reported a case where an Australian man and his when girls reach puberty partner paid a woman to have their baby and then imploring them to sell their daughter’s virginity. Parents are sexually abused the child. The whole community told that their daughters could was shocked to hear about this case. return to them as if nothing had happened. It is reported that Not content with their own sold again as families become girls disappear for one to two crimes, they sold the boy off accustomed to the money. weeks and then return highly repeatedly to paedophiles Chab Dai Coalition Director traumatised. Nobody talks about around the world. This is and Founder, Helen Sworn the issue. a horrific scenario which first became aware of the issue Desperate poverty was the Australians will not tolerate. when visiting a shelter for girls catalyst for the communities to But in Cambodia’s far north rescued from brothels. start selling their daughters and the situation is very different. “Ethnic Vietnamese make up the practice has now become In the region bordering only 5 percent of the Cambodian the acceptable norm. The birth Vietnam, tolerance of this form population however 65 percent of a daughter is celebrated as it of child abuse has become of the girls we were rescuing is thought that girls allow for an almost mainstream. Whole from these brothels came from insurance policy in that they communities have become these communities,” Helen said. can be sold when money accustomed to the idea of “We undertook a research is needed. ‘virginity selling’ for quick cash. project to find out why and “Once we realised what was Children as young as nine are were appalled to learn of the happening we had to act,” used and then returned to their unspoken culture of virginity Helen said.

Photo: Baptist World Aid families, sometimes only to be selling.” “With funding from partners such as Baptist World Aid, we were able to start an education and prevention program in these source villages.” Quick work helps Emily “We offer counselling, rehabilitation and alternative the shop’s staff room. A midwife livelihood options for families who was in the store assisted at the at risk to end abuse and Yangebup Baptist birth of baby Emily who weighed exploitation.” Church mother Agnes just 2.7 kilograms. Child sex trafficking is Achan gave birth to her The ambulance arrived soon a profitable business and after Emily was born and took traffickers have guns and seventh child at Lakes Agnes and her newborn baby bodyguards. The work Chab Shopping Centre Coles to hospital. Dai does is dangerous but store on 8 July. Agnes returned to the store they are beginning to see a recently with her new daughter real difference in the region Agnes left home feeling fine but to thank staff and the midwife as the cycle of abuse is slowly when she arrived at the shops for helping with the unexpected beginning to end. she started to feel unwell. She delivery. Helen and the team welcome went to the toilet and quickly “I was so surprised when the readers’ prayers for the work realised her baby was on the way. baby came. It was very quick and of Chab Dai, the safety of their Friend Rose Aya ran to the still ten days until the right time,” staff, and for healing of the Coles supermarket and asked Agnes said. women and girls who have been staff to call an ambulance. Agnes and her children arrived abused. Coles employee, Diane in Australia in 2007 from a refugee For more information, phone Traynor sprang into action, camp in Uganda. Her husband, Baptist World Aid Australia on

phoning for an ambulance and Aldo, arrived in 2011. Emily is their Photo: Jill Birt 1300 789 991. organising help to get Agnes into third child to be born in Australia. Agnes Achan with baby Emily in their Yangebup home. 8 feature

SEPTEMBER 2014

How do we engage with the horrors of loss, destruction, brutal deaths, war and suffering we see in the world from the comfort and security of our homes in Australia?

What can we do? Pray through turmoil

Can we empathise without being crushed? Can we really help?

Conversations on social media and in coffee shops and even church foyers Following is a list The Advocate compiled for you to use in your family, small highlight a variety of responses. For some the brutality, death and pain is too group or church community as a meaningful way to engage with the suffering we much and they turn away from engaging. continue to see and hear about in the media. For others their response becomes loud and angry. It could be that both responses are valid. But there are other valid responses too. Africa The Australian Government announced on 13 August that they would • Pray for God to intervene and halt the spread of the Ebola virus. make 4,000 refugee visas available for Christians and people from minority • Pray for protection for health workers who are caring for patients. groups, particularly those in Iraq suffering under ISIS control, to come and live • Pray for local populations to grasp the need for quarantine and isolation for in Australia – an answer to our prayers and a strong call from the Christian people who are showing signs of having the virus. community, mobilised through social media, for our government to respond • Pray for Christians to live out their faith with courage, perseverance and with compassion to this emergency situation. hope. As people with hope and faith in the all-powerful, true and living God we have much to offer. So, how do we pray in these situations? Middle East – Gaza, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria Baptist Union of Australia Director of Ministries Keith Jobberns • Pray that the Lord will protect and uphold our brothers and sisters in the commented, “As we are confronted with the destruction and horror in Syria and region who are fleeing from conflicts, that even as they are surrounded by the other conflicts in the Middle East it is a natural response to call out to God destruction and despair, they will be able to rejoice in the hope we have in for relief for those innocent people whose lives are being ripped apart.” Jesus Christ. “The Psalmist in Psalm 37:4 says we should delight ourselves in the Lord and • Pray that Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants will be thwarted in He will give us the desires of our heart.” their ruthless campaign in Iraq and Syria, and that order, stability and peace “So I want to pray, ‘Lord you know we trust you and in acknowledging your will be established in both countries for the good of all citizens. sovereignty we pray for the desires of our hearts that … Peace would reign; • Pray for Christians in Jordan and Lebanon who are inundated with refugees Killing would cease; Families would be reunited; Communities rebuilt; Hope fleeing Iraq and Syria. The pressure these people are facing is enormous and restored. And those who follow you would shine like lights in the darkness, there is no sign of it coming to an end. Their resources are running out and helping others to experience your love. O Lord, hear our prayer.’ ” they are emotionally overloaded from listening to horror stories and seeing Several Christian ministries working in areas from West Africa, where the results of whole communities forced to flee for their lives. the Ebola virus is running riot and has killed more than 1,000 people, to the • Pray for the wisdom of government leaders who have the power and Ukraine and across the Middle East have been sending out prayer requests for resources to intervene. followers of Jesus to use. • Praise God that Australia is making 4,000 visas available to Christians and people from minority groups to come to Australia.

“Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” [Psalm 62:8] Photo: Paskee Shutterstock.com / feature 9

SEPTEMBER 2014 Photo: Denis Kornilov Shutterstock.com / What can we do? Pray through turmoil A prayer for our times

Ukraine Sovereign God, we worship you and acknowledge that you know all of • Pray for families grieving the loss of loved ones in the MH 17 air tragedy. those who suffer in your name. We remember those who are imprisoned • Pray for safe access to the area where the plane came down so that victim’s for their faith and ask that they would join with the Apostle Paul to see that bodies and belongings can be retrieved. even though they remain captive, their chains have furthered the gospel, not • Pray for Ukrainian people impacted by the crash – for healing of memories and frustrated it. May they inspire and embolden their fellow believers to speak fears. the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. • Pray for peace in the region. God of all comfort, for those who are tortured both in body and mind, give them the grace to endure and to see their suffering as part of following How else can we engage? in Christ’s footsteps. • Keep up with media releases. Merciful God, for those asked to pay the ultimate price; who are martyred • Give as you are able to alleviate the suffering of people. Find the groups you because of their love for you, may they truly know Christ and the power of believe are doing great work and support them as generously as you can. His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming • Engage with social media to keep the plight of God’s people in the public arena. like Him in His death. • Encourage people in your network of family and friends to look for hope in life Father God, for those who are widowed and orphaned may they know and celebrate that God has not left our world. the comfort that comes from your promised presence even when they walk • Read scripture and humbly ask God to continue to shape and nurture your life so through the valley. May they be strengthened by your Spirit, enabling them that He can use you. Do not be afraid to tell Him how these present situations are to rejoice with the psalmist as they proclaim that the Lord will not abandon affecting your faith and heart. them in death. Heavenly Father, we ask that you would make us ever mindful of our There are many things we can pray for in our fallen world and we can easily fall into brothers and sisters around the world who need us to stand with them as the trap of focusing our pray on personal and local needs, but it is important not to they suffer in your name. Teach us what it means to overcome by the blood forget our brothers and sisters in Christ living in other countries who endure much of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony; we pray that we would not as they seek to follow Him daily. love our lives so much as to shrink from death. O Lord, hear our prayer. Almighty God, who has taught us through your Son Jesus Christ that those who follow Him may be persecuted; strengthen, comfort and encourage all those who suffer harassment, violence, imprisonment and even death for being followers of Jesus. We pray for those who persecute your people; may their hearts be turned towards you through the faithful witness of those they persecute. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Mykhaylo Palinchak / Shutterstock.com Photo: 10 news

SEPTEMBER 2014 Iraq crisis

After two thousand years of Christian presence in Mosul, the provincial capital of Nineveh, the ancient historic homeland of the Assyrian nation, there are no more Christians in the city.

In late June, the violent militia found a New Testament in English, passports, even my medicine. of the Islamic State of Iraq and I was beaten and accused of being I’m diabetic and have high blood Syria (ISIS) entered Mosul with no a traitor.” pressure. They confiscated my resistance from the Iraqi army. “I am not sure what that meant, medicine!” Within a week, crosses were but I knew that killing people was “We, together with all removed from the top of church very easy for them and happened the Christian families in the buildings in the city and replaced very fast, they had already city walked for more than 50

with ISIS’s black flag. Since ISIS executed hundreds of people since kilometres to the nearest Kurdish Image: Public Domain took control, all women and girls in they arrived. It was God’s mercy town. There was no place for us to ISIS militia marked properties left by Christians fleeing from Mosul with the region have been circumcised, that they didn’t kill me on the spot.” go except to a monastery – they a large Arabic letter ‘N’ for ‘Nasrani’, the Arabic word for Christian. a tradition never practised in the “On their way out they painted received us.” Mosul region. the sign ‘Christian’ on the door of “In one day we lost everything ISIS gave Christians an our house – the Arabic letter ‘N’, an we possess, we turned from being International teams are be deducted from its annual 13,700 ultimatum to convert to Islam, incomplete circle with a dot on the owners of a house and a business helping rescue up to 30,000 humanitarian intake. leave the city by 12 August, pay top. Next to it they wrote ‘Property to being refugees.” Yazidi people trapped by the ISIS Christian leaders and lobbyists a heavy fine or be killed. Twenty of the Islamic republic’!” Christians are not the only militia, prompting USA President are calling for the Australian thousand Christians have left, “On the next day, early in the group being targeted by ISIS. Barak Obama to order air Government to respond fleeing for their lives. morning, we left our home.” Other minority groups across strikes against the Islamic State with more generosity to the A 57 year old Christian “We were not allowed to take Northern Iraq are receiving the militants. Humanitarian airdrops humanitarian crisis. They are also business man reported what anything with us. We left with the same ultimatum as the militia were delivered to the trapped asking Christians to pray for those happened at his home: clothes on our back.” push further north into the people in early August. suffering and for decision makers. “They arrived at my house, “They searched each one of Kurdish regions and across the Australia has allocated 4,000 they searched every room, they us. They took the money, the border into Syria. refugee visas to Iraqis, which will briefs

FEBC volunteers killed included. High level officials Four young men working as are reported to have called volunteers with Christian radio for a total ban on the Nepali broadcaster Far East Broadcasting people’s right to change their Company (FEBC) were recently religion or belief. On 30 May, captured and beaten to death by while on a visit to Nepal, the pro-Russian separatists in Eastern Indian Bharatiya Janata Party Ukraine because they were Vice Chairman, Bhagat Singh Christians. FEBC’s broadcast tower Koshiyari, called for a total legal in Slavyansk, in the middle of the ban on conversions from one fighting area and off air for several faith to another. On 5 June, months, was shot down and Nepal’s Social Welfare Minister completely destroyed. FEBC is still Nilam KC said that conversion broadcasting in Western Ukraine, from one religion to another reaching millions of listeners. The must be prohibited in Nepal. group is already looking for a new There is also pressure from some location to resume broadcasting to political parties to restore the Eastern Ukraine. Hindu monarchy.

Nigeria trouble Nuba education Christian Solidarity Worldwide Education has suffered since reports that residents of Gwoza the recommencement of war in in north-eastern Nigeria are the Nuba Mountains of Sudan still in hiding in nearby hills in June 2011. Before the war, after their town was overrun 255 schools operated in the by militants from the Islamist area. Now there are less than terror group Boko Haram on 6 100. None are able to provide August. The fighters dressed in the same level of education as Need to be better equipped for military uniforms arrived in the they did before the war. The only Bible teaching or Mission? early hours of the morning and other option for many students overran the town, killing residents, is the refugee camps in South Wednesday 3rd September 2014, burning and looting homes and Sudan. Families have sent their 6:00-7:30pm buildings, after filling their trucks children hundreds of kilometres Trinity House, 632-634 Newcastle Street, with food stocks for their base in to Yida, home to over 70,000 Leederville the Sambisa Forest. According refugees from South Kordofan. to survivors, over 100 residents The only schools operating may have lost their lives as the in Yida camp are elementary hear about our ethos and courses militants conducted door-to-door schools that have been started meet our lecturers and students searches killing men, women by the refugees themselves. ask your questions and children. These schools serve thousands of students under trees and Nepali constitution in small grass huts and do Open Lecture available on the 9th Sep As Nepal is considering a not have the resources to pay 6:15pm by appointment new constitution, there is their teachers well or provide Contact: [email protected] concern about a proposed anti- textbooks. Many Nuba people 089228 9067 conversion clause that may be are Christians. www.ttc.wa.edu.au news 11

SEPTEMBER 2014 Building bridges in Hanoi

The Hanoi International Fellowship (HIF) is making a significant difference in Vietnam’s capital.

Pastor Jacob Bloemberg has In partnership with worked in Hanoi for 17 years, but Evangelical Church of Vietnam it has only been since 2012 that (ECVN), HIF has met with various the church, which is made up of levels of city government. expatriates living and working Recently they met with Chief in Vietnam, has engaged so of Hanoi Police, Major General fully with their host city and Nguyen Duc Chung. He reported community. favourably on the Security Police HIF is part of a global news website about the meeting. movement called the Missional Hanoi Security Police’s office International Church Network for religious affairs has asked (MICN), a group of dynamic HIF to help with an orphanage churches serving a very mobile that is run by a Buddhist temple. expatriate community, known as This may sound strange, for the global diaspora. government police to ask a HIF is ministering to these church to help Buddhists, but

expatriates, mobilising and unbeknown to them HIF has Photo: Shutterstock.com John / Bill equipping HIF members to be already been volunteering there Hanoi International Fellowship (HIF) challenge churches to work in partnership with all walks of life in Hanoi. missional in ministering through for a whole year. A Brazilian nurse the diaspora. As their people is onsite daily to help take care grow in understanding local of the health and physical needs culture and language, the church of the orphans and abandoned is able to minister beyond the children. diaspora and build bridges with On Palm Sunday HIF Aid workers killed in Herat the host society. partnered with ECVN and One way HIF is doing this the Hanoi Korean Church to is through their Love Hanoi organise an Easter celebration campaign. The vision of Love service at the modern Au Co Two expatriate women from Finland working with the Christian group Hanoi is for it to become a city- Theatre. More than 700 people International Assistance Mission (IAM) were killed in Afghanistan on 24 July. wide movement of collaboration attended including the police IAM reported that the women were in a car in the Shar-E-Now area of Herat across denominations and chief and officials from various societal sectors for the benefit of city government and religious when two men on a motorbike shot and killed them. the city. They recruit volunteers affairs offices. to share their time and expertise Last Christmas, HIF organised The women had been working days earlier to work as the team “We pray that the unselfish and raise funds to support a concert. It took a lot of work to in Afghanistan for many years leader of IAM in Herat. She sacrifice of these two ladies would initiatives such as orphanages, obtain the necessary permits but and lived in Herat for several of first arrived in Afghanistan in contribute in building a brighter vocational projects, and start up the evening was a huge success those. They spoke Dari well and 1998 and worked in Kabul and future for the Afghans,” she said. ministries across the city. raising $14,000 for an orphanage knew and respected the culture later as the Project Manager of In 2010 a team of ten “One of the challenges that under the Love Hanoi banner. of Afghanistan. IAM’s Community Development IAM workers, including eye I continue to struggle with is Love Hanoi is becoming an One worker first arrived Project in Herat. She was also specialist Tom Little, were killed this: how can an international ‘incubator’ for networks and in Afghanistan in 1999 and supporting IAM’s Business by the Taliban. church transition from being partnerships. Partnerships not returned a year and a half ago Development Services project for IAM continues to serve the a church that has come ‘to’ the only strengthen each partner and after a break of several years. She illiterate women. people of Afghanistan, meeting city, to being a church that is ‘in’ provide synergy to accomplish was helping to establish social IAM Acting Executive needs and inspiring hope for the city, to a church that is ‘for’ the goal; they also demonstrate work within IAM’s mental health Director, Dr Heini Makila said ordinary Afghan people. the city, to becoming a church the unity among Christians to the project in Herat. the team in Afghanistan was that collaborates ‘with’ the city?” community. The other woman had deeply saddened by the loss of Jacob said. returned to Afghanistan a few their two workers.

To find your local Baptist church visit

www.baptistwa.asn.au 12 in conversation

SEPTEMBER 2014

Enabling people in poverty

Jeng Juan is one of the three keynote speakers at the Fresh women’s conference to be held in Perth on 12 and 13 September at Riverview Church in Burswood.

You’re coming to Perth to speak that I should continue with my Tell us about your work with at the Fresh conference. Tell us a schooling. microloans. Why work with little about yourself. Life was hard back then, but women? I am Virginia Juan, my friends with God’s faithfulness we were APPEND is the first group of call me Jeng. I am married to able to endure the hardships. I microfinance providers in the engineer Joseph Juan, and finished college, and my masters Philippines. We provide small have two sons. I have been and doctoral degrees on full loans, savings, micro-insurance working for the poor farmers and financial scholarships. I supported and remittance services to entrepreneurs in the Philippines my parents in their old age. poor people. People can use the for more than 28 years as a I worked as a socio-economics microloans to capitalise their development economist, advocate researcher for nine years among existing or start-up businesses. and implementer of social hard-working poor families, In the Philippines, micro- and solidarity economy (SSE) learning about the root causes enterprising is the only decent enterprises like microfinance. of poverty in my country and means to survive, particularly some socio-economic models to among the poor. The loans What is your role with APPEND? address poverty. range from $125 to $7,500 AUD. As APPEND [Alliance of Repayments are paid weekly or Philippine Partners in Enterprise Tell us about your journey of monthly, depending on the cash Development] CEO, I launched faith. How did you meet Jesus? flow of the borrowers. the LIFE [Living in Fellowship I met the Lord Jesus when In 2013, close to 970,000 (97 with Christ for Eternity] series I was in college through a percent) of our more than 1.1 throughout the Philippines. This group called REACH Ministries million members were women. is a training program with a book [Resources Employment and We make most of the loans to for microfinance staff and micro- Community Horizons]. Most of the women because they are good entrepreneurs. The purpose of the group were trained by Navigators at managing loan responsibility. LIFE program is to help people [American based discipleship The money they receive from become mature in character and organisation]. My professor at their micro-enterprise is used faith. I developed and launched university invited me to stay in to augment the income of their the Adopt a Family Program, a her house along with five other husband. For other families, global advocacy to support the female students. She taught us their microenterprise is the only formal education of one child to do household chores, read the source of income of their entire per family and at the same Bible, have morning devotions and household. The poor are bankable time enhance the businesses memorise Bible verses. My first five and can be entrusted with loans of the micro-entrepreneurs. I months was an ordeal and I got a as shown by their 97 to 98 percent also facilitated the setting up of culture shock because I was not repayment rate. Pinoy Ako, a micro-insurance used to these activities. company. Currently, I serve as the After seven months of living What hope do you see for urban

Board of Director of Opportunity with mandatory Bible study, God and rural poor through the work Photo: Jouvy Color Kauswagan Bank, the first spoke to me through His words you’re involved in? microfinance-oriented thrift bank and He made me understand that God loves the poor so much. in the Philippines. the best life a woman could have With God, there is a great future always fun, easy and convenient. How do you deal with the APPEND is also involved is eternal life through Jesus Christ. for both the urban and rural poor There are lots of challenges. constant pressure of the massive in changing legislation and I became Christian, at 1am on through holistic microfinance. Poverty is multi-dimensional need all around you, all the government policies to improve 2 November 1984. So far this is one of the best and people are either poor time? basic services and availability of social solidarity and economy spiritually, socially, politically or Stresses and pressures are social and financial opportunities When and how did you first see models. It is good in curbing economically. We always pray always present in an executive job, to the small, cottage scale and the impact of poverty and debt poverty. Holistic microfinance that more Christians will join us however, I manage to organise micro-entrepreneurial sectors. on Filipino families? only requires a seed fund and that in our battle against poverty. and simplify my tasks, through In my family I remember there fund is recycled many times and prioritising, strategic planning What experiences and passions were times that we needed to buy grows to fund more needy people. What have you learnt about and working systematically. in your life have prepared you food on credit from a number The most important component leadership from the people you With the massive need the for the work you’re now doing? of stores in our neighbourhood. of our program is spiritual work with? only way for me, and for all of us, I was born in a poor family Many times store owners did not transformation, which includes I learnt teamwork, resilience, to deal with gigantic need is to but my parents never regarded want to lend to us because we still gospel sharing and Bible study. perseverance and confidence look to God and work hard. He poverty as a hindrance to had outstanding debts. from my board members. They called us to partner with Him in success. My father who graduated 2009 statistics show that the What aspects of leadership are all committed leaders and the ministry of caring for His elementary [primary school] told poverty incidence hit 26.5 percent, have helped you most in your focused to our vision. They special children. He alone can me that education is a necessity that’s roughly 23 million people role? love the poor so much. Their supply the right people to work and promised that he will fight living with $1 USD per day and The aspect of ‘action very lives and testimonies have with us to meet those needs. for us so we won’t be like him. over 40 million people with less planning’ in leadership has encouraged me to work hard He worked hard in two garment than $2 USD per day. In 2011, the helped me most in my work – for the good of our micro- Have you been to Western factories at the same time. Social Weather Stations, a private getting ideas from my people, entrepreneurs. My work is not Australia before? However, in the early 90s, many research group surveyed that 49 crafting strategies and goals with easy without my board members. This is my first trip to Australia factories shut down and my father percent of our households rated my team and with the board, They have been my mentors and I am excited to see her natural lost his two jobs. Then he opened themselves poor and among those planning and putting them into and inspiration since I started beauty and beautiful people. up a small junk shop, where he who rated themselves poor, 27 action, because mere planning working with APPEND. sold and bought all kinds of scrap percent had experienced hunger without execution is useless. It From the community that materials like steel and empty over the previous three months. should be properly implemented I work with, I have learnt that a bottles. Income from the junk The poor are mostly living in slum and have accountability. leader should continue to listen shop barely paid our utilities. As communities and in areas prone Prayer also helps me a lot. and be accountable to the needs of the eldest in the family, he said to landslides and flooding. Working with the poor is not the people. leadership 13

SEPTEMBER 2014

The head and the heart: Leaders aim to hit both

2. A sound strategy 4. Celebration of each victory 6. Time Do you have a game plan A big vision happens by Whereas emotional Vision determines the direction of the team. that you can articulate reaching a number of smaller transference depends on When a leader communicates a vision clearly and clearly and succinctly? goals. When celebrating each timing, logical persuasion contagiously, team members gain confidence Team members need win, recap the values and simply takes time. People to know where they are principles that led to victory. often need to mull over an because they know where they’re going and going before they can fully In doing so, you reinforce idea and wrap their minds why it’s important to get there. Casting vision accept the responsibility for the behaviours needed to around it before they will successfully requires both emotional and logical getting there. accomplish the overall vision. agree to move forward. transference. 3. The commitment of key 5. Evaluation of each defeat performers When the team misses Used with permission from If you can’t convince your a goal, it’s important to The John Maxwell Company, top players of the plan, then acknowledge the failure and to www.johnmaxwell.com you won’t be able to gain the communicate how the team What is needed to transfer a 4. Timing backing of the team. can do better moving forward. vision emotionally? For a vision to connect, the timing needs to be 1. Credibility right. The right decision at A leader’s actions speak the wrong time is still the louder than words. Leaders wrong decision. ought to go first and give the 5. Felt need most when contributing to People are looking to link up a vision. with something bigger than 2. Passion themselves. Studs Terkel was Have you ever gone through right: most people have a job a check-out lane and had a that’s too small for their spirit. cashier robotically recite a They want a sense of purpose, sales pitch asking you to sign not just a pay cheque. up for the retailer’s credit card? If so, you know that What is needed to transfer a presentation without passion vision logically? is utterly unconvincing. 3. Relationships 1. A realistic understanding of People buy into the leader the situation today before they buy into the Some leaders cast vision for vision. How do you get tomorrow to cover up the fact team members to buy into that they’re not taking care you as a leader? By serving of business today. As leaders, them and adding value to we have to confront reality. their lives. People don’t If we’re not honest about care how much you know our present circumstances, until they know how much how can we expect people to you care. believe our plan for the future?

Integral mission and leadership

sought positions of honour. At and doing the will of God. This 3. Royal priesthood of all the core His style was one of requires a serious intentionality as believers: The purpose of By Sheryl Haw obedience and love. we seek His wisdom and direction leadership is to see the maturity of We have all too often [Romans 12:2]. all, equipping each person to fulfil At the heart of integral mission is the zeal to see ‘Christianised’ our leadership by their call in every area of their lives. the Kingdom of God reflected through the lives of placing a prayer and devotion 2. Integrity: We are called to live Leadership is to be worked out believers; through the local church proclaiming the at the start of a meeting, yet a life worth of our calling [1 John with fear and trembling as we are continue to go about business as 2:6]. An inconsistent life equals called to demonstrate Jesus. What good news of Jesus and demonstrating this message usual throughout the rest of the hypocrisy which is the great a wonderful privilege. in practical life changing ways that reveal just how meeting. barrier to people responding to much God loves each community. What should our leadership the gospel. The world watches look like today? us to see if our message matches our life. We are the example and It is the inauguration of a new styles of leadership. We can learn 1. Discernment: The willingness the reflection of what the new humanity, a new way (God’s way) much from these and other and capacity to seek for, to Kingdom looks like. Integrity of living life in all its fullness. We ‘secular’ methods of leadership. recognise and to respond to the should never be compromised – must ask, therefore, what does What is clear is that the one presence, activity and direction our behaviour, our speech, our leadership look like in God’s whom we should be modelling of God in all aspects of life. This motivation should always match Kingdom? our leadership on is Jesus. His includes the major leadership the values we promote. Without We are surrounded by various style was often completely decisions as well as the day-to-day this we lose the trust of all. Are we

models of leadership from opposite or so unexpected that it personal choices. What makes leading to aggrandise ourselves or Photo: Micah Network anarchy, autocracy, oligarchy to threatened the current leadership, Godly leadership so unique is are we seeking God’s Kingdom to Sheryl Haw is the International democracy. There are various it challenged the disciples who our commitment to discerning be reflected? Director of Micah Network. 14 intermission

SEPTEMBER 2014

browse watch

Not Just Words littlewatchman.com

Do you get frustrated when you cannot quite remember a Bible verse and usual searches are proving fruitless? Not Just Words is a Bible search app that uses a thesaurus to help you find the verses you’re looking for. Search for ‘speak’ and it will also find verses with ‘talk’, ‘uttered’ and other similar words. As well as being able to search for combinations of words it also automatically searches for other forms of your search words. So when you search for ‘pray’, it also looks for ‘prays’, ‘praying’, ‘prayer’, ‘prayers’ and ‘prayed’. Not Just Words also allows you to restrict your search to certain books or sets of books such as the New Testament. Available in the Apple app store.

Uncensored Science: Abel’s Field Unstoppable Bill Nye debates Tragically left motherless and In this powerful visual journal, Ken Ham abandoned by his father, high Kirk Cameron takes viewers on a Leading creation apologist and school senior Seth McArdle personal, moving, and hope-filled bestselling Christian author Ken (Samuel Davis) has been put under journey to better understand the Ham is joined at the Creation enormous pressure to support his biggest doubt raising question Museum by popular television little sisters. At school, he endures in faith: “Where is God during personality and evolution the daily bullying of the football times of tragedy and suffering?” apologist Bill Nye. Ken, a team. When he fights back, he Going back to the beginning; Kirk former science instructor who is singled out for punishment, investigates the origins of good immigrated to the USA from assigned to an after-school work and evil and how they impact Australia over 25 years ago, is duty under the supervision our lives … and our eternities. joined by Bill ‘The Science Guy’ of a reserved groundskeeper, A 13 minute behind the scenes for this first and only scheduled Abel (Kevin Sorbo). Much to his feature and Warren Barfield’s The debate. Presented in a packed 900 surprise, Seth discovers that Abel Time is Now music video are also seat auditorium, this event sold may be the only one who truly included, as well as other special out in the first two minutes of understands his struggles. features. online ticketing. win read

A Time to Plant Ben Alex

A Time to Plant is a collection of scriptures with an inherent power to encourage and transform the lives of those who read it. Throughout the book are beautifully chosen painted colour images which correspond with the verses. Verses are based around the Biblical principle of sowing the seed of God’s Word. Delightfully packaged with a gift bag and card, this lovely little book will be a blessing to the reader.

The Advocate in conjunction with Word Bookstore is giving you an opportunity to win A Time to Plant. To be in the draw, simply answer the following question:

C S Lewis – A Life: John Stott: A portrait Seven Men: And Question: Eccentric genius, by his friends the secret of their Who is the author of A Time to Plant? reluctant prophet Christopher JH Wright greatness Alister McGrath Thirty-five of John Stott’s friends Eric Mextas The recent Narnia films have open their hearts and share Written in an engaging style, inspired a resurgence of memories of a unique man, Seven Men addresses what it Entries close on Thursday 18 September and all winners will be interest in C S Lewis, the Oxford creating an ‘art gallery’ of very means (or should mean) to be a announced in the October edition of The Advocate. academic, popular theologian personal portraits by friends man today, at a time when media and, most famously, creator and colleagues from around the and popular culture present The winners from the Mercy Triumphs: Lessons from James of the world of Narnia. This globe. From ‘Wumby Dumby’, images of masculinity that are competition: C Cobussen, R Friend and A Hoggett authoritative new biography, the special uncle and godfather, not the picture presented in published to mark the 50th to the Reverend Dr John scripture and historic civil life. anniversary of Lewis’s death, Stott, international Christian Each of the seven men profiled sets out to introduce him to a statesman, this tribute contains – George Washington, William new generation. Accessible and a rich bank of memories, Wilberforce, Eric Liddell, Dietrich competition engaging, this new biography will representing a key period in Bonhoeffer, Jackie Robinson, appeal to fans of the films, readers British evangelicalism. Many John Paul II, and Charles Colson Answer: of Lewis and of theologian and brush strokes, one portrait. – call the reader to a more apologist Alister McGrath himself. elevated lifestyle. Name:

Phone number: Reviews and competition kindly supplied by Word Bookstore. Please complete this form with your details and post it to: Website: www.word.com.au A Time to Plant Competition Address : Victoria Park - 359 Albany Highway, phone 08 9361 7899 11 East Parade East Perth WA 6004 school scoop 15

SEPTEMBER 2014

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

Emmanual Christian Community School Emmanuel Christian Community School was established in 1982 as a ministry of the Girrawheen Baptist Church. Its vision Kindergarten to Year 7 is ‘Through the teaching of God’s Word we will bring people to www.eccs.wa.edu.au Christ and help them to grow in Him.’

Banding together City slickers hit the sticks

By Sam Pavkovic (Year 7) In Term 2 the Year 7 boys and their teacher, Mr Gabrielson, were invited by Mr Doug Fitch to a farm in Bruce Rock. They stayed there for two nights, doing different activities arranged by Mr Fitch and his wife. The boys were very excited when they left for Bruce Rock

in early June. Gabrielson Phil Photo: The Bruce Rock sun sets on the boys from ‘the burbs’.

Photo: Phil Gabrielson Phil Photo: On arrival, they settled into their Allyra White and Sian Gabrielson with their idea to help TEAR Australia. ‘new’ home, a massive shearing seen. They also learnt about about life on the farm, the value shed. Some boys were worried modern farming where tractors of hard work and just how that they would not last because are controlled by satellite and amazing God is. On the way there were no ‘creature’ comforts ‘roughed it’ by cooking meals home, the boys realised they had By Sian Gabrielson (Year 5) and a strict ban on technology. over a fire, collecting firewood lasted camp without technology Whilst settling in, the boys also every morning and sleeping on and had grown an appreciation In Term 1, Steve McKinnon came and spoke to Year 5 found out that the toilet was a the shearing shed floorboards. for their life at home, especially students at Emmanuel Christian Community School ‘seat’ above a hole in the ground. The lads also mixed with the the bed they would soon be about TEAR Australia, an organisation that helps During their three day stay, local youth from Narembeen and sleeping in. the boys searched for yabbies, played soccer and Aussie Rules communities around the world. He told the class how spotlighted for kangaroos, on gravel tracks. life is for them, and how blessed we are to have clean shot a rifle and created the Overall it was a fun and water, fresh food and shelter. biggest bonfire they had ever educational experience learning

Allyra White came up with an idea to raise money for TEAR – making loom bands to sell to students in the school. She had It’s all a masquerade made about 20 when I asked her if she needed help. After two weeks of hard work together, around 180 bracelets were created. By Denisia Cojocarescu (Year 6) With our teacher, Mr Pirie, a special day was organised where Wednesday 2 April was the day Year 6 and 7 students were allowed to buy had been waiting for – Masquerade, a ‘5-star’ and wear loom band bracelets. restaurant experience. Students were asked to Wearing loom band bracelets is normally against school rules so dress formally and most importantly, wear a mask. children were happy to support this special day. When the day arrived, it started meal continued, official photos When Loom Band Day arrived, normally, except that girls wore were taken and awards were tables were set up in the school’s make-up and their hair was presented for best dressed, finest undercover area. People started fancy before arriving at school. etiquette and good conversation. arriving at the loom band stall Finally, 11:30am arrived Suddenly, loud dance music before they were even allowed to and it was time to ‘mask’ played and a man barged into be sold. A mixture of boys and girls up. At midday, patrons were the restaurant! He told patrons to from Years 1 to 7 bought the bands, ushered into a beautifully take off their masks and dance, around 170 of them for $1 per band. decorated room where names basically causing chaos. He was The Year 5 class also brought were marked off, customers the guest speaker, Dr Dougalian in spare change for TEAR and, were shown to seats and strict Stevanovich and the owner of

together with the loom band etiquette rules were given. Masquerade was furious with him! Gabrielson Phil Photo: money, a total of $300 was raised. Then the five course menu was Dr Stevanovich spoke about Denisia Cojocarescu and Cien Makeui taste the high life at Masquerade. With the money raised, some read. people who pretend they are chickens, clean water and a toilet Meals were carefully good, wearing ‘masks’ to cover After some final Easter experience and one message were bought. It’s good to know presented and full of taste, who they really are, fallen refreshments, the day had ended. was clear – we do not need that creative ideas and hard even the controversial human beings who Jesus died Masquerade was an ‘masks’, we need Jesus. work can help families in poorer escargot. As the five course for on the cross. entertaining and informative communities. 16 news

SEPTEMBER 2014 SPARC inspires artists

More than 230 creative artists from across Australia met at the third Australia-wide SPARC Creative Conference in Sydney in early August.

SPARC, an initiative of Christian Several artists performed at the Media Australia (CMA), is a conference including Kanakawa cultural movement that seeks Nagarra (Olive) Knight from Fitzroy to mobilise a body of Christians Crossing, Western Australia, who who are artists and creative to be sang and played ‘the blues’ with intentional and transformative in musician Jeff Crabtree. influencing culture. “The SPARC conference met Musicians, poets, filmmakers, more than my expectations, I went artists and musicians learnt and away thrilled from this gathering of collaborated together during the Christians in the creative industry. two-day event in The Scots Church, There is certainly a real place enjoying the synergistic energy of in the world for Christian arts, their combined creativity. influencing the world and being A highlight of the conference in the world and at the same time was a collaborative installation being not of it,” Kanakawa Nagarra where a group of artists each (Olive) Knight said. interpreted a line of text from a SPARC expects to hold a

prayer written by Sir Francis Drake. meeting in Perth for local creative Photo: Zon Shih and team “The gallery of works they artists in October. Kankawa Nagarra Knight (Olive) playing some blues with Jeff Crabtree at the SPARC Creative Conference. produced was inspiring and challenging,” conference organiser Vickie Reddy said. Guest speakers included author Ian Morgan Cron from the USA, Paul Nevison from Sydney and Exceptional learning experiences in ministry, Jarrod McKenna from Perth, as theology, education and management well as Mark Reddy from CMA. Exodus 28:2-3 was the catalyst for the theme of the conference, OPEN NIGHT AT VOSE OPEN DAY AT VOSE ‘For Glory and Beauty’, where high value for the community and God’s Monday 13th October Wednesday 15th October Kingdom is placed on the work of 7pm 9.30am - 5.00pm gifted artisans. “Our dream is about creating a Come and explore, talk to staff We open our doors to anyone who would like chord of influence,” Vickie said. 08 6313 6200 and students about your future to experience ‘Vose for a day’. study goals, and see how Vose “The simplest definition of a [email protected] Come to chapel, sit in on a class, meet our can provide exceptional learning musical chord is three or more www.vose.edu.au renowned lecturers, join our student community experiences to get you there. notes played at the same time. lunch, and spend time in our amazing library. SPARC’s chord is Spirituality, Arts and Culture.” Please RSVP by the 14th October for the open day. During his talk, Ian Morgan Cron reminded people that their story is a dimension of God’s grace that will never be revealed unless

they tell it. RTO 0145 SAVE THESE DATES VET CRICOS 01052B ACT CRICOS 02650E

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