NOVEMBER 2014

Equipping a new generation of Bible teachers Thanks Wendy!

angham itself was scarcely 8 years Officer. Wendy’s first action in old when Wendy Toulmin took that role was to invite John Lon responsibility for its affairs in Stott (insist, actually!) to come . She and Graham had returned for a tour of the major cities to Australia in 1978, after two years of Australia, which he did in in London as secretary to Michael July 2002, accompanied Baughen, Rector of All Souls Church, by myself as the new Langham Place — during which time, International Ministries John Stott with Wendy Toulmin in London 2005 of course, she got to know the Rector Director for LPI. The tour was Emeritus, John Stott. John asked Wendy a great attraction (I still have to handle any donations from his friends the T-shirt!) in which thousands not only in Australia for the work of his two young heard John Stott for the last time, but also But Wendy was never merely a fund- trust funds — the Langham Trust and saw and heard the Langham vision and raiser. With the same heart the Evangelical Literature Trust (now mission, often for the first time. that had taken her and Graham to Congo, combined in Langham Partnership since she wanted to see the Langham vision 2001). That she did, with the help of From then on, Wendy threw heart and soul into promoting the awareness actually implemented in the regions several bishops who knew John well — closest to Australia — the Pacific and Jack Dain, , , and income of Langham in Australia. Tirelessly, she visited churches, colleges South East Asia. Langham Literature and then Rob Forsyth, who became the projects were conceived, funded and first Chair of Langham Partnership and individuals, produced newsletters achieved. In 2007 she spearheaded Australia (later followed by the present and appeals, connected with publishers the planting of Langham Preaching Chair, Trevor Cork). and like-minded agencies. Year after year, she organized itineraries for myself and movements in Vanuatu, then Solomon In 2001, however, the Langham other senior Langham staff, with detailed Islands, then Papua New Guinea which Partnership International was formed planning and diligent follow-up. Under have flourished to maturity. And in the and Langham Partnership Australia was her leadership, enthusiasm, creativity and past few years she has brought Langham one of the founding members, with sheer hard work, LPA has grown steadily Scholars to Australia from Uganda, Tonga, Wendy (who had already served Langham in numbers of supporters and significant Myanmar and Pakistan — and cared for for two decades, apart from the years she growth of income. them and their families. Hers has been an and Graham were serving in D.R. Congo) all-round Langham leadership role. as its Executive As Wendy leaves us, the Langham family worldwide is losing its longest continuously serving staff member. ‘Losing’ her only as a member of staff, but not as a much-loved friend, inspiration and example. Thanks, Wendy! Langham Partnership owes you so much. John Stott chose wisely, but even he could not have imagined what would result from his simple request to an Aussie secretary back The first Langham Preaching event in the Pacific: in Vanuatu in 2008. in 1978.

Wendy pioneered LanghamVanuatu, Preaching the Solomon in the Pacific,Islands andcoordinating Papua New multiple Guinea. events over the years in Chris Wright International Ministries Director

PO Box 530 Springwood NSW 2777 | Phone 02 4751 9036 | Email [email protected] | Web www.langham.org The Langham Partnership Australia Committee is pleased to announce that Gillean Smiley has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Langham Welcome Partnership Australia. Gillean currently works for Peirson Gillean! Services in Brisbane, after working in senior executive roles in the South Australian Public Service, the SA Bible Society and the Bible Society in Australia.

illean will attend the Langham the Bible, and in turn grow in their team here in Australia, and can’t wait to Partnership International Council understanding and maturity as Christians. begin!” Gmeetings in the USA in late Given that the most effective local Gillean’s appointment opens a new October, prior to commencing full duties evangelism will be coming from those chapter in Langham Partnership’s work in in late November. well equipped, mature local Christians, Australia. Gillean says, “Equipping local teachers it’s hard to imagine a more exciting and preachers in the majority world, so and important thing to be doing! I am We look forward to your continued they can better help people understand honoured and grateful to be joining the support for that work.

An indigenous movement: Langham is committed to an outcome that is sustainable within the country and with limited resources. Before a programme Langham Preaching: is commenced, a line-up meeting is held with church leaders from across the denominations and across the country What’s it all about? to plan and establish local ownership. While in the early days of our partnerships foreign personnel and funding is Langham Preaching is about training approach which complements homiletics prominent, as a given movement in a way which builds and sustains (as taught in theological colleges) — and develops it becomes increasingly an indigenous movement of Biblical often supplements it as well. We aim to regionalised as local facilitators working preachers which changes the culture of be more practical, working with fewer at the grassroots become the focus. Then preaching in the Majority World. and simpler skills practiced and modelled when a movement reaches maturity, it repeatedly, so that we build a training that will be identified by regular gatherings et’s take each of those words or is more transferable without the need for of these facilitators that will be directed phrases in turn to describe what an abundance of resources. The Level 1 locally. Langham Preaching is about:- L seminar introduces the foundations of An indigenous movement of biblical Preaching: Langham is committed to Biblical preaching. Level 2 typically covers preachers which changes the culture preachers and preaching. “We believe the theme of preaching from the New of preaching: Under God’s gracious that God wants his church to grow up. We Testament, and Level 3 tackles preaching hand Langham is working towards believe that the church grows through from the Old Testament. changing the culture of preaching. And God’s Word, and that this Word comes as that transformation in preaching to people, primarily, through preaching” Training which builds and sustains an indigenous movement: Langham is takes place we believe it can lead on (John Stott). to the transformation of the church … committed to smaller seminars designed and then as the church transforms there The Majority World: Langham is to spark a movement as people gather is the expectation that there will be a committed to those countries where the regularly between the seminars in transformation of the often troubled need is greatest, where the resources are local fellowships for encouragement countries in which these churches are fewest, and the growth in the church is and accountability. And to nurture this embedded. This is because biblical fastest. But it is often “growth without regionalised movement the emphasis preaching helps the church grow up into depth”. Under God’s gracious hand, we are gradually slides across to the training of maturity and a mature church, living as committed to seeing depth develop. local facilitators. So the event which is salt and light and full of grace and truth, the seminar becomes that brief moment Biblical preachers: Langham is is the God-ordained agency for the in time when the infection is introduced, committed to that brand of preaching transformation of societies. after which we pray that a ‘benevolent which opens a biblical passage and frees virus’ might spread. So while participants that passage to provide the shape and Langham Preaching worldwide in 2014 often gather looking for an event that purpose for the sermon because the • Preaching movements in 55 countries. contains something useful for themselves, preacher remains in that passage for the • 400 volunteers training over 10,000 we are even more interested in how duration of the sermon. pastors and lay preachers. they will scatter into a movement with • More than 200 training events. Training: Langham is committed to an something useful for others. Home is Where God’s People Are

n late August, the second Training “Although my late parents were Sri encouraged by their support for the of Trainers for Sri Lanka Langham Lankan, I have never lived on the island work of Langham Preaching. They were IPreaching was held in the capital except for a brief eighteen months enthusiastic to promote careful attention Colombo. Contributing to the training for when I was eight years old. So it was an to God’s word and patient explanation of the first time was Rev. Kanishka Raffel, absolute thrill for me to spend a week God’s truth to equip all God’s people for an Australian with Sri Lankan parents who with a diverse group of brothers in Christ the works of service He has prepared in is the Rector of St Matthew’s Shenton Park — Sinhalese and Tamil made “all one in advance for them to do. The Sri Lankan in Perth. It was a most profitable week! Christ Jesus”. Each of them is committed church faces many challenges including to the faithful proclamation of God’s Word shortage of native language resources, Alongside the training, there were for the strengthening and upbuilding of ministering to people in great need meetings with church leaders in God’s church. Their love for one another, or poverty and even opposition from preparation for a re-launch of a Level 1 and for the Lord and His people, and their nationalist groups. It’s a privilege to have Langham Preaching in Sri Lanka next year. humble and joyful dedication to the work the opportunity to serve the Sri Lankan God-willing, Kanishka will take the lead of feeding and caring for the sheep was church through the work of Langham in facilitating the Preaching training in Sri inspiring. Preaching.” Lanka from this point forward. He writes about the week they recently shared: As we met with denominational church leaders, we were greatly

Sri Lankan Langham Preaching Trainers receive gift of the Africa Lokki, Country CoordinatorEkanayaka (left) from and KanishkaMargaya (right)Church. meeting with Rohan Bible Commentary from LPA

Next, with the support Words To Build Bridges With — of Langham Literature, Publishing For Unity in Burma (Myanmar) ATEM undertook the mammoth task of ‘translating’ each of ow do you start bridging the deep something particularly evil about a the 6,000 entries into the official majority divisions that issue from decades regime that crushes the human spirit for Burmese language. This meant re-working of civil wars? This is the challenge as long as this one. It has been almost as H the expressions and finding terminology in Burma (Myanmar). long as the biblical exile, with the similar that will make sense to believers across consequence of giving the people no Ethnically the nation consists of 142 the complex, multi-ethnic church in living memory of any other reality. It people groups, with 116 different Myanmar today. creates a different brand of injustice which languages. Transition to a new requires a different brand of restoration The task was completed towards the end government in 2011 has led to a measure than what might be found elsewhere.’ of 2013. And more than 50 seminaries of peace after more than six decades of have already started using this dictionary civil wars between minorities and the And Christian publishers wondered: Is as a resource for their Bible students — military rulers. There have been tenuous there a task for us? the next generation of Bible teachers, improvements in human rights. But the Some years ago, the Association of preachers, evangelists and leaders of the wounds of endemic conflict will take Theological Education in Myanmar church in Myanmar. decades to heal. (ATEM) identified a common theological Give thanks to God! Pray that through Christian were expelled from language as one strategic goal. Having a the Holy Spirit this work will build this majority Buddhist nation in 1966. shared understanding of the key concepts bridges: to facilitate communication Yet the church has continued to grow of the Christian faith among the various and unity between the ethnically and ever since. Today there are well over 3 denominations and ethnic groups is denominationally divided believers in million Christians! Sadly the church is essential for dialogue. Myanmar. also very divided: with more than 90 The Westminster Dictionary of denominations, often separated along Langham Scholar Ronald Lal Din Theological Terms by Derek McKim was ethnic lines. Suah comments: “In a country like found to be the most helpful existing Myanmar every theological student Paul Windsor (Director of Langham resource. Definitions cover a range of struggles with English — even many of Preaching) who has visited the region theological disciplines, such as biblical the theological teachers struggle. So said: ‘While Myanmar is on some sort studies, church history, ethics, ministry to have this resource in Burmese will of road towards democracy, there is and philosophy. really help our people. Thank you!” Farewell to Ronald Lal Din Suah

t this time we also want to say emotional and pastoral support farewell to Langham Scholar we’ve received”. Ronald Lal Din Suah, his wife Mary A While studying, Ronald has also and children Jedidiah (14 years), Bruce pastored in the Melbourne Mizo (13yrs) and Rody (11 years) as they head Church, a growing church of back to Myanmar in December. refugees from Myanmar, who will Ronald has been in Australia for about certainly miss Ronald and the family four years and his family with him for the as they return home. last three years. Ronald will take up his former position During that time Ronald has successfully as Old Testament Lecturer in the the completed his PhD at Ridley College Myanmar Evangelical Graduate School medical treatment Melbourne, a process Ronald describes as of Theology in the capital, Yangon. he has been having in Melbourne for a “hard, but enjoyable and worth doing”. Ronald and Mary would appreciate prayer hearing loss can be finalised before they Ronald says achieving his PhD has helped for each member of the family as they return home. develop his confidence to do more study reintegrate back into life in Myanmar, a Please keep this family in your prayers as in the future. He says, “I want to thank country that has changed a lot in recent they begin the next chapter of their lives Langham Partnership for all the financial, years. Ronald also requests prayer that back in Myanmar. In the Midst of Ebola: A Call to Prayer for the Church in Sierra Leone & Liberia

hit by the outbreak. He shared with us stopped flying here, borders have been the sad news that some pastors and closed, and motorbike taxis, which are the “prophets” are using this crisis to main means of transport, are now required spread a false gospel—including to stop running at 7:00 p.m. There is general saying that the outbreak is a result hardship especially in the regions that have of God’s judgment. Though many of been quarantined . . .We were on the radio Langham’s training events have been yesterday, Sunday, for one hour encouraging cancelled in Sierra Leone, Chris and all to continue to trust in God–especially other volunteers have been working Christians. We shared from Romans 8 to minister to those affected where about the Spirit-filled, justified life. This does they can. This includes going on the not exempt us from the challenges of this radio to share encouragement from current time but v. 28 says God is at work for God’s Word. He writes: our good. It was a phone-in program, and we had a very good interaction with the “It is very serious and we need God’s public.” intervention. We have been able to contact “If one member suffers, all the Langham folks in all the towns were we John Stott said “the church’s first duty suffer together . . . ” 1 Corinthians 12:26 have work (15 towns) with the exception of toward society and its leaders is to pray (ESV) Makeni and Kambia. We continue to make for them.” Would you join us in praying ur hearts are increasingly drawn phone calls to pray for and encourage all for God’s grace, mercy and healing on to the suffering in West Africa to trust and hope in God. Our churches are our brothers and sisters throughout West Oas the Ebola crisis continues to trying to help but the situation is bad . . . Africa? worsen—and particularly to Sierra Leone We would appreciate it if our worldwide Rejoice in hope, endure in suffering, and Liberia, where Langham’s preaching fellowship would continue to pray for persist in prayer. Contribute to the movements are well developed. We us. There are new infections all over the needs of the saints … Rejoice with wanted to share with you an update we country; prices have gone up significantly. those who rejoice, weep with those received from Chris Jonah, the country Some areas and specific houses have been who weep.’ (Romans 12:12, 13, 15) coordinator for Langham Preaching in quarantined, and another doctor and nurse Sierra Leone, one of the countries hardest died yesterday. All the major airlines have Update On Other “Aussie” Scholars Qaiser Julius continues with his doctoral If you’ve been receiving our newsletters opportunities in other studies at Melbourne School of Theology. for a while, you will recall reading about countries in their regions. Recently Qaiser was a speaker at the Langham scholars who have previously Please pray for them both, Freedom of Religion conference hosted studied in Australia to gain their that God will grant them by the University of Queensland. Pray for doctorates. Alfred Olwa (Uganda) and strength and wisdom as him as he continues his research. Pray too Ma’afu Palu (Tonga) are both continuing they manage their many for his wife Rahila and children Homilia (11 to teach at colleges in their own countries. responsibilities. QaiserOaiser Julius years) and Hanan (8 years). Both have also had recent speaking Response Form My Gift I want to — Give $ regularly — monthly Our vision is to see churches in the / quarterly /annually (circle whichever Majority World equipped for mission applies). Please complete the donation and growing to maturity in Christ amount and the payment authority sections through the ministry of pastors and below. leaders who believe, teach and live by Give a one off gift of $ the word of God. Please make cheques payable to Langham Partnership (Aust) or complete card details As an evangelical organisation, the Langham below. Partnership is above all committed to exalt Please use my donation: the name and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, to Where Most Needed $ promote the gospel of His grace and to foster Langham Scholars $ the mission of His church. Langham Literature $ We do this through our three programmes: Langham Preaching $ Langham Scholars offers doctoral scholarships for theological leaders who will My Total Donation $ lead churches and train the next generation Yes, I would like to receive Daily Thoughts of Bible teachers in their home countries along with the monthly eNews. Langham Literature provides preachers My Address and Bible colleges with evangelical literature and mentors indigenous writers, editors and Mr/Mrs/Miss/Dr/Rev publishers Family Name Langham Preaching establishes national First Name movements for continuous training in Address expository biblical preaching.

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