theadvocate.tv MAY 2014
“How do you respond when a great In Conversation Glen Gerryn, Queensland athelete with a dream opportunity presents itself?” of going to the 2000 Olympics, speaks about how his life changed JOHN MAXWELL PAGE 13>> after he was diagnosed with an incurable disease PAGE 12>>
3 Fathering project Church engages fathers and their children through overnight camps >>
8 The Railway Man New film puts forgiveness and reconcilliation in the public eye >> Photo: Jill Birt Nic Naitanui talks about his faith during an interview with Eagles Chaplain Paul Morrison at the Celebration of God’s Gift of Sport service held at St George’s Cathedral early April.
15 School Scoop Nic Nat shares his faith Alkimos Baptist College students write for The Advocate >> Terry Dorrington, Chaplain Perth churches, including for Perth Speedway and Drag Anglican Archbishop Roger Herft, On Sunday 6 April, St George’s Cathedral in Perth Racing, introduced Pieter de Wit Catholic Archbishop Timothy was full for the inaugural Celebration of God’s Gift who was seriously hurt in a drag Costelloe, Mark Wilson (Baptist of Sport, an ecumenical service for sports people race in February 2013. Churches Western Australia), Struggling to keep his Tania Watson (Churches of Building and sports chaplains from across the state. emotions in check, Pieter Christ), Karen Wilson (Riverview healthy described how he met God Church) and Wayne Pittaway One of the highlights of the Sandilands, I tell you I was afraid through the suffering he (The Salvation Army). churches service was when West Coast at times. Now that fear has gone. experienced and his long weeks Praise filled the cathedral Eagles ruckman, Nic Naitanui, I know God is for me. He’s on my in hospital. as the music team from Mount was interviewed by Eagles side,” Nic said. “I did not know Jesus before Hawthorn Baptist Church led BAPTIST CHURCHES chaplain, Paul (Morro) Morrison. “We’ve (the Eagles) introduced the accident,” Pieter said. the congregational singing, WESTERN AUSTRALIA Nic described his home a chaplain service before the “I want to say thanks to Jesus supported by the choirs from Hale life where mid-week prayer game at the Eagles this year and to Terry for walking with School and St Mary’s Anglican gatherings were held on where Morro meets with us. We me [through] all the steps of the Girl’s School. Wednesdays and Fridays. His read some verses from the Bible journey of my recovery.” The Cathedral generously faith in Jesus strengthens his and pray together. That’s the best Cricket legend and Coach provided a free barbecue on resolve and has helped him face pre-game routine you can have.” of the Western Warriors cricket the Cathedral terrace after the some of his fears. Kevin Durant NBA Forward team, Justin Langer read from service. He has Romans 8:31 tattooed with Oklahoma City Thunder Matthew 5 during the service. Organisers Christians inside his left forearm to inspired Nic to be more confident Representatives from several Together in Sport and Sports remind him of God’s power and about his faith in God. of Perth’s elite sporting teams Chaplaincy Australia plan to commitment to him. “He’s got real humility even at attended the service along with make the Celebration an annual “As a skinny 17 year old up the top but he’s not afraid (to be school students in their sport event and have commenced against some big guys like Aaron known for his faith),” Nic said. uniforms and leaders of several planning for a service in 2015. 2 my view
MAY 2014 It’s always better together
Like me, I am sure many of you have been watching with interest as the Just imagine the joy and events unfold about missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370. The sadness excitement there will be if the surrounding not knowing what happened affects everyone with family and search for MH307 is successful. We too can experience that as friends on the flight, causing grief, anxiety and a great sense of loss. we work together for the good of everyone, not just ourselves. We are affected to some extent as of what happened and why. because they are all working As we reflect back on Easter we we ponder – what if I had a friend Then amidst this we start to together and putting their own acknowledge that in a sense or family member on the flight? see speculation, false leads and interests aside to help. this is what Jesus did for each The flurry of activity the excitement of ‘pings’ from The search for Malaysia of us on the cross – put others surrounding the search and the black box. Hopefully by the Airlines MH370 has reminded first and Himself last that we the rush to assist by countries time you read this there is more me that we can be more might be saved. from around the world is concrete information and good effective if we are willing Terry Hicks amazing. Australia, China, news. to work together, accept Terry Hicks is Project Malaysia, Britain, America and Reflecting on these leadership and get on with the Consultant for the Baptist other nations all devoted huge activities, what stands out task in unity together and with Churches Western Australia resources to assist in trying to for me is the increased servant hearts. Often we are and the Editor of The Advocate. locate the missing plane and to effectiveness of the 11 planes, 11 bogged down in the detail and answer the pressing question ships and all the people involved forget the big picture.
On Zacchaeus ...
Don’t know why, but the story of that vertically challenged tax collector, that they grumbled as Jesus’ Zacchaeus by name, has always appealed to me. It’s not that I particularly decision to enter the home identify with Zac, after all I am not especially tall, nor am I drastically short of so shady a character. Not that Jesus was thrown by – 175cm if you insist on precision. their displeasure. He knew they would fuss about the As for career, well given my Zacchaeus dashed ahead colossal understatement. What past, but he was interested in dislike for filling in my annual of the group, and climbed a an unexpected coup for him. As building the future. It is a future tax return, I can’t imagine an sycamore fig tree. From that a tax collector, he was routinely Zacchaeus readily embraced. occupation I am less drawn to elevated position he was able ignored by others. As with most In no time he distributes his ill (okay, I also really wouldn’t like to see Jesus approaching. All who are ostracised, his coping gotten gains to the poor, while to be a plumber). So why does he wanted was a glimpse of mechanism was to pretend not Jesus happily observes, Zac’s story keep coming back this miracle worker. God often to care. The trouble was he did ‘today salvation has come to Dr Brian Harris to me? gives us more than we dare ask ... and desperately at that. He is this house.’ Dr Brian Harris is the Perhaps it is the sheer for. This is one of those times. beside himself with joy when To everyone else, Principal of Vose Seminary. resourcefulness of the man. Jesus stops at the base of Zac’s he welcomes Jesus into Zacchaeus was an outcast. To With the taller heads in the tree and invites himself to the his home. Jesus, he was someone to be crowd blocking any view tax collector’s home. To say It didn’t go down well with welcomed, embraced of Jesus, we are told that that Zacchaeus was pleased is a the crowd. Luke 19 tells us and transformed.
Solus Christus: In Christ alone
Eighty years ago on 31 May 1934, some German church members gathered in movement of resistance against the city of Barmen to confess their faith. The German church struggled for its the Nazis: existence as the new Nazi regime affected every sector of German society. ‘Jesus Christ, as he is attested for us in Holy Scripture, is the one Word of God which we Millions of Germans, humiliated beside Christ, and in addition to Christians may seek it in have to hear and which we and impoverished by the Great Christ. They wanted an earthly success, a loving relationship, a have to trust and obey in life War and its aftermath, longed Führer (leader, guide) in addition worthy cause, a good reputation, and in death.’ for a new hope. Thousands of to a heavenly Lord. or church activities. We convince Alongside Jesus Christ there Christians wanted desperately Anytime we seek our comfort ourselves that these are all good can be no other Lord, no other to believe that Hitler represented and assurance in anything other things and so must be God’s will. ultimate or equivalent authority, God’s will for the nation, and so fell than Christ, we are already in This was the mistake of the claim or allegiance. Christ alone in line with his program. trouble. In 1930s Germany they German Christians: they mistook is our hope and our salvation, Dr Michael O’Neil It is difficult for us to conceive sought it in a political leader. cultural values and priorities our comfort and assurance, our Dr Michael O’Neil how this was ever possible. Now people are more likely to for the Word and will of God. duty and our freedom. In Him we teaches theology at Vose It happened in part because seek comfort or significance in The believers who gathered at believe and in Him we rejoice; Him Seminary, and blogs at Christians were not satisfied with something pleasurable, thrilling Barmen, however, confessed we obey, and in Him we are saved. theologyandchurch.com Christ alone, but wanted another or risky, perhaps something illicit Jesus Christ alone, and in so In Christ alone, our hope is source of comfort and assurance or subversive. doing began at great cost, a found ... letters to the editor send us your letters
The Advocate welcomes your letters to the editor on topics of concern to you and the community. Send your letters of no more than 100 words to [email protected] by the 10th of each month. news 3
MAY 2014 Dads and kids camps grow
East Fremantle Baptist Church is engaging with families in its community by partnering with The Fathering Project and two local primary schools.
In 2014, they ran overnight “At the latest camp we asked camps for dads and their primary each family to create a family school aged children from East shield with four things that are Fremantle Primary School and important to their family,” Richmond Primary School. Phil said. Ninety-nine dads from “Then they had to write down Richmond Primary School three goals of things to do with camped with their children on dad, either daily, weekly, monthly the school’s oval in March and or during the year.” 107 dads and their children from Everyone sleeps in their own East Fremantle Primary School family’s tent overnight. attended an earlier camp. A coffee van arrives to start East Fremantle Baptist the next day and a group of about Church (EFBC) member Helen a dozen volunteers from East Vandersteen was the inaugural Fremantle Baptist Church cook chaplain at Richmond Primary breakfast for all the campers. and several families from the After breakfast the dads listen Church have children at the to Ray speak about fathering
local schools. skills. This year’s talk focused Beeck Phil Photo: Raymond Shanhun from The on getting involved in children’s East Fremantle Baptist Church volunteers cook breakfast for 99 local community dads and their children. University of Western Australia’s education, the need for daughters The Fathering Project works with to hear from their dad that they Church volunteers supervise Richmond Primary School “It gives dads the opportunity the local team and speaks at the are beautiful on the inside and the the kids through a variety of Principal Lisa Dentith said the to be involved with their kids and dads and kids camps. outside, and understanding how activities, including writing a school is very committed to to interact and learn from other EFBC has a long history of important it is to love and respect letter to their dad while the dads promoting the importance of the dads, plus, the children love it.” engagement with local schools. your children’s mother. are busy. father in their children’s lives. Lisa said. The East Fremantle Baptist Church Senior Pastor, Phil Beeck, is also the President of the Parents and Citizen’s group at Richmond Primary School and New book gets churches to speak out coordinates the dads’ events at both schools. this prophetic vocation a practical book “Years ago we used to teach and how the church in with preaching scripture and help with their A new book, Just Speak: How Your Voice Can Western Australia today notes and Christmas assembly,” Phil said. Change The World, has recently been released can continue the calling small group After four annual events to explore what the Bible means when it speaks through advocacy study guides at Richmond and three at East for the exploited and to accompany Fremantle, the program for a about justice and how we can be effective in oppressed. The goal stories of camp is well tested. ‘doing justice’. is to change the way Christians being Dads and kids arrive at 5pm people think and effective advocates and erect their tents on the With justice being a core to explore how Old Testament speak about issues of justice. school oval then each family dimension of discipleship, prophets played a key role in of justice forever. For more cooks dinner in front of their Senior Consultant and calling on governments and Just Speak is information and to tent. As the sun sets there are Advisor with Baptist World powers to act justly. the third book in the popular order the book visit, activities where family members Aid Australia and author In Just Speak, Scott shows ‘ethical life’ series and follows www.baptistworldaid.org.au/ have to work together to achieve Scott Higgins, felt the need how Jesus took up the mantle of on from The End of Greed. It is justspeak a goal.
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MAY 2014 Report set to shake industry
In early May, Baptist World Aid is set to release the second in the ‘Behind the Barcode’ series of ethical shopping guides. The new guide looks at the consumer electronics industry – computers, phones, music devices and tablets.
All the major electronic providers message to multinational in the Australian market are electronics companies – and reviewed in The Australian boy, do they listen!” Electronics Report to be released “Your purchasing decisions in conjunction with the guide. influence the way the world does The report assesses 39 companies business and you’d be amazed at on the systems they have in how much change can happen place to protect workers in their for exploited workers overseas as supply chain from exploitation a result.” to forced labour and child labour. “By choosing to support Companies are then given a grade companies that protect from A through to F – with some workers’ rights, you become surprising results. part of God’s vision for a world Baptist World Aid expects as it should be – where workers to receive international media and their families share in the coverage about the new guide fullness of life He intends for due to its content. every person.”
In August 2013 the fashion Senior Consultant and Photo: Fiona Russell industry received a wake-up call Advisor with Baptist World Aid Gershon Nimbalker and Claire Cremen, Baptist World Aid’s Advocacy team and two of the researchers/authors when thousands of consumers Australia Scott Higgins has been of The Australian Electronics Report are excited about the impending release of the Report. began using the inaugural Ethical grappling with how significant Fashion Guide which reported on change comes to organisations the real story behind the barcode and companies. when it came to worker’s rights “One of the most important and conditions overseas. things in life that I’ve discovered Response to the guide was is not how much money I have, The Inside Story launched immediate and overwhelming but how much love I have and with both national and what I do with it,” Scott said. gap between the inner person and her desire for the best for God, international media outlets “I’m captivated by Jesus. If the public persona. and the struggle to know, grow running with the story and we could love the world as God Riverview Church “I’d been in ministry for more and respectfully love her beautiful retailers responding by does it would be a completely Executive Minister Karen than 20 years when we left a inner person. What courage to improving supply chains and different place.” Wilson unexpectedly successful ministry in a Perth share it with the rest of the world!” conditions for workers overseas. “We have already seen church,” Karen said. More than 100 people attended Baptist World Aid Advocacy [with the Ethical Fashion launched her first book, “The grief I experienced was the launch where Karen was Manager Gershon Nimbalker Guide] what happens when The Inside Story, in deep and I worked for a long time introduced by her husband, Mark has been instrumental in the love is the motivation for our the foyer of Riverview to find the real me.” Wilson, Baptist Churches Western research and production of the political and consumer choices, Church in late March. For a year while she travelled Australia Director of Ministries. guide and report. unsustainable living wages are extensively with the Willow Creek Son Daniel read a chapter from the “In Proverbs 31 we are not fair trade” Syndal Baptist Association, Karen made a pact book and daughter Katie was on instructed to ‘defend the Church Senior Pastor Bill Brown “We had everything planned with God to watch no in-flight hand to help and cheer. rights of the poor and needy’ ”, said when commenting on for a venue in Subiaco then movies but to use the long hours of “I read the book in one sitting. Gershon said. the launch of The Australian they phoned 24 hours before international flights to journal and Insightful in understanding “By knowing how and Electronics Report. the launch and said they were write the first draft of her book. yourself. You feel like you where a product is made, we cancelling all events after a crisis,” Perth Clinical Psychologist Joy are having a really helpful can make informed decisions To order The Australian Karen said. Eicchorn wrote about the book: conversation with someone” about the devices we buy and Electronics Report or Ethical That phone call could have “It was my privilege to share a Inglewood Community Church use. The choices we make at the Fashion Guide, visit become another chapter in ‘rough’ time with Karen. I learned Pastor Mark Edwards who attended cash register send a powerful www.behindthebarcode.org.au Karen’s book which explores the to appreciate her determination, the book launch said. digital church
01/04/2014 technology is everywhere our credibility and strip us of worship means someone feel chained to the shame Jeremy Bouma you turn. But is the church relational capital.” coming into your church for of the past or are feeling koinoniablog.net utilising technology to fulfil either the first or the 1,000th overwhelmed by our current “Like most of you, at the start the mission and ministry God 15/04/2014 time will not encounter circumstances, there is of Holy Week I am deep in has called it to?” Tim Challies technical or artistic issues that and always will be only one reflection upon the most challies.com interfere with providing them solution – Jesus.” monumental event in history: 08/04/2014 “I want to protect my children in a total, enveloping, immersive the Resurrection. I’m deep in Ronnie Martin a world like this, but I want to do worship experience that 15/04/2014 reflection not only personally, thegospelcoalition.org more than that. I want to disciple prepares their mind and soul to Marshall Segal but pastorally. And the reason “Unfortunately, grudges are my children to live virtuously, to be impacted by God.” desiringgod.org why this is: I want to preach the easier to hold than forgiveness use these new technologies for “Sometimes it’s hard to Resurrection well. Not for the is to hand out. Reputations good purposes instead of bad 15/04/2014 sort out our lives before sake of professionalism, but for are complex mechanisms ones. I believe this is a crucial Steven Furtick Christ. It all feels so bleak, the sake of my people.” to dismantle. Although we part of my calling as a parent.” stevenfurtick.com so dark, so destructive, so have limitless opportunities “We all have something in our wasted. Some of us have a 07/04/2014 to show kindness to others, it 15/04/2014 lives that seems unbeatable, no hard time finding anything Pastors Today takes only one poisonous slip Brian Gowing matter how hard we try. A bad good, anything worth lifeway.com/pastorstoday of the tongue or outburst of behindthemixer.com habit, a destructive pattern, a remembering in the stories “It’s no secret; mobile anger to completely destroy “Technically transparent regret, a heartbreak … whether we of our old selves.” news 5
MAY 2014 Cuballing muster mighty men Photo: Rodney Wilson Men attending the Mighty Men’s Conference at Cuballing in early April met at sunrise on Sunday morning to celebrate communion and pray together.
There was a stream of men men, leaving Kalgoorlie early on us to be more obedient and coming forward for prayer for Friday morning and returning committed in our walk with More than 270 men camped on a farm in healing, encouragement and late on Sunday night. Him,” Garry McGrechan who Cuballing, two hours south-west of Perth, over exhortation. Craig Lydon, is the Director attended from Mundaring said. the first weekend in April for the Mighty Men’s A highlight for many of the of Mighty Men’s Conference Mighty Men’s Conference men who attended Cuballing (MMC) in Western Australia. has been running in Western Conference. this year was the early Sunday “With MMC it’s never about Australia since 2008. morning gathering on ‘the hill’ – the program or some spectacular Conferences and regional Men were challenged on Club Chaplain shared a stirring a landmark on the property. Any speaker,” Craig said. gatherings are now held Saturday morning by one of presentation on the prodigal son Conference participants who “We get together and try to in Queensland, Tasmania the speakers, John Wilmot, which included original songs wish to join the group walk about sense where God is working and and Victoria. Regional rural with his testimony of a life and a challenging message. one and a half kilometres to a join Him there.” gatherings are conducted in redeemed from crime and drug On the Saturday night, Brad local hill to celebrate communion “Yes, we’ll organise some Western Australia at Latham, abuse. John is now pursuing a Patterson from Mukinbudin as the sun rises. great music and good food but Newdegate and Muntadgin, as doctorate and working amongst brought an inspired message As well as men from Western the beauty of these conferences well as a meeting in the the Martu people near Newman, which had the men laughing, Australia’s south-west region is seeing God work in lives.” North-West and the annual event as well as pastoring Newman crying and engaging with the men flew in from Queensland “It was a great weekend in Cuballing. Baptist Church. word of God. and Tasmania. where everyone enjoyed meeting Paul Morrison, morning The ministry time Kalgoorlie Baptist Church new people and hearing God 98five Perth radio host and afterwards saw some men say Pastor Eliot Vlatko drove to speak through ordinary men West Coast Eagles Football ‘yes’ to Jesus for the first time. Cuballing with a bus load of 25 with ordinary lives to challenge
Australia: Too poor to be generous? Expo at Vose
Vose Seminary will As talks begin over the upcoming federal budget celebrate its strong and the rising state of Australia’s ‘debt crisis’, focus on mission on Baptist World Aid Australia is questioning if the Wednesday 7 May with Government is right in suggesting the nation’s a Missions Expo at the foreign aid budget is at an ‘unsustainable and Seminary in Bentley. irresponsible’ level. Is Australia really too poor to be generous? Islamic culture specialist, Tillmann Klein, is the guest speaker for the day. Tillman works with Muslims “Australia actually has the level of debt of Australia, gives in Sydney and loves to engage second lowest debt level more than double what we do. with people holding a different amongst all rich aid giving “It seems pretty clear that worldview. He will speak about what nations,” Baptist World Aid trying to use Australia’s level he sees God doing in Australia. Advocacy Manager Gershon of ‘indebtedness’ to justify why Head of Vose Mission Lloyd Nimbalker said. we can’t be more generous may Porter said that this is a wonderful Baptist World Aid be politically popular – but it’s opportunity for people to come Australia’s research shows certainly not accurate!” Gershon and explore mission. Australia’s debt is just 27.2 concluded. “The Expo includes hearing percent of income. This debt To take action on this and from a guest speaker, a time of level is only beaten by the small other issues of justice you can worship and fellowship and the European nation of Luxemburg join a Catalyst Group. Groups are opportunity to visit the exhibition (who gives three times the provided with everything needed stands,” Lloyd said. level of aid that Australia does). to be vocal, prayerful and active “We have ten agencies Sweden has a touch more when it comes to ‘defending the represented in our mission debt than we do and they still rights of the poor and needy’ partnership, and each of them is manage to give one percent [Proverbs 31]. making a unique contribution of national income in aid around the globe.” compared to our 0.33 percent. For more information, visit The Expo commences at 9am. Meanwhile, the United www.baptistworldaid.org.au/ To RSVP and for more
Kingdom with four times the get-involved Photo: Rowan Butler information, email Charis at [email protected] 6 news
MAY 2014
3e network starts Moving forward
“Our saviour is not a saviour who is content with being in the Twenty-three members of South Perth Baptist The 3e Movement of Perth started meeting at confines of the church walls but Church met for half a day in early April to listen Inglewood Community Church in early April. The is active in all mission fields we and imagine. The church recently refurbished group of young adults is committed to following get to engage with.” The group heard stories from their property in Lawler Street and launched Jesus: working together to equip, encourage and Niro Abraham and Mark Edwards the Mosaic Early Learning Centre. engage one another in faith and action. of how prayer and the Holy Spirit are crucial to seeing people say “It’s been a pretty tough time Steve Ingram helped the The group emerged when Aashish Josh and Marnel Thomas ‘yes’ to Jesus. getting the Mosaic project up group explore some of the Parmer from Ellenbrook Baptist work amongst young adults Niro is part of Praxeis, and running,” Senior Pastor things the little church will Church and Dan McGrechan from at Edith Cowan University the church planting arm of Steve Izett said. grieve as they grow. They then South Perth Baptist Church looked (ECU), Mount Lawley, and are Crossway Baptist Church in “Now we’re working graphed the possible journey for a way to motivate young passionate about mobilising Melbourne which aims to see a together to help our church and pressures the church may people towards mission. young adults towards reaching movement of church planters grow.” take as they reach their goal of Inglewood Community people for Jesus. develop across Australia. She Church Consultant Steve a vibrant group contributing Church Young Adults Pastor Josh “The best way it helps in our lives in Fremantle and has prayer Ingram facilitated the half-day to their community. Thomas hosted the event with continued mission with ECU walked through more than 200 event. After 15 minutes of intentional focus on reaching Mt Lawley is that this event Western Australian towns in the In the first activity of praying in pairs around the young adults for Jesus on the reminded our church of the past 18 months. When prayer the day, everyone listed five church property the group agenda as well as with great cornerstone of our faith, Jesus walking, Niro looks for ‘people of things they contribute to gathered together again music and food. Christ,” Josh said. peace’, people whose heart and the church community. The and listened to what people mind are open to engage with diverse list ranged from a sensed God was saying. Jesus. Then she talks with them sense of humour to a passion “We often forget that step, about Jesus and life with Him. for ending poverty. The listening to what people have Mark Edwards from information has been placed received from God,” Steve said. Inglewood Community onto a large poster the church “I’ve done a lot of these Church talked about how out plans to display in their events. You could see as of a person’s relationship with auditorium. people arrived this morning God comes a keen sense of Associate Pastor Dan that there’s a sense of discernment and passion to McGrechan guided the anticipation. People are share faith. group to explore the engaged and ready for the job About 80 young adults from church’s position in the local ahead of them as this little several Baptist churches across community. church plans for the future.” the city, including Ellenbrook, Inglewood, Maida Vale and South Perth, attended the event. “We’ll be facilitating a number of these events across the year in different churches,” Dan said. A goal of the group is to create a network of young adults who can encourage one another along the journey of active faith. “Any young adults who want to explore these issues are welcome to join us.” “The vision of 3e is to partner with local churches to equip and encourage young adults in their faith and engage them in the mission of God locally and globally.” Photo: Steve Ingram “We want to come alongside The people of South Perth Baptist Church with their poster that
Photo: AaronPhoto: Chidgzey what churches are already doing lists the many things they contribute to the church as they plan for Dan McGrechan shares the vision of 3e at the first meeting of the group and add some vibrancy and future growth at the church. at Inglewood Community Church in early April. focus,” Dan said.
briefs
Baptisms children, Alisha and Grant Pastoral changes Better mums Baptist Historical Manjimup Baptist Church Dufty, Ryan and Emmalee Dr Marc and Mrs Brigitte Chan Mothers of Preschoolers Society visited the Busselton Baptist Quicke and Rachel and Sam conclude their time at Baptist (MOPS) groups are meeting at ‘Baptist Schools in WA – Part A’ is Camping Centre for their Thomson, joined hundreds of Churches Western Australia in Riverton Baptist Church from the topic for the Baptist Historical church camp from 14 to 16 mourners at a memorial service May 2014 and will be moving 9am to 4pm on 17 May for the Society’s Public Meeting on 18 May March. Ross Bremner baptised to remember Ali at North Beach to Melbourne. Pastor David first Better Mums Conference. at 2.30pm at Perth Baptist Church, Dave Henderson, and Ross and Baptist Church on Saturday Lowe has concluded at Boyup Organiser Miranda Miller said corner of Stirling and James Lorraine Ewing baptised Nicole 12 April. Brook Baptist Church. Pastor the conference is aimed towards Street, Perth. The development of Loder. Isaac and Nicole Loder Ryan Quicke has concluded mothers of babies, toddlers and schools associated with Baptist also dedicated their two young Grace Community at Claremont Baptist Church preschool children. Speakers churches has been quite a growth children, Timothy and Samuel. Church and will be commencing as the will aim to encourage, equip area so this topic will be in two Pastor Dawson Elliott led the Associate Pastor at Eaton Baptist and develop mums in their parts. A panel will present on seven Death Grace Community Church Church shortly. Pastor Warrick mothering and relational skills. of the schools, based in Albany, Alison (Ali) Quicke, wife of congregation during their first Smith has commenced as the Cost is $50 which includes Armadale, Forrestdale, Girrawheen, Geraldton Baptist Church pastor anniversary celebration as a Interim Pastor at Claremont morning tea and lunch. Kalgoorlie, Mt Pleasant and Paul Quicke, died peacefully church plant on 16 March at Baptist Church. Retired Pastor Register online at Rockingham. ‘Part B’ of the in Royal Perth Hospital on Maida Vale Baptist Church. Alastair Bain is serving as www.mops.goregister.com.au schools’ history is planned for Monday 7 April after a short Interim Pastor at Geraldton For more information, email November. Members of the public battle with cancer. The Quicke Baptist Church. [email protected] are welcome to attend. For more family, including Paul and Ali’s information, phone 9384 5460. news 7
MAY 2014 Kimberley inspires artist
Renowned local visual artist Joel Smoker exhibited his latest ceramics at the Zig Zag Cultural Centre in Kalamunda throughout April.
The Circle, Line, Square Joel also set up the Waringarri exhibition included three Aboriginal Arts Centre in dimensional ceramic pieces, Kununurra. framed ceramic wall tiles and “I can safely say that the framed pastel drawings from Aboriginal artists I worked with around Western Australia. have been a great influence and “I have endeavoured to echo inspiration on my own artistic the colours of the West Australian journey,” Joel said. landscape in my ceramics, and of Joel studied Visual Art at course my drawings,” Joel said. Curtin University, majoring in Fellow ceramic master Ceramics and Painting, and craftsman, Bela Kotai, gave the has combined a career as an art opening address at the exhibition. teacher with an ongoing visual “Clay is a material we take art practice. Joel first exhibited most for granted – yet it is most his ceramic art in a group
deeply embedded in our lives,” exhibition in 1978 and has been Photo: Alexis Smoker said Bela. exhibiting regularly ever since. Joel Smoker at the opening of his Circle, Line, Square exhibition. “If you are lucky the second thing you press to your lips each morning will be a cuppa in a ceramic mug.” “Clay is the material that has Swan River celebration contributed more than any other to civilised development, from utilitarian things such as bricks to fine porcelain. The science of Mount Zion Aussie clay is used in the silicon chip, Indigenous Church the basis of our technological celebrated 21 baptisms revolution.” “In the hands of the skilled, in the Swan River on knowledgeable and sensitive, it is the windy afternoon of the material used for the creation Sunday 6 April. of art of the highest order. These pieces on display are the product of such a fusion of hand, mind Pastor Keith Truscott believes and eye.” the baptisms help to show that “The Bible tells us God was a Aboriginal people do exist and potter, and the transformation of Jesus loves and includes all common clay is the great gift and people groups. akin to a miracle.” “There has been a real sense Bela described Joel as a of prayer and repentance coming classicist. into our church recently,” Pastor
“Joel needs order and Keith Truscott said. Lalahi Puanini Photo: structure. Clay has many “Then God is able to restore Twenty-one Aboriginal people from the Mount Zion Aussie Indigenous Church were baptised in the Swan River fine qualities but tidiness and broken relationships with Him near the Narrows Bridge in early April. orderliness are not among them.” and each other, and mainstream “In this exhibition you will people who so often still A young Nyungar man who “A real blessing was the blessing of Father, Son and Holy experience a classical constraint subconsciously think Australia is restoring his relationship arrival of three dolphins nearby Spirit.” against processes not fully is ‘terra nullius’ [no inhabitants], with his wife and family and while I was baptising the Three weeks earlier the controllable such as clay, glaze that Australian Indigenous dealing with other issues was candidates,” Keith said. church baptised five people at and fire,” he said. people do not exist or matter.” also baptised. “To me this ... signified the the same place in the river. A member of the Parkerville Eight of those baptised are a Baptist Church, Joel’s creative family of Nyungar people with and spiritual journey started in four teenagers. The parents work the Kimberley region of Western fly-in fly-out in the North-West. Australia. His parents, Bruce Another group included a Tom Price awards Annette and Pearl Smoker, moved to household of ten people from the Kimberley region in 1951 as the Pilbara, including a mother, Annette and her husband together every Friday night. missionaries. eight teenage boys and a Chris are the interim pastors at “I have a passion to bless Joel was born the following younger son. The teenagers are On Australia Day 2014, the Tom Price Baptist Church, others because I have been year in Derby, also living in studying in Perth. Annette Turk received where they have ministered for so blessed, so I express this Fitzroy Crossing, then Halls Creek A mature aged woman was the Premier’s Australia nearly two years. through the volunteer work,” where his parents established the baptised after returning to her Annette was nominated said Annette. Halls Creek Peoples Church. faith. She had run away from Day Active Citizenship for the award by friends in the “I feel strongly that faith Joel has had a lifelong interest Roelands Mission the day they Award in Tom Price church and the community needs to be shared through in music which began by playing were conducting baptisms for the volunteer for her contribution to several action with those I meet on a guitar alongside the Aboriginal years ago. work she does in the programs that are conducted at daily basis.” musicians who accompanied the “I met her at the funeral of the community centre. These “Tom Price is an oasis in gospel singing at the Halls Creek her brother recently and invited community. include an Op Shop, an over the desert, about 2,000 mostly Peoples Church. her to get baptised,” Keith said. 40s group, a group for kids with young vibrant families live here In the 1980s Joel returned “To me her baptism really “I was totally shocked and disabilities, the Wakathuni permanently, and then another to the Kimberley where he took honours the many years of humbled to have my name Aboriginal Community, and 2,000 fly in fly out workers. We many photographs of the region, faithfulness of workers and called as all I do gives me joy the combined churches Friday absolutely love the town and its culminating in his book, The supporters of Roelands and pleasure,” said Annette. Live which brings up to 30 kids people,” she said. Kimberley Series. Mission people.” 8 feature
MAY 2014 FORGIVENESS IN THE RAILWAY MAN
With the passing away of Nelson Mandela in late 2013, and Colin Firth’s new film The Railway Man now in cinemas, matters of forgiveness and reconciliation are in the public eye.
The stories of Mandela and Eric Lomax, upon whose 1995 autobiography the film is based, share excruciating experiences of decades-long suffering as well as awe-inspiring moves to extend grace and forbearance to their former enemies when primal human impulse would seek retaliation instead. Given recent commemorative efforts paying tribute to Mandela’s life, his story is likely better known than that of Lomax. After the fall of Singapore in 1942, where Lomax (played by Jeremy Irvine) was serving as a British Signals Officer, Lomax as well as some 60,000 other Allied soldiers, and as many as 300,000 Asian labourers, were used as slave labour to build the Burma-Thai Railway that would keep the Japanese army supplied. The construction of the ‘death railway’, as it came to be known, was a titanic endeavour that stretched for over 400 kilometres through rock and tropical jungle that the men had to carve out with nothing but hand tools and in sweltering conditions where dysentery, disease and malnutrition were rife. Lomax comes to the attention of the Kempeitai, the Japanese military police, after they discover the makeshift radio he built to keep track of the war. It doesn’t help that Lomax, a self-described ‘railway enthusiast’, was also mapping the progression of the railway in vain hopes of passing on this intelligence to Allied forces. In response, the Kempeitai interrogate and imprison Lomax, who manages to survive despite the terrible treatment. His hate burns against Takashi Nagase (played by Tanroh Ishida in the past and Hiroyuki Sanada in the present), the army interpreter who becomes a figurehead for the torture Lomax endures. While Lomax wasn’t imprisoned for the 27 years that Mandela was incarcerated, The Railway Man makes it clear that his wartime experience has held him captive long after the end of hostilities. His late-in-life romance with Patti (Nicole Kidman) is hijacked by trauma that manifests in violent rages as well as determined silences that freeze out her gentle enquiries. The role of Lomax as troubled veteran well suits Colin Firth who has cornered the market on playing stitched-up gents whose taciturn exteriors belie the torment raging within (see A Single Man, The King’s Speech, even his portrayal of Darcy in Pride and Prejudice.) Once Lomax discovers that Nagase is alive and showing tourists around the site of his former misery, he travels to Thailand to confront his enemy a half-century after the war. The scene is set for revenge, as you might expect, and yet Lomax’s ultimate response is one of startling forgiveness that enables him to reconcile with his former interrogator. These moments pack a powerful punch, but so extraordinary is the real story of Lomax and Nagase that it dwarfs the merits of the film. The Railway Man portrays Nagase as reluctant to confront the horrors of the war. In a scene that reverses the interrogator-interrogated roles between Lomax and Nagase, the former corrects any attempt the later makes to fudge, through euphemisms, the events of the past. What happened wasn’t a ‘tragedy’, Lomax avers, but a ‘crime’ and soldiers didn’t simply ‘die,’ they were ‘murdered’. The scene demonstrates that for justice to be served the truth must be told; yet the film takes a few liberties of its own in this area. It turns out that after being confronted with the horrors of the war, the real Nagase was disgusted with his own conduct and became a tireless campaigner for peace and reconciliation between former feature 9
MAY 2014 FORGIVENESS IN THE RAILWAY MAN
Japanese soldiers and Allied prisoners, despite opposition from many of his countrymen. Nagase then published Crosses and Tigers, a memoir describing his remorse over his and his country’s actions, and how he remained haunted by the brutalisation of one particular prisoner-of- war. The real Patti then wrote to Nagase identifying her husband as that individual, which opened the door for the two men to correspond before eventually meeting more than 50 years later. Forgiveness is not cheap. When the real Lomax met Nagase he did want to kill him. Yet, disarmed by the letters Nagase had sent and the sorrow and regret of the man in the flesh as they met on the bridge on the River Kwai, Lomax found himself, surprisingly, acknowledging the man’s suffering as well as his own: “We both survived.” Nagase apparently said after that meeting, “I think I can die safely now.” Later, Lomax wrote Nagase a letter assuring him that while he would never forget what had happened, Nagase had his total forgiveness. If that isn’t astonishing enough, the two ended up becoming friends, remaining in contact until Nagase’s death in 2011. Lomax died in 2012. The story of Lomax’s real life encounter with Nagase bears out the power of forgiveness to release people from the destructiveness of hate. In Exclusion and Embrace Yale theologian Miroslav Volf writes that forgiveness arrests the cycle of violence and retribution that often sees ‘yesterday’s victims [become] today’s perpetrators and today’s perpetrators tomorrow’s victims’. Strangely enough, both victims and perpetrators of violence can be set free when victims choose forgiveness over revenge or, in Volf’s words, demonstrate the ‘will to embrace’ rather than exclude the other. And yet embrace – full reconciliation – is only possible once the truth has been told and justice done. That Nagase accepts responsibility for the past and his role in it enables Lomax to show him mercy. Stories such as that of Lomax and Mandela can’t help but activate a deep response in us. Victims who forgo their rightful claims to vengeance and manage to rise above the all-too-human tendency to lash out in retaliation seem more than mere mortals. It helps, of course, when victims like Lomax are faced by repentant perpetrators like Nagase. Which begs the question: what of wrongdoers who don’t see the error of their ways? To reach out to them with a gracious spirit must be to border on the divine. But such transcendent possibilities are foreclosed in our disenchanted age stripped of both gods and monsters. Many of us settle, then, for Lomax and Mandela as secular saints. Still, for some the ability of these men to ‘turn the other cheek’ allows a glimpse into a redemptive reality where the ability to show grace to wrongdoers is not dependent on their moral fibre – or lack thereof. It is announced by the Apostle Paul: ‘While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’ Ultimate forgiveness, in the cosmic sense suggested by those words, hinges on what one does with such a claim.
Justine Toh is the Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Public Christianity.
This article first appeared on the Centre for Public Christianity website. Reprinted with permission. 10 news
MAY 2014 Refugee’s Nauru experience
Mr T, a newly arrived refugee from South Asia, spoke to 95 Year 9 students at Carey Baptist College in early April. The students are studying Australia’s immigration policy in their Studies of Society and Environment course.
Mr T’s real name can’t be “It was a very hard time,” published because of the Mr T said. restrictions placed on him “We had a tent and camp when he received his 477 visa. stretcher. There was no light or Another restriction is that Mr T running water when I got there.” is prohibited from working for Camping in stifling tropical a wage. heat and humidity was difficult In his homeland Mr T had for Mr T. been arrested and imprisoned “We went to sleep late at night where he was tortured and because it was too hot in the tent beaten, including three days with then woke early because the tent no food and little water before gets hot again.” his initial interrogation. When he Mosquitoes, cockroaches was released he was a ‘marked’ and mice were challenges to man because of his connection to his health. The tents did little to members of his extended family. protect Mr T from torrential rain. Some nights his camp stretcher was pushed around by the force of water flowing through the tent he One student said shared with other men. ... she was not “Many days we hear that
people try to end their life,” he Photo: Jill Birt happy to hear his said. “It is a very hard place.” Carey teacher Jules Birt talks with Mr T who spent 13 months in detention on Nauru. After 13 months Mr T was story but rather transferred to Curtin Immigration Detention Centre in Western it was good to Australia’s North-West. After three hear from a weeks he was told he was free and North Korea trouble was flown to Perth. refugee about The freedom he received means he has a visa to stay in their personal Australia until March 2015. After Joel News International reports the Dictator of North Korea, Kim Jong-un, experience. that he has no idea what will decreed that 33 Christians who had planned to establish 500 underground happen to him. Currently he lives churches under the leadership of South Korean missionary Kim Jung-wook in a household of eight refugee men in an eastern suburb of Perth. are to be executed. Mr T was able to board One student said to Carey a boat to flee his homeland. teacher Jules Birt that she was Kim Jung-wook has been held Korean Intelligence Service Open Doors appeals to The group bobbed across the happy to meet Mr T and hear of since October 2013 in a North denied this and stated that Kim Christians globally to pray for the Indian Ocean for 22 days before his experience. Then she stopped Korean prison camp. Now 33 of Jung-wook was kidnapped in country of North Korea. arriving in the Cocos Keeling and changed her story and said his friends and followers from the China and taken to Pyongyang North Korea has been the Islands. Immigration officials she was not happy to hear his North are due to die in their cells by North Korean forces. number one persecutor of flew Mr T and his group to story but rather it was good to at the State Security Department. When dictator Kim Jong-un Christians on the Open Doors Christmas Island for a week, hear from a refugee about their Kim Jung-wook was forced previously purged 80 people, World Watch List for 12 years then he became one of the early personal experience. to ‘confess’ that he worked for witnesses stated that he had consecutive years. Engaging in inhabitants of the detention Mr T also spoke to Year 11 the intelligence services and had them all machine gunned in secret religious activities is a crime camp on the Pacific Island students at Carey Baptist College intentions to overturn the North front of family members as they punishable by arrest and even nation of Nauru. during the last week of term. Korean government. The South watched in horror. public execution in this nation. briefs
Solomon floods for additional funds, subject Peter Millard, Haigh’s Chocolates report a 300 percent increase in president of the 1,800 church and The Solomon Islands were to further information. Baptist Supply Chain Manager. A member readers from the United States 76,000 member Russian Baptist inundated by heavy rain in World Aid asks Christians to be of Parkside Baptist Church, a opening the Noah story, and a organisation, met on 8 April for early April causing significant prayerful, be generous to help community that advocates for 245 percent increase worldwide. the first time since a political flooding, particularly around reach the target of $200,000 and change through a Baptist World A full page advertisement placed crisis began last November the capital Honiara, leaving be vocal by sharing Baptist World Aid Catalyst Group, Peter had long by the film’s creators in the New putting the two nations on the half its residents without access Aid Facebook posts. For more felt the tension between his ideals York Times upon launch of the brink of war. The leaders called to clean water. More than 20 information, visit and his employment with Haigh’s, movie encouraged readers to on churches “to pray continually people are confirmed dead and www.baptistworldaid.org.au who were yet to sign on to fair read the story of Noah on the for peace between our peoples a further 50,000 people have trade. Bible App. Similarly, BibleGateway as well as for those who have been affected, many of them Chocolate certification says visits to Genesis 6 on their suffered during the course of in remote areas. Through their Just in time for Easter, Haigh’s Reading Noah website increased 223 percent the recent political stand-off.” local partnership with South Seas Chocolates announced UTZ Two of the most popular online from the previous weekend, after Tony Peck, general secretary of Evangelical Church, Baptist World Certification. This means a better Bible reading tools have reported the Noah movie was released. the European Baptist Federation, Aid has launched the Solomon deal for cocoa farmers and far a huge increase in the reading said the meeting demonstrates Islands Flood Relief Appeal, and less risk to children working in of the story of Noah online, after Ukraine - Russia “that the gospel we believe in has already sent funding for the cocoa industry in Africa, the release of Darren Aronofsky’s Vyacheslav Nesteruk, head of transcends political differences immediate relief of food, water Latin America and the Pacific. It’s blockbuster, Noah, starring Russell the 2,300 church and 125,000 between nations and unites us in and medical supplies. They have sweet news for chocolate lovers Crowe. YouVersion, makers of member Ukranian Baptist an overall concern for peace and also given in principal approval everywhere but particularly for the Bible App and bible.com Union, and Aleksey Smirnov, reconciliation in Christ.” news 11
MAY 2014 A miraculous gift for the blind
portion of it in Braille. Of those the world, at any time and in any that do exist, the cost is over quantity. They are able to do this “A miraculous gift from $800 a copy, making it a very direct from their computer and God,” is the way the expensive item for many people the message is secure so that Rev. Dr Roger Chilton, to purchase. the end user cannot change it. “God has given us a Bible in It allows huge flexibility for any former chairman of a form that can reach everyone message in any language and in Bible Society Australia with the love of Jesus. Our whole any quantity. (NSW and ACT), global MegaVoice team is totally The MegaVoice Envoy is described the new committed to providing these having a dramatic effect on ‘miraculous gifts from God’ to all the education and literacy MegaVoice Envoy audio those who will send them ‘to the development of people who suffer Bible for the blind. ends of the earth.’” Australian- any degree of visual impairment. born inventor of MegaVoice For the first time in history, the MegaVoice CEO Charles Cibene Bibles, Tom Treseder said. new Envoy is filling a gap never said from Florida, USA, that The Envoy fits well in a shirt previously thought possible. MegaVoice became deeply pocket or hangs on a lanyard Director of Wycliffe Bible concerned that of the world’s 600 around a person’s neck because it Translators/SIL International on million blind, visually impaired is only 65 grams and 5.4 cm wide the island of Vanuatu, Ross Webb and poor sighted, very few have x 10.4 cm long x 13 mm thick. Its said that Braille Bibles for minority access to God’s Word in their own design allows it to withstand the languages will never happen. language and in a convenient and harshest conditions and being “This means that with the usable form. solar powered means there are no MegaVoice Envoy, it is now Braille, the system of raised ongoing running costs. possible for all blind people to dots which enables blind and The Envoy is designed so that own God’s Word for themselves – visually impaired to read was any church, mission, ministry, or and even hold it in their hand!” invented in 1821. Most of the agency, is able to load and reload “MegaVoice is a fantastic
Photo: MegaVoice world’s languages still do not their messages, up to 700 hours and far better solution for these A woman in India celebrates her new MegaVoice Envoy. have a Braille Bible, or any of audio content, anywhere in precious people,” he said.
Challenged by Africa
With his wife Sam and two young daughters, Ben Good is working with Global Interaction in Malawi. His experience of God has been challenged during the first six months in Africa.
Ben describes himself as ‘a product understanding of how wide and Australia,” Ben said. of western Christianity’, attuned deep our mighty God’s love is. “I’ve gone six months without to experiencing God’s presence a “I enjoyed communion and feeling any buzz or spiritual high particular way. He believes this is being tangibly reminded of of any kind.” just one way. God’s grace and forgiveness “I need to be content with “Back in Australia feeling the through drinking the wine and knowing and trusting that God is presence of God was a very real eating the bread.” here with me because His Word and tangible thing,” Ben said. Stripped of these church tells me so. I need to be responsible “Each Sunday the music trappings, Ben has been learning for my own faith and spiritual team would crank out wonderful about God and himself. development. It involves being music that I would sing along to “With no worship band, with God in the silence.” at the top of my voice. My pastors pastor’s preaching and supportive To read more of Ben’s story,
would preach ripper sermons that small group, I haven’t once felt visit 1lifetale.com/2014/03/19/gods- Photo: Global Interaction would take me to new heights and the presence of God like I did in presence-more-than-a-feeling Ben and Sam Good are being challenged as they settle into life in Africa.
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Baptistcare is an Equal Opportunity Employer supporting Diversity in the workplace. 12 in conversation
MAY 2014
Glen Gerreyn was a representative sprinter for Queensland with a dream of going to the 2000 Olympics. At the age of 18, he was diagnosed with the incurable disease, ulcerative colitis. Instead of letting life get the better of him, Glen fought back. He pursued a new dream of starting a youth centre in his hometown; The X-treme Youth and Community Centre was a huge success. Glen continued doing community work, earning a number of accolades including Young Australian of the Year National Finalist. Having learnt to lift himself out of difficult situations, Glen began to inspire the nation’s young people with his story and commenced a full-time career in motivational speaking. Inspiring change
Glen spoke to The Advocate about slum areas. We get them to pull his work with youth suicide, the apart the broken electronics joys of parenthood and becoming and rebuild them better. ‘From an author. West to Best’ – take what’s in the west and make it better.” You founded your company You have to build innovation Oxygen Factory in 2004, what and creativity. Failure is not changes have you seen in fatal. We need to be teaching Australia’s youth in the last our kids these lessons. ten years? Most parents don’t share Young people are more their failures. If we did, it would technologically driven and savvy make failing okay. My daughters now. I try to make my programs always ask me to retell the high in content so they stay story of when I fell really badly engaged. My goal isn’t to get them doing the 200 metres. I got up, motivated; I want to get them kept going and won the race. I committed to taking action to recently attended my youngest achieve their dreams. daughter’s first athletics carnival. A student wrote me a letter She was participating in the 400 once saying, “I went home after metre obstacle course and she your seminar today, and I ate an fell over. But instead of crying, orange”. She had been suffering she got back up, finished the race from anorexia. Now, I don’t and came third. I was so happy believe that becoming motivated that she listened to the message to one thing will change your in the story. life, but I hope I can be a catalyst for a single positive change on How do you find parenthood? a young person’s journey to Parenthood is awesome. It achieving their goals. was what I was put on the earth to do. I do around 100 flights a Do you take your own advice year, but I still pick the girls up when overcoming challenges? or drop them off at school three How do you cope, and help or four times a week. Sometimes others cope with failure? I might be speaking for an hour If there’s one thing I’ve in the middle of the day, so I can learnt, it’s that everybody is drop them off in the morning, How did you get involved with What were the other four? for example – he is so full of going through something. If catch a plane up to Brisbane youth suicide? Number two was depression, insecurity and doubt about it’s not in their body, it’s in their and then be back by 5pm to pick It kind of happened when three – eating disorders, four – himself but with the inspiration mind, or their finances, or their them up after gymnastics. It we were running the Day of addiction, five – fatherlessness. of God, goes on to lead his relationships. just needs to be intentional as Hope five hour program – it’s a people to safety. My health for the past 20 a parent – we’re all busy but we program I run in schools – and Does your faith come into your years has presented my biggest can always make time. I was getting up to ten emails a work at all? How did you get involved in challenge. The only way I have week from students, sometimes Faith is the motivation writing books? overcome it is by believing that What goals are you currently six months or three years after behind everything I do. It’s the I realised, you can only do so tomorrow can always be better working towards? my seminar, saying that they only reason I have got through. much in a five hour seminar. A lot than today. Disappointment is My goal is to eliminate youth had been contemplating suicide I grew up as a Catholic and am of people wanted more, so writing part of life. It’s okay to fail. You’ve suicide in Australia. Larry Page, and the seminar really helped. now a Pentecostal Christian. books fulfilled that. got to learn a lot of lessons in life, who is best known as the co- So I realised, hey, we could My seminars aren’t very God- and the fastest way to do that in founder of Google once said, “You really do something significant centric but Godly principles are Are you reading a book at the today’s high speed technocratic have to be a little silly about the with these programs. I’ve been littered throughout. Jesus talked moment? society is by failing. If you want to goals you are going to set. There speaking in high schools for 15 about the Kingdom of God in a Ian Thorpe’s bio, Choose get anywhere you have to ‘move is a phrase I learned in college years now and I really wanted to language that people understood Yourself. I’m loving it. It fast and break things’ which is called, ‘having a healthy disregard narrow the impact and focus on – using agriculture metaphors contains so many great counter cultural as we’re always for the impossible’. You should an area. You know, I didn’t want for the farmers back then. lessons for young people about told as children ‘to move slowly try to do things that most people to be known as ‘that guy who I try and talk to kids in a developing life skills and self- and don’t touch anything’. would not.” talks in high schools’. I think as language they understand. awareness. My eldest daughter I was in Mumbai in a school I made it my goal to eliminate you get older you think “how Some kids aren’t getting is a very keen swimmer and with 30,000 students and inside youth suicide by 2020. If that am I making an impact? How any positive values or Godly though I’m not going to push there was this massive room doesn’t happen I will make it can I do something significant?” principals at home. I believe her in that direction, I mean, – they called it the ‘Innovators happen by 2030, or 2050. And if So I picked out five areas I got that most positive values are she could become a rower or a Room’ and it was full of old, I’m dead and buried and I don’t the most emails about and the inspired by the Bible and the doctor or whatever she wants, broken electronic equipment. make it happen, hopefully I’ve first one was suicide. Hopefully Christian faith. The Bible is but I just kind of wanted to get I was speaking to the principal inspired enough of the youth in through my work I will at least an exceptionally motivational a feel for what a swimmer’s life and he said “At this school, a lot Australia so that somebody else make a dent in the number of book full of incredible stories might be like in case she wants of kids come from the western will pick up the baton. instances of youth suicide. and characters. Take Moses to pursue that. leadership 13
MAY 2014
By John Maxwell
How do you respond when a great opportunity presents itself? I’m a firm believer in finding and embracing new opportunities. But I don’t chase an opportunity without evaluating it according to some specific criteria.
How do I evaluate an opportunity? Will some be eliminated as time I run it through a series of tests. passes (for example, if someone Only after it passes them do I take else’s decision will impact it)? steps toward the goal. If waiting will eliminate an important option, decide now. 1. The Murphy’s Law Test – What could possibly go wrong, 5. The Deadline Test – When is and am I willing to accept the the best time to make the right consequences if it does? decision? The question is not whether I believe that serious decision- there will be problems; it’s what making only happens when a and how serious will they be? deadline is set. People naturally Albert Einstein said, “In the middle wait to move until they absolutely of difficulty lies opportunity”, so have to. So with this test, you give the fact that there will be problems yourself a deadline for deciding. is not a reason to abandon the This motivates you to take a hard opportunity. Instead, we need to look at all the answers to the anticipate problems before they previous questions, and make a happen. If we examine them decision in a timely manner. first, then we can decide if the Lee Iacocca said, “The right consequences will be manageable. decision is the wrong decision if it’s made too late.” By asking these 2. The Common Sense Test – questions about an opportunity, Does this opportunity make you increase your odds for When sense, or am I trying to make success, because you keep sense out of it? yourself from chasing the wrong This is important because opportunity, going after one opportunity passion can often overpower too soon, or missing out on the common sense. We get excited opportunity of a lifetime. about an opportunity and don’t look at it objectively. The result: Used with permission from knocks We try to make something The John Maxwell Company, happen! Instead, we need to www.johnmaxwell.com weigh an opportunity based on its own merits.
3. The Preparation Test – Am I prepared to do this? Being a vulnerable leader John Wooden said, “When opportunity comes, it’s too late real Kingdom, present here and to prepare.” He knew that his now is critical as God breaks basketball players needed to be By Rev. Dr Lucy Morris through into our lives. God prepared for the game, or they requires a different leadership wouldn’t be able to capitalise on The notion of leadership is one I have been thinking about in recent weeks, and a new way of including the opportunities within it. as I have been preparing for the journey towards Easter. This journey always everyone, providing healing Likewise, we need to be means stripping away the clutter in our lives, simplifying our prayer and and hope, not exclusion and prepared with the necessary judgement. skills and abilities to meet standing in solidarity with Jesus, as we contemplate His death on the cross The subsequent challenge opportunities. For example, I love and His glorious resurrection. for leaders is palpable. It is to swim, and I try to swim an only with God’s Grace we can hour a day. But what if I was given The outcome of Jesus’ death do we take Jesus’ leadership in political parties, churches, achieve such a radical type of the opportunity to compete in a confronts us on Good Friday model and make it our own? workplaces and communities. leadership. race, at a distance I’d never swam in all its horror and grief; and My reflection highlights the The willingness to judge and before? It wouldn’t be smart for me stands in distinct contrast characteristic of vulnerability in discriminate against others Lucy Morris is Chief Executive to take on that challenge if I hadn’t to all our modern notions leadership and our willingness is given full authority and we Officer at Baptistcare. prepared for it. of leadership. Jesus’ death to think about our shadow and become communities focussed Here’s what preparation is reminds us of His deliberate its projection into communities on ensuring like-mindedness, not: Knowing all the answers rejection of power, status, and in which we live and work. as we exclude those who don’t before you start. The key is access to the seat of privilege The issue that makes me fit our idolatrous image of God, to recognise when you know and power as a leader. It is a most frustrated and cranky is a God created in our image. I enough to start down a road. very different message to the the lack of reflective capacity am thinking particularly at this Otherwise, you’ll be plagued increasing ascendency we give by people in authority; time, about asylum seekers and with the paralysis of analysis. to the narcissistic ego with and their unwillingness to refugees who don’t somehow the endless self advertising admit any vulnerability or fit into our communities and in 4. The Options Test – Do I of our own image, coupled recognition of behaviours whom we delight to scapegoat. increase or decrease my options with the focus on the vision that cloud judgement. So As I reflected on being by waiting? we have for ourselves and our we have communities and vulnerable and without power in How quickly do you need organisations, with all our plans organisations full of egos and our power-filled communities to embrace an opportunity? and preparations for various their shadows, where we project I heard someone speak about Sometimes it’s smart to wait scenarios and always, first and our ‘woundedness’ onto those righteous anger. And Jesus did while you gather information last, a clear calculation of the around us and so we hurt others. get angry in the temple and or talk to advisors. But other cost and its acceptability. Such behaviour rejects any when he healed the lame and times if you wait, the door to the So what does this difference implication that perhaps ‘I’ am the blind. However, I am joyfully opportunity closes. look like in a modern less than perfect. As a leader, it reminded Jesus’ resurrection Ask yourself what will happen organisation or in our various means I recruit people to reflect wasn’t just for the chosen few,
to your options in the meantime. community settings? How my own image, and we see this but for all. And our work in the Baptistcare Photo: . 14 intermission
MAY 2014
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The Daily Audio Bible takes you through the whole Bible in a year, one day at a time and is supported by a vibrant community who enjoy going through the Bible together. The Daily Audio Bible is available on the web as well as an iOS and Android app, which allows access whenever and wherever you are. The producers believe that it is fundamental to every believer’s healthy spiritual life that people seek the counsel Ready to Fly Tides Live Welcome To The New of the Bible every single day, Jamie Grace Bethel Music MercyMe that we be people who walk Twenty one year old singer- After the release of their first The history making, Grammy with God intimately and songwriter Jamie Grace hails studio album in September nominated band MercyMe is conversationally and that we from outside of Atlanta in 2013, Tides came to life on a following up 2012’s The Hurt live in community with one Lithonia, Georgia. At age 11, she new level as Bethel Music began and The Healer with their eighth another. was diagnosed with Tourette leading these songs at home studio album, Welcome To The Available from Syndrome and has since travelled and around the world. It became New. The project signifies a new www.dailyaudiobible.com the country sharing her story clear that the resonance and season for the group, and is a or via the iTunes or Google through music and speaking. Her passion of each song in a live musical reminder that we don’t Play store. career made a remarkable debut worship setting was too exciting have to try to please God because with breakout success of her to overlook – so Bethel Music He is already pleased. MercyMe Grammy nominated, number one simply pressed ‘record’ during has sold more than six million smash hit ‘Hold Me’ (featuring its weekend services. Tides units, and has an arsenal of Gold TobyMac) which assisted in Live offers a fresh and powerful and Platinum recordings, along propelling Jamie to win her first worship experience. with numerous number one GMA Dove Award – for New radio hits. Artist of the Year.
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Five Simple Ways to Grow a Great Family Carol Kuykendall Before you had children – did you dream about the kind of family you wanted? And then those lofty dreams, depicting a peaceful, picture perfect life all came crashing down; amongst the chaotic schedules and refereeing those sibling squabbles! Five Simple Ways to Grow a Great Family will help you focus on the five qualities that really matter the most: love, fun, loyalty, growth, and faith.
The Advocate in conjunction with Word Bookstore is giving you an opportunity to win Five Simple Ways to Grow a Great Family. To be in the draw, simply answer the following question:
Journey of Hope Kisses from Katie Have a Little Faith Question: Jean Gibson Katie Davis Lesley Gomez Who is the author of Five Simple Ways to Grow a As Jean and Brian Gibson travel At the age of 18 Katie Davis made At the age 22 Lesley Gomez’s Great Family? through Malawi and Kenya, the decision to follow her heart heart was moved by the they meet Christians who and not her head. Finishing high hopelessness she saw in the have overcome extraordinary school as homecoming queen faces of the children struggling challenges – including polygamy, and senior class president; it was in extreme poverty of the Entries close on Thursday 15 May and all winners will be child abuse and HIV – to share to everyone’s surprise when she Philippines. She volunteered as a announced in the June edition of The Advocate. Christ and to model Christian moved to Uganda where she nurse for six months, but stayed discipleship. The future for knew only one person and didn’t on to care for the people living Winners from The Sixty Minute Family competition: sub-Saharan Africa lies, to speak the language. Katie, now on the streets. And now, with her R Eastman, N Sculthorpe and B Taylor. a remarkable degree, in the 22, has established a ministry for husband Peter, they have given hands of the national churches. children in Africa and adopted their lives to serving the poor, Journey of Hope gives us vivid children in the aim of doing all rescuing child prostitutes, and illustrations of this redemptive she can with what she has. helping the homeless. work taking place at this point in competition history throughout Africa.
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Phone number: Reviews and competition kindly supplied by Word Bookstore. Please complete this form with your details and post it to: Website: www.word.com.au Five Simple Ways to Grow a Great Family Competition Address : Victoria Park - 359 Albany Highway, phone 08 9361 7899 11 East Parade East Perth WA 6004 school scoop 15
MAY 2014
Each month a school highlights news from their campus through the writing and photography of students on the School Scoop page.
Alkimos Baptist College – Merriwa Kindergarten to Year 11 www.alkimosbc.wa.edu.au
Alkimos Baptist College was established in 2011 to provide quality education for students in the northern Perth region. It is an open-entry co-educational College, comprised of students living locally to the campus. The College will cater for Years 7 to 12 by 2015.
‘Connect’ youth group at school
By Eleanor Litterick (Year 10)
Imagine a class at school where each lesson opens with a live band. A class where students can dance, clap and sing along to some of the newest, most upbeat songs on the Christian charts. Imagine that, after the concert, the teachers ran games, gave out prizes and allowed students to run around and have fun. Imagine further, that each week a different youth pastor or speaker visited and spoke to the students on various topics regarding connecting with God, Jesus, family, friends, community, the world, their purpose in life, the Bible and church. Finally, imagine a class where students are split into small groups, with a teacher to facilitate discussion, to talk about the message they received and how it might affect their lives.
In 2014 Alkimos Baptist College College changing as a result made a change to our Christian of the program. Students with Education program. This change no faith in God have been took us away from sitting behind enjoying worship songs and Cooking surprise with desks, in rows, listening to a hearing messages of life. We teacher talk about the Bible, to have been talking with teachers Mrs Campbell a Christian Education program and students who love God and where we experience the above. discovering new ways to view We call this program ‘Connect’. the world. students were away at a As a team we all helped It is an opportunity for us to More students now regularly carnival. You could have to clean and put everything connect with God, connect with attend youth groups in the local By Jorja Salt (Year 5) heard the celebrations from away, we were then left to Jesus, connect with each other, area and think about ways they kilometres away! wait patiently while the connect with the community, can serve the local community. Every day is a great We were given the choice of cookies baked – they smelt with the world, with a purpose in Students are bringing parents to day in Mrs Campbell’s which two friends we wanted so good! life, with the Bible and connect Mother/Daughter and Father/Son Year 5 class but on to work with. We all worked It was the longest 15 with the church. nights, and special events held well together and took it in minutes ever but it was Since the beginning of at our College, to hear about God Tuesday 25 February turns to add each ingredient worth the long wait as the this year, I have seen the lives and His love for us. it was a super into the bowl. By the time the cookies tasted as good as of myself, friends and other We love this program and awesome day! last ingredient was added we they smelt. students at Alkimos Baptist Friday is the best day of the week! were all pretty messy but very Thank you to Mrs Our class was lucky enough happy. Once the dough was Campbell for our cooking to be chosen to bake cookies shaped and put on a tray, Mrs surprise, you are the best. in the Home Economics Campbell helped us put the room while the high school trays in the oven. Photo: Carol Harris Carol Photo: Benjamin Taylor, Hayden Petera and Jacob Fagence proudly show the result of their cooking class. Photo: Faith Hunter Zack Tuxworth performs with the Connect Youth Band. 16 news
MAY 2014 Andrew receives WACA award
“I’ve just finished with the program after this season,” Andrew On Sunday 23 March said. Andrew Vallance was “We have one grandchild and awarded the WACA two more on the way, and I want to spend time with them.” Regional Volunteer of Jermaine Davis will take over the Year Award for his the key leadership role at the AWCA. services to Indigenous Over the last fourteen years cricket development in Andrew has been involved in all levels of cricket from representing Northam. Northam in Senior Country Week, as well as several teams in the Andrew was unanimously voted Northam Cricket Association for the award due to his eight competition. years coordinating, coaching and A high school teacher and a administrating the Avon West trained pastor, Andrew was WACA Cricket Academy (AWCA) that has Chaplain for nine seasons before seen hundreds of junior cricketers moving to Northam. go through the Northam Junior “As well as the cricket program, Cricket Association. Kerry and I have been running a Andrew has been part of the youth group for Indigenous kids in Avon West Cricket Academy for town,” Andrew said. the past eight years. This is a “We started about seven years junior cricket program sponsored ago, initially working with primary by the Western Australian Cricket school kids. Now they’re teenagers Association’s (WACA) Indigenous so we’ve run two groups – young cricket program, and set up by kids and high schoolers until this Mark Davis, an Aboriginal Elder in year.” Northam, and David Clear from Groups from several churches the WACA. The program aims including Bassendean Church
to encourage more Aboriginal of Christ, Chidlow Community Photo: Jill Birt children to play cricket, but is Church, Eastern District Alliance Andrew Vallance with the plaque he received honouring him as the WACA Regional Volunteer of the Year. not only focused on Indigenous Church in Beechboro, and the children. Christian Union groups at Perth’s WACA representatives Peter universities have been sending Silinger and Alan Singer, along teams to help Andrew and Kerry. with Joanne Lee from Northam “With agreement from local Toyota presented the award during Indigenous leaders, we pick up the Northam Cricket Association the kids in our buses and meet at wind-up at the conclusion of the a local primary school. Each night Grand Final fixtures. we feed the kids as well as running Jermaine Davis and Bevan a program,” Andrew said. Bennell also spoke about “We couldn’t have done it Andrew’s dedication over the without the help of these groups.” VOLUNTEERS years. He was presented with a Local police have been very DUNSBOROUGH shield, signed by the Australian supportive of the Friday activities for cricket team, $500 from Northam and noticed a difference in levels LEAVERS 2014 Toyota and tickets to a Scorcher’s of antisocial behaviour when the NEEDED match with accommodation for groups went into recess recently HAVE WHILE HELPING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY LEAVER’S ZONE: Andrew and his wife Kerry. until July 2014. FUN! AND SUPPORTING LEAVERS IN WA 24–27 NOVEMBER VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED FOR: BAND & DJ TENTS, ENTRANCE/EXIT GATE, TRAFFIC, GREETING TEAM, PAMPER TENT, VOLUNTEER AREA, SITE OFFICE, LOUNGE TENT, CENTRAL AREAS, RIDES, TOILETS, FIRST AID & RESPONSE TEAM
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