theadvocate.tv
OCTOBER 2017
IN CONVERSATION 2017 Governor’s Prayer Breakfast guest speaker Jason Wong talks about his roles with Focus on the Family and the Centre for Fathering in Singapore. PAGE 12 >>
“Ever feel like you’re just walking around in circles?” SALLY PIM PAGE 13>>
4 Silent grief Breaking the silence on pregnancy loss, infant loss and abortion grief >>
8 The plebiscite
Photo: Beth Allen
Responding to the plebiscite conversation >>
10 Children banned
Two thirds of Australians are unaware of the world’s largest humanitarian crisis and are being asked to act urgently.
Humanitarian crisis It’s the biggest humanitarian crisis of our time – more than 25 million people are at risk of starving to death – but two thirds of Australians remain unaware that it is even happening, according to a recent survey.* Every day this heartbreaking tragedy draws on in relative silence. Two months ago, The Advocate published an article about the hunger crisis in East Africa and Yemen. On Sunday 15 October 2017, Baptist World Aid Australia is asking Baptist churches around the country to stop and be still. “We’re asking churches to make a decision to stop during their regular Sunday service, to set aside ten minutes to reflect,
as a community, on the current Hunger Crisis,” Baptist World Aid Australia CEO John Hickey said. “How can an individual even begin responding to a crisis of such magnitude?” John asked. “It’s a question I’m sure every one of us has wrestled with at one stage or another.” “But, as Christians, we also know that we’re not called to find solutions to crises like this in our own strength.” “Psalm 46:10 says, ‘Be still and know that I am God’. And Baptist
World Aid is encouraging your church family to do just that.” “It is our prayer that will lead to a powerful moment for churches across the country. And serve to bring God’s heart to transform lives in East Africa and Yemen into sharper focus.” To help facilitate this moment of reflection, Baptist World Aid has been developing a pack of resources for use on Sunday 15 October. One of the resources is a devotional that can be undertaken on World Food Day, Monday 16 October, so that individuals can continue this journey of reflection in their personal lives. Baptist World Aid are encouraging all other supporters
and individuals who are not involved in a Baptist church to make time to be still on World Food Day. “It is my prayer that Australian Baptists would lead the way for other Australians in responding to this crisis,” John said. “Stand with Baptist churches around the country and the Baptist World Aid community as they pledge to stop and be still this October.” For more information, visit www.baptistworldaid.org.au/ be-still/ Author – Samara Linehan * Survey conducted by Caritas.
China bans children from attending Christian camps over the summer holidays >>
Generous hearts committed to building the Kingdom of God.
BAPTIST CHURCHES WESTERN AUSTRALIA
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my view OCTOBER 2017
Is your spiritual life due for a service? Driving out of our church car park recently I noticed that my ‘check engine’ light had come on. A quick glance at my car manual informed me that this was a problem with the electronic operating system of the car. DO NOT DRIVE THE CAR! it said in glaring capitals. It sounded serious.
Nick Scott Nick Scott is the Senior Pastor at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church.
Without delay I had the car at my mechanic who said, “Yeah, mate. We’re seeing a lot of this lately, might be to do with the quality of fuel going into the engine. We’ll check it out for you.” The next day I was having lunch with a pastor friend of mine and was sharing with him some of the stresses of life and ministry. After listening to me for a while, he looked me in the eye and said, “Nick, I think the Lord is saying to you that
there is a check engine light in your life.” At this stage I hadn’t mentioned anything about my car. He continued, “I read a Bill Hybels article recently about the importance of ensuring there is good quality spiritual fuel going into your life.” Now the Lord had my undivided attention. I knew that He was speaking to me through these circumstances. My spiritual life was due for a service!
Alarmingly, statistics reveal that some ten percent of drivers ignore the check engine light and continue to drive the vehicle. And of those drivers, many resort to placing a piece of black tape over the dashboard light so that they don’t have to look at it! Clearly, this is not a good idea. But how many of us continue to live overly driven lives, even when the Lord shows us a spiritual check
engine light? What quality of fuel is going into your tank? And before you race to the conclusion that you need to do more, try harder, or get up earlier in the morning, stop and talk to the Lord. As for me, I am focusing less on the things that scream for my attention so I can prioritise by simply sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening to Him. And yes, my check engine light has gone off.
On winning … Ever contemplated the ethics of winning? True, it is something you are far more likely to do after you have just lost. You can then cheer yourself up by thinking of the moral dangers your conqueror faces as a result of beating you – pride, arrogance and smugness, to name but a few.
Dr Brian Harris Dr Brian Harris is the Principal of Vose Seminary and Pastor at Large for the Carey Group.
By contrast, as a result of your loss you have little choice but to embrace virtues like humility, modesty and gratitude. For when people commiserate, they say things like, “even though you lost, you did very well. You weren’t nearly as bad as last time.” How’s this for a proposition? Given that winning exposes us to genuine moral perils, in the interest of our wellbeing we should aim to lose. Hmmm. Not
sure there will be much of an uptake on that one. How about another? Given that winning is dangerous, and losing is depressing, we should always aim to draw. Perhaps, but let’s face it, drawing is so vanilla, which is fine when it comes to ice cream, but is really disappointing with anything else. There are other options. We could care a little less about results, and focus a lot
more on our enjoyment of the experience. That’s possible. Though winners would note that it’s the experience of winning that gives the high, and losers would prefer not to talk about it. Perhaps we could do a Jesus on this, and reverse everything. Following His logic, if the first will be last and those who lose their life find it, surely those who lose win, and those who win lose?
That might not be as silly as it first sounds. Take the cross. Clearly God lost. Even Jesus announced Himself God abandoned on that frightful day. And Satan smirked, as the ground split, the sun refused to shine and nature wept. Yet who won at Calvary? Satan lost. Those who place their trust in Jesus win big time. And God? Well God paid the price. Which is why this victory should lead us winners to radical humility, modesty and gratitude.
Hope was born in me that day Everybody loved and respected Mr Wallace, a teacher in a school I remember for two reasons – brutal bullying and a moment that changed my life.
Graham Mabury Graham Mabury is Pastor to the Community at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church.
I was new to the school (my fourth in five years), but the bullies had found another target so I was in the playground rather than hiding. Mr Wallace walked toward me, the new kid, and said “Hello Graham.” Mr Wallace knew my name! “Graham,” he continued, “I think you’re a leader.” He walked away. I remained rooted to the spot. Hope was born in me that day, in the place where I’d been hiding in fear for weeks. In the words of four year old “Billy”, “When someone loves you,
the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.” Nelson Mandela said, “If 27 years in prison has done anything to us, it was to use the silence of solitude to make us understand how precious words are, and how real speech is in its impact on the way people live and die.” Scripture could not be clearer, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” [Proverbs 18:21] Professor John Patterson explains that to the Hebrews, words were “fearfully alive, a unit
of energy charged with power.” In the wisdom of Proverbs, prudent gracious words nourish and heal. Proud, rash, reckless outbursts gush folly and pierce like swords, crushing the spirit. Magazine writer Jeanene Reese remembers a friend showing her a photo of his family. She saw immediately his daughter was developmentally delayed. But as he described her infectious laugh, her love of art, without a word of her disability, Reese says “it was almost as though the photograph changed
in front of my eyes. I saw a whole and healthy person who is truly loved. I saw her through her father’s eyes!” I pray a living, loving relationship to Jesus that He will fill my heart so that my words will help others see themselves through their Father’s eyes, the One who settled on them as the object of His love long before creation.
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 editor@theadvocate.tv by the 10th of each month.
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OCTOBER 2017
A legacy larger than life On 31 October 1517 Martin Luther changed the world. He didn’t mean to, but he wanted to see change in his church. Yet his act of posting 95 Theses on the doors of Castle Church in Wittenberg sparked a spiritual – and secular – revolution. for themselves in their own language. The priesthood of every believer was proclaimed by Luther. True Christians did not withdraw from the world but lived in the world, worked a job, loved a spouse, raised a family, and became a true neighbour. Believers are all priests now, each with the privilege of standing before God in faith, and each with the responsibility of ‘being Christ’ to their neighbour. Perth Bible College Dean of Studies Dr Peter Elliott has noted that Luther’s Reformation had widespread secular consequences. “In a very real sense, much of what we consider to be modern characteristics gained much of their impetus as a result of Luther’s actions,” he said. Luther championed the individual’s duty to wrestle with matters of belief and come to individual conclusions based on evidence, and in doing so, helped lay the foundations for the Enlightenment, and subsequent scientific and industrial revolutions. Much more could be said about Luther. He loved his wife Katie, and was a craft beer enthusiast. He struggled with depression throughout his life and led a world-changing movement. Despite making mistakes, Luther continued on the path nevertheless. He changed the nation, shaped a language, educated a generation, reformed the
Taking home gold At the recent Australasian Religious Press Association Conference held in Auckland, New Zealand, The Advocate was awarded two gold medal awards – one for Best Design Newspaper and the other for Best Cover Newspaper for the October 2016 special feature edition on mental health. The Advocate Editor Matt Chapman was present at the conference to receive the awards. “This is a reflection of the superb work carried out by the whole team at imageseven and Lead Creative Peter Ion, in particular,” Matt said. This is the fourth consecutive year The Advocate received gold for the best designed newspaper. The theme for the conference was Community + Connections.
VisionWest Community Trust CEO and keynote speaker Lisa Wooley shared about the Auckland based Baptist Trust that works in the community helping to reduce poverty, address homelessness, support the elderly and infirm, and ensure young people have hope for their future. “She challenged those present to continue sharing the stories of what God is doing through ministries like VisionWest to our readers,” Matt said.
church, and was sustained through it all because God was His help. Five hundred years later we remember this remarkable servant of God. Vose Seminary is commemorating Luther’s Reformation with a halfday seminar on Monday 30 October entitled The Pastoral Luther. Luther’s pastoral work, leadership and theology will be examined and discussed. For more information or to register, visit www.vose.edu.au Author – Dr Michael O’Neil
Photo: Markus Gann
Upset that the church of his day had forsaken the gospel, Luther felt that people were being misled about the most important thing in the world: their salvation. The church was selling indulgences – promises of salvation – for money, and Luther’s protest threatened this lucrative trade. Luther was thrown out of the church, and forced to appear in a trial before the emperor, but he refused to back down saying, “My conscience is captive to the Word of God. May God help me.” Luther certainly needed God’s help if he was to survive. He received that help and over the next 25 years Luther became a visionary leader, with many feeling that he changed the church and the world. Luther recovered the gospel of God’s grace and his central message was justification by faith alone – that people are accepted by God solely on the basis of faith. Faith unites people to Christ and they become heirs of every promise of God’s goodness and grace. In faith people are lifted up so that they reign with Christ as kings, set free from sin and all of the power of the devil. Luther recognised Scripture as the primary authority of Christian faith and life. He insisted that true doctrine must be grounded in the words of the Bible. Identified as one of his great legacies, he translated the Bible into German so that ordinary people could read it
Luther has left an impact on generations of Christians.
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Suffering from silent grief In Australia there are 2,992 perinatal deaths, 1,140 infant deaths and 1 in 4 women have a miscarriage per year. It is also estimated approximately 84,000* women will have an abortion this year according to research provided by Connections Counselling WA. “I didn’t think I was affected by such loss, now I have been made aware that I have a lot of unfinished business.” “This will help me to think through my feelings of grief in an informed and understanding way. Beautiful, sensitive, professional, therapeutic, helpful. I thought it was well set-up, well structured; counsellors were available for people who needed.”
Photo: Connections Counselling WA
For more information, visit www.connectionscounselling. com.au/events * Medical Journal of Australia Author – Lyn Varty
Connections Counselling WA are breaking the silence on pregnancy loss, infant loss and abortion grief.
Delicious dishes captured on camera Annie Slater has a passion for cooking and enjoys making a variety of delicious dishes for her fellow residents at Lyneham House, Baptistcare’s Community Living support service in Bassendean. The service enables individuals with a disability to live independent and active lives by working closely with support staff to achieve their goals and aspirations. Recently, with the use of a digital camera, Annie started creating a photo cookbook of her own, featuring all of her favourite recipes. Previously Annie has had to rely on support staff to help her read from a cookbook and follow recipes. Now she is busy compiling her most-loved recipes from a variety of books, photographing each stage of the cooking process so that she can simply follow the steps by looking at the images. Using what she has compiled for the photo cookbook, she can now cook independently with minimal assistance from support staff. Annie enjoys choosing her own
Photo: Baptistcare
In response to this, Connections Counselling are hosting a one day conference entitled Silent Grief – Breaking the silence on pregnancy loss, infant loss and abortion grief. Connections Counselling WA Manager and Counsellor Lyn Varty and Woodvale Baptist Church Pastor Rob Furlong will be the guest speakers at the event, scheduled for Saturday 14 October at Riverton Baptist Community Church. “Pathological grief is one of the most damaging aspects of pregnancy loss, infant loss and abortions,” Lyn said. “This type of grief remains one of the best kept secrets of motherhood, not to mention fathers who are quite often the forgotten ones.” “Whether you are aware of it or not, we all know people who have had some type of pregnancy loss, infant loss and abortion,” Lyn said. “Left unresolved, the related pathological grief impacts many areas of our lives and those close to us.” Canadian Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry Dr Philip Ney has conducted research in this area. “Women who have been impacted by pregnancy loss are more likely to have pathological, incomplete grief, and therefore become depressed and alienated, impacting the bonding process.” he stated. “This depression interferes with the bonding of parents to other children, diminishes their ability to respond to their infant’s cry, disrupts their parenting ability and interferes with immune function and thus adversely affects general health,” Dr Ney concluded. Lyn explained that abuse and neglect are often transgenerational and that according to research, when there has been neglect and abuse, women are more susceptible to have an abortion. “Whether you have had a pregnancy loss or not, grieving and supporting women and men to grieve, is both urgent and vital,” said Lyn. Connections Counselling WA have been the recipients of overwhelmingly positive feedback from previous Silent Grief Conference attendees. “The Conference was really impacting, very sensitively presented with relation to topic,” a 2013 Conference attendee said.
Annie Slater loves cooking and has commenced work on a photo cookbook.
meals and preparing vegetables. She has many fond memories of cooking with her mother, who taught her how to cook. “I love everything about cooking – and I also look forward to seeing my own picture in the book!” Annie revealed. “My favourite dish to make is a good old-fashioned roast and potato-topped pie.”
Baptistcare Support Worker Tina Wynne explained the idea for the cookbook came from Annie’s wish to be more independent in the kitchen. It was discussed at her lifestyle planning meeting with Baptistcare staff, where together they worked out the best way to make it happen. “It has been delightful to see Annie’s confidence and
creativity blossom as she takes control of her meal preparation, allowing her to entertain and host her housemates in the process,” Tina said. For more information, visit www. baptistcare.com.au/disabilityservices Author – Linda Lee
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OCTOBER 2017
Just give me chocolate Created to encourage intergenerational and cross-cultural conversations, Morley Baptist Church has launched its new women’s ministry, Connecting Dots. Three ladies from different generations, Claire Clarke, Kim Daniel and Christine Figueiredo graciously shared parts of their stories, highlighting the many challenges faced by families when dealing with family members who have sugar, diabetes or digestion problems, and the pressures of eating healthy. Morley Baptist Church thank 98five Sonshine FM for the promotion on their Drive Program. The next Connecting Dots event will be held on 14 October 2017 – I Am Just Feeling Emotional OK!
Photo: Kim Daniel
For more information or to register, visit www.trybooking.com/RPQQ Author – Pastor Ann Clews Morley Baptist Church’s new women’s ministry featured a presentation on family nutrition at its first event.
Ben’s Karijini baptism It started as a pilgrimage. Thirty-three people from Lakeside Baptist Church and four from Tom Price Baptist Church made their way down Joffre Gorge, Karijini National Park, descending steeply in single file to a large pool at the base of the gorge in mid-July for the baptism of 19 year old Ben Daniels.
“The Class 5 trail provided a challenging descent, zigzagging down the smooth rock face with the kids present handling it with ease, but with those older realising the need for a confidence with heights,” Ben’s father, Ross Daniels said. “The final push saw you shimmy through a narrow opening to come upon a stunning clearing where we were blessed to see water flowing and a large pool.” It was at this special location that Ben, a member of
Lakeside Baptist Church, gave his testimony. He shared the experiences and challenges of growing up in a Christian family, publicly professing his faith in Jesus as passers-by witnessed his story. “It was where I was born, dedicated, then returned to be born again,” Ben said. “The experience of being baptised out in the middle of the gorge was absolutely amazing.”
Photo: Laura Bezant
The ministry is based on women telling stories centred on the theme ‘things I would like my mother to tell me’. Events are planned to take place four times a year in a relaxed environment, with a speaker sharing from their professional point of view about things they would have liked their mother to tell them. This is followed by women of different generations sharing their personal journeys – and of course, a delicious afternoon tea. The first event, held on Saturday 29 July, featured nutritionist and dietitian Fiona Salter, whose informative presentation gave an in-depth overview of the various food groups we should be eating from daily. Fiona also discussed how we eat and shop for groceries has changed over time from her grandmother’s generation, to her mother’s, and now her family. From shopping daily at the local grocer and butcher, to the modern day working and busy parents loading up a trolley at the supermarket, or picking up something from the local deli. Modern research has identified that most Australian families do not eat sufficient servings of nutritious foods from the various food groups. One challenge highlighted was to get three balanced meals on our families’ plates, including enough serves of fruit and vegetables. There is a large amount of information on diets promoting weight loss, and specific foods, shakes and drinks, but it is best to research before assuming it is correct or that it is the best solution because it is on the internet. Seek out the advice of a professional.
Ben Daniels being baptised by Pastor Anthony Palmieri and his father Ross Daniels.
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Carey support emerging actor The 2012 graduate is now starring in the US ABC series Imaginary Mary, alongside Jenna Elfman. It is a huge break for the former Canning Vale boy, who went to Canada after he left school to follow his dream. Nicholas credits the solid foundation he received during his schooling as the reason he felt confident to chase his passion. “Carey was life-changing for me. The school was supersupportive and encouraging,” he said. One teacher in particular had a big impact on Nicholas – his English teacher April Jones (now McElroy). She had lived in Canada, so Nicholas was able to obtain her advice about his plans to move there.
“Nick was a very hardworking, diligent kid. He was very focused and knew what he wanted to do,” April said. After moving to Carey Baptist College in Year 10 for its drama and music programs, Nicholas studied piano, guitar and even played the ukulele. He said all of his teachers encouraged his passion for drama and musical theatre, even when he spent time away from school working on acting projects. “I did Grease the musical and Carey used the hours I did on that towards my workplace placement. I got to spend that time training for my career,” Nicholas said. April feels it is important not to pressure kids to do something that is not right for them.
“It’s really important that we don’t have this emphasis of ‘If you don’t do ATAR you’re not going to succeed’,” April said. “There are just so many options, so many amazing opportunities for kids these days to go in different directions, if that’s what they want to do.” Nicholas said he had to work hard to keep up with his other subjects, but is very grateful he was able to work with the school to find the right program for his needs. “One thing I learnt is that anything’s possible if you put your mind to it and you work hard – especially with somewhere like Carey and the way it backs its students – you can do anything you want.”
Photo: Denice Duff
Working on a US TV series was just a dream when Nicholas Coombe was a student at Carey Baptist College, but it is no longer a figment of his imagination.
Author – Miranda Miller
Carey Baptist College provided a solid foundation for Nicholas Coombe to launch his acting career.
Reimagining ministry to children Leaders who minister to children will gather at Warnbro Community Church next month for the Beyond Kidsmin Conference. Attendees will be encouraged to broaden their vision for what children’s ministries in WA could look like. Riverton Baptist Community Church Children’s Ministry Coordinator Sarah French will be presenting a workshop on ‘Worship in Children’s Ministry’. “I’m excited to see our kids’ pastors gather to seek God about the direction of their ministries,” she exuded. Alongside her, fellow children’s pastors from Mount
Pleasant Baptist Church, Kathy Sinclair and Leizl Breytenbach, will present ‘How to Transition Kids into Youth Effectively’ and ‘Inclusive Ministry to Children with Disabilities’, respectively. The conference will include three exclusive international video presentations from Frank Bealer of Phase Family Centers and Orange/The Rethink Group,
Jeremy Lee of ministrytoparents. com and Kenny Conley at childrensministryonline. com. Many Perth leaders will present live at the conference including Churches of Christ in Western Australia Executive Minister Tania Watson. Tania will be sharing the rich historical contours of ministry to children in Western Australia.
Vose Seminary Director Online Learning Cate Vose is enthusiastic about Vose’s sponsorship of the conference. “Vose is passionate about supporting the critical work and mission of the local church in all her many expressions,” Cate said. “This conference is a great opportunity for churches to come together and strengthen approaches to mission and outreach into the next generation of believers.” The conference will be held Friday 13 October from 10am to
3pm and Saturday 14 October from 9.30am to 3.30pm. The ticket price of $50 includes all content, main meals, snacks and refreshments. For bookings, visit www.trybooking.com/OSFC Author – Pastor Ed Devine
A part time position (0.6) is available for an enthusiastic and experienced person to join the team at Lakeside Baptist Church in the role of Administrative Assistant. To fulfil this position, you will require excellent people and communication skills, computer literacy, strong administrative ability and capacity to develop and maintain systems. For more information or a copy of the selection criteria, contact Senior Pastor Anthony Palmieri via anthony@lakeside.asn.au (Applications close 13/10/17)
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OCTOBER 2017
Holy Spirit experience in Byford Byford Baptist Church Associate Pastor Shayne Goldfinch has been involved with outreach at the Church’s Free Food Market. He shares a recent story of ministry with The Advocate. than the Holy Spirit and not the curry I had had for lunch. Who I met at the door was a young man down on his luck with his mum beside him. This man looked at the ground as he asked if the church had any food for his family. I took him to the food market hall and chatted with him as he filled a box of groceries. As he was finishing, I was prompted again by the Spirit and tried to arrange a follow-up meeting. It wasn’t easy, as the young man was clearly ashamed of his predicament. I arranged to drop some bread off to his home at a later time, where I met his wife and children. I invited them back to the following week’s food market and mens’ breakfast, which he attended.
At the food market, this man, heavy-hearted asked if I and the church would look after his family, as he had to face court, where it was likely that he’d be incarcerated for six months. In that time, the church has taken care of his family, and during an ‘Introducing God’ course his wife accepted Jesus’ free gift of salvation. This man is now back with his family and they recently uploaded photos and a video on social media of them eagerly and joyfully reading their Bibles (a gift from the church) aloud together.
Photo: Melanie Goldfinch
I was out working one Friday, running some errands for Church. While being out and about I had a nagging feeling to leave and return to Church, but I ignored it, figuring it would go away and that it wasn’t important. As the feeling grew stronger I started to wonder if it was a prompting from the Lord. Dismissing it one more time, I continued on with my errands. I felt that tasks I had that day were of importance, however, I would discover that what laid ahead was of greater gospel importance. I headed back to the church, parked my car and unlocked the office door. No sooner had I sat down and placed my bag next to me when I heard a feeble knock at the door. Instantly I knew that the prompting was none other
Byford Baptist Church Associate Pastor Shayne Goldfinch shares a story of following the Lord’s leading.
Gnowangerup Community Church has recently started a Breakfast Club on Sunday mornings to provide a meal for children from the town. Breakfast is provided by the local school during the week but there is nothing offered at weekends. So, the church decided to serve breakfast for anyone that needed a good meal to kickstart their Sunday morning. Gnowangerup Baptist Church Pastor Gerard Field said they thought it would be a great
opportunity to reach some of the local children that aren’t associated with the church. Breakfast is served from 8.45am until 9.30am in time for the start of Sunday School. “So far we have had 15 children from seven different families and all of the kids have stayed for Sunday School following breakfast,” Gerard said. The ministry is conducted by four of the mothers from the church, managed by Cheryl Macaulay from Borden. “I don’t like seeing kids starting the day hungry, so I’m really happy to be helping in this way,” she said.
“It’s a joy coming in on a Sunday morning and hearing the kids’ stories of what’s happened during the week.” A number of other church members also attend the Breakfast Club. “It’s a great way to connect with some of the local town kids who wouldn’t normally come to church,” volunteer Chris Wise said. “It’s our joy to serve our community in this way and we are confident that this will lead to many wonderful things for us in the future,” Gerard concluded.
Houghton were baptised at Parkerville Baptist Church on 25 June.
been Associate Pastor at Craigie Baptist Church and the Pastor of Kojonup Baptist Church, Port Hedland Baptist Church and Mount Barker Baptist Church. He retired from ministry in 2006. Ray Forlin has been appointed as the Senior Pastor at East Fremantle Baptist Community Church. Craig Eccleston has been appointed Associate Pastor at Woodvale Baptist Church. Adam Snell has been appointed as Pastor of Coastal Community Church.
Photo: Chris Wise
Breakfast Club at Gnowangerup
The Breakfast Club volunteers Gwen Anderson, Margaret Stratford and Gerard Field with some of the children from the community who enjoy the breakfasts they provide.
briefs Baptisms Cornerstone Community Baptist Church Pastor Terry Nightingale baptised Kylie Harrison on 11 June. A friend brought Kylie along to the Rockingham church late last year. She started attending one of its mid-week groups and then responded to the gospel through a One2One: Just Looking course. “This is our fifth baptism in the last 12 months, the most the church has ever had in one year! God is a faithful God,” Terry said. Brenton William and Shayne
Pastoral changes Pastor Ben Bandiera is concluding as the Lesmurdie Baptist Church Graduate Pastor in the middle of August. Pastor Merv Hodge has been appointed as an Associate Pastor at North Beach Baptist Church. Pastor Don Kelso passed into the presence of Jesus on Thursday 17 August. Don was Ordained as a Baptist minister in 1987 and had
Matthew Munn has concluded as the Pastor of Evangelism and Discipleship at Woodvale Baptist Church.
Leavers Green Team Baptist Churches Western Australia Events Coordinator Jess Ford is currently recruiting for Green Team volunteers for the Zone at Dunsborough from 19 to 24 November. “It is a time where huge decisions are made and generally in the spur of the moment – a key time for us to show God’s love, grace
and care for these youth,” Jess said. “I really encourage each church to promote Leavers Green Team as a local mission.” “It’s not only an opportunity for young adults but a time for everyone of all ages to be involved.” “As the church, we can shine light in the darkness and be the love the world so desperately needs.” For more information, visit www.greenteamwa.org.au
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Lesmurdie Baptist Church respond
The plebiscite Everywhere we turn the Same Sex Marriage issue is being discussed. At shopping centres, outside schools and at the hairdressers. Social media and email inboxes are full of articles offering ‘Ten Reasons to Vote for Same Sex Marriage’ or ‘Ten Reasons to Vote Against’. Requests to sign this petition or that have flooded Facebook newsfeeds and private messages. Official position emails have arrived from various groups and organisations encouraging us to vote this way or that and outlining what is at stake. We all have an opportunity to vote and as we wait for the outcome we should consider our post-vote response. As Jesus’ followers, we are to be a people whose lives and words reflect the goodness and love of God. People with arms spread wide announcing the Kingdom of Heaven is near first to our neighbours by healing the sick, raising the dead, casting out demons and giving as freely as we have received [Matthew 10:7-8]. What I am most concerned about is that we will respond as if drawn into a battle against a supposed ‘enemy’ and forget that the ‘enemy’ is actually our neighbour – the family living next door; parents at school; the person in the office next to us at work; people sitting alongside us in church. Real people
with hopes, dreams, pain, anxieties and fears; people with questions and opinions; spiritual people; people who get cancer and struggle with mental health and wonder how best to raise their kids. People who want to be treated with dignity, respect and courtesy. People who want to be known. People a lot like us! Helpful response practices will include: • Listening: Listening to our good and merciful God. Listening to others – having intentional conversations with people who think differently to us; and listening to ourselves – what do I think and why? • Remembering our core business as Jesus’ followers: Sharing the love of a God who came to save and not condemn. • Doing our best to live well and to help others live well in the reality of imperfection: How do we liberate people to live well in loving relationships in a broken world where it can be hard to find satisfaction, physically and emotionally; hard to find meaning in purposeful work; and hard to conceive and raise children in secure environments? There is a long conversation to be had here! • Not being afraid of becoming a minority or, as Susan Adams writes, of having our values legislated against. Christian values have been legislated ‘for’ in this country since white settlement. That has been a privileged and comfortable
position, and although the Church has led the way in many areas (e.g. hospitals, schools, welfare), we have not always been responsible with the privilege (think about the other current hot topics – abuse and violence within the church). If we become a minority let’s not be that ugly minority that expects its beliefs to be legislated regardless of the majority position. Let’s not forget that whatever we humans do, God is still moving all human history towards His good plans. I am not saying we should be silent and I am not saying that we shouldn’t have our own convictions. As Christians, we certainly have the right to believe what our faith teaches, although even amongst Christians there are different perspectives. People who hold the traditional biblical belief will be divided in the way they vote. However, I am saying that our voices will be best heard in actual relationships with people and that our character as Jesus’ followers should speak louder than our convictions.* In the eyes of our neighbours, what we say we believe will count for less than the way our lives reflect the purpose and character of Jesus. We must speak very carefully, with love and concern for the best interests of others. ‘Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.’ [Colossians 4:6] ‘Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.’ [Philippians 2:4]
At this stage, many of us have lodged our vote according to what we think best reflects the perspective of our good and gracious God who came to bring hope to the broken. When the vote is counted and the government makes the final call let’s be kind, gracious and unafraid whichever way it goes. Let’s keep on loving our neighbours as generously as we have been loved. You see God’s love builds bridges across chasms and God’s love makes for common ground even when all we see is difference. When we love our neighbours we are part of the awesome movement of God. Loving our neighbours makes space for the Holy Spirit to change ‘us’ and ‘them’ so that more and more people will be one in Jesus Christ. Author – Pastor Karen Siggins Karen Siggins is the Lead Pastor at Lesmurdie Baptist Church and wrote this article for her church as a response to the current conversation being held around Same Sex Marriage. * Thank you to Graeme Anderson from Northside Baptist Church in Sydney for the character over conviction language.
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OCTOBER 2017
Australian Baptist Ministries respond
conversations In August 2017, the National Council of Australian Baptist Ministries reaffirmed its support for the current definition of marriage as between one man and one woman, and rejected moves to extend the definition to include same sex relationships. “Consistent with this position, people associated with Baptist churches are encouraged to duly exercise their biblical convictions and conscience in the proposed postal plebiscite, over and above cultural pressures” said the National Council media release issued by National Ministries Director Rev. Keith Jobberns. “As a member body of The Coalition for Marriage, Australian Baptist Ministries (ABM) endorses the concerns relating to the potential impact of changes to the definition of marriage on religious freedom, safe school programs, gender identity and freedom of speech.” “As previous statements by the National Council have enunciated, there are compelling cultural and heritage reasons for rejecting this proposed radical social reform, and for Baptists there are also deeply held theological convictions about the nature and purpose of marriage, which preclude widening the definition of marriage to include same sex couples. A strong society needs a strong
commitment to marriage and family. Marriage is best understood as the union of a man and a woman.” For more than 400 years Baptists have affirmed the Bible as the supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct. The Bible teaches that the only appropriate context for sexual intercourse is between a woman and a man who are married to each other. In November 2010, Australian Baptist Ministries (formerly the Baptist Union of Australia) reaffirmed marriage as the union of one man and one woman, and has commended the Australian Government for reflecting the biblical teaching on marriage in the federal Marriage Act. Australian Baptist Ministries, representing more than 300,000 Baptists in 950 local churches, supports the rights of all couples to justice with respect to property and like entitlements, and acknowledges that people, including some in Baptist churches, face issues with respect to sexuality. “Recognition of such rights and issues does not justify major changes to our convictions about marriage or to marriage legislation,” the National Council statement said. The Baptist World Alliance, representing over 47 million baptised believers and 210 Baptist Unions and Conventions in more than 200 countries, shares the views of Australian Baptist Ministries on marriage.
For more on the Australian Baptist view on same sex marriage: •
Australian Baptists view on same sex marriage www.baptist.org.au/australianbaptists-view-on-same-sexmarriage
•
Resources for the Plebiscite www.baptist.org.au/resourcesfor-the-plebiscite
10 news OCTOBER 2017
Baptists in Sierra Leone floods More than 80 Baptists are among the nearly 500 who have died due to landslides and severe flooding in the West African country of Sierra Leone, while more than 600 people remain missing. homes destroyed in what the United Nations called the worst flooding in Nepal in a decade. Approximately 500 Baptists were among those affected. At least five of the 16 churches known to have been damaged or destroyed were Baptist churches. “Many churches could not organise regular worship,” the Nepal Baptist Church Council (NBCC) told the Baptist World Alliance. “The Nepal Baptist Church family is praying and contacting our people and organisations,” NBBC stated. “We are also collecting food, clothes and funds among our churches and individuals. Please be with us in prayer.” Indications are that the heavy flood rains in Nepal are part of a broader monsoon system that has affected parts of India and Bangladesh, where more than 1,200 people in the three countries have died. Thousands of villages were cut-off and people were deprived of food and clean water for days.
Photo: Baptist World Alliance
One of Africa’s worst flood-related disasters in years occurred on 14 August when the side of Mount Sugar Loaf collapsed after heavy rain, burying parts of Regent, a town on the outskirts of the capital, Freetown. More than 3,000 people were left homeless and hundreds of buildings were damaged or destroyed by the mudslides. Social Ministry Department of the Baptist Convention of Sierra Leone Coordinator Samuel Conteh said the mudslide was triggered by a heavy down pour of continuous rainfall that destroyed part of the mountain and as the water flowed down the hill, trees and other stones were carried along. “Within less than 24 hours, greater parts of the western and central part of the city (where the majority of Baptist churches are located) were seriously affected as a result of huge quantities of water,” Conteh commented. Beginning on 10 August, the South Asian country of Nepal has been affected by devastating floods, compounding earlier flood rains in June. Twenty-nine of the 75 districts in the Himalayan country were inundated by torrential rain. About 150 people have been killed and 90,000
Donations can be made at www.bwanet.org/online-giving
Sierra Leone residents taking shelter from torrential rains as flood waters swirl around their house.
China bans children from churches
Children were banned from summer camps in Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Henan and Inner Mongolia. In Fuzhou, the provincial capital of Fujian, churches from the statesanctioned Three-Self Patriotic Movement were told to report any activity held in registered religious venues, or obtain permission to hold events in unregistered venues. “It is forbidden to force or tempt juveniles to believe in any religion,” churches in Fuzhou were told. “And it is also forbidden to conduct religious activities in non-registered religious venues without approval.” The instructions, stamped with the Three-Self Patriotic
Movement (TSPM) and China Christian Council (CCC) insignia, were circulated via social media. The TSPM and CCC are known as the two organisations that form the state-sanctioned Church in China. The message to the Henan churches said the ban on youth activities was to ‘protect the health and safety of teenagers during the hot summer holidays’. However, the Union of Catholic Asian News reported that a notice in Wenzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, suggested a different motive. “Minors receiving religious education and formation too early in churches would
Photo: World Watch Monitor
In several provinces throughout China, children were banned from attending Christian camps over the summer holidays held in July and August. While in other provinces notices were issued banning all school children, and their teachers, from going to church.
Chinese children at a church Sunday school, which is generally tolerated by authorities.
seriously affect the normal implementation of the education system,” the notice said.
Unofficial estimates suggest that there are close to 100 million Christians in China, more than the almost 89 million members
of the Communist Party of China.
news 11 OCTOBER 2017
Hurricanes, prayer and aid Christian humanitarian organisations call for prayer and support during the peak of the Northern Atlantic hurricane season. “These fragile structures are extremely vulnerable to high winds, floods and mudslides.” In the lead-up to the feared catastrophe, World Vision staff prayed for the protection of the people in the path of the storm. “We trust in God that the damages [will be] minor and that we can testify to the miracle of His works. We trust that our staff will be able to respond adequately to the expectations of the partners in response and humanitarian aid,” World Vision National Director Juan Carlo Ramirez said when the outcome of the storm was still uncertain.
Humanitarian organisations operating in the area are calling on the church community ...
Photo: Sasa Kadrijevic/Shutterstock
The months from June to November are officially considered Atlantic hurricane season, with the season peaking from late August through to October when 96 percent of major hurricanes occur. This year, the region has already experienced incredible devastation, loss of lives and damage to property, and it is still preparing for more to come. Humanitarian organisations operating in the area are calling on the church community to pray for people affected by the storms, as well as for aid workers and emergency responders. One of the nation’s bracing for future catastrophes is the small island country of Haiti. While the world had its eyes on the catastrophic floods that Category 4 Hurricane Harvey caused in Texas, Haiti prepared for the impact of an even bigger storm that made its way towards the Caribbean: Category 5 Hurricane Irma. World Vision prepared to help 122,000 people in Haiti with pre-positioned food, shelter, and health and sanitation supplies. The nation is still recuperating from Hurricane Matthew in September 2016, which took the lives of 546 Haitians and caused an estimated $15 billion of damage. “The poorest people in Haiti and the Dominican Republic live in shockingly poor homes that are often little more than shacks made of tin, wood and cinder block, very often sited in shanty towns, near rivers, or on steep mountainsides,” World Vision’s regional leader for Latin America in Haiti John Hasse said.
Hurricane Irma wrought catastrophe in Barbuda and parts of the United States and British Virgin Islands. In Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti the storm left much less destruction than first expected.
Fancy dress mix-up
Providentially, the storm, which travelled at a maximum sustained wind speed of 185 miles per hour, narrowly missed Haiti and the Dominican Republic. No widespread devastation was caused by Hurricane Irma in Haiti, but continuous prayerful and financial support are still greatly appreciated by international disaster response teams who are helping communities during this intense season. Author – Ramona Ötting
Photo: City Arms Pub
WANTED:
ASSISTANT CHILDREN & FAMILIES PASTOR
A group of priests were asked to leave a Welsh pub after staff mistook them for a bucks’ party in fancy dress.
A group of Welsh student priests wearing black clerical clothing were asked to leave a pub in Cardiff because bar staff mistakenly thought they were part of a dress-up bucks’ party.
Mount Pleasant Baptist Church is seeking to employ an Assistant Children & Families Pastor. This position will oversee the provision of age-appropriate Christian education curriculum to children of varying ages at both Campuses of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church.
mounties.org.au/employment
mountpleasant baptist church
The group of seminarians planned to celebrate a colleagues ordination with a pint of beer at the City Arms pub in Cardiff, Wales, when they were unexpectedly asked to leave the pub: “Sorry gents – we don’t do fancy dress or stag dos.”
At first unsuccessful in convincing staff that their robes were not part of a fancy dress, the clergymen were about to try their luck somewhere else when the bar staff finally realised that they were in fact telling the truth.
The pub apologised for the mistake and treated the men to a free round of drinks. The group laughed about the mixup and thanked the pub for their kind favour. Author – Ramona Ötting
12 in conversation OCTOBER 2017
Focusing on the family Jason Wong is Board Chairman of Focus on the Family (Singapore) and Director of the Centre for Fathering in Singapore. Jason was the guest speaker at the annual Governor’s Prayer Breakfast in September. Vanessa Klomp caught up with Jason while he was in Perth. Tell us briefly about Focus on the Family. Four years ago, I left the civil service having worked there for 24 years, and started volunteering with Focus on the Family as board chairman and the Centre for Fathering as a board member. Focus on the Family helps families to thrive through marriage courses and parenting workshops. We go to schools and speak to the parents, visit companies to give lunchtime talks, and run workshops for families in churches. You are also a director of the Centre for Fathering, give us a quick overview of this organisation. I volunteer on the board as one of the directors. The Centre for Fathering is an organisation that focuses on helping fathers to be better fathers through bonding activities and workshops for fathers. We also go to schools, army camps, and prisons to reach fathers directly. Currently it is championing Singapore’s National Fathers Movement, Dads for Life. It helps fathers to be aware of the importance of their role as husbands and fathers. We call it ‘ACT’; A is to be ‘aware’ of their role; C is to ‘commit’ to that role; and the three Ts, time – a commitment to spending time with the children, the tools – being equipped as fathers to become better fathers, and transformation – fathering the fatherless. How did you become a Christian and develop a faith in Christ? I started when I was 17 years old. Thinking about my future, I realised that the only person who knew about my future was God, the one who created me and put me on earth. So, I said a prayer, ‘why did you put me on earth?’, and I also asked for a scholarship so I could go to university. God gave me a scholarship, which is how I came to Perth. I studied at the University of Western Australia and met some Christian students from overseas. They participated in the Overseas Christian Fellowship. I joined the activities, learned more about Jesus and became a Christian. I was a new Christian in my first year, an assistant Bible study leader in my second, on the committee in my third, and President of the Overseas Christian Fellowship in my final year. I grew tremendously in those four years. How has your Christian faith impacted your career? It impacts everything. Due to my Christian faith, I constantly ask God what he wants me to do,
how does he want me to serve to make a difference? I decided to join the prison service when nobody wanted to be a prison officer because when I read the Bible, I saw how Jesus identified with prisoners. Even on the cross, He spoke to a criminal and said “today you will be with me in paradise”. So I knew that if Jesus would still be on earth He would be involved in prisons. I worked in prisons for 17 years, from being in charge of prisons housing close to 2,000 inmates to being the Deputy Director cum Chief of Staff of Prisons. Then, I was transferred to the Ministry of Social and Family Development where I oversaw family violence, child abuse, the homeless, the destitute and youth delinquents for six years. It was at the end of that 24 year period I felt that I’d experienced a lot of remedial work, intervention and downstream work. God began to lead me to do upstream work, which is preventive, fathering and families – after all, it is easier to build boys than to fix men. What part of your job do you personally find most satisfying? And, the most challenging? The most satisfying would be to see lives transformed, especially when I worked in prisons, everyone had given up on prisoners. Yet, volunteers, Christians and some prison officers all believed in them, so we started to transform the prison system. We saw their lives change by not going back to crime or drugs and finding jobs. We gave them a second chance. For the Fathers Movement, Dads for Life, the most satisfying is seeing fathers getting more involved with their children. Quite often fathers do not know that they have a role to play. They do not know that they need to spend time, that they need to be there for their children. Once they are made aware of their role they begin to spend more time with them and I can see the children are happier and they’re doing better in life, emotionally and socially. When families are strong and healthy, they bond together, that is satisfying. I launched the Dads for Life movement in 2009 and we gave out ‘toolkits’ to fathers as part of the launch. This story came back to me. A father was suicidal, he had four children. He was about to take his own life and was locked inside the room. His five year old son came home from school, knocked on the door and said “the school gave us something, it’s for you.” He opened the door and
there was a Dads for Life toolkit – he saw the words ‘Dads for Life’ and God spoke to him. You are a dad for life, you cannot give up on yourself. So, he got up and his children got their daddy back. There are many challenges. Very often, prisons, politicians and ministers are thinking of ways to lock prisoners up for longer. Whereas when I go home and pray and seek God’s guidance, I would hear Him say “set them free”, “do more to break the cycle of drug and crime in their lives. So the challenge is in finding ways to bring Kingdom values, Kingdom principles and applying these in the real world. I’ve learned not to quote Bible verses at work, but use research, stories and testimonies to make my point. I gather evidence and present it to demonstrate that if fathers are involved, children do better collectively. Wherever there is a challenge, there is a way to overcome it and God always gives us the wisdom and guidance. What is the biggest challenge in your Christian walk? The greatest challenge was when God asked me to wash the feet of prisoners. At the time, I was a volunteer on Sundays as a civilian, preaching and counselling. On Monday I put on the uniform and was the number three, in charge of security and discipline. One day I said, “God, I pray you set prisoners free. The counselling is good, the vocational training is good but ultimately they need God in their lives.” I heard God saying “how far are you willing to go?” Of course, the boldness in me said all the way. What I actually meant was I will go in on Sunday in my own time to counsel, to preach and to do Bible study with the prisoners. I was even willing to take my personal leave on Monday to go in to help them. That was when I heard God say to wash their feet. I was dumbfounded, “God, how can I wash their feet, I’m the number three, I’m in uniform, everyone knows I’m the prison officer, they call me sir and there are security cameras everywhere, everybody would know.” I could sense Jesus hanging on a tree coming into my room. I couldn’t even look up; I had to look down as it was holy ground. I went on my knees. I was trembling because I knew that Jesus was on the cross. I heard Jesus say, “I was whipped for you, I was stripped naked for you. I was made a fool for you. Why aren’t you willing to be a fool for me?” As I was weeping I told God, “yes I’m willing, I’m willing, tell me when.” Then the presence lifted.
Jason Wong’s long career in prisons has given him a desire to strengthen families.
Every Sunday I went back in, sometimes the presence of God would be so strong during the chapel service when the prisoners were worshipping and singing, the washing of feet would come back to my mind and I’d say, “dear God am I to make a fool of myself today?” I would look around. There was no pail, no water and before I could ask someone to bring a pail, the presence of God would lift. I was promoted to number two and that was when God said it’s time to wash their feet. There were 42 at chapel service that day. I remember at the end I told them, “you are children of God and I’m a child of God, who are we to each other?” They couldn’t say it, “we are brothers.” They were just weeping. So I went to each one of them and looked into their eyes and said “you are my brother.” Amazingly, some months later after I moved over to the social and family ministry, I received an email from one of the volunteers with Prison Fellowship Singapore. He’d brought one of the released prisoners home. Once he reached home, he told his mother to sit on the chair, went to the kitchen, took a pail of water and washed his mother’s feet. For me, the greatest challenge was to obey God to the extent of making a fool of myself. Yet I knew
that as a result, many prisoners would come to know God, the love of God. What are your aspirations for Focus on the Family? To strengthen families so we can prevent people from ending up in prison, young people taking drugs, growing up fatherless and motherless. My desire is to strengthen the social fabric of society by strengthening families. Strengthening marriages and making sure the mum and dad are there – the marriage is strong, and that the next generation grow up to do the same. At one time, I thought that if you can get fathers to be involved, then everything would be well. Now I realise we need to go further. When we are young we are told to save the world, save the planet, save the trees. Why can’t we challenge young people to save family? If family is the foundation of a nation, we don’t have to wait until they get married or they become parents. We can actually help them to understand the importance of family while they are young. So, we started a youth program to restore their faith in family. For more information, visit www.family.org.sg and www.fathers.com.sg
growth 13 OCTOBER 2017
Ever feel like you’re just walking around in circles? I love being a part of the Global Interaction team in Lichinga, Mozambique. I love building friendships and learning about the culture of the Yao people, who God has called me to live with. the first day, on the second day? By the sixth day these Israelites must have been starting to wonder. No cracks in the walls, their legs were tired, nothing had changed so far. I wonder if thought of any other ideas to get around the walls, or if they grew tired and wanted to give up.
Each day was important, each day they had to choose to trust God and follow Him in obedience.
No time is wasted with God. Perhaps for you, you might be considering what is next in your life, or perhaps reflecting on what has been. But let us be encouraged, that this day right now, is just as important as
the one yesterday, and the one tomorrow. Because this day is the day we wake up and choose that we will love those around us, and if we are followers of Christ, that we will follow Him and trust His ways are perfect. It might seem like every other day. It might feel like you’re in day one or day six, or maybe you feel like you passed day seven years ago. Things might seem much the same, day in, day out, and you see no change coming soon. This is what I am learning – in my every day of not being able to understand, feeling a bit lost and lonely, frustrated that I can’t do things because of the barriers, like language. It all counts, every day matters, and no time is wasted. We have to go through day one to get to day two. So, let’s make every day count, even if that day God just asks us to walk around a wall. Author – Sally Pim
Photo: Sally Pim
However, if you were to ask me how I’m going, I think the biggest struggle I am dealing with is the frustration of not knowing the language, the culture, and not being able to share as deeply as I would like to – how ridiculous that I would even think I could do any of that in a few short months! As I have reflected on this, I’ve been drawn to the Israelites battle at Jericho, which we read about in Joshua 6. The God who parts seas and moves mountains, surely could have pushed down a wall to a city in no time. Yet this is also the God who had the Israelites wander the desert for many years before they were able to enter their promised land. The promised outcome, in this case, the walls of Jericho collapsing, requires patience, obedience and action. The Israelites weren’t able to shortcut this, just as they weren’t able to sit around and do nothing while they waited for the seventh day. Each day was important, each day they had to choose to trust God and follow Him in obedience. When you’re told to keep walking around a wall, I wonder what goes on in your head. On
Sally Pim serves with Global Interaction in Lichinga, Mozambique.
Smile and say ‘g’day’ So, what happened to that stuff as we became adults? I’ve been surfing a lot lately, mostly at our local break just across the road from my home (as seen in the picture). At our local, you can paddle out and instantly be in conversation with the other three or four blokes in the water. Most of us know each other quite well now. Occasionally I venture to the more popular (and crowded) spots, and once the crowd becomes unfamiliar the tone changes. It becomes the same kind of crowd you find on a train, or an elevator, except there is an added air of competition afoot for the best wave. A pecking order forms and I am under no illusions where I sit these days ... I love my local break, partly because it is a relatively unknown gem close to home, but I also love it for the men I spend time with while I’m out there. Recently
I’ve taken my son Sam with me on most surfs and he has been welcomed into the crew too. The other men encourage and cheer him on as he learns and improves. It’s what surfing ought to feel like. Last week as I paddled out to a break north of Two Rocks amidst 20 other guys. I became a face on a train again, another competitor, a threat, and it felt somewhat icy. So I decided it was time to ‘smile and say g’day’. Not a kooky, dorky ‘smile and say g’day’, but warm and friendly – change the tone kinda ‘smile and say g’day’. In a sullen crowd of snarling faces a smile could well be seen as a sign of weakness, a way to further lower my place in the pecking order. Or a smile could be a way to return surfing to a shared experience of the ocean where we all enjoy ourselves rather than separating into winners and losers.
Photo: Andrew Hamilton
Remember primary school – and those basic skills in making friends we were introduced to?
Andrew Hamilton enjoys getting to know fellow surfers at his local break.
In a silent group of eight or nine blokes all scanning the horizon to snaffle the next wave, sometimes all it takes is a ‘beautiful day hey?’ to break the ice, but it so often seems to go against the grain. I’ve actually had people plain ignore me as I’ve looked them in the eye and said ‘g’day’ ... bizarre ... so I’ve waited five minutes and then
tried a different tack. ‘Day off today?’ And sooner or later they cave. No one really wants to be a rude, arrogant pig. I’m not out there for a ‘chat’, but I’m not out there to compete either. As with most things in life someone has to go first to change the culture. So if you happen to see me in the water, chances are
I’ll be that guy who paddles over and smiles at you and then says ‘g’day’. Try to be nice. It makes for a much better world. Author – Andrew Hamilton Pastor Andrew Hamilton is the Team Leader at Quinns Baptist Church.
14 news OCTOBER 2017
Meet Perth’s queen of gospel Perth is relishing in the reawakening of gospel music, however for radio host Jade-Lori Compton Haggis gospel music has been a part of her world since birth.
Editor: Managing Editor: Subeditor: Production: Creative: Advertising: Distribution: Editorial deadline:
Matt Chapman Andrew Sculthorpe Caitlin Quartermaine Vanessa Klomp Peter Ion Sally Phu Sally Phu 5th of each month
(US), Journal of Gospel Music Editor-in Chief Bob Marovich (US), rapper Marksman Lloyd (Australia) and CASS (New Zealand),” Jade-Lori said.
This wonderful opportunity has delivered countless opportunities ...
Jade-Lori Crompton Haggis was delighted when she recently received the opportunity to co-host
Jade-Lori can be heard on The Gospel Show on 98five Sonshine FM every Thursday evening from 7pm to 9pm, online at 98five.com or download the app.
EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING: Email: editor@theadvocate.tv advertising@theadvocate.tv Mail: Baptist Churches Western Australia PO Box 57, Burswood WA 6100 Tel: (08) 6313 6300 Fax: (08) 9470 1713
PUBLISHERS GENERAL DISCLAIMER All the articles, comments, advice and other material contained in this publication are by way of general comment or advice only and are not intended, nor do they purport to be the correct advice on any particular matter of subject referred to. No reader or any other person who obtains this publication should act on the basis of any matter, comment or advice contained in this publication without first considering and if necessary taking appropriate professional advice upon the applicability of any matter, advice or comment herein to their own particular circumstances. Accordingly, no responsibility is accepted or taken by the authors, editors or publishers of this publication for any loss or damage suffered by any party acting in reliance on any matter, comment or advice contained herein. The Advocate is published on behalf of Baptist Churches Western Australia by imageseven. Tel: (08) 6500 7777 Email: info@imageseven.com.au
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Photo: Shot by Me Photography
“I still pinch myself. I have been an avid 98five listener since I was young. I was mentored by ‘the Voice’ JD, and now I get to share the music I love with our listeners!” Crompton laughed. “All of this because I was led to start a gospel choir? I look forward to what is to come!” The Gospel Show on 98five Sonshine FM on a regular basis.
Jeremy finds the answer After his last album spent two weeks topping the Billboard Christian music charts, Jeremy Camp is back with a new album entitled The Answer. It is due to be released on Friday 6 October. This album adds to an already large discography by the American born singer/songwriter, who describes himself as ‘a minister who happens to play music as a way to minister’. Camp’s father was a pastor, which meant he was surrounded by a strong Christian influence from a young age. After completing high school, Camp studied at Bible college where he was first heard singing and playing guitar by one of the worship leaders. His talent soon found him leading worship and playing across Southern California, which led to his own music career.
Photo: Capitol Christian Music Group
While Jade-Lori’s father, CL Blast, regularly toured and performed with musicians such as BB King and Otis Redding, Jade-Lori has made her own mark on the music scene. She has headlined at prestigious venues such as The Ellington Jazz Club and The Laneway Lounge, supported Ian Moss and Icehouse, and received a request to perform at a private jam session for Beyoncé’s touring band. When asked which musical accomplishment she is most proud of, she will mention The Joyful Noise Choir who made their performance debut at the 2012 annual Gospel Music @ the Rocks concert, which she produced and directed. “The concert is thought to have sparked the resurgence of gospel music in WA,” Jade-Lori said. In 2015, The Advocate readers were introduced to the new look Choir as they launched their PR campaign, Shaken not Stirred, for Gospel Music @ the Rocks. It was through this campaign that Jade-Lori met Broadcast Manager at 98five, Chela Williams, who invited her to join the 98five family as a host on their gospel show with co-host, Imarese Towuru. “This wonderful opportunity has delivered countless opportunities, such as interviewing Charlin Neal from Israel Houghton and New Breed
Jeremy Camp views music as a way to minister to others.
The Answer tour has just started and will see Camp crossing America in 25 different shows.
For more information, visit www.jeremycamp.com Author – John Igglesden
intermission 15 OCTOBER 2017
read A minute with ...
Evidence Not Seen
Photo: Peter Vermeulen
Darlene Deibler Rose Evidence Not Seen is an incredible story of the faith and courage of Darlene Deibler Rose who, together with her husband, was a missionary to the Dutch Middle East and New Guinea in the late 1930s, just prior to the Second World War. Together they saw many salvations for Christ and later in 1942 they were affected by the War, both captured and spent four terrible years in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp. Separated from those she loved, Darlene faced beatings, sickness and extreme hardship. Despite the horrors of suffering, she knew her life was in God’s almighty hands and lived each day in incredible hope and faith. I couldn’t put this book down! – Karen
Peter Vermeulen – East Fremantle Baptist Church Youth Coordinator Who makes up the ministry team you are a part of? I might be the youth coordinator at my church but my team does more work than me! They are the best youth leaders I could ask for. Sam and Rachel Thomson, Wez and Sophie Blackett, Andy Price, Angus Mcphee, and Kadin A-W are the people that make the youth program at East Fremantle Baptist Church function.
watch The Story of Jesus for Children
What is the most important ‘nuts and bolts’ lesson you can give? The most important lesson that I can give anyone is to never underestimate the gospel, always teach it and never assume that someone knows it. Because if we assume the gospel it gets distorted. When the gospel gets distorted it loses the essence of importance and then the gospel gets ignored and forgotten. So, no matter what ministry someone might be involved in, the most important thing to teach and remember is the gospel. Without the gospel, being a Christian is useless. How do you separate yourself effectively from work to rest? Finding rest can be a challenge for me, I have a tendency to overwork myself with useless tasks. One way for me to find time to rest is to be more efficient with my work, to make lists of what I need to do and then do them. However, I regularly misplace my lists and end up working twice as hard. When this happens, I find that I need to get away from people to clear my head. When I feel like that, I like to take a break and go fishing. To stand on the beach talking to God and letting all my work ferment in time. Everything makes more sense to me after I take a break from work. What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess? Every leader should have the ability to problem-solve. Things never go as planned. When something changes a solution or a change to the plan must occur, having the skills to improvise at the last minute is really important to making things flow naturally. What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time? My advice to anyone going into a leadership position would be: you are not alone! No matter how it feels you are not alone. There are people out there that are willing to support and help you. But most of all God is there to guide, support, catch and carry you through life. To be a leader, make sure that your relationship with God is good and that will make everything better.
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Reviews by Koorong Mount Lawley staff Website: www.koorong.com Address: 434 Lord Street, Mount Lawley Phone: 08 9427 9777
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Power to Change The Story of Jesus for Children is the original Campus Crusade for Christ presentation of the life of Jesus, adapted especially for children. The life of Jesus is viewed through the understanding of a group of children who see Jesus heal the sick, make the lame walk and make the blind see. They also see His love of people, including children. And they see him betrayed, wrongly accused, crucified and buried. They remember the promise of Jesus and believe they will see Him again. Throughout the movie, the children tell their respective parents all that they see and hear Jesus do and say, the parents having mixed reactions to what the children are telling them. The infectious faith of the children begin to touch their parents and the parents begin to believe that Jesus is indeed the Son of God. – Karen
Revival Third Day In more than 20 years together, Third Day has produced music in a variety of styles and themes. Their newest album, Revival, has a country rock feel across several tracks, but is overall an upbeat and joyful album. It’s impossible to go past the reflective ‘Let There Be Light’ where listeners can invite God to have His way, and speak life and light into this broken world. ‘Faithful and True’ is a beautiful acknowledgement of God’s reliability in all seasons. ‘Loves Me Like a Rock’ expresses the importance of a mother’s godly influence over her son’s life during critical moments of his life. This album is also available in a deluxe version, which includes bonus recordings and two additional songs. – Dorothy
16 sport OCTOBER 2017
Photo: AFC Media
Faith of an Adelaide Crow
Adelaide Crows’ Hugh Greenwood doesn’t hide his Christian faith from his teammates or his fans.
The last thing Hugh Greenwood does before every game of football and before he goes to sleep at night is to stop and say a prayer of thanks. In an interview with Adelaide’s The Advertiser, Greenwood spoke proudly about his Christian faith and the inspiration he draws from his mother, Andree’s battle with cancer. She was diagnosed with terminal secondary breast cancer in 2015 and he started a charity to raise funds for the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center in her honour. “I just do a little prayer before each game and before bed, more of a thank you thing, obviously I’ve gone through a few tough times before with Mum and being away from home,” he said.
“So that’s more a thank you in the moment that is so massive, to be able to take time aside to remember why I’m here, it’s not just because of friends and family it’s a higher purpose as well.” Greenwood said he was not embarrassed by his public show of faith where he bends down on one knee before the first bounce. “It’s certainly an individual thing and we’ve got a reverend here at the club and it’s something I’m passionate about.” Greenwood’s tattoos also reflect his faith, including the words ‘I shall fear no man but God’, illustrating the way he likes to play.
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Greenwood made the transition from professional basketball to AFL where he is in his first full season with the Adelaide Crows. The 25 year old still hears from his old teammates at the Perth Wildcats but is now settled in South Australia. His American partner Kirsten Straub is applying for a visa to make her move to Adelaide permanent. They met at the University of New Mexico where Greenwood was playing basketball and studying. In addition to being an exceptionally gifted athlete, Greenwood also has a psychology degree. “My goal when I finish playing footy or any sport is to coach. I think that [studying psychology] would be a great
outlet and resource for getting into coaching,” he said. Greenwood has said that he has had to call on some of those learnings over his own sporting journey and now knows that much of the battle is in the mind. It’s only the start of what he hopes will be a long career, but said he has still had to stop and pinch himself to realise that this is real life. The man responsible for Hugh Greenwood’s switch from basketball back to footy says even he has been pleasantly surprised by his sudden impact. Adelaide recruiting boss Hamish Ogilvie, who pursued Greenwood for years to get him to West Lakes, said he was proud of the 25 year old’s transition to football.
“I’m not completely surprised but there are a couple of facets of his game that have surprised me – his tackling,” Ogilvie said. “It’s remarkable, eight or nine years of no footy and then playing good level AFL footy within two years of not playing.” “The game demands bigger midfielders and he’s improving, he’s got lots to work on and he knows that, but it’s a good start.” “I saw that in America when he trained, he was clearly a leader,” Ogilvie concluded.
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