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WA’S BAPTIST NEWSPAPER
IN CONVERSATION Gary Williams talks about the need for effective administration and management for Christian organisations. PAGE 12 >>
DECEMBER 2019
“It seems like the list of hard lessons to learn as a cross-cultural worker is endless.” KATH BEECK PAGE 4>>
3 New life The one birth that changed everything. >>
Photo: Kelly Crawford
5 Times and seasons Mounties celebrates 60 years of God’s work. >>
Member for Curtin Celia Hammond, (third from left) meeting with Baptist representatives Wayne Field, Nic Hornsby and Karen Siggins to discuss how to bring about greater change throughout the nation.
Converging on Canberra to promote change Forty Baptist leaders representing Baptist ministries, state unions and associations gathered in September for the annual Converge meetings with politicians in Canberra. This year’s focus was to advocate for Australian children living in poverty. During three days, close to 70 meetings were held with parliamentarians. These valuable connections were used to discuss Baptist Care Australia’s newly released report, Australia’s Kids – The State of the Nation. The report focuses on the seven domains across a child’s life: family, material basics, safety, health, learning, belonging, and hopes and dreams. “For many Australian children, life is full of positive experiences shared with people they care about and who care about them in return,” Baptist Care Australia Chairperson, Graham Dangerfield said.
“They are learning and developing, and are hopeful for the future.” However, the Australian Council of Social Service estimates that 739,000 children (17.3 percent of all children) are living in poverty – higher than any other age group. “Sadly, not all children and young people get an equal start in life. This report sets out some ways we can address the most urgent and important needs of Australian children by working together,” Graham added. Baptist leaders specifically advocated for a raise to the Newstart Allowance, providing
much needed income support for families. Delegates also encouraged the Federal Government to be a leader in social and affordable housing by allocating funding to states and territories in order to alleviate the current shortfall of 437,000 social dwellings and 231,700 affordable dwellings. “Home is more than just a physical place where we sleep and eat. It is the place where we are able to feel safe and secure, where we interact with our families, our friends, our pets, and our possessions. Having a safe, secure and stable place to call home is
central to helping children develop,” the report stated. Converge provided the opportunity for leaders of churches and agencies working with struggling families to share their stories and advocate for their needs. Lesmurdie Baptist Church Lead Pastor, Karen Siggins and Riverton Baptist Community Church Senior Pastor, Wayne Field represented Baptists in Western Australia. Pastor Karen has twice attended Converge and encouraged all Christians to participate to bring about change. “As Jesus followers, we stand for those who are oppressed and vulnerable, and Converge is a brilliant vehicle for that.” Author – Kelly Crawford
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Committed to being honest, transparent and above reproach. BAPTIST CHURCHES WESTERN AUSTRALIA