theadvocate.tv
WA’S BAPTIST NEWSPAPER
“To be a Sacred Agent is not just about doing things for God, but with Him. Active together.” ANDREW TURNER PAGE 12 >>
APRIL 2021
“Freedom shouts at the doorways of hope beckoning a listening ear, but can we perceive its call? Can we hear its song?” AMANDA VIVIERS PAGE 13 >>
Fires ravage properties The 2021 fire season was catastrophic. There was the January bushfires in the Shire of York that threatened lives and destroyed a number of properties. Then in early February, the Wooroloo fires destroyed 86 houses and two fire trucks.
More funding for chaplaincy services in government schools >>
4 Let’s get growing A new series exploring the dynamics of Christian growth and maturity >>
8 Grit happens Learning to persevere and not be a good quitter >>
Photo: Carmel Bain
The February bushfire was a fast-moving fire that started in Wooroloo, 45 kilometres to the north-east of Perth. By the time the fire was contained, it had spread west into the City of Swan, 26 kilometres from its ignition point, scorching 109 square kilometres. In an email to churches, Baptist Churches Western Australia Head of Finance and Administration, Greg Holland shared that stories were starting to emerge of the fire’s impact on church communities. In response, the Baptist Relief Fund launched an appeal for funds to be able to assist those impacted by the fire alongside supporting community organisations working with impacted communities. Well-known Baptist Pastor, John Harris and his wife Rosemary lost their family property on the outskirts of York to the January fire. “It is all gone. So fast. House, Cam’s Cabin, sheds, Harris & Son Silver business of three generations, all gone,” John’s daughter said. John shared that the speed of the fire and its impact was alarming. From the time of messaging their daughter about the fire at 1.09pm, and then being ordered to leave their property at 1.35pm – “everything was gone by 1.44pm.” “Rosemary grabbed our overnight bags out of the house and we took off down to the highway where we watched the fire engulf our home,
3 McGowan promise
John Harris standing within the rubble of his business, Harris & Son Silver, surveying the damage.
Building healthier
sheds, studio and Cam’s Cabin, built in memory of our son,” John recounted. “Initially we were a bit numb. But we knew we could do nothing to change the situation, so we decided there and then to accept the situation, draw the line and step over it – to look forward rather than behind.” “Since then we have no questions of God – He has promised to ‘supply all [our] needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus’.” [Philippians 4:19 BSB]
John and Rosemary shared how words had failed to express their gratitude since the fire. “Since the fire we have been overwhelmed by the love and generosity of the ‘Family of God’,” Rosemary said. Baptist Churches Western Australia representative, Matthew Chapman said that it is moments like these devastating fires that provide an opportunity for the church community to shine and support those around them who are doing it tough.
“The Baptist Relief Fund is one way that we can demonstrate what it is to be the hands and feet of Jesus – providing care and support to those the Christ loves so dearly, ” Matthew said. For more information on the Baptist Relief Fund, phone 08 6313 6300.
churches BAPTIST CHURCHES WESTERN AUSTRALIA