The Advocate February 2016

theadvocate.tv

FEBRUARY 2016

In Conversation Writer, speaker, and broadcaster Sheridan Voysey talks about developing resilience. PAGE 12 >>

Six things pastors need from younger adults.

DAVE KRAFT PAGE 13>>

Photo: Department of Fire and Emergency Services

5 Freedom award Behind the Barcode recognised for contribution to anti-slavery >>

Fires savage South West

Changes are on the horizon for WA Baptist youth in 2016 >>

Baptist churches assist the South West community after summer bush fires cause havoc.

Every West Australian would be aware of the devastation and heartache caused by the recent bush fires to strike Yarloop and the wider shires of Harvey and Waroona.

Malcolm Taylor, 73 and Les Taylor, 77, both tragically died in the fire, unable to escape the inferno surrounding their homes. The entire town of Yarloop has been decimated. In total 121 homes were lost as well as historic timber workshops, factories, old churches, the hospital, local shops, the hotel, and the local school badly damaged.

Australind Baptist Church Pastor Richard Foster and his wife Ros live in Preston Beach and the fires got dangerously close to their home, causing them to be evacuated to the beach on three separate occasions.

“The beach was totally safe and some people were evacuated by boat from the beach,” Richard said.

“The worst day for us was the third time we were evacuated to the beach. That was Friday when the fire was very close to coming around the top of the salt lake that runs parallel to the beach. If that had happened we could have been in big trouble.”

A number of people left Preston Beach on the Saturday of the week of the fires and were unable to head south so a police escorted convoy headed north to Perth.

A number of members of Australind Baptist Church were involved in the fire fighting efforts with two volunteer and one career firefighter on duty at the frontline of the fire.

At the time of going to print the combined churches of the Australind, Eaton and Bunbury area

were working together to host a fundraising concert to benefit those affected by the fires.

“Our church is getting ready to help with the medium to long-term rebuilding work,” Richard said.

“It’s going to take a long time for people to pick up the pieces and get life back in order.”

“We would ask people to pray with us for wisdom to know how to engage with all of this. People will experience compassion fatigue.”

“There will be many needs – not for material things. They’ve already asked people to stop donating.

There will be long-term ways to support and encourage.”

To support those who have lost homes and property Baptist Churches Western Australia (BCWA) has opened the Baptist Relief Fund for donations which will allow Baptist churches in the region to support their local community.

Over $15,000 had been raised at the time of going to print.

Donations can be made through local Baptist churches or by contacting BCWA direct on 08 6313 6300.

WA couple feared abducted Grave fears are held for former Perth couple Dr Ken and Mrs Jocelyn Elliott who are missing, presumed abducted from their West African home by suspected Islamist extremists.

The couple, in their 80s are believed to have been abducted on Friday 15 January in Burkina Faso following an attack on the capital of Ouagadougou on Friday that killed 28 people.

At the time of going to print Ken and Jocelyn were still missing, feared held hostage and their Western Australian

based family released the following statement.

“Ken and Jocelyn began their hospital work in the town of Djibo in northern Burkina Faso in 1972.

At present they operate a surgical clinic with around 120 beds where Ken is the sole surgeon, supported by a small number of dedicated local staff. They have dedicated

6 Youth scene

their lives to providing medical relief to people in the remote northern area of Burkina Faso,” the statement said.

“Their commitment to the local people is reflected in the fact that they have continued there with only a few holidays since 1972. They are held in high esteem by the local people.”

“Recent news from the country indicates an alleged abduction of Ken and Jocelyn on Friday night, however no reason is yet given for this and their whereabouts is still unknown.”

7 New Vose facilities Vose Seminary is in the midst of an exciting phase >>

Building healthy churches.

BAPTIST CHURCHES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

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my view FEBRUARY 2016

Love, God’s answer to fear Looking into my daughter’s eyes as she gasped for breath one night I knew deep fear. Fear is insidious, its potential to overwhelm grows in the moments that we rely on ourselves and not God. It’s fed by our own feelings of uselessness, worthlessness, distance from the creating and all-powerful God. Our denial or ignorance of truth.

Bek Falconer Bek Falconer is a cross‑cultural worker for Global Interaction in Mozambique.

On that night the isolation of living in a remote Mozambique village set in. With many hours travel between us and medical facilities, being advised that without urgent hospital attention my child might die was shattering. I’d like to say that in that moment my trust was completely and unwaveringly in God, but it wasn’t. In that moment I was gripped by fear.

Fear that the doctor was right and my baby might die. Fear that without hospital care she had no chance. Fear of failing as a mother to protect those entrusted to me.

That night I knew the reality that our neighbours live with. I understood what drove them to seek magic to protect their kids.

I felt their fear and knew the pain they felt as they hovered

impotent over sick family members. I knew what it felt to be hopeless.

Thankfully, my feelings of fear although overwhelming were temporary. God reminded me repeatedly that night and in the days and months to come of His faithfulness, His love greater than that of a parent. His power over the spirits, over sickness, over fear. I was reminded that even

when I feel like I am drowning and distant He is still present.

Reflecting on that long night I was reminded again of why we live in Mozambique. Not because we want our kids to suffer from lack of healthcare, but because we want our neighbours to know the same peace and assurance that we have. I want to see fear broken. I want them to have hope, to know and live in truth.

People get sick and struggle globally. Fear is ubiquitous. Let’s be part of revealing God’s perfect love which casts out fear. I want in, do you?

My Fitbit If you are curious as to what my Christmas present was, I got a Fitbit (plus chocolates, socks, books and more). Truth to tell, a few weeks before Christmas I had never even heard of this gadget and asked for one only because it seemed the top of everyone’s wish list. But now I am the proud owner of this instrument (I am trying not to say Fitbit lest I be accused of advertising), it is rapidly taking over my life.

Dr Brian Harris Dr Brian Harris is the Principal of Vose Seminary and Pastor at Large for the Carey Group.

For the handful of ignorant readers who have no idea what I am talking about, let me tell you about the skill set of this remarkable device (see, I didn’t say Fitbit).

First, it tells the time – which could make my mobile phone redundant. But wait – there is more ... It also tells you your

heart rate. Currently I can assure you that I am alive with a heart rate of 57 beats per minute. But wait – there is more. It also tells you how many calories you have burnt in the day (1,337 thus far, with a prediction I will finish on 2,044 – most annoying, in light of the chocolate bar I was thinking of eating), how many steps you

have walked (3,777 – but the day is not over yet) and even, how long you sleep for (6 hours and 7 minutes on average – though it doesn’t differentiate between being awake and pretending to be awake while your mind wanders elsewhere).

So why is this knowledge revolutionary? I have absolutely

no idea, but it is pretty cool being able to start a conversation, “So what’s your current heart rate? Mine is 58”. (I’m typing so fast it’s crept up from the previous paragraph.)

Amazing the information so readily at hand. So much so that it is easy to forget the probing question asked in the Westminster Shorter Catechism: “What is the chief end of man?

Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” And we should do that regardless of how many steps we have or haven’t walked today ...

What’s trending?

A simple ‘what’s trending’ Google search has given me a small insight into what makes the people of 2016 tick. In this captured moment of time, according to whatstrending.com, it appeared that there was an array of different topics that grabbed the interest of those perusing the World Wide Web.

Sarah Baggaley Sarah Baggaley is the Lead Pastor at Austin Cove Community Church.

Within just a couple of hours of these videos and articles being uploaded, viewers determined that the following were worthy of one’s attention: a wall-climbing robot made by Disney had 554 views, 946 people viewed 10,000 sparklers being lit at once and 1,700 people watched a deaf husband finding out he is going to be a dad for the first time. But here is where I feel human nature is revealed: 3,300 people relived

the most inspiring moments of 2015 and a huge 8,500 people viewed the article and video on the most inspiring women of 2015, all within the first hours of being uploaded. Despite what has actually been determined as being inspirational, my conclusion is that people are on a quest for inspiration.

We turn to social media where some of the most shared and liked posts are termed

‘inspirational quotes’. And history shows, that the likes of Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Helen Keller and many more, impacted millions of people and continue to because they created inspiration.

As an evangelical Christian, I begin to ask, “How can we use the need of inspiration to reach out to the unchurched? Are we as Christians inspiring? Is the church inspirational?” It is a

given that Jesus is inspiring!

Just reading the accounts of how people responded to His stories and miracles, we see His following grow rapidly as He travelled. But are God’s people offering this inspiration to the unchurched?

At the risk of giving a gross generalisation, I dare to say ‘no’.

At least not in the way that Jesus did, I mean, Jesus is Jesus. And not in a way that generates the mass interest like we see in our ‘What’s Trending?’ data.

But perhaps I am just reading too much into this, after all, 2,200 people also watched the video, This Little Girl Really Loves to Fart.

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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FEBRUARY 2016

Vale: Robert Kable Clark AM Robert Kable Clark AM was a friend to many. They knew him as Bob, someone who listened well and enjoyed a joke. He was also an influential man of faith, a leader.

Bob was born in Mount Lawley on 13 March 1935 and passed away 21 December 2015. He completed high school at Guildford Grammar and worked in his father’s accountancy business before training as a Baptist pastor through the Baptist Theological College of New South Wales.

Bob married Sue Brazier on 21 December 1963 and together they had three children, Rowan, Bronwyn and Judson. The family was changed forever when Bronwyn died at the age of 14 from leukaemia on 27 December 1983.

Bob poured his energy into the ministry of the Baptist churches in Western Australia and nationally.

He pastored Baptist churches at North Beach (1958–1959);

Tahmoor, NSW (1960–1961); Mount Pleasant (1962–1964); Maida Vale (1964–1967); Yokine (1968–1974) and Kenmore, Queensland (1975–1980) before serving as General Superintendent of the Baptist Union of WA (now Baptist Churches Western Australia) for 20 years from 1981.

Nationally Bob represented WA on the National Council, Baptist Union of Australia (1981– 2000) and played a key role in the formation of Crossover, helping the denomination engage evangelistically in a changing culture.

Bob showed great concern about the welfare and ongoing training of Baptist pastors. In 1984 he was instrumental in establishing supervised field

education through the Baptist Theological College of Western Australia (now known as Vose Seminary) to support and enrich pastoral workers’ ministry life.

In 2005 he was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Australia Day Honours ‘for service to the Baptist Churches of Western Australia through the establishment of education programs for theological students’.

Worker pastors in the communities of the North West and the value of Scripture Union camps and school ministries were also Bob’s passions.

With his ability to be the friend of everyone, Bob often engaged with people at times of brokenness. He had a keen sense of his own flawed nature and his deep need for God’s grace.

His friend Arthur Payne who spoke about Bob’s ministry at his memorial service believes this acceptance of his own need helped him speak truth to others during difficult conversations.

Bob Clark and his wife Sue at Government House, Perth where he was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia.

More than 640 people attended the memorial service at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church on 29 December 2015.

Bob’s widow, Sue Clark, National Director of the Baptist Union of Australia Keith Jobberns, friends and ministry colleagues Bruce Jenner,

Jan Thomson and Arthur Payne spoke of Bob’s life and ministry.

Alongside his effective and far-reaching ministry, Bob was a loving and devoted husband of Sue, father of Rowan and Judson and grandfather of Ally and Jayden.

Hope for average church Jill Birt

Not every church has experienced and gifted musicians to the level of a university or performing arts academy trained music student. For some churches having someone who can help with playing music or leading each week is a big issue.

Vose Leadership and Inglewood Community Church are partnering to present a conference on worship ideas and resources for churches needing assistance.

“We’re going to look at a range of subjects including changing

culture, inspiring worship in small settings, structuring a service and developing small teams,” Inglewood Community Church Pastor Mark Edwards said.

“Bring your team. It’s going to be inspiring, short, low cost. It’s

ENROL NOW FOR 1ST SEMESTER 2016 With a trusted and highly qualified faculty Vose offers outstanding qualifications in theology, ministry, education and more.

Everything from a Cert IV to a PhD. Coupled with highly sought after leadership professional development and mentoring programs Vose is your choice if you are serious about growing in faith, knowledge and wisdom.

got everything,” Vose Leadership’s Monica O’Neil said.

Churches face some unique issues which the day’s speakers Jess Magowan (Worship Pastor Inglewood Church), Monica O’Neil (Vose Leadership) and Michael O’Neil (Vose Seminary) will address.

The event is planned for Saturday 12 March from 9am to 12 noon at Inglewood Community Church.

For more information and to register, visit www.inglewoodchurch.org.au

Vose Leadership and Inglewood Community Church hope to help churches with worship ideas and resources on 12 March.

CASEWORKER position for Fusion Housing service.

“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jer 29:11

The Fusion Student Housing Service is a Christian ministry that provides an accommodation service in the Bentley area for High School students unable to live at home because of family difficulties. Training and experience in casework with young people essential.

P/T 10hrs/wk.

LIVE IN SUPPORT WORKERS needed ARE YOU LOOKING FOR ACCOMMODATION AND INTERESTED IN WORKING WITH YOUNG PEOPLE? Fusion Australia in Perth are seeking Volunteers to share a house with young people and other volunteers.

Volunteers provide role modelling, support and mentoring for the young people they share the house with.

WHY NOT STUDY ONLINE? T: 08 6313 6200 E: office@vose.edu.au W: www.vose.edu.au

Photo: Mark Edwards

RTO 0145 VET CRICOS 01052B ACT CRICOS 02650E

Free rent, food and training supplied.

For more info on either of these positions Contact Rose Braun: 0412017716 rosemary.braun@fusion.org.au

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news FEBRUARY 2016

2016 marks new era for Carey As preparation for the school year continues, Nigel Wise, who will be the Primary School Principal at Forrestdale, is looking forward to seeing the plans become a reality.

“It is an exciting challenge to be embarking on a second Carey campus at Forrestdale.”

“Whilst the second campus is a new College, in many ways it will be the culmination of years of experience already garnered from the journey travelled at Harrisdale.”

“With the crossover of staff – some staff have expressed an interest in moving to the new campus – and the shared governance structure, there will be a wonderful opportunity

for Forrestdale to benefit from a wealth of skilled practitioners,” Nigel said.

The early stages of planning for this campus saw some challenges, in particular, gaining council approval. The Carey community continued to pray and seek God’s will through the season of uncertainty and since approval in 2014, everything has gone according to plan.

Carey’s Director of Business, Tim Dorsman, says while some minor difficulties have occurred, it has been nothing out of the norm for a project of this size.

“Carey has fantastic support from its contractors and consultants who have been

Photo: Carey Baptist College

After a long road to achieving government approval, Carey Baptist College’s new campus in Forrestdale finally began construction in late 2014 and opened its doors to students on Monday 1 February.

Carey families from the church, College and community came together for a Busy Bee in January at the new Forrestdale campus.

great in helping us overcome any problems that have arisen,” Tim explained.

Outside of the classrooms, the campus also has the foundations of a new soccer oval and will feature revitalisation of the native wetland area located at the front of the campus block.

Three Busy Bees have been held at the campus and all have been well attended by Forrestdale campus families,

Harrisdale campus families, Carey Baptist Church members and other members of the Carey community. Families and staff have planted trees and shrubs, spread mulch and lawn, and spent time together as a community.

“It has been wonderful to see so many people coming together at the Busy Bees to get involved and to meet one another,” Carey Community Relations Officer Caitlin du Toit said.

“They have been great opportunities for families to see the new campus and to see years of dreaming become a reality.”

The Forrestdale Campus will initially cater for Kindergarten to Year 4 students, but will grow each year to eventually offer Kindergarten to Year 12. Limited places are available in some years and families interested in applying are encouraged to contact the Carey enrolments team soon.

The inside story continued Head of Baptist Women’s Ministry WA and Riverview Church Executive Minister Karen Wilson has been humbled by the overwhelming response to her book The Inside Story following a small launch with family and friends in March 2014.

Karen wrote her book out of a personal journey in discovering living an authentic life and the challenges that come with that.

Since its launch, hundreds of people have communicated how the book is impacting their everyday lives and the communities in which they live.

“Just finished reading your book – awesome, thank you

for sharing your ‘Inside Story’.

Spoke to my heart and I know I have a lot more to do on my journey. Thank you for the tools to help along the way!”, one reader shared.

“Almost weekly, people are getting in touch to let me know that my story feels like their story,” Karen said.

When the first print run completely sold out, Karen

felt it important to continue helping people on their personal journey and consequently a second edition has recently been released.

“I have kept the writing real and honest – perhaps a little too honest at times.”

“I share directly from my journal entries made in some pretty tough seasons and lead people on a journey of discovering who they are on the inside is who they truly are.”

With the second edition release, a new website about the author and her book has also been launched.

To view the new website or purchase The Inside Story, visit www.karensinsidestory.com

The Inside Story has touched hundreds of people’s lives.

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twitter.com/ToddAdkins Your faith in Christ must be personal but it cannot be private.

practicalshepherding.com/blog Pastors, don’t lose sight of the sick, suffering, and afflicted in your congregation for the more glamorous parts of pastoral ministry. In fact, I believe it is the faithfulness of our labours in the trenches that God uses to make our public ministries more useful and powerful.

desiringgod.org In your affliction, cry out to God for help [Exodus 2:23]. He hears. And when the time is right, God will answer you. For God sees you – and He knows.

desiringgod.org Never, never, never be cavalier or trifling about your perseverance. God uses real warnings to keep us vigilant and to keep us persevering.

We are safe … Press on to make salvation your own, as Paul says, because Christ has made you his own [Philippians 3:12].

Todd Adkins

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Scott Pasley citybibleforum.org God’s peace is at once radically offensive – it’s peace on God’s terms – and yet wonderfully liberating – God Himself has borne the cost of the peace.

Brian Croft

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Kyle Idleman twitter.com/KyleIdleman There is nothing life can throw at us that God can’t use to draw us closer to Him.

Jon Bloom

19/01/2016

Victoria Osteen joelosteen.com Do you know what God says about worry? He says, “Just don’t do it!” Worry can get us off course faster than anything.

We aren’t meant to be directed by worry; we are meant to be directed by the Spirit of God.

John Piper

19/01/2016

Trevin Wax thegospelcoalition.org One way for us to recapture a sense of the glory of God is through seeing the grandeur

of His handiwork. This is one way we shrink ourselves and magnify God – through childlike faith, we are to become like children, fully dependent on God our Father and enthralled once again at the world He has given us.

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Simon Elliott writesomething.org.au Let Godly sorrow lead you to repentance because whatever you’ve done, you cannot outrun God’s grace. No one has outrun his grace yet and I don’t reckon you’re going to be the first!

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FEBRUARY 2016

Award for Behind the Barcode

Samara Linehan

The award recognises the contribution to anti-slavery and trafficking initiatives made by Baptist World Aid Australia’s Behind the Barcode campaign, particularly through The Australian Fashion Report.

“At the same time as the campaign empowers consumers to make ethical chices, it also empowers workers to raise themselves out of poverty by earning a living wage,” Associate Professor Jennifer Burn, the Director of Anti-Slavery Australia said.

As the sister of the Electronics Industry Trends report, The Australian Fashion Report grades fashion companies on how resistant their processes of production are to being exploited

by trafficking, forced labour and child labour. The fashion industry has made remarkable progress thanks to the media attention generated by the report and the action taken by Australians.

“This parallel benefit is an uplifting reminder of how, through increased awareness and education, we can empower people from different sides of the barcode towards the common goal of ending slavery and exploitation,” Associate Professor Burn said.

“We were delighted to offer Baptist World Aid a 2015 Freedom Award in recognition of the significant contribution that their Behind the Barcode campaign has made in addressing labour exploitation.”

Photo: Baptist World Aid Australia

Baptist World Aid Australia was announced as a 2015 Freedom Award winner by Anti-Slavery Australia in November 2015.

Baptist World Aid Australia CEO John Hickey with Elizabeth Broderick, the former Sex Discrimination Commissioner.

Of the four 2015 Freedom Award recipients, Baptist World Aid Australia was the only organisation to be honoured with this incredible recognition.

The release of the latest Electronics Industry Trends report is planned for February. A full report commentary will be included in the March issue of The Advocate.

To download The Australian Fashion Report or order a free Ethical Fashion Guide, visit behindthebarcode.org.au

Eliza Whalley

At the heart of poverty and injustice in our world is the abuse and misuse of power – the exploitation of vulnerable workers, multinational corporations siphoning taxes out of developing countries and wealthy nations reneging on their commitments to help communities overseas lift themselves out of poverty.

But what would our world look like if the powerful (governments; corporations; and even we as consumers, voters and advocates) used power to serve, rather than exploit, communities living in poverty?

What would our world look like if power was exercised in the way God intended it to be exercised?

Baptist World Aid Australia will launch the 2016 Catalyst focus: Poverty and Power in Perth on 13 February at North Beach Baptist

Church, 4pm to 6.30pm. Baptist World Aid Australia workers Gershon Nimbalker (Sydney) and Dushan Jeyabalan (Perth) are leading the event.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the biblical picture of power and consider how we, as Christians in Australia, can help make this picture a reality by being a voice for the poor, the marginalised and the oppressed in our world.

Catalyst is Baptist World Aid Australia’s church-based advocacy program. It combines advocacy with ministry, facilitating church engagement with God’s work of justice.

With 65 active groups around the country (and that number

Photo: Baptist World Aid Australia

Catalyst against injustice

The wife of a project leader with a victim of trafficking. The victim’s mother is now working in their community to eliminate trafficking.

continually growing) they are able to create change and transform the lives of people living in poverty in extraordinary ways.

For more information or to start a Catalyst group at your church, phone Dushan Jeyabalan on 6313 6300.

After 40 years of ministry Bellevue Baptist Church Pastor Ray Brown has retired. Twenty-six of these years were spent ministering to the community at Bellevue.

Ray studied with wife Sue at Baptist Theological College in Queensland from 1974 to 1980 and prior to becoming pastor at Bellevue he held roles at Tarragindi Baptist Church, Rockville Baptist (both in Queensland) and Katanning Baptist Church.

A special service was held at the Church in December to

honour Ray and his wife, Sue’s years at Bellevue and celebrate Ray’s 40 years of ministry. As part of the service Ray lead communion and both he and Sue served the congregation.

Ray had a strong emphasis on interacting with the community and also in mentoring and developing student and volunteer pastors.

Ray will continue to contribute to the wider Baptist work through being a board member of Baptistcare.

At the service, Ray said that a pastor really never retires but is always open to God’s leading, and also acknowledged the support Sue was to his ministry.

A surprise party, which gathered many people from across the years of Ray and Sue’s ministry, was held in January where the first draft of a book of appreciation was presented to the couple. To make a contribution to the book contact Sarah Wickham at sarah.j.wickham@gmail.com by the end of February.

Photo: Sarah Wickham

Browns retire after 40 years of ministry

Pastor Ray Brown with wife Sue at their last service at Bellevue Baptist Church.

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news FEBRUARY 2016

Youth scene developments

SportsFest will have a new director, Keith Campbell, overseeing the event in 2016.

With Jeff Cross stepping down from the role as Director of SportsFest last November [The Advocate, November 2015], Keith will direct future SportsFest events.

Jeff and Keith will be working together to ensure SportsFest continues to grow and be the great event that it is renown to be.

Keith is a lecturer at Polytechnic West, an active

basketballer and loves surfing.

He has been on the SportsFest management group for several years, actively assisting with the yearly event, making him a suitable replacement for the position.

He is very enthusiastic about the contribution he can make to the role and will be in touch with church coordinators in the

near future to obtain feedback on last year’s SportFest. Keith will welcome any comments and suggestions.

Organisation is well underway for the 2016 SportFest and Keith encourages your church to start preparation for this year with all the opportunities the event provides.

Photo: BCWA

Pastor Ed Devine commences as the new Baptist Churches Western Australia Youth and Young Adults Consultant in February, while Keith Campbell was appointed the new Director of SportsFest in November 2015.

Ed has completed a Graduate Diploma of Divinity through Vose Seminary, graduated from the Arrow Leadership Program in 2014 and is a candidate in the Accreditation Stream with Baptist Churches Western Australia (BCWA). Ed began his pastoral ministry at Beaumaris Baptist Church in 2006 and was the Associate Pastor for Youth and Young Adults at Lake Joondalup Baptist Church from 2008 to 2014.

In addition to the BCWA role, Ed will commence a new ministry role as Youth Pastor at Quinns Baptist Church in early 2016.

Ed describes himself as being ‘relationally driven’ and has a genuine heart and passion to mentor and develop leaders.

Baptist Churches Western Australia leadership believe that he brings a strong set of skills, integrity and vision to the role and that he will be a great blessing to both youth and young adults pastors and churches.

Ed loves to surf and rollerblade, which could be a benefit when relating to the youth he will have contact with.

Photo: Sarah Wickham

Changes are on the horizon for the WA Baptist youth scene in 2016 with two new people taking on major roles.

Pastor Ed Devine is ready for his new role with Baptist Churches Western Australia.

A Christian lawyer reflects

Gemma Mills

While studying law I had this vision of being in court and advocating to advance justice. Whilst court work is part of my role as a lawyer, the reality of the role is more complex.

Photo: David Broadway

We act for clients as their advisor and often, counsellor, whilst still being engaged in complex legal transactions. It will come as no surprise that, given the work we undertake, there are times when Christian lawyers are personally challenged, particularly when it comes to balancing faith and professional practice.

Lawyers are often required to balance honesty and integrity at a personal level against adversarial practice and client Gemma Mills is a Senior Associate at Robertson Hayles Lawyers

demands on a professional level. Thus it is important for Christian lawyers to try and find a comfortable balance between their faith and the realities of professional practice.

The firm you choose to practice at can assist with this.

I have always chosen firms that place a high emphasis on personal and professional integrity and this is why I chose to work at Robertson Hayles Lawyers (RHL).

Founded in 1958, RHL has a long relationship with the Baptist churches and is a member of the Southern Cross Legal Alliance of Christian law firms. The directors have maintained the values put in place by founder, the late Charles Robertson, (well known for his work in various ministries) and have ensured that client wellbeing and ethical practice is paramount.

Whilst there will always be occasions when conflicts arise between professional and personal values, working at RHL gives me the tools and support to assist me in balancing my professional ethics and personal integrity to the best of my ability.

I believe this is important and it is encouraging to work along others who share similar values.

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FEBRUARY 2016

A minute with ...

Photo: Vose Seminary

Photo: Annette Palmer

New Vose facilities

Marcus Passauer (Administrator) and Dr Brian Harris (Principal) discuss progress with electricians working

Geraldton Baptist Church Pastor Craig Palmer

on the new building.

Vose Seminary is in the midst of an exciting phase with its new building rapidly taking shape.

Bricklaying is complete and the roof is in the process of being laid.

The appearance of the new Seminary complex is becoming more obvious to students coming to enrol for the coming semester, staff awaiting its new learning spaces and those driving by on Hayman Road in Bentley.

Vose is already home to over 200 students and the new facility will enable Vose to provide more courses to train and equip people for ministry and service. The modern conference complex will be ideal for the hosting of conferences and seminars.

Project Manager Ross Daniels said that the project is running well with the builder working hard to maintain the rigorous schedule. This was evident with a huge team of bricklayers descending on the project in mid-November. The expected

completion date of the project remains April 2016.

Another major development has been the installation of air conditioning throughout the Vose Library, making it a year round research and writing friendly environment. Library patrons and staff have already enjoyed the cool environment and readers are invited to come and have a quiet day reading, studying and writing with them.

An important consideration in air conditioning the Library has been resource preservation.

Vose Library houses an extensive collection of theological books and records, one of the largest collections of its type in Western Australia. These extensive resources are now protected from the sometimes

extreme temperature changes which were experienced across the seasons.

Behind the scenes building work has seen significant upgrades of the electrical switchboards and electrics.

Although some ‘hitches’ were experienced, the changeover to underground power and operation of the new switchboards was very successful.

It is also hoped that a repaint and repair the roof of the existing buildings will be possible to improve the appearance of the whole Vose campus.

The entire project has been funded primarily from generous donations. If you would like to contribute to the repaint and repair of the roof or any other aspect of Vose Seminary tax-deductible donations can be made.

To make a donation or enquire about Semester 1 courses, commencing 1 March, phone 6313 6200.

What led you to this role?

Various bits of evidence over two years that indicated that God was moving us on to something else after being with Riverton Baptist Community Church for 19 years. It came to fruition in taking up this role and we are really enjoying the partnership alongside the people in Geraldton.

Where is the church located?

46 Quarry Street, Geraldton.

What time are services held?

We have a service at 10am every Sunday.

How and when did the church start?

The church commenced in 1963 through the initiative of Des Carmody of Irwin drawing together a collection of Baptists from the surrounding area.

Who makes up the ministry team?

A range of volunteers in leadership across the church and in particular ministry settings.

What is a feature of your church or ministry you’d like to share?

We are discovering that we find a sense of belonging when we reach for a vision greater than our own.

A final thought …

Putting the mission of God in the hands of ordinary people to help all types of people say ‘yes’ to Jesus is a compelling adventure. [2 Corinthians 5:14-15]

briefs Vose booksale The popular annual Vose Booksale will be held on 9 April in the grounds of Vose Seminary, Hayman Road, Bentley. Although renowned for the selection of Christian books available, the booksale also features an array of other books including children’s books, fiction, non-fiction, and antiquarian. Refreshments will be available throughout the day.

Pastoral retreat The annual All Together Baptist Pastoral Retreat for Baptist pastors

and chaplains is planned for 18 to 20 April in Mandurah. This is a great event for churches to send their teams to, giving them the opportunity to enjoy fellowship and learning with other Baptist workers from across the state.

Sweet ’16 — What does Easter mean?

For billions of people Easter endures as their most important holiday. What really happened to Jesus on that first Easter Sunday?

And what, if anything, does it mean for our lives today?

Rory Shiner, author of Raised Forever, will explain why he finds Easter the sweetest day of all.

Thursday 17 March 2016, 5.30pm8pm, at the Atrium Theatrette, 168 St Georges Terrace, Perth Tickets from $22, including refreshments To register, visit citybibleforum. org/sweet16

Pilgrimage for unity The Council of Churches of Western Australia are offering an amazing opportunity to explore the City of Perth church

denominations in this year’s ‘Week of Prayer for Christian Unity’ and ending with a pilgrimage march. The week commences 12 noon Monday 9 May when the Pilgrimage for Unity will be launched at Elizabeth Quay by the Lord Mayor of the City of Perth.

The week will continue with events at all the city churches and end on Pentecost Sunday with the Pilgrimage for Unity starting at 1pm with worship and refreshments at St Mary’s Cathedral, followed

by a walk through the city to finish with Evensong at 5pm and refreshments at St George’s Cathedral.

For more information, phone Rev. Frances Hadfield on 0410 698 595.

8

feature FEBRUARY 2016

THE FANTASTIC TEAM OF WESTERN AUSTRA

We believe God’s greatest gift is a life-transforming relations Our passion is to share the gift of Jesus and see Him embra With deep compassion and cultural sensitivity, Global I own distinctive ways of following Jesus.

Global Interaction is the international cross-cultural mission organisation of Australian Bapt and nurture faith communities and provide Biblical training and leadership development.

Operating for over 130 years we have been known as Australian Baptist Foreign Mission (A

Odi Odi SCOTT AND BEK, along with their three children Levi, Josiah and Katelyn live in a rural village in Mozambique. Developing a deep understanding of language and culture, building relationships and sharing God’s love are the cornerstones that Scott and Bek hope to build on for many years as they live and serve among the Yao. As I (Bek) prepared lunch one day a familiar voice was heard calling out ‘odi odi’ in the front yard, the local alternative to knocking on the door. As I went outside to greet our visitor I was delighted to see my Yao friend Larni, a woman I have known well for eight years. She is on a journey of faith, believes in Christ and is grappling with how her faith is expressed in her community. Larni is growing in her understanding of God and reliance on Him. I have seen God’s healing power in her family and spent many hours sharing Bible stories, talking through issues and praying with her. We have grieved, laughed and learned together.

This particular day Larni was upset and wanted to talk. For the past week she had been having disturbing dreams that her mother, who had passed away a number of years earlier, was visiting her and trying to speak with her. Larni wanted advice as to what she should do. Due to a cultural belief that the dead appear to people who have failed to put them to rest properly, Larni’s family was pressuring her to consult traditional healers about performing rituals at her mother’s grave. As a follower of Jesus she wasn’t keen on performing the rituals yet she still desired the dreams to cease and also appease her family. We talked about how she felt about it and I shared some Bible passages with her. It was so encouraging that Larni asked us to pray with her for God to intervene. She resolved to pray nightly before going to sleep that God would be present with her and in her dreams. She told her family that she would pray to God to bring peace and He did.

CAM AND KATH and their children, Jack, Matilda and Sydney, have been living in Mozambique since April 2012 working with the Yao. We’ve had a great time on home assignment visiting friends, family and some of our partner churches and small groups.

While it’s been a bit hectic we’ve loved just about every minute of it!

When we return to Mozambique we will move to a different village, Massangulo.

A huge thanks to all of you who have helped finance the building project – the house is nearly complete! In addition to being an incredibly beautiful part of Mozambique and already home to teammates Scott and Bek, it’s right in the heart of where rural Yao people live. Our focus will be make some new friends, continue with language learning of Chiyao and start to explore ways to share about God’s love within this community. We are looking for a few more people to join our partnership team so that we can get our flights booked and leave ASAP!

JONNO AND HEATHER, along with their kids Sam been serving in Mozambique amongst the Yao p about doing life with the Yao people and see th This is at times a daunting task and not possib

It was the evening of the 23rd of December, each armed with an AK47, dismounted from a truck and surrounded our house. This would on this occasion. The men were the advance security detail for the Governor of our provinc house whilst the Governor, his wife and son had dinner with our family!

Our role here is to walk alongside people like Larni, encouraging them, equipping them with the Word and empowering them to make decisions about how to follow God in their communities. Our heart is to see communities of faith rise up that can encourage one another and grapple with the implications of following God together.

We had invited him as a gesture of thanks for his help in the Visa processes that allow th serve here. We had been ready to accept the devastating outcome that we’d need to leave bribes and engage in the corruption of a high level official. But at the very last minute God through the help of the Governor. Now, the Global Interaction team enjoys a good reputatio through the accusations of the corrupt official.

Scott and Bek would love to share their story with you, your home group or your church. Contact the WA office for more info.

We are so incredibly grateful for the support of all those in WA who prayed for our situatio we would not be in Mozambique today. Thank you!!

Jesus calls the church to mission that is both local and global. Global Interaction partners with Australian Baptists to equip,

encourage, mobilise and enable churches to participate in ground-breaking and effective global mission. And experience shows that what we learn in our shared global experience can inspire and transform a church’s mission in our local Australian settings too.

feature FEBRUARY 2016

ALIANS SERVING WITH GLOBAL INTERACTION

ship with Jesus.

In the middle of last year Global Interaction candidates Sally Pim and Glenn and Liz Black and their boys were given the opportunity to move in together.

Sally’s getting used to the early wake-up call of three little boys ready to play, and Glenn’s enduring living with a Sydney Swans fan!

aced by all people around the world.

Interaction exists to empower communities to develop their

tist churches. We send people to share the message of Jesus, establish

ABFM), Australian Baptist Missionary Society (ABMS) and now Global Interaction.

BEN AND SAM with their daughters Elizabeth and Anna are serving the Yao in Mozambique.

Our family is coming to the end of our first three year term, made slightly shorter than planned so we can be in Australia for the birth of our third child in May. We spent the first 14 months in Malawi learning the language and understanding more about the culture while waiting for Visas for entry into Mozambique (ask us about the miraculous story during our Home Assignment).

We’ve been living in Mozambique now for over a year. Most of our time here has been focused on learning Portuguese (the trade language, used alongside Ciyao) helping with administrative tasks that keep the team functioning and schooling our two girls. It has certainly been challenging. We are excited that understanding Yao language and culture means that deep, Gospel-centred relationships with our Yao friends can soon become a reality.

m, Caleb, Hannah, Micah and Josiah have people since 2002. They are passionate hem grow in their relationship with Jesus. ble without prayer and the power of God.

just 2 days before Christmas. Ten men, d normally be cause for concern but not ce. They formed a cordon around our

he Global Interaction team to continue to the country because we refused to pay d showed us his favour and intervened, on which had become so tarnished

on. We have no doubt that without you,

We’re In It Together This is another step in their journey of being involved in one another’s pathway into cross-cultural mission. Sally visited Mozambique on a Global Xposure in 2012 and spent a further nine months serving their short-term. The Blacks’ interest in Global Interaction also began on a trip to Mozambique in 2013, and later that year Sally joined them on a short trip to Thailand.

They all hope to head overseas at the beginning of next year, the Blacks to Thailand and Sally will join the team in Mozambique. This year they can support each other as they complete their studies, undergo training courses and make preparations.

They are also building partnership teams of individuals and churches who will join them in the vision of seeing communities develop their own ways of following Jesus. They are excited to share what God is doing among the leastreached people in Thailand and Mozambique.

If you would like to know more about either the Blacks or Sally’s future plans or join their partnership teams, they would love to get in touch. Contact Global Interaction’s WA State office or visit the website for more information.

LUCY served in Central Asia for 16 years in various teaching capacities and developed relationships with young people. As well as watching them mature from teenagers to adults, she has had the joy of seeing some of them commit to following Jesus.

God determined that after 16 years of serving in Central Asia, teaching English, ministering to students, their families, local colleagues, team members, whomever He brought alongside to share the journey, would finish this year.

My final months deepened many of the friendships with my students, colleagues and team members. Packing up and being able to give away some of my things brought wonderful closure. Affirmations from supporters and faithful prayer partners undergirded the steps as the time to leave drew nearer.

Sharing God’s Christmas hope, joy, peace and love with six groups in my home was incredible, however I heard His voice still calling, “I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen.”

There are many precious people who need acceptance and reconciliation through Jesus. Could you consider joining the team in Central Asia? I know a group of wonderful people who would welcome you into their lives.

Lucy is available to share her story with churches, home groups and individuals in WA. Contact the office for more info.

CONTACT COLIN OR PAM at your state office and get involved in God’s exciting mission. There is a place for you!

State Director: Colin Meadows 21 Rowe Ave, Rivervale WA 6103 P PO Box 57, Burswood WA 6100 T 08 6313 6300 E wa@globalinteraction.org.au

www.globalinteraction.org.au

9

10 news FEBRUARY 2016

Ecotourism engagement

Jill Birt

Visitors to south-east Asia can play a significant role connecting with unreached people groups.

“Technology and economic progress are powerful influences on culture.”

“Languages are disappearing at an incredible rate as technology blurs boundaries and languages used by small communities are consumed by more widely used languages,” Joe said.

Technology and economic progress are powerful influences on culture.

Skills including unique dance, writing, weaving and cooking continue to disappear as older generations pass

Photo: Joshua Kegg

Wild Asia offers escorted homestays in rural regions where participants can choose adventure activities including rock climbing, white water rafting, hiking and snorkelling or the option of a cultural experience to explore farming rice, coffee and spices; basket weaving; and a ‘taster’ course in learning local language.

Joe, an expat who leads the business, partners with local workers who are keen to engage communities within the area where the unreached people group lives.

“When tour groups come, we get to travel with them into villages and our partners have opportunities to share about Jesus,” Joe said.

This business has many benefits for the local people.

Their culture is valued and honoured through being shared with tourists in a sustainable and engaging way.

Expats in south-east Asia partner with local workers to connect with unreached people groups.

and there is little interest among the younger people to learn the skills. With people from outside the community coming to learn about culture, there is strong motivation to reignite passion for the group’s unique culture.

“We really want to honour the local culture and do all we can, in partnership with local community leaders who

are highly motivated to see their culture, including their language, remain vital,” Joe said.

The business continues to develop and is open for groups from Australia. The optimum size is six to eight people and moderate physical fitness is required.

Tour groups are met at the country’s capital city

then escorted to the region where they are immersed in local culture through a variety of activities.

“We enjoy learning from our guests as well as helping them learn about the local situation,” local worker Ruby said.

“We help the teams with language and prepare them for what to expect in the village.”

international briefs New Life newspaper reports Operation Mobilisation’s (OM) ship Logos Hope sailed to Myanmar in November 2015. More than 102,000 people visited the ship and 124,195 books were purchased, including 30,000 Bibles and other Christian literature. More than 6,000 attended programs onboard. One of these was a special event for around 100 monks and nuns from a Buddhist school who were invited onboard to learn more about the purpose of the vessel and meet the crew and staff.

Logos Hope also sent out teams to visited orphanages and child care centres for abandoned children in rural villages. OM Ships International provide educational and Christian literature in ports around the world.

Nigeria troubles World Watch Monitor reported Taraba State in the Middle Belt of Nigeria experienced significant atrocities by Hausa-Fulami Muslim herdsmen against indigenous Christian farmers. Between December 2013 and July 2015, 1,484 Christians were killed and 2,388 were injured.

Many churches, houses and businesses of Christians have been destroyed. More than

30,000 Christians became internally displaced persons (IDPs) in IDP camps in their own country relying on churches, cultural associations and civil society groups to provide for their needs. Camps have not been provided by the government. Researchers estimate the reported figures of violence and destruction may only cover 50 percent of events.

Christianity in the Middle East Reliable reports suggest more Muslims have become followers of Jesus in the last two decades than in Islam’s combined 1,500 year history.

In spite of great difficulty and turmoil, Christianity is unquestionably expanding throughout the Islamic world.

Joel Rosenberg, an evangelical researcher, author and resident of Israel has documented the recent upsurge of Christianity in the Middle East. “In Sudan it is estimated one million have turned to Christ since the year 2000, not in spite of persecution, war and genocide, but because of them”, Rosenberg said. In Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Algeria there are reports of significant numbers of people turning to Jesus.

Drought and the Pacific

Samara Linehan

The powerful El Niño period continues to worsen, causing drought and undermining food security in the Pacific and Sub-Saharan Africa.

While Baptist World Aid Australia’s Kenyan partners have community drought mitigation projects in place, communities in the Pacific are unprepared as they have not, historically, had as much need to conserve water.

In the high hinterlands of Papua New Guinea (PNG), severe instances of frost have destroyed food gardens. With the normally plentiful water resources greatly diminished, attempts to replant the gardens have been futile, leaving entire communities without food. Already, deaths have been reported in PNG as drought gives way to poor sanitation and disease.

Over the next few months it is expected that there will be a spike in forced migration as whole communities relocate to areas which still have water and food. In PNG, as families put themselves at the mercy of tribes with whom they do not normally

Photo: Baptist Union Papua New Guinea

Ship brings hope

Locals in the Pacific region are suffering due to the El Niño effect.

associate, there is high potential for conflict.

One of the biggest challenges for PNG is the country’s geographical hostility. The most affected areas are hardest to reach. Subsistence lifestyle communities exist in isolation.

The rugged terrain makes relief efforts very difficult.

The El Niño threatens to wreak havoc in the Pacific, where countries are not as prepared to

mitigate the effects of drought.

Currently, two to three million people across the Pacific are affected by El Niño.

Baptist World Aid Australia is taking proactive action to help communities prepare for worsening drought throughout the region.

For more information, visit baptistworldaid.org.au/ disaster-action

news 11 FEBRUARY 2016

From Rivo to rural Thailand

Jill Birt

Photo: Luke Patterson

Glenn and Liz Black and their three young sons are heading to Thailand to work with Global Interaction’s team with ethnic Thai in north-eastern Thailand, but they cannot leave Australia until their support team is complete.

Glenn and Liz Black and their sons Sebastian, Levi and Oliver are planning to leave for Thailand in early 2017.

Photo: Maria Berrian

GlobalChurch online

Dr Graham Hill has travelled the globe interviewing church leaders for the GlobalChurch Project.

Jill Birt

GlobalChurch Project founder, Dr Graham Hill, has travelled the world to meet and interview hundreds of leaders of non-Western churches that have seen extraordinary and sustained growth for decades.

As a result of his extensive globetrotting, the GlobalChurch Project website went live on 1 January 2016.

Leaders from Africa, Asia, Latin America, Oceania and the Caribbean feature in video interviews on the website along

with church leaders from the Middle East, Eastern Europe, First Nations and indigenous communities.

“I’m convinced that the Western world has much to learn from these stories,” Graham said.

The GlobalChurch Project has partnered with Micah Network and Missio Alliance on the project.

These groups are committed to helping people worldwide hear the voices of non-Western, indigenous and immigrant Christians.

Dr Graham Hill is an educator and theologian who is passionate about helping effective non-Western Christian leaders tell their stories.

He is the author of GlobalChurch: Reshaping Our Conversations, Renewing Our Mission, Revitalizing Our Churches.

To view the new website, visit www.TheGlobalChurchProject.com

“We’re really excited about moving to Thailand. It’s captured our hearts,” Glenn said.

With their sons, Sebastian (5), Levi (3) and Oliver (9 months), Glenn and Liz are living in Perth’s southern suburbs as they complete some study at Vose Seminary and begin building their team of supporters. Glenn continues working as an engineer as well as studying.

“It’s a bit daunting when you look at the big picture and what we need to do,” Liz said.

Both Glenn and Liz grew up in country WA and feel a strong affinity to country people. Glenn left Albany to study engineering at Curtin University. Liz left the idyllic Yallingup region to study nursing in Perth.

They married eight years ago and are part of Riverton Baptist Community Church alongside several members of Liz’s family.

“We visited Liz’s sister, Kath Beeck and her family in Mozambique where they’re working with Global Interaction with the Yawo people.”

“God confirmed in us that helping people develop their own culturally distinctive ways of worshipping Jesus is the way to go,” Glenn said.

“We already sensed that God was leading us to Thailand, so working with Global Interaction among the ethnic Thai was the best fit for us,” he said.

“We’ve visited Thailand and feel a strong affinity with the people,” Liz said.

“I’m looking forward to discovering the people God is preparing to become our friends.”

The excitement of a new beginning is tempered with the understanding that this task is not just a change of location, culture and language, but it is a spiritual battle.

We’ve visited Thailand and feel a strong affinity with the people.

“We know we need a strong team of people who will faithfully pray for us,” Liz said.

Building a team of financial and prayer supporters will take months. The Blacks are keen to connect with churches across Western Australia that are interested in getting to know them and their plans for Thailand.

“We’re new at this and we keep getting amazed as God moves people to partner with us – we’re humbled,” Glenn said.

For more information or to support Glenn and Liz, email blackge@westnet.com.au.

KIDS HOPE AUS: One-to-One Mentoring KIDS HOPE AUS is a life changing program that provides Churches with an opportunity to impact and serve their local community through a partnership with a local Primary School.

After comprehensive training, the Church deploys passionate, screened and trained mentors into the school to provide one-to-one mentoring to children in need for one hour per week.

Tim Smith, the KIDS HOPE AUS Program Development Associate for Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia, will be in Perth on 10th –12th February and is available for Information and Training meetings North and South of the River.

For more information contact Grant Hendry, North Beach Baptist Church P: 9448 7018 or Chris Ellery P: 0400 265 938

12 in conversation FEBRUARY 2016

Developing resilience Sheridan Voysey is a writer, speaker, and broadcaster on faith and spirituality.

Sheridan’s books include Resilient: Your invitation to a Jesus-shaped life, Resurrection Year: Turning broken dreams into new beginnings (shortlisted for the 2014 Evangelical Christian Publishers Association Christian Book of the Year), Unseen Footprints: Encountering the divine along the journey of life (2006 Australian Christian Book of the Year), and the three-volume series Open House: Sheridan Voysey in conversation.

You have a new book out called Resilient. Is this the follow up to Resurrection Year?

No – that book is still to come, and Resilient is a devotional book rather than a memoir, but the theme is apt. I haven’t met a Resurrection Year reader yet who hasn’t wanted to develop resilience.

Who is Resilient written for?

Specifically for millennials, but adults of every age are telling me they love it. A six session video series will be released soon, and a free study guide has been written to equip small groups to explore the book together.

Why the subject of resilience?

Resilience has become a big thing in recent years, with researchers beginning to explore the factors that lead people to bounce back after life’s physical, emotional or spiritual storms.

After moving to England in 2011, following my own battering storms as told in Resurrection Year, I began exploring resilience too. But instead of learning about it from the psychological literature, I found it in a surprising place – the Sermon on the Mount.

I had read Jesus’ Sermon plenty of times before of course, but normally briskly. While it contains much reassurance – like how the grieving will be comforted, the poor blessed, and all of us provisioned by God’s care – for the most part the Sermon is challenging, demanding, radical.

It was easy to breeze past the hard parts when the easy ones lay just ahead! Then one day I tried an experiment: I decided to read the Sermon every day for a month.

All of it, not just the easy bits.

The experiment stretched to three months as the Sermon took hold of me. It was then I realised

How do you think the Sermon on the Mount address the topic of resilience?

The resilience theme of the Sermon is revealed right at the end when Jesus gives his famous story of the two builders. One builds his house on a strong foundation, the other on sand, and when the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against their houses, the first house stands while the second collapses. Jesus interprets the parable by saying those who put His teaching into practice will be like the first builder and withstand life’s storms. They will bounce back and not collapse. They will be resilient.

How does Jesus’ teaching help us develop resilience?

It is fascinating to compare Jesus’ Sermon with the discoveries of modern psychology. According to researchers like Martin Seligman, resilience is built on a few key factors, all of which Jesus addresses: 1. Positive emotions – learning to amplify positive feelings like gratitude, hope and love, and navigate negative ones like bitterness, sadness and anger. It doesn’t take much to see this factor present in Jesus’ Sermon. Jesus declares us to be the ‘blessed’ ones who are loved by God, comforted in sadness, and given hope for the future [Matthew 5:1-12]. He prescribes forgiveness to counter bitterness [Matthew 6:12, 14-15], and provides concrete guidance on what to do when we are angry [Matthew 5:21-26]. Perhaps Jesus’ most practical teaching about emotions is on worry, something most us of battle [Matthew 6:25-34].

2. Strong relationships – having good marriages, deep friendships and meaningful connections to our community.

Notice how much time Jesus devotes to relationships in the Sermon on the Mount. In one lengthy sweep he tackles the four main forces that destroy them – anger, unfaithfulness, false promises and retaliation [Matthew 5:21–42]. Because relationships are at the heart of life with God, they take centre place in Jesus’ Sermon.

3. A sense of accomplishment – whether through pursuing a goal, mastering a skill, or doing work that is personally significant.

While Jesus never tells us to find a hobby, or set ourselves career goals to achieve, I think he sets us up for accomplishment of a higher order. In the Sermon he

Photo: Blake Wisz

a major theme of the Sermon was resilience.

Sheridan Voysey’s dream is to help build resilience with the help of the Sermon on the Mount.

tells the crowd they are the ‘salt of the earth’ and the ‘light of the world’ [Matthew 5:13-14]. This is astounding considering the people He was addressing were small, insignificant villagers. Through His Sermon, Jesus positions us to be people of profound accomplishment, no matter how small we are in the eyes of the world.

4. A sense of meaning to life – that we have a purpose to live for, a grand cause to serve. We are strongest when we connect to something greater than ourselves, and when we pray the words in Jesus’ Sermon, ‘May your kingdom come soon, may your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.’ [Matthew 6:10], we are connecting to such a cause: the Kingdom of God. All the factors for developing resilience are contained in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus beat the psychologists to their discoveries by a couple of millennia.

Western Australia has faced some devastating bushfires this summer that have destroyed homes and farming properties and taken several lives. How would you expect to see resilience in these communities?

Whenever disasters like this strike we see Australian mateship at its best, with communities rallying together to get through the crisis and the public in general cheering on their support. We’ve seen that during these fires. Events like this expose any weaknesses present in our systems to combat these natural disasters too. If we address those well we develop greater resilience for the future.

But crises like this are hard, can stretch us beyond the limit, and bring us to the end of our

resources. It’s a good time to discover there is One standing ready and waiting to empower us with His emotional strength, help us forgive where it’s needed and find hope for the future. The loss of home, farm and business can batter that sense of hope, as well our sense of identity. But God can recycle even this into something good.

How can followers of Jesus in these affected communities demonstrate resilience?

By living out their calling to be ‘salt and light’ in their communities, which includes any practical acts of service like rehousing those affected, helping to clean up streets and rebuild homes, encouraging frontline forces like the fire brigade and police, and lending a listening ear to those who feel their future is now very dark. A pastor friend of mine has recently seen his role as being a chaplain to his street. That would be a great way to demonstrate Jesus-shaped resilience right now, and help build it in others.

How can families nurture resilient responses in their children and grandchildren?

I’m not a parent, but it seems to me the call to intentionally raise our children in the faith ‘when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up’ [Deuteronomy 6:7] includes helping them think through a Jesus-shaped response to such events in an age-appropriate way. The Sermon on the Mount is again a key resource here. As they discover they are the ‘blessed’ ones, are called to be ‘salt and light’ to their friends, are trained to combat anger, unfaithfulness, false promises and retaliation

with forgiveness, commitment, truth and love, and that there is a bigger purpose to life than merely surviving or accumulating lots of toys, they’ll develop resilience to weather the storms that inevitably come in adulthood.

Do you think resilience can be absorbed as a cultural value?

If so, how?

I do. How did fairness, mateship, and other Australian values become ingrained in our culture? By people discovering those values, living them out, modelling and teaching them to the next generation, and reflecting them in songs, artworks and stories. But the key point is that such values mustn’t just be talked about but put into practice.

Imagine the impact a generation of Australian Christians modelling Jesus-shaped resilience could have!

What is your dream for Resilient?

That Resilient would catalyse a movement of individuals and small groups delving deep into the Sermon on the Mount and being transformed by the experience.

To download a free ebook based on Resilient, visit www.sheridanvoysey.com/ fivepractices

leadership 13 FEBRUARY 2016

Six things pastors need from younger adults

Dave Kraft

Pastors are under attack today in every denomination and in every country. They are attacked from within their own churches by disgruntled attendees, within their own spirits by our enemy the devil, and externally by those who don’t even attend or aren’t members of the churches pastors have the privilege and responsibility to lead.

It’s no wonder so many pastors are often discouraged, exhausted, frustrated, and in their minds (if not in actuality) have tendered their resignations. Pastors move from church to church or from church to another line of work at an alarming rate. Some of this could be greatly reduced if they received more affirmation and encouragement from those they lead, especially those who are younger.

I am well beyond the teens and 20s [I was 76 in December 2015] but in over 45 years of ministry I have worked with lots of young people.

Many young adults hang back and stay on the fringes of church, afraid or reluctant to commit themselves.

But as you deliberately support and encourage your pastor, you will identify yourself as someone who is on board and positive, and potentially someone whom your pastor can begin to invest in.

Today’s pastors need to focus on developing the next generation of leaders in their respective churches because young adults are the future of the church.

It is, therefore, incumbent on young adults to especially be aware of how they can help, support and encourage their pastor(s). Here are some of my ideas on how you can stand behind and alongside of the pastor God has allowed to lead the church you call home:

•

Pray they would be able to strike a good balance between their ministry, family and personal life.

1. Pray for your pastor Undoubtedly, the most important thing you can do to help your pastor be fruitful and effective in their role is to pray for them. You can use passages such as Ephesians 1:15-23, Ephesians 3:14-20 and Colossians 1:9-12 to pray for your pastor(s) and other leaders.

• Pray for them daily.

• Pray the Lord will give them wisdom in their various responsibilities in the church they serve.

• Pray for his role or her role as both husband/wife and father/ mother (if they are married and have children).

• Pray the Lord will protect them in the area of sexual purity.

• Pray they will experience courage and anointing in their preaching/teaching.

3. Submit to your pastor’s leadership The Bible is clear on the topic of being willing to submit to the authority in the church you have chosen to be a part of. (I am not suggesting, nor does the Bible suggest, that you submit to ungodly or abusive leaders.) Here are two such passages talking about submitting, respecting and following your leaders.

‘We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.’

[1 Thessalonians 5:12‑13] ‘Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account.

2. Encourage your pastor Lots of people will criticise and find fault. They will both email them and talk to them (and about them) in discouraging ways. You can be one of those who look for ways, and reasons, to encourage them – to camp on the positive, not the negative.

Tell them what you appreciate about their ministry, and be specific. What have they recently done or said that you have profited from? After they preach/ teach, go out of your way to tell them how it has blessed you.

A pastor’s teaching/preaching help many, but few tell them specifically how they have been a help and blessing.

Every once in a while, write a personal note telling them you are praying for them and appreciate something they have said or done. Once again, be specific. For example, “When you said in a recent sermon that Jesus totally understands me and deeply loves me, that ministered to me because I am going through a difficult time right now and feeling lonely, and that is exactly what I needed to hear.”

Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.’

[Hebrews 13:17] By being a regular attender/ member at your church, you are placing yourself in a position to be taught, shepherded, led, and discipled by your church’s pastor(s) and other leaders. It is an awesome step to accept God’s call to be a pastor and to take seriously the roles and responsibilities that such a call entails. You should be able to trust, believe in, and submit to those the Lord has placed in authority over you. If you can’t do this, you need to address this issue, and in extreme cases, leave if you can no longer respect and trust the leadership over you; more on this in point six.

4. Get to know your pastor A pastor, at times, has a lonely job. Many people instead of giving wind up taking from the pastor – taking their time, energy, resources, wisdom and counsel. It is refreshing and encouraging to know that people in the church family really care about them, pray for them, and really want to get to know them, not so they can take, but so that they can give.

Why not call the church office to schedule some time with your pastor and offer to take them to lunch at their favourite restaurant? Ask them to tell

you their story, how God saved them, called them into ministry and is currently leading them.

I can guarantee you that they will appreciate this and be a better leader as a result of your initiative.

Most pastors want to hear from people who have issues or questions with something at the church. Most would relish the opportunity to genuinely hear what is bothering you and to have the chance to both 5. Ask how you can serve your genuinely listen and share pastor/your church concerning your issue so the Are you currently serving at two of you can have mutual your church? If you are serving, are understanding and respect for you able to step it up a notch? Give each other. more time or volunteer somewhere Talking about others rather else where needed? than talking to others is gossip, I have never been in a church pure and simple, and it never that had all the servants and makes things better, only worse. leaders it needed and wanted.

The book of Proverbs is loaded One of the best ways to grow with words of warning about personally, and at the same time gossip. Here are a few for starters: help your church grow, is to find Proverbs 11:13, 17:9, 18:8, 20:19. a place where your gifts, capacity There are a lot of other things and interests can make a unique that could be said, but I will stop contribution to what Jesus wants with these six. Let me say it to do through you and through again, “Your pastor needs you!” your church. If you are not serving Most pastors want to in some capacity, please do so, be relevant to the younger leaving the ranks of the consumers generation and know that they and joining the ranks of the can positively influence them contributors. for the Kingdom. They need your support, prayers, honest 6. Talk honestly to, not about feedback and involvement to your pastor do this well. As you do this, you If there is something that will experience more joy and you honestly have a problem personal growth in your walk with – some decision they made, with Jesus, your pastor will be something they wrote or said that more motivated and become you disagree with — please talk to a better leader, and Jesus will them, not about them. be honoured.

This is one of the big sins in the body of Christ. We talk about Used with permission from people, but not to people.

Dave Kraft, www.davekraft.org

14 news FEBRUARY 2016

Jade Diary sings her story

98five Music Director Chela Williams

I believe one of the greatest storytellers of all time is Jesus.

“As an artist, I believe my job is to do the same.”

Jade reveals her new single ‘Jordan’, a bright, 80s inspired pop track was written during a difficult time in her life but yet experiencing God’s strength and nearness.

“It’s about feeling like you can’t go on anymore because you feel so overwhelmed and hurt, but finding out that God hasn’t left me alone,” she said.

“It’s easy to read that He won’t ever abandon you, but I didn’t

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know the full reality of it until I walked and experienced the truth for myself.”

Though sharing her experiences and life journey through ethereal, storytelling synth pop may seem like a profound task Jade also confesses to approaching her artistry with aplomb.

“There’s too much ugliness in the world so I believe my purpose ultimately is to add to the beauty,” she said.

“But I don’t believe in taking my music too seriously, it’s not rocket science! It can’t save the world.”

“Music is in my DNA and even if no one was listening, I would still sing and create musical stories.”

Expect to hear more from Jade Diary as she releases her next project which promises to challenge the sophomore album concept.

“Can’t say too much, except it will involve new songs, storytelling, different mediums and will be a big project!”

You can currently hear ‘Jordan’ on 98five Sonshine FM.

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Immediately following her recent release, Jade Diary has a new project underway.

Kalgoorlie’s creative flair

Photo: Eliot Vlatko

“I love using allegory and metaphor in my music,” she explains.

“I believe one of the greatest storytellers of all time is Jesus.”

“He used parables and stories to subvert and enter people’s hearts in a powerful way. The stories always got past their defences.”

Photo: Caitlin Worthington

Home grown singer-songwriter Jade Diary released her new single ‘Jordan’ and will follow this up with a top-secret project. The voice behind ‘A Thousand Days’, ‘Cold Hearted’ and ‘World in Your Hands’ admits storytelling comes naturally to the artist.

Some Kalgoorlie Baptist Church members recorded their musical talents for their local carols event.

Jill Birt

The creative juices are running deep and wide around Kalgoorlie Baptist Church. Several people from the church wrote songs for ‘Unwrapping Hope’, the community Carols by Candlelight event held at Centennial Park in 2015.

Radio station ABC Goldfields recorded Pastor Eliot Vlatko singing his song ‘21st Century Joy’ for a radio interview in early December.

“It’s always exciting to have your music recorded then played on the radio,” Eliot said.

“I really believe the message of hope is profound and relevant to

us in the constantly changing culture of the Goldfields.”

Eliot’s leadership and talent is proving to be a catalyst for the musicians in the church. He collaborated with Dr Sean George on another song and Sonja Vermaak composed the catchy reggae song ‘This Hope’ for the carols event.

Church member Helen Kenny developed the program as well as coordinating the event. Almost 5,000 people attended ‘Unwrapping Hope’.

intermission 15 FEBRUARY 2016

Find the couples listed below in the diagram. The words appear horizontally, vertically, diagonally and backwards.

C E N P S

R R P F H

U P D P U L G

R

K Z G C P U S X U V V N V C E F K X B S

P L V F

I H

E M C P C Z A Z X Y B R L

I Q S S

Z A X F R C G H H

K B N C E O T

1. ILGHETD

5. OLEV

2. EOSPH

6. ETSHRO

3. NKID

7. ASSP

4. WOELKDGNE

8. NTIPTAE

F Y A

B K B G H H D Z R N

I N V T H B K N K L

A O L H J S S G C A A S C U P L A Q U

S

A M A D A P X P D D

Y Y

C B X K O C J L C Y X K U T D X J Z V Y L Z Q O

J S

Unscramble the words below found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 in the Bible.

J Y U D E

F X

9. EEESSERRPV

I L A Q S K H I Q T T M C B C N Y B E M G V F

I M X H V C N A T K C X K M H O M E

O R L L M T A U O F A A O S

J X S

J Y L G Z W O R

A B E M D U

I B C

I

10. TPOSTRCE

J F G

W M I B E E X R P A B C R T M D R V G F N A L F F O N H U J Y F W I N H A R Y F W Q X K A

I Y X Z B E

F E Q T S Y A N X K Z U H Z V M Z Q S I S B U A M N R X H B F R

I E

L A P S

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12. LSTLIDE

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I X P O L H G S W W C U P O B G S O

I O A Q E V E

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11. ESROJEIC

A H C O F C H A H

K V X B Y P C C E W Q P F S A V W Y R B H R G A K S

13. HTTUR

L M R L F H X W W R Q L A C

J H I S A E

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I Z A B E

T H Z R P

14. SRUSTT

H E X W X X M M G O L L B U L K O R A L A X D V C D E

F A Z J R U E

I G H Y A Y S M F Y

L Q E

I G R B K T Z M

V L J W L A G S C S R S A F H Y F L S

Abraham Adam Aquila Bathsheba Boaz David Delilah Elizabeth Eve Isaac

D B X U

Answers will be published in next month’s issue of The Advocate.

E D Q D

F K G H R T Z

I V R

I Q M T M

G G R G N K X Y O B P V T Q N J A X L K L R U G F D

Z H V H Q

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Jacob Joseph Mary Priscilla Rachel Rebekah Ruth Samson Sarah Zechariah

read

Answers for the Where would you find who? in the January 2016 issue of The Advocate.

Genesis Exodus Joshua Judges Ruth Ezra

Adam and Eve Moses Rahab Samson Boaz Cyrus

listen

Eve

Being Still with God

Brave New World

Paul Young Paul Young, once again, has produced a work that is both entertaining and thought-provoking in Eve. I loved his first book, The Shack, and the way it challenged my traditional views about the nature of God, and Eve has a very similar feel to it.

A young girl is washed up, hidden in a shipping container, on a shore somewhere between this world and the next. ‘John the Collector’ finds her and with the assistance of healers and scholars, helps her recover from her injuries and fulfill her mysterious but vital role of ‘Witness’. Follow ‘Lilly’ on her journey of self-discovery and healing, both on a personal level and for the sake of all humanity. Eve provides a very unique account of creation and the subsequent fall of man.

Henry and Richard Blackaby In the busyness of life today it is difficult but extremely important to take time to be still with God. God reminded the Psalmist in Psalm 46 of just that: ‘Be still, and know that I am God.’ He is our life source and sustainer and in Being Still with God the Blackabys remind us of that daily by expounding a scripture and applying it practically to our everyday lives. Some devotionals do not follow on from one day to the next, but this devotional has runs that go through sections of Bible books to bring context to what the reader is learning and I really enjoyed that. Take the journey into a deeper relationship with Jesus, guided by the Blackabys, and reap the rewards that come with a closer relationship with God.

Amanda Cook Amanda Cook from Bethel has brought a relaxing and worshipful album to bring listeners into the presence of God. Starting with the beautiful instrumental introduction to ‘Heroes’ Amanda takes listeners on a journey with her unique voice to lay down all that is worldly at the feet of Jesus. Another favourite is ‘Shepherd’ which reminds us of the immensity of God’s love for all His people and how He looks after us, watching over us always. This album inspires listeners to find hope in all that Jesus is and all He does for us in everyday life. If you love Bethel this is a must add to your collection.

Reviews by Koorong Mount Lawley Assistant Manager Dorothy Waddingham

Esther Mordecai Psalms David Proverbs Solomon Daniel Darius Mark Jesus Acts Paul 3 John Gaius Revelation John

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16 news FEBRUARY 2016

Photo: David Ruwoldt

Adelaide hosts annual carnival

The Western Australian team that competed in the Australian Baptist Basketball Carnival in Adelaide, mid January.

Women’s A grade player Tia Ucich shares her perspective on the Carnival.

Slam-dunk! Three pointers, game winning shots – now that’s basketball. But what is it that separates the annual Australian Baptist Basketball Carnival from a standard competitive basketball tournament?

The beauty of the Carnival is that it’s not made great by individual people, but by the strength of so many individuals coming together to form the community that is the Australian Baptist Basketball Carnival.

A carnival to me is a commitment to pouring yourself into everything this special annual event has to offer. A time to grow existing friendships and create new ones, a time for showing all opposing states our lung capacities. A time to feel freedom in exploring life, purpose and faith at whatever level you choose. And a time to enjoy an unforgettable week of hoops, whether you are a player, coach, spectator, official, cheerleader or volunteer.

At the Carnival I find myself in a state of full engagement.

From the moment we wake up and meet for ‘team time’ (a meeting led by our chaplain) to the first set of games where a bunch of dads whose game has long past them, are proving their experience on the court still counts for something.

It’s now midway through the day where all states come together and guest speakers share devotions that leave us in discussion with those around us. Then there are more games, filled with an array of different skill levels ranging from a group of young girls versing their mums, to Women’s National Basketball League squad members competing in the top level competition. Lastly, the day ends with a shared prayer and a light supper between all in our community.

As I am writing this, it is grand final day and the atmosphere in this building is as electrifying and passionate as it is every year. But it’s now that time when the final buzzer must sound on yet another unique Australian Baptist Basketball Championship.

Wellings heads to Rio

Photo: Getty Images

The annual Australian Baptist Basketball Carnival was held in Adelaide from 9 to 16 January and saw teams from around Australia compete in the unique event. Western Australia had seven teams in the Carnival, with five making their division grand final, with Men’s A, B2, and Women’s A winning their respective championships.

Eloise Wellings is honoured to be a part of the 2016 Rio Olympics athletics team for Australia.

Jill Birt

Eloise Wellings is one of the first track and field athletes selected to represent Australia at the 2016 Olympic Games in August. Eloise will have the honour of competing in both the 5,000 and 10,000 metres events inside the Olympic Stadium in Rio. Currently in an altitude training camp at Falls Creek in the Victorian Alps, Eloise is bursting with confidence and hope. The inspiring 33 year old mother of one openly shares her journey through her

Facebook page, giving insight to the inner struggles of an elite runner with humility and grace, exposing her Christian faith.

“I don’t think I’m a special person for making the Olympics.”

“I’m just a woman who really likes what I do, who learned from mistakes, refused to lie down when it got tough, refused to let fear of failure get in the way of a dream and not be afraid to fail again. Anyone can do that. Never lie down, never give up,” Eloise shared.

Along with the qualifying event, she recently ran a personal best breaking 70 minutes at the Sanyo Women’s Half Marathon in Okayama, Japan on 23 December 2015.