The qb, April 2015 by Queensland Baptists

The voice of Queensland Baptists April 2015

Amazed all over again Still soaring! Guess whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s branching out?

Print post approved ISSN: 100003837 The Queensland Baptist - first published in 1890. This series Vol 13 Issue 2.

www.qb.org.au

Issue

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Comment: David Loder Speaking out: John Sweetman Baptisms Around the regions Knowing God series QB Prayer Focus Persecution brief Reviews Fun zone Classifieds

5 6 8 10 16 17 33 44 45 46

QB ministries They are ready. Are we? Ignite 2015 (QB kids & their families) The six Ps of camping continued (QCCC) Looking forward, confident in God’s perfect timing (QB Women) Baplink - investing in ministry (Baplink) Farewell (QB Youth) Developing Christians of influence (Malyon) Still soaring(Carinity) The story behind the photo (QB archives)

In this issue 20

18 20 22 24 26 27 30 31

QB partners

Planting and watering (Global Interaction) Trekking for change in the foothills of Nepal (BWAA)

32 34

Articles Brett’s new walk Amazed all over again Five tips for Christians on Facebook Chronic lack of awe Ambassadors for Christ Watch with me

36 Our cover: Dan Truloff is off to Nepal with BWA. Don’t miss his story!

37 38 39 40 41 42

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News, views and issues

The qb is a member of the Australasian Religious Press Association, published bi-monthly by Queensland Baptist Services Group in February, April, June, August, October and December. Editor: Robynne Milne Design: Shell Graphix Print: Printcraft This magazine is printed with soy based inks and paper from sustainable forest plantations. We welcome reader feedback and opinions about our articles. Remember to include your full name, email and postal addresses.

From the Editor It’s the end of the first day at RISE: QB Convention 2015, and I’ve just returned home along the range from Mapleton to Maleny. It was a beautiful moonlit run that gave me time to reflect on the days ahead.

right now. Edmund’s wife, Ann, has travelled with him, and she will also speak during RISE. We will include a report and images in the June issue and make podcasts available after the event.

Tomorrow and Thursday will be full days at the Pastors’ and Spouses’ Retreat, then, on Friday we’ll join together for QB Leadership Day.

I trust you will enjoy this issue of The qb. Don’t forget, if you have a story you’d like to tell, please contact me. I include every story I receive from our churches—it’s always great to hear what’s happening on your patch.

We’re waiting expectantly to hear what God will say to us through his servant, Edmund Chan. I‘m very confident that Edmund’s message will be timely, and I’m sure it will reinforce what so many of us are hearing from God

Robynne Milne Editor, The qb qb@qb.com.au

Articles and advertising in The qb express the opinions of the authors, not necessarily the editor or publishers. Every effort is made to ensure the correctness of facts and information however we cannot accept responsibility for errors. The publishers reserve the right to accept or decline any advertising. Deadline for advertisement and copy: 10th of the month prior to the month of publication. PO Box 6166 Mitchelton Qld 4053 P 07 3354 5633 F 07 3354 5646 Advertising rates are listed in The qb Media Kit available at www.qb.org.au/news-media. Prices are also available on enquiry and advertising packages can be tailored to suit your budget. Reduced contract rates apply to three bookings within a 12 month period. Please contact us for details. A limited number of inserts are also accepted. Copyright © 2003 by Queensland Baptist Services Group. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means without written permission from the publisher. Unless otherwise noted, Scripture verses appearing in The qb are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Comment

Knowing God—discipleship Then Jesus came near and said to them, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age’ (Matthew 28:18-20 HCSB). When Jesus speaks, we obey! The word ‘disciple’, both as a verb and a noun, occurs nearly 300 times in the Bible. Whilst frequency isn’t always a sign of importance, nevertheless it does give us a sense of the importance of this practice in New Testament times. Most people with a basic knowledge of the Bible will have a key verse on this topic. The Great Commission recorded at the end of Matthew’s Gospel is a fine example. The four actions mentioned are all important, but one stands apart. This command of Jesus could also be read as, ‘Make disciples, by going, baptising and teaching obedience to the commands of Jesus’. The essential command is to make disciples. The other three actions indicate methodology—by going, baptising and teaching obedience. All four actions are important for us, not merely to observe, but to act upon. This domino effect of discipleship has continued from the time Jesus spoke these words through until today. We

have been discipled (sometimes well, sometimes not so well) and now we are to make disciples who will make other disciples. How are you and your church engaging in this activity?

RISE: QB Convention 2015 will focus on discipleship. I expect that information gleaned at this event will continue in its effects, long after the closing session.

Important happenings We have been delighted to add new staff to our Ministry Team. Rev Pieter Henning began as Regional Consultant for the north at the beginning of the year and Rev Colin Stoodley has taken up as Leader of Mission to Queensland. These are key positions and we are delighted that God has chosen these people to serve him and us in these roles.

Queensland Day is celebrated on 6 June each year. QB has used this date to focus on praying for revival throughout our state. Please ensure that you and your church have planned a prayer event around this date. Our aim is to have at least 150 churches committed to prayer at this time.

Following their March meeting, the board was pleased to announce the appointment of Aaron Fozzard as our new QB Youth Coordinator. The recruitment process was extensive and we believe that Aaron is God’s person for this role. Aaron is the Associate Pastor for Youth at the Highland Reserve Campus of our Crosslife Church.

Finally… Discipleship sums up Christ’s plan for the world. This year our focus is on authentic discipleship that leads to intentional disciple-making. Ensure you are a part of the action! David Loder General Superintendent Queensland Baptists gs@qb.com.au

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Speaking out

Submission is not a dirty word When I first went to theological college (as a 25 year old), students were ‘under the thumb’. We always addressed our lecturers by their titles and stood up when they entered the room. There were numerous rules about what you could wear, when you had to study, and what you could do with your free time. So we submitted … mostly. Well, times have changed. These days, personal freedom is prized and institutions and rules are regarded with suspicion. We’ve learned a lot about grace in the last 50 years and we’re far more sensitive to the dangers of abuse of authority and legalism. These are all good advances. But it does mean that people are far more wary of submission.

So what happens when you find yourself being asked to conform or submit to someone or something that you don’t like? The challenge could come from a difficult supervisor at work, an antiquated church system, an obstinate partner, an unsympathetic team leader, or some set of rules or regulations that don’t make sense.

Submission grows spiritual authority

It certainly happens. You want to try something new in ministry or in the workplace and your leader says, ‘No’. You don’t want to run a program, but you are told that you must. You have a vision that keeps getting blocked by the organisation. You are told to change a behaviour that you think is perfectly appropriate. You are told to wear shoes on stage. The list goes on.

I’m sympathetic, but I believe this is a huge and dangerous mistake. Here’s my ‘mantra’ (that’s probably not the best word to use): ‘You cannot have spiritual authority if you cannot submit to spiritual authority.’

Many people feel that submission is a dirty word; that it shows lack of character and backbone. They think that when you submit, you are giving up your ideals and freedom; that you are better off walking away than weakly yielding.

Okay, I know I’m part of an older generation, but don’t write me off just yet. I’ll try to explain and justify this foundational principle.

How does this work? I’ve been reading through Romans. After working through the whole theology of grace, Paul writes (Romans 13:1-2): ‘Everyone must submit themselves to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. Consequently, those who rebel against the authority are rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgement on themselves.’ Now submission to government is not all that hard to do in a nation with reasonably just laws like Australia. But the Roman Empire was suspicious of Christians and often persecuted them. So here is Paul encouraging Christians to submit to a heathen,

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Speaking out not negate the principle. In submitting to those in authority, we are submitting to God. Do I like this? No, at least not when I disagree with the person in authority over me. I’m very happy to submit when those in authority have got it right, that is, they agree with me. But when they make stupid decisions, or can’t see my viewpoint, or push me around, or limit my creativity, or show their prejudices, or get hung up on the minutiae, then everything in me says, ‘Why should I submit? It’s just dumb.’

antagonistic government with some very unjust laws for Christians. It’s not just governments. In other places Paul demands submission to church leaders (Hebrews 13:17), submission to parents (Ephesians 6:1), submission to husbands (Ephesians 5:22), and submission to one another (Ephesians 5:21). The principle of submission is rife in Paul’s writings. The principle is this. God puts certain authorities in our lives (bosses, church leaders, governments, family leaders, etc.). They are accountable to God for the exercise of this authority and our role is to submit. Now, of course, there will be extreme situations in which submission is not possible (see below), but this does

But God says, ‘Do it! Submit! This is my worry not yours. I’ve put this person in authority. Fight those in authority and you’re actually fighting me.’ And the strange thing is that, as I humble myself and submit (sometimes through gritted teeth), I actually gain respect and spiritual authority. It has something to do with the story Jesus told about those seeking the best seats getting demoted, and those putting themselves at the bottom, surprisingly finding themselves at the head of the table (Luke 14:8-11). You can’t gain spiritual authority if you cannot submit to spiritual authority. There’s no way around this. Sorry.

But there are limits to submission But what about the persecuted church disobeying the government? There is plenty of historical evidence of the church not submitting to civil authority. What about the danger of abuse? What about ‘little Hitlers’ in authority? Jesus did largely submit to the Roman authorities, but he didn’t appear to submit to the Jewish religious leaders and their demands. Now that I’ve firmly established the principle, let me talk about what I see as some exceptions to the principle of submission to authority.

1. Injustice. I’m not sure that we should be too concerned about personal injustice, but when submitting to authority will mean injustice for others, then we need to think carefully. I would resist if our governing board wanted me to implement a policy that I saw as unjust for our students.

2. Abuse. Some people are abusers and they need to be resisted. Those who would bully or misuse their authority for their own advantage are not acting responsibly in their God-given role. I’m not talking about those who make poor calls or are somewhat difficult, but those who systematically abuse their power. 3. Ethical compromise. If the person in authority insists that we do something that compromises biblical moral values, we should resist. This is an important time to make a stand. Christians must be people of character. 4. Violating core values. We should not submit when submission would mean violating values that are at the core of our calling and life. However, be careful about this. Some people see everything with which they disagree as being a violation of their core values. If this is the case for you, it is likely that you’re just strong-willed and spiritually immature; not principled. So there are a few situations in which we may not be able to submit to authority, but the general principle is to submit to those God places in authority over us. May God give you grace to submit when it goes against the grain, and may your own spiritual authority continue to grow.

John Sweetman Principal, Malyon john.sweetman@malyon.edu.au

04/15

Baptisms

Oscar Neisler baptised by his mother Anne—Birkdale Baptist Church

L-R Cathy, Sara and David Knechtli

Recently on a balmy Sunday afternoon in Noosa, church and extended family met by the river to encourage Sara Knechtli as she was baptised. Around sixty people gathered to hear Sara declare her desire to follow Jesus all the days of her life. After prayer on the river bank, she was baptised by her parents David and Cathy. Much applause, hugging, statements of congratulations and general joy followed. A wonderful afternoon was topped off as everyone stayed for a meal, sharing and fellowship into the early evening.

Lake in front of 50 friends and family, as well as a couple of random passersby.

Epic. That’s a good summary of the last 12 months in the life of Sunshine Coast school leaver Zac Paroz. In 2014, Zac visited a Thai orphanage on a short-term mission, finished Grade 12, got a driver’s license, helped out with LIVE church’s elev8 youth ministry and started a part-time job. In January this year, Zac was baptized al fresco style in Currimundi

‘The crowd of watchers said something about Zac’s ability to include people in his life, regardless of where they’re at in their faith journey,’ LIVE’s pastor Dean Thomas said. ‘Some of Zac’s family have been Christians for decades, but there were also friends there who have not yet been part of any Christian community.’ Zac shared some of his testimony as part of the baptism. He said the events of last year had taught him to intentionally give things to God, and not rely on his own strength. ‘Since I became a Christian, my life hasn’t changed on the outside at all really,’ Zac told the observers. ‘I still get to see heaps of my friends all the time and I get to do all the dumb things teenagers do. But my life has improved on the inside.

Zac Paroz after his baptism

I don’t worry about the small things as much, and I know I can take anything and everything to God, no matter what it is,’ Zac said. ‘Going into this year I really should have been stressed out of my brain. I’m going to be living in Brisbane most of the week, I’m going to be a first year engineering student and I have no money what soever. But instead of worrying about it, I’m praying. And already God has provided some cheaper accommodation and some friends in my course.’ Zac’s love of music has always played a big part in his relationship with God. ‘I love David Crowder Band’s song No One Like You. Especially the chorus, “There is no one like You, there has never ever been anyone like You”. The feeling I get when I sing these words is indescribable—it just fills me up with joy!’

Zac’s pastor, Dean, sees the joy in his life. ‘It’s not a common thing here on the Sunshine Coast to see a young man of 17 so full of joy that you can see it in his face. Zac’s on an epic adventure to live life to the full. And it’s so encouraging for me to see how he’s inviting others into that adventure—how he’s making our invisible God somewhat visible for those he’s travelling with.’ 2015 is going to be a big year for Zac. As well as starting a degree, he is stepping into the role of coleader of elev8 youth, and is beginning to use his musical talent to lead LIVE church gatherings. Please pray for him. ‘I can honestly say I am ready to take this next step in my faith,’ Zac said.

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Baptisms

L-R Youth leader Billy Vincent and Hannah Krauseâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Stafford Heights Baptist Church

Please pray for those baptised recently in all our churches around Queensland, including: Agnes Water Baptist Church Sharon Louise Hare Birkdale Baptist Church Amy Bartholomew Jonathan Lee Amy Morton Oscar Neisler Christian Williams Mandy Williams Calvary Karen Baptist Church (Stafford Heights) Lar Htoo May See Lee Po Hsar Lay Lo Wah Cleveland Baptist Church Geoff Goleby Megan Goleby Hannah Gordon Catie Graham Carlton Hicks Victor Hodkinson Caleb Leir Jess Philips Ellen Prophet

Hannah Richardson Greer Shannon Micahel Salisbury Bailey Smith Teagan Viljoen Joel Wyatt Forest Lake Baptist Church Liz Jesberg Karen Lewis Jaun Swart Gateway Baptist Church (From 2014) Annapurna Blackwell Taylah Carle Nick Dunstall Taryn Emerson Soryya Farhadi Chelsea Gan Sardar Gharghani Sam Horn Peggy Liu Joshua Martel Harrison Mayne Isaac Mayne Amelia Palmer Robert Palmer Sherelle Parrott Emily Parry Isabelle Peters Glenda Sheen Graeme Sheldon

Baptisms Roslyn Sheldon Zane Troskie Abner Troskie Ryanna Turley Melissa Veerhuis Amoon Wei Jimmy Wong (From 2015) Ashley Arnell-Smith Lauren Knijnenburg Leanne Swadling Grace Wright Greenslopes Baptist Church Charles Karpoleh Innisfail Baptist Church Rochelle Farnsworth Jayne Logan Kruger Parade Baptist Church Lynda Cardwell LIVE Church (Currimundi Lakes) Zac Paroz Mansfield Baptist Church James Fotuosamoa

Moore Park Baptist Church (Indooroopilly) Jessica Campbell Lawrence Claire Simon Dickinson Georgia Gates Chai Jie Low Matthew Osborne Peter Silcox Noosa Baptist Church Sara Knechtli North-East Baptist Church Steven Bissent Jesse Cossgrove Julie Dorbon Joshua Grice Nicholas Grice Paw Moo Catherine Rogers Soe Soe San Easter Shee Peyton Turner Kyle White Stafford Heights Baptist Church Hannah Krause Jamie Symons

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Around the regions

the church. Over 50 young people and their families attended the event as Vita sang, entertained and spoke words of truth from God’s word.

Around the

Regions

QB Area Meetings were held around Queensland between 19 February and 31 March. Twelve locations were visited and pastors and other key leaders attended. Each event provided an opportunity for catching up on news and fellowship.

What a summer! Chris Ganter (Rockhampton Baptist Tabernacle) reports: In February, Cyclone Marcia caused a lot of discomfort and damage, but it was great that no major damage occurred. Lots of trees came down but they fell mostly alongside houses, rather than onto them, or they fell into the streets. The church is now into the second phase, helping in the community. Some people still need help removing trees, and cannot afford tree lopping costs. The focus now however, is on Vanuatu, following Cyclone Pam in March. I have been and will continue to be in contact with Pastor

Cooktown Baptist Church would recommend any of the churches out there who are looking for a fun-filled, Christian singer-songwriter Cooktown who connects with young people (and adults) where they are at. Visit Vita’s website http://vitaadam.wix. Page 24, 25: Use A5 Baplink booklet text from indesign file )first two pages (not the software pages), com/vita-adam as article content. Peter Connell (Cooktown Baptist Church) writes: Page 26: QB youth info and (poor) images in folders. Wont be a page worth. It was with great pleasure that Page 41: Additional article in folder—Watch with me we had Christian singersongwriter, Vita Adam visit Page 43: to come—see how the space goes; I can make one page or two. (I’ll have to the Cape York region in write the review for second page, so one page only would be preferable!) early March. Her ministry Page 45: Replace the creative caption image (see folder) in word and song captivated the– youth of Cooktown as you use the extra quote I’ve given Page 46: Big gap at bottom of page she performed her great songs, spoke with power about God’s love and grace, and promoted the Christian Newcomers’ Welcome Lunch magazine Bella. She had an immediate rapport with the young people in our region which is around four hours drive north of Cairns. Ps Kalo and Mary Kaltabang

Cooktown rocks!

Kalo Kaltabang, Director of Vanuatu Baptists. It will be a long hard road to restore Vanuatu, particularly the European style buildings. Village houses made from bush timber and grass roofs will be rebuilt pretty quickly. People are even straightening out bent sheets of galvanized roofing and nailing them back on for now. In the interim, it is about food and clean water but in the not too distant future as we find out more details, we will be able to help in the rebuilding phase.

Vita visited both state and Christian schools and was a blessing to many students. At the state high school she sang and ministered to 70 plus students. At Endeavour Christian College she ministered to another 50 students from years 5-9. She visited smaller communities such as Hopevale and Wugal Wugal. The community of Wugal Wugal and Rossville were grieving the loss of a young girl to flood waters on 13 February, and Vita’s ministry was a ray of sunshine in what has been a very difficult time for them.

You can contact Chris at pastor_chris@rockybaptist. org.au

Vita’s visit culminated in a youth group activity on Friday night 6 March at

Passover meal

Good things Good things are happening at Caloundra CityLife Baptist Church. Their Passover meal, held on Good Friday, was not only informative, it was also a moving experience as people gained a better understanding of this very special event in the Jewish calendar. Also, earlier in the year, the newcomers’ welcome lunch was well attended.

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Christian school commences Ps Adrian Iles (Agnes Water / 1770 Community Baptist Church) writes: With the whole-hearted support of the Agnes Water / 1770 Community Baptist Church, and the financial support of local developer and church elder Mr Dan Murphy, the 2015 school year has begun with a brand new Christian college.

The potential for Jesus’ name to be lifted higher in the district is already being realised. Families have moved into the community, several local families are attending the church for the first time, new friendships are being built ... this is an exciting era for his church in Agnes Water! Discovery Christian College operates under the management of Adelaide Christian Schools, teaching

the Qld Curriculum with a Christian perspective. Eight Christian staff members are employed and 91 students from the community are presently enrolled in years 3 to 10. Four classrooms, a sporting field, playground, library, science lab, home economics building, manual arts building, administration wing and toilet blocks are spread across three hectares.

hours a day on the bus to go to secondary school, so understandably the local community, for the most part, continues to be very supportive of this project. The excitement builds and the expectation grows that God will continue to shine his favour on Agnes Water / 1770—saving, baptising, and discipling many folks in this locality.

Previously students have been travelling three or four

How good is our God?

On the move • • •

Rev John Moore has commenced at Moore Park Rev John Petersen has concluded with Silk Road Pastor Karen Haynes has concluded at Windsor Road

• • •

Rev David Blackburn has commenced at Bundaberg West Rev Allan Jones has commenced an IIM at Alstonville (NSW) Rev Stephen and Pastor Toni Thomas have commenced at South Redland

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A friendly welcome to ‘big school’

HELP BUILD GOD’S KINGDOM through your local church and other Baptist ministries

Explore giving options at

www.qb.org.au/giftfoundation or phone 0400 795 302 We encourage you to consider a gift in addition to your tithes and offerings, after you have made provision for family and friends.

PARTNER WITH CHRIST

Owen Ford (South Toowoomba Baptist Church) writes: It started with a question: how can we serve the school community? Then came the thought: there will be a bunch of new students, firsttimers at Harristown High School Toowoomba, in 2015. And so the discussion started and the conclusion was this: we could provide breakfast for the year 7s and year 8s on their first day at high school. It would be a friendly welcome for them to ‘big school’. The menu would be sausages and scrambled eggs on a long bun, with lots of sauce, accompanied by a Popper. Tea and coffee would be available for parents and teachers. The senior students would be encouraged to help serve the food. We planned to use a grant from Carinity to cover all the costs associated with this event. The Local Chaplaincy Committee suggested the project to the P & C, who thought it was a good idea,

and then it was presented to the year leaders and they came on board as well. They then promoted the breakfast as an activity of the Harristown Chaplaincy. Because of the numbers (approx. 400) and logistics involved, we provided the breakfast on two days—Year 7s on Tuesday 3 February and 8s on the following Thursday. Students, teachers and parents mixed informally over breakfast and got to know one another better. It was also great to have the principal joining in the ‘meet and greet’. After the event, he emailed me, saying: ‘I was very appreciative of your, and your team’s, efforts at our two breakfasts. I, like you, saw them as a very successful, friendly and welcoming event, and one which we would like to do again.’ The team from South Baptist is preparing to cook the breakfasts for the students doing the Naplan test in midMay. As a church we see this as a great outreach and service to the school community. L-R: Principal Ken Green, parent, and Pastor Daniel Wallis

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Around the regions

Proston gears up for a milestone celebration Bruce Wilding, (Wondai Baptist Church) writes: The Proston congregation will be celebrating a Centenary of God’s Presence on the weekend of 16–17 April 2016. Oswestry Grange Settlement: probably this name means nothing to most of us, but it was the beginning of a work of ministry which is still serving God, one hundred years on. During the early years of the twentieth century, the government wanted to clear, and open to farming, scrub land located to the north of what is now Proston. Following advertising in England, a group of prospective settlers arrived in Australia on the ship Oswestry Grange in October 1909, and set up camp on Chummies Hill in Wondai. This was ‘home’ for the next few months, with some finding jobs while waiting for surveys and access to their new land. By February of 1910, these pioneers had occupied their blocks.

construction and the church opened debt-free on Sunday 16 April 1916 with 85 in attendance. It would appear that Baptist and Methodist ministers and laypeople shared the ministry, with folk from this congregation subsequently moving into various Baptist and Methodist ministries.

Early records indicate that, by 1911, worship services and Sunday school were being conducted in the settlers’ homes. In conjunction with the fledgling Baptist work in Wondai, Mr W.H. Perkins championed the cause of the Baptist ministry in the new community now known as Speedwell. Things moved quickly with Mr Perkins donating a parcel of land for the construction of a church in 1914. The local community, with assistance from other Christian folk in Wondai, undertook the

Creature comforts were not a feature of this new facility, with records showing various extensions and additions over subsequent years. However, the ministry was constant, which, in addition to worship and Sunday school, included Lantern Lectures; Christian Endeavour for the youth; film and other social evenings, as well as Harvest Festivals. Over time, this ministry reached through the wider area including Brigooda, Boondooma Durong (where land was given and a building constructed), Stonelands,

Abbeywood, Stalworth and Proston. Two world wars, industrialisation and easier transport saw changes in the ministry such that in 1967, after 51 years, the building was relocated to Proston, and the disused Merlwood School was purchased at auction and also relocated onto the property. These buildings continue to serve today as a base for the ministry of the Proston congregation which still reaches out through this same vast area. Reminiscent of the days of Nehemiah 2:20 (KJV): ‘… The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build...’, we do thank God that he has, and still is, prospering this ministry. We praise God for: • Those who have stood

• •

•

with us over the last century and contributed to this ministry Those who stand firm, still faithfully serving today The many who have stood, shoulder to shoulder, with us in so many ways, supporting the ministry The outcomes— hearts touched, lives transformed—as the grace of God has brought salvation in Christ.

Do you have family or other connections with this ministry? Do you have photos or other memorabilia that you can share? Have you stood with us? Do you want more details? Please contact Church Secretary, Ivan Sinclair, ph (07) 4169 0020 or email risincr8@westnet.com.au

04/15

Around the regions

QCCC

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Bundaberg Baptist Church celebrates 70 years as a constituted church An invitation is extended to all who may have, at any time, attended or visited Bundaberg Baptist Church over the past 70 years.

Please join us in a weekend of celebrations SATURDAY 8 and SUNDAY 9 AUGUST 2015 Contact for more information ph 07 41518222, email office@bundabergbaptist.org.au or mnjwilson1@bigpond.com

‘… He says, “Don’t be afraid, because I have saved you. I have called you by name, and you are mine”’ (Isaiah 43:1 NCV). We want our lives to matter, to mean something, but our sense of significance needs to come from Someone we trust, Someone we know will never change, Someone who knows the worst about us and yet remains committed to maturing us. Reprinted with kind permission: Reading for Today—Imelda Gilmore [gilmore.imelda@gmail.com]

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Around the regions

Random Acts of Petrol Imagine pulling up at a petrol station ... filling your car ... walking in to pay; only to have the attendant tell you your fuel is already paid for. This is a simple illustration that captures the concept of the undeserved kindness and generosity that God has shown to us! Mike and Larissa Westhuyzen and their small group at Enoggera Baptist Church use Random Acts of Petrol to reach out to those in their community, to point to Jesus and tell others about the undeserved gift that they have received and cannot repay! How it works: Every week, each person puts in $5. When there is a substantial amount, the money is assigned to one of the group. The next time they buy petrol, they tell the petrol attendant they are also paying for the next person’s petrol, and they ask the attendant to pass on a business card to that person. The card directs them to www.randomactsofpetrol.com which includes a note from the group that starts: ‘Hi! Our names are Mike and Larissa (and Tom, Mark, Andy, Isaac, Jackson, Tam, Kirsten, Sammy, Mandy, Breanna and Nancy) and if you’re reading this,

it means that we probably paid for your petrol recently, and you’re wondering why on earth we did that. ‘Well, there IS a reason, and the short answer is, Jesus. Actually. I’m not even kidding a little bit. ‘I understand that it sounds a bit strange that a man who lived so long ago would drive us to do something like this, but it is the truth. ‘The long answer goes something like this…’ Mike writes: Random Acts of Petrol started with just myself and Larissa, and then expanded to our small group, as a way of finding an avenue to share the gospel in a community that is largely not interested in ‘religion’. We are committed to looking for opportunities or avenues for the gospel in our everyday living, and this is one that seems to turn a few heads. What we have found is that random generosity is an idea that our culture does actually respond well to, so it’s a great opportunity for demonstrating the gospel. People don’t generally have a category for completely random financial generosity, and we have found that,

typically, people are genuinely confused by it all. They really do want to know why it’s happening. My take on this is that people can understand generosity in certain situations, e.g. to or from friends and family, but financial generosity to complete strangers is surprising—and even confronting. Our hope is that our generosity will point to the generosity of Jesus Christ in showing us grace by his life, death and resurrection! I want to stress that this is not simply something that we do so we can start a conversation. Although that conversation is the goal, there are cheaper ways to start a conversation! Rather, the key idea is that this is a parable of the gospel. We show undeserved kindness to people as a parable of the undeserved kindness shown to us by God. We point to God’s generosity in our generosity. We speak of Christ as our motivation, Christ as our greatest treasure, and Christ as our life. We hope this gives you all an idea of what we’re about, and our heart in Random Acts of Petrol. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions at enoggerabaptistchurchoffice@gmail.com

04/15

Knowing God

QUEENSLAND BAPTISTS 2015 THEME

KNOWING GOD DISCIPLESHIP PART TWO

‘And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also’ (2Timothy 2:2).

All of these relationships are important for our development as followers of Jesus. Consequently, we need to do an assessment on the key relationships in our discipleship matrix. Who is your Paul or Barnabas from whom you learn or receive encouragement? Who is your Timothy, the person in whom you are investing your life? Who is the Epaphroditus in your life; the person in whom you are investing your life? Discipleship networks are necessary, but what is done in these networks? Mark 12:29-31 gives us a good, solid outline. We are to love God with all that we have got—heart, soul, mind and strength! Applying these questions, we can ask ourselves the following:

We have a good awareness that all of God’s people need to be involved in discipleship. Nowhere is this stated more clearly than in Matthew 28:16-20, where Jesus commanded his disciples to keep making disciples by taking the Gospel out and about, baptising people into the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and then teaching these new disciples to walk in obedience to the commands of Jesus.

Am I mastering God’s Word?

Discipleship is core ministry for the Christian and, therefore, the church. This verse in 2 Timothy highlights a number of aspects of the process. In this instance, we note there is verbal teaching. It is done in a group context. It is also passed on from Paul to Timothy, to others. Key relationships are important in this process. Ted Engstrom wrote in his book, The Fine Art of Mentoring, that ‘Every Christian needs a Barnabas to receive encouragement, a Timothy to guide as a protégé, and an Epaphroditus to enjoy on a peer level’. It is imperative that we network key people around us if we are going to maximise the discipleship process.

Am I intentionally engaging with others around me who do not belong to God’s family?

Both Paul and Barnabas were influential people who impacted the spirituality of those around them. As can be seen in the case of Paul and Timothy, this was an intentional relationship. This two-way interaction was important for both. It was paramount that Paul passed on his knowledge to the next generation. It was vital that Timothy placed himself in this relationship so as to learn from the more experienced Paul. Epaphroditus is described in Philippians 2:25 as being Pauls’ brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier. It appears they were great ministry companions; they enjoyed one another’s company as they ministered alongside each other. I wonder what they talked about and discussed together as they shared and invested their lives in one another.

Is God’s Word mastering me? Am I engaging adequately with the family of God?

This process is simple. It can be summed up in the statement that, as followers of Jesus, we are engaged in authentic discipleship that leads to intentional disciple making. It is by this process that we got to hear the Gospel and by this process that others will also be given the opportunity to become followers of Jesus. This process is outlined on the card included in this edition of The qb. Please prayerfully consider whose names you will write on your card. We need to take this seriously. It is the sense of the Board of Queensland Baptists that this is the focus that God has set before us: to make intentional discipleship a priority throughout the coming year. I commend this to you. David Loder david.loder@qb.com.au

qb.com.au

Prayer

QB Prayer Focus 31 May—6 June 2015

Every great movement of God can be traced to a kneeling figure (DL Moody) Each year, recognition of our need of prayer and the practice of actually praying is growing in our churches. Over the last few years, in addition to a year-long emphasis on prayer, we have set aside the week around Queensland Day (6 June) as a special prayer focus week for Queensland Baptist churches. During this week we pray for our state. We long for a movement of God in Queensland that will include renewal in our churches and revival in our communities. In 2014, for the first time, we set a target in order to confirm that the apparent growth in prayer, and the willingness of followers of Jesus to

pray together, was increasing among us. The target was to see 100 churches involved in specific prayer meetings, either individually or together with neighbouring churches, and that over 1000 people would participate across our state in meetings large and small. The good news is that, from the churches who supplied information about their prayer meetings, we recorded the involvement of 96 churches and over 1500 people participating.

Taking into account their differing contexts, we are asking churches to register if they can commit to one, two or all three of the following:

In 2015 we are looking to build on what God is already doing. Our target is being stated in a slightly different way. We are seeking to have at least 150 churches (i.e. 75% of our churches) register their involvement and commitment to be part of the prayer week.

If you, as a church, would like to register your intention to join in this prayer focus, please contact Susan Harris, email susan.harris@qb.com.au

1. Emphasising prayer during the week in their normal church activities. 2. Holding a special prayer event or events within the church 3. Joining with other churches to pray together for a movement of God in Queensland.

Stephen Ball QB Regional Consultant Steven.ball@qb.com.au

The Manifesto which the QB Board has adopted concludes with the phrase, ‘And where prayer prevails God acts’. This is not to say that somehow we can manipulate God, but rather that prayer is a strong display of the depth of our relationship with him. I urge you, as followers of Jesus, to prioritise your time to be with God and other Queensland Baptists in praying for our state (David Loder, General Superintendent).

04/15

QB kids and their families

They are ready. Are we? Ignite 2015

What a day! IGNITE Children’s Ministry Conference and Expo is the annual training event for our leaders of children’s ministries, or for anyone who wants to be empowered to disciple kids. Ignite gathers children’s ministry workers of all denominations across our state, and brings them together to hear inspiring keynote speakers, empowering electives, as well as to encourage attendees and leaders alike that we really are working together to make disciples of children in our homes, churches, schools and communities. Over 700 people attended Ignite this year—each year we Baptists are the greatest cohort of these delegates, and it is such a great time to connect with each other, encourage each other and learn from each other. The theme of Ignite this year was INNOVATE. The dictionary defines it like this: ‘to introduce something new; make changes in anything established’.

Change is hard! New ideas don’t always come easily! But in today’s ever-changing culture, we were reminded that it is important to stay relevant. Our key note speaker, David Wakerley, Kids Pastor at Hillsong church and innovator extraordinaire said, ‘Being relevant to kids means being where the kids are. If the kids are into video games, or whatever it is, that’s where we’ve got to be, because if we aren’t there, someone else will be.’ It was a great challenge to our leaders and kids’ workers—are we meeting the kids where they are? Are we being innovative? I’ve talked before about the greatness of Generation Z. They are ‘doers’. They don’t just want to sit on the sidelines of life and learn by observation, they want to be involved, giving it a go, and getting their hands dirty. Research states, ‘Typical training style preferred by Gen Z is interactive and multimodal, while their key communication tools involve hands on learning and participation. Their leadership style is through consensus and feelers, their influences and values are global and short-term wants, while their

management approach is involving and revolving around the statement “here’s what I think”’(generationz.com.au). So to keep up with this active, involved, ‘here’s what I think’ generation, we need to be constantly finding new and engaging ways to involve kids in our ministries. Jesus literally placed a child ‘in their midst’ when he was teaching his disciples (Matthew 18:2). This was astounding in Jesus’ time! No one looked to children as ‘the greatest in the Kingdom’—they were the ‘least’! Surely Jesus is the greatest example we have for being innovative—His teachings turned things upside down! So how can we be innovative and challenging in our own culture, as Jesus was, so that we engage this generation of movers and shakers? To be innovative like Jesus, we need to see kids in the light that Jesus did: literally, ‘in our midst’. There are kids in our homes, our streets, our schools, our churches, our communities—there are kids everywhere. They are in our midst. And they all want to be involved. If we are going to make any kind of difference, if we are going to innovate and try to find a way to reach kids

qb.com.au

QB kids and their families

innovative, to ‘introduce something new; make changes in anything established’. If we truly want to see children as disciples of Jesus, let’s make disciples who are equipped and empowered to make disciples. They are ready. Are we?

‘Many things can wait. Children cannot. Right now their bones are being formed, their blood is being made, and their senses are being developed. To them we cannot answer “Tomorrow.” Their name is Today’ (Gabriela Mistral, Their name is Today). for the gospel, we need to get them involved; moving their faith from headknowledge, to heart-felt faith and then seeing their hands move into action. We need to focus on making disciples who are making disciples. We need to communicate to kids that we don’t just ‘cater’ for them at church, but that they are vital members of our church who can be involved in the church’s mission. Michelle Anthony, author of ‘Dreaming of More for the Next Generation’ says we can teach kids ‘how to look like a Christian in 10 easy steps … because good behavior looks so much like faith on the outside. The children look wellmannered, they go to church, they bring their Bibles, they memorize their verses, they say they’re sorry when they’ve hurt someone, they may go on mission trips, they may give some money as an offering, and they participate in selfless acts of kindness. When we’ve taught them these things, it’s tempting for us to say to ourselves, “Good job! Look how spiritual my child is!”’ But Jesus doesn’t want kids to look like Christians. He wants us to make disciples, who make disciples.

When we are discipling kids, we want to give them opportunities to put their faith into action—to do great things! To see them leading each other in worship, talking to their friends about the gospel, welcoming people to church, serving other kids and adults in the church and community—this is the goal of discipleship! To see heartfelt, passionate faith in action, to see disciples of Jesus make disciples! Kids today are asking for the opportunity, so let’s give them the chance to be involved. Let’s be innovative enough to foster a culture that not only teaches children to serve others, but also gives them a chance to do that. When Jesus was speaking to his disciples about going on to make disciples of all nations, he told them they would go on to do greater things than he! Jesus gave opportunities for his disciples to not just serve others, but he set them up to serve greatly! (John 14:12.) This means giving kids opportunities to serve, the responsibility to lead, and the authority to have influence for the work of the gospel. It’s time for us to step up and be

COME ALONG TO IGNITE CHILDREN’S MINISTRY CONFERENCE AND EXPO NEXT YEAR. MARK IT IN YOUR DIARY, 5 MARCH 2016.

‘Teach what you’ve seen and heard to your children’ (Deuteronomy 4:9 TM) Our children deserve to hear us say who brought us through the dark places, so that when they encounter them they’ll have confidence in God. Their destiny is being shaped in our palm. Our fingerprint will be left on their souls. So let’s mark them well, and mark them for God!

QCCC

04/15

This is the second part of a series applying the Six Ps of Evangelism, developed by the Forge Network, to camping.

Practice of Prevenience – A search for God through all things natural: This year we installed an outdoor movie screen at our Mapleton campus, a popular addition used year-round in sub-tropical Queensland. One of our staff recently described a highly successful approach from the school holiday Mapleton Adventure Camp, run in partnership with Scripture Union, where no limits on ‘proselytising’ exist. One of the most powerful moments occurred before movies started and the children were encouraged to survey the heavens and see the goodness and majesty of God’s handiwork. If this form of general revelation can have such power amidst a camp where all of our options of proclamation are available, imagine its importance when we’re partnering with secular groups and it’s the only option.

The Six Ps of camping ministry continued …

Alan Hirsch comments God doesn’t limit his presence to baptised Christians—he is an unrelenting evangelist. He is always at work in his world. Prevenience is the process of discerning the activity of God in people’s lives and to cooperate with what God is doing to bring about the missio Dei (mission of God), God’s grand

qb.com.au

QCCC

redemptive activity in his world. We, being commissioned agents of the King, can join with God in the redemption of the world, anywhere, anytime. In our context General Revelation and environmental advocacy are prime tools to commence evangelical conversation. I recently concluded a meeting with representatives from a large environmental organisation which had included the importance of a commitment to conservation in anyone they joint venture with. I pointed to our teaching tool, our R1202 Hand, and asked if they’d noticed the green thumb. As recognition dawned, it was as though scales fell off their eyes, few more words were required. God’s agenda is not just about the provision of personal salvation—it’s about helping his whole world understand his pursuit is the redemption of everything. Wendell Berry summarises Jesus’ commands to his disciples into a command for the world, ‘Do unto those downstream as you would have those upstream do unto you’.

Practice of Passion – Taking up our cross: The cross stands as the greatest examples of generosity in global history. This vivid act of outdoor education reverberates through the ages, altering the course of human history. It’s also a clear object lesson that if we are to follow the example of Christ and take seriously the lost and broken in our world, we too will suffer. Even before his death, Christ urged his followers to take up their cross daily, suggesting those who tried to keep their life would lose it, and those who gave it up for his sake would keep it (Luke 9:23-25). Hirsch suggests that as disciples we need to ensure we have incorporated a theology of redemptive suffering into our understanding of God. In camping ministry we have daily opportunity to cheerfully bury our own needs and agendas for the sake of others, from the

operational—fetching a linen package outside of normal work hours—to bigpicture stances of ethos—establishing ourselves in roles of advocacy for environmental and social responsibility, even where those sentiments might be blatantly counter-cultural or unpopular. Sacrificial living is best exercised within the context and safety of a community where all people are committed to doing likewise. A collection of people who place a priority on your own well-being and “have your back” is probably a taste of what heaven should be anyway.

Practice of Proclamation – Gentleness and Respect: The final P of incarnational living is often the only P present in the approach of a fundamentalist. We can’t take proclamation out of the equation of mission and remain faithful to our calling in the world, but Christendom is littered with examples where those who purport to follow Christ have been highly coercive, unkind, and repeatedly judgmental. Proclamation must be yoked together with the personal witness woven together by the other five Ps. Our lives can’t discredit the very message we seek to deliver. Peter exhorts Christ’s followers to be ready with an answer for anyone who asks about the hope within and to do it with gentleness and respect (1 Peter

3:15-16). It’s the seeker who needs to do the asking, however. Too often evangelicals enter the public space to shout out answers to questions no one has asked. It’s the first 5 Ps which create the platform for asking and proclamation. Peter succinctly summarises the 5 Ps earlier in his letter (1 Peter 2:11-17): keep up your good conduct amongst the pagans, praise those who do good (presence), let them observe your good deeds, behave well so you silence foolish and ignorant people, honour all people; love the family (practice), be subject to every human institution, honour the Emperor (powerlessness), live as free people but as slaves of God (passion), reverence God (prevenience). This is the life of one called to ministry in camping. kenness through Christlike service.

Andrew Grant Director of Queensland Conference and Camping Centres andrew.grant@ qccc.com.au www.qccc.com.au

04/15

QB women

Looking forward, confident in God’s perfect timing When I was asked to share a little about my experiences with the She is… conferences, I jumped at the opportunity—although I am not an aspiring writer (nor do I plan to become one), I am just a girl who loves God and loves to share my love for God with my girlfriends. So here I am, attempting to tell you all why going to the She is… conferences can change your life. I call myself a She is… junkie because I have attended every single She is… conference since they started back in 2010. I first learned about She is… when Elissa MacPherson spoke at one of our women’s ministry meetings at church. She was excited about it and was to be the very first She is… keynote speaker. Elissa convinced me that it would be a great weekend away. And she was right. I gathered a group of ladies and we set off on what has now become an annual ritual for us. I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that when women gather together at

these conferences, God is present. The She is… events are truly a place where God meets us where we are. We are challenged, inspired, comforted, loved, and treated like we have true value and worth. When I go to a She is… event, I go expecting God to speak to me throughout the weekend. I have never come home without being challenged or inspired to do something more for my God, who gave his all for me. She is… Made with Love (2012) was a real turning point in my walk with God. During this conference he really challenged me about how I was spending my life for him. It was at this conference that Sue Peters announced that She is… would be heading to PNG the following year to bless the missionaries in the highlands of this beautiful country. Immediately I felt God telling me to go on this trip, so much so that I almost jumped out of my chair! The following year was filled with a lot of planning as

we prepared to take She is… Light to the dedicated women serving God in these remote areas. I absolutely loved spending two weeks amongst women who love God. They love God so much that they gave up the comforts of our western culture to serve him. They gave him their all. It was inspiring and life-changing. God showed me that it was OK to take your family to a different culture; not only was it OK, but they will thrive in a different culture. His light can shine out through me further than I could even imagine. This was the turning point, not just for me, but for my husband and family also. God started doing a work in all of us; changing the way we think (Romans 12:2). Last year She is… Hope took me deeper, so much deeper than I could have even imagined. Throughout the whole weekend I felt God confirming our call into cross cultural work. Every which way I looked, there was God saying ‘go’.

He challenged me: how deep am I willing to go? Do I really trust Him? Will I let him take control of my entire life? Will I keep my eyes set on him? So this year’s theme She is… BRAVE could not be better timed. This year our family is making big decisions in regards to the call God has put on us. The next few years are uncertain. God hasn’t revealed many of his plans yet. He is saying ‘go’, and we will go. I know his purpose and plan for our life is perfect. I trust that the where and when will be revealed in his perfect timing. For now, I look forward to the future.

SHE IS...

BRAVE camps and conferences

created with

love • 2015 •

biloela atherton 29th - 31st May

1st - 2nd May

Early bird until 29/3

I look forward to attending She is… Brave to hear what God wants to tell me about being courageous in the midst of uncertainty. I look forward to fun with my girlfriends. I look forward to encouraging other women. I look forward to being encouraged by other women.

for women

Early bird until 29/3

mt tamborine 19th - 21st June

Early bird until 26/4

mapleton toowoomba 28th - 29th August

7th - 9th August

Early bird until 26/4

I look forward to confetti! Becky Truloff worships with Ipswich Baptist Church www.sheis.net.au www.sheisleading.com admin@sheis.net.au FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT SHEIS.NET.AU OR PHONE 0435 855 892

Courses include: - Diploma of Business - Bachelor of Business - Bachelor of Education - Diploma of Social Science - Bachelor of Social Science - Master of Counselling - Diploma of Ministry Studies - Bachelor of Ministry

Combine your passion with your purpose chc.edu.au

Business

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04/15

Baplink

Baplink – investing in ministry

facilities to a whole new transactional platform … and beyond. We want to be the partner of choice for every Queensland Baptist Church and Affiliated Organisation in Queensland. So what is coming?

In Baplink’s early days, we recognised the importance of partnering with Queensland Baptists to fund ministry in its many forms. Through the support of countless individuals, we’ve seen great outcomes, big risks have paid off and the Kingdom of God has flourished. We have been thrilled to be a part of your ministries for the past 20 years.

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Guess who’s branching out? It’s time for change! Baplink is growing and branching out—from simple investment and lending

Regulatory Compliance: Baplink is not subject to the following requirements • To have a ‘Disclosure Document’ or ‘Product Discourse Statement’ (PDS) • To be registered or have a Trust Deed under the Corporations Act 2001 • The scheme has not been examined or approved by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC). Baplink will deliver audited financial statements to ASIC each year • Neither ‘The Baptist Union of Queensland’ (controlling entity) nor ‘Baplink’ (the Fund) is prudentially supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) • Contributions to the fund do not obtain the benefit of the depositer protection provisions of the Banking Act 1959. Baplink investment schemes are designed for people who wish to promote the charitable purposes of The Baptist Union of Queensland and its constituted churches for whom the consideration of profit is not of primary relevance. Such investments are not specifically secured but repayment is underwritten by the overall funds and assets of The Baptist Union of Qld. In line with changes to banking regulations, Baplink will be required to comply with tighter liquidity standards as administered by the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority (APRA). As a result, Baplink is required to introduce the condition that an early withdrawal of a fixed term investment cannot be made until the expiry of 31 days after such a request has been made and is agreed by Baplink. This change is effective from 1 October 2013. From this date onwards, if the investment is requested to be repaid prior to the agreed maturity, a period of 31 days notice must be allowed before the investment can be returned. The 31 in days notice will generally investing ministry commence from the day that Baplink receives the request to break the investment. If any break cost is applicable, it will be determined and agreed on the day the investment is returned. Baplink may release funds in the case when an investor’s exceptional circumstances lead to hardship. ABN 59 241 212 544.

Baplink

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A new transactional platform. Baplink will facilitate all your transactional and borrowing needs Advanced lending products to allow you to know the cost of borrowings Xero – beautiful accounting software that will let you know where your church is at financially, in real time, wherever you are: easy and fast to use for administrators and pastors Bookkeeping services to support your ministry, including payroll and activity statement lodgements

Guess who’s branching out? Our current Term Investment Rate is:

3.50% p.a. 6 months 3.40% p.a. 12 months Rates effective 1 March 2015.

Baplink

investing in ministry

Ph 07 3354 5611 (Brisbane) Ph 1800 650 062 (Outside Brisbane) baplink@qb.com.au www.qb.org.au/baplink

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And in time ... procurement services for common church expenses: Mobile phones Fixed line telephone and data Electricity Rates and Utilities Car purchases Sound equipment Marketing and printing Stationery And more

All of our new offerings are for one purpose ... investing in ministry. Investing in your ministry, your suburb, your town, your people, to help you grow the Kingdom of God in your location. Talk to Baplink to see how our changes benefit you and your ministry.

qb.com.au

Baplink

The Team to Get You There Robert Chapman, Baplink Manager Robert moved to Baplink four years ago after a 40-year career in banking. For 15 years, Robert worked for two of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest banks. The past 17 years were with Australian banks where he was the National Manager of the International Department. His vision is for Baplink to be the partner of choice for Queensland Baptist churches and affiliates. Libby Hogan, Operations Manager Libby brings professional banking experience from her previous role as a supervisor at Heritage Bank, and before that as a teller at ANZ.

Baplink

Steve Jacobs, Operations Steve joined Baplink some investing in ministry years ago after 20 years working at the CBA. He is customer focussed and has a real desire to meet customer needs.

Elisha Roberts, Finance Elisha is a Chartered Accountant who brings 15 years of experience in Public and Management Accounting sectors for Retail and Religious Organisations. Elisha has a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting. Tony Doevendans, Operations Tony has been an integral part of Baplink for many years and understands Baplinkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s transactional processes thoroughly. Kym Stendrup, Operations Kym draws on 23 years of experience in the banking industy, ranging from basic banking to lending requirements.

Baplink

investing in ministry

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Chelsea Evans, Finance/Operations Font - Helvetica Neue Lt Pro 56 Italic Chelsea is a recent commerce degree graduate with enthusiasm and an interest in Xero.

Colin Chandler, Finance Manager C 100 65 has Over the past 33 years,CColin M 35 M 0 gained valuable experience Y 50 Y 21 in a number of different disciplines, K 13 K 0 including Public Accounting, R0 R 63 Restaurant Management, G 115 G 194 General Management, B 205 B 120 Information Technology, and Not Web #007378 Web #3FC2CD for Profit and Religious Organisations. Colin has a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and Graduate Pantone Systems. Pantone Diploma of Information 322 C

319 C

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04/15

QB youth

Farewell! A group of people, including QB General Superintendent, David Loder, got together over lunch to farewell Dave Morrow who concluded as QB Youth & Young Adults’ Ministry Team Leader at the end of February. Dave was in this role for four years (parttime) while also pastoring at Victoria Point Baptist Church where he now has taken on a full-time role. David Loder spoke at the lunch, highlighting Dave’s work developing One Day conference and conducting

Youth Pastors’ Retreats. Dave was joined by his wife, Shardi, and baby Jude. An appointment to fill the vacant position of QB Youth & Young Adults’ Ministry Team Leader was announced following the March meeting of the QB Board. After an extensive process, Aaron Fozzard, the Associate Pastor for Youth at the Highland Reserve Campus of our Crosslife Church will commence in this role.

... farewell Dave Morrow who concluded as QB Youth & Young Adults’ Ministry Team Leader...

developing Christians of influence Degrees in theology and ministry Bachelor | Masters | Doctoral

‘Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding’ (Jeremiah 3.15).

www.malyon.edu.au

qb.com.au

Malyon

Developing Christians of influence Well, Malyon is back in full swing. Students are a third of the way through the semester and the Malyon Centres are in preparation mode for several conferences running this semester. It’s always exciting when the students are here and actively engaging in study. It really adds energy around the place and encourages the faculty. It reinforces what the ministry of Malyon is all about. 2015 is full of exciting happenings around Malyon. We’ve completed our campus renovations—just in time for the new semester. We now have a lift,

renovated bathrooms, and an extended faculty lunchroom. If you have not seen the Malyon campus recently, please come and have a look around sometime! This semester we are offering some specialised mentoring for our students. Darren Dakers is offering sessions for those who are running a ministry, and Wendy Francis is offering sessions for women heading towards or involved in vocational ministry. Our Centres are running a couple of significant conferences this semester:

presents neoLeader conference 2015 16 May This annual conference for young Christian leaders has become a standout event on many people’s calendars. Last year attendees from over 50 churches across 12 denominations worshipped together, heard from great speakers, engaged in practical workshops and networked with other young leaders. Many pastors have commented that they appreciate the opportunity to really invest in developing their younger leaders in this way. For 2015 we have secured Adam Ramsay and Mark Sayers as our main speakers, plus there will be the usual line-up of great elective presenters. Get all the details now at www.neoleader.co

Adam

Mark

04/15

Malyon

presents the Transforming Work Conference on 20 June At this conference, we will explore questions like: • Is God interested in the work we do and the people we work with? • Do the 40+ hours we spend each week at work matter as much as the hours we spend in church related activities? • Is there a gap between what we do and say on Sunday and how we live the rest of the week? • Should our faith have any impact on our work? • How might the time we spend when the church is gathered impact on what happens when the church is scattered—when we go to our workplaces? We have been able to attract a great line up of keynote speakers and workshop presenters to help us explore these and other questions. Scan the code for all the details and book online, or go to www. malyonworkplace.org.au Our Graduation celebration was held on 2 March at Bridgeman Baptist. It was a terrific night of worship and celebration with our 47 graduates, their families and friends! Most have already found jobs in churches or para-churches, while some will be continuing with their secular employment.

EARLY BIRD & GROUP RATES AVAILABLE

presents …

TRANSFORMING WORK:

Bridging the Sunday-Monday Gap

Join with us as we re-imagine what it might look like to follow Jesus in the everyday, ordinary context of the workplace

Saturday June 20 2015 8:30am - 4:30pm

Malyon College Brisbane

REGISTRATION

WORKSHOPS INCLUDE:

Early Bird Registration (up to May 20) ....... $45

• Artwork with the head, the heart and the hand

Early Bird Group Registration ................... $40 (5 or more participants, prior to May 20)

• Transforming teaching: a workshop on educating for shalom

Standard Registration ................................ $55 Standard group registration ...................... $50 (5 or more participants) All conference registrations and payments are able to be completed on line at http://www.trybooking.com/118020 To register or find out more, scan the codes:

All are now better equipped to make a difference for God.

• I am what I do? How the Gospel changes the way we think about who we are and what we do • Can Jesus get a hearing in the boardroom and the lunch room? • God and science in the workplace: UFC title fight or epistemological bro-mance? • Meaningful or meaningless? Where is God in my work as a tradie? • Can Jesus get a hearing in the boardroom and the lunch room?

Book Here!

More Info

Find out more at www.malyonworkplace.org.au

Malyon College | 3 Prospect Road Gaythorne QLD 4051 For Enquiries

| Murray Wright

info@malyonworkplace.org.au

0406 766 240

qb.com.au

Malyon

Carinity

04/15 ‘But I can’t drive, so it’s difficult for me to do grocery shopping, attend medical appointments or enjoy an outing. I like to get out of the house and go for a coffee but, most of all, I love flying my model planes and it’s lovely to have someone to do that with. Jan from Carinity helps me to enjoy these things. ‘I was born on 23 June 1928 in Maryborough—that’s the day Bert Hinkler landed at the Maryborough Show Grounds, a few blocks from my house. I always say I was delivered by Bert Hinkler rather than the stork,’ Dallas chuckles.

Still soaring Dallas Laing is still soaring high at 86. The Bundaberg resident (for half a century) is proof that you can live a great life, regardless of your age. But he admits that to live life to the fullest, you may need a little help. Mr Laing, an ultra-light pilot and president of the Burnett Minature Aircraft Inc., is typical of the greying of Australia’s population. Like 500,000 older Australians, Dallas is a recipient of an Australian Government Department of Social Services Home Care Package. ‘I took up flying in my 70s and built a tandem-seat Hughes LightWing Pocket Rocket 582 in my garage. I only stopped flying it a few years ago, and now I stick to radio-controlled aeroplanes. A lot of people my age don’t want to admit they need someone to help them in their lives. They think it’s an admission that life is catching up with you,’ Dallas says. ‘But I say you only get one life, so enjoy it while you can.’ In December, the national Aged Care Approvals Round tender results were released showing record competition for Home Care packages. For every one of the 6,653 packages released, there were 17 applications from community,

Carinity won 98 new home-care packages this month in the annual Age Care Approvals Round, representing 10% of Queensland’s total allocation. Twenty five of these packages are in the Wide Bay region which includes Bundaberg and Maryborough. Carinity’s In-Home Care Manager, Robyn Jones, believes the organisation’s customerfocus on ‘great living’ is the key to its success.

private and not-for-profit aged-care providers. Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show the number of people aged ‘What makes Carinity different is our 85 years and over has increased by 156% Lifestyle Consultants are like extended over the past two decades, reflecting an family members. We collaborate with increase in life expectancy, especially in our clients and their families to ensure women. clients live fulfilling lives,’ Robyn says. The government financial assistance ‘Through our “Carinity Me” program, Dallas receives provides five hours a we have helped clients cook dinner week of ‘life services’ from a Carinity parties, taken them on picnics, or to Lifestyle Consultant—a companion the theatre, and we’ll even go fishing and carer. Proactive care providers like Aged Care • Education • Lifestyle • Yo or flying with them.•It’sCommunities all about Carinity are responding to the reforming enablement. The face of in-home care is consumer-driven market with tailored www.carinity.org.au changing from task-orientated to goalrelationship services. orientated care, and we are excited about An outreach of Queensland Baptists We’re here f the options this gives our clients.’ Dallas has been a client of Carinity’s inhome services for 20 months and enjoys Carinity celebrated 65 years of aged-care the flexibility of his care package which experience in 2014. The organisation’s goes well beyond the traditional services. success in the recent Age Care Approvals He can choose the type of care he Round means Carinity is able to needs, from domestic assistance to social help more people with in-home care support, which enables him to embrace packages. Carinity can organise an Aged the things he loves, such as flying model Care Assessment Test to find out if you, aeroplanes. or a relative, qualify for In-Home Care. For more information phone Robyn, ‘I live a great life and have never been (0403) 252 365. busier. I am the president of Aero Modellers Club and a life member of the www.carinity.org.au Isis Flying Club; I love gardening, and working on—and flying—model planes,’ says Dallas.

qb.com.au

QB archives As the date set for their wedding, 27 October 1944, was fast approaching, Theron, a radio operator on board a leaky merchant ship, was coming back from the war in the Philippines when he was told that the ship would not be pulling into Brisbane but going straight to Melbourne. He sent a message to Dorothy to say that they couldn’t be married on the appointed day. However, she believed that God had set the date, and she was right, as a couple of miracles will attest.

The Story behind the photo I could say that the photograph of Rev Albert Butler which hung in the Choir Vestry at the City Tabernacle Baptist Church fell down, caused by an agerelated deterioration of the hanging wire. The glass broke and scratched the photo. When it was discovered that one of the church members knew something about reprinting and fixing defects, the job of reframing was given to her, and permission given to donate the original photo to the Baptist Historical Society of Queensland. However, the story is not that simple. If you can, cast your mind back to the Second World War when Albert Butler was the minister at the City Tabernacle. In his congregation was Dorothy Hancox, who had met a US serviceman, Sergeant Theron Colegrove, when he was stationed in Brisbane. They believed God would have them marry. So they asked Rev Butler to marry them in Dorothy’s home, not her church, because it would not sound good to Theron’s mother and friends back home as they were Wesleyan Methodists who disapproved of Baptists and their theology.

On 26 October, the day before their wedding, the ship got salt water in its fresh water tank and called briefly into Brisbane to replenish the supply. The gang plank went down, Theron got off, his replacement got on, and away she sailed. Come 27 October 1944, the day of the wedding, the original wedding papers had not arrived back from the USA. Rev Butler was much perplexed as to whether he should marry them on duplicate papers. Dorothy burst into tears at this news. Albert Butler took a leap of faith and performed the wedding ceremony in the bride’s home at 33 Confederate Street, Red Hill. He could not have foreseen that the daughter of this union, Hope Colegrove, would still be living at the same address, would become a member of the City Tabernacle Baptist Church, and one day, many years after, renovate and rehang his photo. God bless you Albert Butler. Note: the original marriage papers did not arrive in Brisbane until months after the wedding. It is suspected that they went to Austria instead of Australia. Hope Colegrove

Remember our diggers Join our World War I Centenary project and honour our diggers. We want to collect short accounts of the lives of Baptist

women and men who served in World War I. So we invite readers to compile a brief bio of people connected with Baptist churches who served in the armed forces as nurses, chaplains, YMCA workers or in other ways. A photograph of the person will add to the account. Baptist Heritage Qld will then publish these stories. Think of people in your family or known to you. A good place to start might be the list of names on an honour board in your church or community. There was a list of more than 600 compiled during the War which will also be helpful. For more information about this project and guidelines for the stories, contact us (see below).

New officers for Baptist Heritage Qld. Baptist Heritage Queensland appointed two new officers at its recent meeting. They are Dr Anne Kose of Gateway Baptist Church who is secretary, and Miss Hope Colegrove of the City Tabernacle, who is treasurer. They replace Dr Ken Smith, who died on 4 March after a period of ill health. Dr Smith served faithfully since 1996 as well as being a dedicated member of the BHQ for many years. BHQ also expresses sympathy to the family of Mrs Ellen Chataway, who died on 3 February at the age of 88. Ellen was an enthusiastic supporter of BHQ and served as secretary from 1985 to 1995. Her late husband, Rev Vince Chataway, was treasurer 1985-2005, and also a loyal and devoted member of BHQ. Rev and Mrs Chataway pastored a number of churches and also spent several years as missionaries in South Korea. Baptist Church Archives archives@qb.com.au, Ph 07 3878 3178, 07 3354 5642 or 07 3256 8897 The Baptist Archives PO Box 6166, Mitchelton Q 4053

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Global interaction

Planting and watering We can plant and water, but it’s only God who brings the increase. This is a bible promise (1 Corinthians 3:6) that I regularly claim. I will often stop beside the road, before driving into a village, and in my prayer remind God of this dynamic, telling him that I have visited this particular group for years, teaching from his word, encouraging in prayer (planting and watering), and yet I am waiting to see any increase! I find myself locking onto the slightest hint of someone turning to God, just hungering to see the Holy Spirit convict of sin and reveal truth: a person asking for prayer, someone remembering a Bible verse, someone inviting a friend to the group. At times these little steps forward are the only encouraging signs we see. Actually, I have developed this theory that God is cautious to reveal to me just what he is doing. The reasoning is that I would probably try to take some of the glory, and use it for newsletter material that would help me justify the monthly dollars so many people send our way. Admittedly, this is an undeveloped thought!

He was clear, to the point, but mostly courageous. I imagined the celebration in heaven—one sinner had come home.

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING

TIM AND MELANIE DOWNES

Yes, this was one of the good days. I kept thinking about walking into the kitchen at home and having Mel ask But some days, yes, some days, I get to in the usual way, ‘So, how did you go be part of something only God could today?’ This was a good day. All the bring about. One such day happened planting and watering brought about empowering communities develop their own distinctive ways of following Jesus in a village beside a lake tothat I visit some growth. My friend just entered weekly. I had been teaching a series on the kingdom of God and I got to show sin, asking things like, ‘Who are sinners? him the way. The Holy Spirit has been How much sin is needed to separate us working in his life. He was typically from God? What are we doing about this quite sharp and straight as a person, apparent sin problem?’ I was basically often quick to judge those around him. diagnosing the sin situation, in order to then prescribe the antidote. Not long ago, another Malawian mate, who often joins me on village visits, When I got to the group, we sat down recognised a change in our friend. He is in our semicircle under a tree on woven different. He is changing. What do we mats, and played out the customary mean by this change? greetings. The young man who leads the Well … he is gentle, he is humble of group introduced me to some family heart. You know, he is becoming like members who don’t usually attend. I was Jesus and it is infectious. Actually, this is encouraged. He went on to say that he how Jesus describes himself in Matthew had invited them to witness something 11:29, ‘For I am gentle, and humble of special that he had to say. I was nervous. heart’.

AS THEY SERVE

THE YAWO PEOPLE OF MALAWI

‘I welcome you all here today. Before you all, I have something important to share. I want you as witnesses. I am a sinner. I have actually sinned against many of you here, but mainly, I have sinned against God. For this I am sorry. Before you all, I say sorry, before God I say sorry. I want to accept what the Messiah did for me, in order to receive forgiveness and acceptance before God. And from this day, I choose to follow him.’

Please keep praying for the new believers as they grow in their faith, and for information about partnering in global mission please visit our website. Geoff Cramb Queensland State Director, Global Interaction gcramb@globalinteraction.org.au Office phone: 07 3354 5603 globalinteraction.org.au

qb.com.au

Persecution brief

BHUTAN Despite the many difficulties experienced by Christians in countries where they face persecution for their faith, there are also many stories where hope and victory shine through. The country of Bhutan—famous for its measurement of Gross National Happiness instead of Gross Domestic Product—sits at number 31 on the Open Doors 2015 World Watch List, the top 50 rankings of countries where Christians are persecuted for their faith. With centuries-old traditions of Buddhism, the Bhutan government sees the protection of the faith as a duty—forcing Christians to wait patiently for equal rights.

Please pray! VIETNAM A family of five Vietnamese Montagnards, including two children and an infant, who had fled their homes and crossed the border into Cambodia, were discovered in the Cambodian Ratanakiri jungle and arrested on 1 February. Handcuffed, they were detained by police and taken to a secret location. Four different groups of ethnic Montagnards fled to Cambodia in January alone, the latest was a group of 18 Christians on 28 January. ‘We are [Christian] worshippers—the Vietnamese authorities stopped us from practising Christianity’ and ‘threatened to imprison us’, said one Vietnamese Montagnard in the latest group to flee. Nine had crossed the border on 17 January and five others had entered earlier in the month. The groups were hiding in the jungle in the north-eastern Ratanakiri province of Cambodia, afraid of being arrested and forcibly deported to Vietnam. A smaller group of three Montagnards went straight to the capital Phnom Penh to register for refugee status. Mainly Christian, the Montagnards reside in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, but are persecuted for their faith. Evicted from large parts of their land, hundreds of Montagnards crossed into Cambodia in 2001 and again in 2004. NIGERIA After the 2011 election of Christian President Goodluck Jonathan, over 700 churches were burned, thousands of Christian homes and businesses were set on fire and almost 900 individuals were killed by angry Islamists. These figures make analysts concerned about the potential for more anti-Christian violence as Nigerians once again choose the leader of their country. Nigeria’s population is almost equally split between Christians and Muslims, and voting is predicted to follow religious affiliation. The current Christian incumbent, President Goodluck Jonathan, will be running against Muslim candidate, Muhammadu Buhari. President Jonathan’s support is strongest in the far south of the country, whereas he is unpopular in the Muslim majority northern states, which are predicted to support Muhammadu Buhari in the coming election. Weeks before the scheduled date for the election Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission postponed the country’s presidential election to 28 March. The Commission chose to delay the election due to the persistent Islamist violence and mass displacement of people in the north-eastern states, allowing troops to retake territory currently under the control of Boko Haram. SOURCE: BARNABAS FUND

The Christian minority in the tiny Buddhist nation of Bhutan remained underground until 2008 and while Bhutanese Christian pastors now speak publicly, sharing their love and respect for their country, it is illegal for Christians to introduce their faith to others. In addition to this, the government restricts the construction of any non-Buddhist worship buildings. The celebration of some non-Buddhist festivals is also banned and there are no Christian burial grounds. Non-Buddhists are not allowed the same benefits as others such as free education and Bhutanese who convert to Christianity can lose their citizenship. However, the church in Bhutan is permitted to meet in private homes—but Christians in remote or rural areas still encounter many difficulties, with meetings in remote villages monitored and disturbed. It is in this environment that Bhutanese pastors Tandin Wangyal and Mon Thapa (also known as David Lobzang) were arrested in March 2014. The two were in the process of carrying a sick child to a clinic in a village where they had arrived the previous day, in response to an invitation to hold a three-day seminar for 30 Christians who came from neighbouring towns. Bhutan’s Home Minister Damcho Dorji, insisted religion played no part in the pastors’ arrest—saying instead that they had simply, ‘not obtained permission from local authorities,’ which was a crime regardless of religion. Just the same, the men were charged with conducting a gathering for religious purpose without prior approval, showing a film without certificate of approval from media authorities and for collecting ‘illegal funds’. After many prayers, appeals and intense questioning of the 30 seminar attendees, the men continued to profess their innocence and were eventually cleared of the charge of proselytising. But their release still took further negotiating. After initially facing almost two and a half years in prison, Pastor Mon was released last September after paying a fine of AU$2,081 in lieu of serving his full sentence. But it would be a further five months before Pastor Tandin (initially sentenced to almost four years) was able to walk free – finally being released after paying a fine of AU$2,000 in place of jail time a few weeks ago, on 19 January. What a great victory after much hope and prayer! ‘Despite this ordeal, God has been very gracious to us in many ways,’ said Pastor Tandin, just days before he was reunited with his elderly mother, wife and three sons. ‘We continue to thank Him for Open Doors, who has unceasingly raised intercessors and prayer partners from the worldwide Christian community on our behalf.’ SOURCE: Open Doors

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BWAA

Trekking for change in the foothills of Nepal Dan Truloff is not quite sure quite what to expect when he arrives in Nepal in September this year as part of the Baptist World Aid Australia Trek4Change team. ‘I’ve done some reading but I know that’s not going to prepare me for what I’ll experience. I’m sure it will be a bit of an eye opener!’ Dan will be joining other Baptist World Aid Australia supporters on what is sure to be the experience of a lifetime. Over a two week period, from 21 September to 4 October, the group will trek amongst some of the highest peaks in the world before spending two days alongside locals to see, first-hand,

the life-transforming impact good community development projects can have for children and their families living in poverty. ‘I’m excited about the trekking and plan to be well prepared—getting the right gear and also training, doing a number of treks around south-east Queensland,’ Daniel continues. ‘However I’m most excited to see the Baptist World Aid projects and meet local families who are taking part in these programs. ‘I haven’t travelled to the developing world before. My wife and I are hearing God’s call to a future in cross-cultural mission and this trip should be a great chance for me to get some global exposure, and to see what it might be like living in another culture.

‘I’ve got some fun ideas planned to help raise funds for the trip. My dad and I cook a bit, so we plan to give it a go hosting a Nepalese feast for my church community. My good wife has brought out her previously retired hairdressing scissors to raise money. And I’m looking into holding a market stall. I’d really like to encourage other Baptist World Aid Australia supporters to come and join me and give this Nepal trip a bit of a crack. It will be a trip we will never forget—and we’ll raise money for a great cause at the same time!’ Dan concludes. If you would like to join Dan as part of the Trek4Change team, please go to inspiredadventures.com.au/ trek4change or contact Baptist World Aid Australia on 1300 789 991.

qb.com.au

BWAA

Nadia

extremely vulnerable to trafficking, abuse, early marriage, disease, disaster and exploitation.

Child marriage is commonplace in many developing countries. But for Nadia, it was a means of escaping something even worse. Nadia’s family moved from the south of Malawi in search of jobs. Desperate to find work, her parents ended up working on a farm. Living on the estate, they were completely reliant on the boss to help provide for the family. The boss, taking advantage of this dependency and their poverty, sexually abused Nadia. The situation eventually became unbearable. To escape the abuse, Nadia got married at just 13 years of age.

The Vulnerable Children’s Fund supports projects involved in three activities that work to protect children:

Sadly, child abuse is rife in Malawi. Nadia is just one of an estimated 65% of girls who experience some form of child abuse during their lifetime. It is a distressing story that is repeated not just in Malawi. Poverty makes easy targets of children around the world.

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Working in the community, our partners—Church and Society Program, Malawi—guided Nadia out of her marriage. In a brave step and with the support of field staff, she and her parents reported the boss to the authorities. His punishment has meant more than justice for Nadia. It has shown others that they too can act against abuse. Nadia will always bear the emotional scars of her experiences. But she is optimistic that her life will no longer be plagued by exploitation. She is back with her parents and going to school. Her hopes for her community are simple, powerful and just: ‘About myself … I want to be a doctor. But for my community I wish all rapists were caught. I would love to see my community without men who defile young people.’ The Vulnerable Children Fund is just one way that Baptist World Aid Australia is supporting partners to stop and prevent child abuse for children like Nadia. The trafficking of girls for the sex trade is monstrous. But in the

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story of child trafficking, sex trafficking represents just a portion. Other children are used as forced labour, commonly in agriculture and factories. Some are hired or sold as domestic slaves. Some may even be used for organ harvesting or illegal adoptions. And whilst around 1.2 million children worldwide are trafficked each year, a staggering 300 million are abused, exploited and subjected to violence within their own communities. Poverty means that even more are vulnerable to abuse, disease, malnutrition, and more. Poverty pushes children and their families to the edge of desperation, and robs children of their God-given potential. A promise of a good job in the city, money for the family and the child is whisked away to their new life. Or perhaps a family can’t pay back a loan and is forced to give up their child to pay off the debt. Or a poor family is offered a good match for their young daughter, and she is married off when she is still young. Or a child with a disability is left uncared for to live out their days in the dirt outside the family home. Whatever the situation, poverty makes children

Intervention: Projects that help parents find their children and bring them home, using established networks with police and prosecutors Rehabilitation: Projects that provide support for victims of trafficking, putting them in touch with counsellors and helping them to integrate back into family life • Prevention: These projects provide a range of measures that help to protect children, and enable them to reach their full, God-given potential.

Prevention is key Working with communities to ensure that children are safe, loved and nurtured, the Vulnerable Children Fund supports projects that educate parents about the risks facing their children and helps them to find ways to improve their income. Parents who can support their family can provide schooling, food and a secure home to protect children BEFORE they are abused or exploited. To give to Baptist World Aid Australia’s Vulnerable Children Fund, please phone 1300 789 991 or visit www.vulnerablechildren.org.au. ention of malaria,’ Rose concludes.

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Prayer

Baptist World Aid responds quickly to Cyclone Pam On 13 March, Vanuatu experienced one of the strongest and most devastating tropical cyclones ever reported. With winds of up to 270kph, Cyclone Pam wreaked a path of death and destruction across the tiny island nation. President Baldwin Lonsdale declared a state of emergency and has called upon the international community for urgent assistance. ‘As soon as we learned the extent of the devastation, we were trying to gather as much information about the impact from Cyclone Pam so that we could identify where help is needed most,’ John Hickey, CEO from Baptist World Aid Australia, says. ‘As you can imagine, it’s been very hard to get information out due to the level of devastation. Buildings, trees, power lines and communications are down. Water isn’t running clean from taps anymore and there’s a real and urgent concern about contamination. ‘The response from our supporters here in Australia has been amazing. I feel so blessed to lead an organisation that represents such an amazing group of people. We’ve had individuals and churches ringing in to give and also, just as importantly, to find out how

they can be praying for the people of Vanuatu. ‘We are still in the very early stage of our response to the cyclone. We’re in discussions with Christian agencies and Integral Alliance member agencies to find out who has the best capacity to deliver relief to remote communities. We’re also talking to three of the largest churches in Vanuatu who have networks reaching out across the archipelago. Our primary concern is speed at this point in order to save lives, however we’re also being very careful to make sure we use the money we are given wisely for maximum benefit. ‘The situation is changing every day. We are posting regular updates and photos on our website so I urge supporters to visit www.baptistworldaid.org.au to find out the latest news about our response to Cyclone Pam. ‘Please, could I encourage you to keep being generous and give to our Disaster Action Fund so we continue sharing God’s love with the people of Vanuatu as well as other communities affected by disasters such as Cyclone Pam. And keep praying for God’s comfort and peace at this time for Vanuatu,’ John Hickey concludes. To make a donation to support victims of Cyclone Pam, please visit www.baptistworldaid.org.au.

qb.com.au

Mentors needed

to Jesus. He was referred to Alison Dines, the Post Release Coordinator of Inside/Out Chaplaincy as a likely candidate for their mentoring program, Inside/Out Connection. Alison sought out a welcoming church in the area where Brett intended to live after release, and with the help of leadership at that church, she found two mature Christian men who agreed to become his mentors. Brett received encouragement from their letters and he felt a real sense of belonging within that church family, even before he was released.

Brett’s new walk Alison Dines of Inside/Out Chaplaincy tells how Queensland Baptists are actively playing a role in reducing youth recidivism. As we focus on national youth week during April, it is sobering to read the statistics of young people in Queensland detention centres and prisons. For example, in Woodford Correctional Centre (near Caboolture) there are over 550 young men aged 18–21. The average stay for a prisoner in Queensland is now only seven months, therefore, for them to have an opportunity for change, a long-term community based response is required; not a programme in prison. This means the church has a very active part to play in solving issues of youth recidivism. But why should the church get involved? Sadly the statistics tells us that the average 18 year old male who goes to prison will spend approximately the next 22 years going in and out of prison at a cost to the Queensland tax payer of 1.5million dollars—that’s before we look at extra police, legal costs and not to mention insurance claims! Brett* is now 22 and continues to remain a free man in the community.

He works and studies part time. His newfound Christian faith has given him a fresh outlook on life, where he now has hope and a purpose. This was not always the case for Brett. He grew up in a dysfunctional family: an alcoholic father, a very depressed mother, and siblings that would, like himself, wander off track. In his teen years, Brett drifted into the drug and alcohol scene and this led to criminal activity. Breaking and entering and burglary were his source of money which enabled his illicit habits. Just like so many of his peers, his lifestyle revolved around being in and out of prison. Brett had absolutely no regard for authority or his fellow man. In essence, he lived a selfish and arrogant life. Brett reached a crossroads when, at age 18 he found himself ‘inside’ for the third time. It was during this time of imprisonment that he encountered prison chaplains. After several months of spending time with chaplains from South Pine Community Church and North East Baptist, attending chapel services and doing simple Bible studies, he decided to make a commitment

After several months Brett was released and Alison took him along to meet his mentors and the pastor. He chose to be ‘up front’ with the congregation, and on his first Sunday he spoke to the people about his life, thus far, and asked them to accept him as a new creation in Christ. The congregation came alongside him with great encouragement and love as he sought to do all the things necessary to leave his past behind. Brett’s new walk has not been without its challenges but with the encouragement of God’s family he strives toward his vision of staying out of prison and being a worthwhile member of the body of Christ, and of society. There is an increasing need for our church families to be willing to accept young people like Brett; this includes a need for people of all ages to volunteer as mentors. All that is required is a Christian maturity and a heartfelt desire to befriend one whom Jesus has redeemed out of his/her past as they grow in Christian discipleship. If God is asking this of you, please speak with Alison Dines, email alijoy4@bigpond.com or phone: 0417 618 809. More information: www.insideoutchaplaincy.org.au *Name changed for privacy.

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Easter

Amazed all over again Most of us have experienced those moments in our lives when, for one reason or another, something wonderful we have looked forward to so much doesn’t eventuate. Perhaps we had false expectations all along and it was only a pipedream. Perhaps it was something we had worked hard for, but in the end it turned out to be beyond our reach. Or perhaps someone else let us down badly. Whatever the situation, the disappointment cuts deep, doesn’t it? And sometimes it takes a long time to recover. God is still there, we know. And we also know these things happen—that this is part of life and of our messed up world. But it can certainly knock the stuffing out of us. I have seen such events occur in the lives of friends and family. I remember a wedding that was called off at the last moment. I remember a job loss that had been a large part of someone’s reason for being. I remember miscarriages and a longed for but stillborn baby. And even now in my writing world, I see authors’ hopes dashed as manuscripts they were sure would be accepted for publication are not—sometimes after several similar rejections. Yet I wonder if, despite their devastating nature, any

of these rates one little bit beside the huge disappointment Jesus’ followers experienced at his death. This Easter, I have been reading the last few chapters of John’s Gospel and trying to put myself in the very shoes of Mary Magdalene, one of the women who came to Jesus’ burial place early on the morning of that first day of the week (John 20). In this particular account, Mary finds the stone removed from the entrance of the tomb and Jesus’ body gone, then runs and gets Peter and ‘the other disciple’. These two return home, we are told, but Mary stays there, weeping. As I try to relate to her, it’s no surprise to me she responds that way. After all, the man she believed was the Messiah, the Son of God—moreover, the one who had delivered her from demons and accepted and believed in her—had not only died a horrible death but was now even to be denied the decent burial he had been given. And then she has a conversation with two angels in the tomb and with someone she believes to be the gardener. This man gently speaks her name—and everything changes.

Can you imagine the utter joy you might feel if that hardest moment in your life were to be reversed—if when you felt the light had gone out of your world, the very thing you had longed and worked hard for happened or the very thing you dreaded the most did not? What an amazing, amazing experience! Right now I am imagining that myself—and trying to allow that to give me insight into Mary’s deep, overwhelming joy as she races to tell the disciples she has seen the risen Lord. It’s like in an instant, the world is put right again for her and for us. Yet not as it was—even better. In fact, everything is put right. Forever. At that moment when Mary hears her name, a hope and a future open up for her that are beyond compare and beyond anyone’s imagination. This Easter, Jesus has spoken my name again. He has spoken yours too. Did you hear him? Jo-Anne Berthelsen is an author and speaker. www.jo-anneberthelsen.com Reprinted with kind permission

qb.com.au

Facebook

Five tips for Christians on Facebook If you are a Christian, your Facebook is not your own. Though the context of 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 isn’t really about the use of social media, the truth that ‘you are not your own; you were bought at a price’ certainly has implications in whatever you decide to do with your body, including building your social media profile. Here are five tips for Christians using Facebook: 1. Like what Jesus would like I am not looking to ‘WWJD?’ you here, but we need to think it through. You have a choice to click the ‘like’ button on anything that comes through your Facebook feed. You exercise the choice many times per day. Every time you decide to ‘like’ something you are part of the gigantic algorithm that builds other people’s news feeds, particularly the feeds of your ‘friends’. So posts that point people to Jesus are worth hitting the ‘like’ button on, and so are posts that are in line with what his children are meant to be on about. Think through your ‘likes’, people. 2. Share what Jesus would share Very similar to the above, but the reach and results are expanded. Sharing posts makes the reach of the post (the number of people who see it) expand dramatically. Yes, what you share will come up in your Facebook wall. This

may be a big, bold step for those of you who know you have friends on Facebook who don’t know you are a Christian, but before you take sharing posts about Jesus off your list of ‘done things on Facebook’ consider that we are called to share the gospel message, and Jesus will be with us as we do (Matthew 28:18-20). Pick the posts that best proclaim Jesus and share them. 3. Promote his church Local churches are God’s chosen mechanism to build his people. Churches need to have relevance in the social media sphere and they need to reach people from within it. If your church has a Facebook page, like it. If your church posts on Facebook, then like and share the posts so they show up in more news feeds. If your church has a blog, share the posts on Facebook. If your church has an upcoming event, share it and invite your friends using Facebook. God is building his church. Through this church he is declaring the truth that Jesus died to forgive the sin of the world and restore people back to a life-maximising relationship with their creator. Direct people to your local church by pointing them there, using Facebook. 4. ‘Sanctify’ your posts Facebook’s content is essentially generated by its users, and you are one of them. Be prayerful about what you post

and the impact it will have on your Christian witness, and on others. Does your post draw people to Christ, or push them away? You have very real impact on Facebook. Will you use it to promote footy, clothing, cooking or the latest movies more than you will Jesus? Think these questions through and use your online impact for something that counts. 5. Network with your brothers and sisters Finally, the body of Christ can utilise social media better than it does. We can encourage and support each other, organise ministry with one another and share the gospel via Facebook groups and pages. Network with your fellow body members using Facebook as a communication tool. Be encouraged brothers and sisters, view Facebook as an opportunity of further impact for Jesus. There are plenty of snares and traps to fall into, but thinking through your use of it will hopefully help you avoid some of them, and use it for the glory of God. Geoff Eggins is Associate Pastor at Forest Lake Baptist Church

04/15

Thanksgiving

Chronic lack of awe Have you ever wondered why days seemed to last forever when you were a child … and now it feels like we blink and another week’s over? The pace of life is faster than ever and we can trip over just trying to keep up. We have all this technology to make life easier, yet no invention that can slow down time. A 2012 study published in Psychology Today has revealed the real problem … we’re all suffering from a chronic lack of awe. During the study, some volunteers watched imagery that was funny, while others watched ‘awe inspiring’ imagery. Surprisingly, those who watched the ‘awe inspiring’ imagery felt like they had more time, as if time had slowed down.

been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse’ (Romans 1:20).

it’s not just your childlike sense of awe that’s left you but also your childlike faith.

I consider myself an average photographer, with a great God—I’m merely an interpreter of God’s creation. My ‘office’ is the lush rainforests of the Daintree, desert wonders like Uluru and our magnificent, endless beaches. I’ve travelled the world, interpreting God’s creation and I’ve come to realise that the only appropriate response is an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

Maybe it’s time to recapture that, too.

And it makes sense.

Gazing into crystal clear water at the foot of a glorious, roaring waterfall is like staring into the face of God—truly comprehending his creative nature and his rich blessings.

I’m sure that like me, during childhood you spent countless hours outdoors looking up at the clouds, or the magnificent night sky. But as we get older, we can tend to stop looking up and spend more time looking down at computer screens and smart devices.

‘Walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen colour and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them’ (Matthew 6:29 MSG).

My basic philosophy is best summed up by these words: ‘For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have

Take a moment to really stop and smell the roses; lie on your back and stare up at the stars, like you used to when you were a child. Perhaps over the years,

‘Enter with the password: “Thank you!” Make yourselves at home, talking praise. Thank him. Worship him’ (Psalm 100:4 MSG). When we truly immerse ourselves in God’s creation, we can’t help but feel thankful. It creates a certain sense of perspective—the same God who created the universe is taking care of each one of us. I believe God has an incredible destiny for Australia and for us as Australians. As we start to say ‘Thank you,’ he’ll start to open up those doors even more. At a time when there’s so much fear and anxiety around the world, what is the answer? I believe the answer is faith and thankfulness for what God is going to do. Our help and our hope is in him. Ken Duncan is an award winning Australian photographer and an Ambassador of the National Day of Thanksgiving, to be held on Saturday 30 May 2015. For more information, visit www.thanksgiving.org.au

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Prayer

PRAY EVERY DAY In response to a growing emphasis on prayer in our churches around Queensland, in 2015 we are inviting people in our churches to participate in QB DAILY, praying every day for Queensland Baptists.

Ambassadors for Christ Before we are bankers, nurses, miners, students and the like, we are committed followers of Jesus. This set-apartness means that a chaplain’s life will probably stand out from the crowd. Our ambassadorship takes precedence over peer acceptance. Sadly, the Australian Army’s Colonel Brewer had come across chaplains ‘who strove so hard for acceptance that they became the hardest drinkers and cursers in the unit’. This indictment lists a tiny sample of the kinds of compromises that drag the Gospel into disrepute and our chaplaincy to disdain. Better the example of a World War I chaplain, William McKenzie, who sought to keep a conscience, ‘void of offence towards God and towards man’. Consequently, people said of him, ‘No man ever did more to uplift Christianity’ (Col Stringer, ‘Fighting’ McKenzie: Anzac Chaplain). This week, think about the impact that your Unofficial Chaplaincy is having on the reputation of Jesus and his Church. You are an Ambassador first. Be am Unofficial Chaplain to the people around you. Reprinted with permission. To subscribe email Warren Crank warrenbcrank@gmail.com.au

You are invited to join other Queensland Baptists to intercede for the needs of our denomination: • Each weekday, the needs of three QB churches will be brought before God, so that each church is covered in prayer four times each year • Each Saturday, we will pray for the ministries of Queensland Baptists, e.g. Malyon, Carinity, QCCC and more • Every Sunday, we encourage you to pray specifically for your own church • Special needs: From time to time you’ll be encouraged to pray for special events and activities, e.g. RISE: QB Convention 2015 and QB Week of Prayer in 2015. Contact admin@qb.com.au or phone QB reception at 07 3354 5600 to add your email address to our growing list of committed people who will pray DAILY for our QB family.

04/15

Thinkspot

Watch with me

What kind of friend is Jesus to you? What kind of friend are you to him?

As I prepared to preach on Palm Sunday, the Holy Spirit led me to Matthew 26 and Jesus’ time in the Garden of Gethsemane. What stuck me was a small four letter word—it had me scratching my head for days. The word was ‘with’. In verses 38 and 40, Jesus asks Peter, James and John to ‘watch with him’. Reading through the same account in all the gospels, we see pretty clearly that the disciples closest to Jesus don’t have the stamina to stay awake to watch and pray. Actually, I shouldn’t say ‘disciples’, because in John 15 we see Jesus handing

out an identity upgrade when he calls his disciples ‘friends’ … more on that later. Here’s an interesting scenario. If we go from Matthew 26 back to Matthew 17, we have the three same close friends, Peter, James and John, joining Jesus on the mountain where he was transfigured. This, as Oswald Chambers puts it, was Jesus’ ‘brightest hour’. And in this bright, mind-blowing time, we have a glorious shining Jesus, Elijah, Moses, and the audible voice of the Father, breaking into the earthly realm. Wow, what an event! No wonder Peter

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and his spectator companions wanted to settle in for the long haul! Contrast this event to what would have to be Jesus’ darkest hour in Gesthemane, which, by the way, means ‘oil press’. Whilst the Anointed One is being squeezed and is battling to keep his will submitted to his Father’s, what Jesus needed most was friends: those who would watch ‘with’ him. There are three levels of relationship I see at play in this story. And please, as you read, I’m explaining seasonal and often cyclical patterns, so there is no shame or pressure to be felt if you find yourself, or another person close to you, in any one of these stages. These stages can also be seen as a pattern in Matthew 7:7, as asking, seeking and knocking; or as I like to see it, consumer-based relationship, servicebased relationship, and covenant-based relationship.

Spectators This is Peter, James and John with Jesus in his brightest hour. When it came to relationship with Jesus, they were happy to simply watch him. When we are spectators, we often want to settle in and soak up the entertainment and glorious show. Spectators are often in ‘asking mode’ and are simply interested in receiving. There is little cost to those who ask, besides some words and perhaps some courage. Think of the young man who has eyes for a particular young lady. The first thing he really does is look, and then he asks for a date or contact details. He has not parted with any money, picked her up for a date or involved himself physically.

Servants Between Jesus’ brightest and darkest hours, we come across the concept of serving one another, demonstrated through many last minute lessons from Jesus to his disciples, including his washing of their feet in John 13 where

Thinkspot

he also states that a servant is not greater than their master. You see, servants will watch for someone, but usually for their own benefit—because servants under masters are rewarded with wages or benefits of sorts. Servants are generally in ‘seeking mode’ because servants seek to serve and please others, for benefits. Now, think of the young man who has now asked the girl out on a date. He must now move to seeking: seeking a place to impress her with. Perhaps he buys himself a new shirt and cleans his car. Why? Well, ultimately, he’d like the reward of a kiss or someone to love him. So, he seeks to serve her well.

blood would run across the threshold. When the guest entered the home, a covenant was established and the guest was obliged to defend the home as if it were his own; including the occupants. Read the events in Genesis 18 and 19 with this in mind and you’ll see why Abraham and Lot insisted their divine passers-by come into their homes. They both benefited from their guests’ presence, especially Lot who had them as covenant defenders. Come back to Gethsemane with me. Jesus has spoken words of the new covenant and called them into

I really believe Jesus is looking, once more in this hour, for friends: friends who will WATCH WITH HIM … Friends As stated earlier, we find that between Jesus’ transfiguration in Matthew 17 and his Gethsemane experience, he calls his disciples ‘friends’: because friends watch with someone. They have nothing to gain but have laid their lives down for others. There is no hierarchy to serve. They desire the best for another. Their reward is relationship. These people are in ‘knocking mode’. Now the young man is moving towards marriage: a long-term commitment to a mutually beneficial relationship. Allow me to tease this out a little. When you knock, a door is opened. The reason we often knock, in the first place, is to enter into a home. In times gone by, people understood things like threshold covenants and the significance of entering into someone’s place of dwelling. In some cultures and in some Old Testament times, an animal was often sacrificed at the doorway before a guest entered a home, and the

friendship. He’s now sorrowful and in need of friends … not spectators … not servants … friends. He needs friends who will stay awake and be there in the good times and the bad. I really believe Jesus is looking, once more in this hour, for friends: friends who will WATCH WITH HIM … those who will pray WITH him: those who will awaken to his needs and requests, even amidst darkness and sorrow. You see, on the way to the cross, a way we are all called to walk, the revelation of friendship is made clear. When our lives are laid down, not unto death but unto resurrection life, we can be friends to others and reciprocate Jesus’ friendship invitation as well. David Tensen worships with Caloundra CityLife Baptist Church www.davidtensen.com

04/15

Reviews: Books, DVDs, Music

that defies human logic, and the life that God intends for us to have, in the here and now. With excitement and humour, Judah looks at the stories in the Bible from his unique perspective and shows how life is all about loving God, and loving others.

BOOK: Life is _____. Judah Smith) Price: $17.99 at WORD Life is ____. How would you finish that sentence? Judah Smith believes Jesus shows us how to live life to the fullest. In this follow-up to his New York Times and USA Today bestseller Jesus is ____, Judah completes the new sentence again and again, revealing how • Life is to be loved and to love. • Life is to trust God in every moment. • Life is to be at peace with God and yourself. • Life is to enjoy God. Judah writes as a friend, welcoming new believers, lifelong followers of Jesus, and even the merely curious. He shows us the love of God

Now, in The Case for Grace, Lee Strobel crafts a compelling and highly personal experiential case for God, focusing on God’s transforming work in the lives of men and women today. Writing with unusual candour, Lee draws upon his own journey from atheism to Christianity to explore the depth and breadth of God’s redeeming love for spiritually wayward people. He travels thousands of miles to capture the inspiring stories of everyday people whose values have been radically changed

and who have discovered the ‘how’ and ‘why’ behind God’s amazing grace. You’ll encounter racists, addicts, and even murderers who have found new hope and purpose. You’ll meet once-bitter people who have received God’s power to forgive those who have harmed them—and, equally amazing, people mired in guilt who have discovered that they can even forgive themselves. Through it all, you will be encouraged as you see how God’s grace can revolutionize your eternity and relationships ... starting today.

These reviews provided by WORD.com.au

BOOK: The Case for Grace (Lee Strobel) Price: $16.99 at WORD The Case for a Creator explored the scientific evidence for God; The Case for Christ investigated the historical evidence for Jesus; The Case for Faith responded to eight major objections about Christianity; The Case for The Real Jesus refuted the current challenges to the Bible and Christ ...

Book Reviews

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Fun zone

Creative Captions

Sudoku Challenge

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Sudoku rules: Each row, column and block must contain one of the numbers from 1 to 9. No number may appear more than once in any row, column or block. When you’ve filled the entire grid, the puzzle is solved.

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‘Steve’s always been a tennis player—that’s why he looked for a wife named ‘a net’ - ‘Where’s the bouncer to evict these two?’ Congratulations to ‘Alan Watts’.

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Hey Kids, Look for Lucy!

Solution: 02/15

Hey kids! Look for Lucy in this issue! Little Lucy is hiding somewhere. Tell us where she is hiding and snail mail your answer, or email qb@qb.com.au.

Congratulations to Martin Fleming and Mary Gray a $30 Word Bookstore voucher is coming your way!

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To all those who found Little Lucy hiding on page 27 (February 2015 issue). Sudoku puzzle provided by www.sudokuoftheday.com visit them and get a new Sudoku every day!

04/15

Classifieds Subscription Form 2015

Order by phone: 07 3354 5633 - Payment via credit card. OR Complete this form and post back: The qb Editor, PO Box 6166 Mitchelton QLD 4053 Australia

FISHERS OF MEN Fishers of Men(FoM) is a registered, non-denominational charity, operating in Brisbane and Logan for over 10 years. Bobby Mearns, founding Pastor was a heroin addict for 20+ years and was saved through the ministry of Jackie Pullinger in Hong Kong. FoM provides: food/ food parcels/ clothes and blankets at meetings for homeless held twice a week (free) and furniture for people setting up house (free).

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A mobile street van service for Logan twice a week, Fri and Sat nights Residential Christ focussed rehab, turning men from addiction to Christ

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For further info please visit www.fishersofmen.org.au or call (07) 3341 0160.

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“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:55 NLT As a boy and his father were driving one day, a bee flew in the car window. Allergic to bee stings, the boy was terrified. The father quickly grabbed the bee, squeezed it into his hand and then released it. The boy recoiled as it buzzed by him. Then the father showed the boy his open hand with the stinger stuck in his flesh. “You don’t need to be afraid anymore,” he said, “I’ve taken the sting for you.” As believers we don’t need to fear death because Jesus has died and risen again. The sting has been removed. Death is not the end, it’s just the beginning! Reprinted with kind permission: Reading for Today— Imelda Gilmore [gilmore.imelda@gmail.com]

qb.com.au POSITIONS VACANT FULL-TIME ASSOCIATE PASTOR CITY TABERNACLE BAPTIST CHURCH The City Tabernacle is a large church strategically located in the inner city. The demographic we are seeking to reach includes young adults, young families, overseas students and workers. We presently have effective & growing ministries to families and young adults from overseas and under God we seek to see help these become wholehearted followers of Jesus. Expressions of interest are invited from interested pastors. For a full ministry description please contact the Church Secretary Mr Bryan Laurens, laurens@bigpond.net.au

FULL-TIME ASSOCIATE PASTOR – FAMILY & CHILDREN’S MINISTRY, DALBY BAPTIST CHURCH

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ACCOMMODATION BRISBANE: House available from October 2015 for missionaries or church workers on the move. Three bedroom, single garage, everything provided. Transport at the door. Minimal rent. Email: gtho4536@bigpond.net.au. CALOUNDRA - GOLDEN BEACH: Highset three bedroom holiday home. Weekends or weekly. Pets OK. Close to beach. Phone 0402 077 822 or lizottaway15@gmail.com. CALOUNDRA: Sunshine Coast, Qld, beachside units from $300/wk, phone 0427 990 161. HOUSE-SITTING: Short term (1-4 weeks) Plants, Pets, Pools no problem. References available. Phone: 0427 654 501. Email: billkippen@gmail.com. NORTH BRISBANE: Self contained unit style accommodation with water views. Perfect for sabbaticals, couples retreat, conferences. Queen size room, ensuite, kitchenette(breakfast basket daily) Mention The qb reader special when booking$120/night. Regular rates $160/night). Phone Helen Gynther 0400 832614 or email helen@moretonmusic.com.

FOR SALE

Dalby is a large country church in a vibrant and growing community on the Darling Downs. This position presents an ideal opportunity for a dedicated and Godly leader who is passionate about children and family ministries to pastor, spiritually grow and encourage our church to reach the community for Jesus.

FOR SALE: Half share in house on ten beautiful acres in Hampton, Queensland. Would suit mature Christian gardener, young family, cancer survivor, or investment to reside in future. Nice outlook, town water, school bus at gate, with opportunity for full possession in 3–5 years. Conditions apply phone 07 4697 9065.

Expressions of interest are invited from interested pastors. Requests for a full position description, please contact: Jenny Johnston, Chair Search Team, tonyjenny96@bigpond.com

FOR SALE: Refurbished Johannus Opus 215 Electronic Organ – 2 Manuals & Full Pedal Board in working order. Suitable for Church. $2,000. Phone Neil Pfeffer 0411 721 990 (City Tabernacle Baptist Church).

FOR HIRE LARGE AUDITORIUM: Seats 290. Qld Baptists’ Centre at Gaythorne. Phone Sharon on 3354 5600 for more information or visit www.qb.org.au – venue hire.

INTEGRITY TRAVEL

Book all of your holidays and travel with Integrity Travel and help missions. Tours & specials at www.integritytravel.com.au Ph 07 3863 1007 for more information and bookings.

A will to end poverty Do more than you ever thought possible by leaving a bequest in your will. Call us on 1300 789 991 or visit baptistworldaid.org.au