The qb, the voice of Queensland Baptists

The voice of Queensland Baptists August 2013

One Day inspires youth The undefended life Safe at last

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In this issue

Comment: David Loder Speaking out: John Sweetman Around the regions QB Prayer Week 2013 Baptisms Milestones Extending God’s Kingdom series Persecution brief Reviews Fun zone Classifieds

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QB ministries QB Kids—the journey so far (QB kids & their families) QCCC Instagram (QCCC) OneDay (QB youth) Mirror, mirror (QB Women) Malyon’s ‘Week of E’ (Malyon College) QB Archives

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QB partners Helping the whole village (BWAA) Global Interaction

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Articles The Queensland Plan Hard work brings joy Safe at last Leviticus won’t let me forget

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15 Our cover: Up to 350 youth leaders from around Queensland converged on Gateway Baptist Church for the QB Youth OneDay Conference recently. Outstanding speakers and awesome worship ensured that everyone who attended left encouraged, motivated and blessed.

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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 Advertising: Emily Twible 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 and postal address.

From the Editor At the end of the editing process each issue, as I settle down to write these comments, I take a moment to reflect on what has been written by so many people who share the same goal: to extend God’s Kingdom through expounding the message of the Gospel, and demonstrating it through their love, compassion and support for others. Followers of Jesus like Morag Roy (Safe at last), who writes about the Sandra Jones Centre in Zimbabwe, and Brian Zeller, who reports on a recent mission trip to the Solomon Islands, undertaken by a team from Bridgeman Baptist Church (Hard work brings joy).

Much closer to home, Stewart Harris (From darkness to light/Extending God’s Kingdom series) reminds us that we are engaged in a spiritual battle right on our doorstep, and it’s exciting to hear reports from those in our churches who came together recently to pray for revival, for Queensland, Australia and for our world (Our growing heart for prayer).

We celebrate some significant anniversaries (Milestones), and we rejoice with the people at Church@ TheGabba as they move into a new era of church life and ministry. You will also read about the agreement formed between Birkdale Baptist Church and Cannon Hill Baptist Church, which has both congregations excited about what God has in store for them.

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

Finally, John Sweetman (The undefended life), reminds us of our need, as Christians, to live transparent lives saying: ‘integrity is not perfection but transparency’. He concludes: ‘God calls his children to courageously pursue transparency.’

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Comment

Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza’ (Acts 8:26).

Loving others ... WIDER— Extending God’s Kingdom

This is a great story! I encourage you to read the whole account in Acts 8:26-40. Life would never be the same, not only for the Ethiopian but also for Philip. One of the most exciting things in life is to share the good news about Jesus and see someone respond in a positive way. Numerous principles that can be applied in our lives can be derived from this account. Let me highlight a couple, and I reckon you could add a few more.

Firstly, Philip was responsive to God’s promptings to do something. This is demonstrated twice in the passage.

Never be too busy to miss God’s voice, and be courageous enough to act, even though sometimes you may be uncertain. Philip then looked for what that prompting might mean. He saw an Ethiopian, and was bold enough to introduce himself. Look other people in the eye, smile and say ‘G’day’ because you never know where this opener may lead the conversation.

Philip listened to the Ethiopian and started by asking a question that fitted in, right away. The Ethiopian was free to give Philip his marching orders, there and then—end of conversation. No coercion; just politeness. Philip started at that point, used the Bible and introduced Jesus into the conversation.

He gave the Ethiopian enough information so that he was eagerly

asking for the next step! Philip brought him to the place where he could make an informed decision about Jesus.

In Acts we read about the thousands responding to the Gospel, but there were also ones and twos and small groups. It’s the same today. One day we will be able to sit with the Ethiopian in heaven and hear a fuller account, from his perspective. I wonder who we will talk to because you, just like Philip, were ready to be used by God? Board Theme: Extending God’s Kingdom A number of suggestions and ideas regarding this year’s theme have been proposed, and I wonder what you and/or your church are doing in an intentional way to implement this?

Please let me know, or contact your Regional Consultant, so that we can all be encouraged.

By the time you read this, the QB Board will have had its annual retreat, waiting on God for his promptings for the coming year. The Regional Consultants, John Sweetman (Malyon) and Jon Campbell (Carinity) join the board for this important time together.

No doubt there will be more to share with you following this time. Thank you for praying for, and supporting, your board. They are a great team of godly men and women.

Personally I have concluded some long service leave. This was a good time of rest, catching up with family matters and using the time to write up further parts of my study into the spiritual formation of Queensland Baptists ministers.

Hopefully the end of this writing project is coming into view! I have found the exercise extremely valuable.

In September, Emil Rahimov and I will travel to Ukraine, as guests of the Baptist Union of Ukraine, for a week of observation and ministry. This is the largest Baptist Union in Europe and we look forward to the experience. My wife Ann will accompany us.

Finally…

I stated earlier that one of the most exciting things in life is to lead someone to Jesus. There is something even more exciting. That is, to see someone you have led to Jesus lead someone else to Jesus! I urge you to pray for family, friends and acquaintances, that they may be able to make an informed decision about Jesus and then be available to be used by God too, as an answer to that prayer!

David Loder General Superintendent gs@qb.com.au

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Speaking out

d e d n e f e und

The

life

The importance of transparency I have been reading recently about the importance of transparency in organisations. The secular argument is that, in these days of modern technology and intrusive media, it is much more difficult to keep secrets. So the most effective and respected organisations will be those that have no secrets, that have nothing to hide, that are transparent.

This not only makes sense pragmatically, but also biblically. A lack of transparency is deeply troubling to God, as Ananais and Sapphira found out to their detriment (Acts 5:1-11). For example, God wants his leaders to live in the same way with their family and with outsiders, as they do in the church (1 Timothy 3:5-7). He wants transparency and consistency.

I read somewhere of a Polynesian definition of integrity that has stuck with me: ‘Integrity is living in a house without walls.’ In other words, integrity is not perfection but transparency. It is being the same in the dark as you are in the light. It’s living without secrets.

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Despite the biblical call, the church has often not been good at transparency. The present government enquiry into concealed paedophilia in organisations (almost exclusively churches) is a consequence of the church’s unwillingness to be transparent. But before we cast the first stone, to be honest, we all struggle with transparency.

The drive to conceal the truth about ourselves and to hide the truth from ourselves (personally or organisationally) is so powerful in all of us.

The fear of transparency It can be traced all the way back to the creation narrative. Adam and Eve were created naked without shame (Genesis 2:25). The biblical idea of nakedness goes beyond the physical. They had no secrets. They had nothing to hide. They were pure and true. They lived with the freedom of innocence. They hid nothing from each other (or from God).

Their sin changed all that. The first biblical product of their disobedience was a horror of their nakedness (Genesis 3:7). Their transparency to each other was suddenly a source of shame

Speaking out “There is nothing you have done wrong and nothing you will do wrong that God doesn’t know about. Yet he deeply loves you. Unless you grasp this, you will be sewing and hiding for the rest of your life.”

and embarrassment, so they quickly sewed clothes to hide behind. They were now ashamed of themselves and needed to protect their privacy.

They wanted to keep their secrets. They would only reveal what they chose to each other. This could not be reversed, so God made clothes for them (Genesis 3:21).

But the shame of their nakedness went further than this. It also caused them to hide from God (Genesis 3:8-10). They didn’t want God to see what they were really like. Somehow they thought that hiding behind a tree would stop God seeing their brokenness. They wanted to avoid transparency with God at all costs.

So, basically, the problem is this. We recognise or suspect that our brokenness is pretty awful. We are deeply ashamed of this, so we figure that life will go better if we hide this from each other and from God. Our shame causes us to sew together our defences—lies, criticism, avoidance, denial, self-justification, pride, anger—whatever will stop others prying. We couldn’t bear them pointing out or judging our weakness and evil. This is the human plight.

Perhaps Christians and the church are particularly prone to shame because we have such high values. We know what we should be doing. We desperately want to be good. We have told the world about our standards. So when we fall short, we are ashamed and want to hide. Transparency seems far too dangerous. We sew fig leaves and hide behind trees. The world finds this hypocritical, and it is.

The path to transparency Part of the process of our sanctification is a journey towards transparency. I’m on that journey myself. I wish I could say that I’m further advanced, but to be honest I have a long way to go. I know that the journey will not be complete until Jesus returns, when ‘I shall know fully, even as I am fully

known’ (1 Corinthians 13:12), but here are some thoughts about the journey.

It has to start with God’s grace. God actually loves us intensely and has adopted us into his family knowing all our flaws (past, present and future).

There is nothing you have done wrong and nothing you will do wrong that God doesn’t know about.

Yet he deeply loves you. Unless you grasp this, you will be sewing and hiding for the rest of your life.

The next step is intimacy with God. It’s one thing knowing God’s grace in theory; it’s another actually hearing this from God day by day. In a close relationship with Jesus, you will hear his whispers of love, you will experience his forgiveness, and you will know his presence. The fear of nakedness with God disappears, and in its place grows a desire for his holy gaze.

Recently, Keith Farmer (an older Christian leader who mentors many pastors throughout Australia) was telling me how he spends a couple of hours walking and talking with God each day (shades of the Garden of Eden). He said that he has to discipline himself to stop. This amount of intimate time with God may not be possible for all of us, but it illustrates the pleasure of intimacy with God. It’s intimacy that turns truth into personal reality.

Then as you are able to let God see you ‘naked’ and become secure in his grace and love—despite your failure, you can gradually risk becoming more transparent with others; starting with those you trust and who love you the most.

May God help you grow in living an undefended life, stepping out from behind the trees and casting off your protective defences. God calls his children to courageously pursue transparency.

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

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Around the regions

Around the Regions Modern-day heroes of the faith Steve Twible (QB Regional Consultant) writes:

to a small church in need of assistance.

In past years, the group has repaired and/or repainted churches, halls and residences, and constructed a toilet unit. Baptist, Uniting, Presbyterian and Anglican communities have received the benefit of the Club’s ministry.

Work party on wheels Barrie Harding (North Pine Baptist Church) writes: The North Pine Caravanners is a Christian club with a passion for caravanning. Although the group operates under the umbrella of the North Pine Baptist Church, folk from other churches in the region have been welcomed into a membership of 40.

The culture of the club is one where its values and practices reflect friendship, fellowship and the effective use of caravanning for recreation and ministry.

In this context, each year the club’s calendar of events includes a workparty project where members travel to provide physical and moral support

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Having recently returned from completing another successful effort on the Kyogle Presbyterian Church and hall, the club is already commencing preparations for 2014. However, the hope is that this project should focus on a Queensland Baptist community.

Normally, about a dozen caravans are available to travel to the community, set up camp in the local show grounds or caravan park, and undertake to complete the nominated project within a week. During the visit, the club supports the local church by engaging in fellowship through planned social events as well as by joining with the congregation for Sunday worship.

Any church with an appropriate need, or interest in obtaining more information is invited to contact the North Pine Baptist Church, ph 07 3204 6366 or email office@npbc.org.au.

About two weeks ago I attended the Remote Churches Conference at Mount Tamborine. Those in attendance all came from different remote places in Australia, like: Kununurra, Broom, Derby, Darwin, Mount Isa and Longreach. I always find it a blessing to be with these pastors and their families. They minister in very remote places, often only on a part-time stipend without their own close support networks, and they are ministering in some really difficult situations. They pastor churches that are often small and transient and they will never see large numbers attend their churches.

I admire their faith and commitment to Jesus. They are modern day heroes of the faith! Every now and again, please pray for them or contact them to see if there might be ways you or your church can support them.

Around the regions

Full-on fun for kids at Tent Hill

City Tab Ladies Evening Fellowship turns 63

Iain Russell (Tent Hill Baptist Church) writes:

Lynne Williams (City Tabernacle Baptist Church) writes:

Leaders and children met for three days of Kids’ Holiday Club at Tent Hill Baptist Church in June, and we were led full speed into Discovering ‘D-licious D-lights’ from the word of God, and we ‘D-iscovered’ who Jesus is by ‘D-igging up’ the facts from the book of Acts. Approximately 50 children attended, the majority of whom do not have any regular involvement with a local church.

On 25 June, our Ladies Evening Fellowship celebrated a 63rd anniversary. We always have a table of good things to buy—anything from covered coat hangers to date loaves, Bible markers, hand-made jewellery and cards. Funds raised go to mission.

Bible stories were taught, songs were sung, quiz time and memory verses learned by actions—it was all part of the teaching time. Craft time was well catered, and of course, there was plenty of noise and much energy burned up during games time.

Delicious morning teas and lunches were served. Thursday evening was the culmination of the event when parents and children met for a sausage sizzle and a presentation by the children where they recalled songs and memory verses learned.

We had a great team of helpers from within the fellowship and the much appreciated help of three of our local school chaplains.

It’s a social occasion and men are also invited. The ladies set up small tables covered with cloths and candles—they go to so much trouble and create such a lovely atmosphere. We started with soup, savouries and bread; an excellent choice in winter!

Our speaker was Mrs Chris Keith, a member of the CWCI committee who run the annual women’s camp at Mt. Tamborine in October. Chris leads the worship on camp and does a great job. She told us all about her family as she described how she and her husband were very involved in children’s ministry (and still are) but were unable to have children of their own. Their three children came to them at different ages and in different circumstances; but all so deeply loved. Chris related this to how each of us is adopted into God’s family

when we come to God through his Son, Jesus Christ, and how we join God’s family, take on the family name, the family traits and family likeness.

What a privilege! She said she and Terry would be leaving their meagre inheritance to their children, and we, as God’s children, will one day receive our inheritance from God. She ended her talk by singing a beautiful song that she wrote for one of her daughters when she turned 21, saying she wasn’t flesh of her flesh or bone of her bone, but child of her heart. It was very moving.

We then settled down to enjoy our dessert, provided by the ladies. It was a good opportunity to have a chat with Chris and Terry and it was a time of delightful fellowship. Pastor Ian Wright closed the evening with prayer.

On the move • • • •

Pastor Nick Riley has concluded at Enoggera Rev Ken Conwell will conclude at Beenleigh this month Pastor Josh Symes has commenced as Assoc Pastor at Bundaberg Rev Russell Matthews concluded at Windsor Rd and has commenced at Toowong

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Around the regions Go from your country Dawn Vickers (Dalby Baptist Church) writes: It was a rollercoaster ride of emotions when Dalby Baptist Church said farewell to Ken and Roz earlier this year and commissioned them to the work of Global Interaction through SFI. Ken and Roz have been on a journey of obedience to God’s call on their lives for over more than a decade, culminating in the surety of a call to the K people late in 2010. The K people live in a large country in the Silk Road area—the ancient trade route between the Middle East and China.

Ken and Roz have been partners in a family farming business on the Darling Downs for 30 years. Ken grew up in Dalby Baptist Church, and Roz joined the church family on her marriage to Ken in the early ‘80s. Since then, they have been active members and leaders in various ministries including youth and children’s work, and Ken has served as a deacon for 20 years while Roz has been the Director of the Music and Worship for 16 years. They have also been involved in shortterm mission to aboriginal, outback and metropolitan communities at various times.

With the Holy Spirit’s prompting, Ken enrolled in some external studies through Malyon College in Brisbane.

Then, in August 2010, Ken and Roz visited Vanuatu, with a twofold purpose—to have a holiday, and experience another culture. This proved to be a turning point in their journey, and on return to Australia they began to earnestly ask God to show them the direction they should take.

The verse that sprang to life with a power of conviction that can only be attributed to the work of the Holy Spirit was Genesis 12:1. ‘The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you”’. The significance of ‘leaving your father’s household’ was not lost on Ken, who was working in the business his father had established some 47 years ago.

As time went by and they became more and more confident of the Lord’s leading, they committed to being available to do anything God wanted them to do: whatever, whenever and wherever. They submitted expressions of interest to various missions, but it wasn’t until they made contact with our own Baptist agency that God began to reveal more of his plan for them.

Some years and many months later, with many training courses, many miles (raising their support to Global Interaction’s required level), sorting out, preparation and packing behind them, they flew out from Brisbane Wednesday 10 April 2013.

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What makes two 50-year-olds uproot and move to the other side of the world? Ken and Roz’s short answer is ‘obedience’, and that obedience brings with it the pain of leaving behind children, grandchildren and ageing parents, as well as many relations and friends.

Having released them into the wider commission to ‘go to the ends of the earth’, we, as their sending church, must now give whatever we can to assist them as they meet the many challenges of a foreign culture and learning a new language, without the physical support of family and friends. Prayer and financial support are very obvious ways, but hopefully we will be constantly thinking up creative ways to encourage and keep in touch, despite the difficulties that come with being in that part of the world.

ANNOUNCING NEW ‘AUSTRALIANISED’ RESOURCES Featuring…

• A Seven Session Bible Study on Finances and Related Life Issues • A DVD with Australian Presenters The resources provide a range of topics & timeframes to suit…

• Churches • Para-Church Groups • Youth Groups • Bible Colleges • Christian Schools • Business Groups Experience a ‘heart’ change and a closer walk with Jesus.

1300 132 783 www.crown.org.au

Music after more mud Bill Kippen (Mundubbera Baptist Church) writes: As the sun went down in Mundubbera on Saturday 22 June, the temperature went down as well, but activity at the Community Hall was just cranking up for Music After More Mud, a special event where locals enjoyed a free soup and sausage dinner and live musical entertainment.

From 5.30 pm, the combined aromas of soup heating and sausages and onions sizzling on the barbecue wafted out into the main street, drawing people in from the cold. More people drifted in as they followed their noses and then their ears as the program got underway.

The event was a reprise of a concert, Music After The Mud, performed in 2011 by a group of musicians and singers from Glasshouse Country Baptist Church after the flood in late 2010. Following the second flood on Australia Day this year, the second biggest in the town’s recorded history, the same group of musicians, singers and their families travelled north-west once again to use their talents to encourage the Mundubbera community as it strives to recover.

Around 15 Glasshouse visitors of all ages took to the stage to provide a wonderful and varied musical program that included Aussie sing-along songs, WW2 patriotic tunes and laid-back jazz, which started hands clapping and toes tapping among the more than 100 people in the audience. Feedback included: ‘I love the old-time songs’; ‘What beautiful singing’; ‘Great concert!’; ‘Fantastic music’; ‘It helps you forget your problems for a while’.

On Sunday morning, the Glasshouse visitors led the service at the church, where worship and warm fellowship combined for a wonderful morning of praise.

The service was followed by a fellowship lunch—more yummy food—as well as time to chat and enjoy the company of others who love the Lord. Our thanks go to the visitors from Glasshouse Country Baptist Church for sharing their time and talents to encourage our local church and townspeople after such a rocky start to the year.

citywomen BRISBANE making our city a better place for women and girls

Find out more at www.citywomenbrisbane.com.au

City Women Brisbane launches City Women is about making Brisbane a better place for women and girls!

Music at this year’s QB Focus Dinner (22 August) will be provided

by Ben and Michelle Farley, and Melissa Smith. All three attend City Tabernacle Baptist Church and are heavily involved in events: Ben as Events Manager for Carols in the City, and Melissa as Coordinator for City Women Brisbane, about to be launched in September.

City Women Brisbane seeks to build unity amongst women from different Christian denominations who are called to action and responsibility to bring about positive change and outcomes for their community.

City Women Brisbane supports collaboration between organisations and individual women from all denominations by promoting existing women’s and girls’ ministries and by encouraging healthy and God-honouring relationships. By partnering with these ministries and connecting with the broader population of women in Brisbane through online networking and organising events, City Women Brisbane aims to create connection, provide inspiration and mobilise women across Brisbane.

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Around the regions Sex, romance and the glory of God Calling all men!

Murray Lean (City North Baptist Church) writes: What’s out there for the men in our churches? That’s a good question. In many of our churches, there is a growing sense that we need to do more for men, and in some churches we are seeing it happen. The Men’s Shed concept is one example. This year, our church has started a varied program for men (affectionately known as MUGGs), which has already proved very popular and is tapping into a genuine desire among men to get together regularly for spiritual encouragement.

Our men are also keen to get involved in worthwhile programs and events run by external organisations.

That’s why many of us will be attending Forge, the annual men’s day to be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Southbank (BCEC) on Saturday 14 September. Forge, now in its twelfth year, states: ‘our vision is simple: Training men to be godly followers of Jesus.’

The program is built on clear, relevant Bible teaching from experienced teachers and practitioners and is guaranteed to give Christian men a boost. Presented by an interdenominational committee under the umbrella of the Queensland Christian Convention Association, Forge is proving more and more popular as a day of quality Bible teaching and inspiration for men of all ages (last year, 325 men attended).

This year’s Forge promises to be another day of teaching not to be missed. The main speaker will be Dr Gary Millar, who will deliver three addresses on Song of Songs with the intriguing title ‘Sex, romance and the glory of God’. Gary, currently the Principal of Queensland Theological College, comes originally from Northern Ireland and is a respected international speaker. He is married with a young family.

He writes: ‘Despite sex being used to sell everything from shampoo to cars, it’s not often that Christians have honest and helpful discussions about it.’ Gary will deal openly and honestly with what is a raw issue for many men. Whether married or single, you will find these talks helpful. He will be backed up by experienced Christian psychologist Dr Jon Andrews, who will speak on addictions men struggle with and how to avoid them.

If you are interested in attending Forge , it’s essential to register beforehand. All registrations are processed on the Forge website. The program runs 9.00am−3.00pm (with morning tea and lunch provided). Group discounts are available. For further information, visit www.qcca.org.au.

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On 6 June, one of our ethnic churches, Matu Christian Church, held a prayer and fasting day from 8.00 am to 3.00 pm. Church people gathered to pray and fast and intercede before the Lord for Queensland and for other needs.

Along with the need for revival in Queensland and Australia, they also prayed for: Australian governments and leaders, Baptists unions around Australia, missionaries, pastors and evangelists around the world, prisoners for the Gospel and refugees, widows, orphans schools kids, disabled and sick people everywhere, and for the Matu church, their future and God’s provision of a church building. Members of Matu church trust that this will now be an annual prayer event.

QB Prayer Week 2013

Our growing heart for prayer This year, we have witnessed a growing heart for prayer in individuals, churches and corporately as an association of churches. There have been many stories of special times and seasons of prayer being held in churches throughout the year. There is a growing sense of our dependence on, and need of, God to move in his church and in our community.

The idea of focusing on Queensland Day on June 6 as a time to pray for our state seems to have struck a chord with many. There was much prayer, and the reports from 11 of the areas which held special prayer meetings on and around June 6 indicate that at least 50 churches came together to pray and more than 600 people participated.

There was great creativity and diversity in each meeting, but the heart for prayer was common throughout. One of the outstanding aspects mentioned by many was the great sense of unity amongst fellow believers from different churches. This sense of cooperation was led by many of our pastors and the result was a strong kingdom focus as groups prayed for the ongoing sharing of the good news of Jesus in our community.

Perhaps the real impact of the gatherings can be summed up by those

who participated. Here are some comments from those involved in leading the prayer meetings: ‘The night was great. In fact, I think there was a sentiment across the gathering of 11 churches and about 250 people that we were in need of God to do something in our churches and communities. The sense of unity and working together for a common cause was evident. At our church, we saw people that I hadn’t seen for years just show up the next Sunday, and another person I led to Christ when he was 16, recommit his life to Christ now at 40’ (Dave Paroz, Senior Pastor, Connect Baptist Church on the Brisbane’s northside).

‘It was a powerful night where people from eight churches united to cry out to God for revival in our land. I was especially moved to see over 100 people bringing the names of loved ones to call out to God to work his grace in their lives. We finished the night standing before God together, praying for each church, that God would pour out his Spirit powerfully. All up, it was a wonderful night in prayer’ (Tim Sweetman, Senior Pastor, Ashgrove Baptist Church).

‘There’s such power in being together in unity to call on God for the move of his Spirit, in our day, that we long to see. It’s

such a privilege to pray. We were blessed as we prayed together for revival among our churches, our neighbourhoods, our state, our young people, our indigenous brothers and sisters, our refugee and migrant communities, and of course, in our own hearts’ (Helen Bates Associate Pastor, Gateway Baptist Church, where about 150 people from the Bayside churches came together to pray).

Prayer does not need to be an organised thing. It can be a welling up in us, as individuals and corporately, of our need to be dependent on God. There have been many who have asked how we can continue to build on this heart for prayer. Much of this will be spontaneous and arise in people’s hearts. Churches will continue to give a priority to seasons of prayer as they seek the Lord’s direction and leading.

There may also be a growing desire for churches to join together in prayer across our state. The challenge is not to restrict praying to an organised program but allow prayer to become the very heart of our relationship with God, and the thing that joins us together as a movement.

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

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Baptisms Please pray for those baptised recently in all our churches around Queensland, including: Coral Coast Neil Paton Dalby Joan Johnson Anthony Skerman Gateway (baptisms this year) Stephanie Black Drico de Bruin Violet Burgin Harriet Crouch Jahnai Eloheeka Hossein Ghodsi Andrew Gore Lyndall Hicks Polina Kants Mathew Kreis Davis Llies Stephen Logan Geoff McKeich Phillip Murray

Gateway (cont) Elska Olson Kate Petersen Michael Petersen Loretta Sawyer Susan Warnes

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Ipswich James Bird Darcy Kilmartin Zac McCann Doreen Millington Edward Wright Peter Zimmerman Leichhardt Toby Petrie Charles Stewart

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Moore Park Sam Butler Ben Surgeoner

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Milestones

125

years of Baptists in Townsville

When reading about the early church in the book of Acts, we learn about ordinary faithful believers who reached out to share their faith, gave generously to alleviate poverty, and trained and sent out others to start new churches. These are not just church history stories written two thousand years ago; these are stories which are still being written today.

On 16 June 2013, Northreach Baptist Church celebrated 125 years of

Baptists in Townsville. This story began on 27 January 1888 when a few Baptist friends met in Townsville and a church of 11 members was formed. The first service was held two days later.

Just like the church described in Acts, God has grown the Baptist church in Townsville as it reaches out to share the gospel, provides assistance to those in need, and trains and sends people out to reach Townsville and beyond.

Clayfield Baptist Church 125th Anniversary Celebration You are invited to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Clayfield Baptist Church with us on Saturday 17th August Afternoon tea begins at 3pm, followed by formalities at 5pm and a fully-catered dinner from 6pm If you plan to attend the dinner, you need to RSVP to Louise at pl.lloyd@usa.net or on 0439 755 674 by Wednesday 14th August We’d love to see you there!

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

Hebrews 13:8

By 1966, there were three Baptist churches meeting across Townsville.

On 1 March 1979, after much prayer, the church membership combined and the name Townsville District Baptist Church was chosen as the name for the continuing witness of God through Baptists in Townsville.

Reaching out into the community continued to be at the forefront of the combined church’s mission. In 1985, the church opened North Queensland College of Ministries, now Northreach Bible College, to equip people for ministry—locally and overseas. One of the college’s students, Ron Turner, was called in 2003 to lead a new church plant in Townsville’s Northern Beaches—now properly constituted as Northern Beaches Connections.

In 2011, the church changed its name to Northreach Baptist Church with the enduring mission of Following Jesus, Reaching People. This change reflected the church’s mission of reaching people in the north, in both North Queensland and the nations to the north.

The church’s commitment to its local community is seen through its provision of clothing, furniture, white goods, food hampers, low

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Milestones

Church@TheGabba

Townsville Baptist

cost housing and a variety of kids’ programs for those in need, and since 2006 the church has employed a community worker. The faithful service of the community worker and many volunteers paved the way for planting Northreach Upper Ross in 2011 in an area where many people have benefited from these services.

God has grown this church in faith and number. The church is about to fulfil the five-year vision it set in 2008 of planting two diverse churches within Townsville. In mid-July, Northreach Fairfield (Idalia) will commence services in a growing part of the city.

Northreach also has a strong commitment to migrants living in Townsville, many of whom are refugees. God’s love is displayed through English language classes and assistance with accommodation, medical care and other challenges associated with settling into a new country. Opportunities to share the gospel with those in Townsville also arise through various other ministries including a fishing club, a craft group, programs tailored to different age groups, the Introducing God course, and a counselling service.

It is not just the local community that Northreach is impacting. Graduates of the Bible college and other members of the church are also ministering

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to people throughout Australia and around the world. As part of its 2008 vision, Northreach set a goal to send three missionaries overseas by 2013.

During the last five years, one church member has moved to South East Asia to plant churches, and another two are at Bible college preparing for long term mission in the Silk Road area.

And so the story of God working through Baptists in Townsville continues. Just as ‘more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to [the church’s] number’ (Acts 5:14) through the faithful witness of the early church, it is Northreach’s prayer that God will continue to use them to grow his church.

New location ... new name ... new era Church@TheGabba is a new name for a church with a long and fruitful history.

In 1874, a Baptist church was established on land in Vulture Street at South Brisbane, overlooking the Brisbane River. In its many years of

continuous ministry since, this church has had a number of name changes, most recently being known as SOUTH BANK BAPTIST CHURCH. Now, in 2013, the church not only changes its name (to Church@ TheGabba), but also its location, moving a short distance into a large property in a very high profile position directly opposite world-famous stadium, The Gabba. This new position allows the church to continue to build on the wonderful legacy of faith and service of the past, and the bigger and better facilities will provide new and exciting opportunities to work with others in serving our community, our city and our world.

Of course, this exciting development has not just happened overnight ... it has been the culmination of a journey of some years. Entering into the new millennium, South Brisbane Baptist Church had seen better days.

A combination of a faithful, but ageing, congregation, a community transforming into high-rise apartments with limited accessibility, and ageing buildings and difficult property issues did not add up to a promising ministry future.

However, when Rev Kerry Connell returned to Brisbane to manage Malyon College, he became a part of

Church@TheGabba

the ministry of the church and began to envision a new potential and future, which was enthusiastically supported by the church leaders and members.

The location of the church saw it ideally positioned to develop a ministry focus with international students and for the property to be developed in such a way as to maximise ministry potential and to provide a firm financial future by converting the high land value into income for ministry. With this in mind, the church called Rev Ian Jones to pastor the church and develop this new ministry/mission direction.

Kerry Connell, with his engineering background, was committed to seeing the church property developed to provide a new ministry facility as well as student accommodation and office space for lease.

Over the following few years, the ministry of the church grew with very effective outreach and activities for international students. (These ministry activities have now touched almost 2,000 students from over 30 different countries.) Between 2003 and 2012 the church approved a number of proposals to redevelop the existing property in a way consistent with its vision, but each time something stopped the ultimate fulfilment of that promise. Eventually the effects of the global financial crisis meant that the possibility of a redevelopment became a less and less feasible option.

Still, the Lord was at work and, through a process of circumstances starting about 18 months ago, the seed was sown to relocate rather than to develop the existing church property. As the church leadership prayerfully considered this new option, there were several criteria to be met before proceeding: a cash

sale of existing property; a suitable facility in the same historic parish area; increased opportunities for ministry and outreach; prospects of supporting cash-flow; proximity to public transport; good profile and position; potential for future development, and so on.

The church leadership inspected many properties, but none of these ‘ticked the boxes’. Then a large, multibuilding complex advertised online looked promising, and when Ian and Kerry inspected the property, they were immediately impressed with the potential and shared their excitement with the rest of the leadership team and then with the church family.

Over the weeks that followed, all the pieces fell into place and the church purchased the property, which is in an incredible position with highvisibility—a corner complex with a three-street frontage. The church, now called Church@TheGabba, has offices, meeting rooms and worship centre at 859 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba (with parking in Trafalgar Street).

A large area of offices and meeting rooms is also being set aside as a hub for other Christian ministries and missions. The church has been amply blessed by God with the provision of an incredible property that far exceeds its needs. Consequently, the church has a desire to see the new property become a ministry community with local and global impact.

Now that the major church space renovations have been completed, establishing The Hub Christian Ministry Centre is the next major focus. The church is very keen to hear from any Christian ministry or mission organisations looking to rent office

Maryborough Baptist Church celebrates 130 years!

Saturday 19 October 2013 2.00pm Thanksgiving Celebration 3.00pm Afternoon Tea 3.30pm Family Activities 5.30pm for 6.00pm Dinner Sunday 20 October 2013 9.00 am Morning Celebration (followed by light lunch) At the church, 168 Fort St Maryborough RSVP: 6/10/13 smberry3@bigpond.com ph: 0408 734 068, mail to 168 Fort St Maryborough.

space and great facilities and keen to be a part of a ministry community.

It has been a difficult journey of some years with many twists and turns along the way, but the church is now rejoicing in the faithfulness of the Lord and His provision of a wonderful new property that will be a base for new ministry and mission opportunities for years to come. An official opening will be held on Sunday, August 18 with a special service that will give thanks for a new location, a new name, and a new era of ministry.

Church@TheGabba ... Loving GOD ...

Loving LIFE ... Loving PEOPLE

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Milestones You are invited to our ‘Launch Service’ on 13 October 2013, where you, too, can be part of the new beginnings of Cannon Hill Baptist Church.

The best is yet to come!

Many with long-term involvement in Baptist churches around Queensland will remember a vibrant and charismatic church to the south of Brisbane called Cannon Hill Baptist Church. There have been a number of challenges, changes and circumstances over the years that have reduced this congregation to a faithful, spirit-filled, but ageing few. Despite many efforts to attract younger people, the average age of attendees remained 65 plus, and the future looked very bleak. Yet there was an underlying belief that God was saying that the best years were still to come, so the Cannon Hill congregation stepped out in faith to see where God was leading them.

After much prayer, discussion and planning, an agreement was formed between Birkdale Baptist Church and Cannon Hill Baptist Church. Based on the campus style of churches, it was proposed that the churches would enter into a partnership; one church operating at two campuses, each sharing the resources God has blessed them with and each eager to see how

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God will use them to impact their local communities for Christ.

When the congregations gathered to vote, there was overwhelming support for this proposal. As a result, we gathered as one at Cannon Hill on the evening of the June 2. The atmosphere in the old auditorium was, once again, electric, as people filled the building and overflowed into the adjacent hall! Our hearts united in singing praises to our God, who led us to this point, and his presence was palpable. It was so humbling and incredible to hear the continual chorus of ‘hallelujah’, ‘praise God’ and ‘amen’ that flowed from those who recognised that this was a new beginning.

We are excited about what God has planned for the Cannon Hill campus.

We invite every person who reads this to be praying for us. You are also invited to our ‘Launch Service’ on 13 October 2013, where you, too, can be part of the new beginnings of Cannon Hill Baptist Church. If you have words of encouragement or would like more information, please contact Pastor Charlie Harrison, email charlieharrison.pop@gmail.com, or sms/phone 0438 720 007.

Kids’ Club powers on Sunnybank District Baptist Church (SDBC) has celebrated the 20th anniversary of its Kids’ Club ministry.

Every winter school holidays, Kids’ Club takes over the church with themed decorations that transform the whole complex. Over 100 leaders attend a training seminar and volunteer their time to ensure up to 250 primary school-aged children hear the gospel

message and enjoy the week-long holiday program. This successful ministry started with a challenge from Rachel Hughes (nee Jones), then a university student. Her vision was realised in 1994 when 200 kids from the Runcorn and Sunnybank communities registered to attend. From humble beginnings, when the program was written by Rachel and others, and resources were scrounged and borrowed, to today, when the team uses Gospel Light’s user friendly VBS Program—God has been faithful and supplied every need.

Even though 20 years have passed, the purpose is the same: Kids’ Club is about sharing Christ. Every day, the Good News about Jesus is explained in a fun and engaging way through Bible stories and memory verses. The children sing songs, play games, create craft, share in a delicious morning tea and are taught gymnastics by coaches from the Robertson Gymnastics club. The daily drama segment utilises relatable and fun characters to reinforce the truths learned about God. Every day, the children are taught of God’s creation, the Fall, God’s love in sending Jesus, his death and resurrection and his gift of salvation.

Everyone is clearly shown how to become part of God’s forever family— and every year, praise God, many join!

The ministry’s longevity can be attributed to a bunch of ladies (who have been young longer!) who organise and oversee Kids’ Club, bringing a wealth of experience to ensure a program of a consistently high standard. A culture has been created where children who were participants return when they are older as leaders—it’s a self-sustaining organism that almost has a life of its own! The ladies remain ‘shadows’ while the young people run with it! So Kids’ Club is also about discovering, using and developing God’s gifts for ministry. It all comes together because SO MANY people use their gifts to serve, ensuring Kids’ Club runs like a well-oiled machine. The whole church family supports the program in practical ways, especially with donations of food, with their presence, and most importantly with their prayers.

God has been faithful and drawn many into his Kingdom through this ministry.

All praise and honour belongs to him.

Pictured top to bottom: Cannon Hill Baptist, Sunnybank District Baptist Church Kid’s Club.

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

Explore giving options at

www.qb.com.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

DISCOVER A DYNAMIC PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN YOUR PROFESSION & FAITH Choosing to study at CHC has given me the opportunity to grow my understanding and knowledge, strengthen my beliefs and reflect on what Godly leadership is all about. Perhaps there will never be a perfect time to start – but the journey is definitely worth the effort.” – Felicity

Extending God’s Kingdom series Everyone knows someone who needs Jesus as King It is a sobering reality that some, if not most, people who have been followers of Jesus for a long time have far more friends who are already followers of Jesus than not. Few have connections outside of church or the churched community.

Extending God’s Kingdom

This is understandable: when people first discover Jesus and make a conscious decision to be one of his followers, their networks are most likely to be made up of people outside the church family. As we grow and develop as disciples and begin to fellowship with other believers, it is only natural that the people we rub shoulders with, go out to coffee with, or have meaningful life experiences with are other believers. It doesn’t take very long before we notice that nearly all our friends and connections are followers of Jesus. How does this impact on our opportunity to share our faith?

In John 4 we read the well known story of the woman at the well. This woman had an ‘interesting’ past and a lonely present. She had been divorced multiple times and was now living with a man who was not her husband. It would be reasonable to conclude that she did not have a long list of friends. Her up-close encounter with Jesus caused an amazing response from this lady: she had to tell others about this incredible man she met at the well. As a result of her passion and inability to contain the experience, she not only tells others but directs them to Jesus, and we are told, ‘Many believed in him’ (v39).

If one unknown Samaritan woman could have such an impact in leading others to find and follow Jesus as King, maybe there is still hope and opportunity for each of us in 2013?

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So how do we begin?

Start by making a list of all the people you know and have some connection with. How many don’t know Jesus?

Most of us know someone who is not a follower of Jesus—a close relative, maybe a family member? What about workmates, neighbours and others we see on a regular basis?

To have an on-going impact on the lives of others, however, it’s desirable to bring new people into our circle of influence. The challenge for many churched folk is to know how to connect with new people. Younger generations do it naturally by being a part of sporting clubs, social clubs or other interest groups. While the type of group or activity might change with age, there is no reason why the same principle won’t work for everyone.

Ask, ‘What are my interest areas; what hobbies, outdoor activities or social gatherings provide opportunities to meet new friends?’

Almost certainly some of the new contacts will be people who don’t know Jesus. Meeting new people is the first step. Making Jesus King is a personal journey and may be the result of many people having an influence on that person. Your friendship might be the first link in a chain of connections towards Jesus, or their best opportunity.

If you’re looking for the next step beyond linking with a person or looking at ways to develop an existing relationship, look back over the February issue of The qb and read Steve Twible’s article about ‘Plus 4’.

If each of us has the same passion and desire to tell people about Jesus as the woman at the well, the outcome might be just the same: ‘Many believed in him.’

Col Peaker QB Regional Consultant col.peaker@qb.com.au

Extending God’s Kingdom series

From darkness to light Stewart Harris, pastor of the Rivers Baptist Church, recounts a story that captures the theme: people are rescued from the dominion of darkness to the Kingdom of the Son (Col 1:13).

Can I come to your church?

I strained to hear these faint words on my phone. I listened carefully and reassured the woman that she was very welcome. This was my first contact with Betty. A week or so later I met with Betty and her husband—a couple in their 70s. What made such a strong impact on me was that Betty hardly said a word; she sat quietly looking at the floor. After a few weeks of attending church, she asked if she could meet with me. As we met weekly over the next few months, the most horrific story emerged; a story that included cruel orphanages, sickness, betrayal, forced satanic involvement and several periods of horrendous sexual abuse. As Betty told me her story, there were times when I just wanted to tell her to stop because I could not deal with what I was hearing. How could someone

possibly survive this depth and extent of mental, emotional and physical trauma? My first impulse was to refer Betty to a good Christian counsellor or psychologist, but she wouldn’t go—she didn’t trust them, she trusted me. So with massive dependence on the Holy Spirit, guidance from experienced people, heaps of research and an indispensable team of pray-ers, we journey with Betty.

Just prior to Easter 2012, Betty was unwell and couldn’t attend church, but she managed to listen to the sermon on the church’s website. During my talk, I mentioned how the curtain in the temple was torn from top to bottom when Jesus was crucified on the cross.

When Betty heard these words, God graciously enabled her to see a beautiful golden light shining through the torn curtain, and at that moment she knew she would be safe and free in that light. The concept of light and darkness was more than a metaphor for Betty. She had experienced the blackest of darkness and the warm golden light of Jesus.

Through this journey, I’ve caught myself a few times saying things that seemed to belong to a past, more unsophisticated and superstitious time.

Are there really ‘powers of this dark

world’ at work (Eph 6:12)? When we leave the relative safety of ‘church world’ and venture out into the real world, we very quickly encounter the reality of evil and darkness. We do have a powerful enemy who attacks, obviously—through attitudes and actions that can be easily labelled evil, and more subtly—through attitudes and actions, like consumerism, that seep in without us noticing. People do live and cooperate with evil, but they are the people Jesus came for; the people God has empowered us to love.

On 18 November 2012, Betty was baptised; a day Betty describes as the only day she has been free from pain and fear. Betty continues to battle the darkness of the past with fierce determination. Will you pray for her and others like her, remembering the words of Jesus?

‘I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness’ ( John 12:46).

Stewart Harris Pastor, Rivers Baptist Church stewart@riversbaptist.com

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I believe children matter to Jesus.

I believe the faith journey of a child can be a valid lifetransforming experience.

I believe the local church must partner with families to nurture the faith of the next generation.

I believe children are a vital part of the QB family.

With these beliefs core to who I am, to walk the QB Kids’ journey has been nothing short of a privilege—a privilege to work alongside others who share my passion for children’s ministry, to watch doors open for ministry to children across our state.

Years before the QB Kids team was conceived, the ‘Julie Terrys’ and ‘Faith Giovases’ of Queensland Baptists had believed in and dreamed of a day when such a team would exist. The involvement of Julie and Faith in the Children’s Working Party along with David Tidey, Andy Coller, Ruth Peckman and me marked the beginning of the QB Kids team we celebrate today.

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In 2010, the QB Kids Team was born and we had front seats to watch that ‘young child’ take its first steps—so much effort, fraught with frustration and some hesitation. Yet the joy that is felt with achievement is tangible and seems to give just enough pleasure that, despite the obstacles, the child tries again. The steps the team took were small but significant—we had a growing awareness of the reason for our existence.

Our primary focus, to resource and support Queensland Baptist churches to minister to children and their families, began to stand with conviction. We were aware that the needs of churches are diverse and chose to partner with the Queensland Children’s Ministry Network to help resource children’s ministries in their local contexts. We knew one of our core roles was to be an advocate—raising awareness of the needs of children and their families.

Pictured: Karen Johns (back); June Lambourne, Ruth Peckman, Julie Terry (L-R middle); FaithGiovas and Jo Stotschek (L-R front)

QB kids & their families It was very much a one-step-at-a-time journey with everyone on team already being employed full time at their local churches but nevertheless rewarding when you looked back and saw the progress; our own QB Kids email address, website and database were all important steps towards where we are today.

In fact it didn’t seem like too long and we had picked up the pace significantly. The gap between when a child learns to walk and starts to run never seems long enough! We had Baptist representation on the IGNITE team and the Queensland Children’s Ministry Network. The QB Kids Team ran its own events: QB Kids Connect in 2011 and 2012. We supported Faith Giovas writing an on-line elective ‘Introduction to Church-Based Children’s Ministry’, which is currently being offered by Malyon as part of the Bachelor of Ministry and Master

QB Kids, working one day a week for Queensland Baptists. It is, for me, the culmination of an exciting journey.

As I watch this ‘young child’:

of Divinity Programs. We wrote an Action Plan for 2013-15 hoping for the day we would have a paid team leader role for QB Kids.

I am exceedingly grateful to my team, who have gone the distance and worked so faithfully—Faith Giovas, Julie Terry and Ruth Peckman— and also to Karen Johns and June Lambourne for their valuable contributions in the early years.

Today, I feel like a mother about to send her child off to school for the first time. Next time The qb is published there should be a new team leader for

I dream of a growing network of children’s workers, resourced and equipped to minister to children across our state.

I dream of children following Jesus in their churches, in their homes, in their schools.

I dream of families worshipping and serving together.

I dream that people like you will join QB Kids in this next step of the journey.

Jo Stotschek for the QB Kids Team www.qb.com.au/qb-kids

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QCCC

QCCC

Instagram

In the era of social media, we’re inundated with photos sharing the lives of family and friends. This month I’m going to share some written snapshots to demonstrate the breadth and importance of some of the activities in our QCCC family and across our sites.

A little girl A girl from a local State School has to go home in tears. We think it might be homesickness, but it turns out to be illness. The next day she’s recovered, so she returns. One of our staff walks the girl across the site to her activity group, where she opens up about her tragic home life and that she’d been upset the previous day at having to

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leave because camp was a place of love and respite. Camp proves to be a small bright spot in her life, though we know the chaplain at her school has a lot to do with her and will follow her up.

Ebony and Ivory Two school holiday camps are in.

One is the Scripture Union Mapleton Adventure Camp and the other a group of aboriginal children with Aunty Ruth Hegarty. Towards the end of the week, both groups are encouraged to mingle and sit together at meal times, and the noise levels in the dining room crescendo as new friendships are made and racial barriers come tumbling down. Camp concludes with a loud rendition of an indigenous hip-hop song of friendship.

Sanctified A large Christian College holds their ‘Sanctification Camp’ at Brookfield in the last week of Year 12—a chance to farewell students, many of whom have experienced 13 years of Christian education. Over the course of the week, 15 students respond to the gospel message, just weeks before they leave for schoolies, university and the wider world.

Retreat A large Catholic College is in at Tamborine for their Year 11 spiritual retreat. From the mountaintop, enjoying sweeping views over the home city and Moreton Bay, students huddle in groups of contemplation and prayer.

QCCC

Response Mapleton is hosting a program for gifted and talented students from the Sunshine Coast area. For one of the night programs, a local pastor’s wife and chaplain is invited to speak about her faith and spirituality. As the night goes on, four children respond to the gospel message.

Student Life Each year, university ministry Student Life Queensland holds their mid-year conference at Tamborine.

In 2013, the National Conference came to Tamborine. Hundreds of young adults are inspired by the teaching of John North from Ambassadors for Christ Australia.

The mountain rocks to the vibrancy of young adults learning and taking seriously their call to evangelism.

MOST For thirty years, the most gifted and talented music students in Queensland have auditioned for the privilege to attend the world-renowned Musically Outstanding Program (MOST). For two weeks, the bushy surrounds at Brookfield thrive to the sound of the best of the State’s high school talent.

Many MOST alumni speak of the transformational effect this fortnight has on their lives; living, eating and performing with the best.

Leaders on the Mary A clutch of canoes glide serenely down the oily rapids of the Mary River, framed by a soaring green canopy of trees overhead. Inside the crafts are 16 indigenous teenagers selected to be leaders in their communities. Over

several days they learn to tell their stories and are inspired by stories from their elders and QCCC’s outdoor education instructors. They paddle, by day, past frolicking endangered platypus and camp on the banks at night, smoke from their campfire curling up into the starry heavens.

Training the State Scripture Union Queensland places hundreds of chaplains into schools across the State. Each year QCCC venues host several Scripture Union chaplaincy events—inductions, training and training for camp leaders. QCCC sites have become an integral part of the experience of SU chaplains, equipping and empowering them as they minister to hundreds of thousands of youth in Queensland schools.

Carnival night It’s described as one of the most magical and mystical nights of the year.

Carnival night explodes in a riot of colour and sound at three Mapleton Adventure Camps each year. One hundred primary school kids (and lots of camp staff kids too) run around in a frenzy of games, earning coins that they blow on popcorn, candy floss and spend at tables which groan under the weight of toys for purchase. It’s just one of several highlights in the major school holiday program.

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

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OneDay

QB youth It was an incredible day that brought together young leaders from all over Queensland including Townsville, Tin Can Bay, Maryborough and Beerwah.

We had about 250 leaders during the day and almost 350 leaders from around the state at night. The response about how the day was needed, and how good it was, has been overwhelming. Many, many pastors and leaders are asking about the next event, and if they can bring other churches and larger teams next time.

The guest speakers were fantastic in their content and execution. JD from Hillsong was exceptional and the worship guys loved his content and the opportunity to ask questions about practical ministry issues. He also led a worship team, comprised of local musicians from QB churches, during the night rally. This was a real highlight and they also loved his insights and wisdom as they worked together.

Dan Lian’s great content, in his elective and at the night rally, was very practical, and effective and appropriate for any size or location of youth ministry. Mark Sayers and Sarah Deutcher were fantastic in their electives—very thought provoking and challenging as they journeyed through different topics together. Their insights into our culture/society and church were brilliant and incredibly current for the elective group.

The electives were recorded and are available www.qb.com.au/youth.

The QB Youth OneDay Conference held 13th July at Gateway Baptist was a real success!

A massive thank you goes to all those who helped out on the day and in the lead-up to conference. It was great working with youth pastors and leaders from around our state! Can’t wait till next year’s OneDay Conference!

Dave Morrow Team Leader, QB Youth dave.morrow@qb.com.au

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QB women

Mirror, mirror Once upon a time, there was a woman who looked in the mirror but could not see herself. She knew the mirror showed her hair, her nose, her eyes, her mouth, but it did not reflect her.

She looked in the mirror and frowned, displeased with her reflection.

Something had been lost. Something had been hidden. Her soul was missing in action.

In the mirror, what she saw was an ugly duckling; a misplaced creature swimming in the wrong waters. She could see the pieces of her face but they were spiritually fragmented, like

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an incomplete collage. Her beauty had been stolen. She knew in the deepest places where there are no words— only a knowing—that something was missing.

She turned away from the mirror, scolding herself for being silly. She gave up fairy tales with wearing pigtails.

She gave up mystery for a mortgage.

She let her dreams fly away like a kite with a broken string. Responsibility and reality had cut the strings. Secret visions of castles and kingdoms were shattered with broken hearts and the cold, sharp slap of rejection.

Long ago, she abandoned ‘happily ever after’ for ‘happy enough’. If she keeps busy enough, she will not miss her hidden self. Her days are a cycle of paying bills, making meals, washing clothes, returning phone calls.

Sometimes the cycle becomes a storm: a wayward child, an appointment with the specialist, a door slammed in anger.

At six o’clock each evening, she wants to close her eyes and cover her ears: another soldier is killed in somebody’s war-torn country, another earthquake destroys somebody’s home, and another man is arrested for abusing

QB women The purity of the moment takes her to a place beyond reason and proof. It takes her to the place of an unleashed spirit, untamed skies and rampant imaginings. For a fleeting moment she dares to believe: believe that stories of castles, glass slippers and ball gowns were not lost with her innocence and dreams; believe that there is rhyme and reason to the story of humanity; believe in once upon a time.

In this moment of belief she hears a silent voice from the heavens: ‘Dear woman, let me tell you a story; humanity’s story; your story. Rise up my darling! Come away with me my fair one!’ (Song of Songs 2:10). ‘Come away with me into the mirror of truth’.

So the woman steps into the mirror of the sky, like stepping into light, into the moment of belief, she soars and sinks into her ‘once upon a time’.

Once your soul lived in the castle of creation, where waterfalls were the tapestries adorning the throne room.

Once fields of flowers were your carpets, blossom trees your canopies, sun and stars your chandeliers, and oak trees were your pillars. Now you are a spiritual slum dweller, creating a shack from the wreckage as a home for your soul. somebody’s child. She puts dinner in the oven and goes out to the veranda.

She stares at the splendour of the sunset, the majesty of the stars—these remnants of Eden not destroyed in the crossfire—and cannot reconcile why the glories of the sky do not match the poverty in her soul.

Heaven whispers to the woman in the mirror: ‘You are Eden’s refugee.

Where once you lived in the palace of paradise, you are now exiled in a spiritual desert.’

The voice from the stars and sky continues to speak into her heart. ‘Now you must drink from the polluted waters of pride and pretence. Temporary pleasures tease you with memories of the rapturous tastes of Eden, where delights flowed out of the rivers of selfless love and God’s unbridled generosity. You can now only sip from the shallow puddles of tainted pleasures, disconnected from the flow of God’s love.

Memories of original glory and pure love have become the stuff of legends and childish fairy tales.’

The woman in the mirror listens intently to the story; its unravelling plot enables her to start piecing together the puzzle of her shattered soul.

(From Elissa’s new book, ‘Mirror, Mirror’, available at Koorong.)

Elissa Macpherson is part of the She is team. She has been a key note speaker at She is… conferences and camps, official confetti balloon popper, and part of the cheer squad for Queensland Baptist Women. To contact Elissa go to www.lavishpursuits.com.au.

Join Elissa and the rest of the ‘She is…

Light’ team to journey with the Light of the world, discovering new depths to his glory and grace and learning to bring his light into the world of our families and communities.

For just a moment, the sky is her mirror held at heaven. Peeking behind the curtain of pastel painted clouds, she sees what was missing. The sun’s last dance and evening’s first stars pirouetting across the sky say in vision what she lacks in words. Beauty calls her to hope. For a moment she allows herself to believe she was born for significance; born to belong; born for beauty.

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Malyon

Don’t miss our creative caption competition in this issue—Marcus Muller in full flight, playing bowls at Dalby.

Malyon’s ‘Week of E’ As part of their training, pastoral students at Malyon College are required to be involved in ‘Week of E’, i.e. a week of Equipping, Exposure and Evangelism.

In July, two teams were sent from the college; one to Dalby and the other to Bridgeman Downs on Brisbane’s northside. At each, the ministries of the church were outlined, and the students were given opportunities to be involved.

In Dalby, the team began the week by playing bowls with the bowling group and they visited the craft group, where they were amazed at the craftwork being produced. During the week, they also led Bible studies and participated in street evangelism. For many this was a first-time experience of this type of evangelism. They all expressed their great appreciation for country hospitality and the generosity of those who billeted them.

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The Bridgeman Team met with the pastors to learn about ‘Bridgey’s’ vision and were involved in the evangelism training. Members of the team led the music, gave testimony and preached at the 9.30 am Wednesday Service, where Warren Kercher clearly presented the message of the gospel.

The students were also involved in the school ministry, Market Day and the Saturday and Sunday Services. All sensed the joyful spirit in the church.

Both teams appreciated all those in the churches who went out of their way to make them feel welcome, encouraged and inspired in ministry.

Top left to bottom right: David Luthy leads worship at Bridgeman Downs, Mathew White shares his testimony at Bridgeman Downs, Warren Kercher preaches at Bridgeman Downs, Ben Cromwell plays bowls in Dalby, Geoff Eggins plays bowls at Dalby.

Persecution brief

Please pray!

EGYPT Protests reminiscent of the 2011 revolution that removed Hosni Mubarak from power took place, culminating 3 July in the ousting of Islamist President Mohammad Morsi.

Egyptian Christians have been among those calling for him to go. Since he took office a year ago, there has been an increase in violent attacks against them, and a growing number have been taken to court accused of ‘insulting Islam’.

There has been a dramatic rise in kidnappings targeting Christians, with girls and young women being the most vulnerable; hundreds have been abducted, forcibly converted to Islam and married against their will to their captors. The Islamist regime has not only failed to protect Christians but has even been complicit in some abuses against them. Christians have long suffered discrimination in Egypt, which traps many of them in extreme poverty, but their plight has deepened

as a result of the country’s faltering economy. This was already struggling at the time of the revolution and has since declined further, causing unemployment and inflation to rise.

Source: Barnabus Fund www.barnabusfund.org

NIGERIA In mid-May, President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in the states of Yobe, Borno and Adamawa following an attack by Islamist militants on police barracks in Bama in Borno state.

Members of the Boko Haram group are blamed for most of the violence, having being linked to the deaths of around 2,000 people since 2010.

A massive deployment of men and resources is aiming to assert the nation’s territorial integrity, since the militants cross frontiers virtually unchallenged. The President said that attacks on government buildings and

the killing of officials and other civilians amounted to a declaration of war.

Amnesty International has accused Boko Haram of committing widespread atrocities in the mainly Muslim north. The name Boko Haram means ‘Western education is forbidden’. They are fighting to overthrow the government and create an Islamic state. Rev. Ibrahim reports that ‘Although the Federal Government inaugurated a committee on amnesty for the Boko Haram sect, they kept killing Nigeria’s security forces. Hopefully, now that security forces are at war with the insurgents, the unnecessary killings of believers in that axis will be reduced. Thanks be to God that we celebrated the 2013 Democracy Day without a record of any blasts, courtesy of the quenching of Boko Haram insurgency by the Presidential declaration of the state of emergency.’

Source: www.passionforconverts.com

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QB archives

for India the following year, where he remained working in a wide range of activities until his death in 1834. It was from Kettering that William Knibb, who was inspired by Carey, went as a missionary to Jamaica, where he was credited with being influential in the liberation of slaves.

Baptist Missionary Society Medal

The man behind the name

time of his death at 80 years of age.

A biography of the life and work of Rev. William Moore is currently being prepared by a member of the Historical Society, and anyone who has information on Moore which may be of assistance is invited to contact Bill Hughes on 07-3256 8897 or 0409 915 685.

Moore was a fascinating man. He was a market gardener who left England and came to Brisbane in 1855 because he felt restricted in his religious freedom. He was a foundation member, deacon, trustee and assistant preacher in the first Brisbane Baptist church, and later established the Petrie Terrace and Rosalie churches. He was a tireless worker for his Lord and his name is connected with a number of churches in and around Brisbane, as well as in regional areas.

Centenaries recognised

The name Rev. William Moore (1826-1906) is frequently mentioned in the early history of Baptists in Queensland. For example, the history of the Toowoomba church says: ‘It was in 1875, however, that the church in Toowoomba became a reality, following a visit from Rev. W Moore.’

For many years he refused to accept any remuneration from his congregations and maintained himself and his large family by working as a market gardener, first in Milton and later in Indooroopilly, where he established the first public school and chaired the school board for several years. One of his sons, Dr William Moore, became a prominent surgeon in Melbourne, and another son was involved in local government (Moore Park was named after him).

He was active in the Baptist Association of Queensland from its founding years and was President of the Association (Union) in 1892-93; his work in the church continued up to the

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This year, 2013, is the celebration of 100 years of the work of Baptists as a national body in overseas crosscultural mission. Although each state had its own missionary work from the late 1800s, it was not until 1913 that they all came together to form an Australian body, now known as Global Interaction. To mark this important event, a centenary history of the mission is being prepared and is due to be launched soon. Already, preliminary drafts have received extremely positive reviews, so we are looking forward to seeing the completed book.

Meanwhile, the Baptist Church Archives Queensland has recently received a medal which was struck for the centenary of the original Baptist Missionary Society, associated with the famous name of William Carey.

We are very pleased to add this medal to our growing collection of items and to place it in our new display case. Carey’s interest in missions was inspired to a large extent by accounts of the travels of Captain James Cook.

Along with the medal came another featuring Carey’s church at Kettering, where the Baptist Missionary Society was founded in 1792. Carey sailed

Dilemma!

We published a photo of a ‘mystery’ church in The qb, (April) in the hope that someone would be able to recognise it. We appreciate the responses from readers, but we are now in a dilemma—each of the people who contacted us said it was a different church! So we would like to ask again: do you recognise this church?

L-R—Gordon Martin, David Parker & Lilias Martin

While in Scotland recently, David Parker caught up with Rev. Dr. Gordon Martin and his wife Lilias for dinner.

Gordon Martin was Vice Principal of the college (now Malyon) for nearly 10 years in the 1960s. He is in very good health, but Lilias suffers the after-effects of a stroke physically but is very alert mentally. They asked to be remembered to any friends here in Queensland.

The Baptist Church Archives, archives@qb.com.au Ph 07 3878 3178 07 3354 5642 07 3256 8897 The Baptist Archives, QB Centre, PO Box 6166 Mitchelton Q 4053

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BE LOVE SUNDAY! Get Involved on August 18 On Sunday August 18, Baptist churches across Australia will join together to pray, share and act on poverty and the effects it has on children. Be Love Sunday is a fantastic way to be engaged as a church in the fight to end poverty.

Last year Tineke Osten, from Narrabeen Baptist, was instrumental in bringing the national day of action and prayer to her church.

‘Every Christmas, my church commits the offering to Baptist World Aid, but we haven’t really been part of what used to be “SAO Sunday”’, Tineke said. ‘I approached my pastor and together we set up a child sponsorship booth at the back of the church and decorated the church with yellow balloons and posters.

The sermon was structured around the issue of poverty and real life stories were shared with the congregation about how children’s lives overseas had changed,

S IEGES GED W LO OK K NBAC HD C COL TEE F TO

B IV DACT

S OW IN N

thanks to committed sponsors. We also spent time praying for those affected by poverty and injustice.

‘After the service, I had so many people come up to thank me for bringing Be Love Sunday to our church. They were really encouraged to hear how God is moving in the lives of some of the poorest children around the world. They also loved the fact that Baptist churches around Australia had come together in unity on this day to pray and work together to help end poverty. At our church, more than 20 people became child sponsors and many more signed up to be involved in advocacy work. It was a great day and I encourage you to get involved when Be Love Sunday comes to your church this August!’ Tineke concluded.

Be Love Sunday is on August 18.

For more details, or to find out if your church is getting involved, please talk to your pastor or contact Baptist World Aid on 1300 789 991 or at www.baptistworldaid.org.au.

BWAA

Helping the whole village Losing a parent is hard. Losing a parent when you are just a young boy living in rural Zambia can mean the difference between life and death!

Alfred was only seven when his father died, leaving behind five children and a bereaved wife to cope as best they could. Within a short period of time, Alfred’s mother remarried and moved away, leaving the children in the care of their elderly grandmother.

‘I was only a young boy but I needed to become father to my two brothers and my two sisters. I needed to work to feed the family. I also wanted to make sure they went to school,’ Alfred said.

Alfred tried to provide for his siblings by farming his family’s allotted piece of land. He was keen to learn and tried to replicate the work of other farmers, from sowing crops to

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selling them at the local market. However, their techniques were old ways requiring costly fertilisers which Alfred could not access. With no one to teach him how to raise good crops, he was struggling to produce enough food—until his family came to the attention of Baptist World Aid’s local partner, RCZ. ‘RCZ run a conservation farming group,’ Alfred said. ‘Every week they help us. We meet and they teach us good farming techniques and teach us about putting nutrients back into the soil. I am in the savings group and I took out a loan to buy a pump. Now, my harvest is so good I can pay back the money I borrowed. With the money from my crops, my brothers and my sisters will go to school and will finish school, and my baby son will also go to school.

‘Now, my family has dreams. My brother wants to be a doctor and my sisters both want to be health teachers. My wife will also have good care from the local health facility when she has our baby.’

BWAA It might surprise you to learn that the improvements in Alfred’s situation were only possible due to the faithful support of a child sponsor here in Australia. Through child sponsorship, health and livelihood education programs are set up in villages with the intention of directly benefitting children. Who better to provide for children than their own parents and carers? Through agricultural training and income generation activities, parents can ensure their children receive an education and nutritious meals, and they have the means to care for their children if they get sick. Using this method of child-centred community development, entire villages are empowered to lift themselves out of poverty, and they become free to experience the fullness of life that God desires for every person.

When you sponsor a child, you are not just helping your one, sponsored child—you are helping whole villages! It means the child you sponsor is growing up in a healthy environment and a healthy community. Child Sponsorship is an incredibly powerful way to say to a child, their family, their whole community, ‘I believe in you. I believe

that through my prayers and financial support you will be empowered to lift yourself out of poverty once and for all!’

These days Alfred can’t wipe the smile off his face. His family are healthy and happy and his hard work is paying off. With crops to spare, he is able to make a small but viable income, selling vegetables at the market.

As one sponsored child wrote recently in a letter, ‘I thank God for the kindness of our sponsor, who is always part of my success. I hope that you will also be able to help other children so that they will be blessed like me!’

There are many other children and families around the world in desperate need of someone to walk alongside them prayerfully and financially. Will you commit to say, ‘I believe in you’ and take action today to become a child sponsor? For just $44 a month you can be love and end poverty for one child, their family and their whole community. Please, call Baptist World Aid today on 1300 789 991 or visit the website www.baptistworldaid.org.au.

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Global Interaction

Luke and Belle Harland are provisional candidates with Global Interaction, preparing to serve the ethnic Thai people. They share their journey of discerning God’s call to cross cultural work.

God’s hand from the beginning: Growing up, God had given both of us a sense of the diverse world we live in.

Belle lived in the Philippines for the first 20 years of her life and Luke wanted to be a missionary from age 14, having been inspired by stories of the mission field.

Short-term mission: We were part of two different short term mission teams with Bracken Ridge Baptist Church, serving HIV-

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affected orphans in northern and eastern Thailand. These short trips, while intended to help the Thai people, greatly transformed us too. Our eyes were opened to a different way of life, which showed how ours is not the only way to live. Being in a foreign environment, confronted by poverty, forced us to reflect on our own values and the way we follow Jesus. God’s Great Commission was activated in us in a fresh way.

having half English, half sign language conversations with the older kids, and loving the staff as well. One day, God appointed for us to encourage one of the boys who runs away when he is unhappy. While we were there to love and comfort him during that time, it also gave us an intense burden to see the brokenness of this boy, and the Thai people affected by HIV, healed.

God clearly spoke to us then about his call for us to serve the Thai youth.

Lightning bolt moment: It was no surprise, then, that we chose to spend our honeymoon in Thailand in April 2012, visiting those same children’s homes we had previously.

We spent time in Khon Kaen, mainly to see our sponsor child, Feeya, and to bless the children while they were on holidays. We spent nine days just dropping in to play games,

God’s guidance: On return to Australia, Belle attended a ladies’ retreat where God orchestrated opportunities to connect with mission agencies. At this point, we were considering moving to Thailand and volunteering at the children’s homes by ourselves, without any partners or supporters. We attended a Global Interaction discernment weekend facilitated by Young Adults’

Salt

The Queensland Plan Theology of Cultural Engagement in Action Consultant, Karen Haynes, where we learned more about how we hear God’s call. From there we had several meetings with the Global Interaction staff about possibilities of serving the Thai people as part of a Global Interaction team.

Discernment team: Advised to form a discernment team, we asked our mentors and pastors to meet with us and pray for a confirmation of God’s direction for us.

One of our mentors described us as like excited puppies with a bone when we began this process, but God has been teaching us the value of patience, preparation and seeking wisdom from those who have served before us.

We are currently halfway through Bible college studies at Malyon and it has been an immense blessing to delve into God’s word, his story and his plan for us.

Top Tips for Discerning God’s Call • Get exposed to people who do not have the hope of Jesus • Pray for God’s direction • Involve your pastors and leaders in your thinking • Discern with your spiritual community • Talk with the great guys at Global Interaction!

The Queensland Government wants to hear from us In March this year, the Queensland Government launched the Queensland Plan. This was with support from all members including ALP, LNP and Independent MPs. It is to be a forward-looking plan developed through a collaborative process involving community members, business and industry representatives, state and local government officers and Members of Parliament—of the people and for the people. It is a plan for our State for the next 30 years, and every Queenslander is invited to have a say by 30 August 2013.

This is a fabulous opportunity for our church groups to have input into the vision for our State. In Jeremiah 29:7, God instructs his people to ‘seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you’.

He goes on to say that ‘if it prospers, you too will prosper’. God wants us to seek the prosperity and peace of our community. To that end, I have developed some Bible study home group notes that can be used at a regular meeting, or for individual use.

I pray that your church home groups will be able to use these notes to search the scriptures and then engage with this Queensland Plan initiative.

The notes include the six questions posed in The Queensland Plan, along with appropriate Bible passages and notes to help us think through answers that will benefit our communities and faithfully bring the light of the gospel into them.

The Government is asking us to share our thoughts, dreams and vision for the next 30 years. This is a wonderful opportunity to ask God to reveal his purpose in your community: ‘Where there is no vision, the people perish’ (Proverbs 29:18).

Renowned New York theologian and pastor, Tim Keller, asks this question of the local church: ‘If you and your church were to disappear off the face of the earth tomorrow, would anyone in the unbelieving community around you notice you were gone? And if they did even notice, would they say “we are really glad they are gone” or “gee we’re going to miss them”’. Through the vehicle of this plan that the government is proposing, we have opportunity to bless our community with vision that only God can give.

The notes can be found at http:// www.acl.org.au/wp-content/ uploads/2013/07/QLDplanfinal3pagesEMAIL.pdf For more information visit http://queenslandplan.qld.gov.au Wendy Francis

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Ministry opportunity

Hard work brings joy Mission can mean different things as we think about our gifts and callings in the various contexts where God can use us. Earlier this year, Bridgeman Baptist Church called for volunteers to go to the Solomon Islands for two weeks to continue our long-established partnership of building and ministry in the Fera’abu Bible School community.

Sure, there were builders, plumbers, electricians and many handy people required, but we also needed a nurse, chef and people for various other ministry roles.

Thirty-eight people responded (26 building team, 12 ministry team) and for most it was a first-time experience in the Solomon Islands. Logistics and planning are essential for a trip to such a remote place where there is limited backup if materials and supplies don’t arrive. Apart from our team, we already had two people coordinating ‘on the ground’, and an advance team of six who concreted all the building posts in the ground ready for the building erection team. Make no mistake, this was a big project: a dormitory 23 m x 13 m with downstairs wet areas for six showers, toilets and vanities to be erected in about 10 working days.

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Our partnership with the local community meant that a week-long youth event was arranged with the East Kwara’ae Association. People trekked for five hours along narrow jungle tracks to be part of those daily meetings. Many paddled dugout canoes for hours as they travelled from coastal communities. While the day and night meetings were being held for youth, Pastor Brian Allbutt conducted evening sessions with local pastors where 15-25 would arrive to receive challenge, encouragement and teaching. Many of them also walked for hours to attend.

The week of meetings concluded with a celebration service at the Nafinua Church (some 600 people attended), where it was reported that 86 people rededicated themselves to Christ and there were 26 first time conversions. No wonder we danced, worshipped and praised God for hours that morning after Pastor David Twigg delivered a stirring message from Ephesians 3. It was so ‘new testament’, as people stood five deep around the

Ministry opportunity

Make no mistake, this was a big project: a dormitory 23 m x 13 m with downstairs wet areas for six showers, toilets and vanities to be erected in about 10 working days. building, and removed wooden louvres so they could see and participate in this very powerful movement of God. What a joy it was to be a part of that service!

After the first week, the ministry team was free to join the building team only to discover that we had five days to set out and erect another much-needed house for married students. Everyone got involved and we were able to use the skills of more tradies to get this extra job done. Most of the timber had been sourced locally and pre-arranged, in case we could just make a start. Praise God that despite very wet and difficult conditions, we erected the house and got the roof on, ready for the locals to finish. We also got the girls’ dormitory ready to occupy at the last minute, with doors and window fittings added almost as we left.

We were a diverse crew of teachers, nurses, university lecturers, engineers, tradies, students, retirees, pastors, contractors, bus drivers and many others who were all able to make valuable contributions. God just took what we had and, through a spirit of cooperation and willingness to do anything required, did marvelous things: we praise him for that. Will we be going back again? I am sure there will be many more projects and ministry opportunities in the Fera’abu community. The best thing is that anyone with reasonable health and fitness can be a part of mission today!

Brian Zeller worships with Bridgeman Baptist Church

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Sandra Jones Centre

Sandra Jones Centre

In April this year, Stan Solomon* and his wife Wendy took a team from Northreach Baptist Church (Townsville) to the opening of the Sandra Jones Centre in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. All team members, who knew the girls’ stories, were immediately emotionally trapped by the warmth and beauty of the children at the centre. The girls loved so freely, smiled readily and welcomed the team into their lives. Some of the Aussie visitors said that their lives will never be the same.

Wendy Solomon with her namesake Wendy

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Sandra Jones Centre

Young orphan, Sharon, wished her parents could see what was happening.

Surely they would do something to protect her. Soon after their death, she was sent to live with her uncle and aunt. At first she enjoyed the communal life in the townships, but soon her life would change forever.

Each night her uncle’s friends came to share their sadza and beans. It didn’t take long before Sharon was added to the menu. She suffered in shame and silence.

Samu with her baby

Sharon (SJC)

She was 13 years old when she arrived at the Sandra Jones Centre … at last she was safe! No longer did she have to listen to the drunken revelry and fear the steady stream of men coming through the door. She could go to bed at night and know that she would no longer be raped and abused. She was welcomed into a huge family of girls who understood her pain because many of them had endured what she had. Staff counselled her, and introduced her to the God who had sacrificed everything for her. Instead of prostitution, she was cared for and told daily that she was precious and loved for who she was.

One thousand children have come to the Sandra Jones Centre and have started living again. This unique place started taking in children in crisis in 2002. As the scourge of Aids swept through the country, children became vulnerable to abuse. Extreme poverty and lack of food meant that many children and babies were abandoned, or children were placed in families where sexual abuse occurred. Some were sold to pay off debts.

It is so easy to close our eyes and think that the needs of the world are too great. Many say that they do not

want to give to third world countries because they are not convinced that the money ‘gets to where it is supposed to go’. Australian and Member of the Order of Australia (AM) recipient, Debbie Brennocks, left her home in Brisbane in 1989 and is now the Director of the Sandra Jones Centre. Along with a team of amazing women, she struggles to keep this home open so that these children receive hope for a new future.

In 2010, she found a hotel that was a popular ‘drinking hole’ in its heyday.

With no money, or even a prospect of finding the money needed to purchase the Hotel Rio, she believed that God had set aside that place as the perfect home for these children. In September 2012, the hotel sign was removed and 65 children looked on in awe as they were taken into their new home.

Sharon was one of those girls.

The Sandra Jones Centre needs to find $300,000 to finish paying the debt to the previous owners of the hotel. Their motto is ‘Save the life of a child today and you change the world tomorrow’. If you would like to help Debbie and the team, Global Development Group offers tax exemption on all donations. For more information, please visit www. sandrajonescentre.org Morag Roy worships with Northreach Baptist Church’s recent church plant, Northreach Idalia. *Many readers of The qb will remember that Stan Solomon was General Superintendent of the Baptist Union of Queensland (Queensland Baptists) from 1990–1998.

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Being holy

Leviticus won’t let me forget I’m reading the Bible through, chronologically this time. I’ve just got to Leviticus: the shoal that’s wrecked a million Bible reading plans (at least, it did mine when I was a teenager).

Once again, as I read this hard part of God’s word, it seeps into my skin and reshapes my insides.

There’s something beautiful about Leviticus. Sometimes, like those 3D pictures, you have to blur your eyes to see it. As you persevere through the bewildering details (split hooves? a sore with white hairs in it? two materials woven into one?) you begin to sense the outlines: laws that protect life and relationships; laws that forbid detestable practices and depraved worship; laws that uphold justice and provide for the poor.

There’s also something terrifying about Leviticus. It opens with sacrifice upon sacrifice, described in brain-numbing detail. (As I read, I feel my mind glaze over. I pull my attention back to the page.) Blood must be shed, atonement made. For in the midst of his wayward people God has put up his tent, his palace. Infinite in size, the universe his footstool, he rules from a hidden, golden throne.

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To serve such a God comes at enormous cost. The disabled are excluded from the priesthood, those with discharges can’t enter God’s tent, and the diseased live outside the camp (Lev 13:1-15:33, 21:16-23). There is food that cannot be eaten, first-born and first-fruits set aside, the best of the herd given in offering (Lev 11:1-47, 22:17-25, 23:9-14, 27:26). Everything is affected: the shape of the year, mourning for the dead, a woman’s period (Lev 15:1-33, 19:28, 23:1-44).

Every moment repeats,

pure, clean, all the things we cannot and will never be [without Christ].

You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy. (Lev 19:2).

The gospel slips away from me, time after time. Leviticus won’t let me forget. Leviticus won’t let me forget.

Like a dark sky that makes the morning shine more brightly, it reminds me that the gospel means something; that this holy God can’t be approached by someone like me [without Jesus].

Who can live up to such a law? Who can live up to such a God? Who among us has never endangered or slandered his neighbour (Lev 19:16)? Who has never lied or stolen (Lev 19:11)?

Who has never sinned unintentionally, habitually, without even noticing (Lev 4:1-6:7)? Who doesn’t put her own needs before others (Lev 19:18)? Who doesn’t allow what he loves to steal his heart from God (Lev 19:4)?

Repetitive, relentless, Leviticus drives the point home: God is holy, made of different stuff from us. To be his people, we must be holy, set apart,

It’s easy to forget the gospel. We’re told to be gospel-minded and gospelhearted, but it slips away from me, time after time. I feel secure because I’m not doing a bad job of things today.

I slide into despair because I can’t live up to the pathetic standards I set myself. I think of Jesus’ death, and it seems an irrelevance, a song once loved but now forgotten, wiped from my iTunes list.

There’s no hope that I could waltz into his presence. What’s in store is not a welcome but a fire (Lev 10:1-20).

Leviticus helps me to see. It’s scattered with stars, small pictures of the dawn.

When Jesus comes, he keeps every one of those pesky laws. He touches those who are unclean and—how this should surprise us!—they become

Being holy

You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy. (Lev 19:2).

clean (Matthew 8:1-4 cf. Lev 5:2-3).

He carries the sacrifice of himself and walks boldly into God’s heavenly tent, where he offers priestly prayers for my forgiveness (Hebrews 7:23-28, 9:1110:25). He does what I can’t do, and I dare take it for granted, let my eyes glaze over, let it slip away.

all at once it feels like a miracle. I barely dare say it, even as I know I must say it.

For this—this passage into the throne room, this invitation to speak with God, this unchanging welcome—this is the privilege that Jesus won for me.

I’m half-way through Leviticus when I take a walk along the beach. Waves pound the shore after a storm, reminding me that the Creator of all this is holy, different beyond knowing.

To glance at him is to be incinerated by his glory. Even the smallest of sins keeps me from him, and sin runs through me like veins in a rock. I taste the word ‘Father’ on my tongue, and

1. This became clear to me as I was reading Leviticus chapters 18-20. The other references are from chapters 11, 13 and 19:19.

Jean Williams

Reprinted with permission. ‘Reading Leviticus’ first appeared in Matthias Media, The briefing, http:// matthiasmedia.com/briefing

You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, because they could not bear what was commanded: ‘If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.’ The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, ‘I am trembling with fear’.

But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel (Hebrews 12:18-24).

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Reviews Books DVDs Music

BOOK: Second Chances: More Stories Of Grace (Max Lucado) Price: $15.00 (at WORD) We humans are prone to failure.

We’re experts at muddying, mixing, and messing up our lives. Who among us hasn’t looked up from the bottom of a pit and realised they dug it themselves?

Who hasn’t fallen so far, messed up so badly that they thought there was no hope? And it’s at these low points that we crave reminders that there’s hope for the broken. No reminder is quite as poignant as a story of second chances—a story of grace in action. Who couldn’t use more stories of grace like this?

Filled with biblical, contemporary, and imaginative accounts of God’s grace in action pulled from Max’s previously published works, Second Chances includes tales of second chances for the rebellious, prideful, failure-prone, and more. From Peter to King David to a prodigal daughter, these stories will remind readers of the magnitude of the gospel of second chances.

COMPETITION! Go to www.crown.org.au and list the titles of all four free downloads in an email to qb@qb.com.au

Your correct answer could be chosen at random to receive a complimentary copy of the complete Crown Financial Ministries teaching package.

CLARIFICATION … In the June issue, Joy Ham’s book, Cameos of Joy, was featured in this section. If you have had difficulty contacting Joy, her email address is:

joyham1@bigpond.com

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Book: Taylor’s Gift Todd Storch Price: $14.99 (at WORD) In March 2010, 13 year-old Taylor Storch’s life was tragically cut short by a skiing accident, and her grieving family made the decision to donate her organs. Over the next two years, Tara and Todd Storch connected with four of the five people who now live because of Taylor’s gift. Now Tara and Todd share their inspiring story, shining a light at the end of the tunnel for those enduring the loss of a loved one. Through the stories of the donor recipients, readers will discover hope in the midst of pain.

DVD: Finances & Related Life Issues Foundations for Life (Crown Financial Ministries Australia) Price: $48.00 This is a new release by Crown Financial Ministries Australia featuring Australian presenters.

There are seven topics of seven minutes each and a ‘Why Budget?’ segment of 20 minutes. The DVD provides a choice of Bible teaching and practical application options to fit a range of time frames. This flexibility caters for Special Crown Groups, Youth Groups, Parachurch Groups, Christian Schools, Bible Colleges, Home Groups and Business Networking Groups.

The DVD is also part of the new Seven Session Bible Study comprising an easy-to-read book titled ‘Your Money Counts’ and a Group Study Guide. An easy-to-use Facilitator’s Study Guide completes the education package.

The teaching provides a great deal of Bible knowledge and understanding and the DVD presenters are to be commended for their passion and professionalism. With centrepieces of the teaching being the truth of God’s Word, the power of prayer and the convicting work of the Holy Spirit, the scene is set for people to experience a more intimate relationship with Jesus.

More information can be found at www.crown.org.au

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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.

Sukodu solutions to: QB Magazine, PO Box 6166 Mitchelton Qld 4053

Solution: 06/13

Two correct entries will be chosen to receive a $30 Word bookstore voucher. Don’t forget to include your full name and contact details.

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Hey Kids, Look for Lucy!

Congratulations! To all those who found Little Lucy hiding on page 46 (June issue).

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

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BRISBANE: Willara House offers permanent or casual accommodation to students and young working women in a safe, secure, Christian environment. Residents have a private room, meals provided and free internet access. The facility is managed by an onsite Supervisor appointed by the City Tabernacle Baptist Church. For further information visit our website: www.willarahouse.com.au.

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degree views. The complex sleeps 27-30 people in seven bedrooms and one dormitory and there are two kitchens, two lounge rooms, four bathrooms, a dining room and fireplace. Other amenities include a children’s play area and games room (pool and ping-pong tables) and a small meeting room/chapel.

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RELAX

knowing your money is safe and working hard for you, and at the same time, helping to support much needed local projects.

Simply deposit your savings and investments in BAPLink, the investment fund of the Baptist Union of Queensland.

BAPLink was set up to give people like you the opportunity to enjoy healthy interest returns, while creating a pool of funds from which Baptist churches and ministries can borrow to grow and serve their local communities.

BAPLink provides: • Competitive interest rates • Friendly service • No account keeping fees on savings and investments

Facilities available: • Internet access (for churches only) • Savings accounts at call and term • Partnership accounts - a new way of giving • Electronic transfers for churches • Cheque accounts for churches • Loans to churches and ministers Join the growing number of ‘Baptists making a difference’ by partnering with BAPLink.

For more information or an application form contact BAPLink: Building 1, Level 2, 53 Prospect Road, Gaythorne PO Box 6166, Mitchelton 4053 Phone: 3354 5611 or 1800 650 062 (outside Brisbane) Fax: 3354 5605 baplink@qb.com.au www.qb.com.au/baplink