The qb, The Voice of Queensland Baptists

The voice of Queensland Baptists February/March 2016

Time for action Prayerful ‌ fearless The adventure continues!

Print post approved ISSN: 100003837 The Queensland Baptist - first published in 1890.

This series Vol 14 Issue 1.

www.qb.org.au

QB MINISTRIES

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Investing in ministry (Baplink)

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Ignite (QB kids & their families)

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Campfire internship launched (QCCC)

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She is... chosen (QB Women)

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Wellbeing and welldoing (Carinity)

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Traversing the gap (Malyon)

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Baptism our ‘signature’ belief!

(QB archives)

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Let’s start the conversation (MTQ)

QB PARTNERS 36

Ending slavery (BWAA)

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...Three years later (Global Interaction)

ARTICLES

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Trust and obey

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The adventure continues!

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 ISSUE 05 06 08 09 13

Comment: David Loder Speaking out: John Sweetman Baptisms Around the regions KBCA

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About QB QB/SSEC Knowing God Series Prayer Called home

Our cover: Longreach, Qld—Baplink’s Elisha and Chelsea take a break from training church staff and visit the Qantas Founders Museum (see story P20).

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Persecution brief Reviews Fun zone Classifieds

FEB/MAR 2016 ::: QB.ORG.AU

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NEWS, VIEWS & ISSUES

The qb is a member of the Australasian Religious Press Association, published bi-monthly by Queensland Baptist Services Group in February, April, June, August, October and December.

Editor: Robynne Milne Design: Shell Graphix Print: Printcraft

FROM THE EDITOR As we launch in another yearly cycle of The qb, John Sweetman’s thoughts (Speaking out), about how to think about the blessings and rewards available to followers of Jesus, are encouraging and uplifting. Also, our QB Women have selected She is … chosen for this year’s theme, reminding us that ‘when God calls, he enables’.

This, too, is encouraging as we seek to serve and honour God in our daily lives.

Again this year, the period around Queensland Day (5–12 June) will be a time to focus on prayer in our churches. This year’s theme, prayerful … fearless, brings with it the desire that ‘God’s work, in and through Queensland Baptists, would bring blessing and revival to our communities as we commit ourselves to the Lord and his mission in prayer’ (Stewart Pieper). Please encourage

your church to be involved in this special time of praying together.

There’s a brief article introducing our QB Board and Regional Consultants and we commence our series of articles on the board’s theme in 2016: Knowing God—discipleship … time for action.

And don’t forget QB Convention 2016! All Queensland Baptists are very welcome to attend QB Leadership Day on Friday 8 April at QCCC, Mapleton. This is a free event, but we do need you to register for catering purposes.

I trust that this issue of The qb will bless you.

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

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FEB/MAR 2016 ::: QB.ORG.AU

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COMMENT

KNOWING GOD: DISCIPLESHIP ‘But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you’ (Matthew 6:33 HCSB).

The New Year can be a time of assessment and evaluation of the important things in life. We can endeavour to put the mistakes of last year behind us and see the coming twelve months as a clean start, and we can look forward with a determination to make the next 365 days more successful (whatever that means!) than the last. I see that social media can deliver a personal Bible verse for those who choose to avail themselves of it. I have no idea how it works, but it is possibly a sad reflection on our spirituality when we look to social media for guidance, rather than the Holy Spirit. What do you have in mind for 2016? What is your focus?

What guiding principles will you employ as you set course for the year?

What will you say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to? To what extent do you believe God will

be involved? By invitation? Not at all?

In charge, whether you want him to be, or not?

The Bible is very clear that the Creator of this world has not withdrawn from his creation and is still very much involved! Hence the command of Jesus to have the kingdom of God as our first priority (Matthew 6:33).

God is King, not as a figurehead but as Ruler. When he speaks, we obey.

No question. This is the essence of discipleship. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20) is to make disciples by going, baptising and teaching obedience to the commands of Jesus.

IMPORTANT HAPPENINGS REGIONS CHANGE

Some years ago, the QB Board approved increasing the regional consultants’ team from three to four.

We never quite achieved this, moving from three to 3.6. The training review, undertaken by the board, has indicated the need for an extra regional

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consultant, and so Warren Crank has recently commenced with us, lifting our total team to 4.6 regional consultants. Stephen Ball is focussing on the design and implementation of the training review, so there has been a ‘shuffle’ of churches and areas allocated to the regional consultants. More information appears elsewhere in this issue.

FOCUS

The Board focus on discipleship remains for the coming year. Area meetings for pastors will emphasise particular aspects of this. Our speaker for convention this year, Rev Dr Gary Nelson (from Canada), will continue to inspire and challenge us in this area of our lives.

FINALLY…

Already 2016 has lost the feel of newness and we are well settled into the year. Some people have lost their focus already! What about you? Now is a good time to set the course to ‘seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness’. I trust that 2016 will be all that you would want it to be—for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ!

David Loder General Superintendent Queensland Baptists gs@qb.com.au

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SPEAKING OUT

REWARDED FOR SERVICE?

(1 Corinthians 3:12-14). In his last letter, Paul reflected on his own faithful service and concluded, ‘Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day’ (2 Timothy 4:6-8). The hope of a future reward from Jesus is meant to keep us going when service becomes demanding and difficult.

But should we expect any reward now?

Initially, the idea of God blessing us for serving him appears to be out of keeping with the call to sacrificially follow Christ. Christians have no need to constantly look for rewards for the sacrifices we make. Reward (be it money, recognition, achievement, affirmation, pleasure or experiences) is not our driving motivation. We are not serving because of what we will get, but because of what Christ has done. It is enough to know that we are faithfully pleasing our Lord and blessing him.

There is a challenging little story that Jesus told (Luke 17:7-10) about a slave who worked all day in the fields, but still expected further work, not rest, when he returned home.

Jesus’ conclusion was, ‘So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty”’. As slaves, we serve because this is our calling. There is no expectation of reward.

So any strong emphasis on great earthly blessing that will come our way if we just trust in, and serve, God is actually twisting the gospel. It takes the focus off Christ and what he has done and is doing, and puts it on us and what we are doing. It changes our motive for service from our pleasing Jesus to Jesus blessing us. It tends to make Christ our servant more than FEB/MAR 2016 ::: QB.ORG.AU

our master. We need to be very careful about looking for reward.

But this cannot be the whole story, because in both the Gospels and Epistles there is a strong emphasis on reward for service. Much of this reward will come at the return of Christ.

Jesus often mentioned the reward that faithful servants will receive. For example, in teaching his disciples, Jesus explained that they should rejoice in persecution because ‘great is your reward in heaven’ (Luke 6:23).

Similarly, Paul challenged the Corinthian leaders to teach faithfully because ‘the Day’ would bring to light the quality of their work, and rewards would be distributed accordingly

Here is Jesus’ response to Peter’s claim to have left everything to follow him.

‘I tell you the truth,’ Jesus replied, ‘no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields— and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life’ (Mark 10:29-30).

In encouraging the Corinthians to be generous in their giving to the distressed Christians in Jerusalem, Paul describes what God does for those who generously plant seed (= give money).

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also

SPEAKING OUT

supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion (2 Corinthians 9:10-11).

It appears that both Jesus and Paul are emphasising that our blessing (reward) for sacrificial service isn’t confined to the future but, at least partly, occurs in the present. Of course, much of this

greater the reward. It’s easy to lose hope when there are no obvious immediate results from all our effort and sacrifices. Lack of hope has a deeply detrimental impact on our spiritual health. So the reality of personal future blessing from Jesus does need to pervade our thinking.

To be honest, I’m not exactly sure how to do this. We find it easiest when we are surrounded by suffering and are in deep pain ourselves. At these times, the reality of our future reward shines much brighter. But in the humdrum of our relatively comfortable Western lives and materialistic thinking, it’s easy to lose sight of the wonder of what God will do for us. Soaking in Scripture certainly helps us get God’s viewpoint, as does taking time to retreat to gain perspective. Perhaps it is a matter of taking some regular time to focus on the future and what it will hold; to anticipate our reward.

Second, we need to build reward into the rhythm of our lives.

reward will be in spiritual blessing (e.g. fruit of the Holy Spirit) in our lives, but the point is that we don’t have to wait until heaven for God’s reward to start. We are already getting a foretaste.

So what does all this mean for Christians?

First, we need to keep an eye on the reward to come from Christ.

If a future reward was important for Jesus (Hebrews 12:2) and Paul, it certainly is vital for us in the stresses, demands and many challenges of serving Christ. You will be rewarded, and it would seem that the more costly and humble the service, the

Last week, I helped build a ramp and set of stairs in our two-tiered back yard. It took three days of hard labour. But the satisfaction I feel, as I reflect daily over ‘my’ achievement, is immense. It is a reward for all my work and makes it worthwhile. This is also important in my spiritual service.

We do get rewards from God for our service now. For example, we receive words of encouragement. We are involved as people come to Jesus and become real disciples. We see ministries we are involved in have an impact. We live for God at work and get a chance to pray with a colleague.

I’m not talking about the general blessings that God showers on us, but the rewards for sacrificial service.

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But because of our understanding of grace (it’s God’s work, not ours), our commitment to humility and servanthood, our focus on the continuing challenges we face, our awareness of our deep flaws, and the fact that our work is never really finished anyway, we easily gloss over these rewards. We may not value them or celebrate them. We may not savour God’s present blessing for service.

Consequently, serving God begins to feel like one continual, demanding ordeal. Now that’s a recipe for disillusionment.

So we need to find ways to value and relish the rewards: the blessings from God here and now that are a small foretaste of what is to come. Maybe you could keep a record of the words of encouragement you receive and read them through each month. Maybe you could take an hour every three months to reflect on what God has done through your life. Maybe you need to plan a church party each year to celebrate what has been achieved through God’s power and the sacrificial service of the church family.

One church annually asks their people to reflect on what God has done in their lives and communities over the previous 12 months and, for their church anniversary, publishes their reflections in a book of thanks. Now there is a reward from God that the whole church can enjoy.

Christ’s gracious reward doesn’t drive our service, but it certainly is an important encouragement for us!

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

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BAPTISMS

BAPTISMS

conveyed directly by the Holy Spirit in response to the individual’s faith.

Baptism is the immersion of believers upon their repentance and profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

‘Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfil all righteousness.” Then John consented.

Praise God for the 784 believers in our Queensland Baptist churches who followed Jesus through the waters of baptism last year!

‘As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased”’ (Matthew 3:13-17).

‘Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the only two ceremonies given by Jesus Christ through Scripture to be observed by the church for all ages.

We call them “ordinances” as they have been ordained by Christ. We do not call them “sacraments” because they do not convey Christ’s salvation, which is

Baptism pictures the connecting of the believer with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection’ (excerpt from Queensland Baptists’ Statement of Belief ).

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FEB/MAR 2016 ::: QB.ORG.AU

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AROUND THE REGIONS

AROUND THE REGIONS

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their commitment to the Head of the Church – Jesus Christ and to the Body of Christ – the Church. David also acknowledged the many hardships and difficulties the leaders have faced, prior to coming to Australia and since they’ve arrived.

David noted: • We are delighted you are a part of our family!

• We want to share our lives together • We want to worship together • We want to minister together.

Then, drawing on Matthew 28:18-20, David emphasised the importance of making disciples, adding some thoughts about effective discipleship:

QB’s ethnic leaders share together After a very successful inaugural event in 2014, Queensland Baptists held a second QB Ethnic Leaders’ Appreciation Dinner on 1 November 2015. Attended by 50 people, the dinner was not just a time for Queensland Baptists to show their appreciation for the ministries of our ethnic leaders and their spouses, but also a wonderful time of fellowship for people from a variety of cultural backgrounds and experiences.

QB Regional Consultant for Multicultural ministries welcomed everyone to the dinner. Emil said that it is great to see how QB has a heart for Ethnic and Multicultural ministries. The number of our Ethnic churches is growing and it’s particularly wonderful to see how they integrate into the wider QB family.

More and more pastors and their families from Ethnic churches attend our conventions. Churches have started supporting their pastors. They

actively participate in prayer week, area gatherings and other ministries.

Some have started sending their information for inclusion in The qb.

It is also good to see how our Ethnic churches maintain great networks with their churches across Australia and overseas. And it is good to see the growing number of students, men and women, from Ethnic churches in our training institutions. I believe it is just the beginning and greater things will come.

1. A vibrant relationship with God is highly desirable 2. Discipleship enables this to happen 3. If we don’t plan discipleship, it won’t happen!

4. Everyone needs to be involved— either doing or receiving (discipling) 5. We need to have a structured approach (to discipleship).

David concluded, saying, ‘Can we help?’

Andrew Oyet, pastor at New Hope Baptist Church, which meets in the Westside Multicultural Baptist Church building at Inala, spoke on behalf of all ethnic leadership, expressing appreciation to Queensland Baptists for ongoing support and assistance to their various ministries.

QB General Superintendent, David Loder, spoke on behalf of Queensland Baptists, commencing by saying ‘Thank you!’ We appreciate you! David said that QB appreciates all that ethnic leaders are doing to build the kingdom of God, and especially acknowledged

Andrew Oyet

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AROUND THE REGIONS

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).

Sunday 6 December 2015: a weekend of three baptisms and two baby dedications conducted by the Tieri church family

Pieter Henning (QB Regional Consultant) writes: Tieri Community Baptist Church, situated in the central west coal fields of Queensland, recently bade farewell to Pastors Allen and Noela Collis, who have been ministering in that community. It is unfortunate that, due to the downturn in the mining industry, this community is experiencing a time when only a few families remain in the church. In light of these developments, and being only about an hour’s drive away, the pastor of Emerald Baptist Church, Rev. Steve Gellatly, has agreed to step in and help with pastoral oversight for the families in the Tieri church. Please remember to pray for Tieri, Pastors Steve and Deb, and the Emerald Baptist folk as they journey into this new phase together.

Weekend services will continue.

FEB/MAR 2016 ::: QB.ORG.AU

Cooktown Baptist Church, our farthest, most northern QB (MTQ) church, is comprised of a wonderful group of folk who are sincere in making a difference in their community, as well as supporting other international missions. Ron and Bethany Webber are currently overseeing most of the pastoral care;

Cooktown Sunday service, 22 November 2015

however, most of the church family are involved in the ministries of the church. While remote, they are a vibrant bunch, and are currently searching for a pastor to lead them, initially on a part-time basis, with the hope that the growth of Cooktown Baptist Church will necessitate this becoming a full-time role. While remote, there are good local schools and all the uniqueness of living in a small, remote community village.

Visitors come from all over Australia, and the world, to visit the town and a number frequent the Sunday services.

The church is also having a significant impact on the lives of the youth in the area, with an average of about 20–25 young people coming along on a Friday evening for a combined youth group ministry. A number of young people are coming to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ each year. Remember them in your prayers as they search for a new pastor.

During November 2015, Ken Conwell conducted a number of training sessions for pastors, church leaders, and ministry leaders around North Queensland. Training sessions were held at Cairns Baptist Church for the Far North Qld churches, at Northreach Baptist Church (Townsville) for North Qld, and at the

AROUND THE REGIONS

Cairns training session

Rockhampton Baptist Tabernacle for the Central Qld churches. Topics covered included matters related to child safety in our church ministries, as well as marriage celebrant training/ refresher training for our pastors.

The Perkins family (circa 1908)

Pioneers’ Dinner to celebrate 100 years of faithful ministry in Proston As they took up their land allocations and began new lives as farmers a century ago, there’s no doubt that the pioneering families moving into Speedwell, Proston, would have eaten many a meal cooked over an open fire.

These folk were not only rural pioneers, they were also pioneers in establishing a community of faith.

There was good participation with a lot of lively discussion in the sessions. Our thanks to the host churches and to all who attended. A special thanks to Ken for his excellent presentations.

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As QB’s Professional Standards & Insurance Officer, Ken Conwell has also conducted similar sessions at QB convention and in individual church settings. If you feel your church would benefit from training sessions related to child safety, such as Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse, please contact him, ph 0408 152 394 or ken.conwell@qb.org.au, to arrange a mutually suitable time. Ken is also available as a resource person, helping churches work through, and deal with, issues related to persons of concern, misconduct issues and complaints made against churches or individuals connected with churches.

Speedwell Church Opening (16 April 1916)

Initially, they would have met in ‘Natures Cathedral’, under the gum trees. Perhaps weather conditions would have seen them meet, at times, in sheds and homes, until, after three or four years, they were able to build a place of worship.

Have you or your family been part of the life and ministry of the Church at Speedwell over the last century?

Join us in celebrating how God has worked through these pioneers and those who have followed.

Share in our celebratory Pioneers’ Dinner, cooked in camp ovens over an open fire, Saturday evening, 16 April 2016, at the Proston Hall. Then, worship with us on Sunday morning 17 April in that same building that was dedicated to God’s service 100 years ago.

More details? Book for the Pioneers Dinner? Contact Church Secretary Ivan Sinclair (07) 4169 0020 or risincr8@westnet.com.au Proston is located approximately 260 kilometres north-west of Brisbane at the southern end of Wondai Shire.

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AROUND THE REGIONS to the church’s support program: a couple of these are really struggling because of lack of work, and are facing bankruptcy. Ken acknowledges the amazing practical and prayer support the church has received for this project from individuals and churches. Please continue to uphold those struggling through this heartbreaking time of drought!

For more information, contact Ken, 07 4658 3865 or ken.deeley614@gmail.com

Update!

Ken Deeley reports that Longreach has received some rain since the start of January, but only 90 mm. Good follow-up rains are still urgently needed before the end of March.

East of Longreach (e.g. Barcaldine,

Aramac) have received good rainfall, but west and north have received very little. A few graziers located about 70 km south of Longreach have brought a handful of cattle back to fatten them up on the limited grass available in their area. There are now 22 contractors signed up

Rick Kirkpatrick, 34 years as a BB leader at Annerley Baptist Church

Faithful service acknowledged Two Baptists have been honoured for their years of service to the Lord by being appointed Life Members of Boys’ Brigade Queensland. Jack Greenstreet (Keperra Baptist Church) and Rick Kirkpatrick (Annerley Baptist Church) have each spent their adult lives leading boys to Christ, helping them develop practical life-long skills and interests, and FEB/MAR 2016 ::: QB.ORG.AU

3 February: Ken adds: ‘I have an exciting update on Longreach. The town waterhole filled up overnight. This doesn’t mean we are out of drought, but it does mean the town water supply is secure. Praise God!

L-R: Jack Greenstreet is congratulated by Dave Allen (BB Qld President

mentoring young men in leadership roles in the church. Both men have maintained the motivation to disciple others in these roles which have seen them involved weekly in their respective churches. As well, the men have given countless hours of service fulfilling their regional and State-wide responsibilities. Accepting the honour, Rick Kirkpatrick said that he was just doing what the Lord had called him to do. ‘In 1967, as I returned from Sydney to Brisbane in

an Army convoy, the Lord spoke to me. I had intended to make a career of soldiering, but he said, “No, I want you to serve boys through Boys’ Brigade”. I didn’t even know what Boys’ Brigade was!’

Well done, good and faithful servants.

You have earned your crowns of rejoicing (1 Thessalonians 2: 19) and glory (1 Peter 5:2-4).

KBCA

DEEPER IN FAITH AND OVERFLOWING WITH THANKFULNESS The KBCA 10th Annual Conference and Bible Camp 2015 In December 2005, Karen people from Exalt the Lord Karen Baptist Church (ELKB), Sydney, and Westgate Karen Baptist Community Church (WKBCC), Victoria, met in Sydney and came to an agreement that Karen people of different churches in Australia should work together as a religious group. Then, in April 2006, the Karen church leaders of Perth, ELKB and WKBCC met together.

By December 2006, the first Karen Baptist Churches of Australia (KBCA) Bible Camp was hosted in Victoria.

From then on, KBCA annual Bible camp continued to be held from state to state each year in December. Zion Karen Baptist Church, Queensland, has hosted the Karen Baptist Churches of Australia (KBCA) Bible Camp twice—in 2010 and 2015. In 2015, KBCA camp, hosting over 400 people, was held at Camp Moogerah in South East Queensland.

During KBCA Bible camps, we not only have Bible studies and workshops, but also competitions such as Bible reading, band competitions, soccer, volleyball and solo, duet, quartet, double quartet singing competitions.

This year, because we camped on a lake, we were also blessed to have a canoeing competition.

In 2010, Rev Emil Rahimov from Queensland Baptists was our guest speaker during the opening ceremony.

In 2015, Queensland Baptists’ General Superintendent, David Loder was guest speaker. Most Karen Baptist Churches in Australia are linked to the Baptist Union in their state, except ELKB, who stands independently.

KBCA’s 10th Annual Camp ran from 29 December 2015 to 1 January 2016. The theme was Deeper in faith and overflowing with thankfulness (Colossians 2:6-7). People gathered from all over Australia, along with Karen people from overseas countries including Singapore, Thailand, America, New Zealand, Burma and Karen State.

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The camp’s program included Bible studies, lectures and workshops led by Burma, Thailand and Karen State guest speakers. The youth pastor and team from Croydon Hill Baptist Church, Victoria, taught the children. Due to the fact that Karen kids in Australia spend most of their time surrounded

by English speaking peers, having an Australian Sunday school teacher made communication easier.

Activities in the afternoons were led

by Karen youth from Singapore and included a canoe race for pastors from each church. This year’s conference was a big success. By the grace of God, the weather was perfect, the programs ran on time, no conflicts occurred, or any severe injuries. This year in December, KBCA bible camp will be held in Perth.

On behalf of Queensland Karen Baptist Churches, we’d like to say a big thank you to Queensland Baptists for continuous support through your prayers. God bless you all abundantly.

Pastor Sarblair Twayjaw Zion Karen Baptist Church (previously Logan City Karen). & KBCA Camp Director 2015

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ABOUT QB

MEET THE QB BOARD AND REGIONAL CONSULTANTS Clockwise from back: Warren Crank, Stewart Pieper, Stephen Ball, Pieter Henning, David Loder, Emil Rahimov, Col Peaker. Col concludes August 16.

From time to time in these pages, we refer to the work of the board of Queensland Baptists. Board members are elected by our Assembly (of Baptist churches) at the Annual General Meeting on Leadership Day. All listed are current board members—Richard Wray concludes in April. Thank you, Richard, for your service to Queensland Baptists. If you would like more information about our board members visit http:// www.qb.org.au/about/our-board/

QB Board members:

Ps Matt Anstey

Mrs Pam Condie

Dr Anne Klose

Mr Alistair Macpherson

Dr Neil Parker

Rev Brian Robertson

Rev Peter Sweetman (Chair)

Mr Richard Wray

Rev Dr David Loder

Mr Phillip McCallum

FEB/MAR 2016 ::: QB.ORG.AU

Ps Matt Anstey Mrs Pam Condie Dr Anne Klose Mr Alistair Macpherson Dr Neil Parker Ps Ben Pearson Rev Brian Robertson Rev Peter Sweetman (Chair) Mr Richard Wray Rev Dr David Loder Mr Phillip McCallum

Pastor, Kruger Parade Baptist Church South Pine Community Church Gateway Baptist Church The Grove Baptist Community Church Pastor, Toowoomba Community Baptist Church Pastor, Northern Beaches Connections Pastor, Coral Coast Christian Church Pastor, Bridgeman Baptist Community Church Bracken Ridge Baptist Church ex officio ex officio

Ps Ben Pearson

ABOUT QB

QB’s regional consultants work alongside churches and pastors in a variety of capacities, including assisting churches who are looking for pastors, conducting reviews, and encouraging networks. Currently, QB has six regional consultants.

Warren Crank commenced as our newest QB Regional Consultant on 1 February. Welcome Warren! Warren’s commencement will also bring about a re-distribution of areas and regional consultants, and there may be further changes due to Col Peaker retiring later in the year, and Stephen Ball completing the Training Review

Pieter Colin Henning Peaker North Qld

Warren Crank

Bundaberg Wide Bay/ Burnett

Brisbane North Caboolture/ Pine Sunshine Coast Intentional Brisbane City Training Brisbane West for RCs Brisbane East

implementation. We do not anticipate any changes to Pieter Henning’s Region. With the significant increase

Stewart Pieper

Emil Rahimov (0.6)

Brisbane Bayside Brisbane South Ipswich/West Moreton South West Suburbs Darling Downs Gold Coast

Ethnic Training (40+ Review churches & fellowships)

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Stephen Ball

in the number of Ethnic Churches, Emil Rahimov will focus on these churches.

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QB/SSEC

SOLOMON ISLANDS’ LEADERS AND PASTORS TO VISIT QUEENSLAND ‘There has been a long, significant relationship between Queensland Baptists and the South Seas Evangelical Church. In years past, QB people have served as missionaries in a variety of roles. In more recent years, there have been exchange of pastors for times of ministry, and work parties to SSEC that have contributed in special ways. This relationship has been a blessing, both to Queensland Baptists and the South Seas Evangelical Church! We look forward, with heightened anticipation, to another visiting team from SSEC. The blessing continues!’ (QB General Superintendent, David Loder).

‘SSEC values the partnership with Queensland Baptists and is excited about sending a team of regional superintendents and pastors to participate at QB Convention 2016, and also to minister in local churches.

We at SSEC continue to pray for a work of God in Queensland’ (Bishop Matthias Eddie).

FEB/MAR 2016 ::: QB.ORG.AU

Queensland Baptists are hosting a visit by leaders and pastors from our partners, the South Sea Evangelical Church (SSEC) from the Solomon Islands. This is part of the growing level of interaction between Queensland Baptists and SSEC which has been developing over the last five years.

A team of 12, made up of regional superintendents and pastors, will be visiting Queensland from 3 to 16 April. The purpose of the visit is to further extend the growing relationship between the pastors and churches of our two movements.

The team will be involved in QB Convention from 5 to 8 April. Many years ago, SSEC members were very influential in promoting prayer in Queensland. The SSEC team will lead the early morning prayer meetings at convention, as well as being involved in speaking and sharing in other parts of the event.

After convention, the group will break into teams of four to minister in local

Baptist churches from 9 to 13 April.

Thanks to Beenleigh, Coral Coast and Hosanna Logan churches for hosting teams.

Then, 14–15 April will be a special occasion for all of the visitors as Bundaberg Baptist Church hosts the whole team for a visit. SSEC recognise Bundaberg as the spiritual birthplace of a great movement of God amongst the people of the Solomon Islands. It was in Bundaberg that the ministry of Florence Young and others commenced as they reached out to the Island labourers, often brought to Queensland against their wills to work in the cane fields. The ministry initially started as a Sunday school, and people from the Solomon Islands became followers of Christ. When they returned to the Solomons they took the gospel with them. Today SSEC is a movement of some 700 churches and over 100,000 members, in a nation whose populations is just over half a million people.

A team of Queensland Baptist pastors led by Regional Consultant Col Peaker will make a return visit to be involved in ministry with the SSEC churches in the Solomon Islands.

KNOWING GOD

DISCIPLESHIP:

TIME FOR ACTION PART ONE

‘And Christ did die for all of us. He died so we would no longer live for ourselves, but for the one who died and was raised to life for us’ (2 Corinthians 5:15 CEV).

In business, the ‘bottom line’ refers to profit or loss. In the general run of life, it is really the essential or crucial factor of the matter being scrutinised.

Whilst in business money may be the ‘bottom line’, in other aspects of life, other things carry far more weight.

So when it comes to the Christian life and the church, what is the ‘bottom line’? For Queensland Baptists, the bottom line is clear. Our bottom line occurs in our theme, Queensland Baptists: following Jesus. ‘Follow me’ is a command given by Jesus which occurs in several places, including three times in Mark’s Gospel (1:17, 8:34 and 10:21).

An unfortunate aspect of the word ‘following’ is that it represents a continuum of thought. One is said to follow when they walk behind. Its meaning is enhanced when we say we follow a team or follow someone’s progress. By this we infer that we are more aware of the circumstances surrounding the object or person being followed. Of far greater

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we know, our knowledge is wasted.

The real problem with many people in the church is simply that. It is not that we don’t know enough; it is that we haven’t put into practice what we already know. A primary element in this changing process is prayer.

Never ‘just pray’ or ‘say a little prayer’.

When we pray, we are engaging in conversation with the Holy God Almighty. Always significant!

‘Never “just pray” or “say a little prayer”. When we pray, we are engaging in conversation with the Holy God Almighty. Always significant!’

intensity is the sense of following when we declare that we are intimately acquainted with, and model ourselves on, the person being followed. It is this last concept that Jesus had in mind when he commanded people to follow him. This command remains applicable today. Here are some ways that it applies to us in 2016.

To follow Jesus means that I will engage with his family. I will be a participant in family events. I will love, encourage and serve others. I will be responsible for them. I will treat them with respect, and be kind to them.

I will also be accountable to them, and look to them to be a part of the discipling process in my own life.

To follow Jesus means that I absorb myself in the Word of God. We believe the Bible is God’s Word to us. Whilst our QB Constitution states that we believe in ‘the Divine inspiration and supreme authority of the Old and New Testaments’, it needs to be more than something we give verbal assent to. We need to read it, study it, meditate on it, and memorise parts of it. We must not fall into the trap that was first set when the serpent spoke to Eve in the Garden of Eden, ‘Did God really say …?’ (Genesis 3:1). We live in a context where the teachings of the Church are coming under attack. However, our commitment to the Word of God must remain immovable.

To follow Jesus means that I will involve myself in the ‘family business’.

Mission and ministry go hand-inhand. Jesus set the example when he was quite young, declaring to Mary and Joseph, ‘Didn’t you know that I had to be in My Father’s house?’ (Luke 2:49 HCSB). The margin comment adds ‘or be involved in my Father’s interests (or things), or be among my Father’s people’. Later, Jesus was to say to his followers, ‘As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you’ (John 20:21 NLT). We are a sent people!

To follow Jesus means that I will align myself to the Word of God. Discipleship is a way of life that results in a changing life. We can listen to a sermon or read the Bible and have the best intentions for doing something about it, but unless we act on what

As followers of Jesus, we need to keep before us that ‘Christ did die for all of us. He died so we would no longer live for ourselves, but for the one who died and was raised to life for us’. This is true discipleship!

David Loder General Superintendent, Queensland Baptists gs@qb.org.au FEB/MAR 2016 ::: QB.ORG.AU

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PRAYER

PRAYERFUL… FEARLESS QB PRAYER FOCUS 2016 ‘Prayer does not equip us for the greater work, Prayer is the greater work’ (Oswald Chambers).

Maintaining a consistent personal and corporate prayer life should be a priority for every disciple of Jesus.

It is though prayer that we relate directly with God, discern his will and see it done! Over the last few years, Queensland Baptists have been called to a time of collective prayer to coincide with the week that we celebrate Queensland Day (6 June).

Last year, 126 QB churches facilitated 65 different prayer meetings involving around 1860 people!

While I am confident that God is moved more by faith than he is by numbers, corporate prayer allows for a dynamic that might otherwise be absent if we were to pray only as individuals. I would love to see as many Queensland Baptists as possible encounter God in significant ways in 2016.

Please set aside 5–12 June for the ‘Prayerful… fearless’ prayer focus and consider how you and your church can be involved. Our desire is that God’s work, in and through Queensland Baptists, would bring blessing and revival to our communities as we commit ourselves to the Lord and his mission in prayer.

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‘The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective’ (James 5:16b).

For more information, visit the QB events website, http://events.qb.org.au/ Stewart Pieper QB Regional Consultant Stewart.pieper@ qb.org.au

QUEENSLAND BAPTISTS’ LEADERSHIP DAY & CELEBRATION DINNER AT QCCC MAPLETON UPDATE! We’ve changed the program on LEADERSHIP DAY so that as many Queensland Baptists as possible can join us.

Visitors are welcome to attend all day (but only church delegates can vote during the business sessions).

Or, just come along for lunch and the afternoon program.

7.00 am Breakfast 8.00 am Registration 9.00 am Celebration – Worship, Thanksgiving &

Recognition Service (QB Ministry Team Leaders Sharing) Speaker: Gary Nelson 10.15 am Morning Tea 11.00 am QB Business Session 1.00 pm QB CELEBRATION LUNCH 2.30 pm State of the Union address (David Loder),

worship, prayer, communion, commissioning 4.00 pm Networking with drinks and nibbles

(QCCC front deck)

Special guest Dr Gary Nelson is a published author, dynamic speaker and recognised Christian leader in Canada and around the world. Gary is currently the President and Vice Chancellor of Tyndale University College and Seminary in Toronto. Previously, Gary served for 10 years as General Secretary of Canadian Baptist Ministries (CBM), the national and global working arm of Canadian Baptists. During those years, CBM experienced striking capacity growth, expanding the organisation’s global impact in the areas of leadership development, theological education, sustainable community development and the development of key educational resources for congregations across Canada. Gary will be joined by his wife, Carla.

QB LEADERSHIP DAY IS A FREE EVENT BUT WE NEED YOUR RSVP FOR CATERING. PLEASE REGISTER ONLINE OR PHONE 3354 5600

TIME FOR ACTION

8 APRIL 2016 KNOWING GOD: DISCIPLESHIP QB Leadership Day follows immediately after the QB Pastors’ & Spouses’ Retreat (5–7 April) REGISTER FOR QB LEADERSHIP DAY & CELEBRATION DINNER ONLINE AT http://events.qb.org.au

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BAPLINK

INVESTING IN MINISTRY Baplink is looking forward to an exciting 2016 as we continue to ‘branch out’.

In November 2015, after two very long years of hard work, Baplink implemented ‘Bapnet’, our new online transactional platform.

Bapnet replaces the old outdated system Domino and allows Baplink to move into an expanded range of transactional services for our churches and affiliate clients. We are so pleased to offer an easy platform for online transactions, and are glad that the churches are appreciating these additional services.

In 2015, we also commenced our branching out program. Over the coming months and years, Baplink will roll out our new products and services to the churches and affiliates across Queensland. We have been travelling across the state, seeking to connect and offer products to our churches that they want and need.

We will continue this engagement with churches throughout 2016 and beyond.

Our final trip last year was to Longreach Baptist Church, where Elisha and Chelsea implemented Xero and provided training to church leadership. We would love to send a big thankyou to Peter and Raeleen Whip for being such wonderful hosts!

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L-R: Elisha and Chelsea on the training trail

This year we have implemented a number of programs and services to expand our capabilities: • Bapnet • BPay • Promaster (credit card management) • Xero accounting program • Baplink Website (www.baplink. org.au).

These programs allow Baplink to do so much more for our churches and our pastors.

Xero is a cloud based accounting program that allows churches to quickly and easily stay up-to-date with their financials, reporting obligations and church management. It can be used anywhere on any device, allowing volunteers to work from home or elsewhere when they wish. We have been overwhelmed with positive feedback and the uptake of Xero across the QB network. To date, over 50 QB churches are now using Xero for their accounting and financial reporting, with more requesting implementations each week.

‘We have been overwhelmed with positive feedback and the uptake of Xero across the QB network. To date, over 50 QB churches are now using Xero for their accounting and financial reporting, with more requesting implementations each week.’

Baplink is so pleased to offer programs and services that release our churches to spend less time in the numbers, and more time in ministry. And, now that Bapnet is ‘live’, we are able to provide live bank feeds to all our Xero churches—allowing them to process their transactions when and where they want without waiting for any bank transaction uploads. This was a great achievement well managed by Colin and Chelsea—thank you for all your hard work!

Baplink is looking onwards and upwards as we continue to prepare more products and services, increasing our capacity to invest in ministry. Please come and see us at QB Convention 2016; we will launch our new products there!

Thank you to all our investors, churches and affiliates for your trust in us.

Robert Chapman Baplink Manager robert.chapman@baplink.org.au

Q CCC

QUEENSLAND CONFERENCE AND CAMPING CENTRES

DISCOVER QCCC TAMBORINE Situated in the beautiful Gold Coast Hinterland, we have 4 venues that would be perfect for hosting your next family camp, youth retreat or men’s and women’s getaways.

From delicious meals to comfortable accommodation, we have everything to provide your guests with a memorable experience.

For more information about Baplink’s services

Contact us now!

Phone: 1800 650 062 Email: baplink@baplink.org.au www.baplink.org.au

www.qccc.com.au bookings@tamborine.qccc.com.au 07 5545 1417

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QB KIDS & THEIR FAMILIES

IGNITE CHILDREN’S MINISTRY CONFERENCE & EXPO Imagine if there was one day at the start of the year where you could pick up excellent resources for your church’s kids’ club or Sunday School, be inspired by some of the best speakers in the country, pick up some practical teaching tips from 70 workshops on offer AND be entertained by some of our best performers?

FEB/MAR 2016 ::: QB.ORG.AU

Stop imagining! And don’t miss …

IGNITE Children’s Ministry Conference & EXPO Keynote speakers Beth Barnett and Bill Brown are both long-term Aussie ministry workers who understand the importance of ministry with children and families.

If you teach Religious Instruction in schools, a separate conference program has been created just for you. FIRED UP is an integral part of the day at IGNITE and provides training and inspiration for RI teachers.

Join with 1000 of your fellow workers from more than 20 different denominations to IGNITE your new year of ministry.

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QCCC

CAMPFIRE INTERNSHIP LAUNCHED There hasn’t been a camping internship available in Queensland until this year—QCCC has launched one in collaboration with several other QB ministries including Jisas Wantaim and The Training Collaborative. The Blackall Range, of which QCCC Mapleton is a part, has a place of great importance in our nation’s history. It is a region of abundance and hosted the regular Bunya Festival—a corroboree where skills were exchanged, conflicts resolved and stories told. The QCCC CAMPFIRE program is an attempt to resurrect the legacy of our continent’s original inhabitants within the context of outdoor education and recreation.

The program is an inseparable combination of Aboriginal story and

FEB/MAR 2016 ::: QB.ORG.AU

training in outdoor education and Christian discipleship.

After two years, the interns will have a Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation, another in Christian Studies, have completed several mission trips and gained lots of practical experience.

One of the fundamentals of this program is that we also want to ensure the interns can return to their home churches equipped to participate in their youth ministries, particularly with the expertise to run great outdoor education programs.

We hope to run the internship at both QCCC Mapleton and QCCC Tamborine in 2017. The application process for next year is already

open—if you would like a copy of the prospectus and application forms, or would like to pass them on to a potential candidate, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Camping’s Triple Mandate Rundle and Steffen’s book on Great Commission Companies argues that social transformation comes from the exercise of both the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20) and the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:36–40).

Mats Tunehag1 advocates a triple mandate of Christian witness through the introduction of the Creation Mandate (Genesis 1:28–30).

QCCC

Jim Collins2 suggests the concept of a ‘sweet spot’ for businesses, encouraging a ‘hedgehog concept’, that is focusing on activities within the confluence of passion, profitability and competency. When this sweet spot approach is applied to the triple mandate of Christian witness, it becomes clear that Christian camping can operate comfortably within the sweet spot created by their intersection.

Focusing exclusively on the proclamation aspects of the Great Commission can put a camping program into something of a ‘wheelwobble’. We’ve had to change our terminology around the commission mandate. Christian camping will not only ‘convert’ people. If we are going to work with the people most hostile to the gospel, we first need to ‘shift’ them from hostility and ignorance to a growing awareness of the splendour, goodness and mercy of God, at which point a process of conversion is more likely to occur.

The Great Commission references this shift mentality when it describes the process of discipleship, exhorting us to ‘go, baptise and teach’. Christian camping is able to ‘go’, to reach many sectors of society most hostile to the gospel and who are unlikely to interact with Christians regularly. As people are convinced of the gospel, they are converted to faith and are baptised and taught. This puts Christian camping as one of the ministries of the church operating at the frontiers of society most removed from the influence of more traditional methods.

Statistics quantify that one in two conversions are profoundly influenced by camping ministry. Camping still retains an important role in teaching— from the use of general revelation in outdoor education all the way through to the provision of retreats for senior pastors.

Within the totality of what Christian camping provides, it should be impossible to give greater weight to any one of the Christian mandates over another. The Great Commission mandate affirms the ability of camping to operate along all sectors of the Engel Scale3, but it’s essential to recognise that shifts of spiritual growth are greatly enhanced if we understand that an integral and equally important part of the process occurs when people are bought face to face with a loving Christian community, living their faith out for all to see (Great Commandment) and proclamation efforts initially commence within the context of general revelation (creation mandate).

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present with his people, appearing to them regularly, and spending time with them relationally. Second, he frequently spent his time teaching and instructing them (Luke 24:25–27, 45–49). Finally, through the act of Communion (30) and eating with them (Luke 24:42–43 & John 21:9– 14), he indicated the importance of fellowship and hospitality.

Extrapolating these shows how Jesus referenced the triple mandate. He was present with his people and creation, as he always has been, and as we know through the general revelation available to us through the creation mandate. His teaching referenced the commission mandate by enlightening his disciples, even so late in his ministry. Finally, through his fellowship and the importance of a shared meal, he powerfully referenced the importance of the Great Commandment.

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

1. http://www.matstunehag.com/about/ 2. http://www.jimcollins.com/ 3. Various versions available online

Peter outlined that during those last days of Jesus’ physical time on earth, there were three broad paradigms within which Jesus operated and provided his last instructions and impressions. The first is that he was

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QB WOMEN

Chosen…what does it mean to be chosen? To be chosen by God… his chosen people…to be chosen for a purpose…to be chosen for HIS purposes.

Do you look at what God is asking you to do, and say to yourself that you’re not ‘good’ enough or not ‘spiritual’ enough to be chosen for this task? Looking at it that way, are any of us really ‘good’ enough or ‘spiritual’ enough?

I’m really excited to announce that the theme for this year’s She is…

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conferences and camps is ‘chosen’.

What it means to be chosen by God, chosen for his purposes. To be chosen, in spite of our own fears and insecurities. To be chosen, in spite of our imperfections; to be chosen in our brokenness.

The Bible contains story after story where God uses people who are not ‘good’ enough or not ‘spiritual’ enough. God used Moses, in spite of all the excuses he made, to lead His people out of Egypt. Moses didn’t want to do it, didn’t feel like he was good enough. He wasn’t a good speaker, he

wasn’t qualified, it wasn’t his gifting, and he didn’t have enough education.

But God chose him anyway, regardless of the fact that Moses thought he couldn’t do it.

Rahab was a prostitute, and God chose her to hide the Israelite spies, which ultimately led to their victory in Jericho. This couldn’t have been an easy thing for her, protecting the spies by hiding them on her roof, and then having a good story ready with which to deceive the king’s agents.

Spiritually, Rahab was not in an ideal circumstance to come to faith in the

QB WOMEN

one true God—the God of Israel.

She was a citizen of a wicked city that was under God’s condemnation.

She had, however, heard the stories of the Israelites’ escape from Egypt, the crossing of the Red Sea, the wanderings in the wilderness, and their recent victory over the Amorites.

She learned enough to reach the saving conclusion: ‘For the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below’ (Joshua 2:11). It was this change of heart, this faith, and the actions that went along with it, that saved her, and her family.

God chose her, for his purpose, in spite of her past. She ended up marrying an Israelite from the tribe of Judah, having a son, Boaz, who was the husband of Ruth. Joseph, the father of Jesus, is her direct descendant God has a plan and purpose for our lives, and sometimes following that chosen path can be a scary thing.

But if it is God’s plan, he will give us what we need to fulfil it. There are times when God will call us to do the unexpected; the unknown. It might be something we have never done or even thought of before; it might be something we don’t want to do.

May. Mt Tamborine camp will be held 17–19 June, followed by our Sunshine Coast camp at Mapleton 5–7 of August, and we conclude with our Toowoomba conference 26–27 August.

We are looking forward to beautiful worship, lots of fun, and deep moments with God together, and we are pleased to announce that our speakers are: Charissa Steffens, former editor, Indulge Magazine and author of the blog She matters http://shematters.com.au (Biloela and Toowoomba).

Toni Rehrmann, National Director for Australian Baptist Women, Director of NT Baptist Women, and on the Pastoral team at Darwin Baptist Church (Mt Tamborine).

Elissa MacPherson, International speaker and author of the books ‘Beautiful’ and ‘Mirror, mirror’ (Far North Qld).

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Bronwen Healy, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Hope Foundation, a charity she launched in 2007 to help women who want to be free from addiction and/or the sex industry. Bronwen’s driving passion is to instil hope in every living soul, and to tell them they are ‘loved, valued and created with a purpose’ (Sunshine Coast).

We look forward, with expectation, to hear what God will say to us through these women, and through each other as we share our stories together. I can’t wait to see you at one (or more) of our events in 2016 as we explore what it means to be Chosen by God! Early Bird registrations open 1 March 2016. Register online at http://sheis.net.au Cathy Knechtli State Director Queensland Baptist Women director@sheis.net.au

When God calls, he enables. You may feel totally inadequate, not up to the task, you may feel that it’s an unreasonable expectation, or you may feel that someone else could do a far better job. But rest assured, if God has chosen you for this task, he will give you what you need to complete it for his glory.

This year we are holding two conferences and three camps around Queensland: we head to Biloela for our first conference, at Biloela Baptist Church 6–7 May, and then on to Quinola Lakes at Atherton in Far North Qld for our first camp 27–29

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CARINITY

L-R: Mosaic Baptist Church Pastor David Godfrey, Carinity’s James Woods, City of Gold Coast Mayor, Cr Tom Tate and Division 9 Councillor, Glenn Tozer.

Wellbeing and welldoing A $55-million integrated agedcare and retirement development at Mudgeeraba officially began construction on 19 January. The development consists of a state-ofthe-art 96-bed aged-care centre, 88 two- and three-bedroom retirement villas and 20 assisted-living units on the 31ha site in Mudgeeraba, enabling the tranquillity and privacy of semirural living within a short drive to city facilities and local beaches. Stage One of the project involves building a $21M contemporary residential aged-care complex due to open in mid-2017.

Cr Tate said the Carinity development was a positive step towards providing vital infrastructure for the city’s

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growing aging population, as well as new employment opportunities in the aged-care sector.

‘There are about 80,000 residents over the age of 65 on the Gold Coast, and that number is growing,’ he said. ‘City of Gold Coast supports seniors in many ways and it’s great to see another community project which adds to our enviable lifestyle.’

Business Development and Marketing Manager, James Woods said the new community was created around the concept of providing residents a lifestyle focused on wellbeing and welldoing.

‘There will be no shortage of activities to keep people healthy and socially connected. We have the Mosaic Baptist

Church next door and the Mudgeeraba Show Society across the road. Around the corner is the Gold Coast Heritage Museum and Heritage Centre which is home to many community groups including woodworkers, car enthusiasts and potters. These community links are critical to establishing a safe, positive and active lifestyle,’ James said.

‘Mudgeeraba is a wonderful retirement location known for its convenience and beauty. The Carinity site is nestled in the foothills of the Gold Coast Hinterland with exquisite natural features including a gentle elevation and breezes, easterly aspect and expansive views across a rural setting surrounded by native vegetation and extensive landscaping.

CARINITY

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‘The spacious site offers a relaxed atmosphere while incorporating a range of features such as activity walks and a community pavilion so residents can enjoy a socially active lifestyle with the peace of mind of knowing that help is at hand if needed. Wellbeing is central to what we offer and we are also looking at integrating a riding school so residents have a diverse range of activities to choose from.

‘The aged-care building also incorporates a café, activities areas and dining rooms as well as an advanced nurse call system and staff-to-resident communications, the ability to personalise air-conditioning, resident Wi-Fi internet access, an on-site commercial kitchen and laundry and advanced security systems. All resident rooms include an ensuite and are fully air-conditioned, while our retirement lifestyle units boast generous floor plans and sleek finishes connected through a community pavilion offering a range of services including a café and swimming pool. This is a place where people will feel they belong,’ James concluded.

Supercentenarian ‘depending on the Lord’ Evelyn Vigor celebrated her 100th birthday on 9 January and she is now the oldest living Queenslander and the fourth oldest living Australian.

She has outlived her parents, siblings and children. With 12 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and five greatgreat grandchildren, Evelyn celebrated with family members from across Australia including grandson Jason, who turned 40 on the same day.

Evelyn has lived through almost every technological breakthrough

of the 20th century including radio, commercial air travel, penicillin, television, home computers, the internet and mobile phones. She is a true-blooded Queenslander, born on a lucerne farm in Laidley, west of Brisbane. Born premature, she wasn’t expected to survive when the doctor wrapped her tiny body in cotton wool, placed her in a wooden box and told her parents to ‘hope for the best’.

While many centenarians and supercentenarians have shared their advice on how to live longer, Evelyn said she has no secret other than ‘depending on the Lord’ to carry her through. Despite her insistence on there being no specific reason for her long life, the caring team at Carinity Aged Care – Clifford (where Evelyn has resided since 2012) have speculated that it also has to do with her love of horses.

Carer Lynette Harbour said. ‘When she came here, she’d been living alone in Eagle Junction and decided at 104 it was time to retire.’

Evelyn’s gorgeous wedding photo sits alongside many other residents’ pictures on the wall at Carinity Clifford. She met her husband, James Edward Vigor, a Kingaroy dairy farmer, at the 1929 Ekka and married him two years later. They were married for 50 years until James’ death in 1981; they had three children.

Carinity is an outreach of Queensland Baptists info@carinity.org.au www.carinity.org.au

‘Evelyn told us she was a champion show jumper and was still riding into her mid-eighties,’ Carinity Lifestyle

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MALYON

TRAVERSING THE GAP

At Malyon, we are all about developing Christians of influence.

We believe Malyon College has been called by God to help do what he promised: ‘Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding’ (Jeremiah 3:15). We take this to mean that the college should be turning out graduates who— • care about others (shepherds) • love and serve God (who have a heart after God’s own heart), and • have a strong understanding of the Bible and ministry (knowledge and understanding).

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How do we do this? Well, some Christians will come to Malyon and complete a degree. But many won’t, and that’s where the Malyon Centres come in. Each centre has its own distinct area of focus, but the common goal is to assist Christians and churches to bridge the gap between the church and its surrounding community.

Malyon Traverse is the Malyon Centre for Bridging Church and Culture.

Dave Benson is the Director of Malyon Traverse, and here shares his thoughts about bridging church and culture in 2016.

HELPING YOU TRAVERSE CHURCH AND CULTURE IN 2016 Australia is a tough-going cultural landscape for Christians who want to live out their faith. While the influence of Christianity on Australian culture may have been reliable and

foundational in days gone by, this is no longer the case.

Christianity in Australia (and the western world more broadly) is struggling. Today, the average Australian is post-Christian in attitude—the influence of Christianity in setting cultural norms, influencing values and shaping culture has diminished greatly and there is a growing number of other belief systems rushing in to replace it. But most Australians are also pre-Christian in understanding—they don’t really understand who God is and what Christianity is all about. Add to this the fast pace of social and economic change in Australia and you have a cultural landscape that is seriously challenging for Christians who want to apply their faith to their everyday life.

So we need some help. We need reliable guides to help us get our bearings and map the territory. We need new words and new ways to reach our own culture. We must re-imagine the way our church ‘does mission’ to those living in the Australian cultural context. And that’s where Malyon Traverse fits in.

MALYON

There’s a huge gap between today’s church and its surrounding culture.

As agents and messengers of reconciliation, we believe simply that God would have us traverse that gap.

This is our mission: to Re-present the church to the world, and the world to the church. It’s about informing our collective understanding, deepening our engagement, provoking insight, and sharing multiple perspectives to start a real conversation through which Jesus is made known.

So, how can we support you and your church in 2016? Here’s how: 1) FB posts and web resources In line with our regular posts on traverse.org.au, we’ll be driving a much-needed dialogue through weekly posts on Facebook. We’ll explore how to faithfully bridge the gap between the local church and our Aussie context. We intend to: – GROUND your efforts to traverse with wisdom, exposing you to key reflective-practitioners – PROVOKE you toward forming a ‘secular faith’ … asking tough questions and featuring outsiders’

perspectives, to intentionally become a church that works for the flourishing of all – EQUIP you with resources, books, cultural analysis, alongside links to powerful stories, Malyon courses, big events and conferences; you’ll find pathways to more effective and holistic witness in dialogue with others who want to make a difference. A great start would be sending someone from your local church to audit the Malyon subject ‘Principles of Evangelism’ (13 weeks every Tuesday 6–9pm from 15 February) so they can equip your community and put this into practice on your doorstep.

2) PRAXIS consultations: Once a quarter, I’ll bring key thinkers, doers, and interested parties together to squarely face pressing questions at the intersection of Christianity and culture. It’s about becoming a ‘thinking doer’, a reflective practitioner. It’s about becoming a community characterised by truthful action as we learn, together, new ways forward to love the world. See traverse. org.au/events/ for more. The first gathering will be Saturday 5 March, 9 am–12 pm at Malyon College. We’ll consider ‘how do we bridge church

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In 2016, do you have the wisdom, courage and skills to reach our post-Christian culture in a Christlike way? If this is your passion, then ‘like’ TRAVERSE at facebook. com/traversecentre/ and join the conversation.

and culture?’ This will be a powerful half-day dedicated to explaining, understanding and changing the status quo for greater impact.

3) CONFERENCE: Scheduled for Saturday 15 October 2016, we’ll dialogue with leading thinkers and practitioners on the theme of ‘A SECULAR FAITH: Becoming a church for the world’.

How might we re-imagine who we are as the community of Christ, to be about the mission of God in the here and now? Re-Church, Re-World, and Re-Connect. The day will also include multiple workshops with excellent presenters, sharpening your vision and practice of Christian witness.

If any of this stirs your heart, JUMP ON BOARD! … ‘Like’ the Traverse facebook site, subscribe to the feed for the blog, add your voice to the posts, check out the conferences, and even consider donating some time and money to the cause to keep this Malyon Centre on the front foot.

Blessings for 2016, Dave Benson info@traverse.com.au

TRAVERSE is the Malyon Centre for Bridging Church and Culture. Dave Benson is the Director, supported

by Dan Paterson from Ravi Zacharias International Ministries.

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QB ARCHIVES not sacrament) and its witness to the gospel.

50 candidates for Baptism at Kalbar Baptist Church, 1905

Baptism— our ‘signature’ belief!

What The qb said about it!

Believer’s baptism by immersion is our signature belief, but today attitudes and practices vary. Like church membership, for some people it is of comparatively little importance, while others hold deep convictions about it.

It was different years ago—if the pages of the early issues of the Queensland Baptist (The qb) are any guide.

When the magazine started in the 1880s, there were regular articles expounding the full significance of baptism, often quoting theologians and well-known preachers, both local and abroad. There was a year-long series of articles under the pen-name, Adelphos, covering all aspects of the topic (including responses to reader feedback). There were also statements

by Baptist Union presidents and other officials, and one assembly discussion was reported in full. Statistical reports kept track of the numbers of baptisms locally and elsewhere. There was even a serialised short story featuring the thinking of ‘Frank and Hilda’ about it!

The main features of baptism stressed in these articles included its scripturalism, immersion as the proper mode, the need for personal faith (as against church tradition or family heritage), the example of our Lord and his command which made it a duty (hence the term we use—ordinance,

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The qb also referred frequently to books being published on the topic and statements by people from other churches. Those against believer’s baptism by immersion had the weakness of their arguments clearly identified, but sometimes there were statements by well-known people, or church bodies, affirming the truth of the Baptist position, which were warmly welcomed.

The historicity of believer’s baptism as the original form of the rite was also important; often non-Baptists conceded that infant baptism only came into vogue well after the New Testament days. An interesting example of this was the discovery of the late 1st century document The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles (reported in 1884), which clearly referred to believer’s baptism by immersion as the norm.

The qb did not hesitate to discuss controversial issues about baptism. For example, when the Churches of Christ commenced work in Queensland, there were articles critical of their view that baptism was a necessary part of salvation. Similarly, occasional public statements by the Anglicans, going in the same direction, were also challenged. A Methodist report about ‘family baptism’ was strongly condemned. Even some other Baptist groups were condemned for

River Baptism, 1936

Cross Shaped Baptistry at Gympie Baptist Church, 1925

laxity because they promoted ‘open membership’—which does not require baptism at all.

These responses were in addition to standard defences against infant baptism by the mainline Protestant churches, which were frequently the focus of public controversy with sermon series, public debates and newspaper articles. Not surprisingly, when a person from one of these churches was baptised by immersion as a believer, it was given prominence— one testified he had been a member of his own church for 50 years before seeing the truth of the example of Jesus!

But perhaps more interesting was how reports from churches in The qb reflected grass roots beliefs. For example, it was often said that those baptised ‘followed their Lord’, or they made a ‘public profession’ and ‘witness’; other reports referred to fulfilling the ‘duty’ laid upon them, or being ‘obedient’ to the teaching of Scripture and of the Lord. Baptism was linked closely with fellowship with other believers and church membership. It was common to speak of baptism in terms of death to the old way of life and spiritual renewal in union with the risen Christ. A similar idea was reflected in reports of ‘refreshment’ for the church and baptism as a means to growth in holiness. It was regularly stated that even though baptism was not a ‘saving’ ordinance (a part of, or a condition

CALLED HOME of, salvation), it was a witness that could lead others to faith. On one occasion, a baptism was considered a unifying action to help heal tragic splits in a church. Often there were reports of people, often older, who had finally seen the truth and decided for believer’s baptism, despite the hardships of illness, age, family or church pressure.

There were occasional references to the practical side of the service. Usually the sermon was on some aspect of baptism, often firmly worded both towards the congregation and also as public statement of Baptist beliefs. However, one report said the preacher took a ‘practical’, not a ‘controversial’, approach, focusing on discipleship and personal faith.

There were few references to the order of service but occasionally it was noted that the candidates gave personal testimonies. Communion and reception into membership were often part of the baptismal service. One reader frowned on the singing of a chorus as the candidate was immersed; he said it was very inappropriate because baptism was, according to Romans 6, a spiritual ‘burial’, and so should not be trivialised! His plea was not heeded at the time, so 20 years later he complained again in virtually the same terms!

Not all churches had baptistries in their chapels, so the service might take place in the open air (the original ‘primitive’ way, said one report). Toowoomba used the council ‘gravel pit’, Charters Towers had a corrugated iron tank; at Gympie they were keen to get a church so they could baptise ‘decently’.

So Baptists in earlier times did have strong views about this matter, and they believed that in an ecumenical climate there was definite need for the Baptist witness to the truth of Scripture to be heard.

Baptist Church Archives archives@qb.org.au, Phone 07 3354 5642, 07 3878 3178, or 07 3256 8897

Believer baptism by full immersion is an important ordinance in our churches, and space is always given in this magazine to acknowledge the names of those who have recently been baptised.

I encourage churches to send me this news—it’s always warmly welcomed (Ed).

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Keith Drinkall

29 August 1942—25 November 2015 In 1993, Keith Drinkall commenced as pastor of North Pine Baptist Church, a position that he held for six years. He then trained as an intentional interim minister and spent several months in Mount Isa before pastoring the Coolum church from 2000-2006, when he retired. Keith and his wife Jeanette continued to serve faithfully at North Pine in their retirement co-ordinating the Friendship Club (Seniors group) as well as cooking at SU camps. Keith served as an elder during this time and was actively involved in mentoring a number of people.

In 1974, Keith left teaching to Join the SU QLD Inter-School Christian Fellowship. Over the following 19 years, he served as ISCF staff member, ISCF coordinator and SU QLD Deputy Director. With the Queensland Education Department’s approval, the program ‘Christian Option’ began in 36 schools.

This program was the springboard for the establishment of SU school chaplaincy. On SU Chaplaincy’s 25th anniversary, Keith said: ‘Chaplaincy is a wonderful gift of God to Queensland students and school staff. It is very encouraging to see the level of acceptance and support chaplaincy has gained and to hear the incredible stories of positive impact that it makes in school communities … we pray for even greater things in the years ahead.’

Audrey Sheffield

16 April 1926–4 January 2016 Audrey Sheffield was the first child of Arthur and Lillian Suffolk of Paddington, Queensland. The family attended Rosalie Baptist Church where Arthur served as a deacon. Audrey was very talented at singing, playing the piano and organ, needlework, dressmaking and freehand drawing. She taught Sunday school over the years, first at Rosalie Baptist, then at Windsor Road Baptist and Ashgrove Baptist churches. She also served for 13 years as Assistant Treasurer for the Asia Pacific Christian Mission. In 1946, Audrey met Ern Sheffield at a Christian Endeavour Convention in Toowoomba, and they later married. The couple had four children. In later years, Audrey selflessly nursed Ern after he fell ill at age 55: he went home to the Lord in 1999.

Audrey became involved with craft lessons at Ashgrove Baptist Church, and later joined the Love Wraps knitting group which met at West Ashgrove Uniting Church where she knitted rugs for disadvantaged people. Over three years, she designed and produced more than 40 rugs. Audrey was quiet and reserved, but those who knew her appreciated the depth of her loyalty and love. She especially loved her children and grandchildren and was extremely proud of all their achievements.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of these two faithful servants of Jesus Christ.

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MTQ

LET’S START THE CONVERSATION! The phases that lead to Church multiplication— Part One (This is the first of three conversation starters outlining the key features in the process of beginning new faith communities that lead to multiplication.)

emphasis works out in practical terms.

I have observed a lot of planters, and many place a high value on the vision/ mission statement, the culture of the new work and the group’s meeting on Sundays. Of course, I am not arguing that these things are not important: they are, and they contribute a great deal to the health of the new work. But it is my conviction that the key feature of the first phase is converts.

The phases of church planting have been discussed before and I am not introducing anything new to you in these articles. But, for the past few years, I have been reading and researching church planting in Australia and I have especially spent time with the leaders of these new works. As a result of this learning, I have begun to see some key features that are worth highlighting. In particular, I want to draw attention to the features that give a church plant the momentum that it needs to multiply.

This means that evangelism and disciple-making are absolutely the prime task. Every energy should be put into these things and if ANYTHING distracts, that activity must be stopped and all energy re-directed back to evangelism and disciple-making. The obvious proof texts are Mark 16 and Matthew 28. But it is not my point to simply quote texts. We all accept these are critical factors given to us by the Lord himself. But a lot of planting does not have evangelism and disciplemaking as its first priority.

In phase one the key is converts.

From my observation, I wonder whether this is really how the

How do I know this? Well, I confess I don’t have any data to quote—yet!

But tell me, when you look at the state

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of the church in Australia, can you say we are all focussed on these tasks?

Indeed, if you go to the places where these things are the focus, what is occurring? I’m sure you will find that they have a significant conversion rate and this provides them with significant momentum and influence in the community around them.

When I use the term ‘conversionrate’, I am actually talking about the percentage of growth in a church over a year that is by conversion.

For example, let’s say a new faith community has 20 people in its core group and at the end of their first year they have grown to 40. That’s a growth of 100%. On the surface, that is significant growth and makes for a great story, but it doesn’t (in the long term) give the new work the momentum it needs. What percentage of this was from converts? Say of the new people there were two converts: then the conversion rate would be 10%. Again, this looks good, especially when you consider that I don’t think many churches in Australia are doing this well. But the problem, as I see

MTQ

it, is that for the momentum needed in a new church, the conversion rate of those who come into the faith community, in any period, needs to be much higher. (Of course, this is not to forget the role of those who nurture the genuine seeker.) To me, the making of disciples who make disciples is what’s needed to give momentum to the new work.

The first phase of establishing a new faith community requires an energetic commitment to evangelism and disciple-making. This HAS to be the number one commitment and every other legitimate activity in establishing the new work must have less emphasis. This is especially true if your aim is to multiply and not just add. While these other activities are important, what gives momentum, the momentum that is evidence of the supernatural in the new work, is converts. And converts are the result of a total commitment to evangelism and disciple-making.

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Take a moment to consider your own faith community. Is evangelism and disciple-making the number one priority of the work? Is prayer for the lost and thoughtful ministry to them, with the goal of making them followers of the Lord Jesus, the true focus? A lot of church plants fail, and they also fail to multiply. But, the features of those that do, are simple and Biblical.

So, in the first phase of the task to establish a new faith community, the key feature that gives momentum to multiplication is converts. The more the better!

In the next issue I will deal with the key feature that produces momentum for a phase two faith community.

Colin Stoodley Leader, MTQ colin.stoodley@ qb.org.au

Degrees in theology and ministry Diploma | Bachelor | Masters | Doctoral

developing Christians of influence “Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding” Jeremiah 3:15

Where are tomorrow’s leaders?

It’s clear we are losing young men and women and their families from many of our church congregations. Who are they?

They are probably time poor; perhaps they don’t engage with ‘normal’ worship and church, or they feel they are spiritually fed through online resources.

However, one thing is clear: they know God’s call is upon their lives.

Do you know someone like this?

Sam Brewer (assistant to Colin Stoodley) would love to start a conversation with them. Phone Sam, 0419 506 074.

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BWAA you that she’ll have enough money to send some home to help out. He’s even offering an upfront payment.

The thought of your daughter leaving is hard, but the decision is easy. There’s no hope for her in your village—your own life is proof enough of that—so you sign the contracts and send her to the city. Her employment symbolises hope; a new chance for her and the whole family.

Your heart will break when you realise how mistaken you’ve been.

This was the terrible story I was told by Joggerani. She sent her daughter away, hoping in the promise of a new and better life. Sadly, the man in whom she placed her trust turned out to be a trafficker.

According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, ‘more than two billion people are not protected as required by the United Nations Trafficking in Persons Protocol’, which leaves them vulnerable to being preyed upon by traffickers. Considering this, it is little wonder that human trafficking is ‘one of the largest sources of income for organised crime’, generating around $150 billion in profit every year.

Imagine that you live on the poverty line.

Your meagre wage is enough to keep you and your family alive, but it is in no way secure. Because of this, your family’s position is precarious. Every new day brings dozens of dangers; scores of uncertainties. Even the smallest obstacle (an illness, an injury) can be enough to keep you from working, or eating, and threaten your very existence.

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All you want is a fairer life. If not for you, then at least for your daughter!

Your greatest desire is that her life be safer than yours; that she needn’t spend every moment weighed down by the fear of her own future.

Then, one day, a distant relative arrives in your village and offers your daughter the very chance you’ve been hoping for. He tells you he’s from the city where there are plenty of jobs.

The employment he offers is enough to help your daughter escape poverty; but more than that, he also assures

Traffickers prey on the powerless, exploiting their vulnerability and profiteering from their desperate situations. The number of people currently trapped in forced labour is conservatively estimated to be 21 million—the equivalent of a nation the size of Australia.

Resting easy in this great south land, seemingly far away from the reality of human trafficking, it is easy to convince ourselves that, while deplorable, such atrocities are far beyond our reach or control.

BWAA

Power and poverty

Your heart will break when you realise how mistaken we’ve been.

When we think of the terms like ‘forced labour’ and ‘modern slavery’, it is not uncommon for our minds to conjure up notions of the sex industry.

But a full two thirds of the people trapped in forced labour are trapped in situations of economic exploitation, producing goods and providing services for the profit of another.

Whether it’s the cotton woven into our shirt, the cocoa in our chocolate bars or the raw minerals in our phones and televisions, we are, too often, the beneficiaries of forced labour.

This is a chilling thought. However unwittingly, our consumption patterns are feeding the business practices which perpetuate the exploitation and enslavement of others.

There’s good news though. While 21 million people in forced labour might sound like an overwhelming statistic, as a percentage of the world’s population, this is actually the smallest proportion of people enslaved throughout the world, in history.

Slavery is, right now, sitting on the precipice of history, waiting for us to give it the final kick!

Baptist World Aid is researching higher risk industries, fashion and electronics, and engaging with companies to help shape better practices through our Behind the Barcode project. This project, which produces the Australian Fashion Report and Electronics Industry Trends Report, rates companies from these industries based on how resistant their processes of production are to being exploited by traffickers.

Behind the Barcode is having a huge impact, and companies like David Jones, Cotton On and K-Mart are regularly seeking our advice on how they can improve their supply chains.

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Between our first and second editions of the Australian Fashion Report, two thirds of all companies improved their ratings! This was spurred on by the pressure created by more than 20,000 people who downloaded our ethical guides and began to shop differently.

Baptist World Aid is also helping to kick modern slavery to the curb by working with Christian partners in India to educate the vulnerable, and protect them from human traffickers.

Joggerani’s heartrending story is all too common for people who are, at this very moment, being trafficked and sold. The names and faces change, but the horror remains the same. Due to the efforts of our Christian partners working in her community, Joggerani’s daughter was saved. While her story ended happily, millions of others do not.

At Baptist World Aid, we are writing a different story.

Our new Abolition Action Fund enables our supporters to act on the issue of human trafficking by contributing to our ongoing research and corporate engagement, and also protecting communities at risk.

We firmly believe that, together, we can put an end to slavery. We only need the courage to Be Vocal and the opportunity to Be Generous in our love.

Donate to help fund this great work today at baptistworldaid.org.au/ abolitionactionfund

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

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

What would our world look like if power was exercised in the way God intended it to be exercised? At the 2016 Catalyst launch we’ll explore the biblical picture of power and consider how we, as Christians here in Australia, can help make this picture a reality by being a voice for the poor, the marginalised and the oppressed in our world.

Catalyst is Baptist World Aid Australia’s church-based advocacy program. It combines advocacy with ministry, facilitating church engagement with God’s work of justice. With 65 active groups around the country (and that number continually growing) we are able to create change and transform the lives of people living in poverty in extraordinary ways.

The Queensland Catalyst launch takes place on 20 February 2016 at Bracken Ridge Baptist Church, from 10.00 am–12.30 pm. If you would like to start a Catalyst group at your church, please contact Eliza Whalley, 1300 789 991 or hello@baptistworldaid.org.au

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GLOBAL INTERACTION small, they are supported by a national Global Interaction team, as well as friends and churches who pray and give to enable this important ministry.

Ministry through sport

Rosie, Janelle, Scott & Isaac

… THREE YEARS LATER Scott and Janelle, together with children Rosie and Isaac, left their Gold Coast home and Reedy Creek church family for Cambodia in 2013.

Their heart was for the poor and marginalised: for people who had not yet heard about Jesus in a way they could understand.

It was hard to leave. They had friends, church and family. Yet they looked forward to an adventure.

And so it was.

Learning language and culture Scott and Janelle settled in to do something few Aussies do—learn to speak fluently in an Asian language.

At first glance, the Khmer script is a puzzling array of lines, curves and squiggles. Each shopping trip, house visit and local wedding is an opportunity for the family to learn FEB/MAR 2016 ::: QB.ORG.AU

more about the culture of the Khmer people and how they understand both the physical and spiritual world. It takes time and dedication to discover how best to share the good news of Jesus in a way that really connects with people.

Team Cambodia The team ministering in Cambodia is small but growing. Scott and Janelle have joined Cate, a cross-cultural worker from South Australia. Cate speaks Khmer fluently and has coled a sports-based ministry in one of Cambodia’s most challenging cities, Poipet. Cate is Scott and Janelle’s chief cheerleader in language learning.

God has called others to join Team Cambodia: Paul and Lydia, Rob and Deb, Craig and Tim, as well as Queensland’s Tristan and Megan are all preparing to go. Scott and Janelle are thankful that, while the number of workers in Cambodia is currently

As well as learning language, Scott and Janelle are looking for ways to meaningfully connect with Khmer people. Scott’s experience as a professional tennis coach sets the stage to connect with young people and their families. Scott’s formal role in the community is as a consultant to Tennis Cambodia, with an emphasis on developing tennis services to the northwest region. He develops Khmer coaches, builds relationships with local authorities and has opportunities to speak and train in local schools. Scott has been able to share the gospel, incorporating biblical principles into his training program. While local hotels have made their courts available, Scott is most proud of the dirt court the team made, next to a local school.

While the court surface is modest, it’s accessible to anyone who wants to learn the game. The tennis ministry will continue under the guidance of fellow team member, Cate.

Ministry through nutrition Janelle is investigating how her skills as a dietician can contribute to the community. In such a poor country, knowing what to eat is only a small part of the nutritional puzzle. Food needs to be grown, or sourced, using an incredibly meagre family budget. Janelle is learning about local beliefs and practices around eating, particularly during pregnancy. She volunteers with the Cambodian Diabetes Association, to draw on the existing national expertise. Many conversations in Cambodia about ordinary activities take on a spiritual element. People are afraid of the work of evil spirits. As followers of Jesus,

GLOBAL INTERACTION Janelle and Scott can point to the Spirit who is more powerful than all of them.

Rosie and Isaac Rosie and Isaac’s chief work in Cambodia is to continue their education. They go to a Christian International School in Siem Reap, and benefit from the camaraderie of classmates from many nations. They report enjoying Cambodia’s abundant tasty food, but they don’t like the heat and the mozzies.

Reaching the unreached While Scott and Janelle are based in Siem Reap, the Global Interaction team is focused on serving the northwest region of Cambodia, which

has very little Christian witness. Scott and Janelle spent several months in 2015 travelling through the countryside and forging friendships along their track. With Scott and Janelle’s patience and boldness, new friends are open to hearing stories about Jesus and being prayed for.

Help the family return to Cambodia Three years later and the work is really just beginning. Language has been learned, friendships made and a platform of ministry established. Still, Scott and Janelle are just scratching the surface of the work God has planned: to see Khmer people come to follow Jesus. In order to go back, Scott and Janelle need God’s servants to partner with them.

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You can read about supporting Scott and Janelle at globalinteraction.org.au/ scottjanelle or contact the Queensland Global Interaction office on ph 3354 5603. The couple will spend time talking to churches and supporters 13 February–20 March, and 1–29 May. In between, and after these dates, they will take some time to rest and undertake biblical study.

Karen Haynes Young Adult Consultant Global Interaction khaynes@globalinteration.org.au

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TRUST AND OBEY in order, and then I might be ready to allow ‘his kingdom’ to slide into focus.

I wonder if I am alone in this?

On a few occasions, I have been sternly reminded of my need to be reliant on God, rather than trusting in my own abilities. Not least of these reminders was my Pingandy Road Experience in 2002, and it does me well to reflect on it from time to time.

AN EGO DINTED …

BUT SOUL INTACT Those who know me will recognise that one of the most common battlegrounds in my spiritual walk is to work out when I need to let go of control, and trust God for the outcome. A little asking around has revealed my battle is not uncommon among those who are administratively gifted. We are born organisers, and often only relax when we know things are under control.

For example, if I walk into a church service and get the feeling that the program is disorganised, or no-one has taken responsibility for ensuring things flow along in a coordinated manner, I literally cannot enter into a sense of worship until someone sorts out the problems. Occasionally this

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is so frustrating that I simply want to jump up and do it myself, even though I am a visitor and stranger in the church! My sense of order is offended, and it seems I am unable to control my desire to fix things. That can’t be healthy, can it?

Undoubtedly, one of the bible passages that challenges me, over and over, is Matthew 6:31-33. Worrying over issues like ‘what shall we eat?’ ‘what shall we wear?’, and so on, can readily dominate my life. The summarising verse: ‘…but seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well’ is almost the exact opposite to what I want to do in my life. I am often committed to getting ‘all these things’

I joined a group to drive the length of Pingandy Road in Western Australia—a track not even shown on most maps which runs from Mount Augustus across country to the back of Tom Price. Our group was led by a man who had not been that way before, and my impression was that he was taking the trip a bit too lightly. I did not! I hunted everywhere until I found maps of the region that showed enough detail to identify the route. I phoned around local councils until I found the person responsible for the maintenance of the track, and asked when he had last graded it, and what to expect. Our leader recognised it

TRUST AND OBEY

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was a rough and rocky road, and encouraged us to make sure we had two spare tyres with us in case of multiple punctures. I also recognised the risk, and decided to take three spares!

On the night before we set off, we were sitting around the campfire at Mount Augustus, and we prayed together that we would be looked after on the road ahead. Or, I confess, they prayed! I was pretty confident that I had matters in hand, because I had the best prepared vehicle, the best maps, and the best information. God dealt with me on that road! As the day wore on, the group was pleasantly surprised by how easy the driving was, and it looked like we would make it through without a problem. But not me. In the course of just a few hours, I had puncture after puncture, until I finally stopped beside the road with a flat tyre … and no spares left. Could anyone possibly have four punctures in a day? And could they do it on a day when no other vehicle in the convoy had any problems whatsoever?

We were blessed—we were surrounded by a group of friends who looked after us and found a way to get me and my vehicle through that section, and we limped into Tom Price to find a dealership to replace my faulty tyres. I was also blessed because I knew that, through the experience, God was telling me that I ought not rely on my own ability to handle every problem, but rather seek him in everything I do.

Not, mind you, that being prepared is bad; but my reliance on God needs to be greater. The parable of the rich fool in Luke 12 comes to mind. I was pleased to escape my Pingandy Road Experience with my soul intact, even though my ego was rather dinted.

As servants of the King, some of us need constant reminding—this is his work, his plan and the outcomes are in his hands. We are servants and we travel this road at his direction. I am reminding myself of this as I set out in 2016 … I trust it’s a helpful reminder to some of you as well.

Phillip McCallum Director – Administrative Services, Queensland Baptists Phillip worships with Kruger Parade Baptist Church

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THINK SPOT

reflect on your life and spend time with God. Here are some thoughts to help you on your way …

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•

THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES! This time of year is often one full of anticipation for many people. It presents a moment of opportunity for a fresh beginning, a chance to start over, and a hope for a better year. While New Year’s resolutions may not be for everyone, for most of us there lurks in the back of our mind a list of things we would like to do better. Whether we want to ‘turn over a new leaf ’ or ‘start from scratch’, looking ahead to the coming year is like a blank canvas stretched out before us. There are 12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days, or 8,750 hours full of opportunity and promise waiting to be explored.

Sometimes our hopes for the New Year are born of disappointments, grief, or pain from the past.

Sometimes they are born of dreams, visions, or the hopes for ourselves or others. Others times they come from

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the promptings of our heart through the Spirit of God, or God’s word to us from the Bible.

Though the Bible doesn’t mention New Year resolutions, it does urge us to examine our lives regularly. The call to ‘Be still and know that I am God’ (Psalm 46:10) reminds us how difficult it can be in the midst of a noisy world to find the space to connect with God. Yet Paul encouraged the Corinthians to ‘Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith’ (2 Corinthians 13:5) and Lamentations suggests we ‘examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord’ (Lamentations 3:40). And Jesus often withdrew to isolated places to reflect and prayerfully discern the Father’s will (Luke 5:16).

Perhaps you could take some time out [while the year is still fresh] to sit quietly,

•

•

•

•

Begin with an attitude of gratitude.

Stop to think of all the good things that are part of your life and thank God for them. Be grateful for the small things, for the way God is at work in your life, for the way he has provided for you. Ask him to help you see where his grace and mercy is at work and to enlarge your trust in his faithfulness.

Do not be afraid. No matter what this year may hold, choose to trust God in and through it. Ask him to stretch the boundaries of your comfort zone; be open to the unfamiliar, and embrace whatever God may bring.

Ask God about your ‘good works’, the ones he planned in advance for us (Ephesians 2:10). Each of us was created for a specific purpose and no matter how young (think of David) or old (think of Moses), God has something for each of us to do.

Ask God how you can serve. Left to our own inclinations, we will focus on our own needs, but God calls us to direct our attention, in love and care, to the needs of others.

Seek first the Kingdom. Ask, ‘Do the things of God have priority in my life?’ Ask God to show you what in your life needs reprioritisation.

Choose to live by the grace of God. Paul learnt by experience, ‘I can do everything through him who gives me strength,’ (Philippians 4:13). We can trust God to do more that we ask or think, not because of us, but because of him.

Stephen Baxter is the senior pastor at Hobart Baptist Church. This article reprinted with kind permission: https://stephenlbaxter.wordpress.com/

PERSECUTION BRIEF

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PLEASE PRAY! Here is the latest World Watch List from OpenDoors—a yearly ranking of the top 50 countries where persecution of Christians is the most intense.

1. North Korea 2. Iraq 3. Eritrea 4. Afghanistan 5. Syria 6. Pakistan 7. Somalia 8. Sudan 9. Iran 10. Libya 11. Yemen 12. Nigeria 13. Maldives 14. Saudi Arabia 15. Uzbekistan 16. Kenya 17. India 18. Ethiopia 19. Turkmenistan

20. Vietnam 21. Qatar 22. Egypt 23. Myanmar 24. Palestinian Territories 25. Brunei 26. Central African Republic 27. Jordan 28. Djibouti 29. Laos 30. Malaysia 31. Tajikistan 32. Tunisia 33. China 34. Azerbaijan 35. Bangladesh 36. Tanzania 37. Algeria 38. Bhutan 39. Comoros 40. Mexico 41. Kuwait 42. Kazakhstan 43. Indonesia 44. Mali

45. Turkey 46. Colombia 47. United Arab Emirates 48. Bahrain 49. Niger 50. Oman Open Doors is a charity that provides support to Christians facing persecution in over 60 countries worldwide. Open Doors started over 60 years ago when its founder, Brother Andrew, author of God’s Smuggler, smuggled bibles into the then Soviet Union.

Please visit https://www.opendoors. org.au/persecutedchristians/ countryprofiles/ for information about each country’s current situation and for other information that will help you as you pray for persecuted Christians around the world.

FEB/MAR 2016 ::: QB.ORG.AU

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REVIEWS: BOOKS, DVDS, MUSIC BOOK (PAPERBACK): FERVENT PRISCILLA SHIRER $21.99 AT KOORONG

You have an enemy ... and he’s dead set on destroying all you hold dear and keeping you from experiencing abundant life in Christ. What’s more, his approach to disrupting your life and discrediting your faith isn’t general or generic, not a one-size-fits-all. It’s specific. Personalized. Targeted.

DVD: WAR ROOM $24.99 AT KOORONG

From the award-winning creators of Fireproof and Courageous comes War Room, a compelling drama with humour and heart that explores the power that prayer can have on marriages, parenting, careers, friendships, and every other area of our lives.

Tony and Elizabeth Jordan have it all—great jobs, a beautiful daughter, and their dream house. But appearances can be deceiving. Tony and Elizabeth Jordan’s world is actually crumbling under the strain of a failing marriage.

While Tony basks in his professional success and flirts with temptation, Elizabeth resigns herself to increasing bitterness. But their lives take an unexpected turn when Elizabeth meets her newest client, Miss Clara, and is challenged to establish a ‘war room’ and a battle plan of prayer for her family.

- Koorong

BOOK (PAPERBACK): THE WESLEYS JULIAN WILSON $17.99 AT KOORONG

John and Charles Wesley are among the most influential Christians who have ever lived. The Methodist movement they founded changed the face of eighteenth century England, in an age that was rife with corruption, crime, and religious apathy. Over more than five decades, John Wesley travelled ceaselessly on horseback, preaching gospel sermons that transformed whole communities.

Charles Wesley became probably the most prolific hymn writer in history, his works still favourites in many congregations to this day.

In this comprehensive dual biography, best-selling author Julian Wilson provides a vividly detailed account of the Wesley brothers’ lives and ministries, including their conversion experiences, their triumphs and failures, their relationships with women, their prison outreach, their writings and preaching, and, in John’s case, supernatural ministry, involvement in the abolition of slavery, and educational and social welfare initiatives.

CD: CASTING CROWNS – A LIVE WORSHIP EXPERIENCE $16.99 AT KOORONG

Casting Crowns’ new live album encourages us to trust in the One who holds the future in his hands. When lead singer, Mark Hall, wrote the song ‘Just Be Held’, he had no idea of the significance the song would have in his own life. Mark’s cancer diagnosis brought the lyrics into sharp focus. ‘The lesson for me ... is to be mindful of what you say or the words you write down. God has an amazing way of using those words to remind you to rest in him, rest in truth, and just be held.’ - Koorong

FEB/MAR 2016 ::: QB.ORG.AU

New York Times bestselling author Priscilla Shirer, widely known for her international speaking, teaching, and writing ministries, brings her new role from the 2015 film War Room into the real lives of today’s women, addressing the topics that affect them most: renewing their passion, refocusing their identity, negotiating family strife, dealing with relentless regrets, navigating impossible schedules, succeeding against temptation, weathering their worst fears, uprooting bitterness, and more.

Each chapter exposes the enemy’s cruel, crafty intentions in all kinds of these areas, then equips and encourages you to write out your own personalized prayer strategies on tear-out sheets you can post and pray over yourself and your loved ones on a regular basis.

Fervent is a hands-on, knees-down, don’t-give-up action guide to practical, purposeful praying.

- Publisher

CONGRATULATIONS to Helen & Doug Berry, and Jackie Smith, winners of the Steve Grace ‘Everytown Downunder’ competition in the December issue. More information about Steve’s DVD, including the trailer, is available at www. everytowndownunder.com

www.koorong.com

FUN ZONE

45

‘Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous...’ (Psalm 27:14 NLT).

Consider the trapeze artist: for a split second, which must feel like an eternity, he or she is suspended in nothingness. They can’t go back, and it’s too soon to feel the grasp of the one who’ll catch them. They must wait in absolute trust.

Are you waiting for an answer to prayer? Wait, trust, and God won’t disappoint you. gilmore.imelda@gmail.com

SUDOKU CHALLENGE

CREATIVE CAPTION

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.

WIN A KOORONG GIFT VOUCHER

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

Submit your creative caption for this photo (above) via email: admin@qb.com.au or post to PO Box 6166 Mitchelton Q 4053.

If you have a great photo that needs a clever caption, send it to admin@qb.com.au or snail mail.

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

LAST ISSUE: No prize awarded.

Name Address Email

EVERYONE …

LOOK FOR LITTLE LUCY! SOLUTION: 12/15

Congratulations to Martin Fleming a $30 Koorong voucher is coming your way!

Sudoku puzzle provided by www.sudokuoftheday.com - visit them and get a new Sudoku every day!

Little Lucy is hiding somewhere.

Have fun seeking her out.

In the December 2015/ January 2016 issue she was hiding on page 21.

FEB/MAR 2016 ::: QB.ORG.AU

SUBSCRIPTION FORM 2016

The voice

Do you pass on your copy of The qb after you’ve read it?

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Why not extend its reach and pass it on to a friend, take it when you visit someone, or leave it where it might be picked up and read. Or order extra copies to add to your welcome packs for visitors to your church. It’s a great resource for demonstrating what being a part of Queensland Baptists is all about. And if you have friends or acquaintances overseas, don’t forget they can read The qb online at qb.org.au/news-media/

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ISSN: 10000 published approved Print post sland Baptist - first The Queen Vol 13 Issue 5.

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7/10/2015

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1

Price: 1 Year $19.50 (GST inclusive) ORDER BY PHONE: 07 3354 5633 - Payment via credit card.

COMPLETE THIS FORM & POST BACK: The qb Editor, PO Box 6166 Mitchelton QLD 4053 Australia PERSONAL DETAILS Rev / Dr / Mr / Mrs / Ms / Miss (circle) Name Address

POSITIONS VACANT CENTRE MANAGER CHRISTIANS AGAINST POVERTY Fairfield Christian Family is looking to employ someone to be the centre manager of Christians Against Poverty (CAP). CAP provides hope for people battling with debt and poverty. The Centre Manger’s role is a 2 day/week paid position in which they help clients become debt free with the assistance of head office in Newcastle and volunteers who follow up the clients after the initial meetings. We are looking for a passionate Christian who will become part of FCF, who can work in teams and has a heart for the poor, to see them become debt free and become followers of Jesus Christ. Please contact Pastor Neil for more info or to express your interest.

Ph 0435 065 035 tarragindipats@yahoo.com.au www.fcfchurch.org.au

PART-TIME PASTORAL ROLE CHURCHILL BAPTIST CHURCH Churchill Baptist Church is a bible-based church in the growing, family-friendly community of Ipswich. The Church is seeking a part-time pastor. The person we are seeking would be a Godly leader with a strong focus on Spiritual growth, pastoral care and a willingness to reach our local community. The role would include: • • •

Visitation and pastoral care Regular preaching and teaching Encouraging and supporting the church community in ministries and outreach

Expressions of interest are invited from persons who feel that God is calling them to this role. Please call 0438 889 504 or email mkleinhans@yahoo.com to obtain further information.

CHRISTIAN SINGLES

State Postcode Phone (

)

Email PAYMENT DETAILS I have enclosed a cheque/money order for $19.50 payable to Queensland Baptist Services Group.

OR Please charge my credit card Mastercard / Visa (circle one) Number Expiry Date Signature

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Register with Integrity Travel.

For more information go to www.integritytravel.com.au.

CLASSIFIEDS

POSITIONS VACANT

ACCOMMODATION

SENIOR PASTOR COOKTOWN BAPTIST CHURCH

FULL TIME PASTOR NEW BEITH BAPTIST CHURCH

Cooktown Baptist Church is looking for a pastor with a heart for people, a vision for growth, a love for God’s word, and a call from God. The person will need to have pastoral experience and some authenticated theological training (though the latter is not absolutely necessary).

New Beith Baptist Church is prayerfully seeking a full-time Pastor called by God to lead and shepherd our congregation.

We seek a Pastor with a heart after God who is a Christ-like servant, with strong leadership skills and who will bring the message of Christ to the community.

It is presently a part-time position, one and a half to two days a week, but as the church grows, that should increase. A church manse of good quality is also provided.

This is a 4 bedroom plus study, nice home.

New Beith Baptist Church, located in Greenbank, Queensland, is a bible believing family church of approx. 80 people. We approach worship as theologically conservative with contemporary expression.

There is a Combined Churches Youth Group that has continued to attract an average of 20 students each week during the school terms of 2015.

For an information pack or to submit your resume, please contact our Secretary, Deanne Schulz at newbeithbaptist@gmail.com

Cooktown is a beautiful, rural, seaside town located on the magnificent Endeavour River and the community is friendly and relaxing.

Please contact us if you believe God is calling you to consider this position: Ron and Bethne Webber (Interim administrators) Phone: (07) 40695535 Mobile: 0438464886 Email: bethnewebber@waterfront.net.au

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PART TIME ADMINISTRATOR THE HILLS CHRISTIAN FAMILY The Hills Christian Family A Baptist Ministry (Mitchelton) are looking for an Administrator. Up to ten hours a week. Must have some experience with Microsoft Office and Xero Accounting.

Please email CV to thcf@jesusis.com.au.

Pieter Henning (Regional Consultant Nth Qld) Mobile: 0439 594 533 Email: pieter.henning@qb.org.au

BRISBANE: House available as a ministry for missionaries and church workers on the move. Three bedrooms, fully furnished, everything provided. Bus stop at the door. Minimal rent. Email: gtho4536@bigpond.net.au CALOUNDRA - GOLDEN BEACH: Highset three bedroom holiday home. Weekends or weekly. Pets OK. Close to beach. Phone 0402 077 822 or lizottaway15@gmail.com.

CALOUNDRA: Sunshine Coast, Qld, beachside units from $400/wk, ph 0427 990 161.

FAIRFIELD CHRISTIAN FAMILY: Fairfield Christian Family (www.fcfchurch.org.au) is located in a vibrant inner city suburb close to universities. There is currently one vacancy for a male (student or worker) in a share accommodation house adjacent to the church.

Please contact Pastor Neil Pattemore, ph 0435 065 035 or tarragindipats@yahoo.com.au

FOR HIRE LARGE AUDITORIUM: Seats 290. Queensland Baptists’ Centre at Gaythorne. Phone Sharon, 07 3354 5600 for more information or visit www.qb.com.au – venue hire.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST Looking for people willing to volunteer to lead, or be a team member, to cater for meals for Christian seminars or live-in camps and mission training events. Please prayerfully consider. Contact Roger Medland, 9070 3849 7874 or rogermedland@yahoo.com.au.

A will to end poverty Do more than you ever thought possible by leaving a bequest in your will.

Call us on 1300 789 991 or visit baptistworldaid.org.au

INTEGRITY TRAVEL

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FEB/MAR 2016 ::: QB.ORG.AU

Everybody needs someone to talk to. Be that someone.

Become a chaplain.

During hard times, sickness or in times of joy, people need someone to talk to. Some people are lucky enough to have trusted family or friends near them. Others may not be so lucky, or might be looking for a greater depth of spiritual support. These are the times when chaplains are so important – but there is often more demand to talk than chaplains available to listen.

Through The Training Collaborative (RTO30002), Carinity is now offering online training in Certificate IV in Chaplaincy & Pastoral Care.

This nationally recognised course gives you the qualifications and experience you need to work or volunteer as a Baptist chaplain in a wide range of situations, including aged care, hospitals, and with some specialisations in prisons and schools.

CHC42315 - Certificate IV in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care • Study online, anywhere, at your own pace with practicum experience in your local area.

• Nationally recognised qualification.

ENROL NOW To find out more about how you can make a difference in people’s lives as a chaplain, call The Training Collaborative on 1300 774 531 or speak to Don McPherson, Manager – Chaplaincy & Mission Services at Carinity on (07) 3550 3719.

The Cert IV in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care CHC42315 is offered through The Training Collaborative (Provider No. 30002)