The qb, the voice of Queensland Baptists by Queensland Baptists

The voice of Queensland Baptists June 2011

Sabbath or Sunday? Soul sisters’ network God’s invitation to intimacy

Print post approved ISSN: 11323-7829 The Queensland Baptist - first published in 1890. This series Vol 9 Issue 3.

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BAPLink: PO Box 6166, Mitchelton 4053 Phone: 3354 5611 1800 650 062 (outside Brisbane) www.qb.com.au/baplink

Contents

09 In this issue Comment: David Loder Speaking out: John Sweetman Baptisms QB Convention 2011 Around the regions Milestones Persecution brief Reviews Fun zone Classifieds

05 06 08 09 11 15 40 42 44 46

QB ministries God knows and cares (QB Kids) Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s invitation to intimacy (QB Youth) Archives (QB Archives) Loving God and loving others (QBC) Lost and found (QCCC) Soul Sistersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Network (QB Women)

16 18 19 27 20 22

QB partners Unearthed (Global Interaction)

Articles Imitating Jesus series Professional Standards Political hot-spot Where is my compassion? Sabbath, or Sunday? Permissible or beneficial? As Aussie as they come Footsteps for Burma Footprints in the sand John Piper comes to Brisbane

24 26 29 30 32 34 36 38 39 41

Our cover: You cannot help but smile with Asma as she displays her tomatoes for the camera. Her joy and pride in her achievement are evident and reasonably so; these tomatoes are helping to support her family. Read about Asma (Where is my compassion?).

www.qb.com.au June 2011

News, views & issues

From the Editor In this issue, Grant Gehrke (God’s invitation to intimacy) writes about the value of rising early to spend time with God, and listening to his voice. This mirrors guest speaker Fil Anderson’s recent presentations at QB Convention where he spoke about God’s great love and that the Father desires an intimate relationship with each of us that can only be nurtured as we set time aside to ‘listen, listen, listen’. D Morcom, too, (Sunday or Sabbath) encourages us to think about ‘the principle of one day in seven’ and how much we need to draw aside from our daily routines so that we can stop, rest, and worship. I am sure this is a struggle for most of us as we strive to live Godly lives. But as David Loder (Comment) reminds us, ‘God has given us everything we need for life and godliness’. We just need to do our part. The High Court has set down 9-11 August for the final hearing regarding the Constitutional Challenge opposing Commonwealth funding of chaplains in state schools (School Chaplaincy faces High Court Challenge). There is no doubt that our ‘chappies’ do outstanding work and meet real needs in our schools. Read what happened to Nyree Mannion (God knows and cares) when she prayed: ‘Don’t send someone else, send me’ and God sent her to Grantham Primary School after the floods. So many people are still ‘doing it tough’ since the floods and cyclone Yasi. Some who were originally advised that they were covered by insurance are now finding this is not the case. Please continue to pray for, and support, those people who are still unable to move back into their homes, especially for those who are living in caravans or under canvas. Winter has arrived and areas like Ipswich and surrounds can be very, very cold. I trust you will enjoy reading this issue of The qb. Robynne Milne Editor

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The qb is a member of the Australasian Religious Press Association, published bimonthly by Queensland Baptist Services Group in February, April, June, August, October and December. Editor: Robynne Milne Advertising: Emily Twible Design: Shell Graphix Print: Fergies Print & Mail This magazine is printed with soy based inks and paper from sustainable forest plantations. We welcome reader feedback and opinions about our articles. Remember to include your full name and postal address. Articles and advertising in The qb express the opinions of the authors, not necessarily the editor or publishers. Every effort is made to ensure the correctness of facts and information however we cannot accept responsibility for errors. The publishers reserve the right to accept or decline any advertising. Deadline for advertisement and copy: 10th of the month prior to the month of publication. PO Box 6166 Mitchelton Qld 4053 Ph (07) 3354 5633 Fax (07) 3354 5646 Advertising rates are listed at www.qb.com.au - follow the links to qb magazine. Prices are also available on enquiry and advertising packages can be tailored to suit your budget. Reduced contract rates apply to three bookings within a 12 month period. Please contact us for details. A limited number of inserts are also accepted. Copyright © 2003 by Queensland Baptist Services Group. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means without written permission from the publisher.

ISSN: 11323-7829

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Comment

Loving God

‘Make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him’ (2 Peter 3:14)

Deeper - Imitating Jesus Everyone expects Christians to be different. Our family, friends, neighbours, school or workmates all know that our behaviour ought to be a ‘cut above’ the rest of society. The church takes a pounding in the media whenever a church or church person (especially the clergy) steps out of line. Christians have tended to become defensive about this as we are all too aware of our failures! We want to emphasise that we aren’t too different – just forgiven! We certainly are forgiven and continue to need forgiveness as we undergo this transforming process day by day. If only God would do the transformation all at once so we could adequately demonstrate the holy life in Christ. But that is not the method that God has chosen. Nevertheless Jesus still expects that our demeanour will continue to become more like his. Make every effort...

Some significant decisions were also made at the Assembly. These included:

Ministry Matters: Convention 2011 Our guest speaker, Fil Anderson from Journey Resources, was inspiring, informing and challenging! Fil spoke at the Pastors’ and Spouses’ Conference as well as at the Convention meetings. Continuing on the same theme is beneficial and we were constantly reminded to bask in the love of the Father and to know experientially all that this involves. Our night sessions included some sombre moments as we acknowledged those who had been affected by the floods and cyclones. We celebrated with new churches and acknowledged those who had been ordained over the past year. Of special significance was the signing of the partnership between Queensland Baptists and the South Seas Evangelical Church. The head of SSEC, Bishop Matthias Lima was our special guest at this service. I presented the Annual State of the Union address. We had an additional feature this year in that we had small group discussion afterwards. I continue to invite feedback from this session.

• The appointment of Rev Emil Rahimov as a Regional Consultant • Rev Peter Francis was appointed to the faculty of Malyon College • New Board members elected were Rev Mark Mackay and Pastor Neil Parker. Jo Stotschek, Daryl Evans and Warren Crank concluded their terms on the Board. Warren has served as Chairman of the Board and Assembly in an exemplary manner. Thanks! • The Assembly agreed and accepted that the role of President had ceased to be a part of our current and future structures. We are truly thankful for the men and women who have served in this role over the years. In previous years this was a pivotal part of our structure. • The Ministry Financial Plan for the next financial year was accepted. We want to convey our special thanks to the Cleveland Church and the other Baptist churches in the Bayside area for hosting us for this event. Finally… Imitating Jesus is a tough ask! I find it easier to talk or preach about it than to practise it. Yet the encouraging word from God is that ‘His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness...’ (2 Peter 1:2). I trust you will know God’s blessing as you continue your journey with him! David Loder General Superintendent, Queensland Baptists gs@qb.com.au

www.qb.com.au June 2011

Speaking out

Caring challenge and careful containment A frequently quoted biblical reference is Matthew 18. Quite often I hear, ‘They should practise Matthew 18’, Actually this chapter covers a range of issues, but the passage people are usually referring to is Jesus’ teaching in 18:15-17:

If your brother sins (against you), go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

June 2011 www.qb.com.au

Some reliable manuscripts add the phrase ‘against you’ and some don’t, so Jesus could be referring to any sin or just to sins that impact you. I would argue that it is more likely that an early scribe added the ‘against you’ to fit in with Peter’s following question in 18:21 (‘How many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me?’). So Jesus’ original teaching probably did not have the phrase ‘against you’ and therefore Jesus was referring to any significant sin. But apart from this complication, Jesus’ teaching is quite straightforward. When you are aware of someone’s sin (or at least their sin against you), you talk to them about it. If that doesn’t help, you get a few unbiased people involved. If these people agree and the sinner still won’t listen and repent, then it needs to go to the church. That sounds pretty clear to me. But while abusive churches tend to adopt this passage as a mantra, most biblical, evangelical churches don’t practise it at all. Well not the whole thing. I wonder why. Perhaps we deal with sin quickly and it never gets to the ‘tell the church’ stage. I would like to think that this is the case. Perhaps we’re talking about really serious sin here - the kind of sin that will get you kicked out of the church - and this type of sin is just not prevalent or at least we’re not agreed on what constitutes such a sin. Perhaps all the church attendance options available mean that people confronted with sin will just move on to another church or maybe leave the church

Speaking out

completely. It never gets past the first stage of confrontation. I suspect that there is some truth in each of these possibilities. But it seems to me that the major cause is that we don’t actually live in close community and so we’re not all that aware of, or concerned about, the sin of others. In Jesus’ day, people lived on top of each other. There was no real privacy. Everyone in the community knew what was happening. So it was very important that sinful behaviour and broken relationships were sorted out. These days, in a large congregation, you can just move to the other side of the church or worship at a different service and you may never see that person again. Actually, we’re not all that concerned about the behaviour of others. We’ve got enough problems of our own without trying to deal with the sins of others. Anyway, didn’t Jesus say not to judge others? Our individualism allows us the freedom to let the sins of others pass. They’re not really our responsibility or concern. If we start trying to interfere in others’ lives, we’ll just complicate things.

Now if you’re thinking that this is just the teaching you’re looking for because there are so many Christians you want to chip about their behaviour, then please don’t do or say anything. You will have ‘Buckley’s’ of obeying Jesus. You will find yourself in big trouble with God and under the judgment of Matthew 7:2. But if the thought scares you stiff because you are aware of your own brokenness, then you are in a great position to humbly, lovingly and prayerfully help others with their sin.

While we don’t usually confront sin in others, our tendency is to tell other people about it, especially when the sin is against us.

I understand such thoughts and tend to live this way myself, but I have a nagging concern. Jesus had high expectations of what his community of followers would be like (see John 13:35; 15:12; 17:20-21). They would be branded by the incredible love they had for each other. This is what Jesus prayed for. So how could Matthew 18 help us become such a loving community? Let me suggest two ideas. 1. We help each other with sin. While such action is fraught with dangers, in Matthew 18 Jesus makes it inescapable. Matthew does also record Jesus’ warning about judging others (7:1-5), but Jesus’ conclusion is that we deal with our own sin first so that we can actually help others with their sin (7:5). Jesus’ teaching is a challenge to not be hypocritical; it’s not a call to overlook the sin of others. So we always start with our own sin before we even think of the failures of others. But if we are aware of our sin and genuinely confessing it and repenting of it, then we’re in a great place to help others with their sin. It would be incredibly selfish to be living clean lives under God’s grace and not care that our friends are messing up their lives and distancing themselves from God. Jesus says that we all have a responsibility to humbly confront sin. This is not the role of the church leaders, it is everyone’s role.

2. We contain the issue as much as possible. While we don’t usually confront sin in others, our tendency is to tell other people about it, especially when the sin is against us. It helps us to share our pain and anger with our friends. But in Matthew 18, Jesus is calling for containment. If possible, we deal with it personally one on one. Then if that doesn’t work, we take a few witnesses. These are not friends who only see our perspective, but genuine impartial witnesses who can make their own judgement and decide whether the issue is sin that needs to be taken further.

Can you see what Jesus is advising here? We don’t tell people until all other avenues have been exhausted and there is no choice but to spread the issue more widely. First, we get alongside privately and then we call in wise, unbiased people. Sometimes we do need to talk with a trusted friend in order to get the problem off our chest and get a better perspective on the situation. But Jesus’ principle here is to keep it contained. Don’t tell others unless they really need to know. There is a beautiful story (Matthew 18:12-14) that Jesus tells just before this teaching. It’s about a shepherd leaving the flock to find one sheep that has wandered off. If people around us are wandering off, we have the wonderful privilege of seeking them out and bringing them back. Often this will mean helping them with their sin. It’s what shepherds do and though it’s dangerous, it really can bring great joy. By this kind of real love for each other (caring challenge and careful containment), people will know we are followers of Jesus. John Sweetman Principal, Malyon College John.sweetman@malyon.edu.au

www.qb.com.au June 2011

Baptisms

Please pray for these newly baptised believers: Annerley Mahesha Randeniya City North Sam Schrodter

Gladstone Jesse Bailey Josh Cope Hayden Holley Emily-Kate Mattingley Katelin Staples

Gateway Bethany Walton

Greenslopes Diamond Davies Matina Davies Sienneh Davies Loeltia Kollie Nima Lal Tanya Shore Peta Tufuga

Rivers Rosie Le Blanc Michael Marjoribanks

Stafford Heights (Cont.) Lay Taw May Dalee Yar Way

Stafford Heights Ku Gay Moo May Mee Lay Nay Ni Soe Kayor Paw Warren Peisker

Stanley River Valley Matthew Thomas Sunnybank Rhian Contessi Usha Soares

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Convention 2011

Loving God deeper… From 10 – 13 May, Baptists from around Queensland met for teaching, praise, worship and to consider the business of the Union of Queensland Baptist Churches. The Pastors’ and Spouses’ Conference at QCCC’s Mt Tamborine campsite welcomed Fil Anderson, special guest speaker and author of ‘Running on Empty’. Fil’s teaching was characterised by transparency and vulnerability as he focussed on the amazing love of God for His precious children. Fil shared helpful insights to avoid burnout and ways to guard against and overcome the busyness that distracts us from intimacy and relationship with God. It was great to have so many pastors from the country attending. There was a wonderful sense of fellowship as people drew together for fun activities as well as times of reflection and spiritual refreshment. We especially thank Pat Kingham for her outstanding work (as always!) with this event. Pat couldn’t take a break when the Conference concluded because Convention activities were held at Cleveland Baptist Church where husband, Richard, is the Senior Pastor. On Thursday 12 May, an Appreciation Dinner was held for pastors and spouses followed by a Thanksgiving Service that focussed on the Queensland Summer’s natural disasters, the subsequent QB Flood Appeal and how those funds are being managed. Over $1million was raised and subsequently allocated to 350 Queenslanders, many of whom are not associated with Baptist churches. As mentioned on the night, this was not a time to ‘look after our own’ but rather a time to reach out to a hurting and devastated community. Thank you to our sponsors:

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www.qb.com.au June 2011

Convention 2011

Fil & Lucie Anderson with Ann & David Loder.

On Friday, a Prayer Breakfast was followed by Business Day. This is the Annual General Meeting of Queensland Baptists. Business Day provides an important opportunity for the General Superintendent to deliver his ‘State of the Union’ address, which was followed by a time for those present to discuss and respond. Queensland Baptist Care, QB’s largest Charter Group, also presented an update on their strategic direction, which concluded with them providing lunch. In the evening, Malyon (QB’s tertiary theological training college) and CALAM (QB’s TAFE-level college) co-hosted a dinner to showcase their ministries in the area of training. At the Recognition Service that followed, the men who were ordained during the year in their home churches were acknowledged. They are: Christian Aguilera (Northreach), Ross Blunden (Bayside), Rowan Evans (City Tabernacle), Mark Mackay (Forest Lake) and Neil Pattemore (Fairfield). Newly constituted churches, Phase 1 and 2 churches and the ongoing work of MTQ were also recognised. Bishop Matthius Lima of South Seas Evangelical Church (SSEC) attended the meeting to sign a partnership agreement with Queensland Baptists. He spoke movingly about the beginnings of the SSEC which has its roots in the ministry to Kanakas, those Pacific Islanders who were brought by force to Queensland to provide cheap labour in the sugar cane fields in the last half of the 1800s. Guest speaker, Fil Anderson, spoke about ‘Finishing well’, highlighting that people who do so have a ‘vibrant, personal

Richard and Pat Kingham with David Loder.

June 2011 www.qb.com.au

relationship with God till the very end’ and encouraging us again with Hebrews 12:1 ‘Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us’ (New Living Translation). A date claimer for QB Convention 2012 was screened featuring Rockhampton Baptist Tabernacle Pastor, Chris Ganter, and event coordinator, Belinda Clark, who encouraged everyone to ‘Get back to the country’ and join the Rocky church on 13 – 20 May 2012 for their 150th Anniversary celebrations. Put the date in your diary now! We are sincerely thankful for the outstanding efforts of Richard and Pat Kingham and their happy team of willing workers at Cleveland Baptist Church who worked tirelessly to ensure that QB Convention 2011 was a successful event. Also, our appreciation goes to the music teams from Cleveland and Victoria Point churches who led us in worship and praise. Finally, thank you to our sponsors. DVDs of the Convention program are available from Dean Herring at Hardware Creative, mob 0418 68 68 98 or dean@hwcreative.com.au: Pastors’ & Spouses’ Conference – Fil Anderson’s presentations (Box of 5) $75 Thanksgiving Service – Full service include Fil Anderson’s presentation $20 Recognition Service – Full service including Fil Anderson’s presentation $20 www.hwcreative.com.au

The year’s ordinands kneel for prayer.

Around the regions

Patron Tom Braes cuts the ribbon at the official opening

Tablelands Men’s Shed Opening

FOn Friday 8 April, the Tablelands Men’s Shed was officially opened in Mareeba by the Shed’s patron Magistrate Tom Braes. The Shed is a community ministry of Mareeba Baptist Church. It is one of three Mareeba Baptist ministries designed to connect with the local community. The others are a bookstall held at the local monthly markets and a Mainly Music program for children under school age. These ministries spearhead the Church’s efforts to take the good news of Jesus into the community.

The first hurdle to overcome was finding a suitable building. Fortunately, with the assistance of the local council, they were able to acquire a lease at the right price ($1/year!) on a disused scout hall that had lain empty for years. The building badly needed repair but with the support of some keen workers and local businesses, it has been revitalised. There is still more work to be done but the band of willing workers is growing as more men join the Shed. At present the committee is developing Shed programs such as basic computer skills, small motor repairs and wood working projects. The Shed is registered to be a part of Spanner in the Works during Men’s Health Week in June and is also developing a partnership with a local job network to provide work opportunities for those currently unemployed. This will be a real boost for men in Mareeba who are looking for opportunities to be productive and learn some skills. Also, a group of indigenous men are finding the Shed a great place to hang out and enjoy life together one afternoon each week. The goal of Tablelands Men’s Shed is to improve the physical, emotional, social and spiritual well being of men in the community. These changes will come as men enjoy mateship, learn skills and rediscover old skills in a non-judgemental, drug and alcohol free setting. The Shed also provides for those who know Christ to build relationships with those outside of God’s Kingdom and share the good news of Jesus in an environment that is man-friendly.

It has taken a little over 18 months for the dream of a Men’s Shed in Mareeba to become reality. Late in 2009, Bruce Marshall, Cec Ayliffe and Pastor Allan Sharpe met to discuss the possibility of opening a Men’s Shed in Mareeba because they were aware of the needs of local men. There were many times when it seemed the plans might fail but God had his hand on the project and granted favour with the local council, business people and individuals who were more than willing to help the Shed get up and running.

Youth For Christ Brisbane 8/30 Raubers Rd Banyo QLD 4014 PO Box 382 Banyo QLD 4014 Phone:(07) 3267 1657 Email: brisbane@yfc.org.au Website: www.yfc.org.au

www.qb.com.au June 2011

Around the regions

Pastor Daniel Wallis was inducted in February by the Rev Andy Coller. Daniel is also a member of the Baptist World Aid Australia (BWAA) board, hence his connection with Andy who is BWAA’s Church Relationship Coordinator.

L to R - Pastor Stephen Berry, Tony Connell, Sharayah, Brad Spencer, Norma Stevens, Don Kirkland & Nev Quarmby.

Youth gets a boost in Maryborough

Daniel kneels for prayer.

Maryborough Baptist Church has welcomed and inducted Sharayah Van Der Heijde as Youth Worker. After spending her high school years in Maryborough as a ‘PK’, (pastor’s kid - her father, John, was pastor of the Church at the time), Sharayah spent 2010 travelling around the Eastern states of Australia with Motivational Media. This was a busy, fulfilling and challenging year. After returning to Maryborough, and seeking God’s direction for her life, Sharayah was approached by the church to take up the position of Part time Youth Worker. Sharayah is studying to complete a Cert IV in Ministry. Since her induction Sharayah has led and assisted the other Youth Leaders with the Friday night Youth group, started up a girls ‘mentoring’ mid week group, helped at Mainly Music, RE, The Hut (kids ministry), and been involved on the Worship team and in home groups. The church has a sense of excitement and anticipation at what God is doing, and going to do, in and through the church and the Youth Ministry.

Daniel and Andy.

Rising from the ashes!

There is a real sense of excitement at South Toowoomba Baptist Church. It has been quite a journey for them since their building was gutted by fire in September 2009. Now they have a new pastor and a refurbished building; in many ways it’s a new start.

June 2011 www.qb.com.au

Andy’s message was ‘Imitating Jesus in the Community of Faith’ and he focussed on prayer, compassion, and forgiveness. Regional Consultant Col Peaker gave a greeting on behalf of Queensland Baptists.

Tully: Not even a cyclone can extinguish Aussie humour!

Yasi clean-up continues

The clean-up after our extraordinary summer will continue for a long time. Hank from Cairns Baptist Church reports: ‘Our sixth cyclone recovery trip (to the Tully area) was very tough but so rewarding. The government recovery team gave us their most difficult case, as we were to find out. It took four weeks to get there as the roads were flooded. We had to park the bus on the road and cart our chainsaws and gear up a steep hill for 700 metres because the driveway had ruts a metre deep! Our most difficult cutting job was ahead of us – a huge tree with branches all over the property’s shed. The SES gave the residents excellent service cutting trees from their dented roof but they drew the line at this job for insurance reasons. We also removed many other trees which barred access to the garden. ‘It was wonderful to witness to the residents and point them to Jesus as the source of our love and care for them. One member of our team has offered to help the lady with a holiday in Cairns. Praise the Lord! We were even able to pray with them at the end of the day.

Around the regions

‘The team from Northpoint Baptist was fantastic. They delivered a truckload of furniture etc. to Tully Baptist Church then came up for a few hours of sweaty work, cutting and carting. The three American girls were great again; fancy coming back for more work in such conditions. ‘Kim and his tradies will be working on Tully Baptist Church in the next few weeks, and Watson’s rooves for which Freshwater Christian College is supplying the funds. They conducted a Trade Day where senior students ran food and game stalls and raised over $3500!’

Eating on the run

Rick Plumb, Tracy Jones and Brenden Allen, the trio of Burma activists who head up the project, admit that telling the story of misery endured by these displaced people to their friends and family often isn’t enough motivation to encourage them to give. So they’re also thinking outside the square. They are

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Four Queensland Baptist Churches are supporting Eating on the Run, an awareness and fundraising campaign to help feed, shelter and medically treat some of the displaced refugees from Burma living rough in Thailand. North East, Stafford Heights, Logan City and Townsville Baptist Churches are conducting various fundraising ventures including a ‘loose change’ collection on and around World Refugee Week.

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Seasons out-scores living at a nursing home 20-to-3.

Around the regions

selling eggs through the three Brisbane churches who have large numbers of former Karen refugees in their congregations. Most people eat eggs, so their egg stands are selling out each week and they’re making about one hundred dollars weekly which equates to enough meals for 300 displaced people. For every two dozen eggs sold, they can deliver one dozen eggs to a displaced person in Thailand who has no protein in his or her diet. They are also offering family portraits at a significantly reduced price. Brenden has slashed his normal portrait fee to fundraise for Eating on the Run. Read more about Rick, Tracy and Brenden’s ministry to the Karen people in Enough sadness to last a lifetime in this issue.

Plans for a multi-site church

As report on the Helensvale Baptist Church website reads: ‘Well, church planting on the northern Gold Coast and its northern growth corridor got a big impetus today: both Helensvale Baptist Church (HBC) and Southport Baptist Church (SBC) agreed to join together and form the new multisite Baptist church in respective individual church meetings this morning. Included in this was starting a new campus work at Highland Reserve, Upper Coomera (HR), by a planting team headed up by Matt Hunt, current HBC Ministry Team Leader. This, we hope, is the first of a number of campus (church) plants from this new multi-site church over the next decade or so in this growing region of Australia. ‘At HBC, 102 people were present at their church meeting including 86 members. The meeting had six motions before it including: plant a new work at Highland Reserve (HR), Upper Coomera (unanimous support); Matt Hunt to head up the HR planting team (unanimous support); start an intentional journey to appoint a Campus Pastor at HBC first looking at Stef Maslen (unanimous support); revised MFP to fund this in various ways (unanimous support); form the new multi-site church with SBC (1 no, the rest yes); appoint the New Church Team Transition (1 no, the rest yes). The SBC meeting was attended by “quite a few” and supported the motion to form the new multi-site church with a 75% majority. ‘Last night 50 people from both churches met for a meal and a time of prayer and worship - good way to start really; yet to quote one church member “looks like more work ahead!” - as there should be in gospel work.

PCs for flood victims

Local families in the Ipswich area who lost computer equipment during the Queensland floods were given a helping hand by Queensland Baptist Care (QBC) who contacted the Ipswich Council to offer computers donated from a variety of sources. It was decided to assist families with children at school first. Most people who were trying to replace household essentials had computers on their lists but fridges, stoves, and bedding had to come first for most families. There is a new church plant ‘in the wind’. Over the past year, Helensvale and Southport Baptists have been discussing coming together as one multi-site church with three sites: Southport, Helensvale and Highland Reserve, a new church plant. Without going into great detail here, both churches had church meetings recently to determine whether God was in this direction or not. The following article covers the outcome of those meetings as published on the HBC website.

June 2011 www.qb.com.au

‘Please join with us in prayer as we proceed with the transition toward the multi-site church and see the first new church plant at HR. God willing the new multi-site church will be officially formed later in 2011.’

On the move • Pastor Rob Howell’s call to Leichhardt has been extended • Rev Des Limkin has changed his role to part-time at Moura and has commenced with Converge Intl (part-time) • Pastor Tom Markotanyos has accepted a call to Logan Wesleyan Methodist • Rev Chris Stewart has accepted a call (part-time) to Church of the Outback (Churches of Christ) • Rev Laurie Wallace has concluded at Narangba • Pastor Josh Williamson has accepted a call to Golburn NSW • Rev Brian Winslade has accepted a call to Hillside Church (Marin, California)

Milestones

Browns Plains turns

Browns Plains Baptist Church had its humble beginnings on 25 February 1990, when a few faithful people braved torrential rain to meet in the home of Trevor and Karen Jones. In stark contrast, the sun was shining when a full house of worshippers marked the church’s 21st Anniversary.

Trevor Jones, Max Davidson, Hartley Window and David Blackburn.

seven years old through to attending on the anniversary day, as one of 53 current members. The Rev Max Davidson, inaugural pastor of the church, was invited to speak to the congregation and it was a great opportunity for the foundation members to catch up with him and his wife, Mary. It was a morning of reflection for all that reminded everyone that it doesn’t matter whether the church is big or small; God can do great things in it! The church is now looking forward to celebrating its next big milestone!

www.willarahouse.com.au

SUPERVISOR FROM JUNE 2011 Applications are invited for the position of Supervisor for Willara House. Willara House provides accommodation for up to 20 female residents many of whom are tertiary students, and is located adjacent to the City Tabernacle Baptist Church in Upper Edward Street, Brisbane. This position is for a full-time Supervisor Suitable accommodation is provided on site. Enquiries may be directed to: Mr Colin Berning Mob: 0437 914 928 Email: pcberning@gmail.com

DATE CLAIMER!

A Ministry of The City Tabernacle Baptist Church, 163 Wickham Terrace, Brisbane, Qld 4000

The service included a short history of the church presented by Deacon Trevor Jones and Elder Hartley Window – both of whom are original foundation members. They shared some facts, figures and funny stories. They were accompanied by Sarah Maybanks, who recounted her years growing up in the church, from attending the second service held when she was

FRIDAY 18 – SUNDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2011 WARWICK, QLD Ph: (07) 4661 7655 centenary@warwickbaptist.net www.centenary.warwickbaptist.net

QB kids & their families

God knows and cares Ministering to kids and their families takes on many different forms. Chaplaincy is a wonderful opportunity to serve the whole community. Meet one chaplain who God moved to a new school to help love a community impacted by the January floods. Please remember to keep praying for the work of your local chaplain and for God’s hand to guide in the High Court challenge to chaplaincy. (See SU update in this issue.) During the floods, I was on a Scripture Union Camp with a number of leaders and campers from Tent Hill. The impact of the floods in their surrounding communities was evident. On visiting the community and hearing some of the stories I could see there was a great need for help. I began to pray and found myself saying to God ‘Don’t send someone else, send me’. In a very short space of time, through a number of contacts, I was able to voluntarily offer extra support particularly in the Grantham Primary School.

There are no easy answers to these tragedies that can come to any of us at any time.

We helped set up a daily breakfast program for students who had been relocated into Gatton due to the loss of their homes in the flood. Suddenly these children had been forced to have longer days, leaving homes early to catch the bus to school. Breakfast

when they arrived was a bonus. Through the generosity of Foodbank Queensland we have been able to sustain the daily breakfast program at no cost. We also ran fun food days and fun activities during lunchtimes. During this time I was also employed part time as a Chaplain at Tingalpa Primary School in Brisbane. Observing that the support at Grantham would be needed longer term I requested time off from my current Chaplaincy position until the end of the year. Shortly after I discovered the Federal Government had provided funding for Chaplaincy services in fifteen flood affected schools, Grantham included. The term has been really busy as there have been so many people wanting to bless the children and their families who had been through so much. We have been on camp to Emu Gully and Bornhoffen, had visits from the Lions, Roar, Prince William, Gina Geoffreys, and community groups who came to donate donate care bears, books, clothes etc. The support for the community has been overwhelming and has encouraged them in many ways.

June 2011 www.qb.com.au

QB kids & their families

Students have lost homes, suffered the tragic loss of family members and a fellow student. There are no easy answers to these tragedies that can come to any of us at any time. There are also no easy solutions to coping with these tragedies. One thing believers do know is that Jesus is not removed from these tragedies. He, himself, willingly suffered far beyond what we could ever imagine or experience. He is also very near to the broken hearted and contrite in spirit. As a Chaplain I am able to walk with some of these students on the good and the bad days. Sadly, we can’t fix what has happened but we can show them that they are loved and valued and that there is a God who knows and cares. Nyree Mannion

The QB Kids and their Families Team is planning one event this year and YOU are invited. QB Kids Connect is about Pastors, Church leaders, Children’s Ministry Leaders and Children’s Ministry Teams meeting together and catching up. It’s about being inspired by thought-provoking input from Tim Hanna (CEO Compassion Australia) as he unpacks ‘Children in the Kingdom of God - imitating Christ’s attitude’ and being encouraged by others who share your journey. Hope to see you on 16 July!

www.qb.com.au June 2011

QB youth

I’ve always absolutely loved sitting and watching the sunset! God has over many, many years spoken to me nearly every time I stop, quiet myself and hang with him watching sunsets. There’s something about them that I believe can never be fully captured in a photo, painting or video… when you’re right there in God’s presence marvelling at his creativity and light show! I’ve always said that I love sunsets way more than sunrises, but I never knew why until recently. For years God’s been gently nudging/prodding me to get up earlier and spend seriously amazing time with him. He spoke a very clear word to me a couple of years ago that went very similar to this… ‘Grant, you’re going to become a ‘morning person’… when you rise early, when you dedicate the first part of your day entirely to me, just you and me… this is where I’ll speak to you the loudest and clearest.’

God’s invitation to intimacy

For well over two years I seriously battled to get up earlier. I was hopeless at it! I tried so hard for so long and ended up giving up. I mean, I have three kids under five, I have a full week of ministry, friends, family, etc, etc… and I forgot to mention, I really hated mornings!! So over that time I pretty much ignored God and continued about my days as per usual. However, I did (fairly frequently) have this feeling that I was missing out on something special. This went on until about 10 weeks ago. Things were tough at home, tough at work, pretty much tough all-round! I’d basically done no exercise for years, I was finding my spiritual walk really hard… sometimes going for days and days without opening up my Bible… and then came God’s quiet, gentle voice, ‘Get up early… before the sun rises’. Something dramatic changed in me: for the first time in my life I had a hunger and desire to get up early. Since that day I’ve seen many sunrises and I have a massive confession to make…I love ‘em, probably as much as sunsets. I’ve realised too that it was never, ever about the sunrises or the rising early bit… it was about intimacy with my loving Father; putting my head on his chest and hearing his heartbeat, getting

June 2011 www.qb.com.au

to know his heart for people and this world! This can only come through complete and utter surrender DAILY and being intimate with our Jesus! Allowing space in my world to just listen to what he has for me each day… being about my Father’s business is the only way to live. God hungers and desires for us to sit with him under that fig tree and be still with him. Our lives have become so full of noise and business that we just don’t hear him. He’s speaking to us all the time and yet we often miss it totally. God has led me recently to some pretty amazing verses that I’d read hundreds of times before…and he’s bringing new life and new meaning to me each time I read them. Check them out yourself and see if God wants to say something to you. ‘Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest’ (Matthew 11:28). ‘I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides (lives and remains) in me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without me you can do nothing’ (John 15:5). ‘He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters’ (Psalm 23:2). More then ever I know, and am living out of the abundance of God’s love and grace. He has given us freedom! God’s desire for us is to be free…it is for freedom that Christ died! ‘It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery’ (Galatians 5:1). Intimacy with our Daddy is key. Maybe it’s time for you to brave the cold, the dark, the early mornings and go check out a sunrise! Trust me, you won’t be disappointed… and I’m not just talking about the sunrise! Grant Gehrke Youth Pastor, Kenmore Baptist Church (KBC) Grant.GEHRKE@kbc.org.au

QB archives

ARCHIVES Baptist heritage on display A large, elegant glassfronted display case has been donated to the Baptist Church Archives to house some of its most important documentary records. The case was installed in the Archives early in May. It now contains the earliest documents of the Baptist Union of Queensland, then known as the Baptist Association dating from 1877. A number of other shelves contain more recent Minutes of the Queensland Baptists’ Board and Administrative Services Group. All these records are professionally bound for preservation and ease of access. There are many other records of assemblies and the BUQ Executive housed in other sections of the Archives, as well as material from other committees and departments, especially the Home Mission, which preserves information about the development and activities of the Baptist Union over its 134 year history. One of the most useful sets of documents from the Baptist Union is the Queensland Baptist newspaper which first appeared in 1881. However, issues of about twenty years of this publication, 1931-1951 are missing and the Archives is very keen to find copies to complete its run. The oldest documents in the Archives relate to the establishment of the first church in Brisbane in 1855. They include the Trust Deed, Constitution and hymn sheet from the opening service of the chapel, and fourth annual report. Other old material includes minutes and roll books of the Ipswich and Jireh Baptist Churches. Another interesting document is a proof of a printed sermon of C H Spurgeon with corrections in the preacher’s handwriting. The Archives also has a number of old Bibles and a Baptist Psalms and Hymn book printed in 1877. Please contact the Archives for more information and offers of documents.

The amazing women of the SGMU A history of the Senior Girls’ Missionary Union is currently being written. One of the rewards of being involved in such a project is to discover the stories of the amazing

women who were associated with the organisation both in Australia and in foreign lands. The first Australian Baptist missionaries to India were women – they were the ones who first brought Christ to India. And at home they were supported by an exceptionally successful organisation called the Senior Girls’ Missionary Union (SGMU). The SGMU was created to provide prayer, financial and personal support to Baptist missionaries in India, particularly that part of India which is now called Bangladesh. It operated in Queensland from 1923 to 1966, when its name was changed to the Queensland Baptist Missionary Union. Further changes were made in subsequent years as young women moved into the general workforce and it became necessary to adopt different strategies to support our missionaries. By the 1990s the SGMU had ceased to operate as a separate and distinct entity. Large amounts of money were raised by the SGMU to support the missionaries. Prayer support was ongoing and personal support through letters, reports and visits continued over the years. For many years the SGMU was a major ‘supply line’ for Baptist missionaries in India, and more recently in other parts of the world, including PapuaNew Guinea and Asia. A feature of the SGMU was the esprit de corps that was developed from the outset. One way in which this was achieved was through camps held over the Easter holidays at which the girls got together from all around Queensland and not only had a good time, but learned about the missions and missionaries they were supporting. Many close personal relationships began at these camps. Former members of the SGMU have assisted in the preparation of the SGMU history through their recollections, photographs, assistance and advice. The history contains information about a number of the women missionaries, some of whom were among the first missionaries to bring ‘Senior girls’ at camp (Mar ‘Christ to India. And India gate, 1935) to Christ’ (the motto of the SGMU). The history should be available in the next month or so and will be further advertised when it has been printed. For more information, contact Bill Hughes, 07-3256 8897, email roslynbill@bigpond.com The Baptist Archives archives@qb.com.au Phone 07 3878 3178, 07 3354 5642, 07 3256 8897 Mail The Baptist Archives, QB Centre, PO Box 6166, Mitchelton Q 4053

www.qb.com.au June 2011

QCCC

US ERO GEN

Self Others u

d a r oun d

Lost and found

E AN RAG BENCOU E

COUR AG E

TE AM

BE RESP ECTFUL

E BE HUMBL

the change change you the you want wantto tosee see in the the world world lies in lies within within

Last year St Laurence’s College held their annual spiritual retreat for Year 11s at QCCC Mapleton. Their principal was attending and asked us if he could make a presentation to us. In front of the whole school group the Principal handed an enormous Bible with a fascinating story to us. It was a family Bible with commentary and beautiful illustrations and was probably published around 1870.

Self: You’re blessed when you’re happy with just who you are. No more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.

Others: You’re fortunate when you care for others. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.

World around us: You’re fulfilled when you get your inside world – your thoughts and feelings – put right. Then you can see the Real Meaning in the outside world.

Stay in touch and share your story of change: www.changeu.me www.facebook.com/ changeu.me www.twitter.com/qldccc

The Principal said that on the previous weekend he’d been at one of the landfill refuse tips in Brisbane and had seen this Bible casually tossed aside, presumably waiting to be bulldozed into the ground. He quickly rescued it. It is a little worse for wear, its leather-bound cover quite battered, some rust on the clasps, and the odd cut into the pages, but apart from that it is still fully bound and readable, with all pages present. An inscription on the inside cover told him of the Bible’s last home. In February 1951 it was presented to Caloundra Baptist Church as a gift from Brisbane’s City Tabernacle church, to commemorate the inaugural service of a new congregation on the Sunshine Coast. Sixty years later it was redeemed from landfill and the Principal of St Laurence’s gave it to us at QCCC and asked us to restore it to its ‘right and proper home’. And so on Mother’s Day 2011 the Bible was officially returned to Caloundra Citylife (Baptist) Church when I handed it over to Pastor Rob Bartle. No one in the current Caloundra congregation has a memory of the Bible so presumably it has been severed from its home for a long time. What a fascinating tale this Bible could tell if it could talk! By 1951 it had already notched up around 70-80 years of life, its history as a possession of Caloundra Baptist is less than half of this time. The journey from Caloundra to Brisbane landfill (and back) must also have been an adventure – highlighted by the last minute rescue. Was it divine intervention that saw it come to the attention of a man who would care about it, and within weeks would be in a place where he could place it on a path to be returned home? The story of this one resilient Bible is just a small part of a much larger tapestry demonstrating the redemptive narrative of God’s design on this earth. First it was a priceless gift, somehow it nearly became worthless garbage, only to have its true value recognised and a massive effort made to restore it to its rightful position. Doesn’t it read like the wonderful divine story of our own pathway to redemption through Christ?

June 2011 www.qb.com.au

Gain a degree & strengthen your Christian worldview.

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Christian Christian Heritage Heritage College College | www.chc.edu.au www.chc.edu.au | 07 07 3347 3347 7900 7900 Over many years QCCC Mapleton has established a tradition of bookmarks that are given to guests, particularly the weekday school groups. In the last month the latest edition bookmark has started going out, based on our new ministry theme of R1202 (profiled in the last edition of The qb). What I like about this bookmark is that it quotes some of Jesus’ most profound teachings, drawn from Matthew 5 and 7. The words are from a contemporary version of the Bible and they appear simply as they were said – stripped back; bare. Pithy statements as they would have been uttered by the Master. Each time I glance down at the bookmark and read the quotes I’m struck by both the poetry and force of Jesus’ words. Many of them are thoroughly counter-cultural in today’s world, but they’re expressed with a succinct beauty that makes them engaging and attractive. Like our lost and found Bible, those words cannot be diminished or trashed. They are timeless, having already stood the test of time, and still potent. They give us a lot to work with as we minister to the many guests who visit our sites each year. Andrew Grant andrew.grant@qccc.com.au Director of Camping for Queensland Conference and Camping Centres, a ministry of Queensland Baptists.

Upcoming QCCC events 8-10 July – Mapleton Singles and Solos Camp A weekend designed for Christian adults without partners. Enjoy the fellowship, guest speaker and fine catered meals. The Guest speaker is Rev Lionel Rose. His message for the weekend is ‘Building Healthy Relationships’. 7-9 October – Fathering Adventures Father & Daughter camp at Tamborine A weekend of adventure and coaching in intentional fatherhood for fathers and daughters. The weekend includes extreme high ropes adventure and lots of one-on-one time with your daughter. Go to www.fatheringadventures.com for further details. 4-6 October – Fathering Adventures Father & Son camp at Mapleton A great opportunity for one-on-one time with your son with lots to do at Mapleton. The weekend will include coaching in intentional fatherhood and lots of fun using the Mapleton facilities. Go to www.fatheringadventures.com for further details. Summer holidays - Mapleton Summer Holiday Family Program For three weeks of the summer holidays Mapleton offers a funfilled family holiday. Fully catered, the holiday program includes worship and devotions for all the family and a full program of activities, day and night, for everyone. Or just relax around the pool and catch up with old and new friends. Contact QCCC Mapleton for more details.

www.qb.com.au June 2011

QB women

I love it when women come together and share ideas, share their lives and share their dreams. Inspiration is drawn from one to the other as we hear stories of how God is moving and shaping us. I was privileged to be a part of such a group in regional Queensland last year. We gathered together to talk about leadership and share our journeys. Our conversations soon turned to the desires God had placed on our hearts. It was truly an evening of connection and inspiration. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says we should ‘Encourage one another and build each other up...’ and this is how we will stay connected and on track as we pursue our God-given dreams. It is through the encouragement of others and the encouragement we can, in turn, offer to others that we will remain in pursuit of our mission. The Soul Sisters Network is a new initiative of Queensland Baptist women. With the purpose of connecting women already in leadership, mentoring those aspiring to be leaders and being an encouragement for all women, the Soul Sisters Network will gather at each She is... conference and camp.

June 2011 www.qb.com.au

These intimate gatherings will be a highlight for all involved. It is our desire to see women who are on their own leadership journey making connection with other like-minded sisters. We want to see women inspired by one another and learning from one another. To ‘encourage each other and build each other up’ is our primary purpose. The Soul Sisters Network events will take place after each She is... conference or camp in Queensland. Every Soul Sisters’ event will include an open forum for asking questions of our speakers and opportunities for encouragement and networking. Register for the Soul Sisters Network when you register for She is... at www.sheis.net.au. Sue Peters, State Director for Queensland Baptist Women sue@sheis.net.au www.sheis.net.au

TESOL Training Centre, Windsor Road Baptist Church, Red Hill, Brisbane e:admin@interculturaltraining.com.au

• 0438 273 954 / 3311 5595 •

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TESOL Training Centre, Windsor Road Baptist Church, Red Hill, Brisbane e:admin@interculturaltraining.com.au

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TESOL Training TESOL Course: Certificate IV in Teaching Conversational English (30664 QLD) Brought to you by: Intercultural Training Associates RTO: CALAM Training Prov. No. 30002 • • • •

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For 2011 dates contact us or visit the website. Phone Juanita on 0438 273 954 or Kim on 0421 681 801

QLD Courses 2011 Semester 1 Brisbane Night Course (20 weeks) Course 1: 22 February - 28 June Day courses (7 weeks) Course 1: 24 January - 12 March Course 2: 28 March -14 May Course 3: 30 May - 16 July Townsville Course 1: Week 1: 1-5 March Week 2: 12 – 16 April Week 3: 21 – 25 June

TESOL Training Centre, Windsor Road Baptist Church, Red Hill, Brisbane P 3311 5595 admin@interculturaltraining.com.au www.interculturaltraining.com.au

Events She is... conference at Hervey Bay: 18 June She is... conference at Cairns: 9 July She is... camp at Sunshine Coast: 5-7 August She is... conference at Brisbane: 20 August She is... camp at Central Qld (Yeppoon): 9-11 September She is... conference at Townsville: 8 October For more information contact admin@sheis.net.au or phone 0435 855 892.

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She is... Conference Date Claimer Central Coast conference (Hervey Bay) 18 June Far North Qld conference (Cairns) 8 July Sunshine Coast camp (Mapleton) 5-7 August Brisbane conference (Gaythorne) 20 August Central Qld camp (Yepoon) 9-11 September North Qld conference (Townsville) 1 October For more information or to register please go to www.sheis.net.au

www.qb.com.au June 2011

Imitating Jesus series

4. We desire:

To serve as Jesus served As the bullet grazed the communion table and entered his chest, Oscar Romero, Archbishop to the El Salvador slums, knew the reality of living and serving in the ‘upside-down kingdom’ of Jesus. He had come to discover what it was to serve as Jesus served: to stand up for the poor, to confront the oppressor, and to live as a ‘prophet of a future not his own’. Across the centuries, believers from every nation have wrestled with this same challenge; to serve this world as Jesus served. You and I are called to bring his ‘upside-down kingdom’ to the streets and beaches, the paddocks and malls, the homes, schools and workplaces across our nation. SERVING in THE UPSIDE-DOWN KINGDOM Jesus, standing in the pulpit in Nazareth, described this ‘upside-down kingdom’, when he read from Isaiah 61. He began with the words ‘… He has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor,’ and throughout his ministry, went on to model a Kingdom where Love replaces Bigotry; Justice breaks through Corruption, and Gratitude displaces Greed. Knowledge is subsumed by Wisdom; Life tramples Death, and Salvation plucks the repentant sinner back from the abyss. Jesus calls us to serve him, by partnering with him in this, reconciling this broken world to himself. SERVING with your WHOLE SELF When asked about the 1930s church, Eric Liddell, Olympian and missionary to China, lamented the lack of ‘muscular Christianity’. In Deuteronomy we are reminded to ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength’. What a wonderful scripture this is! Serving Jesus requires no less than our whole self. God can use it all. Our intellect is his. Our emotions, bodies and giftings are his, and these are all tools in our toolbox for serving as Jesus served. We can rejoice in this. There is no limit to our possibilities for service. SERVING the ‘LITTLE ONES’ The gospel of Matthew is brimming with Jesus’ words about the Kingdom. The children, the poor, the naked, the dispossessed are those he beckons into his Kingdom. These are the ‘voiceless’ ones; the little ones of the world. But as Jesus gazes into the eyes of the rich, young ruler, he confronts yet another poverty - a poverty of spirit. This present world faces the same condition. Most of our homes are bulging with the latest gizmos; our bank accounts are healthy; our investments are 24

June 2011 www.qb.com.au

secure. We fill our days with retail therapy but remain poor in spirit. Alexander Schmemann comments that, ‘Modern man has “come of age” as a deadly serious adult, conscious of his alienations and sufferings but not of joy, of sex, but not of love, of “science” but not of “mystery”.’ These too are ‘little ones’, who, in their poverty of spirit, Jesus calls us to serve. SERVING the PRESENT, FOR THE FUTURE What a wonderful word picture Hebrews 12 v1 & 2 paints. Those who serve Jesus are called to be Kingdom- bringers, and ‘We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…’ as we join our hands with those who’ve gone before, and those who stand shoulder to shoulder with us now, seeking through the generations to remain faithful to God’s call to serve this broken world. And for the sake of ‘those yet to come’ we persevere as Jesus did, serving with the end in mind, and asking God to shape the future, from what we sow into today. The following words, read at the funeral of Archbishop Oscar Romero, speak of serving: PROPHETS of a FUTURE NOT OUR OWN This is what we are about. We plant the seeds that one day will grow. We water the seeds already planted knowing that they hold future promise. We lay foundations that will need further development. We provide yeast that produces effects far beyond our capabilities. We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing this. This enables us to do something, and to do it very well. It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for the Lord’s grace to enter and do the rest. We are workers, not master builders, We are prophets of a future not our own. May you and I, as Queensland Baptists, resolve to serve as Jesus served; opening portals in this world for the Kingdom to come bursting through. Wendy Jarrott-Smith World Vision Queensland Baptists Board member

Imitating Jesus series

5. We desire:

To think as Jesus thought Baptists have tended to be doers more than thinkers. We believe that anyone can do ministry. You don’t need a theological education or a special anointing. You just need a passion for Jesus. In America, the Baptists are the largest protestant group. This is partly because as frontiers expanded rapidly in the early days, anyone could start a Baptist church. While other denominations were hampered by a lack of ordained clergy to preach and lead communion, the Baptists forged ahead with lay people.

the theological faculty at 12, imagine his understanding by the time he was 30 and in vocational ministry. No wonder the people were astounded by the authority of his teaching.

So we are a pragmatic group. We don’t really respect intellectuals. Thinking has often been seen as irrelevant and unhelpful; sometimes even dangerous. When I went to university in the 1970s, there were some Christians who warned me about the danger of the academic life leading me away from Christ.

Second, Jesus knew and understood people and their contexts. In my doctoral dissertation, I examined the teaching of Jesus from an educational perspective. What surprised me was his overwhelming use of cultural references. He used numerous pictures from the everyday life of people - farming, cleaning, cooking, shepherding, fishing, providing hospitality, managing a business, etc. Jesus’ communication was inevitably rooted in the realities of life.

Some Baptists are even suspicious of theological training. Criticisms I have fielded include the impression that studying the Bible in depth kills off your passion for God and his Word, and the theory that the higher the level of education, the less effective a pastor is in ministry. Churches want pastors who can actually do the job, not think about it. We know that Jesus was a doer, but was he also a thinker? And if so, what did he think about? I know that we need to be careful enlisting Jesus to support our perspectives and theories, but I think that the Bible makes it clear that Jesus really was a thinker. First, he knew and understood the Scripture (Old Testament) very well. Jesus’ education in Nazareth would probably have been rather rudimentary, but by the time he was 12, he was able to dialogue with the top Jewish teachers in Jerusalem. Luke says that, ‘Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers’ (2:47). Clearly Jesus’ knowledge of Scripture and understanding of its theological content was amazing. If he could debate with

There is no escaping it. To think like Jesus inevitably means understanding the Scripture in depth. Not everyone will have the privilege of years of theological college study, but God has revealed himself through Scripture and we need to study it daily. And yes, our pastoral leaders and teachers really need to be experts in understanding the Word; immersed in its truth.

This not only shows Jesus’ skill as an educator, but reveals his knowledge of people. A number of times the gospel writers say that Jesus ‘knew their thoughts’ (Matthew 12:25; Mark 2:8; Luke 11:17) and John says, ‘But Jesus wouldn’t entrust himself to them, for he knew all men’ (John 2:24). I don’t want to read too much into this, but it seems plain that Jesus really did understand people. So to think as Jesus thought, not only means that we need to know Scripture, but we also need to understand the people and the contexts in which God has called us to serve. Sometimes this means study (see www.malyon.edu) but often it just requires time with people and an ear to God. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we can think like Christ thought. I haven’t had a chance to say anything about our having the ‘mind of Christ’ (1 Corinthians 2:16), but that’s enough for a start. John Sweetman Principal, Malyon College x

www.qb.com.au June 2011

Professional Standards

Introducing Russell Matthews In March the Queensland Baptists Board appointed Russell Matthews to the role of Professional Standards Worker. Russell is employed on a part-time basis to assist General Superintendent David Loder and the Ethical Issues Response Group as they manage QBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s misconduct process. This process, set out in The Ethical Issues Response Group Guidelines, provides a mechanism for response to complaints of serious misconduct

or inappropriate sexual behaviour against a Registered Pastor, Student Pastor, or Pastoral Assistant. Russell was previously the NSW and ACT Director of the Social Security Appeals Tribunal. He brings to the role extensive experience in the management of a complaints and appeals process. Russell will not only be assisting with the management of specific cases but will also be available to provide advice and support to local Baptist churches. Congregational members, leadership teams and pastors can contact him for advice regarding issues of abuse, misconduct and inappropriate behaviour and for guidance regarding the steps of the complaints process. In addition, he will be involved in developing information and training resources. Those who exercise pastoral ministry are to have a reputation for good behaviour inside and outside the church community; they are to be examples of the practice of Christian values and moral standards in ministry. The appointment of a Professional Standards Worker is a demonstration of Queensland Baptistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ongoing commitment to ensure that integrity and adherence to ethical standards characterises the ministry of pastors and pastoral assistants in Queensland Baptist churches. QB has already published a Code of Ethics for which compliance by all registered pastors is mandatory. This appointment also communicates to those who are affected by abuse from, or unethical conduct by, a pastor or pastoral assistant that their complaint will be treated carefully and addressed properly rather than covered up. You can contact and speak with Russell direct: phone 0432 483 958 or email psw@qb.com.au

QBC

Loving God and loving others

Have you ever heard people ponder about the purpose of the church in today’s society? Did they come to the conclusion that churches definitely had a purpose in the community a few generations ago, but now that current governments focus on the social welfare of its people, that purpose has been superseded by modern political policies and the works of secular, not-forprofit, human services organisations? I’m sure many readers would have overheard these types of conversations in numerous social settings.

Several churches had been actively seeking to connect with affected communities and were blessed by the availability of funds to help facilitate those connections.

As a not-for-profit, community services group of Queensland Baptists, Queensland Baptist Care provides quality care and support programs including aged care, education, homeless youth, suicide and self-harm prevention, counselling, chaplaincy, family support, people with a disability and return to work services.

So the next time you hear a conversation about the church’s purpose in today’s society, you can tell them about the wonderful things that Queensland Baptist Care started doing in the community over 60 years ago and is still doing today.

In addition to those services, Queensland Baptist Care respond to community needs on an ad-hoc basis, such as the recent Flood and Cyclone Yasi Appeal. Through the support of all the Queensland Baptist Churches and many people and organisations from around Australia, a huge $1,027,426 was raised and allocated to 349 Queenslanders affected by natural disasters this year. God presents opportunities for us to reach out to people and the flood appeal was one of those opportunities in which we were able to reach out to the broader community; that is, people who otherwise would not have experienced Baptist ministries first-hand. As part of the flood appeal process, applications for financial assistance were required to be made through a local Baptist church and signed off by the Senior Pastor. It is estimated that around 65% of applicants were from outside Baptist church circles, and many of those cases represented an initial contact between the applicant family and their local Baptist church.

The work that Queensland Baptist Care does helps people to know why it exists as an organisation, and that is, to offer hope, care and compassion to a needy society in response to the two great commands of Jesus Christ ‘To love God and to love others’.

Mandy Plum Queensland Baptist Care Mandy.Plumb@qbc.com.au QBmag_half_page_annual_appeal_2011.indd 1

16/05/2011 2:11:30 PM

Fast facts: • • • • •

$1,027,426.23 was donated to the flood and cyclone appeal At the beginning of May, $1,009,425 had been distributed to 349 applicants The remaining funds will have been distributed by the time this article is published Approximately 65% of applicants were not part of a Baptist congregation at the time of application Recipients were extremely grateful and Queensland Baptist Care has been inundated with letters of appreciation (read an excerpt from a grateful recipient’s letter below)

‘We would like to say thank you again for all your kindness and financial help during recent times due to the 2011 January flooding... Our home is much more than a house to us, it is our place where we love and celebrate and care, laugh and cry and support each other and not having this for the past five months has been quite an emotional challenge for us at times - especially for me... I don’t need a lot to be happy as long as my family unit is happy and thanks to you and your church, we are steps closer to getting our happiness back.’ (Flood fund recipient)

www.qb.com.au June 2011

Global Interaction

Unearthed What are the things that are really important in life? As a parent I am always seeing things that my children should be doing. Make your bed. Do the washing up. Pick up your clothes. But are these things really important? I talked to friends the other day who were disappointed that their children were not achieving the goals that they thought were reasonable, if not minimal. They were instead pursuing ‘silly young people things’. Travel, experience and time off seemed to be so much more important to them than study and work. But again, what is really important? Through the month of March Global Interaction QLD ran three events for young people called ‘Unearthed’. These nights were for young adults grappling with world issues and how they relate to our lives here in Australia. The topics discussed were Contextualisation, Islam and Short Term Mission. It was a great privilege to discuss issues from around the world with young people. They are passionate and ready to think and learn. They are open to consider what could be, and not just what has been. They are ready to be challenged and to challenge, explore and find ways through the hard issues.

June 2011 www.qb.com.au

So, what is important? I have been studying Romans lately and keep returning to chapter 12: ‘Offer your bodies as living sacrifices... do not conform to this world... be transformed... do not think of yourself more highly that you ought... love must be sincere... be devoted to each other... bless... rejoice... do what is right... overcome evil with good.’ The pain and trouble of our world has become all too clear in recent times. Now more than ever, we see a world that is desperate for people who are willing to stand for Godly justice and mercy; people who will stand up for God and be willing to put aside the traditions and expectations of the society in which we live. Again and again, I see young adults who are willing to do just this, in obedience to God’s call on their lives; who are willing to unearth their potential and gifts for the sake of others. Are we ready to journey with them, maybe even join them in seeking to serve someone greater than ourselves? We do still need reminders about cleaning our rooms and picking up clothes but there are things that are far more important. God is calling us to an exceptional life with him. Dave Tidey Young Adults Consultant, Brisbane Global Interaction qld@globalinteraction.org.au

Salt

Political hot-spot Abortion Did you know that nationally we had around 100,000 abortions last year? And in the same period of time 50 babies were made available for adoption? This is a tragedy and such a waste of life. I am currently meeting with pro-life campaigners to seek to promote adoption as a positive alternative. If you have any stories you could share with me, I’d love to hear them. ACL Qld Conference – Saturday 6th August Please mark your calendars for this one-day conference. Speakers include The Hon John Anderson (former Deputy Prime Minister), Teresa Martin (Cherish Life), Rev Ian Wright (Barnabas Fund), Bronwyn Healy (Hope Foundation), Dr Ray Campbell (Qld Bioethics Centre) and short political spots throughout the day with MPs including Fiona Simpson (LNP), Michael Choi (ALP), Margaret Keech. To be placed on the mailing list for full information and early-bird registration please email wendy.francis@acl.org.au Marriage From mid-year the Greens will have increased power in the Senate and they have made it clear that one of their main objectives is to legislate for same-sex marriage. Please sign the petition to keep marriage as between a man and a woman at www.makeastand.org.au.

Chaplaincy It was encouraging to see the Federal Government budget commit an extra $222 million towards the National School Chaplaincy Program – this effectively extends funding for 2700 chaplains until 2014 and will allow an extra 1000 schools to employ a chaplain. Please pray for a positive outcome from the High Court challenge (see also SU Update in this issue) and please sign the statement of support at http://saveourchaplains.com.au/ Information from Australian Christian Lobby Queensland Office qldoffice@acl.org.au Wendy Francis State Director Australian Christian Lobby www.acl.org.au

www.qb.com.au June 2011

BWAA

Where is my

compassion?

Imagine living with your whole family in a tiny corrugated iron hut. Imagine going out early every morning looking for labouring work on the nearby farms only to find that often your services are not required. Imagine coming home with nothing to feed your family. This is a daily reality for millions of people living in poverty. Just five years ago, Asma and Abdul, from a small village in Bangladesh, were living in this very situation. Abdul worked as a day labourer, earning about 60-70 Taka a day(less than AUD .90), on the days he could find work. ‘We survived on one or two meals a day,’ Asma said, ‘and could not even afford to buy new clothes when we needed them’.

June 2011 www.qb.com.au

Their story is unimaginable to many Australians, yet it’s a story I read almost every day in my work at Baptist World Aid Australia. Despite the hopelessness of this situation, it didn’t take long for these stories to have a diminished effect on me. After a few years I find myself sometimes asking, ‘Where is my compassion? Where has it gone? Have I become unreceptive to the suffering and the inhumanity of abject poverty?’ I think perhaps it is true that I have let my heart become hardened and desensitised to God’s compassion flowing in me through his Spirit. But part of the reason I have done this is so that I can manage the daily pictures of suffering I encounter and continue to function without being overwhelmed by the enormity of the problem, and the real human despair that the poor often feel.

So this poses the question: How do I deal with these two issues; how can I continue to love the poor with compassion without being overwhelmed? I think the solution for me is in the good news stories that I hear. It’s not just stories of despair and hopelessness that cross my desk, but also stories of transformation and renewal. I need to continually open my heart and let it be broken by these things that break God’s heart. But I also need to remember the transforming power of God’s love as he works through his people to bring about change in the world. For Asma and Abdul, there was a path out of poverty. This started when Asma joined a women’s savings group run by Baptist World Aid Australia’s partner Symbiosis in 2006. She completed a basic literacy course and was inspired by training in modern farming techniques. She took a loan from the savings that her group had built up together and planted cucumber vines around her home. After one season of selling the cucumbers at the market, she and her husband reinvested their profits, along with another loan from the group, to buy a piece of land and plant a tomato crop. Because of their perseverance and continued hard work, these two projects are now flourishing. And as Asma and Abdul work

together on their own land, they are bringing in enough money to support their family. Asma and Abdul are sending their son and daughter to school; an opportunity Asma did not have as a little girl. Asma is also determined to see their education continue right through to graduation so they don’t end up in the uncertainty of day labouring. The family’s extra income has also allowed them to invest in improving their standard of living. They already have their own latrine which has improved the family’s health, and are also saving to build a larger home. In just five years, this is a remarkable turnaround that is overcoming the effects of extreme poverty. I’m greatly hearted by stories like Asma’s and I pray that by his Spirit, God will continue to break my heart with the sufferings of the poor and that I will join in their hope for the future by freely sharing the blessings he has given to me. Katherine Roberts Baptist World Aid Australia You can help lift people like Asma out of poverty by giving with the envelope included in this edition of QB or calling 1300 789 991. Get your form in by June 30 to multiply your gift by up to six times.

www.qb.com.au June 2011

Thinkspot

Sabbath, or Sunday? Why do most Christians worship on Sunday, the first day of the week, instead of the Sabbath, or seventh day, as practised by the Old Covenant people of God? After all, the Fourth Commandment states, ‘Remember the Sabbath day, and keep it holy. Six days you shall labour and do all your work. But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God’ (see Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronomy 5:12-15). For some Christians, this closes the issue; the Sabbath (Saturday) is the day God has approved for worship, and this commandment has never been repealed. Others transfer the principles of Sabbath observance to Sunday, restricting what is allowed on Sunday: this is not much different from the previous view, except for a change of day. Still others (the majority) regard the Sabbath commandment as part of the ceremonial law of the Old Testament and therefore not applicable to Christians today, but they do stress the importance of gathering together with other believers for worship, instruction and fellowship – Sunday is the most convenient day for most people to do this in contemporary society. Most Christians do worship on Sunday. But are they (as ‘seventh day’ Christians allege) closing their eyes to a clear biblical commandment and blindly following two thousand years of tradition? Are there more compelling reasons for their view? The following points are important: • Jesus was a Jew, and participated in many Jewish practices. It was his ‘custom’, for example, to go to the synagogue on the Sabbath day (Luke 4:16). Yet at the same time, he consistently opposed ritual for ritual’s sake, especially when it was just a matter of keeping up appearances. He even elevated the Ten Commandments from the level of outward compliance to inner changes of attitude: the command not to murder requires not only abstaining from killing but even from getting angry; the command not to commit adultery prohibits not only the physical act but even lustful thoughts. We can draw two

June 2011 www.qb.com.au

conclusions: Jesus offers freedom from restrictive and oppressive legalistic practice, and Jesus regards heartattitude as far more important than outward compliance with the rules. • The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the heart of Christianity (Romans 10:9; 1 Corinthians 15:4; 12-19; 1 Thessalonians 1:10). The resurrection took place on ‘the first day of the week’, that is, Sunday. Whenever the New Testament writers speak of the times when the resurrected Jesus appeared and spoke to his disciples, it was uniformly on the first day of the week (for example, Matthew 28:9; Luke 24:13-34; John 20:19, 26), and the coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2) took place on Pentecost; also a Sunday. • Very early, Christians referred to the first day of the week as ‘The Lord’s Day’ (Revelation 1:10; the only occurrence of this term in the New Testament), in recognition of the Lord’s resurrection from the dead on that day of the week. At Troas, the disciples came together to break bread and to hear Paul preach ‘on the first day of the week’ (Acts 20:7); in 1 Corinthians 16:2 Paul directs the Corinthian Christians to make their contribution to the collection for the poor ‘on the first day of every week’. It was standard practice for the earliest Christians to meet for worship on Sunday. In the New Testament, the emphasis seems to be away from setting aside special days, whether Sabbath or Sunday, to be observed in special ways (Romans 14:5-6; Galatians 4:8-11; Colossians 2:16-17), and in fact earliest Christian worship was a daily rather than a weekly event (for example, Acts 2:46-47). • The ‘Council of Jerusalem’ (Acts 15) dealt with a crucial issue: did Gentiles need to become Jews (circumcision being the representative test case) in order to become Christians? Or is salvation really by grace through faith alone? Their ruling was hugely significant: ‘For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to impose upon you no further burden than these essentials: that you

Thinkspot

do with Christian freedom (Galatians 5:2-6). • The testimony of the early post-apostolic church also supports the practice of Christian worship on ‘The Lord’s Day’. Ignatius, bishop of Antioch (writing in about 115) wrote to the church in Magnesia (in Asia Minor), urging them to ‘no longer live for the Sabbath but for the Lord’s Day, on which day our life arose’ (9:1). In the Didachē, an early church manual of ethics and practice (probably dating from around 120), Christians are directed to worship on the Lord’s Day (14:1). • The term ‘Sunday’ never appears in the New Testament. Its first appearance in Christian literature is in Justin Martyr’s First Apology (67.3, written in about 150). Justin describes a mid-second century Christian worship service. According to Justin, they met on the Roman ‘Sunday’ for reading from the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, exhortation, corporate and personal prayers, the Lord’s Supper, and a collection. In time, the term ‘The Lord’s Day’ displaced ‘Sunday’ across the churches of the empire, since ‘Sunday’ recalled a pagan past.

abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols and from blood and from what is strangled and from fornication. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well’ (Acts 15:28-29). If new Gentile Christians (with their pagan backgrounds) had to observe Jewish ritual such as circumcision or Sabbath observance, this would have been the ideal opportunity to emphasise the point. But such requirements are strikingly absent. These Gentile believers only had to renounce anything which might compromise their exclusive commitment to God, like practices that have a distinct ring of idolatry to them (sacrifice to idols, along with associated idolatrous practices such as drinking blood and ritual prostitution). • In Galatians, Paul argues that both legalism and licence (‘I’m free, so I can do what I like!’) are false expressions of true Christianity. He is astounded that the Galatians, having begun in grace, are now trying to continue by mere ruleobeying (Galatians 1:6-7; 5:7). Christians, to the contrary, are free! But some misunderstand this freedom as license. True Christian freedom thrives in the soil of living by God’s Spirit (Galatians 5:13-26). It is impossible to read Galatians as suggesting that outward compliance to rules (including the obligatory observance of special days) has anything to

So what can we conclude from all this? The concept of ‘Sabbath’ has obvious scriptural importance. The command to observe the Sabbath is part of the Ten Commandments. It is to be ‘holy’ or set apart from the other days. In the New Testament, a note of expectation is added, as God’s people are encouraged to anticipate the Sabbath rest of God (Hebrews 4:8-11) and look forward to entering it, but also to understand that the ultimate fulfilment of the Sabbath still lies in the future. The ministry of Jesus makes it clear that he, and not regulation, is Lord of the Sabbath, and other New Testament teaching emphasises the fact that a regulation-based type of Christianity - including the observance of special days in a ritualistic fashion - is actually a denial of the freedom believers enjoy in Christ. Some Christians worship on Saturday, in continuity with the practice of God’s people in the Old Testament. Most Christians worship on Sunday, in celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and in continuity with God’s people in the New Testament. But the choice of day is not a matter of legalistic righteousness. The principle of ‘one day in seven’ for rest and worship urgently needs re-emphasis in our burnout-prone day and age. However, the particular day of the week chosen for these activities is not ultimately important. After all, every day belongs to the Lord, and the whole life of the Christian is to be one of worship. D Morcom Vice Principal, Malyon College D.Morcom@malyon.edu.au

www.qb.com.au June 2011

Spiritual body art

Those who participate in spiritual body art reject these accusations of false spirituality. Opponents have defined the biblical concepts they tout through their own cultural pre-understandings; not scripture as a whole. Each scripture verse must be accepted word for word, but also interpreted, and then obeyed. The primarily negative reference to tattoos in the Levitical law must be acknowledged, but the context must also be considered if the words are to be correctly interpreted. Next to the mention of body marking are the commands, ‘Do not wear clothing woven of two kinds of material’ (Leviticus 19:19) and, ‘Do not cut the hair at the side of your head’ (v27).

Permissible or beneficial? ‘So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God’ (1 Corinthians 10:31). The number of people with tattoos seen recently at Easterfest makes us pause to think... Frustration with existing ‘middle class’ spiritual practices is leading to the development of new radical expressions of devotion. Western Christian churches are seeing the popular development of practices that require ‘extreme’ commitment, such as tattoos and body piercing. Adolescence is particularly characterised by passion and this is often where it starts. When it comes to religion, young people are ‘totally into it’ or totally separated from it. For some, even pain is central to the experience. This is an indicator of the energy people want to commit to the process, but it also signals the potential redevelopment of old heresies. There are many protests against spiritual body art. It has been argued that the literal action of ‘piercing’ is related to ancient phallic worship practices. Tattoos were used in marking devotees of idol worship. The Bible mentions these practices, ‘Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourself’ (Leviticus 19:28), as was the case with Israel’s pagan neighbours. The Bible tells us that the truly spiritual should ‘come out and be different from the world’ (2 Corinthians 6:17). When it comes to art, those against tattooing argue that the beauty that is condoned in Scripture is natural beauty; tattooing is highly unnatural and therefore wrong. Opponents also claim that participants are creatively justifying any sin-embracing choice they desire to make.

June 2011 www.qb.com.au

As a whole, these ‘purity’ decrees were about physically demonstrating a difference between the Israelites and those around them. Reference to tattoos and cutting can only carry the weight of these other Levitical commands (woven material etc.) in the Law of Christ. Jesus is our purity. These specific references were obviously related to their original time and place. Jesus says you will be different to ‘pagans’ by ‘loving your enemies’ (Matthew 5:47), ‘praying with the father in mind exclusively’ (Matthew 6:7), and ‘seeking and relying on God’ (Matthew 6:32). Inner devotion has many expressions of purity; not just one. The distinctive difference is love for God and neighbour, not addition or absence of particular religious fashion. God refers to marking himself for the sake of his people. ‘See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands’ (Isaiah 49:16). God sees it as appropriate to do this to assure those exiled that he will not forget them. The wider context reveals that God will restore his chosen people. And this will be the result, as laid out in Isaiah 44:5, ‘Still another will write on his hand, “The LORD’s,” and will take the name Israel’. It seems God does look forward to some body modifications that authentically reflect his ownership and goodness. That this issue can be approached so differently by Christians confirms Paul’s advice that ‘all things are permissible, but not all things are beneficial’. Obviously, Paul did things that some people didn’t like when they were not present for the sake of those he was with at the time. The fact that some people stumble so easily over others’ actions would make it seem wise to have permanent modifications done where they can be covered up when it is beneficial. Some people will reject Christians with spiritual body art regardless of their form or meaning. Some people, though, will be attracted by meaningful modifications. We all like people who are similar to us, but must resist the temptation to put God’s name on our tastes. That is the real blasphemy. It is worth being careful. Whatever our words or actions, let’s create beauty, not ugliness, in our images and hearts. You can please or displease God with your body. It really does matter what you do and why you do it. But God’s love and purposes for your life remain - no matter what decision you make. Daniel Memmott On track Yeppoon Residential Program Manager, QBC daniel.memmott@yahoo.com

School chaplaincy

School Chaplaincy faces High Court challenge SU QLD’s School Chaplaincy program is facing a constitutional challenge in the High Court as a Toowoomba resident opposes the Commonwealth funding of chaplains in state schools. This case threatens the existence of more than half of the 500 chaplains working in Queensland state schools, as well as many of the 2,500 school chaplains across Australia. The Australian Secular Lobby and its supporters are very actively supporting this challenge - through donations and public awareness. ‘This is a small but vocal and committed minority who are ideologically opposed to this very effective program that’s helping our kids,’ said Tim Mander, CEO of SU QLD. ‘They are spreading a lot of misinformation about School Chaplaincy. For example, they’re mixing it up with the Religious Education program in schools — which is a totally separate program.’ School Chaplaincy opponents are arguing that the federal government has no power under the Constitution to fund school chaplains, and that the guidelines for School Chaplaincy impose a religious test on employing ‘an officer of the Commonwealth’. SU QLD is one of four defendants, the other three being the Commonwealth and two Federal Departments. The High Court

has agreed to hear the case and has set down 9-11 August for the final hearing. Importantly, the case says nothing about chaplains’ access in schools. It concerns only whether the Commonwealth may fund school chaplaincy under the terms of the current guidelines. Along with other members of school support teams, school chaplains help students to feel a sense of belonging in the school and help students deal with personal issues such as self-image, personal crises, loneliness, grief and loss. If this challenge is successful, hundreds of thousands of school students across the nation face losing their chaplain. This would have a devastating effect on those kids, because school chaplains are a lighthouse to young people facing very real challenges like family breakdown, loneliness, drug abuse and bullying. SU QLD will be fighting this challenge vigorously - in the High Court and in the court of public opinion - because they believe chaplains are worth saving... and because an unfavourable ruling will have a myriad of negative effects on our children. Opponents are spreading a lot of misinformation about School Chaplaincy that needs to be countered in the public arena. Over 20,000 supporters have signed Statements of Support within a five week period. Many more Statements of Support are still pouring in. If you would like to know more: www.saveourchaplains.com.au

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Australian spirituality

As Aussie as they come In 1999 Australian psychologist, social researcher and writer Hugh Mackay suggested that given the uncertainties at the end of the millennium, the time seemed right for a revival of religious faith. But he then went on to predict that it wouldn’t happen, and he was right. Even so there continues to be growing interest in spirituality in Australia where two-thirds of us claim that a spiritual life is important. You may find it surprising to know that most Australians believe in God or a spirit, higher power or life-force (74%) with nearly half (42%) believing Jesus was divine. So despite the fact that only 15% of Australians attend church regularly, there are many non-church going Australians who are still intrigued with Jesus. One such person was R. M. Williams, the Australian bushman and entrepreneur, who rose from being a swagman to become a millionaire on the back of his unique Australian style of bushwear. Born in 1908, Reginald Murray Williams was given a state funeral in Queensland in 2003. Premier Peter Beattie said at the time, ‘When you pull on a pair of R. M. Williams boots everyone knows you walk taller. It’s not just the size of the heel; it’s the spirit of the man who made them in the first place’. The spirit of this man was a recognisably Australian spirit. It could be argued that they don’t come more Australian than R. M. Williams. Being an Australian obsessed the imagination of Williams, and Jesus was part of that obsession. In his autobiography, Williams reveals a man deeply 36

June 2011 www.qb.com.au

concerned over religious issues. He knew his Bible, and he knew the words of Jesus. His private life did not always run smoothly. Williams suffered the physical and material deprivation of the Great Depression, and the mental pain of a spiritual depression that seems to have never left him. As one of the few white men who could not only survive, but actually thrive, in the outback, Williams was invited to help a number of missionaries in their work amongst the most isolated of Aboriginal tribes. Throughout his life Williams would not, or could not, give up on Jesus. He wrote, ‘Although I can never claim to have standing with either rich or poor, still I believe that the Man who flogged the money-changers from the temple still calls all men to the heights of moral courage and spiritual peace. I should like to feel that there lies my allegiance.’ Williams was also a capitalist, and doubted if Jesus approved. After making lots of money, he wrote: ‘When I had done this, my conscience bothered me. “What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” “How hard it is for them that trust in riches to enter into the Kingdom of God.”’ Such deep exploration of spiritual and biblical themes may seem striking to many Christians. However, I believe that there are many other Australians who think and feel in similar ways to Williams. They may not connect with

Australian spirituality

The Australian church has yet to find expressions of faith that connect with the reality of Australian life and culture.

THE NATIONAL PASTORS’ AND LEADERS’ CONFERENCE MONDAY 29 – WEDNESDAY 31 AUGUST 2011 AUSTRALIAN TECHNOLOGY PARK, SYDNEY, NSW www.oxygen.kcc.org.au Interstate discounts and free billeting available

Stephen L Baxter Interim Pastor, Hobart Baptist Church https://stephenbaxter.wordpress.com

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What do you think? I would value knowing what your experience of the Aussie church is.

FOR PASTORS, CHAPLAINS, LAY LEADERS, BIBLE STUDY LEADERS, YOUTH GROUP LEADERS, CHILDREN’S MINISTRY LEADERS & SERVICE LEADERS

At the end of his autobiography, Williams asks: ‘… if the Man Jesus were to step inside my door or come knocking, would I know him? … Would I welcome him? I might. What would he say to me, looking through my façade of respectability into my soul? … I am torn by the tragedy of it all. How do I follow him? How would I know God if I saw him? I shall look for him among the uncouth, the sorrowful, the have-nots. Maybe he will be there. And will he know me?’

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JU TENDE IRD NE D UN RA 20 TIL TES 11

The Australian church has yet to find expressions of faith that connect with the reality of Australian life and culture.

THE NATIONAL PASTORS’ & LEADERS’ CONFERENCE WITH JOHN PIPER

Maybe this explains why MacKay says a revival won’t happen. The Australian church has yet to find expressions of faith that connect with the reality of Australian life and culture. Yet, if we are attentive to the spiritual search of people like Williams, and listen to their questions, then maybe we will begin to discover the traces of an answer.

Thoughts around the life of RM Williams were stimulated by a talk by Stuart Piggin given at the National Forum on Australia’s Christian Heritage, Parliament House, Canberra in August 2006.

the church, but they find a connection in Jesus. Perhaps this is because the practices and symbols of Australian churches grew in other cultures at other times and are not particularly suited to the Australian landscape or psyche. Although they shape the expression of Christian faith, they don’t seem to penetrate the core of everyday Australians.

www.qb.com.au June 2011

Footsteps for Burma

About Displace Karen families and a Karen River shelter. Images courtesy Philip Thornton.

Enough sadness to last a lifetime If you could peek into Rick Plumb’s Aspley home in Brisbane’s north in the middle of the night chances are you’d find the sixty-four year old lying in bed, wide awake and full of worry for the displaced people of Burma who have sought refuge in Thailand. Rick, who attends Stafford Heights Baptist Church, was working at the Thai/Burma border last Christmas when the Karen refugees started flooding into the Thai town of Mae Sot in Tak province just across the river from Myawaddy. They came by the thousands and carried their worldly possessions in hand-woven baskets strapped to their backs. Their troubled faces are etched into Plumb’s memory and he feels compelled to rustle up some kind of help among his Brisbane friends for the 11,000 he knows are still living rough on the Thai side. He knows they are hungry, wet from the constant rain and sick from diseases that could be cured if only they had the necessary medicines. He prays for them daily. A suburb away in Kedron, mother of two Tracy Jones and Director of the Footsteps for Burma charity isn’t sleeping well either. She’s trying to dream up another fundraising venture that will generate enough money to make a significant difference to the 11,000 displaced people that keep Rick Plumb awake at night. Tracy worships at North-East Baptist Church at Nundah and has just finished a documentary about the resettlement journey of five former Karen refugees who now live in Brisbane. She formed Footsteps for Burma in September last year, held a fundraising concert in October and a Karen refugee art exhibition in February and so far she’s raised almost $20,000. She started working with newly arrived Karen refugees who resettled to Brisbane through the Federal Government Humanitarian Program three years ago and it’s steamrolled into a passion that consumes any spare time she once had. Rick and Tracy have joined forces to create Eating on the Run – an awareness and fundraising campaign to help feed, shelter and medically treat some of the displaced refugees from Burma living rough in Thailand. Given the recent natural disasters and the related flood of fundraising ventures, the pair has decided to keep it simple and ask Australians for loose change.

June 2011 www.qb.com.au

‘The whole Eating on the Run campaign is based around the concept that even your loose change can change a life,’ Rick said. ‘Even a small donation, can make a huge difference in a displaced person’s life. 30 cents buys a nutritious rice, chicken and vegetable soup. A few coins donated in our tins, can be the difference between someone eating or going hungry.’ Rick has seen plenty of hungry, malnourished children and their parents on the Thai side of the border who have nowhere to call home because the brutal military dictatorship that rules their country has no care for the ethnic minority people. He struggles to comprehend how the world can sit by and watch as the dictatorship attempts an ethnic cleansing of 40% of the Burma population: the ethnic minority groups like the Karen. They’ve been killing men, women and children and committing gross crimes against humanity for the last six decades and some estimate that up to five million have been slaughtered. The stories of torture, forced labour and rape are so horrifying it’s difficult to believe. But when the newly arrived refugees from Burma walk up the front stairs of the Brisbane Community Aid food bank Rick founded in Kedron a few years ago, the sad stories and truth about what’s happening in Burma invariably come out. Rick has seen enough sadness in young eyes to last a life-time. He and a small team of his friends including Brisbane photojournalist Brenden Allen are flying to the border this month to buy and deliver aid like food, mosquito nets, medicines, mats and tarpaulins paid for by Eating on the Run fundraising. Everyone on the team is paying his or her own way so that all fundraising profits can be spent on items that will change lives. ‘Most of us don’t baulk at spending $4 on a coffee,’ Tracy said. ‘Four dollars translated in Thai baht is enough money to buy a mosquito net that protects six children from malaria. For the cost of two pots of beer, you can buy enough malaria medicine to treat three displaced Karen children who might otherwise have died from the disease.’ Another Eating on the Run trip to the border is planned for December this year.

If you would like to support Eating on the Run or want more information go to www.footstepsforburma.org/eatingontherun or contact Tracy Jones 0409 898 822 or Rick Plumb 0439 880 598. It started with a droplet of rain that dissolved into the dust. It developed into a torrential downpour forming swirling mud pools that the small Karen girl from Burma is now certain will never end. The monsoonal rains are typical at this time of year in Thailand. For Day Mu Htoo it means she hasn’t been dry in weeks. She’s living rough along with thousands of other Karen displaced refugees from Burma who fled to the Thailand side of the border in November last year. The shelters are scattered and basic – small built-up wooden platforms, torn coloured picnic mats spread under trees, rooves of dried leaves, faded strips of material or blue plastic sheeting. Her family has been refused entry to the refugee camps perched along the Thailand border that house 140,000 people needing a safe haven. The camps are simply too full. Day Mu’s stomach grumbles. She can hear it despite the heavy downpour. Her family were forced to flee from their Karen State village because Burmese soldiers with big guns and angry faces marched in and started burning houses and firing their weapons. Some people from her village were killed that day. Day Mu is huddled in the middle of a slightly raised bamboo floor hugging her legs to try and keep warm. The leaf-roof that sits over the flooring is so peppered with holes that it’s impossible to avoid the rain. Her thread-bare, mud-stained clothes have been dripping wet for so long now that they’ve stretched almost two sizes and she looks more raggedy than she ever has before. But they are the only clothes she owns. In fact everything the family owns fits into a small woven Karen basket. And it’s all drenched. Her nose is running. A lot. She wipes it away with the bottom of her t-shirt and leaves a mud trail across her cheek. She has a nasty, barky cough. Day Mu needs antibiotics – but even if her mother had the money to buy them, the closest medical clinic is three days walk. Day Mu is just six years old. She hasn’t seen her father in almost two years and she can’t remember what he looks like. All she can remember is a smile, and the warmth of his hug. Her mother is very ill with malaria. Despite only being 30 she looks much older than 40. Day Mu worries about what will happen if her mother dies. Day Mu has two brothers, both younger than her, so it will be up to her to care for them if her mother isn’t around. Her older sister, who was 7, died a year ago when she stood on a landmine planted near her village by Burmese soldiers. They were best friends. As Day Mu was running out of her village, the memory of watching her sister bleed to death danced around in her head and made awful-tasting bile swell up into the back of her throat. The heat of the leaping flames that melted her village licked her heals as she bolted away from men who wanted to kill her. Day Mu doesn’t have any more tears for her sister but the ache in her heart feels heavy like a rock. Tracy Jones This is a fictitious story based on the real experiences of displaced people who are living rough in 22 displaced people camp sites right now, all along the Thailand Burma border.

Footprints in the sand ‘I am writing this from my hospital bed. In October last year, I got a virus which eventually deteriorated into three hospital visits: the last one being the closest to death I have ever come. ‘As a Christian I know that I am going home to be with God. I fought with every ounce of my energy to stay. It feels like I am living in a Matrix movie where I am not sure about which the real world. The world where paying our mortgage and whether I have gained a few pounds seems another world from seeing ‘real life’. ‘I have seen two older ladies come into hospital only to be told they are too frail to go home and are going straight into care. All their belongings were packed by family and sorted, so they did not even get to choose what to keep. At one stage I was in a room with three women and we were all discussing our near death experience. Interestingly, we all remember being naked in Emergency. Does vanity reign even so close to death, or did we all just feel all the more vulnerable. ‘Even the smallest exertion is a trial. One day I had to have a chest X-ray. Even though I was in a wheelchair on oxygen it was exhausting. That night I dreamt I got down to X-ray and there was no wheelchair to take me back. A man came and carried me ‘fireman style’ back to my ward. I think this was my ‘Footprints in the Sand’ moment where Christ was telling me that he was carrying me through this time. ‘Our church (Kalbar Community Baptist Church) has been fantastic. They have been caring, practical and unselfish of my husband’s time. One thing I do know is that God has plans for me, plans to prosper me and not harm me. A special thank you goes to all those who have prayed for us during this time.’ Eleanor Jones Eleanor has returned to hospital and been through another harrowing time since writing but is now hopeful that her health will improve. www.qb.com.au June 2011

Persecution brief

PAKISTAN Two Christian men were shot dead in an attack on a Pakistan church by Muslim youths on Monday 21 March.

Please pray IRAN Three Christians have been released from prison in Iran after 239 days behind bars, but a pastor who was arrested with them remains in detention. Sonia Keshish-Avanesian, Arash Kermanjani and his wife Arezo Teymouri were set free from Hamadan State Prison in April. It is not known why Sonia’s husband, Pastor Vahik Abrahamian, was kept in detention. Both couples were brought before a court where their lawyers were allowed to present their defence at length, after which a judge ordered their release. They had been arrested in Hamadan apparently in connection with a small demonstration in the city. They were accused of a variety of offences including being connected with exiled opposition sources, propagating Christianity in Iran, opposing the Islamic Republic and the formation of opposition groups in and out of the country, allegations that their family and friends said were absurd and ludicrous. The quartet was reportedly held in isolation, suffering intense physical abuse and psychological pressure at the Ministry of Islamic Guidance prison for 40 days before being moved to Hamadan prison. Sonia was pregnant at the time of her arrest but suffered a miscarriage while in prison. Friends who have seen Sonia, Arash and Arezo since their release say they have lost a lot of weight and feel very weak. The Iranian government’s crackdown on Christians, in particular the growing house church movement, continues. Eleven Christians are awaiting the verdict of their trial on 1 May for ‘activities against the [Islamic] Order’ and for drinking alcohol. These charges relate to their involvement in a house church gathering and consuming communion wine. Six Christians, who were previously sentenced to a year in prison for crimes against the Islamic order, were due to stand trial for a further charge of blasphemy last month, but the hearing was adjourned twice to allow prosecutors more time to gather additional evidence. Since June 2010, the arrests of 254 Christians in 33 Iranian cities have been confirmed; the actual number is thought to be much higher. SOURCE: BARNABAS FUND

June 2011 www.qb.com.au

Father of four Yunis Ilyas (47), whose family is supported by a Barnabas Fund feeding program, and newly-wed Jameel Masih (21) were killed on the spot during the incident at a church in Hoor Camp, Hyderabad. Two others were injured; one of them, Sadiq Masih, was transferred to a hospital in Karachi, where he is in a critical condition. The incident started at around 6.30pm when Muslim youths began shouting vulgar abuse at Christians who were arriving for a prayer service at the church. The pastor and a number of other Christians remonstrated with the Muslim boys, but they continued insulting the Christian girls. The Muslim aggressors left the scene, but they returned shortly afterwards with pistols and fired at Christians as they were coming out of the church.The attack comes three weeks after the assassination of Minorities Minister Shahbaz Bhatti, a Christian who tirelessly defended the beleaguered Christian community in Pakistan. Christians are increasingly subjected to violence by hostile Islamists and suffer severe discrimination in public life. They have been feeling particularly vulnerable since the death of their advocate. UNITED STATES US President Barack Obama has failed to designate a single ‘country of particular concern’ for religious freedom violations since he took office, despite the brutal persecution of Christians around the world. The term is grounded in the US International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, which was intended to commit US foreign policy to the promotion of religious freedom. It requires that each year the president designates as a ‘country of particular concern’ any in which the government has ‘engaged in or tolerated systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom’. Specific actions, including sanctions and diplomatic protests, must be taken against CPCs. Obama has not designated any CPCs or taken action against those that have already been identified by previous presidents. This may put him in breach of federal law. The most recent list of CPCs, confirmed by outgoing President George W. Bush in January 2009, comprised Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Uzbekistan. All of these still stand, although two of them, Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan, have indefinite waivers that prevent the imposition of sanctions. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), an independent, bipartisan federal body that monitors abuses of religious liberty abroad, makes recommendations to the president regarding the designation of CPCs. The USCIRF wrote to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in January 2010 and again this year urging her to take action on CPC designations, but nothing has happened. USCIRF chairman, Leonard Leo, said: ‘The Obama administration continues to rely on the prior administration’s designations but hopefully will make new designations and apply meaningful actions very soon in order to underscore America’s resolve in bolstering the freedom of religion or belief around the world.’ Egypt is one of the latest countries to be recommended for CPC designation; other recent suggestions include Nigeria, Vietnam and Pakistan, where Christians have repeatedly come under attack. The USCIRF renewed the call for action against Egypt following attacks on churches and Christian property by Islamists that resulted in the deaths of 12 people and injuries to more than 200 recently.

John Piper

John Piper comes to Brisbane Well-known writer, pastor and theologian, John Piper, will be speaking in Brisbane in August. For over 30 years he has been the senior pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, USA, from where he has established a worldwide ministry of writing and preaching. Dr Piper is making a rare trip to Australia, and we are delighted that he will be spending a day in Brisbane on Thursday, 25 August. He will be holding a meeting for full-time Christian workers in the morning, speaking on ‘Proclaiming Christ’ and a larger public rally that evening speaking on ‘Don’t Waste Your Life’. Dr Piper is perhaps best known for his many books such as Desiring God, Don’t Waste your Life, The Passion of Jesus Christ, and What Jesus Demands from the World. He is also deeply committed to the encouragement of pastors, and his books Brothers, We are not Professionals and The Supremacy of God in Preaching have been greatly appreciated by them. While a first rate theologian, Piper is first and foremost a pastor who loves the local church and is not afraid to tackle difficult issues such as the role of women, the missionary challenge today, and moral issues such as abortion.

Piper’s preaching ministry is widely appreciated with thousands downloading his sermons (from Bethlehem Baptist) each week via the Desiring God website. As well, he has been instrumental in networking with other Bible-teaching evangelicals through organisations such as the Passion movement (among US students), the Gospel Coalition, T4G (Together for the Gospel), and conferences run annually at his own church. He is much loved for his faithfulness to the Bible, his warm personality, his infectious passion for Christ, and his ability to communicate to both young and old. Piper will also be the main speaker at a three-day Pastors’ and Leaders’ Conference in Sydney (29-31 August) and two threeday conferences for leaders of the younger generation (26-28 August and 2-4 September). Both meetings will be held at the Brisbane Convention Centre. For more information go to www.piperinbrisbane.com. Murray Lean Senior Pastor, City North Baptist Church

www.qb.com.au June 2011

BOOK: ‘Max On Life’ Max Lucado Tag: Reviews HEADING Books…DVDs…Music

B O O K S . DV D S . M U S I C

WORD LOGO (No more than two pages)

BOOK: ‘Life Without Limits’ Nick Vujicic WORD’s Price: $24.95 No arms, no legs, no worries! This is one catchphrase that not a lot of people could use, yet Nick Vujicic is one who can. Born without arms or legs (aside from a small foot he calls his ‘flipper’) BOOK: Nick has more than made up for it with his amazing personality and ‘Life Without Limits’ Nick great Vujicic outlook on life. While it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for himPrice: – he is very open about battles with depression in his younger WORD’s $24.95 years – Nick has turned adversity into a positive message and No arms, no legs, no worries! This is one catchphrase that not a lot of people could use, testimony yet Nick Vujicic isthat one who Born without armsmillions or legs (asideof from a small around the world. hecan.shares with people foot he calls his ‘flipper’) Nick has more than made up for it with his amazing personality and great outlook on life. While it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for him – he is very open about battles with depression in his younger years – Nick has turned adversity into a positive message and testimony that he shares with millions of people around the world.

This is an easy-to-read book that will appeal to people of all ages. Nick is open and honest about the battles he faced in his early years This with is an easy-to-read book that will appealdue to people all ages. Nick is opendisabilities. and emotional turmoil to ofhis physical He writes: honest about the battles he faced in his early years with emotional turmoil due to his ‘Fordisabilities. the longest, time,time, I wondered if there was anyone physical He writes: ‘Forloneliest the longest, loneliest I wondered if there on earth like me, and whether there was any purpose to my life other than pain and humiliation.’ He shares how his faith in God has been the central pillar of strength and purpose in his life, and consequently how this strength has helped him to go on and help others who may be facing difficulties. Humourous and packed full of testimonials, this book is sure to be an inspiration.

WORD’s Price: $16.95 Perhaps one of the most popular and trusted authors and pastors of this generation, Max Lucado brings his wealth of experience to bear with his new book, ‘Max On Life’. We all have questions; be they child-like enquiries or deep, thoughtful, ponderings. Over his 25 years of writing and ministry, Lucado has been a person to whom many have turned, hoping to find answers. This book offers thoughtful answers to more than 150 of those questions with topics that range from hope to hurt, and home to hereafter. As with any Max Lucado book, you can expect to feel the warmth and encouragement that radiates from his writing. All his answers are scripturally based, with a topical and scriptural index included. This is a perfect gift for almost anyone – whether a new Christian or someone who has been around the block a few times and may just need a little encouragement. Take the opportunity to read this book and possibly find the answer to that question you’ve always been afraid to ask.

BOOK: ‘Coffee House Chronicles’ (Set of 3) Josh McDowell WORD’s Price: $16.95 The Coffee House Chronicles is a series of easy to read novellas written by popular author Josh McDowell. As you can imagine, given the author, these books are designed in a way to tackle the difficult questions frequently asked by both Christians and non-Christians. McDowell bases these books around students at university who face the day-to-day issues of being Christians on campus when other students - and lecturers - question why they believe what they believe and challenge them to prove the basis for their faith. McDowell is more that qualified to write this series of novellas as he once was on the other side of the debate. As a young man he was an agnostic who was challenged to look intellectually at the claims of Christianity. He was overwhelmed by the amount of reliable evidence for the Christian faith which changed his life forever. These books will not take long to read, yet they will provide a solid basis for people wishing to pursue further study on the reliability of evidence for the Christian faith.

Reviews courtesy of Iain Costello Manager, Word Bookstore, Alderley

June 2011 www.qb.com.au

Reviews

BOOK: ‘Sam’s Heart’ Nicole Watson

www.samsheart.com.au

Price: $16.95

Available from WORD and Koorong 1% of all children are born with a congenital heart defect. 1% of that 1% has your child’s condition... The world offered little hope. He will live and have life in abundance. He will worship me and testify of my healing to the nations... God gave us a promise, a hope and future. When Nicole was pregnant with Sam she was told that there was little hope of him surviving. Now a healthy two-year-old, Sam has had his fair share of operations and hospitalisation, but now lives each day with fun and purpose. Journey with Nicole as she shares her family’s story about overcoming the world’s obstacles to trust and believe in God’s promise. With God on your side, miracles happen.

ALBUM: Naarah As lead singer for Nashville based Aussie rock band Alabaster Box, Naarah has shared songs with thousands of people. For more than a decade she has performed in churches, at festivals and in concerts throughout Australia and North America. This young woman has experienced the joys and sorrows of life on the road; she has heard stories from scores of people motivated to share with her after hearing her sing; she has enjoyed life as a wife and a mother. With the release of her first solo album The Story, Naarah has begun to share significant aspects of her own life story with those willing to listen. Naarah’s stories are not those of a jaded rock singer; nor are they superficial tales of triumph and victory. In sharing something of her personal journey, she makes herself vulnerable, but never becomes maudlin. Her songs offer the listener hope while recognising that life can sometimes be a struggle. Musically, The Story allows Naarah to experiment a little. While the album retains a soft pop/rock edge, the inclusion of strings adds colour and depth to her heartfelt lyrics. The title track sets the tone for the whole album. It is basically the story of Jesus told in a musically creative and lyrically engaging manner. The song Stay incorporates the evergreen sentiments of Psalm 23, assuring the listener of God’s presence and support through times of trial. This album encourages people to ignite a fire in their heart for God that cannot be quenched. More information: http://www.naarahmusic.com/

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Hey Kids, Look for Lucy! Little Lucy is hiding somewhere in this issue of The qb. Tell us where she is hiding by snail mailing your answer, or emailing qb@qb.com.au Congratulations! To all those who found Little Lucy hiding behind the tree on page 34 (April issue).

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“OK, which one of you kids brought the bubble gum into the house?!” Congratulations to Robyn McKinlay Stephen Ball & Fil Anderson at Convention 2011.

Time to colour Winter is here and it’s time for warm drinks and cosy slippers! Colour in this picture and add your list of all the things that you can thank God for, especially when it’s cold. Colouring in picture courtesy of http://ministry-to-children.com/winter-coloring-pages/. Snail mail your colouring in and list to The qb Fun Zone, Queensland Baptists, PO Box 6166 Mitchelton Q 4053.

www.qb.com.au June 2011

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MALCOLM & GLADYS STEER 150 guests were invited to share Malcolm & Glad Steer’s 50th Wedding Anniversary. Over 300 gathered on the first occasion (6th May 1961) at the Nundah Baptist Church (now North East Church) when Rev S Lane led the service assisted by Rev CH Nicholls (then Principal of Queensland Bible Institute).

150 guests invited to was share Malcolm The celebration theme ‘Remembering withwere Thanksgiving’ evident in & Glad Stee gathered on the first occasion (6th May 1961) at the N a special worship service that reflected on their earlier life and ministry at when Rev S Lane led the service assisted Margate, Scarborough, Clontarf, Deception Bay, Wondai Proston, Grange by Rev CH Institute). and Wavell Heights (now North East) Baptist Churches. Both are survivors of life threatening illness and were deeply grateful to the Lord to have survived The tea celebration themewas ‘Remembering to enjoy the day. At the afternoon a fitting tribute given by longwith timeThanksgivi that reflected on their earlier life and ministry friend, the Rev Dr David Parker and previous Sunday School Pupil Mr Max at Marga Bay, Wondai Proston, Grange and Wavell Heights (n Wheat. It was a joyous occasion.

survivors of life threatening illness and were deeply gr day.Roslyn At the Allen, afternoon tea a the fitting tribute washas given by Son, Rowan Steer, and daughter, organised event. Roslyn previous Sunday School Pupil Mr Max Wheat. prepared a Book of Remembrance and invites previous friends of Malcolm and It was a

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DIRECTOR Inside/Out CHAPLAINCY (IOC) Queensland Inside/Out Chaplaincy is an interdenominational evangelical ministry committed to the provision of a Chaplaincy service to Correctional Centres throughout Queensland. Inside/Out Chaplaincy is seeking to appoint a Director. The Director will coordinate State wide activities, ensure continuity of service delivery, provide training and support for workers, advise the Committee of Management and promote the work of IOC throughout the Christian community. A remuneration package commensurate with that of a Senior Pastor is available. The closing date for submission of expressions of interest is 30 June 2011. For a Position Description and further details visit www.insideoutchaplaincy.org.au/posavail and/or contact the Chairman Dr Kari Gobius email: chairman@insideoutchaplaincy.org.au

Accommodation CALOUNDRA: Seafarer Chase luxury 2 b/r holiday apartments on the Sunshine Coast. Ocean views, heated pool, BBQ, security parking, close to beaches, shops, cinema and bowling club. Contact Marianne/Martin Burton, phone/fax 5491 7155. 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 - KINGS BEACH: Holiday unit, modern, pool, 100m from Kings Beach. From $390 pw. Phone Ray 0427 990 161.

FOR HIRE Large Auditorium: Seats 290. Qld Baptists Centre at Gaythorne. Phone Claire or Emily 07 3354 5600 for more information or visit www.qb.com.au â&#x20AC;&#x201C; venue hire.

GENERAL BOOKKEEPING: Brisbane based MYOB Approved Bookkeeper and registered BAS agent, member of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers. Servicing greater Brisbane area. Andrew Richardson 0407 614 547.

www.qb.com.au June 2011

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Simply deposit your savings and investments in BAPLink, the investment fund of the Baptist Union of Queensland. BAPLink was set up to give people like you the opportunity to enjoy healthy interest returns, while creating a pool of funds from which Baptist churches and ministries can borrow to grow and serve their local communities. BAPLink provides: • Competitive interest rates • Security of a guaranteed return on your investment • Friendly service • No account keeping fees on savings and investment accounts

Facilities available: • Internet banking (for churches only) • Savings accounts at call and term • Partnership accounts - a new way of giving • Electronic transfers for both deposits and withdrawals • Deposit facilities through the Westpac Bank • Cheque accounts for churches • Loans to churches and ministers Join the growing number of ‘Baptists making a difference’ by depositing with BAPLink.

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