The Baptist Sept-Dec 12 by The Wokingham Paper

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telling the story of baptists today

FR EE

Published by Xn Media

HEARTBEATS FROM GOD

EMPTY NESTERS

Amidst all the noise of life, have you heard from our Creator? PAGE 10

MIddle-age need be no bar to mission, as one couple explain PAGE 11

ISSUE 3 October-December 2012

N EW S

WOW! Church’s joy as three get baptised

ROSIE IS ON THE WRITE LINES with AFRICAN BOOKS First time author is looking to finally share her great reads PAGE 16

LIFE on the streets of brixton Chris Andre-Watson reaveals all about the new youth ministry he’s been called to PAGE 5

The Revd Mike Parker baptises Gigi Corpuz at a special service held at Worthing Baptist Church earlier in the summer

CARD SHARP Tina’s hands have a gift for creating the most beautiful customised cards PAGE 13

GREEN POWER CHALLENGE Church leaders are calling on the Government to tackle carbon emissions PAGE 6

ANY BAPTISM is a special event, but for one East Sussex Baptist church, a recent service had the WOW! factor. Three members of its Filipino community underwent the waters

of baptism, sharing how Jesus had changed their lives before doing so. The service is a milestone for Worthing Baptist Church as it seeks to welcome the many people who have joined

eye witness

Waking up Grumpy

The Revd Stuart Davison, SEBA Team Leader writes: ‘Sometimes I wake up grumpy and sometimes I let him sleep.’ Some of you may have watched a TV show called Grumpy Old Men. Gill tells me off if I get too much like that – the good old days, things aren’t as good as they were and ‘when I were a lad…’ I always told myself that I would be a cool dad and not say stupid things like ‘In my day…’ In Psalm 126, the people of God are remembering the past. But not like grumpy old men. God continues to fill his people with joy even in their trials. They have hope for the future. For the people of Israel it was the return home from exile in Babylon. For Christians it is the promise of eternal life because of Jesus. Remembering the past (v1-3) should be in the context of thanking God for all he has done for us – and is still doing for us. 400-4-400 (see page 2) is an opportunity for us to say thank you to God for our history and to make a further contribution to the ongoing work of Baptists here in the South East. It was our Baptist forebears who ensured freedom of conscience and thus freedom of speech; it was Baptists who gave equality and the vote to women 300 years before they received it in the nation; a Baptist who blazed the trail for modern worship music (from Wesley to Smith); a Baptist who prepared the way for the emancipation of the slaves.

the fellowship, making it a truly international church. Transforming the And it is building strong present (v4) When I was in Afghanistan I links with the wider always took a bottle of water with me, and took continuous drinks community too. from it. In a dry land you get thirsty n Find out more – and quickly. read the amazing Ever been so hot and thirsty that your throat and lips feel as though testimonies – inside.

THE MINISTER WHO PEDALLED AHEAD OF BRADLEY A Baptist minister beat Olympic Gold medallist Bradley Wiggins on theTour De France … find out how he did it inside. PAGE 4

they are made of sand? In this Psalm the way God helps us is like streams of water in the desert. n Continued on page 2

2|news|the B AP T I S T | To advertise, email advertis

ing@xnmedia.co.uk

Y Y OF BAPT ISTS TOdA TEllI Ng ThE STOr

FREE

ISSUE 3 October-December 2012

GOD HEARTBEATS FROM life, have you Amidst all the noise of PAGE 10 heard from our Creator?

Published by Xn Media

EMPTY NESTERS mission,

bar to MIddle-age need be no PAGE 11 as one couple explain

N EW S

WOW!

Church’s joy as three get baptised

ROSIE IS ON THE WRITE LINES WITH AFRICAN BOOKS to First time author is looking reads finally share her great PAGE 16

LIFE ON THE STREETS OF BRIxTON

reaveals Chris Andre-Watson all about the new youth to ministry he’s been called PAGE 5

The Revd Mike Parker the summer

CARD SHARP

for Tina’s hands have a gift creating the most beautiful customised cards PAGE 13

GREEN POWER CHALLENGE

baptises Gigi Corpuz

ANY BAPTISM is a special event, but for one East Sussex Baptist church, a recent service had the WOW! factor. Three members of its Filipino community underwent the waters

Church leaders are calling tackle on the Government to carbon emissions PAGE 6

at a special service held

at Worthing Baptist Church

EyE witnEss

Waking up Grumpy

The Revd Stuart Davison, SEBA Team Leader writes: and ‘Sometimes I wake up grumpy sometimes I let him sleep.’ Some of you may have watched Old Men. a TV show called Grumpy much Gill tells me off if I get too things like that – the good old days, and aren’t as good as they were ‘when I were a lad…’ I would I always told myself that stupid be a cool dad and not say things like ‘In my day…’ of God people the 126, In Psalm But are remembering the past. God not like grumpy old men. with joy continues to fill his people have hope even in their trials. They for the future. was the it Israel For the people of in Babylon. return home from exile For Christians it is the promise Jesus. of eternal life because of Remembering the past (v1-3) of should be in the context has done thanking God for all he for us. for us – and is still doing an 400-4-400 (see page 2) is thank you opportunity for us to say to make and history our to God for the ona further contribution to in the going work of Baptists here South East. who It was our Baptist forebears

earlier in

ensured freedom of conscience it and thus freedom of speech; was Baptists who gave equality years and the vote to women 300 the before they received it in the nation; a Baptist who blazed music trail for modern worship a Baptist (from Wesley to Smith); the who prepared the way for emancipation of the slaves.

a the fellowship, making it Transforming the of baptism, sharing how truly international church. present (v4) Jesus had changed their nI And it is building strong When I was in Afghanista with lives before doing so. always took a bottle of water links with the wider drinks me, and took continuous The service is a get thirsty community too. from it. In a dry land you milestone for Worthing quickly. n Find out more – and hot and thirsty that so been Baptist Church as it seeks Ever read the amazing as though your throat and lips feel to welcome the many testimonies – inside. they are made of sand? people who have joined Psalm the way God helps

LED AHEAD OF BRADLEY THE MINISTER WHO PEDAL Wiggins on Bradley Olympic Gold medallist A Baptist minister beat PAGE 4 out how he did it inside. theTour De France … find

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October-December 2012

In this in the us is like streams of water desert. n Continued on page 2

Welcome to Dear Reader, I love baptismal services. Every testimony always comes from the heart, and it’s a joy to hear how the Holy Spirit has moved in people’s lives to bring them to the baptistry. I can fully understand it when Worthing Baptist Church says that its recent service was one that made people go wow!

You’ll also go wow! when you read about John Western, a Baptist minister who beat Bradley Wiggins to the Tour De France. And wow! too for Chris Andre-Watson’s new role as a youth pastor in Brixton. Another testimony in this issue shows that you’re never too old to go on a mission. Oh, and … well, there’s lots of wows! to be had in this

issue of The Baptist. We’re a busy bunch of people, seeking to help bring Kingdom values to the world around us. Our Baptist family is full of Wow! moments. It’s a joy to be able to share them with you and I hope they inspire you to make your own Wow! moments in your communities. Phil Creighton, Editor, The Baptist editor@xnmedia.co.uk

Noticeboard Coming and goings We welcome the following to pastorates in SEBA n Malcolm Haines, Downs Baptist Church (Woodingdean, Brighton) New ministry appointments in SEBA Churches n Neal Stanton, Minister in Training at Seaford Baptist Church n Sam White, Joint Youth Pastor to Oasis Christian Fellowship, Hove & Southwick Christian Community Church The following have left pastorates in SEBA n Pastor Jan Vidler, Wellington Square Baptist Church, Hastings n The Revd Ian McFarlane, Bookham Baptist Church – moving to Oban Baptist Church, Argyll n Pastor Stephen Henderson, Aldwick Baptist Church, Bognor Regis n The Revd James McBurney, Ashford Baptist Church The following are leaving pastorates in SEBA very soon n The Revd John Western, St Leonards Baptist Church n The Revd Andy Kerr, Littlehampton Baptist Church

Do you need help?

My name is Emma Thompson and I have just finished a BA Honours in Christian Youth Work with Applied Theology. I am also JNC qualified from this. I am looking for a Christian based youth work post which give me the opportunity to run youth and

children’s activities with an evangelistic purpose. My heart lies within discipleship of young people; to not only help them find the Lord but to support and guide them in their walk with God and strengthen their faith. Emj.youth@hotmail.co.uk

The Seba team Regional Minister Team Leader The Revd Stuart Davison Regional Minister The Revd Paul Kerley Regional Youth Officer Maeve Whitchurch Kent Thameside Mission Enabler The Revd Penny Marsh

Will you join 400-4-400? An open letter from the Revd Stuart Davison

his letter comes to you as a member church of Seba.

I am writing to you unilaterally, in that this is not a Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB) policy but an appeal from me at seba. As Baptists we stand in a line of folk who have made a difference to both this nation, and to the world. 400 years of our forebears who have given their life in the service of the Master. Most of us know Him because of those who passed this Gospel on to us. In order to give our thanks to God in a tangible way, I am asking churches to consider one of the following in this celebratory year: • As a church, giving a gift of £400 over and above Home Mission giving

Waking up Grumpy… n From front page His blessing transforms the past memories of being back in Israel into the anticipation of harvest joy.

Hope for the future (v5-6)

Administrator Steph Tidy South Eastern Baptist Association t: 01444 233431 e: admin@seba-baptist. org.uk w: seba-baptist.org.uk

• As individuals giving a gift of £400 • As individuals giving a gift of 400p The current financial restraints on BUGB mean that there will be cutbacks at our central resource in Didcot, in the Associations and in Home Mission grants. My desire is to prevent the latter from happening here in the South East (indeed, nationally if possible). We have been seeking to ensure that all Home Mission grants are used wisely, encouraging new ministries and not just propping up failing ones! Consequently, if you feel able to

Farming can be hard graft. However, the psalmist promises that a joyful harvest will follow sowing in tears. As we celebrate our abundant harvest in this land let’s remember that we serve the same God they do and help in their provision. God is the God of promise. C H Spurgeon said he is the One who ‘turns exile into ecstasy and banishment into bliss.’ Knowing God is to rediscover a joy founded by history and fuelled by hope that sustains us for the journey ahead. For us as Christians, that includes the task of mission – to make the world a better place in the name of Jesus. n www.seba-baptist.org.uk

express your thanks to God for these 400 years of Baptist witness and want to support this on-going work in local churches, please send your gifts to the seba treasurer, Mr David Burr, 30 Windmill Road, Polegate, BN26 5BG, payable to SEBA and marked 400-4-400. Individuals can use GiftAid, of course, which we would encourage. Please note this is not instead of Home Mission giving! Just 400p (£4) a head will ensure the continuation of ministries, rather than some folk facing redundancy and some churches being left without ministers. God has been good to us and in this 400th year of Baptist witness we can express our thanks and enrich the ongoing work. I would draw your attention to the Baptist Life magazine, Baptists at 400 and encourage its distribution in the church. There is also a new dvd which will be with you soon – already available on YouTube as Being Baptist – Called, Gathered, Sent.

Get involved with The Baptist is YOUR paper and we want to hear from you. Each issue is packed with news, stories and testimonies from God’s people who belong to Baptist churches. We want to encourage one another and build each other up in the faith through our pages. If you’re involved in an exciting new initiative, if you have a unique

ministry or you have comments, reflections, jokes or testimonies to share, we’d love to hear from you. Our next issue will be published for Sunday, January 20, 2013. We’d need your contributions by Wednesday, January 2, 2013. Email your stories to editor@xnmedia.co.uk or write to 10 Amity Street, Reading RG1 3LP.

| th e BAPTI ST |news|3

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October-December 2012

Baptisms with the wow! factor Worthing Baptist Church welcomes three Filipino members as they get baptised

Pam Lavadia, Jovanni Lavadia and Gigi Corpuz were baptised at Worthing Baptist Church after sharing their testimonies at a recent Sunday service

A BAPTISM service has been described as a real ‘WOW!’ event.

Worthing Baptist Church recently celebrated the declarations of faith given by three of the Filipino members of the congregation. “Wow – so many friends from the world over,” said Sue Vieru, from the church. “We are becoming more and more multi-cultural as we welcome another three Filipino members who have recently been baptised.” Sue went on to explain that the church’s make-up has been enhanced after the local hospital employed a number of workers from the Philippines a few years ago. Some of the NHS staff have since been welcomed into the church family. “It is delightful to see that, as well as retaining as much of their national identity as possible through the Worthing Filipino community, many are joining local churches like ours,” Sue said. And the connection doesn’t just end in Worthing. The church is offering support to a fellowship on the other side of the world. Sue said: “We have pledged to help a small church in the Philippines, at Dalusan – their children have nowhere to meet at the moment and through the mission work of one of our members, Analeen Baccaro, we are hoping to build them something suitable.” The partnership has seen

Excerpts from their amazing testimonies Jovanni Worthing Baptist Church hold several celebrations run by the Filipino community. “Our delightful brothers and sisters from the Philippines do know how to celebrate in style and the church has been blessed with several ‘Filipino Feasts’ – following Baptisms and a new baby Dedication recently,” Sue said. “As a church, we’ve even been invited to the community’s Hataw Sa TagAraw annual festivities in Homefield Park, where we will hopefully be providing a Surfing Simulator for folk to try and a specially designed ‘putyour-head-through-the-hole’ photoboard for seaside snaps. “Photos are extremely important to our Filipino friends and we hope that even more relationships can be forged as we bring ‘church’ outside to some of their events.” Worthing Baptist Church is a diverse congregation with Christians joining them from France, Netherlands, Congo, South Africa, Romania and South America. “It is wonderful to be able to share, worship and be missionary disciples together in Worthing, enjoying serving God and being church in the wider community,” Sue added.

I was raised in a devout Catholic family. At school, I learned about the methods of scientific inquiry and logic. I learned that the way to test if a theory or an idea is true is to perform experiments and use logical thinking in evaluating the results. Several weeks ago, my wife asked me to attend the Alpha course with her. I was hesitant at first but I then quickly realised that it is the perfect venue for asking my awkward questions about God and the Bible. I did not hold back from asking tough questions. During this period however, my wife has accepted Jesus into her life. It was wonderful to see the changes in her which reflected to our family life. But still I had doubts. Then we had our Alpha course away-day. That very same day, I accepted Jesus as my Lord and saviour and I will continue to proclaim Him for the rest of my life.

Gigi There are times in my life when things have gone wrong so completely that I was totally devastated and heartbroken. When my husband’s cancer re-occurred in December 2010, I turned to God. I found Jesus in our tough times, I cling to his strength and promises, and I felt the joy in my heart in the midst of trials. Danny lost his voice, lost his ability to swallow, underwent some treatment, I cared for him and was off from work for a year. The family were all physically and emotionally drained, but with God’s grace we survived day by day. Eventually Danny went to be with the Lord God in February this year. Losing someone you love deeply is very painful.

I experienced difficult emotions and there was a time I wanted to end my life ... I was being self-centred and my actions were inappropriate. One Sunday, God spoke into my heart; that He loves me unconditionally, laid my troubles to him and He will give me rest. I drew closer to God … we need His grace to live and His the only one could judge if we are truly His child. So entrust everything to Him knowing He will transform all into good. God is working on my purpose in this world that is to serve Him and to receive the gift of Salvation.

Pam

My life before accepting Christ was full of insecurities, hatred, unforgiveness and self-centeredness. I was constantly seeking happiness through temporary things. I was always anxious. I seek approval and recognition from other people but I still felt empty afterwards. Late last year I was really desperate to fill the emptiness that I was feeling. I started reading The Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren which my mother gave me 10 years ago and keept nagging me to read. After reading the book, I felt ecstatic. I almost felt very happy but still something is missing. During the first few months of this year, I fell ill. I thought, this is the worst year of my life. How wrong could I be. It was during this time that I was invited to attend the Alpha course by Sister Jonalyn. Several Sundays later, I gave my life to Jesus. I have never before felt the deep joy that I felt when I accepted Jesus into my life and truly meant it. After I made the conscious decision to prioritise my God over everything else, everything fell into place. I have placed Jesus in the centre of my life and allowed Him to take charge. I constantly seek His words for comfort, reassurance and guidance in my everyday life.

4|news|the B AP T I S T | that’s life!

The funny side of church SEBA readers share some of the things they’ve found funny while in church. n An induction service is always an important moment in the life of a church. With lots of people in attendance, the order of service has to be right. And so it was, at one service I went to. Apart from the blessing at the end. We were praying for the ‘gifts of the Holy Spirit’ to be imparted on us. Sadly the proof reader hadn’t spotted that an f had been left out of gifts. Opps. n ORDER of services aren’t the only places where careful proof readers are needed. Newsletters everywhere contain many spilling misteaks, not least this one. Here are some more howlers: • Please welcome Pastor Don, a caring individual who loves hurting people. • Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days. • Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person(s) you want remembered. • The outreach committee has enlisted 25 visitors to make calls on people who are not afflicted with any church. • The pastor will light his candle from the altar candles. The ushers will light their candle from the pastor’s candle. The ushers will turn and light each worshipper in the first pew. n A PRIMARY school teacher gave her class a “show and tell” assignment. Each pupil had to bring in an object to share with the class that represented their religion. The first said, “I am Benjamin, I am Jewish and this is a Star of David.” The second pupil said, “My name is Mary. I’m a Catholic and this is a Rosary.” The third said, “My name is Tommy. I am Baptist, and this is a quiche.” n Has anything funny happened to you in a church context? Email your stories to editor@xnmedia.co.uk.

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October-December 2012

Move over Bradley Wiggins … there’s a new cycling legend in SEBA!

John takes centre stage for his own Tour de France This July was momentous for British sport as Bradley Wiggins achieved the first ever victory by a British rider in the 109 year history of the Tour de France.

He then went on to scoop Gold medals galore in the 2012 Olympic Games. While Wiggins was making history, many English fans took a holiday in the South of France to cheer him on. Among them was John Western, minister of St Leonards Baptist Church – but John didn’t take it easy. Instead he took his own bicycle and entered something called L’Etape Du Tour – a stage of the Tour. Starting on Saturday, July 14 – four days before the professional peloton tackled the same route – more than 8,000 amateurs attempted stage 16, which went from Pau to Bagneres du Luchon. The parcours covered a distance of 201km, but more fearfully, included four of the most legendary climbs in cycling – the Col d’Aubisque, the Col du Tourmalet (the highest at well over 2,000m), the Col d’Aspin and the Col du Peyresourde. The challenge was made even more severe by the weather. Low cloud on the mountain tops deposited a slippery wet surface on the roads and reduced visibility to 50m. The cold was exacerbated by the chill effect of the wind on the descents. The result was that over half the entrants either abandoned en route, or were slowed down to such an extent they were picked up by the broom wagon as the roads were re-opened. John was one of the sturdy 3,820 who made it all the way to the finish, taking 11 hours 1 minute and 20 seconds. When he had recovered his breath, he said: “That was truly epic. “To traverse the grandeur of the Pyrenean scenery by your own effort and share in the suffering of thousands of other amateur cyclists struggling up these mountains was an unforgettable experience.”

Left: John on the early slopes of the Col d’Aubisque. Above: Starting the descent of the Tourmalet. Below: the route

Did John do this just for the pain? If you ask him, he’d probably tell you he did it for fun! But there was a serious purpose too. John was raising sponsorship for Chapel Park Community Centre. This project was started by St Leonards Baptist Church in 2002 to make better use of its premises. Over the past 10 years thousands of people have been through the doors and received practical help offered to

demonstrate the love of Christ. There are IT lessons and other adult education classes on subjects as diverse as Spanish and Art. A large number of English lessons for speakers of other languages (ESOL) are offered. The Centre runs a project called HEMAS (Hastings Ethnic Minority Advisory Service) which gives guidance on all kinds of important everyday issues such as housing and health. Many people also drop in to use the free Internet Café.

The centre may be a simple concept, but it is no exaggeration to claim that it has changed lives. John spoke of his joy at seeing people find renewed hope. He said “When one Chinese lady first came to the Centre, she was so desperate, she was about to send her three-monthold daughter back home to be looked after by grandparents. “Centre volunteers helped her get professional assistance to legalise her status and helped her to access housing and a

regular income. “She responded by getting baptised and declaring, ‘If God has done so much for me, how can I do anything else but live my life for Him?’” n If you would like to support this work, sponsorship can still be given. Cheques can be made payable to “Chapel Park Community Centre” and sent to John Western, 27 Clinton Crescent, St Leonards on Sea, TN38 0RN. John thanks you for any support you can offer.

Celebrating 50 years of inspiring youngsters In 1962 a conference centre was opened in Worthing by the late Sir Herbert Janes, with the object of providing residential facilities to enable young people to experience a time of fun together, while giving them the opportunity to learn about the Christian life. The vision was one that could lead to training for Christian leadership and service. By 1986 it was clear that the Centre needed completely refurbishing and

there were insufficient funds to do this. A decision was made to sell the building. The money was invested and a proportion of the profits were made available for grants to Christian youth organisations and individuals doing Christian youth work. Since 1986 the Trust has been able to make grants and the directors feel that, though they cannot solve financial problems, the receipt of a donation does greatly encourage those at the ‘sharp end’.

Now, 50 years on, the vision of Sir Herbert Janes is being upheld and the work of the Trust goes on. The Trust has been able to give grants throughout the last 50 years – if you have been a recipient of a grant the Trust would love to hear from you. It also encourages leaders of Christian youth group to apply for a grant if they think they qualify. For details, write to Michael Knowles, 26 Brighton Road, Worthing BN11 3ED.

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| th e BAPTI ST |news|5

October-December 2012

MP says Uckfield’s Source is an ‘important’ new centre

Uckfield’s MP, Charles Hendry, joined the town’s mayor, PCSO and Baptist Church leaders for the launch of The Source, the church’s new youth centre

A CHURCH that is investing in the future has seen its work pay dividends after a new youth centre was opened by its local MP. Uckfield Baptist Church’s The Source is the culumination of five years of hard work by the fellowship. In 2007, it launched its youth work under The Source brand. Two years later, it started renting some space so it could be used for youth-focused events. Over time, the work that the centre undertook expanded to include everything from toddler groups to youth clubs and drop-in sessions. In March, the church took the plunge to take out a five-year lease on the building it was using, so it could become a permanent youth

centre. It was opened in June by the town’s MP, Charles Hendry. Fund were raised by the fellowship to secure the centre, which is the vision of Uckfield Baptist Church’s youth worker, Richard Dowling. “Children matter, therefore we invest in their future today,” he said. “That is why we have resourced the Youth Centre to show the value that we place on young people. All this costs time and money which we invest gladly.” Charles Hendry said he is a keen supporter of youth initiatives across his constituency. “I was delighted to be invited to open this new centre,” he added.

“It will be an important facility for both the Uckfield Baptist community as well as the wider Uckfield population. “A huge thank you should go to the church for having the vision to see what could be achieved and the commitments to make it happen. “It is important that young people have a safe place where they can go to relax, take part in a range of activities and events, and spend time with their peers, and I feel that this will be an excellent environment for that to happen.” The event was also attended by the Mayor of Uckfield, local Baptist ministers and head teachers from local schools.

A pastor for the streets of Brixton my first ministry was in Brixton. Brixton posed all the challenges of urban ministry asking deep questions of my faith and traditional models of church. It was exhilarating and exhausting. Long before Les Isaacs coined the phrase the boys in the area had nicknamed me the ‘Street Pastor’, because of my presence with them ‘on the endz’ as they put it. It was a work that was born not out of any strategic action but like so many things in urban life grew haphazardly and chaotically. I fed them, argued with them, fought with them, Wow! Standing from the viewing platform swore at them, cycled with them, represented them in in the spectacular glass and steel temple that school and court and cried with desperation when they is the new Westfield’s Shopping Centre in were sentenced to prison. I campaigned against the relaxation in Cannabis Stratford it was hard to imagine how the area regulation as part of the so-called Lambeth looked a decade ago. Experiment. If there was anything these boys did not Having grown up there I was familiar with the need it was any more weed. derelict, post-industrial wasteland that it had become If that gives the impression of a drug-filled gang and it was staggering to see transformation. culture in Brixton then that’s only part of the picture. I was born in Hackney, grew up in Leytonstone What I discovered was a genuine community, people lived in London all my life. who knew each other and supported each other. Apart from a very brief spell living in rural Jamaica There was a strong church culture and even those as a teenager, I am completely urbanised. My forages outside respected the church and appreciated the work into SEBA as a BMS World Mission rep really were I was doing. Doors were open to me simply because I Chris Andre-Watson, who like going into the wild. was the Pastor. left SEBA earlier this year Even before becoming a Christian I had a very The gap between church and community was not as to join a youth project in strong call to work in the city. So, despite the wide as it is in other places. Brixton misgivings of friends I was not surprised that

When SEBA said farewell to Chris Andre-Watson, many wondered what he had moved on to. Here, he sets the scene for an important new ministry

That experience with young men many of whom I am still in contact with has had a profound effect on my life. And explains why I want to continue to develop youthwork across London. On the back of the overwhelming success of the youth event at the Baptist Assembly I am in the process of setting up an LBA youth forum and we are having our second meeting in September. I am also heavily involved in local youthwork where I live through the Furzedown Youth Centre a joint youth centre project with three churches including Mitcham Lane Baptist which I now attend. Part of that work involves reaching out to disengaged young people in the area opening the centre on a Sunday evening so they have somewhere to go. On that note, like many youth organisations we struggle for funding and resources. We are going through some costly renovations to address water seepage in the lower ground floor. Plus we are planning to some refurbishment. If you would like to adopt the Furzedown Youth Centre as your ‘urban’ charity please let me know we are currently looking for supporters. n For more details, email me: andrewatson.131@ btinternet.com or call me on 020 8696 9838. You can get a taste of our work if you visit the Furzedown Youth Centre on Facebook.

6|news|t he BA PT I S T | resources

Get ready for Christmas I HATE to be the one to break it to you, but Christmas is coming.

It’ll be on December 25, and millions of people across the country will be celebrating it. Church of England research suggests that around a third of the UK population will visit their local church at some point over the Christmas period. And with a lot of those visitors being newcomers, Christmas is one time of year to really make them feel welcome. Now is the time to be planning the carol services. If you have musicians in your church, while not bring them together to form an orchestra? Likewise, give the readers the relevant Scripture now so that they can practise. Just imagine the effect if they could recite from memory their Bible verses. By starting the rehearsals now, you can ensure that everyone will be note perfect for the big night.

Coffee Ask the catering team to put on the best possible refreshments they can: why serve Tesco Value instant coffee when, for a few pence more, you can serve filter coffee that would rival Starbucks? Oh, and remember not everyone likes mince pies! Get inviting people. If the CofE research is right, that’s a lot of people who want to come and sing about the new born King. Giving people the right kind of invite is a must. You could even turn the invite into your Christmas card to the houses around your church. When they come in to the church, make sure you have the best greeters on the door. Oh, and make sure the doors are wide open so people can see you’re ready to welcome them. Why not offer some refreshments when they arrive? It could be a sweet from a tin of chocolates, mulled juice or a feast. Whatever you do this Christmas, do it well and help people celebrate in style.

n Phil Creighton is author of How To Be Heard In A Noisy World, Church Publicity Made Easy

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October-December 2012

Jubilee Debt Campaign plans paperchain relaunch A Project that has already slashed more than £80 billion worth of debt owed by poor countries is set to make a big impact across the country. The Jubilee Debt Campaign, which aims to clear unjust debts owed to richer countries from poorer ones, had a strong impact when the campaign

was first launched in 2000. Now the campaign is looking to relaunch, and is encouraging giant paper chain protests to permanently clear unjust foreign debts while creating a sustainable economy. It is also calling for faith leaders to sign their campaign letter. Nick Dearden, director of the Jubilee Debt Campaign, said: “Around

the world debt is causing immense suffering again. “A self-serving financial system has brought the global economy to its knees. We are now seeing the poorest people in our own society and around the world paying the price for this excess.” The Jubilee for Justice petition hopes to cancel unjust debts, promote

progressive taxation and stop harmful lending. The Jubilee for Justice campaign also has a Multifaith project, which asks for people of all faith groups to contribute to their campaign. n For details, email info@ jubileedebtcampaign.org.uk, call 020 7324 4722, or visit www. jubileedebtcampaign.org.uk

Churches call on Government to stick to carbon targets plan FOUR denominations have teamed up to warn the Government that its draft Energy Bill would set the UK up for failure on carbon targets.

The Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Methodist Church, the Quakers in Britain and the United Reformed Church have warned that, in its current form, the Bill undermines the Government’s commitment to meet the UK’s carbon targets. They say that more green jobs could be created by a stronger commitment to sustainable, secure and affordable renewable energy. The draft Bill will encourage the building of more coal and gas-fired power stations and would allow high levels of carbon emissions from power stations until 2045. The Committee on Climate Change has advised the Government that the power sector must be substantially decarbonised by 2030 in order to achieve the UK’s carbon targets. “This Bill has far-reaching implications and puts the Government’s green credentials on trial,” said the Revd Dr Mark Wakelin, speaking on behalf of the Churches. “The Government’s verbal commitments on climate change are undermined by the proposals in the draft Bill. It will encourage a new dash for gas, could allow new investment in coal and sets the UK up for failure on its carbon targets.”

Warning The Churches’ warning follows correspondence between senior leaders of the four denominations and Ed Davey MP, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change. Mr Davey outlined opportunities for new coal and gas power stations. The Committee on Climate Change has stated that these plans are likely to cause Britain to fail in future carbon budgets. A study conducted by the WWF-UK (World Wide Fund for Nature) shows that the UK could achieve at least 60 per cent of electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030. The Churches are calling on all political parties to make a clearer commitment to renewable energy, adding that further significant growth in the renewables sector will require greater certainty on investment returns. They want to see a 2030 decarbonisation target incorporated into the Bill. “A renewables-based energy system is realistic and achievable,” continued Dr Wakelin, President of the Methodist Conference. “But the draft Bill lacks the ambition needed to generate green jobs in the renewable energy sector. “As Christians we believe that we are all called to protect and sustain our planet and eco-system for future generations.”

Here’s Martyn! Sailors helped by golf day A GLOBAL finance firm has turned golf balls into cash to help the Sailors’ Society. Morgan Stanley raised an impressive £8,000 for the charity by holding a golf day with their business partners at the end of September. Taking place at the prestigious Goodwood course in West Sussex, the day was a contest between senior staff members of staff from a variety of companies, including Baltic Exchange, LOC, Clarksons and Inchcape Shipping Services. Howard Longley and Nicholas Sherriff of LOC won the contest, held on Thursday, September 27. Clarksons’ Mark Goodall and David Insole coming as runners-up. AM Nomikos competitors Mark Ravenscroft and Jamie

Freeland took third place. Brian Nixon, executive director of Morgan Stanley said: “We are extremely proud to be associated with the Sailors’ Society. “The Morgan Stanley and Sailors’ Society Golf Day at Goodwood was a brilliant opportunity to raise some much needed funds.” Jan Webber, Sailors’ Society director of fundraising, said: “Events such as these provide valuable funds to help seafarers worldwide.” Through its network of Port Chaplains and Seafarers’ Centres, the Sailors’ Society reaches in the region of 350,000 seafarers annually by providing a personal lifeline, giving practical help, emotional support and, when asked, spiritual assistance.

Singer songwriter Martyn Joseph is on his way across the UK this autumn, and will be visiting two venues in the South. On Thursday, November 1 the All This Time singer will be performing at Windsor Baptist Church, Victoria Street. Tickets cost £15. For details, call 01753 868060 or visit log on to www. wegottickets.com/ event/176324. On Thursday, November 25 he will appear at Canterbury’s Christ Church University Chapel. Tickets cost £16. For more details, call 01227 831493 or log on to www. folkinthebarn.co.uk.

Top award forTearfund Tearfund’s Inspired Individuals Initiative won the Talent and Leadership award at the 2012 Peer Awards ceremony. Held in London at the end of September, The Peer Awards, celebrate high standards of social responsibility and innovation. They are organised by Informatology, a membership network run on a notfor-profit basis. Tearfund’s entry, Selecting, Developing and Measuring the Impact of Emerging Leaders, beat off stiff competition from major corporate competitors including Bank of America and CapGemini. Tearfund was also one of four runners-up for the overall award, among 39 finalists. The Inspired Individuals Initiative identifies and supports social entrepreneurs working to help break the cycle of poverty. “We’re proud to be recognised by the Peer Awards as an organisation that is nurturing talent, leadership and innovation in the third sector,” says Gary Swart, Director of Tearfund’s Inspired Individuals Initiative. “We know that these difficult times are affecting the poorest and most vulnerable people the hardest, so it’s truly encouraging to know that our work to support social entrepreneurs is appreciated by our peers.”

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MAF flies in with new look

The new logo, which is being used across the world

A KENT-based charity that overcomes barriers in some of the world’s poorest nations by the help of small aircraft is celebrating an airbourne addition of its own.

MAF has launched a new logo, featuring a flying dove to represent the Holy Spirit. The same logo will now be used by all MAF organisations across the world, creating a unified look. MAF UK CEO, Ruth Whitaker said: “Since our early days the organisations known as MAF around the world have shared the same name and God-given vision, but not the same logo. “On occasion this has caused confusion and has sent mixed messages about the work of MAF. “Our new logo which now uses the Christian symbol of a dove will be used by all MAF groups internationally. This will mean that wherever and whenever in the world we are seen, people will immediately recognise and know us for who we are and what we do.”

Flies With a fleet of 135 light aircraft, MAF flies within the developing world, in places such as Bangladesh, where a third of the country is under water, in South Sudan where the world’s newest nation is seeking to develop simple infrastructure, healthcare and education while still struggling with insecurity and Papua New Guinea, where mountains ranges and the challenging terrain mean people may have to walk for days or even weeks to get medical attention, education, food supplies. MAF was established in 1945, and over the past 60 years has carried relief and medical hope to millions of people in more than 30 countries worldwide. Today, it works with more than 1,000 partner organisations around the world, including Tearfund, Medair and Save the Children. n For more details on the work of MAF, log on to www.maf-uk.org or call its Folkestone headquarters on 0845 850 9505.

October-December 2012

Christmas chocolates see red after purple patch RELAX, SMILE, eat a few squares of your chocolate – and don’t get so precious over purple.

TThat was message from the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Revd Stephen Cotterell, to chocolate makers Cadbury. The USA-owned sweet giant has forced the Meaningful Chocolate Company, producers of the UK’s first fair trade religious chocolate tree decorations, to redesign its faith-based range after being advised that “Advent purple belongs to Cadbury”. The chocolates went on sale at the Christian Resources Exhibition North, held in Manchester from October 10-11. “Cadbury should reflect that before they even existed, the colour purple was around and – perish the thought – after they have gone, it will still be here,” said Bishop Stephen. “You may own the rights to purple, but you can’t own the colour. Fighting some battles, even ones you win, can actually be demeaning. Far better to be generous, then no one loses. “The Meaningful Chocolate Company is not a threat to Cadbury. The background hue of their packaging may resemble a bar of their much-loved Dairy Milk brand, but everything else about the product makes it clear that this is something distinctively different.” Last year the Meaningful Chocolate Company designed chocolate tree decorations to help parents and grandparents share the Christmas story with children. The box they came in was

Now in festive red … the Meaningful Chocolate Company’s tree decorations have changed colour after a request from Cadbury advent purple with a picture of Mary and Jesus on the front. In the box was a copy of the Christmas story and a Nativity character sticker set, used to decorate five blank chocolate discs. However, the company has been advised by its legal team that Cadbury has secured the rights to the colour purple in the UK. David Marshall, from the Meaningful Chocolate Company, said: “We understand that anything that might be interpreted as purple needs to be avoided. For this reason we have changed the packaging of our religious Christmas Tree Decorations. This year, Advent is a warm red.”

The decorations are available from Traidcraft, which is committed to working with smaller cocoa farmers overseas. A Traidcraft spokesperson said: “We’re delighted to be the sole stockist for the Meaningful Christmas Tree Decorations. We believe consumers are wise enough to distinguish between what big business does and our better-than-fair approach to ethical trading. ” n They can be ordered can be made through www.MeaningfulChristmas. co.uk or exclusively from Traidcraft. Orders should be made by the end of November 2012 as supplies are limited.

CHURCH TOOL COLLECTION MAKES BIG DIFFERENCE Chichester Baptist Church members have collected more than a ton of old tools forTools With a Mission to refurbish and send to countries across the globe. www.twam.org.uk

100 millionth shoebox to be sent out A CAMPAIGN to make a child’s Christmas is being planned with military precision and has been launched by Billy Graham’s son, Franklin. Every year for the past 22 years, Operation Christmas Child – organised by Samaritan’s Purse – delivers shoeboxes packed with presents to needy children in more than 100 countries worldwide. This year, organisers are hoping to send out their 100 millionth gift-filled shoebox. To reach this total, Mr Graham is encouraging all churches, schools, workplaces, families and individuals to get involved. “I want to thank everyone in the UK for supporting Operation Christmas Child. This year we will reach an historic number

that is our 100 millionth shoebox and so we appreciate the prayers you send with these gifts that will be sent in Jesus’ name,” said Mr Graham. Samaritan’s Purse UK Executive Director, Simon Barrington added: “It’s great way to celebrate Christmas – showing children, most of whom live in the most difficult circumstances, that God loves them and cares for them and that He’s not forgotten them.” Completed shoeboxes should be delivered to designated dropoff points by November 18. n For details on how your church can take part and what to put in your shoebox, log on to www. operationchristmaschild. org.uk, or call 020 8559 2044.

Hospital radio is gold standard A HOSPITAL radio station from Guildford is celebrating after scooping a gold award in a prestigious ceremony held earlier this month. Members of Hospital Radio Lion won the top honour at the Christian Broadcasting Council media awards for its programme Dan Eley – A Life of Hope. The award was presented to them at a gala dinner hosted by comedian Tim Vine and held at Tower Bridge Hotel in London. The evening celebrated a range of programmes that judges felt best upheld Christian values and belief in ways relevant to an everchanging audience. There were 17 categories, with the BBC picking up a

number of gongs for its wideranging religious output. Speaking to news website religiousintelligence.org, CBC chairman Olave Snelling said: “The quality gets better and better each year, This year we received an incredible range of entries concerned with the Christian faith from across the media in this land.” Gold for the best broadcast interview went to God TV’s Middle East Special – Baghdad, for telling the story of Christians living under the ever-present threat of suicide bombs. The film included an interview with Canon Andrew White, Vicar of Baghdad. n For more details on the awards, log on to www. cbcmediaawards.org

in brief

Rags to riches tale of runaway A BAPTIST pastor who came to Christ in exciting circumstances is celebrating the launch of a book telling his amazing testimony. Mike McDade, who has served churches in Bradford, Warrington, London and Cambridge, has teamed up with retired journalist John Alexander, to write Runaway, Red Beret and Reverend, which has just been released. Growing up in a broken home, Mike McDade decided he wanted to be rich and found his own dubious way of achieving this, despite leaving school with no qualifications and living on the streets. But he turned his back on his Rolls Royce for the ministry. John said: “Mike was talking about some extraordinary incidents in his life. He left us wanting to hear the whole story and I grabbed him before he left with an offer to help put it on paper.” The book is published by Authentic Media and costs £7.99. ISBN: 9781780780177.

BUGB Council plans to meet MEMBERS of the Baptist Union of Great Britain Council will be meeting in November. The three-day event, held from November 12-14 at The Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick, will see the Council disuss the Baptist Futures documents, which if passed will see sweeping changes to the way the national resource at Didcot operates.

Clare Balding says ‘morning!’ FORMER Grandstand presenter Clare Balding will take over hosting duties from Aled Jones. Aled has left Good Morning Sunday, and Clare takes on the Radio 2 programme from January. “I’m also looking forward to exploring the whole nature of faith and why it’s so important in people’s lives,” Clare said. “I have never presented my own radio show so this is a huge moment for me - a challenge, a responsibility and a very exciting development in my career. I can’t wait.” Aled has joined ITV to host breakfast show Daybreak.

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October-December 2012

Turn over a new leaf and visit y 38

They’re a vital resource in the community, providing far more than just the latest Christian books – but, as Phil Creighton explains, our local Christian bookshops need you to support them

N 2011, an astonishing 229 million books were sold across the UK. That’s almost four books for every person in the country.

Add on 207 million DVDs and 86.2 million albums, it’s clear that as a nation, we love buying media. A fair chunk of those books, CDs and DVDs will be Christian ones – and last year was a bumper year for the marketplace with a wealth of new titles coming from a wide range of authors and artists. New titles continue to be released every month, and looking at big online retailers can make the choice seem bewildering. But how do you sort the wheat from the chaff? How can you pinpoint the exact title that you need and how can you discover the right book, CD or DVD? And what if you want some advice on discovering the right Bible reading notes? Or need some urgent material to help cover a gap with this Sunday’s children’s activities? What if you want the latest copy of Christianity Magazine, or the Evangelical Times newspaper? Or want to get Woman Alive or a raft of other magazines that you can’t find in WH Smith? The answer has to be a visit to your local Christian bookshop. There are some things that just have to be bought on sight That’s particularly important when buying a new Bible – while an online store can show you what the cover looks like, there’s no way of knowing how it feels in your hand or how easy the text is to read. The Internet may be a helpful resource for online shopping, it’s really only useful if you know what you’re looking for. Despite the attempts of online virtual assistants, artificial intelligence is no match for human knowledge – something that you’ll find in droves in your local Christian bookstore. Staffed by people with years of experience and their finger on the pulse, a visit to your local bookshop is a must.

The Christian Book Centre in Cliftonville, Margate, is one such shop. Open for more than 40 years with the aim of extending God’s Kingdom through teaching materials and evangelism, the staff want to help you find the right book. It also boasts an impressive second-hand department. And stores such as the Eastbourne Christian Resource Centre have a wide range of products on their shelves ready for you to buy straight away – these include Bibles of every kind of translation. You don’t need to rush your shopping in a Christian bookstore: many also combine the books with a coffee shop and the Chapel Gifts & Christian Bookshop in Worthing is one such example. Its Way-In Coffee House is open from 9am to noon Mondays to Saturdays and gives you the chance to enjoy a cuppa while browsing. Verite Christian Resources in Goringby-Sea publish a wide range of resources as well as helping you get the books that you need. Some people say that the Internet suits them because they can shop when they want. That’s also true with your local Christian bookstore. Most accept orders by telephone and also offer a book box scheme for your church, bringing the bookstore to you. There have been a range of closures over the past few years: Pathways Christian Bookshop in Hastings closed down in 2009 after 45 years. The owner, Ruth Fletcher, said: “Like many businesses it has been fighting competition with on-line shopping and the recent economic recession.” It’s sad to see bookshops close down, especially when they have detailed knowledge. Like many things, you don’t know what you’ve lost until you’ve lost it: but it doesn’t have to be that way with our Christian bookshops. These gems of the high street, that offer a wealth of resources and material, are well worth getting to know.

25 23

Surrey 12 11 27

Sussex

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Down your way… 1. The Friars Bookshop and Tearoom The Friars, Aylesford Priory, Aylesford, Kent ME20 7BX 01622 717272 www.thefriars.org.uk

2. Ashburnham Christian Trust Bookshop Ashburnham Place, Battle, East Sussex TN33 9NF 01422 892244 ashburnham.org.uk

3. Books Alive 86 Elm Drive, Brighton & Hove, East Sussex BN3 7JL 01273 738818 www.booksalive.co.uk

canterburychurchshop.co.uk

7. CLC Bookshop 22a Lower Bridge Street, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2LG 01227 463535 www.canterbury.clcbookshops.com

8. Franciscan International Study Centre Bookshop Giles Lane, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NA 01227 769349 www.franciscans.ac.uk/shop

9. CLC Bookshop

4. Living Word

118 High Street, Chatham Kent ME4 4BY 01634 843926 www.clcbookshops.com

30 Crescent Road, Bognor Regis, West Sussex PO21 1QG 01243 828223 www.livingwordbooks.co.uk

10. St Olav Christian Bookshop St Olave’s Church, North Street, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 1LQ www.stolavchristianbookshop.org

5. Canterbury Cathedral Shop

11. DABCEC Bookshop

25 Burgate, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2HA 01227 865300 www.canterbury-cathedral.org

6. Canterbury Church Shop 13 Orange Street, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2JA 01227 379777

Christian Education Centre, 4 Southgate Drive, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 6RP 01293 651165 www.dabnet.org

12. All Saints Church Book Centre & Library Chapel Green, Church Road,

Crowborough East Sussex TN6 1ED 01892 652081 office@allsaintscrowborough.org

13. Deal Christian Resource Centre 140 High Street, Deal, Kent CT14 6BE 01304 363713 www.tcbconline.co.uk

14. The Weigh Inn 17 Worthington Street, Dover, Kent CT17 9AQ 01304 207031 www.doverbaptistchurches.org.uk/ weigh_inn.html

15. Christian Resource Centre 91-93 Seaside Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 3PL 01323 732070 www.christianresourcecentre.com

16. Dovecote Christian Bookshop Epsom Methodist Church, 11 Ashley Road, Epsom, Surrey KT18 5AQ 01372 817707 www.dovecotebookshop.co.uk

17. The Ark 19 Pier Road, Erith, Kent DA8 1TA 01322 332515

18. The Abbey Shop St Michael’s Abbey, Farnborough Road, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 7NQ

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October-December 2012

your local bookshop

A fantastic, evangelistic enquirer’s course Eight weeks to question – Why so much suffering? How can we know if God exists? Too many religions to believe any? …And more. No pressure…no question off limits …no cucumber sandwiches!

% 10

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w: ycourse.com t: 01903 241975 Or present this advert at Verité Christian Resources 8 St Johns Parade, Alinora Crescent, Goring-by-Sea, BN12 4HJ

Verité Christian Resources

Map positionings are approximate and for guide purposes only

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Kent

is an independent resource centre serving local churches in Worthng, the south east and the UK. A wide range of resources are available through their online shop www. veriteshop.co.uk. Alternatively why not pay them a visit? You will be assured of a warm welcome and great service from Janet Ashton and her team. If you are looking for something in particular they will be more than happy to source it for you (as long as it is in print). Verité is situated in St John’s Parade, Goring-by-Sea. For more information, call 01903 241975 or email janetashton@veritecm.com

Chapel Gifts & Christian Book Shop

We sell a wide & varied selection of gifts, books, Bibles, commentaries, teaching materials and CDs

We are open Mon-Sat 9am-4.30pm Way-In Coffee House 9am-12noon (All profits to charitable ministries)

64 Chapel Road, Worthing BN11 1BN (next door to the Worthing Tabernacle)

Tel: 01903-213133 Email: barbara.burling@worthingtab.org.uk

19 The Triangle is a café and Christian bookshop in Farnborough, Hampshire. Our aim is to be a Christian witness in the local community, and to provide resources to churches, schools and individuals. We sell Bibles, books, Third World gifts, cards, candles, jewellery, Fairtrade food and gifts, music, videos, children’s goods and bible study material. We also offer a full ordering service.

Open Monday-Saturday • Café: 8.30am-5pm, Bookshop: 9am-5.30pm The Triangle, 64 Kingsmead, Farnborough, Hants, GU14 7SL Tel: 01252 519172 • Fax 01252 549220 Email: admin@thetriangle.org.uk • www.thetriangle.org.uk

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Christian shops from across the SEBA region 01252 546105 www.theabbeyshop.com

19. The Triangle 64 Kingsmead, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 7SL 01252 519172 www.thetriangle.org.uk

20. LivingStones Christian Centre 277 Fleet Road, Fleet, Hampshire GU13 8BT 01252 616038 www.livingstonescc.org

21. Vine Books 23 Cheriton Place, Folkestone, Kent CT20 2AY 01303 210900 www.vinebooks.co.uk

22. Pierrepont Bookshop Ellel Pierrepont, Frensham, Surrey GU10 3DL 01252 751651 shop.ellelministries.org/uk/en

23. Nathan’s Leather Goods and Christian Books 15 Queen Street, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1BA 01483 415736

24. Burrswood Bookshop and Giftshop Burrswood Ltd, Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9PY 01892 863637 www.burrswood.org.uk

25. CLC Bookshop

32. St Nicholas Book & Coffee Shop

60 Quarry Street, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3UA 01483 573707 www.guildford.clcbookshops.com

26. Southerden Books

St Nicholas Church, Rectory Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1JA 01732 740340 www.stnicholas-sevenoaks.org/about-us/shops/

Sheriff Place, Market Square, George Street, Hailsham East Sussex BN27 1AD 01323 441079

33. Sittingbourne Christian Bookshop The Baptist Church, High Street, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 4AQ 01795 422315 www.sbc-church.org.uk

27. Horsham Christian Centre

34. Tonbridge Christian Book Centre

4-5 South Street, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 1NR 01403 218821 www.crownbookshorsham.co.uk

9 Quarry Hill Parade, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 2HR 01732 364897 www.tcbconline.co.uk

28. Kingdom Faith Resource Centre & Café

41 York Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1JX 01892 526577 www.holdfast.org.uk

36. Chapel Gifts & Books 64 Chapel Road, Worthing, West Sussex BN11 1BN 01903 213133

29. Maidstone Christian Resource Centre

8, St. John’s Parade, Alinora Crescent, Goring-by-Sea West Sussex, BN12 4HJ 01903 241975

30. Christian Book Centre 45 Northdown Road, Cliftonville, Margate, Kent CT9 2RN 01843 226598

31. The Christian Bookshop Sevenoaks Road, Pratt’s Bottom, Orpington, Kent BR6 7SQ 01689 854117 www.thechristianbookshop.co.uk

91-93 SEASIDE ROAD BN21 3PL | 01323 732070 eastbournecrc@btconnect.com

We supply a large range of products including: • Bibles • Books • Children’s products • CDs • DVDs • Gifts, and more • Bookboxes for your church

WHY NOT POP IN – OR GIVE US A RING? IF WE DON’T HAVE IT IN STOCK, WE’LL ALWAYS ORDER IT FOR YOU!

35. HoldFast Bible & Tract Depot

Roffey Place, Old Crawley Road, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 4RU kingdomfaith.com/ResourceCentre/

13 Brewer Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1RU 01622 761440 www.tcbconline.co.uk

EASTBOURNE CHRISTIAN RESOURCE CENTRE

37. Verite Christian Resources

38. CLC Bookshop 13 Upper Wickham Lane, Welling, Kent DA16 3AA 020 8301 4641 www.clcbookshops.com

39. Two By Two Christian Books 21 Canterbury Road, Whitstable, Kent CT5 4HJ 01227 277443 www.twobytwowhitstable.co.uk

Christian Book Centre 45, Northdown Road, Cliftonville, Margate, CT9 2RN Tel: 01843 226598

Fantastic selection of Bibles and books. We would love to see you Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 4pm We were established 40 years ago with the aim of extending God’s kingdom through teaching (materials) and evangelism.

When was the last time you paid a visit to your local Christian Bookshop?

Come and see the wide variety of new and second-hand books, gifts, card range, music, CDs, and DVDs. We are not on the web, so please ‘phone or come and see us. We shall be pleased to help if we can.

10|comment|t h eBA PT I S T |

October-December 2012

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Is there an expectation too high, where our God is concerned? The heartbeat of God – it pounds and beats for us. But sometimes, hearing it can be hard. A SEBA reader cuts through the noise to hear the Lord

‘B

oom. Boom – Boom. Boom. Boom – Boom.’

Can you hear that? Listen carefully for a moment. Close your eyes, be still and silent. Soft, gentle, yet distinctively profound is that drumming sound. ‘Boom. Boom – Boom.’ Remembering and allowing that simple fact to dawn upon the mind, in peaceful quietness – Jesus Christ, being totally and wholly God was completely and vulnerably human. This has incredible implications; Dear reader, His heart beats! It beats for you and me! Can you believe it? If we listen it is loud and if we pay close attention we know it is profound. Jesus in total human form, Holy Spirit in transcendent form, and Father God, awesome creator of all has a heartbeat that pleads, that urges, that rhythmically pounds, only longing to be heard. At the beginning of June this reflection was born, after lots of my church family and friends gathered for the Big Church Day Out. This was a fantastic weekend of worship from brilliant bands and lots of dancing. One of the highlights was the offer of open prayer with one or two people from the BCDO prayer team. Stepping forward in the little chapel, I received a lovely yet simple prayer. My two friends then hesitantly went forth to receive a prayer themselves. When we left the chapel they both shared how they had both heard what sounded like a heartbeat – I was stunned as my thoughts began searching for an answer. Later in the day, the bands were in full swing and were people swaying, jumping and dancing to the thumping music – I couldn’t seem to ‘lose myself’ even in excitement, let alone praise and worship. I was increasingly distracted by a young teenage couple cuddling on my right, a mum calming down her toddler, and a coffee daring to spill all over my feet. So, to say the least, I felt a little deflated and succumbed to pray gently in my mind, apologising to God for my lack of joy and enthusiasm.

Suddenly a sense of awe dawned upon me. The volume so intense – people’s voices roaring to the lyrics and the whole situation somewhat chaotic. Through the vocals and different instrumental melodies and harmonies; I could hear a rhythm… a peaceful steady yet indescribably profound beating – A pounding… A heartbeat! I felt as though God were speaking directly into my heart and mind. “Through all the storms and excitements of life and through all the crowds or in loneliness, sometimes even in loneliness of the crowds… Listen for my heartbeat. It will always be there, and it beats for You. I love you.” I realised that though my expectations were low, God’s were high. God’s ways are higher than our ways. His plans are higher than our plans and His is heart beats for things we rarely realise or comprehend the bigger picture of.

o, can we ever expect too much from God? What are you expecting? Are you expecting great or simple things? What can we expect from God? Through life we often expect so little from people because we fear disappointment. We are so afraid that we will receive a “snake instead of a loaf of bread” that we live under the shadow of mediocre, simple asking and hesitant living! We are fearful in asking because in this fast world people have little to give in time or resources. So, in our pessimism we expect little and set our expectations low – this way our limits are not pushed and we remain in the security of avoiding disappointment. I’m sure you know what it is like when your heart seems to stop dead at a sudden realisation, or the fast thumping and flushing warmth as you feel let down and mistreated. These incidents leave imprints on our hearts and we conclude to keep a ‘steady’ beat – one that won’t falter or fly off the radar. God asks us to believe him – To trust him when he says that he

wants only the best most beautiful and vibrant things for us. God is not like a man or a woman that would let us down or fail us. The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love – Psalm 103:8

ear reader, I plead to you tell me of one single time when you have placed everything in God’s hands – Has he failed you? Or did a person/people fail you? Perhaps, as difficult as this may be to accept – Perhaps you failed yourself? You may feel that God has let you down but truth be told our lives are affected by so many factors – God can only be In control if you Relinquish control. Let go and let God. We can never expect too much from God – Because God does not expect, He simply waits for the right time to bestow something good on us, in our lives. Sometimes we just need to be ready. So what are you expecting? Are you expecting great? Are you expecting simple? Unfortunately often what we expect is what we unconsciously aim for – It is our faith measured and accomplished each day. Remember the parable story of the man who built his home on the sand, and the man who built his home on the rock; God is our rock and our refuge, our very present help in times of trouble.

If you start out on a weak foundation, like the sand it will drift away, yet if you build upon a strong rock, you cannot fail. Speaking of building upon foundations… These past few months we have raced through the power pumped Olympics, with joys and disappointments, cries of laughter and cries of pain, through swimming, football, horse riding, gymnastics, tennis and more and each has built upon the other. Significantly at a poignant opening ceremony Emelie Sande beautifully sang Abide with me Lord and as she sang a pounding rhythm similar to that of a heartbeat sounded throughout the stadium, and through the television speakers into our homes. It were as though God was saying “Britain, please hear my heart beating. You, yes, you sat there now. I know your name – Please hear me.” One Olympic gold winner reached the finished line with tears saying “Thank you Jesus”. What fascinated me above all was the commitment, the tenacity and the determination. These athletes have spent years in training, with the strong expectation off winning the prize. What a lesson to us! We run not to win a prize that will fade, but one that will last eternally. So what can we expect from God? What is to come? What has God got in store?

y the time this reflection is released, the September Day of Prayer at Wembley Stadium will have been done and ‘finished’. So by faith as I am sure many like me, are already expecting God to do amazing and life changing miracles and epiphanies in the hearts of many people of all nationalities and personalities. We can expect to be praising God for a wonderful harvest, a memorable occasion to never be forgotten, and a revival of faith through the lands. God loves it when we take him at His word. Ever had someone approach you about something you promised and your heart stands still as you realise you have completely forgotten all about it? God never resents our asking him, in fact God encourages us to “boldly approach’’ him. Or as people often say: “You don’t ask – You don’t get.” Could the answer be at the end of a simple asking? Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 We’re in Autumn and Winter is approaching. As the days begin to fade and the weather begins to cool and frost, we have a wonderful time of light and warmth appearing. We have the beautiful celebration of when “the light of the world, came down from heaven”. When Jesus became flesh and blood as a baby in the arms of Mary there wasn’t the same technology then that there is now, but you can picture a man and a woman visiting the nurse for the first time, tears falling down their cheeks as they hear that thudding sound for the very first time. Just like a mother expecting a child, we must expect God to answer our prayers, our desires and our hopes. I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 Precious Jesus, Awesome God, Holy Spirit like a dove, I hear your heart beating – Pounding loud. I know the melodies are singing out your love. I sometimes block my ears, through fear, guilt or pride, But I cannot run from You, You know the best – The desires in my heart, I cannot hide. A job, a direction, a soul to be saved – I stumble working, struggling, yet the price has been paid. – My foundations have been laid. I must wait, be still and hear your heart beat, It goes in a rhythm, a direction, a light to guide my feet. CHLOE C.K. Jackman

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October-December 2012

Pilgrim’s progress

Chris Darby

Turn your mid-life blues into an adventure

t’s a bright humid Sunday afternoon in Dakar, Senegal. The few people outside are chatting quietly, having already done most of the daily chores like getting water, washing clothes and preparing food.

Others are visiting friends or have gone back to their village for the weekend partly to prepare for the upcoming Muslim feast of Tabaski. A very small minority is making its way to or from various church meetings. We’re a long way from the shortening days in the UK. A long way from family and the jobs we did for around 27 years… from where we used to call “home”. I used to be Head of a Modern Languages’ Department in a good comprehensive school in Berkshire and mainly taught French. My wife, on top of running the home, had a variety of unpaid roles including a Traidcraft representative and teaching English as a foreign language mainly to refugees. Having married very young, by the time we were 50 the youngest of our four children was already 20. Both of our fathers had passed away but our mothers, though widowed, were still thriving and independent. We had long wondered about doing something different, maybe using the languages we had studied to pursue issues dear to our hearts – concerns for justice and mercy, the desire to work more explicitly in sharing the good news about Jesus – as well as a desire to see the world from another angle and be challenged, even transformed by some of the discoveries and questions that the “adventure” would, inevitably, produce. So, just over eight years down the road we find ourselves in the capital of Senegal the country with the most western coast in Africa. We’re working on a voluntary basis for a faith-based organisation called SIL which often works with Wycliffe Bible Translators. As in many voluntary organisations or NGOs we have a variety of roles in order to make sure that all the bases are covered but our main task lies in helping to develop literacy strategy and materials at both local and national level. Less than half of the population is literate and this has any number of consequences in areas such as health, development, job creation, effective farming … It also means that most people depend heavily on what they are told by others and that beliefs and habits tend to be directed by those in positions of power. These people in turn are not necessarily literate either. So the pursuit of truth is far from straightforward. Not that it ever was!

Str8ts STR8TS 6 7

2 1 3 3 4 9

Medium

4 9 6 1 5 2 4 2 6 7

across

8 2 9

5 7 2

1 4 How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single number 1 to 9 can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. 2 1 4 Each compartment must form a straight 6 4 5 a set of numbers with no gaps but it can be 4 5 in any order, eg [7,6,9,8]. Clues in black cells 4 3 6 2 remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. 3 5 2 1 Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ 2 1 3 are formed.

7 4

3 5 5 3 2 2 1 1 5 4

4 6

2 8 1 3 7 4 9

Jim had belonged to a church for years, serving on the committees and offering advice and discernment when needed. Like any group, it needed new blood to keep it going and he encouraged younger members to come forward. When they did, he stopped going himself. Almost overnight he went from staunch supporter to invisible man because he didn’t like the way the new crowd were taking things. It saddened me when I heard about this – after all, we need to give youngsters permission to try and fail, not stop them from trying in the first place. A pylon stands tall in the sky, bringing power for you and I Majestic, tall and proud – a big presence, but not loud What a metaphor for the pews: the Holy Spirit we should choose.

Can you walk through a postcard? It’s one of those party game challenges that crop up from time to time that seem impossible at first, but when you know the secret it’s so obvious. What I like about the challenge is seems like it just can’t be done – so why would you even try it? Then, when they see the a big hole being created in a small space, there’s that enlighted look on their faces and a big smile. It might be a party trick, but it’s a reminder that, just like the mighty oak that grows from an acorn, God can take something seemingly so small and ordinary and turn it into something big and impressive – and all with just a pair of scissors. What can God make with us?

Jessica had had a busy day. Pastor of a bustling church, she’d spent the morning with some sick members, then she was caught up in a long meeting in the afternoon and to cap off a taxing day, had to lead a Bible study group in the evening. She knew her work had been appreciated by the church, but what the church didn’t remember was that it was her birthday. I must confess, I forgot too. Sometimes, in all our busyness, we can forget that pastors are human too and need encouragement, love, support and chocolate. Especially on their birthday. Belated happy birthday Jessica!

Crossword

Sudoku SUDOKU

Medium

Antony Pilgrim

Though politically independent from France since 1960, Senegal is still, officially, Francophone even though a very significant part of the population does not speak or understand French. Instead they speak a mix of one of the main lingua francas, such as Wolof or Mandeng, and their ethnic language. There are about 37 of those! That’s where we come in. It makes sense that people find it easiest to acquire the range of skills necessary to become literate in a language that they speak and know well, often called their “mother tongue” or L1 (Language 1). We have been involved in a number of these languages (not dialects) and work with local organisations, through the medium of French, to ensure that systems and structures are in place to help whole communities become literate and “join the rest of the world”. This involves tasks such as helping to develop and write materials, training teachers and supervisors, lobbying locally and nationally, helping to plan finance and building enough expertise and vision in local communities for them to take things further once “we” have moved on. As I said, it’s a long way from the jobs we used to do. But many of our skills have been transferred or even enhanced. Things like our teaching expertise, our knowledge of French, how languages work, skills linked to computer use, communication, relationshipbuilding and general organisation. And we have seen God at work not only through us but in us. Through some of the challenges and rich encounters, He continues to transform us, not least because we have been to an extent, “stripped” of some of our home comforts and habits. We have seen and continue to see communities becoming more vibrant as they realise that “they count”, that “they do not need to walk by another’s lamp” and that God speaks their language. So what about turning any sort of mid-life blues into an adventure with God? If you’re willing to take that risk you can be pretty sure that there will be a place for you. Don’t believe any of the stuff about your skill set not being a good enough fit. And none of that “I don’t speak French” stuff either! You don’t have to! There are plenty of opportunities in Anglophone contexts. You would be amazed at the sorts of people needed … accountants, DIY people, nurses, counsellors, administrators … it’s not all on the frontline. And what was it Jesus said about leaving houses, families and jobs for His sake? It’s all true…and the rewards are not just for later. Many are for here and now, for you and the communities you could be serving.

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely. For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org for Sudoku and www.str8ts.com for Str8ts. If you like Str8ts and other puzzles, check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.

For the solutions, please turn to the back page

1. Bury (5) 4. One of the epistles (7) 8. Support (7) 9. Vehicle (5) 10. Songs (4) 11. Son of Noah (3) 12. Aura (4) 15. Mother of Jesus (4) 16. Praise (4) 18. Surrounded by water (4) 19. Survivor of the flood (3) 20. Author of epistles (4) 24. Fool (5) 25. Rejects God (7) 26. Gave way (7) 27. Show off (5)

Crossword 7 1

7 8

9 9

11 13

16 17

19 22

25 22

down

1. Inability to be wrong (13) 2. Agree (5) 3. Lightly cooked (4) 4. Song book (6) 5. Basin (4)

across

6. Established church (7)

1. Bury (5) 7. Book of the 4. One of the epistles (7) Old Testament (4, 2, 7) 8. Support (7) 13. Attempt 9. Vehicle (5) (3) 14. Son of Jacob (3) 10. Songs (4) 11. Son of Noah (3)

down

15. Sickness (7) 1. Inability to be wrong (13) 17. Messenger job (6) 2. Agree (5) 21. Dwell (5) 3. Lightly cooked (4) 22. Farm for horses (4) 4. Song book (6) 23. Punish 5. Basin (4)(4) 6. Established church (7)

thesheepdip.co.uk - grid G

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12|feature|t h eBA PT I S T |

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October-December 2012

Israel diary How an olive oil stain led to a conversation about Jesus SEBA team leader Stuart Davidson recently visited the Holy Land. Here he shares some reflections

At breakfast on my first full day in Nazareth my companion, the Revd Peter Eyre, dropped an olive on his trousers. This meant walking down the town in search of a dry-cleaners to remove the olive oil stain. We met a French-Canadian who was trying to find the entrance to the Church of the Annunciation. As we gave him instructions we found out that he had come to Israel ‘to find himself’ and, having seen some of the sights, he was pursuing the story of Jesus. Pete shared with him who Jesus is and we were able to pray with him there on the pavement. It was a real ‘anointing of oil’ for the start of the trip! The coming days were to

include preaching at least once a day, speaking at two school assemblies for senior pupils, visiting two theological colleges (NETS and Bethlehem Bible College), a meeting of the Association of Baptist Churches in Israel and meeting with and praying with many of the local pastors. While being based in Nazareth, we also visited the West Bank. Western Christians often forget that there have been Christians in Israel for 2,000 years, and evangelical groups like the Arabic Baptists are still there. Ecclesiological and political views here swing between those who support the State of Israel and those who want to support the Palestinians, but those

Christians caught up in the middle can get forgotten. Many of them lost their family homes and villages with the formation of the State of Israel. Some Christian villages, like Nazareth, opened their gates to displaced Muslims, who now outnumber them. They need our prayers as they seek to be salt and light and share the Gospel in this fragmented land. The opportunity is there for some of our pastors from seba to go to Galilee next year and spend time with Arabic pastors, visiting their churches and meeting the Living Stones – rather than just looking at the dead stones. There are a few

churches in the Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB) which are twinned with ones in Israel, and there is a history of this among churches in the South East but I hope we can revisit and rebuild relationships. While we may have a contribution to make in supporting our Arab brothers and sisters, we have much to learn from those who live under struggle and persecution, being treated as third-class citizens, and have had to learn forgiveness as a way of life. And to add to life’s interest and the annoyance of others, I received the gift of a doumbek (Arabic drum) which I am now learning to play. I also tried playing an oud (Arabic lute) but didn’t bring one home.

From serving the Lord in the army to serving the army for the Lord A retired soldier has found that his connection with the armed forces is as strong as ever. Fall in for Derek Yarwood’s story

here is a great deal of interest in the welfare of the British soldier today while they are deployed to Afghanistan and under so much pressure.

To make things harder the politicians, who direct the Armed Forces in what they are to do while engaged in conflict, are at the same time cutting the number of personnel but not the tasking. The question to be asked by the Christians of the UK is, “What about the Spiritual needs of Service personnel in these difficult times?” The Council of Volunteer Welfare Workers (CVWW) is an umbrella organisation for different Christian charities working within the Armed Forces. Two of these organisations are the Mission to Military Garrisons (MMG) and The Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Scripture Readers Association, (SASRA) which are interdenominational organisations. I first became aware of SASRA in 1962 when I became a member. When I was discharged from the Army, after completing 23 years of service, God directed my wife and I to work with the MMG in Benbecula and also as a PartTime Army Scripture Reader (ASR) with SASRA. I attended the Bible Training Institute Glasgow for one year. After another four years

Derek Yarwood (right) visits soldiers based at Thorney Island every Wednesday at Benbecula, we spent seven years in Cyprus with this MMG. I then studied for one more year at Moorlands Bible College and took up the responsibility of a full-time Army Scripture Reader with SASRA for the next 17 years. Only if an ASR is authorised by the Commanding Officer and Chaplain of the Regiment can he visit that regiment. His aim as a Scripture Readers is to befriend the soldiers so as to share the Word of God and present Jesus as the Saviour of mankind. While in Germany for 13 years I had the opportunity of visiting Military families and soldiers in hospitals, taking weekly school assemblies,

Bibles studies and prayer meetings. During the day I would visit soldiers at work and in the evenings I would visit their living accommodation. I fulfilled preaching engagements and, on Sunday afternoons, my wife and I ran a fellowship for Commonwealth soldiers. Over 10 per cent of soldiers in the British Army are Commonwealth soldiers, many of whom have come from Christian homes: Fijians, Africans and West Indians. We retired in March 2010, but sadly my wife Barbara had incurable cancer and went to be with the Lord in February 2011. To my joy I met the widow of

a Baptist minister, the Revd Samuel Reading, and we got married and live in Lancing. Today I visit, as part-time ASR, a small Army unit on Thorney Island every Wednesday morning. I work with my chaplain who, in this case, is a CofE minister. The chaplain is an essential part of any military unit and are from the major denominations. At the moment the ChaplainGeneral is the Revd Jonathan Woodhouse, who is a Baptist. The Revd Dr J C Edghall DD, QHC Chaplain-General to the Forces 1885-1901, wrote: “The Scripture Readers are to proclaim Christ, and Christ alone. They are to go forth to preach and live Christ: they are to hold up Christ in everything. Christ the atonement for sin; Christ the pardon for sin; Christ working through the blessed Spirit. “They are to hold up to men Christ the Captain of their Salvation, Christ the Leader, Christ the Forerunner, Christ the Example, Christ the Hope of Humanity, They are to preach and love Christ. “They are not to trouble themselves about other matters. This Society does not wish them to go forth to find fault with this or that kind of service they have nothing to do with that. “Their work is to proclaim Christ, as Christ must be proclaimed by men who have ‘Christ in them the hope of glory. “I thoroughly agree with these principles of this society, which are of God. “What more Spiritual work can we do for our Forces but proclaim Christ as Saviour of mankind?” These principles and practises remain the driving force of SASRA to this very day. n www.sasra.org.uk

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October-December 2012

Crafty cards are personal

Tina Theis in her workshop, busy creating another custom card that will delight its recipient

Illness gave Tina Theis a new lease of life – creating beautiful customised gifts and cards. She explains why

was 28 and married with two small boys when I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and ME after suffering from debilitating pain for most of my life.

The first three years after my diagnosis were, in many different ways, the worst of my life. From pain to the despair of losing my job and feeling like

I had lost who I was as a person, and needing to use a wheelchair. Then nine years ago I decided to return to education. I have always loved any type of arts and crafts. Returning to education gave me a whole new lease of life and I went on to obtain a BA in fine art. I felt normal again and began to draw, paint and make handmade cards. I began by making cards and home made gifts for family and friends and got a great reaction from them, which led to them ordering cards and gifts for other people who they knew would love them. Two years ago I started

reader offer

Tina’s cards are for Christmas! Ivory Moon Designs have created a new range of handcrafted Christmas items for that very special person. Gifts start from as little as £1 for a keyring and cards from £2.50 for A6 and A5 from £3.50, plus postage Ivory Moon Designs .... designed especially for you, all cards and gifts can be

personalised to suit your needs... Your own photos can be added to a number of different items on the website, please either phone or email to find out more. For more details, call Tina Theis 07969 464 681, email ivorymoondesigns@yahoo. co.uk or log on to www. ivorymoondesigns.co.uk

to spread my wings by producing gifts, cards and wedding stationery, it has been such an amazing time for me and being able to please others has brought a real buzz in my life. I have a web site where some of my creations can be seen www.ivorymoondesigns.co.uk I strive to make things that are very personal to the people who will be receiving them and it gives me great pleasure seeing the look on people’s faces when they see what design I have come up with for them. If you have received an unpleasant diagnosis please remember it is not the end of the world, you may still be able to achieve your ambition. I would never have believed that I could get a degree and spend so much time just pleasing others.

Why do the clocks go back?

At the end of October, we get the luxury of an extra hour in bed as the clocks go back. But have you ever thought about why we carry out the biannual ritual of going back and forth through time? When the clocks go back, we’ll be back on Greenwich Mean Time and it will get darker earlier in the day, although it will also be lighter in the mornings. And it’s all the idea of a builder from Kent. William Willett, from Petts Wood, wrote a pamphlet in 1907 which suggested that the health of the nation could be improved if over four successive Sundays in April and September the clocks would go forward and back respectively. Longer daylight hours would mean more sunshine, more sunshine more happiness. He himself had adapted the idea from a satirical letter Benjamin Franklin wrote in a French magazine in 1784. These ideas would have come to nothing if it hadn’t been for the First World War. In 1916, wartime economies meant that having the lights on for minimal time would conserve energy and thus Daylight Saving Time was introduced. After the war, most countries that had introduced Daylight Saving Time abandoned it, with some US states adopting earlier working hours to see if the same effect could be achieved. Only the UK stuck with it, despite some opposition from farmers. Most countries have since reintroduced some measure of Daylight Saving Time, giving us those extra hours of daylight. The UK made an additional change during the Second World War, keeping British Summer Time all year round, but during the summers it added an additional hour on top – so it was two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. This ended in 1945, although it was tried again during 1947. A further experiment between 1968 and 1971 saw the UK try British Summer Time all year round, but it disadvantaged farmers and people living in Scotland and Northern Ireland, so it was discontinued. Since 1981, European countries have all put their clock forwards on the same Sunday in March, but it wasn’t until 1996 that the end date was standardised to the fourth Sunday in October and a further 1998 amendment to European law changed it to the last Sunday in October. So as you enjoy your extra hour in bed, enjoy the lighter mornings – and try not to think about the clocks going back at the end of March next year! PHIL CREIGHTON

14|ethical food|t h eBA PT I S T |

The importance of Remembrance

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. IN NOVEMBER, we are told to remember twice over. As the centuries-old rhyme tells us, we must remember, remember the fifth of November for the gunpowder, treason and plot. But we also have reason to pause and reflect for two minutes on the Sunday nearest to November 11, Armistice Day. We’ve been remembering the end of the First World War since 1918: hostilities ceased at 11am on November 11. We stand in silence for 111 seconds before placing wreaths on monuments. We do so wearing our poppies and mindful of the verses in Ecclesiastes 3 telling us that there are times to weep and to mourn. These paper poppies, bought for a donation from old soldiers and volunteers outside shopping centres, have been sold since 1922, and were inspired by the poem Flanders’ Field, written in 1915 by John McCree. The poppies were designed by Major George Howson, a young infantry officer. They were easy to put together even if you had only one hand and gave work to people with a disability. This tradition continues today and in 2010, 31 million poppies and 86,000 wreaths were made. Last year marked the 90th anniversary of the Royal British Legion and, with British forces in deployment all over the world, it seems that their services will continue to be in demand. It is important that we stop to remember: we remember the millions who gave their lives in the ‘war to end all wars’, just as we honour those who fought Hitler and his oppressive Nazi regime. War is brutal and savage. Not for nothing was the First World War said to be the last time we would go to war. In a sinful world peace is fragile and needs to be protected. It can’t be taken for granted and our world is full of people who would shatter that peace just for their own ends. So this Remembrance Sunday let’s stop and remember. Be thankful for those willing to fight for peace in this imperfect world. Pray for peace. And remember with gratitude those who have gone before us. We will remember them. To make a donation to the Royal British Legion, call 0845 845 1945 or log on to www.britishlegion.org.uk. GIDEON MITCHELL

October-December 2012

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Gold stars for fairtrade treats

NEWBURY-based farm is celebrating after receiving six new awards in the space of a month.

Doves Farm was honoured by the Great Taste Awards and the Soil Association Organic Food Awards for its cereal bars, flours and biscuits. In the Good Taste awards, Gold Stars were awarded to Doves Farm’s Fairtrade Banana, Mango and Brazil Cereal Bars, its Organic Ethical Plain White Flour win another, its Organic Fruity Oat Biscuits and the Wholegrain Buckwheat Flour. Further to this, the Organic Fruity Oat Biscuits were the winner of the Sweet Biscuits and Snacks category of the Soil Association Organic Food Awards 2012, and the Fairtrade Banana, Mango and Brazil cereal Bars were awarded Highly Commended in Cakes and Morning Goods. Doves Farm, which was establised in 1978, aims to be ethical and organic where possible with many of its products certified by the Fairtrade Foundation. All of its Fairtrade ingredients are organically grown. Clare Marriage, CEO said: “At the heart of our business, we are an organic farm, so we know that maintaining fair and sustainable agricultural systems is extremely important. We aim to establish long term relationships with customers and suppliers and to ensure that fairly priced contracts are settled in a timely fashion. We also understand the special circumstances of some Fairtrade suppliers and have supported some growers through pre-financing.” Clean labelling is important at Doves Farm, and as with all of our products, everything that goes into the mixing bowl is on the ingredients list.

Cafédirect has a makeover

Cafédirect has given its entire range of tea, coffee and cocoa packaging an autumn makeover. The new-look products will be supported by a major advertising campaign which launched at the beginning of the month and continues in the run-up to Christmas. It is expected to reach up to 7 million consumers micro targeted through the use of innovative new digital advertising technology. A 30-second film will feature across online video platforms, The Guardian food and drink network and Facebook. The new campaign and brand line – Made the Small Way – conveys the Cafédirect difference, sourcing directly from smallholder tea, coffee and cocoa growers whose care and attention leads to the award-winning taste. By building true partnerships and investing profits back into grower businesses (over 50% to date) Cafédirect

creates a more sustainable future for all. Matt Lord, Foodservice Development Manager at Cafédirect, says: “While the recession has been driving people to cut back on bigger ticket items such as overseas holidays, they have refused to trade down their little luxuries, the simple pleasures in life, like a great cup of coffee. “We are so proud of our new branding and excited to bring this to market.”

Head to FoodHQ

Discerning home cooks can now capture the essence of the Mediterranean in their cooking with the launch of FOODHQ, a new on-line retailer specialising in restaurant-quality ingredients sourced from select artisan producers in Italy, France, Greece and

Spain. Previously only available to the restaurant and high-end catering trade this intriguing range of affordably priced restaurant-quality ingredients is set to become one of the top foodie discoveries of the year. FOODHQ will offer a portfolio of nearly 300 specialist products including some of the World’s finest extra-virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegars, olives, risotto rice, pasta and other premium Mediterranean ingredients. The company are the sole importers for a number of exclusive boutique products, with over 30 being awarded Great Taste award winning medals. The products span a spectrum of different flavours and textures from the richly flavoured J Leblanc walnut, pistachio and pine nut oils to the punchy peppery, thick unfiltered Barbera olive oils and from the bright zingy red pepper and mango vinegars from Belberry in Belgium to the ultra-premium (and stunningly packaged!) Il Borgo balsamic vinegars from the Emilia region in Italy... there’s a whole host of culinary delights that will get passionate foodies itching to stock up their larders and start drizzling, infusing, marinating and finishing dishes with these beautiful artisan products. Ali O’Neil, Marketing Manager for FOODHQ said: “Our customers will be able to recreate all of those fantastic Mediterranean flavours and tastes which dazzle our senses when we go abroad and which we miss so much when we get home. “The fresh smell of a new season extra virgin olive oil, the sweet yet slightly bitter tang of a really good thick balsamic - you just can’t beat it.” The website was launched last month. It can be found at www. foodhq.co.uk.

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October-December 2012

Simon says that’s magic! A childhood hobby is now a career for a retired policeman. Vicky Wong finds out how a Baptist magician is sharing the Gospel through his love of conjuring

imon Williams always prays before he goes on stage, but fortunately for the talented magician, he’s done these tricks so many times that he has minimised the possibility of it all going wrong.

“As long as I have practised, and thinking right and know what I’m doing all the rest of it then it will be fine,” he says. “I just pray that people will hear my message and that it won’t overshadowed by any magic that I do.” This retired police officer turned illusionist and public speaker uses magic not just to entertain but also to communicate a deeper message. Simon is hard pressed when it comes to naming his favourite magic tricks. After some deliberation he says: “There’s one I do called Houdini’s teeth, which sort of involves using a set of teeth that used to be owned by Harry Houdini.” He fondly recalls his audition for the Magic Circle; a nerve-wracking 8-12 minute set in front of a panel of magicians that he had admired during his childhood. He recalls: “I did Houdini’s Teeth and I also did a very old trick known as the Gypsy Thread, which is breaking a long piece of string into several pieces and putting them all back together. “I did it almost as if doing it at the church show, as it represents the breaking of relationships and repairing represents the restoration of those relationships. I wanted to include something in that audition about my faith.” And he didn’t need to worry – he was accepted into the Circle and is also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Magicians, acting as its treasurer. He has devised a number of shows that he promises are all granny and family friendly and can be used to explain the Gospel or just watched for the fun of it. With such an extensive reportoire – not to mention books that set themselves alight – does he worry about one of his tricks backfiring? “Yes, of course,” Simon says. “Some tricks are designed to go wrong like the ones you set up where say the magician is in trouble, and when it becomes right everyone breathes a sigh of relief. “Things go wrong from time to time and you have to move on to something else. If it goes wrong it goes wrong.

Simon Williams loves baffling people with his conjuring tricks – and the Woodley-based magician has even devised a magical routine that can explain the Gospel message to his audience Pictures: Paul Barnfather

“What I hope is that I have worked out my routines to such an extent that I have removed the possibility of it going wrong.” But Simon is aware that his conjuring tricks are just that – illusions to entertain. He says: “At the end of the day it’s entertainment. If everything was going wrong

that would be awful, but when they see you are just human then people can appreciate that.” Simon recalls seeing his first magic show when he was five or six, with strong memories of one of the tricks. “I remember him performing a trick with a fishing net and pole and a live dove appeared and it left me with a sense of wonder as a child,” he says. Simon was later given a magic set for Christmas and like all young boys began picking things up and went on to perform his first magic show in his living room on the Boxing Day that year. He vividly remembers the first trick he performed called ‘cutting the lady in half’ using a cardboard cut out and added: “I do that for real now, which is slightly different! “Dad got interested and was encouraging and he started getting interested in magic himself and he helped prepares props and things that I could use in shows.” But it didn’t turn into a career until much later on. He became a Police Cadet at 18 and retired after finishing 30 years of service. In the last five years of his service he went to the police’s training department – an experience he enjoyed and was to prove really helpful in his work as a speaker. He says: “It was a good stepping stone to putting me in front of people. When I finished I decided I wanted to try and do more magic and

started to do talks and built it up from there.” Simon’s faith and his experience in the police are put to great use in some of his talks. These topics include dog handling, asking if eyewitnesses are reliable and even one on how Simon turned a pastime and hobby into a profession. He has been part of Woodley Baptist Church in Berkshire since 1981, and says that he was fortunate enough to see the church grow from 20 to over 200 members since then. When he isn’t entertaining guests at social functions he also uses magic as a way of explaining Christianity to people who have never been to church and uses it to encourage them to explore faith. As well as the odd Christmas party and coffee morning, Simon has also performed at weddings having added entertaining guests as one of his father-of-the bride duties when his daughter got married at the church. But no matter how many times he performs to entertain and please the crowds, Simon always makes sure that his magic tricks carry a deeper meaning that goes beyond just being entertaining. “As a Christian first and foremost it’s the message that I am going to give that is important and anything I do must have a real permanent enhancement of that message.” n For more on Simon’s magic, log on to www.simonwilliams.me.uk

arts

NEWS

Never forget your dreams

new books I Was Just Wandering

By Jeff Lucas, CWR, £8.99. ISBN: 9781853458507 In this honest, warm book, Jeff describes the day he lost his faith. And the moment he realised he was suffering from spiritual dementia. There’s some straightforward talk about healing and suffering, and he’ll also consider the stunning effects when simple kindness is shown. It’s written to help us to realise that we’re not alone with our thoughts and torments.

A childhood love for reading has come full circle – Rosie Hector explains why she’s writing for African children

Meet Me at the Olive Tree: Stories of Jews and Arabs Reconciled to the Messiah

id you have a childhood dream? Then take it off the shelf, keep it, believe and pray into it. God is in the business of making dreams come true.

As a child of seven or eight, and a complete book-worm, my dream was to write children’s stories when I grew up. God saw my dream, but he also had another purpose for my life, because it was around this age that he showed me that when I was an adult I would travel to South East Africa to serve Him there. I couldn’t imagine how this would ever happen and I was terrified of going to Africa alone. Little did I know that God would bring both of these purposes together in his own wonderful way. I became a Christian when I was 18 and not long after God reminded me about his plan for me to go to South East Africa. I was still terrified. Evangelising in England seemed a much safer option and God often gave me stories to use with my Sunday School class, which I enjoyed writing. When my church decided to do a local mission I was inspired to write a serial story based on Pilgrim’s Progress, which was illustrated and used in the children’s work.

Author Rosie Hector has combined her interest in Africa and writing for a new series of books God had not forgotten his purpose of taking me to South East Africa and, when I was 28, I was sitting on a plane bound for Zimbabwe: ready to start teaching on a Christian farm and Bible School. I returned to England a year later and for many years my dream of writing went underground as I battled with over-work and ill-health. During a lengthy absence from work I re-evaluated what I felt God wanted me to do with my life and joined The Association of Christian Writers. The other writers in the children’s postal workshop along with my husband encouraged me to develop the ideas in one of my old short stories, which eventually became a second book, The Joybells of Heaven, about two trainee angels who are

A reflection on Psalm 100

For the Lord – the whole world should cheer Loud enough so that He will hear Praise God with feelings of great Joy Whether you are man – woman – girl or boy Know that He made us like we are And He shines down on us, like a bright star We are all in His family, and we would rather Have Him as our Saviour and our Father

By Julia Fisher, Monarch, £8.99. ISBN: 9780857212283 Based on a Premier Radio slot called The Olive Tree, Julia Fisher shares stories from the Holy Land, where people are actively engaged in reconciliation. Despite all the dire reports, the Church in Israel and areas of Palestine is growing amongst both Arab and Jewish communities. This book collects some of these stories with the aim of showing that reconciliation is possible through the Cross.

For the great things that He raises We only have to sing His praises If we love Him as He loves us Everything is going to be glorious We can sing of His love in any hymn ‘till we reach the emerald city to be with Him When we are all spending eternity up there He will still look down – as He will always care. Les Philpot, East Worthing Baptist Church

sent on missions down on Earth which they achieve with varying degrees of success. My first visit to Africa had been challenging and God needed to do some healing before I was ready to go again. It was about 20 years later, that God quickened the vision in my heart once more and I had a strong sense that I would again go to South East Africa. Despite my protestations to the Lord of ‘How on earth can that happen?’ this sense would not go away and, not long afterwards, my church felt it was right to launch a mission trip to Africa which everyone could be involved in, my husband gave his blessing to the idea, and so I visited Kenya for the first time. It was the first of three trips to date.

Later, my husband felt it was right to change churches, and although I was reluctant to do this, within the congregation of East Worthing Baptist Church was a retired publisher who had a vision for printing the two books in English and Swahili and distributing them in Kenya. God had brought my interest in Africa and writing together at last. ‘He works all things after the counsel of his own will.’ (Ephesians 1:11) The production of the two books has now began and it is hoped to commence distributing them in Africa next year. n Further information can be obtained by emailing gerald@ printpromotions.co.uk or calling him on 01903 230772

steve vaughan-turner 8 9

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www.drawingfromexperience.blogspot.com

By Colin Duriez, Lion, £8.99. ISBN: 9780745955148 Who was the man who dreamt up the intricate languages and perfectly crafted world of Middle Earth? This delightful and accessible biography brings him to life. An intensely private and brilliant scholar, he spent over 50 years working on Middle Earth. Now you can learn more about the man himself.

solutions Str8ts Solution

Dad said the fireworks will start when the choirmaster finds out they used the old hymn books to start the bonfire!

J. R. R. Tolkien: The Making of a Legend

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The Baptist is an independent publication and published quarterly by Xn Media Ltd, 10 Amity Street, Reading RG1 3LP. Printed by Trinity Mirror Reading

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