TODAY Magazine - Issue 11 by Tez Brooks

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Gospel Geeks Tom Flynn and Michael Harrison are just two ordinary single blokes who work together. Their lives first crossed in grade 2 and today they are good mates. Besides their love of field hockey, Tom and Harro enjoy their job. At first glance they appear to be your everyday computer programmers, working with code and shooting hoops every so often

“I love sharing Christ directly with someone and we get to do that often in our role here.”

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Tom and Harro serve as missionaries for Campus Crusade for Christ Australia. They work in the technology department at the national mission centre in Melbourne. What they do each day helps someone come to Christ because of their behind-the-scenes work. During lunch the rest of the office is talking excitingly about Tom and Harros latest innovation, but the young men humbly ignore the attention, sitting in the lunchroom playing games against each other on mobile devices. their m

It’s big news for Campus It Crusade but for Tom and C Harro it’s just another day of Ha spreading the same Good News spre that has transformed their own lives. Harro says “Some people suggested we should put a price tag sugge on the application to make it more desirable. I really wanted it to be free desira and aaccessible to anyone. The gospel free! It’s a free gift.” is free

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as they collaborate new ideas. Yet there’s something different about these guys.

tool they just released is an The new n iPhone iPhon app to help you share the gospel. They took the most widely gos used booklet for understanding us who w Jesus is, and made it available through the iTunes av store. Also known as the four st spiritual laws, Knowing God Personally is the perfect tool for helping people understand how to have an intimate relationship with God.

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ISSUE NO.11

Tom (left) and Michael

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Harro‘s argument was immediately Harro embraced. People can download the embra colourful Knowing God Personally colou application free of charge. Harro applic grins “It’s a God thing because we didn’t advertise it. We placed just one wallpost on Facebook and it took off from there. The first week the Lord allowed us to have

350 downloads from 31 countries including Saudi Arabia.” “I was very excited when we got the approval from Apple to make our application available,” says Tom, grabbing his mug. He is going to visit another good mate of his, the coffee machine. “I think what I enjoy most about my role is that it’s not pointless.”

true stories from next door and around the world

Losing All to Gain Much Page 4

As missionaries, Tom, Harro and the rest of the tech team are using their skills to make a difference – an eternal difference. Please pray for them as they continue to partner with others to create innovative tools in order to reach this generation. “I love sharing Christ directly with someone and we get to do that often in our role here,” says Harro. “But I also get to use my skills to share the gospel more widely than I could ever do in person.”

Stoned in Africa Page 5

Good Medicine Page 6

Church Partnerships Page 7

Student Life Stories Page 8

Reaching Abused Women Page 13

TODAY ISSUE 11

From the Editor Welcome to the very first issue of our new expanded format for TODAY. Almost two years ago we had no Communications department. Now the Lord has enabled us to turn our tabloid newsletter into the beginnings of a humble magazine. Do a few staples suddenly make TODAY a real magazine? In this era of online publications, I suppose the lines are blurred. So I’m just not sure. What I am sure about is that, as we began assembling this issue, I found myself excited – not about the magazine – but about what God is doing in and around Australia. You see I am particularly blessed doing what I do. I am privileged to meet with people and hear their stories about God’s transforming work in their lives and ministries. That’s my job! Well, a portion of it. Sometimes there are tears during an interview, sometimes great laughter. In the end, God receives the glory as testimonies of His work flow from the lips of the folks I meet. He is glorified again as different people are exposed to the stories. From the point the message is spoken into a microphone, transcribed, edited, delivered to thousands – each new person in the chain hears the wondrous works of the Lord proclaimed! Notice I said “works of the Lord” not “the works of Campus Crusade for Christ.” As we strive to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to the nations, it is always our desire to bring glory to the only One who makes this happen. The One who enables us to continue serving local churches and other Christian organizations, partnering with them to help create spiritual movements everywhere, so that everyone knows someone who truly follows Jesus. We hope you see Him in the pages of this “magazine.”

MINISTRY LEADERS

Editor-in-Chief Tez Brooks Editors Kathryn Bickerton MaryBeth Berry Contributing Writers Suan Lee Campbell Tez Brooks Anthea Gleeson Transcriber Patty Robertson Mailing List Manager John Bain Design and Production Classic Press TODAY Magazine is a publication of Campus Crusade for Christ Australia an interdenominational Christian parachurch movement committed to helping fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ. Campus Crusade works together with churches and other Christian organizations to win, build, train and send individuals from all walks of life into dynamic spiritual growth and multiplication. For address changes or to submit a story for publication contact TODAY magazine Attention: Editor-in-Chief Unit 1–8 Anzed Court Mulgrave, VIC 3170 Australia Or

As you read about His goodness, may you be encouraged, blessed and gain vision for reaching this generation with the message of the Cross. Thank you for being a part of this. To God be the glory for the great things He has done. — Tez

Christmas Specials

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TODAY Magazine Issue 11 – November 2010

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Campus Crusade for Christ Australia has teamed up with renowned photographer Ken Duncan who captures our country’s spectacular views in vibrant colour. This hardcover, 48-page, limited edition Campus Crusade gift book (195mm x 133mm) is beautifully complimented with inspirational Scripture and prose to give readers vision for the Great Commission. From world heritage rain-forests to metropolitan cities, Imagine Australia presents a glimpse of an unforgettable country and God’s unquenchable desire to have a relationship with its people.

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Children of the World Training children’s workers www.ccca.org.au children@ccca.org.au CRAM Creative Arts Ministries www.cram.org.au info@cram.org.au GAiN Humanitarian Aid and Relief www.globalaid.net.au gain@globalaid.net.au Here’s Life Multi-lingual evangelistic tools www.hereslife.com prouty@hereslife.com Jesus Gift to the Nation JESUS film distribution www.jesusdvds.org lindsay@jesusdvds.org FamilyLife Australia Marriage & Family outreach www.familylifeaustralia.com enquiries@familylifeaustralia.com 03 9014 7590 Student Life Universities outreach www.studentlife.org The Macedonian Project Short term mission trips mactours@ccca.org.au The Significant Woman Life coaching ministry significantwoman@ccca.org.au Youth Ministries Australia Reaching teens www.yma.com.au yma@ccca.org.au

Our Vision To see spiritual movements everywhere so that everyone knows someone who truly follows Jesus. Our Core Values

When Christmas Came

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Inspired by the tragedy of losing her stillborn granddaughter, author Barbara Rainey explores the greatest gift that Jesus gave us: the hope of eternal life. In heaven, tears will be wiped away, pain and suffering will be no more and in the presence of the Lord will be fullness of joy.

» Fulfilling the Great Commission » Effectiveness and innovation

This beautifully presented gift book is crafted in vivid watercolours, with poignant prose and wonderful meditations on Christmas taken from Scripture. The author explores the key elements of Christmas that point us to Jesus. These are the love of God, the hope of salvation and Jesus as the ultimate gift as expressed in John 3:16

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FREE Bonus Gift …connecting everyone to someone who truly follows Jesus

Launching spiritual movements by winning, building and sending Christcentred multiplying disciples.

If you spend $50 or more on the CCCA Resources webstore this month, you receive the The Global Truth. Josh McDowell provides 23 of his books on this unique CD-ROM. Contains over $400 worth of material.

Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matt 28:19 NIV

TODAY ISSUE 11

National Director’s Corner What a month it was for sport lovers back in October. The opening of the Commonwealth games, the Rugby League grand final and a re-play of the AFL grand final were all within a week. The live experience provided immediacy and atmosphere that television couldn’t fully project. Imagine if these contests were played out with no spectators and no live coverage. What if we all had to rely on an old newspaper to let us know the final outcome? Imagine if the games were played in fog so thick, no one – not even the players – could see the ground or the scoreboard. Maintaining motivation would be a challenge even among the players. The only people to celebrate would be those directly involved in scoring goals. No one else would be aware or able to share the excitement, regardless of the important part they played in bringing it about. Without feedback and communication – the motivation, the teamwork and enjoyment would quickly dissipate. The Apostle Paul made a point of providing clear feedback to the Corinthian believers on how their actions contributed to the bigger picture. He tells them that exercising generosity in prayer, service and giving in their corner of the world, will result in praise and thanksgiving to God in another part of the world. Although it was unseen to them, as

TODAY Magazine is now available via email Introducing SHOUT, the new electronic extension of TODAY Magazine. Now you don’t have to wait six months for the next TODAY to arrive by post. You can receive a new story each month right in your email account. Each short email will highlight what God is doing in Australia and around the world through the ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. These quick and easy stories will excite and inspire you for God’s work around the world. Sign up today by contacting TODAYeditor@ccca.org.au and typing “Shout Me In” in the subject line.

they served the Lord with Paul, the direct outcome was transformed lives. In other words; their team, kicked a goal! We want to bring you closer to the action of what God is doing around Australia and the world. Your generosity in prayer, service and giving is a vital part of this wider ministry team. The stories in this issue of TODAY are just a sample of what God is doing. These are your stories, so celebrate with us as part of the team. Certainly the challenges are great, the needs pressing, the opportunities far greater than our present resources, yet God is at work through the power of the Holy Spirit, the truth of His Word and the faithfulness of His people. I invite you to enjoy this fresh glimpse at the scoreboard. Thanks for being on the team. “...through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.” – 2 Corinthians 9:11,12. Together in His grace,

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TODAY ISSUE 11

Losing All to Gain Much by Suan Lee Campbell

“S

o are you saying your God is more important than your mother?”

Anne (named changed) just stared at her father afraid to answer the loaded question. Anyone who meets Anne Sang for the first time will be impressed by her warm smile and her gentle sweetness. When the Sang family moved to Australia, Anne met a classmate whom Anne described as a ‘sold out’ Christian – always talking about Jesus and her faith. Discussions with this new friend was the beginning of Anne’s spiritual journey. One day on the phone, this friend began to point out why Jesus had to die for Anne and what it meant for her to have a relationship with God. After a long talk, Anne fell to her knees and prayed to receive Christ.

A New Perspective When Anne told her culturally Buddhist parents she had become a Christian, they became upset, afraid she would waste too much time in church or reading the Bible. They thought she was involved in a cult that would brain-wash Anne. They forbid her from attending church and reading the Bible at home, so her spiritual growth had a slow start. Moreover, her priority at the time focused on pursuing academic success by studying hard. “In my culture there is a lot of emphasis on doing well. My parents taught me to be successful,” reflects Anne. Success had become an idol for Anne. However, at university, she became

involved in Student Life, a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. That connection renewed her faith. The biggest impact came from Student Life missionary Jane Law, who invested time with Anne. Jane discipled and trained her, keeping her spiritual growth vibrant by helping Anne focus on a more eternal perspective. Anne says, “God could have given me 100 percent for my Uni marks, but He was giving me a changed heart instead. Uni isn’t all about studying, it’s also about discovering who you are. For me it’s developing my identity as God’s daughter, and that’s what my journey still is.”

Being a Daughter and Disciple Tension at home escalated as Anne sought to live out her faith more publically. Her parents also noticed a change in her academically. She wasn’t getting bad grades, but Anne wasn’t as passionate about it. She seemed distracted with her relationship with Jesus. The

tension increased at home until it all exploded the week leading up to Mother’s Day. While the family was eating, her mother asked what they were planning for her on Sunday. Anne replied, “Oh, do you think we could [celebrate] on Saturday instead? I have something going on at church.” Suddenly, the atmosphere around the table changed. Anne’s father remarked, “So are you saying your God is more important than your mother?” “I thought, oh dear! It’s true, but I couldn’t say it that way. I didn’t know how to word it so I could still honour Mum. I kept quiet, trying to think of the right answer.” Enraged, her father continued: “Mother’s Day is when you show you’re grateful to your mother. She gave birth to you and put food on the table, but you just chase after this Jesus guy ...” To avoid escalating the conflict, Anne went to her room to collect herself

TODAY ISSUE 11

and pray. She also texted her Christian friends for prayer support. “I knew Dad was really angry but I thought he might calm down, Instead he entered my room and said: “You know what, you don’t have any parents. To you we are dead. You ungrateful daughter. You can just go.”

The Cost In a tearful whisper, Anne remembers, “I had nowhere to go.” Two friends – single missionary women from Campus Crusade For Christ Australia – took her in. Their home became a refuge and place for healing; Anne learnt a lot from the women. Her time with them helped her to reflect deeply about her relationship with Jesus. It seemed Anne’s parents also had time to reflect while she was away. About seven months later, she returned home and noticed a softer attitude from her parents. God was answering prayer. They finally acknowledged Anne was an adult with determination to make her own decisions. So Anne decided to write a letter to her father expressing her thoughts about the disagreement and apologized, writing ‘I love you and God loves you even more. This is not how God wants it to be between us because we’re father and daughter. I forgive you.’ For Anne, being a Christ-follower comes with sacrifices. “Jesus is worth fighting for. Even if I have to be disowned ten billion times, I will do it. I just want to cling to Jesus. He promised us a hundred times [as much blessing] if we have to leave our family. Matthew 19:29 says: ’And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for My sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.’” Anne’s family still struggles accepting her new faith in Christ. Although she is not being stoned or imprisoned like Christians in other countries, she is persecuted for her faith right here in Australia. Pray for Anne and others like her who continue to share their faith openly at any cost.

Stoned in Africa A

ll around the world Campus Crusade for Christ missionaries place their lives on the line for the sake of the gospel. Many times, for the safety of our missionaries, we cannot share these incidents. The following story has been altered for security reasons. There is a small Islamic town in Africa with no evangelical church or missionary. No one dared to share the gospel there until a team of students ventured in, willing to pay any price to bring Jesus to the unreached. One of our young North African leaders, Tahir (name changed), encouraged the students to go, so they prayed and fasted for three days. Once in the village, they began to share the gospel with many people. They prayed for one man who had been insane for years. All through the night they prayed, until the Lord finally healed him and restored his mind. When the men in town saw the miracle, they shouted in anger and roused the people against the students. They stoned the students, running them out of town. Then they took the healed man to his family, screaming, “We’d rather have him insane than to become a Christian!” A week later four new students decided to try again to reach the people of this town. They found the formerly crazy man, healthy and still worshipping his Creator and Healer. Because of this man, many were discussing Jesus. Excited to see this, the students began sharing more about Jesus with the people. It was not long before they were grabbed and thrown in prison by the police. Yet the students counted it all joy and trusted that God had a purpose for them. When finally released, they had won nine prisoners to Christ and taught them several follow-up lessons. Once they returned to their campus, they learned that an underground church of 15 members had been birthed in the African town. Please pray for our missionaries, both in Australia and around the world, as they continue to take the message of Christ to a lost and sometimes dangerous world.

TODAY ISSUE 11

Good Medicine: Volunteers on Mission D

Diane

iane Gardiner, grandmother of eleven, waves her hand in front of her face attempting to discourage the relentless Cambodian flies. She and her team have been handing out medicine in the makeshift pharmacy for six hours. Residents of Sydney, Diane and her husband Roy lead medical mission trips to Cambodia since 2006, when they first became volunteers with Campus Crusade for Christ. They give leadership to teams as large as 100 people, including medical professionals, pastors, laypeople and anyone with a heart to serve.

Christians. It appealed to him, and before long he and two other military personnel prayed to receive Christ. “He is a key leader who opens many doors for our trips,” Roy smiles.

more teeth than they can count. “Ninety-five percent hear the gospel before they leave the clinic,” Diane continues. “Some pray to receive Christ, some do not.”

Well into their 60s, this young-atheart couple continues to serve the Lord by providing medical assistance to Cambodians who otherwise never would receive treatment. Diane is careful to add: “We can’t enter their world trying to force Western values on them. We just come to serve, to offer help within the context of what suits their culture best. That’s what opens their hearts to really hear the gospel message.”

The sun starts to sink. Roy turns away those who arrived too late. Packing takes place quickly in order to be on the road by sunset. The last optometry patient is a young boy. He sees for the first time with secondhand eyeglasses from Australia. A deaf woman receives prayer and suddenly hears. The volunteers clap, praising God. Covered with red dirt and their hair matted with sweat, the exhausted Aussies somehow find the energy to smile. They treat or pray for whomever they can, then they must go. Roy and Diane give each other a subtle touch on the arm and a glance. No words are exchanged. None needed. It is the look only a couple who has been together this long can give each other – a couple choosing not to spend their retirement years in rocking chairs, but volunteering, giving all they can for the sake of the gospel.

Roy Gardiner is a leader. His ability to organise such large groups in third world countries testifies to the gifts God has given him. “It’s never without a few hiccups, but we manage – with God’s grace – to reach our goals and return home safely,” says Roy.

Roy steps over some baby chicks and a mangy dog to take water to the volunteers. In this hot, harsh country the long workdays begin at 6 a.m. With only enough time to treat approximately 200 Cambodians, crowd control becomes difficult at times. The team comes for only one day, and the remote villagers may not see another clinic in this area for five years or more.

His first trip remains the most memorable because a military general came to the medical clinic. Like all the patients in the village, he had a chance to hear the gospel. He did not pray to receive Christ, but thanked the team and stayed to observe the clinic. Throughout the day he watched the love and kindness of Jesus displayed in practical ways through this group of

A triage nurse waits patiently for her interpreter to explain the patient’s symptoms among the noise of the crowd and screaming babies. Situated behind the Gardiners, a doctor performs open-air surgery just after turning away a woman with a goiter. With limited medical supplies, he cannot perform the risky procedure needed to help her. In another room, three dentists pull

Campus Crusade for Christ Australia needs more volunteers with hearts to serve. If you would like to be involved check out Mission Opportunities on page twelve.

Roy

TODAY ISSUE 11

Malcolm (in black) baptises a new Cambodian believer

Partnering to Plant New Churches M

alcolm Campbell kisses his wife and teenagers goodbye at the Sydney airport. He is about to fly to Cambodia again. A former missionary with Campus Crusade for Christ Australia (CCCA), Malcolm now serves as the pastor of discipleship – including overseeing cell groups and follow-up evangelism – at Greenacre Church of Christ in Sydney. In October 2006, after an invitation from Earl Roberts (former national director of CCCA) Malcolm, his wife and four others from the church travelled on a mission trip to the Kampong Cham region of Cambodia. It changed Malcolm. He returned with a deep burden for the Cambodian people. For the second trip, he decided to invite some key people to join him. When they returned and shared their excitement for what God is doing and how Greenacre COC could help, the congregation embraced the vision. Malcolm shares: “Our church

decided to invest in a long-term partnership with Campus Crusade for Christ Cambodia. Our goal is to support the training of indigenous leaders who can organize new house churches, organically.”

followers within Cambodia’s military who help approve the supplies we bring. What’s going on at Greenacre COC is part of a much bigger picture of spiritual movements happening everywhere,” says Malcolm.

The use of strategies like the JESUS film has proven instrumental in establishing and supporting multiple cell groups, or house churches, in and around Kampong Cham, a province northeast of the capitol city of Phnom Phen. It is in this area that Malcolm’s church has been most active when they visit.

A block of land was purchased and money raised to fund a training facility. During this trip, Malcolm and another church member will use the facility to train pastors for the growing number of house churches in the area.

There are many different elements that help the team be more effective. In addition to Campus Crusade Cambodia showing the JESUS film, which results in new converts and house churches, Global Aid Network (GAiN) also is involved. GAiN brings free medical help to villages and allows Malcolm and his team to piggyback off their ministry. “There’s even a small movement of Christ-

Malcolm is becoming an expert on Cambodian history and culture, dedicating himself to learning as much as possible in order to be more effective. “Over the next five years, we would love to see Greenacres COC birth several daughter churches, reaching the world with the message of Jesus.” If you would like to know more about partnerships both here and overseas, log onto www.ccca.org.au.

TODAY ISSUE 11

Student Life Strengthening Students in their Faith Healing Medicine

t five-years-old, Amy Kirkbright was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis which produced painful ulcers throughout her intestines. Although she showed no outward symptoms, she experienced constant pain. In addition, her weakened immune system caused her to become terribly sick several times a year. Eventually it became such a normal part of her life, she learned to live with it. Although she was a Christian, it was not until Amy went to uni that real changes started happening in her walk with God. Her cousins from Monash University encouraged her to attend a Student Life event. She agreed to go. “Today I can look back and see God’s plan at work even then,” says Amy. “It sounds like I’m promoting it, but it really was Student Life that helped me grow in Christ. It’s a wonderful community with great teaching that I hadn’t been exposed to.” Early in 2008 Amy became sick again. Student Life missionary, Bec Shepski, called her, telling Amy she had been thinking about her and asking if she was all right. When Amy explained her illness, Bec asked, “Have you ever prayed to be healed?” Amy was shocked to consider this concept. “What if it wasn’t part of God’s plan to heal me? I’d grown up with this illness. I didn’t know any other way.” Despite her questions, Amy asked God to heal her completely. Soon after this, her doctor advised, “We should operate because it could develop into cancer.” This meant removing a big portion (80cm) of Amy’s large intestine, followed by living with a colostomy bag for several months or years. Sometimes

God cures through miraculous healings, sometimes through the hands of doctors. Amy recalls a text message she got from a friend. “She said she was praying God would be working through the surgeon. Knowing this gave me comfort.” After the surgery Amy was amazed to find she did not need a colostomy bag, and she recovered so quickly, she left the hospital early. Most of her pain is gone, and she no longer faces the issues that oppressed her for so long. “I believe people who are waiting on God and refusing medical treatment are courageous and admirable, but for me, using a doctor to help was not a sign of doubt. He gives all sorts of skills for people to carry out His good works. I’m so thankful for my doctors and for friends like Bec at Student Life, who spurred me on to pray. When we trust God for answered prayer, it might involve many people along the way.”

Meet Sheila S

heila loves God but it wasn’t always like this. Sheila attends a uni with a huge party culture. She used to go out four or five times a week, getting involved in crazy relationships and struggling with alcohol. She’s not proud of it, but she could knock back 10 shots in a minute. She blew a lot of money on alcohol. Finally, Sheila came to God in desperation saying “I can’t do this anymore, help me.” Yet after becoming a Christ-follower her troubles didn’t automatically disappear.

Amy Kirkbright

She found herself becoming very sick. That’s when God taught her how to pray. In hospital and diagnosed with glandular fever, her throat was closed with tonsillitis. She couldn’t swallow or keep water down. For nine long months she was disabled, many times alone and depressed as her doctors watched for signs of suicide. “Eventually God healed me and raised me up again. I still get emotional when I talk about it – the months of lying in bed, discouraged – and how He pulled me out of that, a different person. He is faithful.” Sheila now has a strong desire to go to a 3rd world country. She wants to set up wells and purification systems while sharing the gospel to women. “They need water, real water and living water.” Today, her faith is strengthened and challenged by being a part of the Student Life community on her university campus. She prays for God to take her out of her comfort zone – to be where God wants her. “Sometimes that’s why we suffer, to help others in their suffering. God’s grace is sufficient for us and His power is made perfect in our weakness. So I will boast even more about my weakness so His power will rest on me.”

TODAY ISSUE 11

“Eventually God healed me and raised me up again … He is faithful.”

Sheila

If you would like to know how you can get involved in a Student Life community in order to strengthen your walk with Christ, contact www.studentlife.org.au

Rakesh began reading the bible on Rake Ra kesh ke sh b hiss ow hi own. n He did not know how to n. pray, he just began talking out p pr ay,, so h ay loud lo oud d tto o God. He searched online and an d found anything he could to t study. “God was teaching me m to pursue Him. So I did. I researched bible college re websites for downloads and w bss we read re ead a it all.” He began to have heart for others who needed ah Jesus. He shared his story with J s Je anyone who would listen, an even eevv preaching at McDonalds and an getting burgers thrown att him.

Jesus in a Bucket of Chicken B

orn and raised in India’s mixed religious culture, Rakesh Kumar was taught everyone’s god is right. It diminished his desire to seek God. When his family took him to the temple, he would ask how anyone could know that the Hindu gods were there. He never got a straight answer. Eventually he was driven toward atheism. When he came to Australia over three years ago, he attended Deakin University where he met Nandeeta, a girl from his hometown. She was a Christ-follower and spent much of her time telling Rakesh how God changed her life. One day she needed a ride to church and asked Rakesh to take her. For two months he sat with her in the back of the church, eventually becoming curious. Rakesh remembers: “So just as I did when I was a child, I asked her how she knew God was there. She said it was because she had a relationship with Him, God reveals Himself to her. She said the only way I’d understand is if I asked God to show me that He was real. Only then would I understand.” A few days later Rakesh was walking to his car after an exam. He began feeling very hungry and weak. Nearly to his car, he became faint and could not walk anymore. Falling to the ground, he remembered what Nandeeta said. So he very bluntly

After discussion with the pastor A Af terr a di te d several and an d se seve verr questions, I prayed to ve receive Christ. Peace flowed into me, re ece c iv ivee C aand an d I fe felt ltt so light and full of joy. It’s way for everyone, but for nott th no that at w saw me,, I sa me aw an instant change from on. I stopped partying and that th at d day ayy o became more patient with people. b be eca ca ame me m was TThat Th att w as 2007.”

told God: “Look God, I’m hungry, I would love some food. Show me You are real.” He was in one of the most remote places on campus. Hardly anyone parks there, and rarely does someone walk by. Suddenly a friend came around the corner with a bucket of chicken, saying he had been looking all over campus for him. “He wanted to share the meal and thought about finding me. So we sat there and ate KFC on the ground, and I just shook my head in amazement. God had revealed Himself in a bucket of fried chicken. He sure knows how to speak to a college guy.” The next Sunday Rakesh went back to church very excited. However, he had no clue how to accept Jesus into his life. The pastor talked about repentance and how Jesus gave His life for all. “He told us all we had to do is believe in our heart and confess with our mouth. That’s it. It was that simple? I sat there thinking this can’t be right.” Rakesh thought there had to be more. He was used to doing heaps of good deeds and reciting memorized prayers. “Surely God needed to assess how good I was before He accepted me, right?

Eventually Rakesh developed E a strong desire to start a bible discussion group. b About that time he met Dave, an American missionary working with Student Life, a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. Dave had already done all the footwork to form a small group bible study, so he invited Rakesh to the group. While there, Rakesh matured in the Christian faith and learned how to evangelise more effectively. “I’m so thankful for Student Life. I got that bible study I wanted and so much more. It’s awesome to see how God’s hand was on me and where He brought me from.” In addition to regularly sitting down with strangers at pubs to share his faith, ffa aitth, h, Rakesh Rak akes e h now es no ow volunteers volu vo lu unt ntee eers ee r for rs forr Campus C mp Ca mpu us Crusade us Cru rusa sade sa dee for fo or Christ, Ch hrriisstt, ministering miini nist s er st erin ing ng with with his his graphic grrap phi h c design desi de sig gn gn and and video v deeo skills. vi s ilills sk l. ls

Rakesh

TODAY ISSUE 11

Shaping The Future A

funny man once said, “If there’s one thing that’s constant, it is change.” This constant has been the strength of Campus Crusade for Christ over the decades, and it continues to be.

“Hours upon hours were spent praying together … leaders made themselves vulnerable to one another sharing their discouragements and their victories. Many were encouraged to step out from the familiar …” Recently, approximately 90 leaders from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands came together as part of Campus Crusade’s Leadership Summit. They spent much time together in prayer for one another and for the countries of Oceania during the September conference. In addition, many emerging leaders received training, and strategies were discussed in order to shape the future

of the organisation together on local, regional and national levels. In order to remain effective in helping to reach the world for Jesus, Campus Crusade determined it wants to be increasingly characterized worldwide by five key elements. In progressing the vision to help create spiritual movements all over, significant change needs to occur in the organisational culture. So the week was spent challenging the leaders’ thought processes and the way they get things done in these interdependent areas: » Value-Driven: Living from values of faith, growth and fruitfulness. » Local Ownership: Empowering and commissioning non-staff members as co-laborers in building movements. » Learning Environment: Ensuring an atmosphere that champions innovation, evaluation and effectiveness.

» Kingdom Perspective: Joining forces with and being a blessing to the body of Christ toward a larger kingdom vision. Throughout the week, individuals walked away from meetings challenged to consider what they and their teams were doing well, where they lacked, and what action points would be taken to ensure effective change. Hours upon hours were spent praying together for God’s guidance in these matters and in personal reflection. The leaders made themselves vulnerable to one another, sharing their discouragements and their victories. Many received encouragement to step out from the familiar and comfortable into, what is for some, unknown territory. Nevertheless, the consensus was clear: change is needed for the organisation, its missionaries and volunteers, and this change will bring positive results for the kingdom.

» Shared Leadership: Fulfilling the mission through effective teams at every level, empowering one another.

Jesus Gift to the Miners C

hilean miners spent several weeks trapped 600 metres underground before being rescued. Seeing an opportunity to share the gospel during this crisis, Campus Crusade for Christ, Chili (CCCC) wasted no time. Christian Maureira, National Director of CCCC said, “It was reasonable to think the 33 miners were lost, but God had other plans. He guided us to contact churches about providing the audio version of the JESUS film on MP3 players.”

The families of the miners cooperated in sending the MP3 players down to the trapped men along with bibles. Jose Samuel – a Christian trapped with the others – sent up a letter thanking CCCC for the MP3 players and said the men were now praying together twice a day. He signed his letter with Psalm 95:4 “In His hand are the depths of the earth, and mountain peaks belong to him.” Finally after 69 days, the world watched as one-by-one all the miners were rescued. With sunnies

TODAY ISSUE 11

Getting Practical

Samantha

ampus Crusade for Christ missionary Samantha Bryan, recently celebrated her 40th birthday by helping others in her community. Earlier in the year, this Toowoomba resident celebrated her birthday by attempting to make 40 positive changes in the world around her. “I’ve been thinking about all those who survive on the streets and how cold they must be.” Samantha’s first project aims to collect and distribute 40 sleeping bags and blankets through Toowoomba City Care. She has issued a plea with local businesses and community groups to help her achieve her target. “It could all be quite daunting, but I decided not to focus on the immensity of the needs. Instead, I chose to set myself a goal and do what I can. After all, every little bit helps. I realise that times are tough

“I’ve been thinking about all those who survive on the streets and how cold they must be.”

Photo by Kevin Farmer

to protect their eyes from daylight and t-shirts provided by CCCC for the jarring climate change, they emerged to a tearful reunion with family and friends. The shirts (pictured here) sported Psalm 95:4 along with the JESUS film logo on the sleeve. As he was taken to the hospital one miner, Mario Sepulveda, said “I was with God and with the devil – and I reached out for God.” Pray for the missionaries of CCCC and local churches as they continue to follow-up on the survivors.

for many…but I also firmly believe that you reap what you sow. I’m confident that if you show compassion and generosity for needy people, that you will be blessed by God in return.” Some of Samantha’s biggest helpers in the initial stages of her project have been her five children. “The kids have been really enthusiastic,” she said. “They all grabbed their own pocket money to help out.” Being a missionary, Samantha knows what it is like to depend on others for help. She and her husband live by faith. They depend on God to provide donations through churches and individuals who believe in the work they do to reach uni students across Australia. To learn how you can financially partner with a missionary of Campus Crusade for Christ Australia, contact www.ccca.org.au. Portions of this story contributed by Anthea Gleeson/The Chronicle.

TODAY ISSUE 11

Mission Opportunities Global Aid Network of Australia (GAiN) is a ministry of Campus Crusade, offering humanitarian aid and relief. 2011 TRIPS

Jesus Loves the Little Children

Thailand Medical Mission 27th Dec 2010 - 12th Jan 2011 Philippines Medical Mission 27th Dec 2010 - 12th Jan 2011 Thailand Lahu Mission 15th Mar - 25th Mar Cambodia Medical Mission 26th Mar - 12th Apr Normanton Aboriginal Mission 1st Jul - 10th Jul China Mission 24th Sept - 8th Oct Thailand Medical Mission 27th Dec 2011 - 12th Jan 2012

“I think God has got a job for me to do in heaven.”

2012 TRIPS Philippines Medical Mission 14th Jan - 30th Jan China Mission 2nd Apr - 15th Apr Normanton Aboriginal Mission 1st Jul - 10th Jul Cambodia Medical Mission 27th Sept - 12th Oct Thailand Medical Mission 27th Dec 2012 - 12th Jan 2013 Ministries for both professionals and lay people include – Medical ministry, Children Ministry, Intercessory/ Evangelism, Creative Arts & Worship ministry. Cost is approximately $3000 AUD inclusive of Airfare exiting Sydney, land costs & insurances (tax deductibility available). Training and orientation provided prior to departing, to include: » Cultural Awareness » Security Awareness » Mock Clinic Training » Personal Faith story & Evangelism Contact 0433 615 671 for further questions.

– Jono, 7 years old

even year-old Jono, (name changed) came from a nonchurched home, but prayed to receive Christ in a Scripture class at school. Margaret McDonald – a staff member with Children of the World, a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ – led the Bible class. Jono loved participating during the Bible lessons, listening intently. However, he became terribly ill, diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor. During a period of remission, although he remained weak, he was allowed to attend school for two hours, twice a week. He chose a time specifically when he could attend Margaret’s Scripture class. Not long afterward, Jono took a turn for the worse and stopped coming. His mother invited Margaret to visit him at home. The mother said Jono had been asking questions about heaven she was unable to answer. She felt confident a Scripture teacher could help.

The boy wanted to know how the children at school were going and what heaven is like. Margaret spent a long while telling Jono all about the place God was preparing for His children. “I think God has got a job for me to do in heaven” Jono shared. In the following weeks, Jono’s health continued to deteriorate. During a particularly bad moment of pain, he sat straight up in bed and told his parents: “Don’t be afraid. God is the keeper of all little children.” Those words are on little Jono’s gravestone. After the funeral, the wife of a Salvation Army chaplain, with tears in her eyes asked people, “Who would have prepared this little boy for heaven, if not his Scripture teacher?” If you would like to learn how to influence children with the gospel, contact children@cca.org.au

TODAY ISSUE 11

A Heart for Abused Women “I believe my songs can be used to make more people aware.”

Jessica

Meet Jessica Santosa, artist and songwriter.

hen young, Jessica wrote songs about boys and broken relationships. Her passion for social justice often was addressed in her music, too. Then while attending uni she met some new friends from Student Life who introduced her to a relationship with Jesus Christ. As she grew in her new-found faith, her songs began to speak of things God was teaching her.

“Now some of my song writing reflects a burden for women forced into human trafficking. I believe my songs can be used to make more people began one peop pe o e aaware. op a e Itt aall b eg ga o e when article dayy wh da w en I w was a rreading as eaad diin ng g aan n ar arti ticl ti clee cl Christianity aabout ab bou o t se ssexual sexu exu xual ual a sslavery la ave very ryy iin n Ch hri rist s ia st ani nity ty ty

Today. I began to cry. I had to do something. No other article I’ve read before moved me like this story. I experienced abuse as a young woman and witnessed domestic violence, so I have a heart for abused women.”

Jessica felt called to minister to abused women. Although it was not a focus of Student Life and Campus Crusade for Christ, it was, nevertheless, a movement. Many students that pass through the influence of Student Life move on after graduation to become influencers in circles that Campus Crusade as an organisation cannot reach. Jessica is a perfect example of this as she continues to impact her generation through the message of her music. Now a young professional, Jessica looks back fondly on her involvement with Student Life and how it prepared her for personal ministry. She loves Jesus and wants others to know the joy she found in Him. “I would love to be a social worker or even go on a short-term mission trip to see if God might be calling me to be an overseas missionary full time.” To hear some of Jessica’s music from her new project, look up Jessica Santosa on MySpace.com. Editors note: At the time of printing, Jess was preparing for a trip to Cambodia to help stop child-trafficking.

TODAY ISSUE 11

Immersed in Hope A

Travis

nyone who has spent any amount of time with wiit Adelaide missionaries w Travis Trav Tr a and Pixi Johnson, av know k o how creative and kn talented they are. Painting, t le ta en story-telling, writing, filmstor st tor oryy making m ki ma kin n – all are part of any given givv week for them. It’s gi not only their hobby, it’s their ministry and they love it. When they joined Campus Crusade a few years ago, they brought with them a very creative ministry called Immerse.

“…we have a hope now. We’re allowed to have hope!” Immerse is now part of Youth Ministries Australia (YMA), onee of o the ministries of Campus Crusade ade d for Christ. It’s the brainchild of Travis who leads the 6-day camp mp for for teenagers. During these outreaches ach hes es he and several volunteers share the e th he Gospel message in a fun creative ve e way using biblical history. Kids are invited to participate in a very erryy hands-on learning experience. This includes artistic expression through creative writing, journaling, aliin ng g, artwork, storyboarding, drama,, music and more. “It’s about thee bigger story, the larger picture of of creation and God’s consistent desire desi de s re si e to draw mankind’s hearts to Him.” m” m. says national YMA leader Dave Huddleston. “But it goes beyond nd that – it helps teens see where tth they heyy fit in the grand scheme of history oryy or, or, His story.”

Immerse camps are meant to be mobile, using campgrounds around Australia and overseas in order to go into areas where youth can easily attend. Travis clarifies, “My wife Pixi and I really believe these discoverybased learning camps are not just an event, they are transformational.” Ivy is a 15-year-old girl who shares her experience: “During a time of prayer at the Immerse camp, I was asking God what He most wanted to show me. I went to bed depressed because I understood I had no hope. There was no way I could ever approach God as sinful as I was. I started reading the book of Jeremiah. I was reading about the sin of these people and how broken God was, over their wayward hearts – our wayward hearts. He was saying to o them the hem m that th hatt even eve ven prostitutes p os pr o ti t tu tute te tes es can ca an learn lear le ear arn rn from from their fr theeir mistakes. m mis ista is take ta kes. ke s I was was a so o convicted con nvi vict cted ct ed d by by that. th haatt. He kept keept p saying say ayin in ng ’Come ’Co ome m back bac ackk to o me me Israel IIssra ael e come co om me back back ba k to me.’ me. e ’ God Go G od is saying ssay ayin ay in ng that that th att to to everyone evver e yo onee today, today, to daay, not d not o just jjus u t the us the th Israelites. Issra rael ael e it i es es..

As the week progressed, I learned that we do have hope. This hope makes it all better. God continues to do things to prove His desire for us to get it right with Him. He keeps doing stuff like the Flood, raising up Moses for his people and sending Jesus to earth. I see it still happening today and I just want to encourage everyone that we have a hope now. We’re allowed to have hope!” Now an Immerse headquarters in Adelaide offers even greater opportunity to reach the surrounding community. The office provides an environment of creative expression for learning about God’s desire for reconciliation and relationship with humanity. To find an Immerse camp near you, log onto www.yma.com.au

TODAY ISSUE 11

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true stories from next door and around the world

Losing All to Gain Much Page 4

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Good Medicine Page 6

Church Partnerships Page 7

Student Life Stories Page 8

Reaching Abused Women Page 13