Communicator Issue 24 Spring 2008

issue 24

experience the spirit of sharing

Newsletter of Christian Venues Association

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change

Christian Venues Association experience the spirit of sharing

www.christianvenues.org.au

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Now trading as...

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Christian Venues Association Christian Venues Association

experience the spirit of sharing

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experience the spirit of sharing

Ken Heffernan CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

Experience the Spirit of Sharing As I commence another term as the Chair of your Board, I do so in deep humility and wonder that God would call me to such a task.

I am passionate about Christian Camping and Conferencing and that passion comes through the thousands of lives we collectively impact for Christ each and every year. I am also passionate about our Association which brings us all together united in our common purpose.

We are pleased to announce that Christian Camping International Australia is now trading as Christian Venues Association. Early this year the Board of Christian Camping International Australia undertook a review and, with guidance from a branding expert, unanimously approved the new name and logo. Consideration of a name change has taken place at a national level for at least 11 years, but a suitable name has not previously been found.

Reasons for Change: The name Christian Camping International Australia causes significant confusion, being difficult to explain and difficult to use in conversation. Recently we have been presented with one overriding legal issue. Another company owns the registered name CCI Australia. Therefore we cannot continue to use that shortened form. Christian Venues Association has been registered as a trading name of Christian Camping International Australia.

History: This association was launched as Christian Camping International (Australian Division) 34 years ago and has developed through significant growth to become the association it is today. In 1990 when Christian Camping International Australia became a legal entity in its own right, the full name was formally registered, however the abbreviation CCI Australia was not.

Our website www.christianvenues.org.au is now operational and you will see steady development of that site as material is updated and moved from the old site. A DVD about the name change is available. Please contact the Christian Venues office on 1800 009 890 if you would like a copy.

Your Board and Staff look forward to continuing our service to you under the banner of our new name.

For us in this unique ministry some of the greatest times are when we are sharing together and Connect ’08 was one such time. To be together with peers united in ministry and in purpose is a truly awesome thing. For each of us to impact into each others lives, on so many differing levels, socially, professionally, emotionally and spiritually ought never be taken for granted.

I know I am a better person because I attended Connect ’08. Can I say to those unable to share with us in Connect ’08, plan to be with us for our next National Conference in 2010. We need you to impact into our lives. Further, I want to say in our Christian Venues Association family there is acceptance for all of us. We know what we each stand for. Acceptance brings out the greatest qualities in all of us. For those of us in leadership of Christian Venues Association we are very conscious of our deep responsibility. It is my conviction leadership functions on the basis of trust.

Dwight Eisenhower said ‘In order to be a leader, a man must have followers. And to have followers, a man must have their confidence. Hence, the supreme quality for a leader is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office. If a man’s associates find that he lacks forthright integrity, he will fail. His teachings and actions must square with each other. The first great need, therefore, is integrity and high purpose’.

I want to take this opportunity as we move into a new term for our National Board of commending to you each and every member of the Board. This is a Board with “integrity and high purpose”. Each member of the Board sits on the Board in the service of our members and in that service integrity and the cause of Christ is never compromised for expediency. We have a very good Board with a heart for God. In conclusion I love Christian Venues Association, not because of what it has been, as great as that has been, not for what it is though of this we can all be proud, but for what someday, through the efforts of all of us, it will be.

Ken

Serving and enabling Christian ministries to provide unique temporary communities.

Christian Camping International Australia Trading as Christian Venues Association ABN 74 050 611 295

Christian Venues Association provides pastoral and practical

PO BOX 5552, SOUTH WINDSOR NSW 2756

support through its members. Its purpose is to promote

Ph: 1800 009 890 or

Christian Camping as a means of presenting the Gospel and

(02) 4587 7155;

building up Christians in their faith.

E-mail: info@christianvenues.org.au

Fax: (02) 4587 7933

Web: www.christianvenues.org.au

The attention of advertisers is drawn to the Trade Practices Act 1974 and the provision in the Act which apply to advertising. It is not possible for Christian Venues Association to ensure that all advertisements in this publication comply in all respects with the Act and the responsibility must therefore be on the person, company or advertising agency submitting the advertisement for publication. The views and opinions expressed by authors belong to those authors and are not necessarily the views and opinions of Christian Venues Association.

Christian Venues Association experience the spirit of sharing

2nd Asia Pacific Adventure Ministry Conference (APAM) Report by: Abel How

Representatives from 15 countries throughout the Asia Pacific region participated in the 2nd Asia-Pacific Adventure Ministry (APAM) Conference held from 28-31 August at Praisehaven Conference Centre, Salvation Army of Singapore. All participants present were involved in the Christian camping and Adventure ministry, one way or another. I was one of the two representatives from Scripture Union of Peninsular Malaysia.

APAM’s emphasis was on the integration of adventure based activities to present and encapsulate the Gospel in an exciting and creative way through experiential learning.

There were a total of 12 workshops that participants could choose to attend. Workshops covered modules like “Safety”, “Facilitation”, “Evangelism”, and “Leadership”. Facilitators had lots to teach, they shared the joy as well as difficulties from their vast experiences. There was an opportunity during one of the evenings for participants to gather in respective “Interest Groups” to discuss further distinct issues that they are facing in their respective countries.

Participants were also given the opportunity to improve on their skills in various areas, ranging from Team-Building based activities, Archery, Rock-Climbing, Geo-Tracking and much more.

Everyone had a great time participating in the activities and interacting with one another.

It was definitely a wonderful experience meeting so many of God’s people from various countries, coming together – building relationships, networking and more importantly learning from one another as they continue to serve God in this ministry.

It is found that sharing of the Gospel is much easier through adventure-based activities since it is based on neutral ground – as adventure-based activities do not come out strongly as an evangelistic based event which in some countries are prohibited; as participants identified the opportunities and barriers (such as cultural norms, political issues etc) that different nations face as they serve in the ministry. Barriers listed above play a major influence in ministry (continued on page 7)

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Australia ZOO Connect 08

345 people! 3086 meals! 275 delegates! Hopefully 1725 showers! Countless cups of coffee! 30 workshop presenters! 24 trade show exhibitors! Thousands of free samples! 3 guest artists! 3 keynote speakers! 1 Lord Jesus Christ!

Duffy - brilliant, inspiring, a powerful speaker. Tim – challenged me, would loved to have heard more. Dan – great to have International perspective. David and his team were passionate about music. Great fellowship. What an encouragement! I was blessed and challenged. Networking was a highlight. A wonderful experience. Feeling refreshed, encouraged, strengthened. Bring on 2010. General Evaluation Feedback Best workshop ever. Fantastic information. Very relevant to me as a leader. Could listen till the cows come home. Presenters were passionate about their topics and in turn inspired me. A real eye opener. Enjoyed the open discussions. Very inspirational, beneficial and life changing. Useful and practical advice. Encouraging and helpful. Would love to have known about these things earlier. Workshop Evaluation Feedback

BEST caption for this photo of David Tolman wins a Panasonic portable DVD player.

To enter email: ccullen@christianvenues.org.au

"Connect 08 was fun and valuable and as always, an important part of Christian Camping. Keynote speakers were fantastic, engaging and a breath of fresh air, inspiring me to once again focus on the ministry at our site. More importantly connect was an important place to do just that, connect. Each year I come back revived and enthusiastic about the ministry we can do!" Ben Hepner, Araluen VIC Connect '08 was incredible. It was a great time of fellowship, learning, growing, sharing new ideas and laughter - not to mention joining as a body with fellow members of Christian Venues. I didn't realise how much we all have in common with the camping ministry despite each different organisation and the roles we each play. PS. Meeting and becoming friends with the guys from other campsites and organisations was definitely a highlight!!! Sarahjane Bradford, Mountain Trails NSW It was great to feel part of a bigger movement who are all committed to seeing people come to know Jesus through camping. I enjoyed lots of conversations that taught me about my role and site, and generated ideas for the future. As a member from a small campsite in regional WA it was great to realise there was a whole industry out there that had products specifically designed for our type of venue. I am looking forward to next Connect - and will hopefully bring the whole family!

Dianne Abbott, Caretaker, Scripture Union Camp Geographe WA

Trade Show Connect 08

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(continued from page 3)

We learned so much and went away - not just with new found knowledge but also treasured memories of the fun we shared and friendship formed. However, nothing compares to the encouragement we received as we see God’s mighty hand at work in individuals as well as organizations as they endeavor to seek creative ways to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to many who have yet to know Him.

Variety Show Connect 08

Thank you to everyone for sharing your experiences unselfishly, allowing us to learn and improve on our respective ministries. As Ken Pullen (CCI Australia) puts it: “We are just borrowing ideas, not stealing them – since we are all serving the same GOD!”

Authored by: Abel How <abelhow@su.org.my> Scripture Union Camping Ministry, Peninsular Malaysia

The Last Word Connect 08 - I really enjoyed catching up with the old timers of Christian Camping, learning from them as they tell of the work God has done and continues to do. Getting a world prospective from Dan Bolin was great, to hear that we are reaching approx 11 million worldwide through camping was an encouragement but to then hear that 30% of the population is under 15, showed that we still have plenty of work to do. Jeff Brown, CYC Camp Cooloongup WA. 'The Connect 08 Conference at Alexandra Heads was a great success from my perspective. Although I was unable to attend the first day and a half, it was well worth the trip from Hobart. I found the keynote speakers a good blend of inspiration and practical application. The workshops I attended were professionally run and very informative ... and of course, one of the main advantages of a conference is meeting the people, and there were plenty there to meet! The venue was clean and the conference itself was very well organised. Thanks to CVA staff and the Alexandra Heads staff for a most enjoyable conference!' Allister Martin, Mission Afloat

International Banquet Connect 08

A THERMOMETER or a THERMOSTAT?! “ I can do everything, through Him who gives me strength” Phil 4:13 Now let us look at Paul's life.

In Phillipians 4 : 11, there are two words that are important “learned” and “content”. a) the verb 'learned' means 'learned by experience'. Paul's spiritual contentment came through many difficult experiences. b) the word 'content' actually means 'contained'. But the Christian is not sufficient in his/her self; we are sufficient in Christ, because He lives in us, we can cope with the demands The Apostle Paul was a thermostat. Instead of having spiritual of life. ups and downs – as the situation changed – he went on steadily doing his work and serving Christ. The references at Let us rely on the resources that God gives - and make Paul's the close of this chapter indicate that he was not the victim of motto “ I can do all things through Him who gives me strength” our motto. circumstances, but the victor over circumstances.

“I can accept all things” (4:11); “I can do all things” (4:13); “I Then we will truly be likened to a thermostat and not a have all things.” (4:18) thermometer.

During this past year we may have admitted that on numerous Les Batchelor - Tasmanian Chaplain occasions we have been a 'thermometer'.

“The trouble with him is that he is a thermometer and not a thermostat !“ This statement by one of his deacons aroused the pastor's curiosity. They were discussing a possible board member. “Pastor, it’s like this,” the deacon explained. “A thermometer does not change anything around it – it just registers the temperature, it is always going up or down. BUT a thermostat regulates the surroundings and changes them when they need to be changed.”

CHAPLAINS

Our chaplains are available to provide pastoral care & support to members through visitation, telephone support & crisis/emergency response.

To contact your nearest chaplain call

1800 088 249

Kingsley & Pamela Alley QLD

Errol & Dot Woodbury NSW

Les & Marj Batchelor TAS

Laurie & Rohna Venables WA, SA & NT

National Scene Report by: Ken Pullen

Christian Camping International in Asia.

Abel How of SU in Peninsular Malaysia has written an article about the APAM conference held at the end of August in Singapore. A week later a meeting was held in Kuala Lumpur. Nine people who are involved directly in Christian Conference, Retreat and Camping ministries in Malaysia met at the Scripture Union Offices. This was an exciting meeting to have had a part in. There is a clear desire to see Christians in these ministries networking to be more effective for the Lord. There is a recognition that Christian Camping - the use of temporary community for gospel presentation - is a high impact tool for the increase of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kingdom.

Your Board is committed to Christian Camping throughout Asia and these conferences and meetings that Kerry and I attended have proved

to be very big stepping stones to connecting with ministries throughout Asia and beyond.

Please pray that as assistance, connection, training, etc are provided many will be further equipped for more productive ministry and that we here will be encouraged by their infectious enthusiasm.

Thanks for the contributions made at Connect 08. The Collection taken for International Work totalled over $3,000 (twice the budgeted expectation!!).

We were thankful to Dan, Jo and Hector for bringing a wider worldview to our conference. A number of centres are working towards short-term mission trips and camp-to-camp relationships as a result.

Connect 08 -> Forum 09 & Connect 10!!!

August 2-4

The Collaroy Centre, Collaroy Beach, NSW. Mark these dates NOW! Featuring world renowned speaker Tony Campolo and Christian Camping legend John Ashmen.

Thank you for the very positive feedback about Connect 08. Clearly we met your needs in many areas and we thank God for the guidance and wisdom that prevailed in the drawing together and conduct of the programme.

Have you marked in the dates for the next two major events?

- Forum 09 (August 2 through 4, 2009) - Connect 10 (August 2 through 6, 2010)

NARTA

Christian Supply Chain Buying Group and Pricepoint.

Savings, because Ministry Matters!

Remember that Christian Venues Association provides a membership renewal discount of 10% for holders of NARTA Inc Accreditation.

Significant discounts also apply to the Public Liability portions of the Insurance Scheme arranged through our Insurance Brokers, Australia Christian Services P/L.

The CSC Buying Group Catalogue has been distributed. In printed form it will not have all the latest alliances listed, but provides you with the alliances at the time of production. May I encourage you to refer to the CSCBG website http://www.cscbg.org.au frequently, and look for the latest news. Read Pricepoint when issued (by email) as this will keep you up-to-date.

CSCBG has been set up to serve Churches and Schools as well as members of this Association and the buying power of CSCBG will be far larger than any one member and larger that any group of members within Christian Venues.

We continue to see huge increases in enquiries and bookings!

Over 3350 enquiries have been processed and at least 680 bookings have been confirmed!

Design: threelittlewords.com.au - COM-24

We congratulate Wirraway Homestead Youth Centre (SA), the Lutanda Centres in Yarramundi and Mt Victoria (NSW) and Oasis Camp (Vic) for completing and achieving Accredited Status!! More sites are known to be undertaking the process.