Communicator Issue 36 Spring 2013

experience the spirit of sharing

Issue 36 - Spring 13

MMM's BuildABond Building Bonds for Life See page 12 2

Ethiopia March 200 7 Three hos pital build ldinng frame Network) f s ((3 36m x 12m o r R aas o c ) to it y per build in t h e dinng was 33 Ogaden des IVHN ((IInnternational V 00m. Appro ert region olul ntary H ximate cos of Ethiopia ealth t per build .

T he steel qu lding A$10 antity 500 (ex GS T).

Other Ar Articles rticles in this issue: T The he S Story tory behind behind YMCA YMCA Camp Camp Yarramundi Yarramundi - Page Page 4 UNOH U NOH W Working orking in in “ “The The Neighbourhood” Neighbourhood” - Page Page 8 School S chool Holiday Holiday C Camps amps - P Page age 1 10 0 Christian C hristian Camping Camping in in Malaysia Malaysia - Page Page 14 14 Christian Christian Venues Venues Association Association

eexperience xperience the the spirit spirit of of sharing sh ha ring

CCI CCI Worldwide Worldwide S Summit ummit in in Latvia Latvia - Page Page 15 15

1st word Too often we get busy with the urgent at the expense of the important!

We can be so busy with our day-to-day activities, we don’t take time to draw on the support and resources that surround us that could make the urgent easier. We can say we are too busy to take time to meet with other Christian Venues members, either individually or at organised functions such as MDD’s, training days or national events such as Connect or Forum.

ISSUE 36 • Communicator

Each time we stop and step outside our circle of busyness, we grow and are reenergised for the mission we are called to.

Jesus stopped and took a break, he did not wait until he hit the wall or was burned out before he stopped and sought refreshment from the source that encouraged and enabled him. Many times we read that Jesus withdrew to a quiet place to pray and spend time with God. (Luke 5:16) Now, while it is good for us to withdraw to a quiet place and spend time with God, we have also been provided with an amazing network of support for our ministry through God’s provision in Christian Venues Association.

2

We are created for community! I know there are some of us that are happier in a quiet space than a large crowd, but there is an empowering that comes from being with likeminded people, a sense that whatever the issues we are facing, we are not alone.

Often we battle along trying to do things in our own strength and to solve all our problems on our own. Often the issues we are struggling with are similar to what others in our industry are also struggling with and may have found solutions to the problem or ways to work around that lighten the load.

Are you too busy in your daily circle of busyness?

The importance of mentoring, networking and Christian Venues events are recognised by the National Board in our Strategic

Intents. We seek to provide events that not only equip members in practical ways but also support them spiritually and emotionally. The National Board is also seeking to encourage networking and mentoring between sites to enable us to equip each other. As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17) Time spent at Christian Venues functions is not time lost from work. It is an investment in equipping you and your staff/volunteers for the future of your ministry. You will return reenergised and reequipped to achieve a lot more than you would have in the day spent confined by the daily tasks. So please take the time to draw on the resources God has provided! Whenever possible, attend Christian Venues events and feel the difference it makes. If you would like a fellow member to draw alongside to support and/or encourage you in your mission, contact one of your Regional Committee members or the National Office. We are all part of the team God has called to this ministry.

Ian Edgar CVA Board Secretary Chair, QLD Regional Committee Centre Manager, Alexandra Park Conference Centre, QLD

Christian Venues Association ExpEriEncE thE spirit of sharing christian camping international australia trading as christian Venues association aBn 74 050 611 295 po Box 5552, south Windsor nsW 2756 ph: 1800 009 890 or (02) 4587 7155 fax: (02) 4587 7933 Email: info@christianvenues.org.au Web: www.christianvenues.org.au please note: the views and opinions expressed by the authors of the articles contained in this publication belong to those authors and are not necessarily the views and opinions of christian Venues association

CONNECT 14

Celebrate 40 years of our stories The Association’s 40th Anniversary & 21st National Conference The Tops, Stanwell Tops, NSW - July 28 to August 1, 2014

Kid's y r e v o c s i D Camp

Emerging Leaders Workshops

“Jesus did not die on a cross to become one of many options to God” Bryan Loritts

Interactive w o h S e d a r T

Organised Adventure Activities

Great Teaching & Exciting Worship Bring your volunteers & Board Members!

ISSUE 36 • Communicator

God Is At Work in

8

From top left to right: The Owen family, A Bidwell alley, Some great locals, Brekky Club, Blackett Underpass

Urban neighbours of hope (Unoh) is a small ministry that was established in 1993 by ash and anji Barker after they felt a burning call to serve christ amongst the poor. they relocated to live in one of Melbourne's most vulnerable neighbourhoods. some twenty years on, though still small in number, Unoh teams have thrown themselves deeply into the life of neighbourhoods facing urban poverty, joining the risen Jesus to transform them from the ground up. this has seen them ministering to asylum seekers, refugees, people facing homelessness, prostitutes and prisoners in australia and a few slums in Bangkok. there aren't any heroes in Unoh, just ordinary people who follow an extraordinary Lord • who "became flesh and moved into the neighbourhood" • who moved alongside the hurting and broken of the world • who walked towards those from whom everyone walks away • who came to proclaim "freedom for the captives and the year of the Lord's favour" • who enfleshed a god whose very heart is for peace, justice and righteousness to cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. in 2007, we started a team in Mt Druitt (in sydney’s west), getting a small house in an area facing some big issues. We don't seek to be a solution to poverty, rather we try and live out and invite others into being a sign of what hope looks like in a hurting world. We see where Jesus is already at work and join in with him. over our 6 years, we have seen god working in beautiful ways and it is a privilege to be here. We get to share life with some amazing people, who even though life has dished out its worst, still manage to maintain hope that it should be better. We get to show them where that hope truly lies.

We don’t need to go and see superman at the movies - around here we get to see superheroes everyday. We just got a visit from one! Unlike superman though, her battles have left their scars, yet she possesses more courage and strength within her frail body than 10 men. she can't jump buildings in a single bound, but she has the strength to have left a home where she was being treated as less than she is. she doesn't so much fight injustice as she can recognise it and is no longer willing to put up with it - we love her. her secret strength lies in her ability to know when to reach her hand out for help; it also lies in her ability to help others. the other night she was visiting us when another woman burst through our front door in tears, feeling as if her world was ending that night. our beautiful friend helped her find the strength to go on, just by being who she was - living evidence of the amazing power of the human spirit to prevail against what can seem like insurmountable odds. it was also a picture of the Kingdom, where god's healing spirit flows most powerfully through his most broken of vessels. she is re-finding her dignity and slowly creeping towards an identity in christ. it's not hard to live and raise a family in this area, especially as we are so proud that our daughters get to look up to her, a real life superwoman. she’s what they need, she's what we all need, to remind us that in the end, god's love can still prevail. it's a privilege to be a part of god's healing work, which all happens when we are present to our neighbours and our god.

Jon & Lisa owen - Unoh ministers-at-large

ISSUE 36 • Communicator

The Neighbourhood”

9

ISSUE 36 • Communicator

SCHOOL HOLIDAY CAMPS...Ye

10

Camp Kedron was established in 1962 and its constitution includes “to promote salvation found in the Lord Jesus Christ and to develop obedience, discipline, tolerance, self-respect and all that tends to true Christian living” & “to encourage youth in Christian service, fellowship, loyalty, friendship, and leadership” Under the leadership of Dr Edwin Boyce, weekend camps were started in February 1976 for a cost of $10.00. In January 1977, the first week long camp was held, costing $32.

Thereafter in each of the school holidays at least 1 camp has been run.

At the 9-15 year olds holiday camp of 13-20 May 1978, a young 14 year old boy attended today he is our Chairman of the Board, having committed his life to Christ at an ensuing camp.

By January 1979, there were 3 camps over Christmas as well as 2 in May and 2 in September.

Early in 1978, a contact in the Warringah Council had been able to include Camp

Kedron camps in their Holiday Brochure that went out to all the local schools and this was a wonderful way of promoting the camps and increased the numbers attending. The relationship with local councils still exists today such that prior to the holidays, we are included in the brochure that is handed out to families at the end of each term. Word of mouth is also very powerful and draws many new campers.

Our camps have always been focused on non-church children and young people so that the Gospel might be introduced in a community where great care and love was shown. This has continued such that a recently completed camp included 50% of non-church children.

In our area, working families where both parents are employed need reasonably priced child minding through the holidays.

Our camps are very well priced at $205 for Sunday through to Friday, which includes all activities and outings. This cost is subsidised by all the other groups using the site

throughout the year.

Over the years, the numbers ebbed and flowed until the mid 2000’s when the camping program was expanded to include separate programs for Senior High Yrs 10-12 and a special Leadership Camp that went for a week in early January. As Camp Kedron does not have a congregation, it relies on volunteers who are already very involved in their local churches. Our plan was to develop leaders from campers who had attended previously. This has been a wonderful success and now over 50% of our leaders on any camp are former campers. These campers are also keen to volunteer their help at other times through the year.

At the end of each camp, we survey the campers to obtain feedback about the camp and to find those interested in getting involved with a church group. We also ask the campers if they currently attend a church or youth group - this is how we determine that 50% of campers are from non-churched backgrounds.

Many in Christian camping fear that being proactive in presenting the Gospel to kids on school camps will mean a decrease in bookings from this source - can I say that this has never happened to us. I teach Religious Education in a high school and present the gospel there according to the NSW curriculum and following their guidelines. I simply do the same when we run school camps and get no negative response from parents or teachers.

So we make a Christian Life Education presentation to the children and teenagers who attend from local schools. During this presentation, we talk about our holiday camp program and offer Bibles free of charge to any who do not have one. This has resulted in many kids hearing about our camps and attending, as well as inviting their friends.

All our holiday camps are currently full with waiting lists and we usually have about 100 campers and 30 leaders. We now run 3 Primary and 3 High School camps, a Junior High camp and a Life Exchange camp for those with a disability.

ISSUE 36 • Communicator

s, the gospel can be presented!

11

building bon Building the bonds so that life is given, offered, made, and received. Building bonds for life.

Building bonds that will last and remain in place.

Connections that endure. This is the principle behind BuildABond.

It is not a coincidence that when BuildABond steel frames are used for construction projects around the world, bonds are created for life.

Hospitals and medical facilities use BuildABond steel frames. Schools, churches, mission housing and Christian campsites use BuildABond steel frames. In these environments, life is made available. A life with Jesus. A life to live with your family. A life to live with your community.

ISSUE 36 • Communicator

This is the backdrop to BuildABond, MMM Australia’s steel roll-forming division. Steel rollforming technology has been around for years and provides many great opportunities and advantages to any organisation that needs a building. This roll-forming process begins with thin, flat lengths of steel that are shaped into predefined ‘C’ section steel lengths used for roofing frames, wall frames and complete multi-room building frames. Easily clad and lined in a variety of materials, all BuildABond frames are pre-cut to precise specifications, allowing for easy onsite assembly by practically anyone who can use a rivet gun and screw in a screw.

12

MMM has been providing steel framed buildings since 2005, meeting a variety of needs. What follows is a simple description of the BuildABond product, its advantages and how MMM has used it in different projects around the world.

Producing low cost, light, galvanized steel framing, BuildABond steel is rolled from 0.55 mm thick high tensile steel to a ‘C’ section profile of 90mm x 37mm. It provides an efficient way to construct small to medium size buildings.

• Economical - The roll-formed steel is pre-cut and processed to provide an easy method of

construction particularly when multiple buildings of the same size and design are required.

• Versatile - Designed for buildings with clear spans of up to 8m and wall heights up to 3m, BuildABond is ideal for building houses, churches, halls, schools, cabins, community centres, offices, extensions and hospitals.

Timber or concrete foundations can be used.

• Durable - No termite or rust damage. No expensive ongoing maintenance. BuildABond is rolled from high tensile galvanized steel.

Frames are engineered and built to withstand even the most severe weather conditions and are compliant with Australian building and safety regulations.

• Highly Transportable - BuildABond steel easily interlocks for tight packing and easy transportation with 12,000 metres of steel framing weighing less than 10 tonnes. Just one 20 ft shipping container can hold up to forty small house frames.

• Easily constructed - All steel lengths are precut and pre-punched ready for riveting together. Only a small number of tools and equipment are needed for assembly. Each piece of steel is labelled and detailed drawings of each frame are provided for easy assembly.

BuildABond has provided a high level of expertise, personnel and support to ministries both within Australia and overseas.

MMM supplies design, computations, working drawings and frames as required.

Solomon Islands Twenty two h Evangelical Ch consisted of 3 Approximate c

Vanuatu - March 2012 Port Vila /Prevention of Blindness Clinic’ pr “Uniting World“ project with funding from A 1627m of steel framing for partition walls roof framing system were supplied.

build-A-bond

ds for life

rogram, a AusAID. and the

Queensland - Oct/Nov 2009 Ten 8m x 6m cabins for the Boys Brigade campsite Glengarry Education Centre. Each cabin has two bunkrooms, two leaders rooms, a large foyer/meeting area and ensuite bathroom. Each cabin consists of 1200m of steel framing fixed to a concrete slab floor. Approximate cost per cabin A$4400 (ex GST).

Junee NSW - July 2011 Three houses for Junee recipients, a “Habitat for Humanity“ project. This was a joint project with H for H, Junee TAFE, Junee Correctional Centre and MMM Australia. Each house consisted of 1400m of steel framing fixed to a concrete slab or timber floor.

ISSUE 36 • Communicator

s - October 2007 house frames (6m x 6m) for SSEC (South Seas hurch) in Gizo for tsunami victims. Each house 380m of steel framing fixed to a timber floor. cost per house A$1450 (ex GST).

East Timor - November 2005 Forty-eight house frames (6m x 6m) for YWAM (Youth With A Mission), East Timor. The houses were built for people impoverished by the problems leading up to the country’s independence in 2002. Each house consisted of 334m of steel framing fixed to a concrete slab floor with concrete block exterior walls. Approximate cost per house A$1300 (ex GST).

13

ISSUE 36 • Communicator

Christian Camping Conference in Malaysia - Hopes Dashed But God Had a Better Plan!

14

I was originally invited to go to Malaysia with Ken Pullen (CVA) and Peter Gitau (Anglican Youthworks) as part of a team to speak at a small conference to encourage those running Christian Camping & Conference Centres in Malaysia. Our prayerful desire was to encourage those in Christian camping in Malaysia to join together in fellowship with different people, from different denominations, networking for the good of all those in this great ministry (just like we have here in Australia).

As the conference date drew closer, we became aware that no-one in Malaysia was either available or willing to commit to meeting together in such an environment. With travel plans committed, we continued to believe that God had a reason for teaming us together and sending us to Malaysia and we stayed true by trusting in Him, who obviously had a greater plan than we did!

With the conference cancelled, our would be conference organisers, Allyson and Hank from Outbac Broga Camp, busied themselves and arranged an amazing road trip for us.

This enabled us to visit 9 sites and 4 central organisational offices in three crazy, hectic but fulfilling days that covered the mid-west section of Malaysia, centred around Kuala Lumpur.

It started on Thursday May 16th with Hank and Allyson driving Ken and Peter to several campsites and organisational offices. My wife Robyn and I then joined these four on the Friday and Saturday, after experiencing some great hospitality from Elizabeth and her team at Camp Outbac Broga.

We were all so impressed with what we saw as we travelled around.

We

encountered some beautiful locations and some incredibly committed servants of God. Facilities ranged from innovative rustic camps to high quality, almost 5-star conference centres.

As we travelled and shared with our brothers and sisters in Christ, it became very evident that for most of these operators, there is a real caution and concern about openly publicising their Christian ministry in a country where it is illegal to convert a Malaysian Muslim to Christianity. To attend a Christian Camping Conference in Malaysia would definitely have drawn attention to that fact.

Oh, why am I continually surprised that God has a far greater plan than I can ever see or imagine!

As we visited and shared, we left each organisation with an encouraging challenge to meet with 2 or 3 other camps in their region and start the fellowshipping and sharing process. I know that CVA is keen to not only support this but also to explore the possibility of some CVA members linking up with our Malaysian counterparts, to share in prayer and support, or even the possibility of doing mission trips to their camps to assist them. Sounds like a great Australian Christian School ministry opportunity as well!

A big thank you to Allyson and Hank for arranging the road trip (and driving us) that enabled us to visit most of the sites we had heard about (sometimes 2 hours apart).

With the discovery that there are possibly up to 25 Christian campsites across Malaysia, it is incredibly exciting to see what God is doing through this great ministry that we are all connected with, even in countries where the freedom to preach God’s word is not as great as it is in Australia.

David Attenborough NSW Personal Member

It’s a blessing to be part of CCI Worldwide!

Prayer, planning, decisions, concerns, opportunities, problems, and rich fellowship converged at the CCI Worldwide Board meeting, May 20-24 in Latvia (if you’re not sure where that is, go to www.christianvenues.org.au/latvia.pdf). For the first time, CCI Worldwide held an event in a country of the former Soviet Union!

Latvia has a history that amazed us. Midway through the meeting, we visited Rundale Palace. This grand palace was a magnificent display of regal 18th century splendour. The day after the Board meeting, several of us visited Riga, the capital. At one point, our host asked if we would like to visit the Museum of Occupations – providing a historical view of the numerous times that this small country had sadly and brutally been occupied by foreign forces. Not, as one puzzled Board member thought, a museum about jobs.

So, remembering that until recently we could not have met in Latvia, the ten Board Members and Regional Representatives from across the world thankfully convened to do the business of our ministry - minutes, budgets, committees, policies - all the responsibilities of a board were addressed. But much richer were the times of sharing, prayer, devotions, meals, laughter, memories and walks together along the Baltic Sea. We were encouraged as we heard of developments worldwide, of miraculous provision, changes and challenges. We heard of more being done in more areas than ever before!

Throughout Europe, new centres are opening and existing ones are joining with others – there at least 20 camps in Albania, France is considering establishing a network and contacts are being established in Hungary.

Developments in Latin America include work in Cuba, Paraguay, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic and, as two LA Trainers are now missionaries in Niger (Africa), they are translating Spanish material into French for use in training people how to use camping for the Gospel there!

In Africa, we rejoice at the growth in both associations – Africa Christian Camping (Eastern Africa) who are having a conference in early September 2013 and Christian Camping Southern Africa. Both of these associations have membership from a number of countries on that continent.

On the opposite page, you can read of developments in Malaysia. These go alongside the news we have been sharing about Bangladesh and further great work in India!

CCI Worldwide is powerfully helping to spread the use of Christian camping and venues ministry throughout the world. Please talk to David Tolman or Ken Pullen to let them share this good news with you.

An amalgamation of reports by Dan Bolin, International Director CCI Worldwide, and Ken Pullen, CEO, CVA.

ISSUE 36 • Communicator

A CCI Worldwide Meeting in Latvia?

15

The Power to Do Good

ISSUE 36 • Communicator

Psalm 82:3-4 “Do justice to the weak (poor) and fatherless; maintain the rights of the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy; rescue them out of the hand of the wicked.”

I heard a story about a former Mayor.

One day in 1935, he paid a visit to a court in the poorest section of the city.

He told the judge to take time off, and he took his seat on the bench, and presided over the cases himself.

Soon a tired, despondent elderly woman appeared before him because she had been charged with stealing a loaf of bread. In her own defence, she said, “My daughter’s husband left her.

She is sick, and her children are hungry.

And I have no money to help them.”

16

The storekeeper had no money and he wanted justice to be done. With a sigh, the Mayor said to the women, “The law is clear. I have to punish you.” He fined her ten dollars. As he was pronouncing the women’s sentence, the mayor was simultaneously reaching into his pocket to pull out a ten-dollar bill. He dropped it into his hat and said, “Here’s the tendollar fine, which I now remit, and furthermore, I’m going to fine everyone in this courtroom fifty cents for living in a town where a person has to steal bread so her grandchildren can eat. Mr Bailiff, collect the fines and give them to the defendant!” The total collection for the grandmother was $47.50.

I like the fact that the mayor used his position of authority to influence others to help the poor grandmother. Any time we can inspire and provoke others to do good, we need to do so.

“I expect to pass through life but once.

If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again.” - William Penn When you live in a relationship with God, you know He has the power to intervene in people’s circumstances.

The more intimately you know God, the more confident you are in His willingness to help others. Out of a heart of love and compassion, we can actually ask God to do you a favour and help others.

Barry and Pam Grainger Queensland Chaplains