Prison inmate’s life transformed

‘I HAVE BEEN SET FREE IN CHRIST’

MY NAME IS EVELYN* AND I WAS BAPTISED AT THE MARY WADE WOMEN’S CORRECTIONAL CENTRE IN SYDNEY, WHERE I AM AN INMATE. I WANT TO SHARE MY STORY WITH YOU.

I had been having lots of conversations with Robyn, our chaplain. About a month before I was baptised, I started asking Robyn questions about faith. My baptism was in the chapel and I was dressed head to toe in a beautiful white cape with a bow around the middle that showed that I have been made new in Christ. One of the other inmates made a crown out of flack leaf and marigold and put it on my head before the baptism. I shared my testimony, and then Robyn tipped water over my head. There were 18 other inmates there and they all clapped and cheered when I finished sharing my story. I know there are about three other girls who want to be baptised, too! I’m so excited about my new life in Christ because I have a future now.

Here is what I shared on the day of my baptism. I hope it encourages you: “I come before you today to share with you a piece of my heart and to signify my inclusion in God’s family, to share with you the honour of being born again into a new life with Christ.

“It was just an ordinary day for me. In the evening, I felt a prompting to look into the Bible that sat next to my cellmate’s bed. I did not know at the time that the decision I made that day would become one that would forever change my life – one that would bring me life. It would be the beginning of my spiritual awakening and the start of an everlasting relationship with God through Jesus Christ, our Saviour.

“Before I found Christ, I was lost in a world that revolved around drugs, pain and more drugs to cover up the pain. I did not think of tomorrow or what my future would hold. Through Christ, I have found meaning to life. I have found light in the darkest of places and I now hold high hopes for my future, for what I will accomplish with God by my side and for the ways in which I will touch the people that surround me throughout my time here on earth.

“The story of how I came to find God is no extraordinary story, it is a story that reminds us that God is always right there, waiting for us to come to him and that he will never forsake any one of us, for his love has no limit. And that, my friends, is extraordinary in itself if you ask me. Placing my faith in Christ, I intend to fulfil my purpose here on earth as God intended, to live for the Father who brought me life. I will stumble along the way, though I know He will pick me up and lead me in the right direction. “Each night I pray for you all with the same spirit that brings us all together in the end. The spirit that lives within each of us and blossoms graciously when nurtured. I am so honoured to have been given the opportunity to be reborn in the very place I first came to Christ, baptising me in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. I now know that I have found a place of belonging and community, shared by our love for Christ.”

– As told to Emily Ferguson * Real name changed

UNCERTAINTY

AND CHANGE BY PETER LAUGHLIN

THERE IS UNCERTAINTY IN A WHOLE RANGE OF AREAS, MOST OF WHICH ARE BEYOND THE CONTROL OF THE INSTITUTION THEMSELVES–GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS, FUTURE STUDENT NUMBERS, INCREASING COSTS OF EDUCATION JUST TO NAME A FEW.

Change is also inevitable: the rapid shift to online meetings and classes due to COVID is just one example of the many demands that institutions face that require them to be both agile and flexible. But whilst uncertainty and change are often seen as challenges to effective operation, they are not necessarily negative. On the contrary, they also provide new opportunities and a chance for innovation within the sector. Teaching today’s students for tomorrow’s ministry with yesterday’s means has always been a recipe for producing irrelevant graduates and frustrated congregations. But innovative and contextual education practices that integrate a practical model of ministry within a strong theological and biblical framework yield graduates that shine.

Graduates, of course, first start out as new students. And here change is also being seen in the demographics of new students that are entering into theological institutions.

Available statistics about those entering theological training in the US (which is being more or less mirrored here) reveals a very interesting shift in the kinds of students taking up study and their reason for doing so.

Of the 6900 students who were surveyed as they commenced theological study during the survey period:

• 47% are older than 35 and 50% are married; • The primary reason why students choose to commence theology study is because they have experienced a call from God on their lives; • Almost all students said that personal referral (from a pastor or friend) was how they ultimately decided on which institution to attend; • 55% of students have already served in local church leadership positions in the 5 years prior to starting study. 93% have leadership experience in some context; • 81% are working while studying; • 81% do not expect to enter into a local church pastoral ministry when they complete their study. Some of these statistics are to be expected, for example, people generally do not choose to do a theological degree unless they have experienced some call from God on their lives, which reminds us again of how important it is as a Christian community to be constantly challenging our congregations to listen for God’s call. But to see that almost 50% of students are older than 35 and have had some local church leadership experience before commencing study reveals that it is not just our young people who need to be challenged concerning their future but those who are already working in full-time capacities and are serving our churches in some way. Particularly striking is the fact that 81% of students do not expect to enter into a local church pastoral ministry role when they complete their study. Almost a third are looking to enter specialised ministry roles (such as chaplaincy, counselling, youth ministry, worship ministries etc.). And the remainder indicate their interest lies in missions, teaching or they are as yet undecided. If these statistics are mirrored only partially here (and all evidence suggest that they are) then it reveals a strong desire amongst future graduates to work outside of the traditional pastoral ministry roles. This will no doubt prove to be a challenge for the Christian church in the years ahead but it also provides encouragement to see that, more than ever, God is calling people to do ministry ‘outside of the box’ and over time this may very well prove to be exactly what the Church needs.

Please continue to pray for ACOM as we seek to fulfil God’s call for us in preparing people for work in His Kingdom. In this fast changing and uncertain environment, we need above all to be listening to what God is wanting to do through us. Pray that we will have attentive spirits and open hearts. – Associate Professor Peter Laughlin is Academic Dean at ACOM

To find out more about studying with ACOM visit www.acom.edu.au

A REWARDING EXPERIENCE

BY MEGAN LAIDLAW

MAUREEN MUIR IS A LONG-TIME VOLUNTEER AT CLELLAND LODGE AND WINNER OF FRESH HOPE CARE’S 2019 MAY ASHWOOD AWARD.

She has been volunteering at Clelland for 10 years and is a founding member of the ‘trolley dollies’. She takes a trolley around to the residents and they can purchase items off it. It’s like a convenience store on wheels with all the goods, including the popular chocolate bars and chip packets.

“It’s particularly helpful for those residents who don’t have family support. I always spend more time talking rather than selling. I enjoy being available for the residents if they happen to be feeling a bit lonely or they just want a chat,” says Maureen.

“I’ve noticed some residents do get a bit panicky if I don’t get there on time as they worry they have missed me. It’s obviously important to them, but I also find I get more than I give as it’s also very important to me. I find it very rewarding.”

Like many volunteers, Maureen did have to take some time off last year due to the government-enforced COVID-19 restrictions. “It was quite challenging, and I missed it, but I made sure I caught up with the other volunteers for lunch once a month. This helped us stay connected.”

“Catherine [Clelland’s volunteer coordinator] has been my guardian angel. She has been encouraging and supporting me from the very beginning. Even during my time off, she made sure I knew that I hadn’t been forgotten. She would call me and send me cards to keep in touch and show she cared. She did this for all the volunteers.”

Maureen is very happy to be back volunteering and the team and residents at Clelland are so glad to have her back. “Volunteering is important for my wellbeing and the residents’. We just need to be there ... as another human being that cares.”

Maureen, left, with volunteer coordinator Catherine.