MST Ambassador Issue 237 digital

ISSUE 237

Brunch on the Lawn

Rachel’s Story

Teaching as Mission

Belgrave Heights Convention: a century of partnership

30 Years of Chinese Ministry at MST

Letter From the Executive Principal

Dear Friends

he hymn, Great is Thy Faithfulness, has remained an iconic statement of belief to the Church since it was penned in 1923. It is a profound song; both in its simplicity and yet, also, in its theological depth. To this day it is widely sung in churches, at weddings, and worship services all around the world, and even in our own chapel services here at MST and Eastern, where it somehow captures the heart and soul of those who seek afresh to declare the great truths of God’s unfailing love.

It’s interesting to note that this timeless hymn was written just three years after the formation of the Melbourne Bible Institute (MBI now MST) in 1920. Writer and pastor, Thomas Obediah Chisholm, had encountered many setbacks in his life. And so it was that, during a particularly bleak time, he found himself reflecting on Lamentations 3:22-23, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

In 1922, in MBI’s second annual report, there were three noteworthy entries. First, is a reference to the ways in which students and supporters alike devoted themselves to the work ‘so that it might continue in the line of the Divine Will.’ Second, there is mention of the numerical growth the College had experienced in just two years, requiring a new location. Numbers had increased from 38 to 57 in just a single year, with more enrolments still expected. Finally, there is an acknowledgment of the great blessing of C. H. Nash’s own faithfulness in starting the college. His vision was that many passionate young Christians from Victoria, having been trained for biblical ministry and mission, would themselves express their own 2

obedience and faithfulness to Christ by leaving their loved ones to serve God in mission; in China, Central Africa, India and among Australia’s First Nations people. Locally, students put their studies to work conducting religious instruction every week in State schools at Hawksburn, Malvern, and West Melbourne.

For those who have read my reports over the years, as well as those of past principals, you’d see a theme that permeates every year of every decade since our inception – our total reliance on the Lord. Yes, we’ve struggled enormously at times with our finances, along with the ever-changing and challenging world of education, striving through it all to continue to serve the church, and the cause of the Gospel. And yet, as I reflect today at the continuing impact of our courses; the uniquely important work of the Arthur Jeffery Centre in teaching and informing us about the nature of Islam; the research and training undertaken by the MST-Eastern Centre for Theology and Psychology; the significant growth of Eastern’s Education courses and enrolments, and the vital role of the Centre for the Study of Chinese Christianity, it remains true; God’s faithfulness continues to be evident as He provides for us and leads us into new and exciting mission fields.

Throughout this edition of Ambassador, our focus has been to share the impact of the work undertaken through MST and Eastern College Australia. As we start the new 2025 academic year, the Board, faculty and staff continue to seek the will of the Lord and His direction just as they did in 1922.

Please join us in thanking the Lord for His faithfulness morning by morning, giving us ‘Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.’

In His name, Tim Meyers is the Executive Principal of MST & Eastern.

Two newsletters, One community

F

rom 2025, each college, Melbourne School of Theology and Eastern College Australia, will receive its own newsletter which has a greater emphasis on its courses and community of interest. MST will continue with the Ambassador that focuses on ministry and mission and highlights the MST Chinese Department and the various Centres of Excellence. Eastern will publish a digital newsletter (Be-Change) that focuses on their unique training in Education, Counselling, VET Tertiary preparation and missions, together with the internationally acclaimed Master of Transformational Development program.

Some articles will appear in both newsletters as we are Two Colleges – One Community. These crossovers of content are indicative of our integrated community, and we want to ensure you don’t miss out on these important updates.

You can choose to receive either or both newsletters by contacting Reception on 03 9881 7800 or emailing your request to info@mst.edu.au or info@eastern.edu.au

Ambassador | Issue 237

6

23 Brunch on the Lawn

4

Rachel’s Story

David Briddock

Opportunities, challenges, and the unknown

Read Ambassador Online

8

20 Filming educational resources for NSW Christian schools

Student Life

mst.edu.au/ambassador

Dr Gillian Asquith

Melbourne School of Theology Address 5 Burwood Highway Wantirna VIC 3152 Australia

FACULTY NEWS

Phone + 613 9881 7800

10 Paradosis Conference 2024 Creation

mst.edu.au

Dr Andrew Brown

12 Cooperation in Theological Education A New Vision for Teaching, Researching and Equipping Dr Thomas Kimber

ALUMNI & FRIENDS 16 Partnerships Belgrave Heights Convention Dr Richard Coombs

22 Looking back on my 100-year journey with the Lord John Bartholomeusz

21 Teaching as Mission

22 Alumni & Family News

Dr Avril Howard

Eastern College Australia

PHOTO: FRONT COVER: RACHEL LIN, MST ALUMNA AND EASTERN STUDENT

Address 5 Burwood Highway Wantirna VIC 3152 Australia Phone + 613 9790 9200 eastern.edu.au

CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE & DEPARTMENTS 14 MST Chinese Department

18 Centre for Theology and Psychology

Dr Theresa Yu Lau

Dr Michael Bräutigam

19 Arthur Jeffery Centre for the Study of Islam Dr Richard Shumack

Prepared by the Ambassador Team Outer plastic wrap is made from biodegradable material.

Ambassador is published bi-annually by Melbourne School of Theology & Eastern College Australia, 5 Burwood Highway, Wantirna, VIC 3152, Australia.

ABN:58 004 265 016.

All rights reserved. Copyright 2025.

SUBSCRIBE TO, OR UPDATE YOUR AMBASSADOR MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION Go to mst.edu.au/ambassador to subscibe and receive two issues of Ambassador Magazine every year for free!

You can also use this link to update your subscription.

Melbourne School of Theology is authorised to deliver courses for the Australian University of Theology ABN: 58 004 265 016 CRICOS: 02650E ACN: 004 265 016

Eastern College Australia ABN: 61 551 855 405 ACN: 641 764 785 RTO No: 22065 HE No: PRV12149 CRICOS: 03853H

Opportunities, challenges, and the unknown

T

he start of a new academic year is always filled with anticipation— new opportunities, new challenges, and the excitement of stepping into the unknown. As students embark on their courses, they bring with them hopes, expectations, and a sense of curiosity about what lies ahead. In these reflections, some of our newest students share their thoughts on beginning this journey—their excitement for learning, their aspirations for the year, and what they look forward to most as they step into this next season of life and study.

4

Roger Seow (MST) I was born in Malaysia and now live in Melbourne. My life has been vibrant, with a clear sense of purpose, making my professional life dynamic and exciting. In 2024, I managed two thriving businesses—one in “I ANTICIPATE Technology Consulting THAT COLLEGE and the other in Medical LIFE WILL BE BOTH Devices distribution— CHALLENGING AND while also focusing on INVIGORATING, personal goals like getting fit and playing the OFFERING guitar more. Now, I’m embarking on a Master COUNTLESS in Theological Studies to OPPORTUNITIES deepen my relationship TO LEARN” with God. I came to MST in obedience to the Lord’s prompting, seeking a systematic study of Scripture so I can know Him more intimately and share His teachings with others. I anticipate that College life will be both challenging and invigorating, offering countless opportunities to learn, contribute, and be pleasantly surprised as I journey alongside fellow students and the wider community. Although I don’t have immediate plans for after graduation, I firmly believe that being well-prepared and equipped will provide the Lord with even more “ingredients” to work through me in my ongoing transformational faith walk.

Jacob Ballard (Eastern)

Bonface Muthomi (Eastern) My name is Bonface and I’m from Mombasa, Kenya, where I’ll be pursuing a I am a Generation Z student from VicMaster in Transformational Developtoria, passionate about ministry and ment from Eastern College Australia. In community work. In 2024, I worked 2024, I worked as a project officer with in childcare and nannied for the second a consortium of three organisations, half of the year while also engaging in focusing on an intervention project volunteer ministry through school prodedicated to Online Child Safety. I chose grams. I’ve always had a desire to do Eastern because it’s one of the few instimore in ministry, and study theology, tutions globally offering this program, equipping myself for whatever path and I am eager to gain knowledge and God leads me on. I’m now pursuing a skills that will empower me to contribDiploma of Ministry at MST, which felt ute meaningfully to the development like the right fit as soon as I stepped onto sector in Africa. I envision my studies campus. The diverse, to be both enlightening grounded community and fun, offering oppor“I’M EXCITED TO with students of varying HOPEFULLY USE MY tunities to learn and life experiences deeply engage with a diverse STUDIES TO SERVE community. What resonated with me.

College life will revolve IN THE COMMUNITY, excites me most about around finding deeper my studies is knowing SPECIFICALLY connections with my that the training I will FOCUSING ON peers, participating receive will equip me in group discussions, as a strategic resource FAMILIES AND and being involved in in God’s restorative CHILDREN, chapel and other comwork, particularly in SHOWING GOD’S munity events. After I Kenya and the wider graduate, I’m excited LOVE AND GRACE.” African continent. to hopefully use my I’m passionate about studies to serve in the advocating for good community, specifically focusing on governance and creating transformative families and children, showing God’s programs aimed at alleviating poverty. love and grace. I am excited for “whatAfter graduation, I look forward to being ever”, knowing that God will shape and a change agent and making a lasting guide me throughout this study and impact through the work I do in my beyond. home country and beyond.

Sara Hoppitt (MST)

I’m from Coffs Harbour, NSW, and I’m excited to embark on my studies at Eastern. In 2024, I dedicated my time to seeking the face of Jesus Christ while working full-time as a cleaner. In my everyday life, I make it a mission to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my sphere of influence. Now, I am pursuing a Certificate 4 in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care, a course I believe the Holy Spirit led me toward after researching many Bible colleges. I admire Eastern’s values and commitment to Biblical integrity, and I feel called to be part of this community. Since I’ll be conducting my studies online, I plan to stay connected through Zoom calls and by building rapport with faculty and fellow students. I am excited to use my studies to fulfill God’s predestined plan for my life, to proclaim the name of Jesus Christ, and to spread the Gospel as part of the Great Commission. This journey will prepare me to live out my purpose and make a significant impact in God’s kingdom.

Leanne Hill is the Dean of Students for MST & Eastern.

5

Rachel’s Story From Wuhan to MST to Wuhan to Eastern

MY

name is Ying Lin, but to voluntarily serve as an interpreter for many of the students pastors in their Sunday Services. Around and faculty on the the same time, I also got a part-time job campus know me as Rachel. Before related to my major. Surprisingly and coming to Australia, I was studying graciously, the company I worked at English at a university in Jiangxi provwas founded by an American Christian, ince in my home country, China. By where all my co-workers were believers. the grace of God, I had a few American Over the four years I worked there my teachers who were Christians, and who faith was strengthened and I began freely shared the gospel to know more about with me when I visited the Bible, craving for a “BY THE GRACE their homes outside of deeper understanding OF GOD, I HAD A class. When I graduated of it. Then, in 2015, I from uni, I moved to applied for a visa for FEW AMERICAN another city, Wuhan, a working holiday to TEACHERS WHO for my Master’s studAustralia. ies in translation and WERE CHRISTIANS, I fell in love with interpreting.

AND WHO FREELY Australia as soon as I As a new believer, I walked out of TullamaSHARED THE joined the local church rine airport: blue sky, in Wuhan and was called GOSPEL WITH ME” fresh air, wide landscape,

6

and clean roads. More importantly, living in Australia meant I could go to church and join “religious” activities freely. I started to attend a church in Melbourne and became quite involved with the community. When my oneyear working holiday visa came to an end, my heart didn’t feel like going back to China. I shared how I was feeling with my pastor about studying Christian Studies. He then introduced me to Melbourne School of Theology as this was where he did his theological studies. He drove me to MST right away and, after I chatted with Tom Kimber, I decided to study at the college.

Coming to MST was a shock; I don’t know what I was expecting! I came from a country with huge universities both by number and size, so when I first visited MST, honestly speaking, I was

surprised to see MST being so “petit,” just like me, but as one would say, “Great things come in small packages.” I loved this place. The staff and lecturers were easy to access, and they were super supportive in both my study and life as an overseas student.

I finished my Diploma of Christian Studies in one year. My favorite memories included Wednesday chapels, morning teas, different events hosted by the student leadership body, and staying with our then Vice-Principal Peter Tyrrell’s family. At the end of 2017 I graduated, proudly awarded the Top Student Award of the Year for my course. But sadly, my visa was finishing and, I had to return to China in January 2018.

Even though I loved my time in Australia, I felt the need to return to China for different reasons. I wanted to help my friends to learn about the Bible with what I had learned from MST. However, after I got back and settled in Wuhan, I realized that people were occupied with work, and they didn’t even have time for themselves in the evenings or weekends. It seemed like life was all about working and making a living. I came to realize there is a dramatic difference between Australians and Chinese culture. Soon I became one of them, working overtime daily and having to sacrifice my weekends for work. Then, in the beginning of 2020, COVID-19 hit hard in Wuhan and quickly the rest of the world. There wasn’t much to do or to fulfill myself during the three years of COVID. All I can remember was making sure that I tested negative for what

seemed like never-ending COVID tests.

When I graduate from my two-year During this time, I applied for an course in June this year, Master of English teaching job in Teaching (Secondary), Wuhan. Teaching comes I’ll register with the Vicnaturally to me but I torian Institute of Teach“I ALSO knew I needed to learn ing, and apply to teach BENEFITTED how to be a more effecin a secondary college, GREATLY FROM tive teacher so I could be which could be either the positive influence Christian, public, or MY MST COURSE I wanted to be to my private. I sincerely hope AS IT HELPED students. The thought that God will guide me to ME TO SEE of studying teaching become a role model for overseas was formed EDUCATION FROM the younger generation but I had to wait for the in my teaching and that A CHRISTIAN COVID-19 pandemic to I can use my Christian PERSPECTIVE be over and for Chinese faith to impact them, so customs to be open. they know that they are AND HOW I CAN From my time at MST, loved.

INTEGRATE and conversations with Over the years, God FAITH WITH MY other students, I knew has been faithful to me. where I wanted to apply He put the passion of VOCATION.” to study teaching – Eastteaching in me and sent ern College Australia. spiritual leaders my Because of my previous study at way to encourage and strengthen me, MST, I was able to quickly adapt to also providing me with the amount of the study mode at Eastern, especially money I needed to travel and study oversince it’s the same location, and there seas, and places to stay when I didn’t were many staff I encountered before. have money to rent in Melbourne.

I also benefitted greatly from my MST Going overseas was a step of faith course as it helped me to see education and a decision to get out of my comfort from a Christian perspective and how zone. There are many days I sense the I can integrate faith with my vocation. difficulties of living and studying alone But studying teaching and studying in a different country, and many tears ministry are quite distinct. They have are shed, but I know that this is exactly different content and focus, with teachwhere God wants me to be now. He is ing requiring me to become familiar my shelter and comforter (Psalm 91:2). with secondary education in Australia, which is totally different from how I was educated in China. That was a big challenge for me. The study load also seemed to be bigger.

7

The Lord’s faithfulness in growing the student community Last semester, we welcomed several new online students from different states and even from New Zealand, highlighting that our student body reaches far beyond the Wantirna campus. Iona Kroussoratsky, our Student Services Manager and 2014 graduand, reminds us of the Lord’s faithfulness as an authentic student community continues to flourish at MST and Eastern into a post-Covid norm.

“One of the joys of the MST and Eastern student communities coming together has been the vibrancy of Christian community and diversity both on-campus and online.

While study approaches (online, on-campus, part-time, full-time) are constantly changing, we thank God for his prevailing faithfulness as He continues to lead many students to be equipped and trained for his purposes. What a joy it is to have this blessed assurance in Christ as 8

a student body and learning community. He is faithful and He is equipping more and more students for many and varying ministries and missional contexts!”

Reflections from Student Leaders Our campus has always had the reputation for having a focus on being a learning community. Our student leadership continues this tradition, fostering community within the student body through various activities. From weekly prayer gatherings and shared meals, to organising creative worship evenings each semester, their efforts have deepened students’ connections in faith and fellowship.

A highlight from last year was the Creative Worship Evening, where students gathered around the grand piano on campus in the foyer, singing praises together (NOTE to COMM: Do you have access to the pictures that were taken?)

Some of our 2024 student leaders shared their reflections on the year,

offering insight into the joys of their role and a testament to the importance of a student leadership committee in shaping a supportive and spiritually enriching campus environment.

“This has been a very interesting year for me because I graduated from Eastern in March with a Master of Community Counselling and, at the same time, started a new course at MST. Although I am doing two different courses, I feel very blessed that we share the same community, as it makes the transition a lot less scary. I love that we are able to fellowship together around campus and through different college events.”

Pinky Hui – Master of Theological Studies “Helping with events has led me to new friends, I have been encouraged

by God’s hand over MST and even grown as a person outside my comfort zone.”

Tammi Taylor – Advanced Diploma of Theology

“ONE OF THE JOYS OF THE MST AND EASTERN STUDENT COMMUNITIES COMING TOGETHER HAS BEEN THE VIBRANCY OF CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY AND DIVERSITY BOTH ON-CAMPUS AND ONLINE.” “Having the opportunity to serve in the kingdom of God has been a blessing.

Hearing others’ prayers in the time of corporate prayer on Wednesday mornings has strengthened and uplifted me as the love others have for our glorious God touches my heart and further transforms me.”

Nathan Lesslie – Master of Ministry

Chapel Focus: Reflections on Israel-Palestine Last year, as part of Chapel’s ‘Matters of the Heart’ theme, we held a mini-series on Israel and Palestine, aiming to provide thoughtful, well-rounded insights into the ongoing situation in Gaza. By exploring these issues, we sought to deepen our understanding of the suffering experienced by various communities.

Mercy Aiken, co-author of the biography of Bishara Awad, a Palestinian Christian and founder of Bethlehem Bible College, shared compelling stories about the Christian communities

still confined in Gaza.

Stuthi Rubdi, an MST student leader in 2024 reflected that, “Her message about Christians still confined in Gaza deeply challenged me. It reminded me that as the Body of Christ, we’re called to bring light even to the darkest corners of the world and Our Heavenly Father is the one who equips us.”

A couple of weeks later we heard from Lawrence Hirsch, Executive Director of Celebrate Messiah Australia and Messianic Rabbi of Beit HaMashiach Congregation in Melbourne. Lawrence, a Jewish believer in Christ, provided a unique and valuable perspective on the conflict and Jewish communities in Australia.

Our very own Dr Bernie Power concluded the series by consolidating the insights shared. Bernie gave us all the reminder that true peace can only be found in Jesus and, as Christians, we are called to bring the gospel into the world, sharing the message of peace and hope with all.

These sessions certainly deepened many students’ understandings of the

conflict and reinforced a commitment to prayer, and the pursuit of peace through Christ.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God – Matthew 5:9 Please pray for our 2025 Student Leaders and the Student Services Team who supports and encourages them. They have a unique role in settling in new students, whether in February or July, providing support in a diverse range of ways, and in forging the bonds of community that MST and Eastern are known for.

A reminder: Chapel messages are posted online each week for students who are not able to attend our Wednesday gatherings. They are accessible for anyone who would like to watch them.

Please join us.

Leanne Hill is the Dean of Students at MST & Eastern.

9

P

aradosis. The word comes from the Greek New Testament.

Although Jesus largely resists the Jewish leaders’ preservation of legal ‘tradition’ (our word παράδοσις) at the expense of human need (Matthew 15 and Mark 7) and Paul’s days of zealously observing the ‘traditions’ of his forefathers (Gal. 1:14) lie firmly in his past, in 1 Cor. 11:2, 2 Thess. 2:15 and 3:6, Paul praises believers in the churches for carefully maintaining the good teachings about Christ in the form ‘handed down’ to them by the apostles—the same Greek word.

This is the sense we mean in our conference series title. The first Paradosis conference at MST was organized by Dr Michael Bräutigam in 2016, to be followed by two more in 2018 & 2019, before COVID interrupted the series.

The conferences are not limited to a single topic, e.g., the wellbeing focus of Paradosis 2019 reflected the interests of our Centre for Theology and Psychology. Our overall purpose is to invest in providing opportunities for deeper, Christ-centred theological reflection for our wider supporter community and beyond across a range of fields. These conferences are a chance to disseminate the professional expertise, cultivated learning and spiritual insight of not only our own faculty but also of worldclass scholars.

The August 9–10 conference saw the resumption of the series centering on a creation theme, inspired by several different motivations: • Current public discussion of issues affecting the natural world, particularly climate change, along with the larger concern that from a Christian viewpoint is called creation care.

10

• The ever-present challenge of reconciling biblical creation and mainstream scientific frameworks such as biological evolution.

• The practical question of how scientific, historical and technical knowledge accessed in other fields can be brought into relationship with biblical and theological truth.

• The launch of Andrew Brown’s (my) book Recruiting the Ancients for the Creation Debate (Eerdmans, 2023), reviewed in the last edition of the Ambassador.

• The foundational role of creation theology for our entire Christian belief system.

• While the creation theme certainly pertains to current concerns in the church and the wider community, theological reflection on creation is always relevant and bears fruit in good theology, personal wellbeing and practical ethics.

Conference Overview Friday evening’s proceedings featured Dr Chris Mulherin, director of ISCAST (‘Science and Christianity Together’) introducing the issues involved in bringing together what we know of science and what we learn from the

Scriptures and from Christian theology.

Then, following the launch of Recruiting the Ancients, we tuned in to hear theologian Dr David Fergusson, Regius Professor of Divinity at Cambridge University, over zoom. His introduction to the landscape of creation theology sought to balance the priorities of a ‘green’ creation theology concerned with care of the created environment with a ‘blue’ theology retaining historically important doctrinal truths.

Encouragingly, the crowd was back for more on Saturday morning, beginning with a look at aspects of creation from Genesis through to other parts of the Old Testament such as Isaiah and Amos. Next, an interview with Jonathan Pennington of Southern Seminary in Kentucky, USA, represented the New Testament by exploring how the Gospel of Matthew reflects Genesis and then anticipates the reconciliation of heaven and earth with the arrival of Jesus. The morning session continued with a short overview of creation in the teaching of the church fathers before Rebekah Earnshaw of Bandung Theological Seminary in Indonesia represented Reformation teaching on creation with a close-up look at John Calvin. Intervening breaks saw the first-floor landing at our Wantirna campus alive with conversation between friends old and new.

After lunch, guests settled back into our chapel for twin sessions

by Dr Paul Tyson, a philosophical

theologian attached to the University of Queensland. His talks, Creation Confronts Contemporary Thought and Culture and A Creation-Informed Response to Climate Change, introduced audience members to a range of challenging new ideas and not a few new vocabulary words as he explained the philosophical derailment of Western thought, not just during the Enlightenment, but as early as the fourteenth century.

A change of topic and tack to the practical side of creation care followed, as World Vision’s Tony Rinaudo related the story of his discovery of the principles that led to the establishment in sub-Saharan Africa of the Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration movement, springing out of his experiences as a missionary in Niger, confronted with progressive land degradation that threatened starvation. Finally, Chris Mulherin returned along with two ISCAST fellows, biologists Sarah Wilson and Michael Clarke, in a panel entitled, “Do we need to engage with mainstream science in forming a Christian view of origins?” Panel members shared their personal experiences and perspectives as Christians living and thinking as scientists in the environments of church, academy and workplace.

Looking back on the event, how might we reflect on the faithfulness of God? Re-establishing the Paradosis series after COVID certainly leads us to appreciate the faithfulness of God to

MST & Eastern: we are still here, serving God and seeking to cultivate the Spirit’s work in the lives of God’s people. But we are reminded too that creation is often celebrated in Scripture for the purpose of reinforcing God’s present care for His own special people and His ability to create something new in their present reality:

I create light and darkness, happiness and sorrow. I, the LORD, do all this.

Tell the heavens to send down justice like showers of rain.

Prepare the earth for my saving power to sprout and produce justice that I, the LORD, create.

Isa 45:7-8 (CEV) If God brought something good out of nothing once, God can do it again, so great is His faithfulness.

Recruiting the Ancients for the Creation Debate

by Dr Andrew J. Brown

How literally are we meant to take the creation week of Genesis 1? In this polarizing debate, contemporary interpreters invoke great theologians from history to support their own side, whether that be a young Earth or theistic evolution.

Andrew’s book is a careful and unbiased analysis of how thinkers from church history interpreted the creation narrative in Genesis. By studying the intellectual history of the church in this way — to revisit rather than recruit the ancients — we can enrich our own biblical interpretation of creation.

BUY FROM:

Dr Andrew Brown is a Lecturer in Old Testament at Melbourne School of Theology.

EERDMANS.COM

AMAZON.COM.AU

Cooperation in Theological Education

A New Vision for Teaching, Researching and Equipping

T

he world of higher education support of one another. Bree Mills, one has been changing rapidly over of our DMin students, reflects on the the past several years. The reavalue of the cohort experience. sons for that are varied and complex.

Higher costs and lower student num“Partnering with students from difbers, changes in the church in Australia ferent colleges has fostered a strong and abroad, shifts in educational methsense of camaraderie throughout ods and course delivery, along with a my postgraduate journey. It has host of other issues mean that educanot only introduced me to diverse tional institutions must be agile and viewpoints and reflections but also creative to remain viable and relevant in made my learning experience far this world. Yet challenges also present more dynamic and engaging.” us with unprecedented opportunities as we seek creative solutions.

For the past several years, MST and In recent years, MST has been explorMalyon College in Brisbane have ing ways to maximize our potential met monthly online for Postgraduate and our impact by cooperating with Research Seminars. Students from other like-minded colleges. It causes us both colleges give presentations from to reflect on the words of the wisdom their own research, ask questions, as writer, “Two are better than one, because well as provide input and response as they have a good reward for their toil.” a means of sharpening one another and (Eccles. 4:9) Sadly, even in Christian growing in our abilities as researchers. higher education, it is common for The online format has enabled us to colleges to compete build community and with one another for share resources across “MST HAS BEEN students, status and colleges, forming a funding. But in recent broader supportive EXPLORING WAYS years, MST has fought research community.

TO MAXIMIZE OUR that trend and chosen Recently, MST, POTENTIAL AND the path of cooperRidley and Malyon ation rather than held their third OUR IMPACT BY competition. And it annual Practical TheCOOPERATING has begun to forge ology and Missiology WITH OTHER LIKEa new era in gospel Research Conference. partnerships in theoMINDED COLLEGES.” The conference came logical education. out of a desire to build In 2019, the AUT a stronger research completely revised its Doctor of Mincommunity among our colleges and to istry (DMin) degree. Since then, MST provide resources and support for our DMin cohorts have joined with Ridley students who are conducting research cohorts for regular discussions about in ministry contexts. This two-day practical theology, building relationannual event gives our students the ships across the colleges, sharing minopportunity to grow in their skills as istry and research ideas, and discussing researchers, apply new techniques to relevant issues and current trends in their projects, and learn from others ministry. The coordinators of the two who are doing research in similar areas programs, Graham Stanton (Ridley) and of interest and ministry.

Andrew Menzies (MST) share resource Ministry research typically involves ideas, books, and offer guidance in theohuman subjects, which requires ethics logical reflection, while the students approval for legal purposes. In order have grown in their relationships and to support ethical research in higher 12

education, MST, Malyon, and Trinity College in Queensland have formed a combined low-risk ethics committee to provide ethical clearance for our master’s level research projects. The committee is formed of representatives from each college who are able to approve projects quickly and efficiently through online means. It’s a process that would be difficult for one college alone but is possible through the cooperation of these three colleges.

In recent times, MST and Ridley have agreed to blend selected classes across both colleges. This addresses some of the common challenges of student numbers in certain units, covering classes during faculty study leaves, drawing on the expertise of each college and sharing resources. Because of the proximity of the colleges, students may choose to join on campus as well as online from a distance. The experience for the students builds relationships, deepens learning, and provides a new context for continued learning.

Beyond the processes of administration, planning, sharing units, conferences and seminars, something much greater and more meaningful is happening. We discover the strength and beauty of partnership for the sake of the gospel. Our desire is that it not only enhances our educational opportunities, but it models a Christ-centred perspective on working together in our common calling in discipleship training, spiritual formation, and ministry preparedness. Andrew Menzies reflects on the greater benefits of these kinds of partnerships, “The growing partnership between our colleges has so much upside. Staff and students are energised, encouraged, and infused with a passion for sharing the gospel; resources are utilised better; and it all leans into closer kingdom collaboration, combined research synergies and a needed injection of evangelical thought leadership as we missionally engage a hurting world.”

Dr Thomas Kimber is the Senior Lecturer in Spiritual and Pastoral Theology & Director of Research.

Library opening hours (during semester) Monday: 10am – 6pm Tuesday: 10am – 9pm Wednesday: 10am – 9pm Thursday: 10am – 9pm Friday: 9am – 5pm Saturday: 9am – 1:30pm Refer to the library home page for further information on the library’s opening hours: mst.edu.au/library

Library Tour Did you know that the library conducts tours? We encourage students to sign up for a tour at mst.edu.au/library-tour

Library Space We have been working to create new spaces in the library. Whilst we are still in the process of redesigning and refurbishing the library space, we encourage you to come and explore the changes including our new reading corner.

Book Sale Our book sale has moved and is now located externally to the library (in the building corridor towards the front of the library).

mst.edu.au/library

13

MST Chinese Department

30 Years of Chinese Ministry at MST

W

e are deeply grateful to God for His unwavering faithfulness to the Chinese department. By His glorious presence and transformative guidance, He has blessed us with new faculty, staff, students, supporters, and fresh visions, all while keeping the original passion alive and vibrant.

2025 is an exciting year for MSTC as we are delighted to mark 30 years of Chinese ministry training at MST. To celebrate this significant milestone, we have planned a series of anniversary events, including an academic conference in May and a series of mission revival meetings in August, featuring Hudson Taylor IV, Principal of China Evangelical Seminary, Taiwan. Our theme for 2025 is “Let Grace Shine Forth.” Over these many years, we have witnessed the transformative power of the Gospel and now call on every believer to carry this Gospel of grace to Melbourne and to the ends of the earth.

This milestone also presents an opportunity to raise awareness of the need for quality theological education.

We aim to raise $300,000 for scholarship

funds—particularly to support overseas students who can make a significant Gospel impact in neighbouring countries and local Chinese churches—and an additional $300,000 for operational costs. We praise the Lord for the continuous growth in our faculty, staff, and student body, even as this growth has led to increased operational expenses.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Chinese churches in Melbourne for their vision in establishing this ministry and for their exemplary faithfulness and generosity over the years. We are deeply grateful to our alumni, who have tirelessly prayed for the college, laboured in local and overseas mission fields, and remained mindful of the institution that contributed to their formation for ministry. To God be all the glory—may His name be faithfully praised!

We are also grateful for the Lord’s generous provision in guiding us into three new ventures this year.

First, we launched a new Cantonese cohort this semester to serve the influx of new migrants from Hong Kong and meet the growing needs of

Cantonese-speaking churches.

Second, our long-held vision of developing a multicultural second-generation training program is gaining momentum. We are excited to have Pastor Grace Lung - Director of Centre for Asian Christianity (Brisbane School of Theology) join us in strategizing and planning courses set to launch next year, with Dr Crystal Hong—our newly appointed Old Testament lecturer from Macau and Sydney—coordinating the project.

Third, we are exploring the expansion of our Chinese higher degree program in partnership with other institutions.

Please pray with us for wisdom and discernment as we embark on these endeavours.

Christian Perfection and the Holiness Movement

DR

Yuk Liong participated in the 8th Wesleyan Seminar from 26-27 June 2024 in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. The conference was organized by the World Federation of the Chinese Methodist Church (WFCMC), with 58 representatives from six nations (Hong Kong China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Australia).

Yuk presented a paper on the topic of “Christian Perfection and Holiness Movement: A Historical Development and Reflections”

14

Dr Liong’s abstract: The doctrine of the Christian Perfection (Entire Sanctification) as strongly advocated and fiercely defended and guarded by John Wesley in his lifetime, seemingly underwent subtle but fundamental changes in the first half of the 19th century in America, particularly under the leadership of Phoebe Palmer. One of her main emphases was an introduction to “a shorter way” to achieve the Christian Perfection. This had resulted in the flourishing of the Holiness Movement among different

Protestant denominations later, and eventually contributed, in some ways, to the birth of the Pentecostal movement in the early 20th century. The paper outlines the historical development, examines the changes, and provides some critical reflections for the Chinese Methodist churches today in the light of the theological methodology of John Wesley.

MST Chinese Department

A Biblical View of Stress and Emotion

“T

he Good Use of Stress and Emotion” was one of our newly launched MSTC internal certificate units in 2024, led by an experienced counsellor, Johnny Leung. 27 students from 16 different churches participated in the 12-hour short unit in July. The unit was well received with many students expressing wishes to attend similar courses in the future. Students appreciated the light-hearted and humorous approach to this important but delicate topic.

Chinese culture has a unique and complex relationship with emotions.

Traditionally, Chinese society has placed a high value on harmony, self-control, and the collective well-being over individual expression. However, globalization has contributed to a shift towards more open expressions of emotion, especially among younger generations. Therefore, it is an opportune time to offer good biblical teaching in this area. Quite a few students mentioned that their main take-away was the understanding that there are always more than three solutions to one issue.

One student commented that: “I used to be quite rigid in the way I handled issues in life, believing that there is only one right solution in any given circumstances. This has been a main cause of stress. Given my cultural background, I am willing to work extremely hard to achieve the one best result in my mind and hence putting myself under even more stress. The course has helped change my way of thinking. I am now able to relax knowing that I am not only limited to just one solution in any given situation but be more willing to consider a variety of options and choose one that is most practical and helpful. It was very useful to learn this content in a Christian context, knowing that part of the solution to reduce my level of stress and pressure is by learning to rely and depend more on God.”

Biblical Hermeneutics in Indigenous Perspectives

DR

Crystal Hong and Dr Jason Lam participated in the biennial conference organized by the Society of Asian Biblical Studies (SABS) at Yu-Shan Theological College and Seminary in Taiwan from 10-15 July 2024. This grand event attracted scholars not only from Asia but from across the Pacific Rim. This year, 81 participants from 37 countries, including most Asian countries, Australasia, North America, and more, attended. With the theme “Biblical Hermeneutics in Indigenous Perspectives,” the conference gathered biblical scholars, theologians, pastors, missionaries, and scholars from various disciplines. The venue, located in a region inhabited by indigenous people and dedicated to training indigenous ministers, provided a unique setting that facilitated rich exchanges among participants. The topics and contents of Crystal’s and Jason’s presentations are listed as follows.

Dr Jason’s abstract: “Jesus Bhagavat?

Exploring Indigenous Adam Christology in the Seventh Century Jingjiao Document ‘On One God’” In the 7th century Nestorian document “On One God”, we come across a surprising occurrence: Shizun (the Chinese translation of Bhagavat) was attributed to Jesus. This unique title, borrowed from Buddhism, carries multifaceted meanings, encompassing references to the Lord and Son of God, as evidenced by comparisons with quoted scriptures.

The author delves into Adam Christology

to underscore the significance of Christ’s resurrection, reflecting a pivotal perspective revered in Syriac Christianity. This endeavour stands as a notable effort to convey Christian concepts to Chinese readers with limited exposure to the faith, utilizing available resources effectively.

Consequently, it seems improbable that this document is a later fabrication by Christians of subsequent generations.

Rather, it potentially represents one of the earliest ventures into Chinese Christian theology, predating the works of Catholic missionaries in the Ming dynasty by a millennium.

Dr Crystal’s abstract: “Bible Translation as Indigenous Reading of the Bible: A Case Study of Chinese Translation of the Hebrew Bible” Bible translators read the biblical texts through their own cultural and theological lenses, then articulate the message of the texts in line with their translation goals. As such, Bible translation is an indigenous reading of the biblical texts.

This paper examines the differences between the Chinese translations of the Hebrew Bible finished by Christian translators and those by non-Christian translators. It takes the corpus-based approach to analyse a substantial section of the Hebrew Bible – Genesis 37-50.

This paper will demonstrate what an indigenous reading of the biblical texts may look like, and how Bible translation as an indigenous reading of the biblical texts may have impact on further indigenous reading.

Dr Theresa YU LAU is the Dean of MST Chinese Department.

15

Partnerships

Belgrave Heights Convention Partners in the Word

Many graduate students from MST From its inception in 1920, Melbourne have attended and heard their ‘call’ to School of Theology has been a theologministry and study through the minisical School committed to the authority try of the Convention. A highlight for of God’s Word. Two years earlier (1918) over 50 years was a whole day given over the Upwey Convention held its inauguto hearing from missionary students ral meetings on the current property of and others on home assignment from Upwey Baptist Church, later becoming their respective fields of service.

Belgrave Heights Convention (BHC) Leaders of various mission agencies where it moved in 1950. in Australia testify to the impact the With their beginnings being so Convention has had on the number closely aligned, a very close and warm of missionaries who have served in partnership has existed between MST various places around the world. It is and BHC now for over 100 years. estimated to be in the many hundreds.

The founder and principal of MelCountless numbers of people have bourne Bible Institute (MBI), Rev CH been impacted through ministries that Nash, was a regular speaker at the include pastoral ministry, theological early Conventions. education, medical Subsequently, all services, literature, of MST’s principals technology, mission “A VERY CLOSE AND have spoken at Conaviation, translation, WARM PARTNERSHIP vention meetings, women and chilHAS EXISTED including the latter dren’s ministries, principals—David school education, and BETWEEN MST Price, Michael Raiter church planting.

AND BHC NOW FOR and Tim Meyers – in A well-known OVER 100 YEARS.” recent years. leader of a Victorian In addition, David denominational misPrice was Chair of sion agency stated, “If the Convention (1997–2015) and I asked all of our missionaries on the the current Chair, Richard Coombs field where they received their call to (2015–present) was also a lecturer at mission, the most common answer MST (2012–19). would be Belgrave Heights ConvenFrom its earliest beginnings, Belgrave tion.” She added, “Actually, if I asked Heights Convention has held as its that question at most mission agencies highest priority, the faithful, biblical, the answer would be the same.” expository preaching of God’s Word What an impact the ministries of and the warm, evangelistic proclamaMST and BHC have had! Long may they tion of the good news of Jesus. continue to be a blessing to help grow Significant people who have opened God’s Kingdom!

God’s Word at the Convention have Both ministries have seen develbeen those like Gladys Aylward, J opment in the last few years. MST Sidlow Baxter, Alistair Begg, Stuart and has expanded its teaching courses by Jill Briscoe, Geoffrey Fletcher, Marcus including Eastern College Australia in Loane, J Oswald Sanders, Corrie ten its facilities and seen the growth of its Boom and others.

Chinese Department.

16

BHC has recently opened a new $10 million accommodation block called the ‘Hope Centre’ which provides 241 beds and meeting rooms for growing ministry. This, and other accommodation on the property, is available for Church camps, retreats and Conferences.

With increasing pressure being placed from various sources toward those who hold evangelical values and beliefs, the partnership between MST and BHC is significant.

One of the distinctives of the Convention is that it is inter-denominational.

It is one of the few events where people from different church and cultural backgrounds can gather under the banner of ‘One in Christ Jesus’ and fellowship and worship, declaring our unity in Christ.

MST and the Convention provide places where men and women of all ages are able to learn and grow in their spiritual life through applied study and excellent biblical teaching. Collectively, MST and BHC make a very positive and vibrant contribution to the body of Christ in Melbourne and Victoria through their long partnership together.

Besides the regular Summer and Easter Conventions, the Convention has expanded over the years to include a growing number of Conventions – VCYC (Youth), Men’s, IDEAS (apologetics), Senior’s Retreats and Spring Conventions, Women’s, Songs of Praise.

Other Conferences and ministries are being considered. Check their website out for details: bhc.org.au

Dr Richard Coombs is the Chair of Belgrave Heights Convention and Lecturer in Church History.

MAIN AUDITORIUM

DINING ROOM IN NEW HOPE CENTRE

VIEW OF FOYER FOR CONVENTION

DAVID PRICE (FORMER BCV PRINCIPAL) CUTTING RIBBON FOR OPENING OF NEW HOPE CENTRE – JANUARY 2024.

DAVID PRICE (FORMER BCV PRINCIPAL) LEADING MISSION MEETING AT CONVENTION

VIEW OF NEW ACCOMMODATION BLOCK – HOPE CENTRE

LUNCH BEING SERVED AT NEW HOPE CENTRE

17

Faculty News

Centre for

Theology and

Psychology

W

Dr Michael Bräutigam is the MST Academic Vice Principal, Director of the Centre for Theology and Psychology, and Senior Lecturer in Theology.

18

hen it comes to psychology, you always hear the worst news first. Mental health issues are on the rise, people are struggling with loneliness and anxiety, and professional care is in higher demand than ever before.

Surrounded by this day after day, it can be easy to feel like God is absent.

But there is another side to this story.

Yes, these things might be true. But at CTP we constantly see the good work God is doing in the space of psychology and mental health.

The Centre for Theology and Psychology is committed to educating and supporting both current and future Christian leaders at the intersection of theology and psychology.

We aim to equip them with the skills and tools to foster mental wellbeing and grow healthy communities.

Through initiatives like our Mental Health Fellowship, we’ve been able to connect Christian mental health professionals from across Australia.

The Fellowship has become a hub for people to talk with peers, share their work and research, and discuss developments at the intersection of faith and psychology.

So far, we’ve had speakers talk on eating disorders in the faith community, domestic violence, and trauma,

sharing wisdom and research that has gone on to help people throughout Australia.

We’ve also had opportunities to collaborate with organisations like ISCAST, running a joint-conference last year discussing prominent topics in psychology today from a theological perspective. In March of this year, we again collaborated with ISCAST in their ‘Conversations’ webinar series.

In semester two this year, we are running our unit, THEOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO WELLBEING, online.

It’s a huge encouragement to see God use our CTP initiatives to connect people across all areas of psychology and theology, so that we might share each other’s passions and lead the discussion in faith-based mental health care.

Our workshops and accredited trainings are equipping Christians with the knowledge and skills to approach topics like leadership, mental health, and counselling with confidence and Godliness. And despite challenges, God is clearly at work in this space. If you’re interested in learning more about CTP and the work we’re doing, or you’d like to get involved, please visit our website at ctp.mst.edu.au.

PHOTOS ARE FROM THE CTP X ISCAST CONFERENCE ON 26 OCT 2024

God is at work in psychology and mental health

Faculty News

Community engagement with Islam

F

rom the opulent elegance of one of Australia’s oldest and most exclusive businessmen’s club to a rowdy Arabic youth meeting in the industrial northern suburbs, the message of Jesus Christ is going out to the people of Melbourne and elsewhere. The faculty of the Arthur Jeffery Centre (AJC) at Melbourne School of Theology, Drs Richard Shumack, Mark Durie, Denis Savelyev and Bernie Power, each has an impact in a range of circles through their teaching, speaking and writing. Today we take a look at the opportunities Bernie received last year in 2024.

Bernie accepts almost every invitation he receives – and there are lots of them. Recently he was lunchtime speaker at the Melbourne Club addressing the sensitive topic ‘Islam and Terrorism.’ 125 university students, mostly former refugees from Iraq and Syria, crowded into an Assyrian Orthodox church hall in Campbellfield learning ‘How to share your faith with a Muslim friend.’ In Berwick it was a two-week series on Israel and Palestine at a Chinese-majority church with a Mandarin interpreter. To an Egyptian congregation in Lalor, Bernie did his own translating, switching between English and Arabic. An assembly of 500 Secondary students at a Christian school asked lots of deep questions about Islam. The Gospel Coalition hosted a presentation on Ministry to Muslims in Victoria. Recently a group of 35 people from a range of churches attended a training session at MST before going to a nearby mosque to meet the local Iman and engage in a Q&A session. Every week there is an invitation to speak somewhere in Melbourne about the Christian perspective on Islam.

And it is not just in Melbourne.

Vision Radio’s Neil Johnson interviewed Bernie about the political developments around Muslim senator Fatima Payman’s defection from the federal Labor Party. People phoned in from all over Australia with questions.

Nor are opportunities restricted to Australia. A Pakistani Muslim TV personality with a wide international audience generally interviews Islamic religious leaders. He contacted Bernie for a show on Christianity and Islam.

One of his first questions was: “And who is Jesus Christ to you?” This was clear opening to use both the Qur’an and the Bible to explain the divinity of Jesus and the Trinity to a largely Muslim audience.

Scan the QR code to watch it.

An Indonesian influencer also interviewed Bernie about how he responds to Muslim’s various claims against Christianity in a podcast which is watched in over 60 countries.

A Nigerian broadcaster asked Bernie’s views on a range of topics relating to Islam and Christianity, and watchers called in with questions from places as far apart as Canada, Israel and South Africa. The internet has virtually eliminated the historical limitations of geography and time zones, so that a program can reach almost any nation on earth. When posted, these conversations are available to all people at any time in the future.

This is an exciting time to be involved in the Christian-Muslim interface. The opportunities and openings are seemingly endless, and the AJC faculty accept every one they can.

If you’re interested in studying Islam within a Christian context, the Arthur Jeffery Centre has a range of public lectures, publications, and teaching programs taught by experts in Islam. MST offers undergraduate study, right through to postgraduate level awards.

The

Arthur Jeffery Centre F o r th e Stud y o f

Islam

Dr Richard Shumack is the Director of the Arthur Jeffery Centre for the Study of Islam.

mst.edu.au/ajc-podcast

19

Filming educational resources for NSW Christian schools

I

n the middle of second semester Seven, Nine and TEN networks. The last year, Gillian Asquith’s office script for this educational video was became a film set when she was based loosely on Richard Bauckham’s interviewed for an educational video ground-breaking book, Jesus and the resource, sponsored by Eyewitnesses, 2nd ed. the Presbyterian Ladies (Grand Rapids: Eerd“PLC College (PLC) in Croymans, 2017) and incorpoCOMMISSIONED don, Sydney. The video rates commentary from will be shared among six New Testament acaA SERIES OF several Christian schools demics including Mike RESOURCES in New South Wales.

Bird (Ridley College), FOR SENIOR PLC commissioned John Dickson (Founding a series of resources Director of the Centre HIGH SCHOOL for senior high school for Public Christianity), STUDENTS students studying phiand Gillian Asquith STUDYING losophy and theology.

(Lecturer – Melbourne Gillian was invited by PHILOSOPHY AND School of Theology) the producer of these Mark Hadley comTHEOLOGY.” resources, Mark Hadley piled a master list of of Hadley Ink, to contribaround thirty questions ute to a project discussing the reliability to form the backbone of the video. Each of the Gospels as eyewitness accounts.

New Testament academic was allocated Mark Hadley is a Christian journalist, a share of these questions according director, and producer, and has written to their areas of expertise. Mark was scripts for the ABC, SBS, BBC, and the keen for several academics to answer

20

the same question so that the students watching the video could see different ways of articulating a particular point.

Mark sat out of the eye of the camera and asked the questions merely as prompts so that Gillian could bring her own style of delivery to the interview. Gillian even managed to include a reference to the Taylor Swift concert in Sydney (as an illustration that eyewitnesses are essential for ensuring that misinformation does not spread).

Students graduating from Christian schools are a key cohort of potential applicants for both MST and Eastern.

We pray that God would bring more opportunities like this for “soft” advertising as a side benefit of projects that our faculty are invited to be part of.

Dr Gillian Asquith is the MST Academic Dean and Lecturer in Greek and New Testament.

Teaching as Mission

D

uring a chapel service in Additionally, lecturers from our EduSemester 2 last year, Dr Kirk cation faculty and MST have provided Franklin, Lecturer in Missional professional development for several Leadership, presented a meaningful Christian schools. These sessions have theological understanding and appliequipped practicing teachers and cation of mission. Referring to the term leaders to “sharpen the axe” (Proverbs “Missio Dei”— Salvation activities of 27:17). By doing so, they have been the triune God to bring better prepared to the kingdom of God into impact their schools existence, he introduced with the gospel from “THE MISSION us to the Integrative a Christian missional OF EASTERN Missiological Matrix, perspective. The feedEDUCATION which encompasses four back from these sesinterconnected spheres: sions has been overFACULTY IS TO the Bible, the church, the whelmingly positive, TRAIN HIGHcontext, and personal with staff expressing pilgrimage (Franklin, QUALITY CHRISTIAN deep appreciation for Chapel Presentation, the insights they’ve TEACHERS 2024). gained into engaging WHO, THROUGH The mission of Easttheir students more ern Education faculty effectively in charTHEIR PERSONAL is to train high-quality acter and spiritual FORMATION IN Christian teachers who, formation.

CHRIST, WILL through their personal Ten years ago, my formation in Christ, will husband Mark and I BRING A GODLY bring a Godly transforresponded to a very TRANSFORMATION mation to the schools specific, God-given TO THE SCHOOLS and communities in dream—reminiscent which they will one-day AND COMMUNITIES of St. Paul’s Maceteach and lead. This year, donian call in Acts IN WHICH THEY we’ve seen a significant 16:9—to start a ChrisWILL ONE-DAY increase in enrolments, tian school in the particularly through our TEACH AND LEAD.” Indigenous commuChristian Initial Teacher nity of Weipa South Education (CITE) Alli(Napranum). Our ance program. These future Christian children, Kelly-laine, Ross and David educators are choosing to be equipped (two of whom are leading teachers, while and empowered through a Biblical the other is a businessman), generously Christian worldview, and we are honsupported us in this pioneering phase. oured to play a role in empowering We stepped out in faith to establish a them on their ‘personal pilgrimage’ in Christian primary school in uncharted the vocational and noble missional call waters, and God’s faithfulness was eviof teaching. dent throughout the journey. Despite

facing fierce opposition at times, we were constantly reminded that where the Lord guides, He provides. The school (Prep-6) commenced in 2023 with 12 delightful students, and by the end of 2024, enrolments had tripled. We also witnessed God’s provision in staff, building and facilities. Now, in its third year, the school community continues to flourish, and we praise God for His unwavering faithfulness as we serve Him in advancing His kingdom through Christian education, embodying the Missio Dei and living the dream!

Eastern Education faculty testifies to the Biblical promise, “You crown the year with Your bounty, and Your paths overflow with abundance” (Psalm 65:11). Indeed, we have experienced these great blessings and favour in our work at ECA. We’ve connected with and formed wonderful partnerships with Christian schools in both metropolitan and regional areas. I am deeply grateful for our Education faculty and staff, who have been faithful in prayer, diligent in their work, and dedicated to the noble mission of raising quality Christian teachers. Together, we are committed to bringing Godly transformation to the schools and communities where these teachers will serve and lead. Our hope is that greater things will come as we rest in the faithfulness of our Almighty God! We welcome all enquiries from prospective students who wish to join in the mission of serving God through Christian education.

Dr Avril Howard is the Dean of Education at Eastern College Australia.

21

Looking back on my 100-year journey with the Lord

1958

wasasignificant year of my life . . . because it was a year of great change.

I arrived in Australia from Sri Lanka (then called Ceylon) leaving behind a family comprised of parents, three brothers and two sisters. I had completed my studies but was not able to get satisfying work in Sri Lanka. It was a time of great loneliness. I remember spending my weekends walking around aimlessly in the city for want of anything else to do.

However, I look back and realise that God used this situation for my good, as He has promised (Rom 8:28). I attended the local Presbyterian Church where I got to know the pastor, a wonderful and Godly person. He took me ‘under His wing.’

Through his ministry in the church, he encouraged me to look to Jesus.

He introduced me to Belgrave Heights Convention and took us along to the 1958 Billy Graham Crusade where I heard the Gospel preached so clearly.

Having been brought up in a Christian home I knew the ‘facts ‘of Jesus’s life, death and resurrection. However, at this time, the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to realise I was a sinner in need of a Saviour and that Jesus was that Saviour through whom forgiveness of sins and a new life with Him forever, was available to me.

22

After the Crusade my values and direction in life changed. I had a faith in Jesus, but I was not absolutely sure the Bible was the inspired word of God. I did not quite know what the scriptures contained. So, with some encouragement from my dear pastor, I decided to enter the Melbourne Bible Institute where I spent 3 years studying.

Through the study of God’s word, I learnt of God’s salvation plan, and of His great love for me that sent Jesus to die for me. I learnt of the compassionate heart of Father God, and of His promises available to us through Christ.

In difficult times and in times of great joy, He has been my close and faithful companion. I thank Him for giving me a Christian wife, Lucille, and for the joy of serving Him in Africa and in Australia.

Looking back,

‘His Faithfulness has been my shield and rampart’ Psalm 91:4 Congratulations to John on his 100th birthday in May 2024 from the Board, faculty, staff and students of MST and Eastern.

John Bartholomeusz Centenarian 2024.

Alumni News John Shattock passed away on 20 February 2024 – MBI Lilian ‘Elaine’ Paxton passed away on 17 March 2024 Shirley Dawes passed away on 10 May 2024 – MBI Richard Dickins passed away on 26 September 2024 Christopher Pittendrigh passed away on 1 October 2024 – MBI 61-62 Val Watts (nee Boys) passed away on 11 October 2024 – MBI 65-66 Dirk Bakker passed away on 17 February 2025 – BCV

Family News Congratulations to Paul Shi (alumnus) and Amanda, on the birth of Eden Abigail on 24th July 2024 Congratulations to Jo Khoo (former staff member and alumna) and Naseem, on the birth of Daniel on 9th January 2025 Congratulations to Denis Savelyev (MST Faculty) and Ash White (former member of staff), on their marriage on 19th January 2025 Congratulations to Daisy (Dean of Students) & Julian (alumnus) Barnard, on the birth of Percy on 5th February 2025

Brunch O n th e

Lawn

David Briddock is the Property and Services Manager.

T

he annual event of Brunch Dept almost stole the show with on the Lawn was held on pulled Beef roti and Hong Kong style Saturday the 1st of March egg waffles. All this delicious food was and was again a wonderful event. washed down with coffee and other The Lord blessed us great beverages made with a beautiful sunny by the Two Sparrows 25-degree day, which coffee cart from Kilsyth “THE HIGHLIGHT was a perfect backdrop South Baptist Church. for a great morning The highlight of the OF THE MORNING of socialising, eating morning though was THOUGH WAS THE and drinking, all held the student vs staff STUDENT VS STAFF on the college library tug of war. Last year lawns. the staff pulled off a TUG OF WAR.” Our wonderful staff resounding victory manned the food stalls, and were confident of which consisted of Tim repeating it but this Meyers producing sausages, eggs and year the students were just far too bacon for our Aussie Breakfast. Tom strong! As they say . . . there’s always and Sue Kimber slaved over a hot grill next year! pumping out American style pancakes All in all, it was a fantastic morning topped with maple syrup and cream, where new relationships where made and our always hard-working Chinese and existing ones strengthened.

23

Winter School 2025

Global Migration

Chaplaincy Skills 1 AQF 6,7,8

EM013 AQF 8,9

Specialised Studies - Pastoral and Church-Focussed Ministry: Chaplaincy Skills 1 AQF 9

WANTIRNA CAMPUS – MELBOURNE, VIC 6 JUNE – 4 JULY

Patterns of Spiritual Formation PC045 AQF 5,6,8 WORLDVIEW CAMPUS – LAUNCESTON, TAS 30 JUNE – 4 JULY

In this unit, we will examine the rich history and diverse traditions of Christian spirituality, tracing a number of ‘streams’ or expressions of ‘spirituality’ in the church from their biblical roots, through the ancient church and into the modern world. We will also look at ways in which the spiritual disciplines, both corporate and personal, can be understood and applied biblically in your own journey of faith in Christ.

We are living in a time of unprecedented movement of people, and this has major implications for Christian mission, churches and organizations. This unit will equip you with theological and contextual tools to understand the reality of migration in our world today and to reflect on the practical/ missional implications for your ministry and leadership.

Lecturer: Dr David Ng Note: This is only the second time this unit has been offered. Enrol quickly as it’s a sort after, topical unit.

PC049 WANTIRNA CAMPUS – MELBOURNE, VIC 7 JUNE – 11 JULY

Chaplains serve a very important role as they are the Christian presence in the institution they serve – whether in schools, prisons or the workplace. Effective chaplaincy requires specific skills in imparting God’s word to reach people in a respectful and caring way. This subject will teach these methods and also improve the natural skills you may already have.

Co-delivered with Ridley College Lecturer: Rev Dean Eaton

Lecturers: Rev Tim Meyers and Dr Tom Kimber

Dean Eaton has taught in this unit previously alongside David Grulke. Dean is Director of Community Impact for Korus Connect, a major provider of chaplains to Victorian schools and to Melbourne Airport.

Call: +613 9881 7800 / Fill in form: mst.edu.au/contact-us / Email us: info@mst.edu.au

To apply:

Open Day WEDNESDAY 14 MAY

Open Night THURSDAY 14 AUGUST

Open Morning

Mission Chapels WEDNESDAY’S @ 10:30AM

30 APRIL DR KIRK FRANKLIN 28 MAY DR MICHAEL BRAUTIGAM

SATURDAY 30 AUGUST

SATURDAY 18 OCTOBER 30 JULY

Leonard Buck Mission Lecture DATE TO BE CONFIRMED

27 AUGUST DR JAMES HUDSON TAYLOR IV 17 SEPTEMBER 15 OCTOBER

22–24 AUGUST

Melbourne School of Theology Chinese 30 Year Celebration

Alumni & Friends Gathering | Sat 08 NOV SEMESTER 2 STARTS MONDAY 21 JULY SUMMER SEMESTER STARTS MONDAY 17 NOVEMBER

to find out more go to:

mst.edu.au/events