The qb, the voice of Queensland Baptists

The voice of Queensland Baptists August 2012

No simple answers Unity in diversity Crime victims find a voice

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Contents

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In this issue Comment: David Loder Speaking out: John Sweetman Baptisms Around the regions Unity in diversity: a different church model Intentional ministry series QB board Persecution brief Reviews Fun zone Classifieds

QB partners Busy bees (BWAA) Dummies guide to least-reached people groups (Global Interaction)

QB ministries Census 2011 (QB Archives) It’s all about alignment (QB kids & their families) Discovering hidden mysteries in this present age (QCCC) The story of you (QB Women) Getting the right focus (QB Youth) Birthday celebrations for QBC services (QBC)

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Articles The same story (Mercy Ships) Why won’t God give me what I want?

United to celebrate and serve God Ask persistently, expect confidently Crime victims find a voice—in prison The highest and the holiest

05 06 08 09 12 14 18 27 42 45 47

32 33

19 20 22 24 26 30

28 34 36 38 40 44

Our cover: It’s easy to see that the Stuff4Blokes ministry featured on pages 14, 15 resonates with the men who attend. What could be better than working hard, eating well (check out the number of camp ovens!) then sitting around the campfire to stare into the flames and set the world to rights.

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News, views & issues

From the Editor Mark McCrindle’s presentation at QB Convention in May has prompted some thoughts from John Sweetman (Speaking out) in this issue. John concludes that there are no simple answers to questions about how to minister effectively in our complex and changing society. He ends with, ‘... we face times of great challenge and great opportunity’. I am sure he is correct — those churches that embrace change, and meet the opportunities for ministry with relevance but no compromise, will extend God’s Kingdom and make a positive impact on their communities.

Windsor Road Baptist Church (WRBC) is one of those churches. Senior Pastor John Anderson (Unity in diversity: a different church model) describes how WRBC has moved away from the widely-accepted approach where people are ‘streamed’ into ‘like’ groups or churches. They ‘embrace people from a range of age, social, cultural and educational backgrounds and aim to provide a community where people find a sense of belonging and acceptance’. The result is that they are building a ‘multigenerational, multicultural community that displays the unity in diversity that Paul teaches’.

The partnership that has developed between Life Point and All Nations Revival Church provides another example (United to celebrate and serve God). The strong bond that has developed between these two congregations is a real blessing to the many people involved and the communities they seek to serve.

In the following pages, you will find many examples of people finding effective ways to tell and live the gospel in their spheres of influence. Do you remember that old Sunday School chorus?

The old, old story it is ever true The old, old story, praise the Lord is true That Jesus died for me as well as you I love the old, old story.

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It is an old, old story... and we live in a brave, new world. But the story is still life-changing!

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Comment

Loving God ... BETTER— Intentional Ministry They said to the woman, ‘We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Saviour of the world’ (John 4:42).

I enjoy walking. It provides exercise, reflection time, conversation time and entertainment all in the one event. We have our regular walking routes through parkland (where we see the occasional snake, koala and other wildlife), around suburbia (where we see children at play, neighbours in deep conversation and the occasional gardener at work) and across a creek here and there (sometimes dry and sometimes flooded; mostly in between). Our walking has limited intentionality but is mostly for fun and pleasure. It is not as if we have a set destination to reach by a certain time. That is another style of walking! Our walks are like the creeks we cross, meandering from highest to lowest, following (largely) the path of least resistance.

Contrast this water flow with the pipes that bring water to our home.

Focussed, pressured and for a particular use.

A woman encounters Jesus in such a way that it is life-transforming for her. She is so overwhelmed at the internal change that she rushes and gushes. She runs into town and pours out her life-changing experience to family and friends. An unintentional outcome is that people respond to Jesus! ‘Look what he has done for her, can he do it for me?’ Yes! But then after the tsunami of this encounter comes the intentional engaging with the Saviour. Initial belief based on the women’s testimony is superseded by intentional connection with Jesus. You and I can be like that woman showing others the way to find Jesus—intentionally!

Ministry Matters: Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) In 1997, The Assembly made a formal apology to our Indigenous brothers and sisters for the wrong-doing which had taken place on racial lines. A part of that motion was that we would take some affirmative action as an acknowledgement of the goodwill we wish to express to our Indigenous brothers and sisters. This is taking place formally in the formation of a Reconciliation Action Plan. The Board continues to work on this project.

Board Retreat Our Board will meet over the weekend of 3–5 August for their Annual Retreat. This is a key event in our calendar when we pray and share together, and wait on the Lord for his leading and guiding. The Board is always joined by a few others—the Regional Consultants, Malyon Principal and leader of Queensland Baptist Care. This year we have introduced a new concept: a Prayer Support Team. The Board

approached a number of people asking them to pray for the Board in the lead-up to the Retreat. This team will also join us on retreat for a few hours to pray with us. The focus for the Retreat will be on 2013 and the development of our theme of ‘Following Jesus: Loving others... WIDER—Extending God’s Kingdom’. The Retreat will also be the first for our two newest Board members, Mrs Pamela Condie from the South Pine church and the Rev Dr Andrew Teo from the Toowong church.

Focus Dinner Following the Board Retreat we will have our annual Focus Dinner.

This is a time when we present the outcome of our Retreat to a limited number of people seeking feedback and confirmation for what the Board believes is the direction God is leading us as Queensland Baptists.

SSEC Visit As a part of our ongoing partnership with the South Seas Evangelical Church, the leader of SSEC, Bishop Rev Matthias Lima, and General Secretary, Jesimiel Wale, will spend about ten days with us. This will include the Board Retreat and a Pastors’ Seminar in Townsville. This will be an important time of sharing ideas and mutual equipping.

Ethnic Churches I continue to be amazed at the work of our ethnic and multicultural churches! On any Sunday, about 25 of our churches conduct their services in a language other than English. At the moment we have special classes being conducted with CALAM providing accreditation to equip the pastors and leaders of these churches.

Finally…

We can meander through life or be intentional. Jesus and his followers left nothing to chance, or allowed things to happen by accident. To follow Jesus means that we will live intentionally, especially in sharing what Jesus has done in our lives.

David Loder General Superintendent, Queensland Baptists gs@qb.com.au

www.qb.com.au August 2012

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Speaking out

No simple answers Mark McCrindle, an Australian Christian social researcher and commentator, spoke at the Baptist Convention in May. He shared many relevant statistics about Australia and Australians. Stats are interesting but not very useful unless we work on how they impact our ministry. Here are my thoughts on four of the statistics McCrindle provided. I’m sure you will think of other implications.

1. McCrindle: ‘Australia has an aging population. At present, 3 million people are older than 60. In 2050 it will be 9 million.’

That’s a big jump in old people. It looks like I will have lots of friends if I live that long.

At first we thought that this greying of the population would be a great help to the church. All these retirees with lots of time, money, health and energy would provide tremendous resources for the ministry of the local church into the future.

There have certainly been some examples of this, but so far the majority of churches have not benefitted greatly from retiring baby boomers.

There are probably many reasons for this. Here are a few: 1.

The Global Financial Crisis (GFC) has forced many to rethink the life of leisure and free time they were expecting. They are still working part-time and are cutting spending. 2. Families (parents, children and grandchildren) are demanding a lot of the free time. 3. These people are capable and are looking for ministries that will bring satisfaction. The church doesn’t always provide this for older people. Short-term mission can be more rewarding (which is good of course).

So at the moment it looks unlikely that new people resources will fall into the lap of the local church. But I still think there is huge potential in this age group if we can find the right ministries and make the right challenges. They’re going to

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make up a significant proportion of the church and we have to make sure we can find ways for them to serve God’s kingdom.

We also need to work on outreach to this age group. What are their needs? Many went to Sunday school, so there is a foundation there.

2. McCrindle: ‘64% of Australians identify as Christian in a census (although 20% of these see themselves as spiritual, not religious). 25% of non-churched Australians are warm towards Christianity and 33% say they believe.’

There is clearly a disconnect here. Many Australians still associate with Christianity, and yet they are not involved with, or even interested in, the church. What is the problem?

You can blame the church. It has gained a reputation for being irrelevant, legalistic, judgmental, self-serving, boring and hypocritical. This is the very opposite of what most people consider as Christianity - being kind, tolerant and loving (as they see in Jesus). There’s no doubt that the church has contributed to this reputation, and we need to constantly examine ourselves and repent. We’re called to be light. But I’m not convinced that (apart from in Acts 2) the New Testament church did much better. Yet the world was turned upside down.

You can blame the media. The media loves to expose hypocrisy, and the church with its clear set of proclaimed values and institutional structure is an easy target. I think that the media has thrown a lot of mud and much of it has stuck.

You can blame Australians. Their identification with Christianity is very superficial. They like some Christian values, and they

Speaking out may have a general commitment to do the right thing, but the idea of following Jesus as the only way to God has little appeal to them; and they have no real intention of abandoning their comfortable, consumeristic lifestyle. So the church is just not relevant to them, whatever it says or does.

I personally don’t see any simple answers here. We do need to continue to share the gospel. We do need to make sure that we are being relevant. We do need to be the love and light of Jesus in our communities. But I suspect that while life remains easy in Australia, it will be difficult to convince most Australians of their need for God (without a powerful work of the Holy Spirit). We need to passionately work on it because this is our call, but I don’t see any quick fixes. I hope that I’m wrong.

3. McCrindle: ‘Australians are time poor. Including travel time, Australians spend more time at work than workers in any other OECD nation.’

This must be a concern for the church. It means that Australian Christians have less time to invest in their community, family and church. It partly explains why church service attendance is so irregular. Many people are choosing to spend some of their precious free time going away with their family or relaxing at home. With free time at a premium, people are careful how they use it.

It does raise questions about the high priority of work among Australians and emphasises the need for churches to teach a healthy work/life balance. Churches also need to ensure that they do not have unrealistic time expectations of members.

Many churches are finding that they have to increase staff because of the lack of volunteers to run essential ministries.

This statistic also partly explains the attraction of larger churches that can provide more high-quality options for timepoor workers. These Christians want their investment in the church to be helpful, productive, accessible and flexible.

Larger churches with more programs are often better able to meet this need. Smaller churches may need to focus more

on short-term projects and emphasise their strength of community.

Churches also need to think about how to make the best use of this huge time investment in work and travel. Church members need help with workplace Christian living and mission, and how to make productive use of their lengthy commutes.

4. McCrindle: ‘In 2014 Australian couple-only households will be more numerous than family households. The fastest growing household type is the lone person (25% of households).’

People are choosing to live alone rather than in community.

Our individualism (and perhaps our access to online social networking) has meant that many people are quite comfortable with their own company. Others are very lonely, but can’t seem to do anything about it.

This creates a growing challenge to building real community in the church. People are not used to close personal relationships with all their demands and difficulties (as well as blessings).

They are looking for convenient community, low-commitment community. We will need to challenge and train people to live in biblical community, or we will end up with a very shallow church. This is an opportunity for the church to show society what real community is all about (John 13:35). But it will be a challenge.

The loneliness of many people also provides a great opportunity for the church to serve. At the moment, it’s probably the ethnic churches that are most effectively offering community to those who are lonely within their networks. Many other churches are also doing an excellent job in serving nonAustralian-born newcomers to their communities. But there will be growing opportunities to serve and offer friendship to lonely and isolated Australian-born people as well.

We will also have to continue to build online options if we want to reach single households. Some will be aware of their need for community and may reach out to the church, but many will be content with their lifestyle choice and will seek ‘friendship’ online. Some churches are experimenting in online ministry.

This is important.

It seems to me that we face times of great challenge and great opportunity. May God work in us and through us to reach a changing Australia with the gospel.

John Sweetman Principal, Malyon College John.sweetman@malyon.edu.au

www.qb.com.au August 2012

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Baptisms

Baptisms I grew up in a Christian family in South Africa. We attended a Methodist church where my father was a lay preacher and both parents were very involved in church activities.

We attended a Billy Graham rally with many others from our church in 1973 (yes, I know that will date me!) and I gave my life to the Lord. I was confirmed in my late teens, which was my public declaration of my decision.

After moving to Australia in 1987, my life journey became rocky, but I clung to my faith.

In 2003 I attended Ashgrove Baptist Church (ABC) and was welcomed into the family there. I have felt God’s hand working in my life many times since then, particularly in the way he led me to work at Malyon College.

A couple of years ago, a short-term mission team from ABC went to the Middle East and one of the group was baptised in the Jordan. This planted the seed of an idea in me; a seed which grew when I was offered the chance to join Malyon College students on their study tour of Israel. The opportunity to be baptised in the Jordan arose, but I must admit that I struggled with the decision to go ahead—those who know me, know that I am a reserved person. But I could not let the opportunity pass; it was a re-confirmation, if you wish, but also a public acknowledgement of my commitment to a life of serving my Lord.

So, I was blessed on 4 July 2012, but what has moved me more is that, through making this public statement, others have been blessed and moved also. It humbles me that God is using me, even though I am unaware of the ramifications, and I pray that he will continue to do so; perhaps through this article.

I have since discovered that my parents were also baptised at the same spot in the river Jordan. They were very active with CAI (Christian Action for Israel) back in the 1980s and went on several trips to the Holy Land. I leave you with a quote from a plaque outside the church at Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives where Jesus prayed: My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. Matthew 26:39 O Jesus, in deepest night and agony you spoke these words of trust and surrender to God the Father in Gethsemane. In love and gratitude I want to say in times of fear and distress, ‘My father, I do not understand you, but I trust you.’ MB Jill Walker (Jill now has a nickname around the Malyon campus: ‘Jordan Jill’.)

Image: Monique Gusewksi (centre) with Pastor Adrian and Ruth Geck

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We encourage you to pray for those baptised in all our churches around Queensland, including: Annerley Usha Gurung Bethel Romanian Matthew Oros Jonathan Pacuraru Bundaberg David Corfield Jan Corfield John Harbison Diana Somers Leopold Vermeulen Valerie Vermeulen City North Dan Gough Gatton Michelle Pacey Harrison Smith David Taylor Gladstone Samantha Lee Batkines Hervey Bay Anton Cross Siobhon Cross Laurie Fry Dawson Ginn Nathan Hansen Kelvin Lawrence Skye Ledbury

Amber McIntosh Addien Mitchell Elysia Painter Frances Philippi Emily Taylor Hayden Ward

Around the regions

Malyon study trip to Israel Chris Pilt, who travelled on the Malyon College Study trip to Israel in July, was snapped floating in the Dead Sea and catching up on the news in the June qb.

What’s cooking?

Leona Conwell at Sunnybank District Baptist Church writes:

We like these photos so much we’ve used one for our creative caption in this issue. Send your witty caption to QB (details on the Fun Zone page).

‘Here at Sunnybank, our Chinese ladies are serving up the gospel along with some delicious food. Once a month, on a Tuesday morning, up to about 20 (sometimes more) Chinese ladies from our community come onto our property. They are forming friendships with Christian Chinese ladies as they sharpen their cooking skills. Through these friendships, they are encouraged to come to church. (We offer church services in both Cantonese and Mandarin languages each Sunday.)

Sometimes the ladies learn traditional Chinese recipes, and sometimes they learn about food from other cultures. On the day the photos were taken, the ladies made coconut cakes—a recipe from Papua New Guinea—along with a delicious roast pork. They pay a nominal $5 fee to participate in the class. One thousand dollars raised has been donated to the Chinese Christian organisation, International China Concern.

Thank you Baplink!

Gympie Baptist Church is gearing up to celebrate its 125th anniversary on the weekend of 27-28 October 2012. If you are interested in attending, or would like more information, please phone 5482 1816, 5482 8525 or email gympiebaptist@gmail.com.

Bob Brown at Bundaberg West Baptist Church writes: ‘We applied for, and received, a wonderful Baplink Grant for a new ministry to reach out into our community. We had been praying for opportunities to offer barbecues at various times as an outreach to adults and children. Baplink not only provided an excellent barbecue but also a portable marquee for sun protection and an external hot water unit.

‘We launched our program of barbecue events on Mother’s Day and the day was a huge success as a number of people responded to letterbox invitations. We believe that our regular invitations to the community will result in meeting and greeting lots of people. Thank you Baplink from all at Bundaberg West.’ www.qb.com.au August 2012

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Around the regions

A heart-stopping display

Superheros come to town

Recently, the community of Proston, 75 km north-west of Kingaroy, came alive to the sound of motor bikes as JC Epidemic riders, Tyrone and Pete, thrilled the crowd at the showground with a heart stopping display of their skills on 250cc bikes. Exciting jumps—‘look mum, no hands’ (or feet)— made everyone gasp, but bikes and riders came together again to land safely, even after a full 360 degree air-born roll.

There was also a serious side to this community-focussed event, held as part of the centenary celebrations for Wondai Baptist Church. JC Epidemic’s Tyrone shared how Christ is Lord in his life, as did local church member, Roy. The MC, Andy, continued the focus on the reality of Christ, and following a challenge, several gathered for counselling and at least one girl professed a faith in Christ. Prayer was answered as even the weather was perfect. It was a warm, still autumn afternoon; ideal for the riders to have maximum safety as they displayed their skills.

The church’s centenary celebrations will culminate in a dinner on Saturday 15 September, and a time of praise, worship and thanksgiving on the following day.

The congregation recognises and will celebrate what God has done, is doing and will continue to do through his church.

The Rev John Lane has now completed his book To Everything a Season, which chronicles God’s work through the Wondai Baptist Church over the last century.

Copies are available at $12 (plus postage) through the church: mail to 48 Cadell St Wondai 4606, or phone 07 4168 5223.

Images: courtesy of Roy Lee

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With more news from Wondai Baptist Church, Bruce Wilding writes: ‘The weather was perfect, a blessing now for six consecutive years, for the annual week-long Kid’s Club. Around 34 children and their leaders dressed as superheroes, ranging from the traditional Batman, Superman, Wonderwoman and Catwoman through to others of their own design and imagination.

‘Activities included games, songs, craft, and Bible teaching, which focussed on Old Testament Heroes of Faith—Joseph, Elijah and David—who, though human and flawed, were used by God in wonderful ways. As the week went on, the focus moved to Jesus, the only one who can really bring salvation; the only one who can rescue a lost world.

‘Kid’s Club ended with a barbecue tea and presentation by the kids, with activities that included parents. The week brought together a leadership team ranging from high-schoolers to great-grandparents, each contributing as God has gifted them: ministry in the kitchen; construction of stage sets; games; drama; technology; teaching; and all the cleaning up afterwards. We thank God for a willing and faithful team and the opportunities to minister.’

Around the regions

School holiday fun for kids in Dalby Seventy children registered for a week of fun and games at Dalby Baptist Community complex during the recent school holidays. Bruce Eckersley writes: ‘Despite bleak and rainy conditions prevailing for the first week of the school holidays, we thank the Lord for our facilities which enabled the activities organised for the week to proceed as planned.

‘Kids Games is a global movement which began in Egypt in 2000 and has grown to involve thousands of children in over 150 countries. Kids Games is an exciting program for primary school children which is organised and run by local churches. The vision for Kids Games is to see all children united globally, learning and playing together to bring about personal, spiritual and community transformation.

‘Many hours of planning and preparation made for an exciting opening day. As the children entered the hall they were greeted with the Olympic colours and rings lining the walls to create a great sporting atmosphere. The small stage was rigged out to look like the prow of a boat surrounded by the sea (blue and white plastic), to tie in with the overall Biblical theme which centred on the life of Paul.

‘The daily program included singing, bible stories, games, craft, yummy morning tea and the Olympic challenge of the week.

Our morning program usually started with games, then a time of singing followed by the Bible story for the day. Then the children broke up into groups that rotated for Small Group time, Games, and Craft. The Small Group time gave the Group Leaders opportunity to apply and discuss the day’s bible story.

‘The games were a great time of fun capably organised by our “radically insane” Coach Kyle and his equally crazy assistant, Gracey Turner. Competitive spirits were high and the laughter and the smiles said it all, despite much panting and puffing! Craft time proved to be a favourite with the children; closely followed by morning tea!

‘On Friday evening, families were invited to our closing ceremony where the children received a medal and showed their parents a snippet of each day’s activities. Dalby Baptist’s Administration Officer, Vicki Payne, who was ranked Australia’s No 1 under 15 Squash player some years ago, shared her sporting history, tying it in with a gospel message. The week’s adventures closed with a barbecue tea for all and everyone agreed that KIDS GAMES had once again been a great success in Dalby—thanks to Kids Games Co-ordinator, Kylie Beames, all the leaders and many volunteers.’

Northreach reaches out Warren Crank, Northreach Baptist Church (Townsville), reflects on the recent 2012 Northreach Rural, Regional and Remote Conference: ‘Church leaders and their families from Biloela, Bowen, the Burdekin, Cairns, Charters Towers, Goondiwindi, Ingham, Innisfail, Kilcoy, Mareeba, Mt Isa, Northern Beaches Townsville, Stanthorpe and Whitsunday gathered on the weekend 22–24 June for this event. Northreach Baptist Church and Queensland Baptists partnered to host a weekend of networking, teaching and leisure time for the heroes who work in the faraway, and sometimes forgotten, places.

‘The program on Friday night began with people settling into their motel accommodation on Townsville’s famous ‘The Stand’, followed by introductions and devotional input from James Baker. James was the keynote speaker and gave great talks on Saturday morning. There were some electives before a sunny picnic lunch by the beach. Saturday afternoon was free-time and the day culminated with a special dinner hosted by a dedicated group of volunteers. On Sunday, we worshipped at Northreach. During the service these leaders were honoured and prayed for, and a lunch by the Ross River brought proceedings to a fun and family-friendly conclusion.

‘The kids were amazing throughout the weekend. The parents were all astounded at how they just seemed to “click” together right from the start. And thanks to our Kids program volunteers— they (literally) had a ball too. You should have seen their faces when the Eagle Boys car drove up for Sunday Lunch and handed us 40 boxes of Pizza! The weather wasn’t as “tropical” as they’d hoped, but that didn’t seem to matter to anyone.

‘The feedback from the weekend was excellent. We were encouraged to make it a little longer next time, in light of the great distances that some travelled.’

On the move • • • • • •

Rev Will Spann has accepted a call to Innisfail Rev Alan Frankham has accepted a (part time) call to Boonah Rev Russell Hinds has transferred accreditation to the Baptist Union of NSW Rev Laurie Wallace has transferred accreditation to the Baptist Union of NSW Rev Allan Jones has commenced an Interim Ministry with Hallett Cove Baptist Church (South Aust) Rev Stephen Lee has concluded at Global Mission Church of Gold Coast

www.qb.com.au August 2012

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WRBC

: y t i s r e v i d n i odel ty

Uni

m h c r nt chu

e r e ff i ad

I remember interviewing the Associate Pastor of Windsor Road Baptist Church (WRBC) in Red Hill, Brisbane as part of my assessment for a post graduate subject at Malyon College.

Little did I realise that I would one day have the privilege of filling their Senior Pastor position.

This article is a reflection on the vision and values of WRBC, and their service in the community over the past 12 years.

The values incorporated in the vision were deeply embedded in the believing community. My task, and that of the leadership and focus groups, was to clarify and incorporate them into a succinct vision statement which was adopted by the church in 2002: ‘We believe that God is calling us to be a healing, serving, international, Christ-centred community; maintaining unity, valuing diversity, and growing in maturity in Christ.’ My journey into pastoral ministry was unusual. My undergraduate training was in Agricultural Science. I had worked in Aid and Development in Pakistan and Indonesia, which gave me cross-cultural experience as well as a concern for social justice. Juanita and I, and our growing family, had 12

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also lived and worked in country New South Wales, first in agronomy and then in Christian camping and discipleship ministry to young adults. We were then led into pastoral ministry: on the pastoral team of a large regional church (Townsville Baptist); at a growing suburban church (South Pine Community Church); and now at the inner urban Windsor Road Baptist Church.

My philosophy of ministry has been shaped by my life and ministry experience but also by my theological reflection.

Studying and reflecting on the nature of the church, as described by the apostle Paul in Ephesians, has led me to a number of strong theological convictions.

My ministry experience in the 80s and 90s was shaped by the church growth movement with exponents such as

WRBC Bill Hybels and Rick Warren. Over time I’ve come to react against, and to challenge, some of the assumptions of this influential movement. My studies in Mission (Cross-cultural Communication, Cultural Anthropology) and cross-cultural experience have highlighted the importance of understanding context.

I believe that many churches have been caught up in the pragmatism of the church growth movement and have caved in to the self-centred pressures of western culture. We have ‘streamed people’ into ‘like’ groups or churches and have lost this sense of corporate maturity that comes from making ‘every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace’ (4:3).

At WRBC we seek to welcome and embrace people from a range of age, social, cultural and educational backgrounds and we aim to provide a community where people find a sense of belonging and acceptance. We have many pre-believers who join us and, through love, acceptance and the clear presentation of the Word of God, are assisted in their journey of faith.

A priority for me and the believers who call WRBC home is to understand the geographic, demographic and cultural context in which God has placed us and to reflect this diversity in the believing community.

In Ephesians, Paul goes to great lengths to explain that, through Christ’s death on the cross, the dividing wall of hostility between Jews and Gentiles was broken down. Now Jews and Gentiles are united in the body of Christ—the church.

The church therefore should visibly represent this unity in diversity. As Paul says, ‘God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord’ (Ephesians 3:10-11).

After highlighting the diversity of gifts given to the church, along with the essential unity of the body of Christ, Paul also speaks of maturity in a corporate sense. In today’s individualistic society, we often overlook the corporate nature of maturity. Paul states that ‘we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love’ (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT).

We value diversity and this is reflected in every area of our church life, and to enhance unity in diversity, we have established an integration ministry team that assists people to become part of the community and use their God-given gifts. It is hard work and it does not suit everyone. It requires commitment to challenge and be challenged, to give and to take. Valuing diversity also incorporates a multi-generational approach, so where practical we tend not to stream by age. We see that our multi-generational groups also deepen our expression of maturity in diversity.

Mission is at our heart. Since its foundation 135 years ago, WRBC has lived out this mission statement: ‘discipling the nations’ through its missions’ program, and has been quick to recognise a new paradigm of reaching the nations in a mobile, diverse world. So we welcome international students, migrants and refugees into our community. Perhaps our most effective ministry in reaching our community is the Thrift Shop and Eternity Boutique. And through our TESOL programmes, conversational English classes, weekly international meals and simple English Bible studies, people are loved. We run integrated ‘life together groups’ where strangers are cared for, taught God’s word and gradually come to faith in Jesus.

The church also facilitates a number of ‘community houses’ that provide accommodation and a supportive environment for people visiting Australia for various reasons. These are more than share houses as residents are required to be part of the intentional community set up through house meals, sharing times and bible studies. In many ways, WRBC reflects the diversity of the surrounding inner city. It practises incarnational ministry and seeks to provide a multigenerational, multicultural community that displays the unity in diversity that Paul teaches. It’s an alternative model of church relevant to the multicultural, fragmented society in which we live, serve and witness.

John Anderson, Senior Pastor WRBC www.qb.com.au August 2012

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Intentional ministry series

Intentional ministry series

Just for blokes Stuff Blokes is an outreach ministry especially geared to capture the adventurous hearts and spirits of Aussie blokes.

They are personally invited by mentoring blokes to an outback experience with a challenge - which blokes love. Along with plenty of good tucker around the campfire, there is wild stuff: clay target, rifle shooting competitions, compound bow competitions and eradicating feral animals.

This creates a good mix for blokes to get alongside each other.

You would be amazed how quickly friendships are forged, and it is not long before blokes are sharing from their hearts around the campfire, which burns 24/7 and is an essential element of

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August 2012 www.qb.com.au

the weekend. All meals and discussions take place around it.

Life changing stuff happens as blokes sit quietly staring into the fire, enjoying its warmth and glow. In this environment, mentoring blokes share their own journeys of joy, struggle and disappointment. They give a clear message that when they gave their hearts to Jesus, things changed and they now live lives of hope and victory.

This ministry started when Larry Bell, lawyer and member of Hervey Bay Baptist Church, was challenged when he attended a Wild at Heart Conference in Sydney some years ago. John Eldridge spoke to men about using their passionate masculine pursuits, in Larry’s case hunting and love of the outback, to bring blokes to Jesus.

Intentional ministry series

‘

In this environment, mentoring blokes share their own journeys of joy, struggle and disappointment.

’

Our last trip was over the June long weekend. We went to a property at Muckadilla and 33 blokes did run ‘a-muck’ (amok) in the mud, as we got doused with 6mm of rain on the Sunday morning. We were still able to concrete two large bays in farm sheds by using three small mixers, which was an amazing feat considering the size of the job.

The blessings flowed along with the rain. A number of blokes were challenged enough to make changes to their lives and intend coming to our Friday morning brekkies. This is where men can really grow.

So be encouraged and motivated to start whatever ministry God has placed on your heart. The right time is now; get a mob of blokes around you, share your passion and start praying.

There is now a team of blokes who make this ministry happen.

They each have a heart to make sure that the blokes they invite are made to feel special and accepted, no matter what they have done or where they have come from.

If you are interested in knowing more about this ministry or just want some direction about how to get started, please phone Larry Bell, mob 0417 795 873 or email legalhog@hotmail.com.

These trips are conducted on properties owned by Christian blokes throughout outback Queensland. Their desire is to honour God by allowing blokes to come, enjoy and use these properties that they realise are a blessing from God. A verse which underpins this ministry is Romans 12:10: ‘Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves.’ Blokes who have come to know Jesus over these week-ends have said that the catalyst which made them feel comfortable and confident about sharing deep stuff was realising that mentoring blokes really did care about them.

This is all about mentoring blokes having Christ’s character, which other blokes are drawn to. When we set ourselves apart from the world, blokes do take notice; when they ask why we believe or behave as we do, opportunities happen for us to share our faith journey.

The key to the success of Stuff Blokes has been prayer.

Months before every trip, our older blokes and prayer warriors start praying for those blokes we should ask. Invitees are generally neighbours, work colleagues, friends, sons or others who are doing it tough. Exciting stuff!

www.qb.com.au August 2012

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Intentional ministry series

Intentional ministry series

God is moving Healthy Ageing commenced seven years ago at Clontarf Baptist Church in Redcliffe. We average 70 to 80 people each week, and a significant percentage of them come from the community.

We have a good team of people from the church who lead different activities or craft groups, make morning tea, and move among people making them feel welcome. Some come just to befriend the non-church people. We have a qualified exercise instructor who comes at the end of the craft and social activities and is paid by donation. It is difficult to keep these volunteers as they get called back to their jobs; however, we have not gone long without a qualified, experienced leader for exercises. At the moment, our first Exercise Instructor is back with us, and those who were in the original group are very happy to see him again.

He and his now grown-up son were warmly greeted.

The program has grown in numbers and interest over time, with significant Redcliffe city leaders telling people to come and

try it out. We have a Government group who bring a van load of people with wheelchairs for the exercises we do. Therefore we have to have people who are experienced or qualified to lead the exercises‌ and God has found us the right ones at the right time. We started with 17 people and some of them are still coming. Some have come to faith in Jesus and are attending our church. There are those who are currently taking baptismal classes and going on in their faith and others who were previously baptised and now make their spiritual home at Clontarf Baptist. We thank God for moving among us.

This is of God - we are just the frame work to meet and befriend people. God speaks to them himself. We can be the instrument, or others can say a word at the right time. But it is all of God to speak into the lives of people at the right time and to make it understandable. We have a ‘Thought for the Day’ at the beginning of each morning during morning tea. This is shared around by a few people, and one of our pastors comes once a month to give a devotional. This helps the people from the community to recognise our pastors and get to know them just a little.

Sharon Martin admin@clontarfbaptist.org

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August 2012 www.qb.com.au

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QB Board

QB Board welcomes new members Two new members have joined the Board of Queensland Baptists.

Board Chair, Gary McGinty, wrote in the 2012 QB Report: ‘The Board is made up of people, not only committed to the Lord but to the denomination, so that in all things, God’s will be done. They are a great group of people who have our best at heart.’ Pam Condie and Andrew Teo were welcomed by existing Board members John Ivett (City Tabernacle), Wendy Jarrott-Smith (Gatton Baptist), Mark McKay (Forest Lake Baptist), Neil Parker (Toowoomba Community Church), Richard Wray (Bracken Ridge Baptist), Brian Zeller (Bridgeman Baptist), Susan O’Brien (Moore Park Baptist) and Gary McGinty (Cairns Baptist Church).

Andrew Teo Andrew and his wife Margaret Lau have two children, Joshua and Lydia. Andrew’s extensive academic achievement and experience includes a Master of Divinity (Westminster Theological College, Perth, WA); Doctor of Ministry (Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, Mill Valley, California); Master of Arts in Christian Counseling (Whitefield Theological Seminary, Lakeland, Florida) and Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Counseling (Whitefield Theological Seminary, Lakeland, Florida).

Pam Condie Pam has been active in ministry at South Chosen as one of Pine Community Church since becoming Queensland Baptists Board Priorities: a church member in To 1980. She established • assist local churches to extend the Kingdom through evangelism and the 3rd Pine Rivers church planting Girls’ Brigade Company in 1984 and served as Captain until 1996, • individually and collectively, worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). returning for a year in 1999. She also served This will be foundational to the way on the Church’s Board of Administration (2002 we function 2009), as a Church Elder (2009 - 2011) and has • be open, through corporate prayer been on the preaching roster for several years, and biblical reflection, to the leading as well as serving as a Worship Leader for the of the Holy Spirit in all matters to do with Queensland Baptists past decade. Pam says she has ‘a heart for sharing God’s Word from a sound biblical basis • ensure that the Ministry Team offers training sessions and workshops for and showing Christ’s love to those in the wider the equipping of pastors, leaders and community’.

Pam was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for services to youth in Queensland (particularly in leadership development) in 1999. Her academic qualifications include: BTh (Malyon), GradDipTheol (Malyon) and Dip Theol (Mueller). She is currently the Chair of the National Board of Mission Aviation Fellowship, Australia.

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August 2012 www.qb.com.au

•

•

church people encourage the Ministry Team and Board to further their own development through formal and/or informal study by providing adequate resources, time and incentive to pursue their studies encourage personal and corporate spiritual growth amongst Board and team members.

30 most able young Christian leaders and evangelists in Australia by The Lausanne Emerging Leaders Conference and Leighton Ford Ministries in 1998, Andrew also received the Lilly Endowment for Clergy Renewal in 2007. He is certified as a Multicultural Leadership Clinic Teacher and as a Counsellor.

In the mid 90s, Andrew was the Founding Pastor at the Perth Chinese Baptist Church (WA), then from 1999-2010 he held the role of Senior Pastor at Ann Arbor Chinese Christian Church in Michigan. He is currently the Senior Pastor at Toowong Baptist Church.

‘I agree with the vision and purpose of Queensland Baptists which, in a nutshell, is to encourage churches in making disciples,’ Andrew said. ‘My passion is to encourage churches to produce disciples who seek God for his grace each day of their lives, experiencing his love, obeying his Word and enjoying being his worshipping people.

By serving as Board member, I hope to use my God-given gifts and diverse ministry experiences to encourage our Baptist family of churches in Queensland to follow Christ.’

QB archives

ARCHIVES

some have declined against the general population.

However, the strong percentage growth of nonChristian religions and the Mormons is a factor to consider, as is the rapid increase in the ‘no religion’ category.

Census 2011

Initial figures for the 2011 Census released in June show that the percentage of population in Queensland claiming to be Baptist has jumped to 2.01% - from 1.87% in 2006. The actual figure is 41,413 males and SGMU Group 45,858 females. This makes Queensland the second largest state after Victoria in terms of numbers of Baptists, and also second in proportion of the population after Northern Territory (2.6%). For Australia as a whole, there are 352,499 Baptists, or 1.64%. The gender ratio for Queensland is 98:100 (men: women) and the age distribution closely follows the state population.

It is estimated that 35,000 people meet each week in Queensland Baptist churches, which is less than 50% of the census figure, so there is plenty of scope for evangelism and discipling.

Although the average density of Baptists in Queensland is 2.01%, the figure varies quite markedly in different areas, for example: Banana Shire 2.62% Longreach 2.53% Mt Isa 2.40% Fraser Coast 2.26% Bundaberg 2.20%

Bris & Gladstone 2.08% Toowoomba 1.59% Gold Coast 1.44% Townsville 1.38% Cairns 1.27%

The Census shows that the relative size of Christian churches has not changed much in recent years—Roman Catholics are the largest, followed by Anglicans, the Uniting Church, and Presbyterian and Reformed churches in Queensland.

In Australia the Eastern Orthodox come next with a nonspecified ‘Christian’ group following. Baptists are seventh, edging out the Lutherans (who used to be larger), and the Pentecostals—all grouped together. The order is the same for Queensland except that Eastern Orthodox are down the scale, smaller than Pentecostals.

However, the ‘no religion’ category is now larger than the Anglicans, and the ‘not stated’ group comes next after the Anglicans. Taken together, these two groups comprise 31% of the Australian population, and also of the Queensland population. There are a few more Buddhists in Queensland than Pentecostals, while Islam and Hinduism are each about half the number of Buddhism. Hinduism is the fastest growing non-Christian religion.

Overall, in the five years since the last Census, Baptist growth in Queensland (16.7%) has exceeded population growth (10%) and in so doing, has performed better than others;

These initial figures are helpful in providing some overall indications of trends, but the National Church Life Survey, which was taken at about the same time as the census, should give a lot more insights into the internal dynamics of our churches, locally and regionally, and help to answer the ‘why’ and the ‘what’. A fuller picture will also emerge as more Census figures are released.

Senior Girls’ Missionary Union history now available Pledge c

ard

The history of the Senior Girls’ Missionary Union (SGMU), written by Bill Hughes with the support of a number of former ‘senior girls’, has now been released. The SGMU was a highly successful and hardworking organisation which provided financial, personal and spiritual support to overseas missionaries following its establishment in Queensland in 1924. In its earlier years, the SGMU mainly supported women missionaries in India and Bangladesh, but it later expanded its work to include missionaries in other parts of the world.

The history covers the establishment of the SGMU, the nature of its work, the contribution of women to the work of the overseas missions and the type of missionary work that the organisation supported. The fully illustrated history also lists the main office holders of the central Executive, SGMU membership statistics, funds raised and the names of Queensland missionaries who served in India from 1855 to 1966.

In its heyday, the SGMU enjoyed the strong support of women at a time when most were homemakers and not in paid employment. As more and more moved into the paid workforce, the numbers diminished and other ways to support missions were developed. But the work of the SGMU was quite remarkable, and the history of this unique organisation has been well worth recording. A limited number of copies of the history are available at a cost of $10 (plus postage) and may be obtained from Bill Hughes (07 3256 8897 or 0409 915 685) or by contacting the Baptist Church Archives Qld archives@qb.com.au The Baptist Archives, archives@qb.com.au Phone 07 3878 3178, 07 3354 5642, 07 3256 8897 The Baptist Archives, QB Centre, PO Box 6166, Mitchelton Q 4053

www.qb.com.au August 2012

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QB kids & their families

It’s all about alignment Have you ever had a sore back? Or you might have had other pain, and found out that your posture wasn’t how God made your body to work. Worse, when you concentrate on getting your posture right, you find other muscles pull and hurt until everything goes into alignment.

Our faith is a bit like that. When we get our posture right, that is, when we focus on the big stuff of our faith, we find all sorts of aspects of life just fall into alignment. Like noticing where God is working and joining him. Here is a real-life example: A mother chats to someone about a discussion she had with her child about ‘who made her’.

‘God made me.’

‘No, I made you’, mum replies.

‘No,’ says four-year-old indignantly, ‘God made me’.

Back and forth, back and forth—then mum realises she’s not going to win. Four-year-old has been singing at mainly music, ‘God made me, I’m made in his image, special you see, there’s nobody else like me’. The mother relayed this conversation to

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August 2012 www.qb.com.au

her mainly music leader. Here was a chance to provide a Bible that tells about God’s wonderful story for us all.

Here’s another example: A mother cries to a team member during the eat/play/chat time, saying that her husband walked out that week. God didn’t create that situation, but he sure could provide hope. These situations happen, many times, all around Australia in mainly music groups. They open up possibilities for the team to join with God, providing not only the works of the Gospel, like meals and a listening ear, but also the words of the Gospel, like offering to pray for, and with, people.

Having to go out of your way and provide meals, take time to listen, step up and offer to pray, can cause discomfort, but as faith aligns, the adventure takes over.

Joining God becomes second nature. The pain lessens and the excitement of God using you to be a part of his plan becomes your everyday posture.

All over Australia, mums are logging into forums to talk about their mainly music experience. ‘Do you have to be churchy to

QB kids & their families

go?’ ‘No,’ replies another forum member.

‘At the one I go to, they sing about God, but they’re never in your face. I’m okay about my child learning that stuff. They can make a choice when they’re older.’

And around Queensland, mainly music Australia partners with churches to create strong church-community connections. mainly music provides churches with a ‘tried and true’ framework and branding that makes each group safe for those coming from the community, and each mainly music team member can be confident that they are God’s Plan A for connecting Christ to their community.

It’s all about you and your team members watching where God is working and joining him; it’s about watching where God could work and being a part of his marvellous plan to provide hope and healing.

That’s worth getting your ‘faith posture’ into alignment.

Authorised by Jo Hood – mainly music Australia Want to know more?

Check out www.mainlymusic.org.au or phone 03 9720 3310.

An interview with Judy Small, leader of Pacific Paradise mainly music.

About mainly music Pacific Paradise How do you run mainly music? mainly music Pacific Paradise celebrated its third birthday on 21 April 2012, and the format has changed little since beginning. We have an interactive session of songs and rhymes followed by morning tea for children. Toys are then brought out so that mums, dads and carers can enjoy morning tea while the children play. The music, with suggested sessions and power point words, is provided and can be adapted to suit the group. It is a team effort to put the morning together, but mainly music provides all you need to run the program.

Who are your volunteers?

Our program was started by North Shore Baptist Church with about five volunteers.

Mainly older retired, semi-retired or non-working folk make up the team, and volunteering is flexible. Last year we merged with Bli Bli Baptist Church to become Riverlife Community Church, which has provided us with extra helpers and more families. At the end of 2011, we were struggling as the number of families attending had grown—we needed more helpers. However, the Lord heard our prayers and connected us with an Anglican mainly music group who had lots of helpers but few families. Our groups have now combined and it is wonderful to have a roster of around 15 volunteers from both churches.

How does mainly music show God’s love to children and their parents?

The parents and children love the interactive nature of the songs and rhymes, and there are always two or three ‘God songs’. The team is able to connect with the families as we serve them and help them feel spoiled. The mums, especially, are becoming more open to share about their lives with team members, and it is encouraging to see friendships forming. Our team prays for families who are facing illness or difficult times, and we celebrate special occasions with small gifts.

Do dads attend?

Just this morning we were pleased to have three dads and a grandad participating.

They loved the boys’ activities—music sticks and parachutes! We often have grandmas, and one who has attended for some time has offered to become a helper (when her grandchild moves away) because she enjoys the program and social interaction.

Would you recommend it to other (small) churches? mainly music is a wonderful program that can be adapted to small or large groups and used to connect with families in any community.

www.qb.com.au August 2012

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QCCC

Have you ever thought about taking a walk around Brisbane’s CBD and trying to see the city as Jesus sees it?

In recent months QCCC has been working with Exiles Australia (a ministry led by Rhys McFadden) on a reflective walk through the Brisbane CBD. What we have developed is a socio-political critique of the city based on Mark’s gospel.

The aim is to walk participants around their State Capital while reflecting on Jesus’ life and teaching, looking for echoes of his message as well as contradictions. It has been a fascinating process because it has forced us to walk through the city and see it as Jesus sees it. What parables would he draw out of that sculpture? What would he think of the commercialisation of the city’s institutions? What would he say to the thousands of commuters and pedestrians? It has been a very rich pursuit and spiritually challenging, and I think everyone involved has been surprised at how God is in, around and through the cityscape, though you have to have eyes to see him.

Discovering hidden mysteries in this present age

Here is my own parable that helps to demonstrate this paradox of the obvious and hidden Jesus in the midst of the everyday in our city. It can be found in the sub-culture of Geocaching. I was introduced to Geocaching a few years ago. More than most things, Geocaching is very much like entering a parallel universe. To set the scene, I am going to do a bit of ‘copy and paste’ from Wikipedia, to save reinventing the descriptive wheel: Geocaching is an outdoor sporting activity in which the participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers, called ‘geocaches’ or ‘caches’, anywhere in the world. A typical cache is a small waterproof container containing a logbook.

Geocaches are currently placed in over 100 countries around the world and on all seven continents, including Antarctica. After 12 years of activity there are over 1.7 million active geocaches published on various websites devoted to the activity.

For the traditional geocache, a geocacher will place a waterproof container containing a log book (with pen or pencil) and trade items then record the cache’s coordinates. These coordinates, along with other details of the location, are posted on a listing site (see list of some sites below). Other geocachers obtain the coordinates from that listing site and seek out the cache using their GPS handheld receivers. The finding geocachers record their exploits in the logbook and online. Geocachers are

QCCC

free to take objects (except the logbook, pencil, or stamp) from the cache in exchange for leaving something of similar or higher value.

For several years I have been passing by the geocache world in the course of my daily routine, completely oblivious to its existence, despite its presence all around me. Within minutes of being handed the keys to the geocache world, courtesy of the geocache website, the veil was lifted. Let’s zero in on Mapleton. Given that I walk a circuitous 2.5 km route to work (and back again), it became clear that over the last 12 months I’ve regularly passed geocaches stashed around the town.

In geocache ‘speak’, this made me a ‘muggle’ (a common person, esp. one who is ignorant or has no skills).

However, when the veil was lifted, I was aware of the hidden treasures of another sub-culture, another world even, the secret society of the geocachers, and could join in on the hunt (albeit surreptitiously as you don’t want muggles stumbling across the cache without context). I’m not a hardcore geocacher. I have a friend who has travelled to every continent and discovered

thousands of geocaches. But I’ve done it enough to convince me that Geocaching could be a perfect reminder of the hidden mysteries of the Kingdom of God in this present age, much like our walk around Brisbane City.

Today in my office, another good friend and I were discussing the various English translations of Mark 1:14-15. It’s a little perturbing that the major translations fall into two broad camps with regard to the tense they give to their interpretation of Jesus’ words as he storms into public ministry. Some will have it as ‘The Kingdom of God is near’ (e.g. New Living Translation), which is significantly different to ‘The time has come at last–the Kingdom of God has arrived’ (JB Phillips) or ‘Time’s up, God’s Kingdom is here’ (The Message). Future tense versus present tense–it makes a profound difference to one’s interpretation of Jesus’ words and intent.

Given the context of some of the parables Jesus told about the Kingdom of God (or Heaven) and some of his recorded utterances, there’s a strong case to be made that he proclaimed that the Kingdom of God is indeed present right here, right now, in the midst of this present evil age: that Jesus’ life and conduct is a demonstration of how the Kingdom of Heaven has gloriously broken into this age, and that through Jesus’ example and sacrifice, Kingdom living is attainable and something to strive for, this side of heaven. The clues about the Kingdom and Jesus’ victory are everywhere.

Though I grew up in the bosom of the church (I was a pastor’s kid!) this remarkable realisation didn’t truly dawn on me until I was twenty-three. It was a little bit like being handed the codes to the Geocache website and finding a veil lifted and a whole new world of context and possibilities opened up. The stakes are much higher though.

All around us are hints of the Kingdom of God, and possibilities to see its fulfillment in the present. There are gems of knowledge hanging on our observation; there are truths that

require dogged research to discover them. There are people to serve, populations to enlighten, God in all we see and do.

Yet in the busyness of life (or perhaps in the mainstream pursuit of the Kingdom to come) we’re often oblivious to them, passing them by as casually as I used to pass Geocaches before my eyes were opened.

If you are interested in an Encounter Brisbane walk for your church, youth group or school, go to www.exiles.com.au or email Andrew Grant for details.

Andrew Grant andrew.grant@qccc.com.au Director of Camping Queensland Conference and Camping Centres www.qccc.com.au www.qb.com.au August 2012

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QB women

The story of

You began when a single cell from your mum and a single cell from your dad came together to form a new person. Each cell had 23 chromosomes, half of your mum’s and half of your dad’s DNA. Those two cells merged and began to form a new DNA code. DNA is a unique code that describes how God planned you to be.

This code is made up of four different building blocks, or nucleotides, and is three billion characters long! If you were to read one letter of this code every second of the day, it would take 96 years to read the description of you. It was written in the language of God. This description God wrote of you paints a picture that has never been painted before in the history of human kind. From that three billion character code, that one cell went on to build a new person formed in the mind of God - and that person was YOU. It has been a long journey, but that first cell has formed the 75 trillion cells that are in your body today. If we were to take the DNA from all your cells and put it end to end, it would go around the earth two and a half times.

All that information is in you. It is the unique code God wrote to form and fashion you. You are a walking, talking, living, breathing miracle. You were formed and fashioned by God’s hand and a marvel of his engineering. You are his masterpiece and prized possession. Before you were born he loved you and knew you.

Because you were made with LOVE. The Lord describes you as his masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10): the work of his hands destined to do the good things he has planned for you to do. He says that to him you are precious and he loves you (Isaiah 43:4). He gave his son in exchange for you, to redeem you: to buy you back from a lost eternity.

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He loves you and wants to restore you in the middle of your brokenness, to release you to become all that he has planned for you. You are a Miracle.

Sue Peters State Director, Qld Baptist Women www.sheis.net.au She is... made with LOVE conferences and camps are gathering women together from across Queensland to explore the redeeming, restoring and releasing love of Christ. For more information go to www.sheis.net.au.

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email info@elijahhouse.com.au

QB youth

Getting the right

focus

When I was at school I had an after-school job: I worked at a dog kennel. I did a lot of pretty cool things and learnt some very important lessons. There was this one dog named Max—he was like no other dog I had ever seen. At the time, he was the top stud-breeding dog for his breed in Australia.

He was amazing. He would do whatever you asked of him.

I had the opportunity to observe the boss training the dog during the time I worked at the kennels. One thing he did was to put some meat on the ground, then say to Max, ‘No’.

Naturally, at first the dog would run straight over and eat the meat. So he’d rebuke and discipline him, but being a good master, would give him another opportunity. When the dog did well, he received a reward. After a while, and with plenty of encouragement, Max learnt not to eat the meat. The change I noticed in the dog’s behaviour was not that he didn’t want the meat; he just didn’t look at the meat. Instead, he looked at his master and didn’t take his eyes off him, and thus the temptation to eat the meat didn’t cause a problem.

Now I’m sure you can see the principle in this story: we need to keep our eyes focussed on our master—focussed on Jesus—if we want to overcome anything that we face in life.

So how do we relate this to the way we do youth ministry? You will agree that our young people face a whole assembly line of temptation; some will even give themselves away in an attempt to feel loved and accepted. The reality is that this leaves them feeling lonely and hurt, even wondering whether it is worth living this life. One young girl in this situation would come to youth and not get too involved, but sometimes we would have the opportunity to sit and encourage her about her view of life, and also encourage her to look to Jesus. Thank the Lord that she did. Over the past few years she has changed.

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Her outlook on life is different. You can see the way Jesus is making the difference, and it is exciting to see what the Lord is doing through her.

The reality is that sometimes youth will do well and other times they will fail—just like everyone else. As parents, grandparents, youth pastors and youth leaders, we have the responsibility to disciple and to lead our young people. Our role is to encourage them. They might fall into temptation— we need to encourage them to look to Jesus. They might be doing well in the Lord—we need to encourage them to keep their eyes on Jesus. It should be our desire to see our young people using their potential and becoming the very best they can be.

Josh McGinty

Persecution brief

Please pray NIGERIA: DOZENS DEAD IN TRIPLE ATTACH ON CHRISTIANS Over 65 people, including two politicians, were killed by Muslims in a triple attack on a Christian farming community in Plateau state.

The first incident happened on 5 July when Muslims destroyed 43 Christian-owned farms. Nobody was arrested. They followed this up on Saturday 7 July with attacks on nine Christian villages around the city of Jos, killing dozens of people.

The next day, a funeral for the victims of the village raids was attacked

by Muslims. Two Christian politicians in attendance, Gyang Dantong, the senator representing Plateau North, and Gyang Fulani, the majority leader of the state assembly, were shot dead. Several other people were also killed. Security forces said Muslim Fulani herdsmen were behind the violence but Islamist militant group Boko Haram issued a statement on Tuesday 10 July in which they seemed to be claiming responsibility for the attacks.

A spokesman for the state’s governor said that the Muslims resented Plateau state’s Christian political leadership. The state is in Nigeria’s Middle Belt between the country’s predominantly Muslim North and mainly Christian South. It has been the scene of frequent anti-Christian violence. A local Christian leader blamed the Nigerian government for failing to protect Christians. He said that most of the military forces in the area protect Muslim villages instead of the Christian ones.

One commentator suggested that the deaths of the politicians may drive the tensions in Jos to the top of the political agenda. The triple attack in Plateau state comes as Christians, especially those in Northern Nigeria, are under the mounting threat of violence by Boko Haram, which wants to establish an Islamic state there. Churches have been bombed on an almost weekly basis over the last few months, including two in Jos within the space of two weeks.

IRAN: CHRISTIAN CONVERT RELEASED AFTER EIGHT MONTHS IN JAIL A convert from Islam to Christianity has been released from prison in Iran after spending eight months behind bars, including 105 days in solitary confinement. Eshan Behrooz, a 24-year-old student from Mashhad, was released on 16 June having endured tough mental and physical conditions. He had first been arrested on 8 July 2010 with other new converts to Christianity. Eshan refused to sign a disclaimer denouncing his Christian faith so was held in custody. He was temporarily released three months later upon the payment of an SOURCE: Barnabas Fund, www.barnabasfund.org/AU

US$60,000 bail but kept under surveillance, which caused both his physical and psychological health to suffer.

In October 2011, Eshan was arrested for a second time by the provincial security authorities, who transferred him to an unknown location. His family and friends did not know for some time that he had been re-arrested. Eshan suffered many mental and physical problems during his period in solitary confinement and was deprived of basic rights that prisoners usually receive, such as being allowed to contact his family and talk to a lawyer.

He had been studying management at the University of Mashhad, and it is feared that he may be refused readmission, thus jeopardising his education and career prospects. Eshan had set up an internet café to help fund his studies, but this was closed down by the authorities following his arrest; they alleged that it had been created for Christians to communicate with each other online.

EGYPT: HEART OP CENTRE UNDER THREAT A charitable medical centre that performs free heart operations on children in Egypt is under threat from radical Muslims, who want it closed down because it was founded by a Christian surgeon. The centre in Aswan city was established by the worldrenowned cardiothoracic surgeon, Sir Magdi Habib Yacoub, an Egyptian Christian who emigrated to Britain in 1962. His charitable organisation covers all the centre’s costs, and operations are performed on Christian and Muslim children alike free of charge.

The centre’s Muslim director was interviewed on Egyptian television about the protests by radical elements in Aswan. She said that closing down the centre, which is licensed and has a government permit to practise, would be a big loss for Egypt. Sir Magdi, who specialises in surgery on children with congenital heart defects, goes to the centre in Aswan himself to perform operations on needy youngsters. His charity sends teams of medics to various parts of the developing world to treat for free children suffering from heart disease. The protests against his medical centre follow the election last month of an Islamist president, Mohammed Morsi, in Egypt, which heightened concerns for the future of Christians in the country. Although Mr Morsi has made encouraging noises about being a ‘president for all Egyptians’, and even vowed to appoint a Christian vice-president, it seems that Islamists have been further emboldened by his election to push for their agenda.

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The same story ‘Every day, in every ward, every patient has the same story to tell… they all have been unable to afford needed surgery, and have searched for years to obtain basic medical care.’

This is how Rinnah Fry described the need for what is being done by volunteers serving with Mercy Ships.

Rinnah recently moved to Bundaberg from Brisbane, where she worshipped with City North Baptist Church.

She spent nearly two months on the hospital ship Africa Mercy in Togo, West Africa, one of the world’s poorest nations. It was not an entirely new experience as she had served with the charity in Liberia in 2006, and was responding this time following an urgent call for nurses during the Togo assignment.

‘When that call came, I thought I would see if it were possible to get time off work and organise flights. It all fell into place. With ten years of nursing background, a desire to be involved in mission work for a while and a heart for Africa, I realised as soon as I reached Togo how much I love this place and the work done by Mercy Ships,’ she said.

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‘

Many don’t really understand the work done by volunteers serving with Mercy Ships, and don’t know what it is like for the people of Africa without adequate health care.

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Mercy Ships

‘During my two months, I cared for patients recovering from a range of surgeries. As a paediatric nurse, my duties also included looking after many of the children who came onboard for such surgeries as cataract removal, hernias and cleft lip/cleft palates. There were some notable differences between working on the hospital ship and working in an Australian hospital. I had to learn to work with translators and to cope with patients’ care givers who slept under the hospital beds.’

Rinnah said that those around her, at home and work, were very supportive of her decision to go. ‘Many don’t really understand the work done by volunteers serving with Mercy Ships, and don’t know what it is like for the people of Africa without adequate health care. We are so privileged in Australia, and really don’t have any idea of the desperation of so many Africans needing help.’

‘One huge issue facing women in Africa is that of obstetric fistula injuries resulting from prolonged or obstructed childbirth. There is no access to medical assistance if there are problems.

Some women are in labour for five to seven days, and the result is often a stillborn baby and fistula injury. Not only is the mother left in grief over the loss of her child, but she often has to endure the loss of husband, family and friends, as well as face isolation, rejection, self-loathing, humiliation and despair because of her incontinence. These women search for years seeking healing, and what an honour and privilege it is to be a part of that healing for them.’

Rinnah described working for Mercy Ships as life changing.

‘Volunteers come from around the world for one reason only–that of sharing God given gifts to provide love and care for the people of West Africa. These are people who are so

happy and open to receiving that love. It is their strength, their faith and their love that inspires and encourages me the most.’

‘What an amazing place to be. I would recommend volunteering to everyone. Not only will it change someone’s life, but you will be pleasantly surprised at how it will change you. As I worked among patients, removing a dressing, giving medication, I always heard them singing. It was a common African song of praise “My God you are wonderful, my God you are excellent”. Those were the only words I could understand,’ Rinnah concluded.

Mercy Ships is a global charity that has operated hospital ships in developing nations since 1978 providing free health care and community development services to the forgotten poor.

Following the example of Jesus, Mercy Ships brings hope and healing to the poor. Working in partnership with local people, Mercy Ships empowers communities to help themselves. The emphasis is on the needs of the world’s poorest nations in West Africa, where the world’s largest charity hospital ship ‘Africa Mercy’ provides the platform for services extending up to ten months at a time. Mercy Ships works on land-based projects in Sierra Leone in partnership with other organisations, while teams also work in several nations of Central America and the Caribbean. Mercy Ships Australia, one of 15 international support offices, is based on the Queensland Sunshine Coast. www.mercyships.org.au

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QBC

Birthday celebrations for Queensland Baptist Care Services Queensland Baptist Care is celebrating two milestone anniversaries this year, with Brookfield Village and Orana Youth Shelter marking their 40th and 30th birthdays respectively.

The fun day involved musical entertainment and historical displays depicting times gone by. Sales of all sorts of treasures, food and plants raised $4,700, which will go towards improving recreational services at Brookfield.

Brookfield Village’s Diversional Therapy Coordinator, Jenny Boettcher, said that they celebrated their anniversary by holding a Birthday Fun Day on 16 June, to mark 40 years of caring for the aged. The day also showed ‘great community spirit’ with residents, families, staff and neighbours all coming together to work as one.

‘Although Brookfield Village has increased in size over the years, it still retains that homely feel, and the residents really enjoyed getting involved on the day,’ Jenny said. ‘We have a few residents who have lived here for over 30 years, and one 99-year-old woman was particularly interested in the display from Brookfield Historical Society and our own collection of photographs and memorabilia.’

‘It’s a real family atmosphere here at Brookfield; everyone helped out by making crafts, baking cakes, donating bric-abrac and staffing the stalls to guarantee the event’s success.

We had a lot of community and home support, and it was great to see three generations of many families enjoying the day together,’ said Jenny, who has worked at Brookfield for 19 years.

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Brookfield Village - formerly known as Resthaven Garden Settlement and renamed in 1998 - was officially opened in 1972. Its 34 acres of land was gifted to the Baptist Union of Queensland for the prime purpose of establishing accommodation for aged people, by Dr John Leslie Dart in 1964. After much expansion, Brookfield Village now has 180

high and low care beds including dementia specific, along with 62 Retirement Living Units, a community hall and chapel.

organising fun and engaging activities and day trips for the residents.

Jenny said that her own connection with Brookfield goes back, well beyond her 19 years employment, as her father, the Reverend Frank Stone, was on the planning committee for the original village, and Frank Stone Court is named in his honour.

Orana Youth Centre, on the north side of Brisbane, marked their 30th anniversary recently. They provide emergency and shortterm accommodation to homeless and at-risk young people.

A spokesperson for Queensland Baptist Care said that the caring diversional therapists at Brookfield Village, like their counterparts in other QBC aged care centres, are always

Program Manager Dave McNair said that so many lives have been changed for the better during this time, with thousands of youth leaving the streets to carve out brighter futures for themselves through employment or educational pursuits.

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BWAA

Busy bees In a small community in remote rural Zambia, a group of seven industrious teenagers run a bee-keeping business. With their very limited resources, each of these boys has set up traditional beehives to sell the honey in the village for a little bit of pocket money.

Life in their community is hard. Their crops do not sustain them all year round and often they go hungry. There are few services in the area and children like these boys are needed to work, so they have little chance to get an education.

But this community is determined to change their situation.

Working with Baptist World Aid Australia’s partner, the Reformed Church of Zambia—Diaconia Department, they are committed to transforming their village into a place where all children can grow and thrive.

This ten-year program involves community members at all levels, from the children through to parents and teachers, community leaders and even local government. Everyone has made a pledge to work together to address the major issues that are harmful for children.

When the Diaconia Department staff first started building relationships in the community, they identified the resourcefulness of these seven teenagers as a great asset.

The staff talked with them and came up with a plan to make their little projects not just something that can give them a treat every now and then, but a building block for their futures.

The field worker encouraged the boys to amalgamate their operations. Some of the older men taught them how to weave 32

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baskets to boost their income, and they have now joined the Zambia Honey Council, which will give them access to a wider market. The Diaconia Department gave the boys a loan so that they could purchase modern, safer beehives that are more productive, and now they can make 5,000 Kwacha per kilogram of honey. With this income, they can pay off their loan in nine months, while also paying the small costs necessary for them to return to their education.

With a growing business and literacy and numeracy skills under their belts, these young entrepreneurs will soon be equipped to support themselves and face future challenges.

The experience of these boys is just one of many in their village, and the program is only about a year old!

Over the next four years, the Diaconia Department plans to have programs running in 15 Zambian villages, and our other partners are working with many more communities, from the fishing villages of the Philippines to the jungles of Sri Lanka and the mountains of Nepal.

Baptist World Aid is praising God as we see greater transformation to end poverty than we would have thought possible in these programs... the transformation Jesus began when he stood up in the synagogue and said, ‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour’ (Luke 4:17-19).

Sponsor a child today and help transform a whole community.

Phone 1300 789 991 or visit www.baptistworldaid.org.au

Global Interaction

to least-reached people groups When Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations” he used the Greek word “ethne” meaning peoples or ethnic groups. In 2012 there are 196 nations in the world and over 16,000 distinct people groups1. 16,000!! We can see why it is known as the Great Commission!

To hear more about what Global Interaction is doing, grab your copy of RESONATE at your local Queensland Baptist Church or at www.globalinteraction.org.au

What is a people group?

What is Global Interaction’s strategy?

A people group is a large grouping of individuals who are connected by shared language, religion, ethnicity, residence, occupation, class or caste, situation or a combination of these.

To address this injustice, we predominantly work among least-reached people groups.

We thought trying to reach 7,000 groups was a tad ambitious, even for us Aussies, so we’ve chosen nine (coloured above)!

What makes a people group least-reached?

Least-reached groups are those that have little or no access to the gospel in ways that makes sense to them. While Christianity has grown rapidly and continuously across all continents, there are places where it has encountered barriers, often caused by language, tradition, cultural, social and political differences. The least-reached have no indigenous community of believers. More than 99% of people in these communities go from birth to death without ever having an opportunity to hear the gospel.

Where are the least-reached people groups?

Most of the least-reached people groups live in North Africa, the Middle East and Asia. They contain the majority of the world’s Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists.

How many least-reached people groups are there?

7,000. That’s about a third of the world’s population. Sadly, less than 1% of all Christian resources are distributed among least-reached people groups, while over 96% are distributed among Christians.

1

• Yawo of Malawi and Mozambique • Kazakh of Kazakhstan • H* of Central Asia • Bengali of South Asia • Ethnic Thai of Thailand • The Khmer of Cambodia • IB*, IR* and IS* of South East Asia If you are thinking that we build Baptist Churches, send Bibles and worship CDs – think again. We believe that God’s greatest gift is a life-changing experience of Jesus.

Due to language and cultural differences, political and social structures, we cannot simply replicate our Aussie way of doing things. Cross-cultural workers learn the language and culture, build relationships and share with local people. New believers share the gospel effectively within their own people group and develop their own distinctive ways of following Jesus.

Want to know more?

Interested in one of the people groups, intrigued by the * and want to know who they are? We can tell you more, inspire you to pray and maybe send you off to find them...

www.joshuaproject.net

Reprinted with permission - RESONATE Issue 17.

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Life

Why won’t God give me what I want?

When illness or hardship strikes, how often do we hear someone (perhaps even ourselves) lament, ‘Where is God in all this?’ And how often do we kick and resist when enduring a trying work situation, difficult neighbours, or repeated setbacks in our life-goals? We plead for God to show himself by taking away all these bad experiences, and to bless us like the chosen people of God in the Old Testament. But how long will we hold on to a simplistic version of Christianity, preventing ourselves from enjoying a true understanding of God’s character and will for our lives?

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Life

We live in a society that hinders our attempts to grasp the reality of God. Australian culture sees ‘achievement’ in terms of being fit and healthy, earning a decent amount of money to support our materialistic desires, while having time to relax and have fun. By association, we Australian Christians also tend to believe that God blesses us by giving us enough money, good health, and a comfortable life. Missionary Oswald Chambers warned: ‘…one of the biggest traps we fall into is the belief that if we have faith, God will surely lead us to success in the world’ (My Utmost for His Highest, March 19).

‘

It’s true that God gave certain people, like Job or King Solomon, wealth and status, but in the overwhelming majority of situations, God blessed people within their poverty and want.

Having little financial security is not a sign of God neglecting us, but an opportunity for us to trust in him to provide. ‘My God will supply all your needs’ (Philippians 4:19) is frequently quoted as justification for expecting God to fill our bank account to a desired level, when we should be questioning what our needs really are. And to do this, we should look at what is God’s will for us—to be happy on a material level, or to be saved and to understand and reflect God’s grace; to honour and glorify him?

everything without enduring a time of doubt and sense of need, there would be no development of faith.

That’s not to say that God doesn’t care about our daily trials and wants. Of course he cares—intensely. He cares for the birds, and so much more for us (Luke 12:7). But like any loving parent, God sees the big picture and will allow us to undergo momentary pain in order to discipline us and lead us to a place of greater growth. The very trials that we strive to avoid are actually the circumstances that God has allowed, in order to develop our character. We are given the opportunity to reveal our Christ-likeness, and to display the fruit of the Spirit within us—such as patience, love, peace, self-control and humility. Paul regularly exhorted his readers to change their perspective on suffering: accepting and even rejoicing in it, in light of eternal glory (2 Corinthians 4:17, Hebrews 11:25, James 5:10).

That’s not to say that God doesn’t care about our daily trials and wants. Of course he cares— intensely. He cares for the birds, and so much more for us (Luke 12:7).

When we read the Bible and realise the latter option is God’s plan, why think that God should keep giving us the ‘surface’ blessings? The Israelites wandered for 40 years in the desert, continually being brought back to this concept. When faced with hunger or physical danger, God drew them to a place where they could put their trust in him to provide and protect. If he automatically gave them

We do need to take care that we don’t follow the disciples’ example and fall apart with doubt when it appears our Saviour has deserted us, and our plans come to nothing. The disciples’ pre-resurrection faith was based on erroneous ideas of Jesus’ earthly role, whereas their post-resurrection faith was built on the truth about suffering and the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins.

Are we willing to go deeper into our relationship with God and experience peace that transcends outward ‘blessings’ as we reconcile ourselves with the true good news of our salvation? As Oswald Chambers advises, ‘Once we get there, no matter where God may place us or what inner emptiness we experience, we can praise God that all is well’ (My Utmost for His Highest, April 4).

’

Susan Johnstone

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All one in Christ Jesus

United to celebrate and serve God While studying at Malyon College, Pastor Jean-Claude Manirakiza from All Nations Revival Church at Woodridge began to form friendships with a number of people at Life Point Christian Church. Since both churches were approximately seven years old and shared a great love for people and the gospel, there was much to create a strong connection.

At the time, All Nations’ church community was made up of a lively group of families and individuals, mostly from Burundi and Tanzania. Most of the congregation had seen immediate family or close friends and relatives abused or killed, and many were desperately waiting to be reunited with loved ones still subsisting in camps and facilities around the world. For many, these memories are still a powerful part of their present experience and often become a barrier to adjusting to a new life in Australia without their friends and families.

Throughout 2011, God had been teaching Life Point Christian Church about his heart for migrants and they felt they needed to do something locally to address the needs of these people. The new friendship formed at Malyon offered an avenue for this passion and very soon a large group from Life Point planned to visit All Nations to begin to get to know the people there.

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‘

…this experience has illustrated to both churches the power that is present when churches unite to celebrate and serve their God together.

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All one in Christ Jesus

The church of New Australians gave their visitors a huge welcome and enjoyed sharing worship with their Aussie brothers and sisters in both English and Burundi. There were songs from no less than three choirs, testimonies, items, and a stirring sermon from a young lay preacher. This visit was a significant day for All Nations Revival Church as it was the first time an Aussie church group had visited them since the church was planted over seven years ago.

In a quest to deepen their friendship and encourage All Nations in their mission, the Life Point team decided God would have them partner with All Nations to provide Christmas gift bags full of toys, games, sweets, Christian books and DVDs, and to explore future ways of working together.

All Nations is one of many migrant churches in the Baptist Union and this experience has illustrated to both churches the power that is present when churches unite to celebrate and serve their God together.

Pastor Jean-Claude said, ‘If Baptist churches were willing to build relationships with other migrant churches there would be great benefit for the churches involved as well as for the Kingdom of God. When the Aussie group visited us, we found it gave a huge boost to our community. To know that other Christians were aware that we were here, loved us and could

worship with us provided great joy and filled us with hope. We want to encourage Pastor Dan Harding and other Christians to continue to be willing to give hope to migrant churches by extending friendship and love to them’.

Dan Harding from Life Point reflected that ‘this opportunity to befriend and serve people from a vastly different background was a great blessing to us. Their passion for God, amidst suffering and circumstances that few of us will ever experience, was truly inspirational. This experience has not only provided opportunity for gospel partnerships and friendships, it has opened our eyes to the need for Christians to take seriously the call to love people in our own back yard’.

A huge opportunity exists for others to likewise take on the joy and responsibility of welcoming, befriending and serving migrants and the churches to which they belong. Jean-Claude passionately hopes that similar stories of united faith and friendship will spring up all around our state and nation.

If you are interested in connecting with migrant churches or if you would like more information about Life Point’s experience, please email office@lifepoint.org.au.

Dan Harding & Jean-Claude Manirakiza

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Thinkspot

Ask persistently, expect confidently As Christians, we possess no minor privilege. We are indwelt by the Holy Spirit who, once given, remains with us throughout eternity. We are encouraged to exercise faith to believe that he lives within us in order to receive more of his strengthening and consolatory influences. However, though it might seem contradictory, we are also expected to cultivate and seek more of the Spirit’s presence in our lives.

Some disagree with this. They believe that we do not need to pray for the Spirit once we have his presence in our lives. However, we have received forgiveness of sins, but does that mean we need never pray again for God to forgive us when we sin?

Though we have life, we may pray to have it more abundantly. And if we have the Holy Spirit, we may pray for his fullness.

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Thinkspot

The Scriptures attest to this. Our Lord insisted, ‘If you being evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give his Holy Spirit to those who ask him?’ (Luke 11:13). This was addressed to his disciples and future readers - to people who believe in him, and so already have the Spirit. The apostle Paul similarly urged the Ephesians, who were already indwelt by the Holy Spirit to, ‘be filled with the Spirit’ (Ephesians 5:18). The Bible often speaks of the filling and fullness of the Spirit. So more of the influence of the Spirit is available to those in whom he already lives.

However, I think some are reluctant to pray for more of the Holy Spirit for two reasons. One is that they fear they might be required to do things they don’t wish to do, or have to endure difficult trials. However, suffering is the common lot of Christians (John 16:33). We cannot escape it in this life.

A surrender of our wills to God is a sacrifice at the heart of our religion. It is the way by which we pay homage to God’s sovereignty (Romans 12:1). And we were forewarned that unless we deny ourselves and take up our crosses, we cannot be Christ’s disciples (Mark 8:34; Luke 14:27).

This leads to a second concern. Some Christians are apprehensive about the excesses they have seen in others who have claimed to be acting under the influence of the Spirit, and fear becoming the subjects of similar extremes.

Now, counterfeits do exist: we have been warned that the devil imitates God’s activity (2 Corinthians 11:14), and we need to guard against this. It is a fact of history that experience divorced from the teaching of the Scriptures has lead to strange excesses. That is why we are exhorted to test everything spiritually (1 Thessalonians 5:21; 1 John 4:1).

However, in view of God’s gracious promises to us, when we sincerely seek the Spirit, we can trust him to give us what we ask, not fanaticism or anything harmful. And we need not fear a genuine work of the Spirit. Because he is the Spirit of Christ, the more he penetrates and influences our beings the more Christ-like we will become. Should we be afraid of this?

We have strong incentives to seek more of the Holy Spirit’s presence. He is the fountain of all good in our lives. All our grace, peace, mercy, joy and hope depend on him. The hymn expresses it this way: For every virtue we possess, And every victory won, And every work of holiness, Are his alone.

He alone can meet all our needs. He softens our wills when they are obstinate, leads us to repentance, produces faith, and causes us to be obedient. He gives us joy in the midst of

sorrow, peace in the midst of turmoil, and hope in the midst of desolation. And it is he alone who safely leads us to heaven.

The greatest mercy in this world is to be given more of the Spirit, and the greatest misery is to be deprived of him.

The reason we do not possess adequate supplies of the Spirit is that we do not seek him persistently with a deep sense of our need. Luke 11:5-8 records a parable about a man who approaches a friend at midnight to ask for food. At first the friend is reluctant to help, but the man’s persistence wins the day. The point is that perseverance is similarly influential in our dealings with God. In the passage that immediately follows this parable (Luke 11:9-13), the Lord proceeds to encourage his hearers not only to persevere in seeking the Spirit, but to expect what they ask for. Appealing to their natural affections as parents for their children, he argues from the lesser to the greater. No father would refuse to give bread to a hungry child, yet, at best, we are imperfect and changeable. What then should we expect from he who is all tenderness and mercy? Every kindness, every affection, every gentleness in human fathers is merely a pale reflection of his. As David Clarkson insists, ‘He is much more ready to give the greatest favours than earthly parents to give the least’.

An added source of encouragement is that, generally when we pray, we must submit our prayers to God’s will in case he judges that what we ask for is not good for us. But there is no such restriction in praying for the Spirit. His chief role is to glorify Christ (John 16:14). Therefore, when we ask for this greatest of gifts, our desires and God’s honour coincide; we can be assured that we are praying according to God’s will, and that our endeavours will be crowned with success.

We cannot believe that Christ would encourage his people to ask for the Spirit, or that he would promise him to everyone who asks, if this were not true. Spurgeon is quite emphatic about this: ‘The Lord must give us the Spirit when we ask him, for he has herein bound himself by no ordinary pledge. He has used a simile which would bring dishonour on his own name, and that of the grossest kind, if he did not give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.’

So if we have an obligation to ask persistently, we have a responsibility to expect confidently.

Jim Greenbury jimncath@tpg.com.au

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Sycamore Tree Project

Crime victims find a voice—in prison Forgiveness, repentance and reconciliation are at the heart of our faith, but are they any use in the secular world? Are there limits on these gospel principles? If we applied them to the horrific after-effects of crime, would they hold up? I set out to answer these questions ten years ago and the answers have surprised people inside and outside the church. My theories were put to the test when I walked into one of Queensland’s maximum security prisons with five crime victims to sit, face to face, with a group of prison inmates.

At first, it sounds like a bizarre social experiment— natural enemies placed together inside a prison to see if they can get along. Men convicted of violent crimes alongside victims of violent crimes. The concept has been proven in many other countries, but people still find it hard to comprehend the Sycamore Tree Project (STP).

And it took a long time to convince the prison authorities in Queensland to allow it to proceed.

I have facilitated two of these programs in the last year and the results have been so remarkable that we now have invitations from several prisons. We bring unrelated victims and offenders together for eight weekly sessions to discuss the consequences of crime. Our first group of crime victims found it so helpful that they came back a second time. Remarkable, considering the inmates included convicted murderers and armed robbers—and the victims in the group had each suffered from serious violent offences.

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An interesting social experiment indeed, but to win the praise of the prison officials AND crime victims’ organisations, it needed to be more than just interesting.

What impressed them was seeing a transformation— hardened inmates undergoing a visible metamorphosis.

It’s difficult to describe the phenomenon that takes place during the STP, because it is not always visible ‘above the surface’. But it is unmistakable in the smiles, kindnesses and gestures that make up the most powerful, silent side of our communications. At the core of the program is a discussion about the different elements of the biblical encounter between Jesus and Zaccheus, where we see forgiveness, repentance and reconciliation. We explore these ‘heart issues’ using role-playing and personal story telling.

This open dialogue about the direct effects of crime is no longer part of our modern court system, but when crime victims experience it through special programs like this one, it is liberating. People say some amazing things; these quotes provide a snapshot of the STP experience: ‘I’ve never seen a program change people like this one.’

I’ve heard this from a prison psychologist and a prison manager, who are more familiar with the failures of typical group therapy sessions. What they notice during the STP is a change in the empathy level of the inmates, and they are stunned by the positive chemistry that is created within the group.

Sycamore Tree Project

‘I never realised how my crime affected my victim.’

‘I know what it’s like to be a victim of crime.’

Offenders are rarely exposed to the story of their own victim during their court case, so they are unaware of the long term consequences of their crime. It can be quite a shock for them to learn of the crippling emotional and physical effects of their actions. But the dynamic of the program helps them to channel this new awareness into constructive mental patterns.

As the inmates tell their life stories, it becomes obvious that many of them have also been victims of crime often early in their lives, at the hands of people they trusted. This often comes as a surprise to the visiting victims and creates a healing bond.

‘I like going in to meet the prisoners.’

After an initial, natural reluctance to enter a jail and meet real inmates, the crime victim’s personal strength shines through and they sense a purpose in their involvement.

When they realise the power of their story to impact a hardened criminal, they find it compelling to return each week to see the transformation continue. They actually form significant friendships with the inmates over the eight week journey.

The transformation evident by the final graduation session in week eight is so tangible that visiting guests (including MPs and prison officials) have been ‘gobsmacked’ by what they see—‘natural enemies’ who have become friends. There are tears and hugs mixed with joy and good wishes—a visible showcase of reconciliation. This is why we will continue to see this program winning over the sceptics.

If you have a friend who has been affected by crime, please pass on this article. The STP is a ministry of Prison Fellowship in Queensland.

‘I know what it’s like to be a prisoner.’

www.pfqueensland.info

This is frequently said by victims in the program, and it resonates deeply with the inmates. The experience of living with the emotional and physical damage of crime usually drives a person into a hermit-like existence, withdrawn from friends and social life. They talk of being prisoners in their own homes, or ‘doing time’ as they struggle with anger and pain.

Martin Howard is a member at Springfield Community Baptist Church martin@net.vg

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B O O K S . DV D S . M U S I C Bible resource site reaches one million downloads

ONLINE: Live light in 25 words Campaign aims to grow Bible-reading habit among Christians in Australia The Bible Society was saddened by research* which showed that only two in ten Aussie Christians read their Bible daily. Christians are saying they just don’t have the time. While our lives are getting busier, our attention span is getting shorter, and communication must happen within the span of an SMS, a Facebook post or a Tweet of 140 characters. So how can we bring Christians back to a book of over 700,000 words?

This Australia-wide campaign is an invitation to Christians simply to make a fresh start on their Bible reading habit by beginning with 25 words—about the length of a Bible verse.

Christians are encouraged to read a verse, think about it or talk it over with someone else, and so let the word ‘dwell in them’. Over time, this habit can grow, and a Christian will begin to experience more of what Jesus promises—to lighten the burdens we all carry.

Check out the online devotion series called Read the Bible with...

In May2012, the Christian resource sharing website Max7 reached the significant milestone of one million downloads.

The website provides free downloadable Bible resources including curriculum, Bible lessons, PowerPoint images, crafts, songs, games, animations and training materials for those working in Christian ministry with children and young people.

The website represents a worldwide partnership which seeks to freely serve the work of evangelism, discipleship and helping children and young people ‘live life to the max, seven days a week with Jesus’—the life described in John 10:10.

Visit www.max7.org

*Sourced from GSI Report February 2011; NCLS 2006; Milk to Meat Bible Engagement Report; Hughes, P. & Pickering, C. (2010). Bible Engagement among Young Australians: Patterns and Social Drivers. Unpublished research report initiated by Bible Society and other partners.

‘We’ve asked our friends and “influencers” in the Christian world to read and reflect on a passage of Scripture. These devotions will be continually uploaded onto our website in the lead-up to October,’ said Bible Society CEO Greg Clarke. ‘Then, on October 1, Christians will be asked to make a commitment—or recommitment—to a regular Bible habit.’

Churches, Christian organisations and Christian schools are invited to register at www.biblesociety.org.au/25words to start their commitment to improve Bible reading amongst Australian Christians.

CHILDREN’S BOOK: Panda: Home Motivated by modern Australia’s failure to recognise true friendship, renowned author Mark Hadley (The Christ Files and columnist for 16 Christian publications nationally) and talented illustrator Nathan Lee (Youth Minister, St Alban’s, Lindfield) have teamed up with Growing Faith to launch Panda: Home.

Panda: Home aims to teach children the foundations of real friendship and uses a lonely (but talented) bear as a guide to teaching kids what real friendship looks like.

Mirroring the discovery of grace that every Christian makes, it teaches that friendship is not about getting

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what you want; rather it is a gift from God, and putting others at the centre is the only way to make sure we all get what we need.

With brilliant hand-drawn watercolour illustrations, including culturally relevant images such as skateboards and drum kits, Panda: Home is perfect for ages 3 to 8. Included are learning notes for parents, which Mark has crafted with 15 years of reviewing popular culture through film and television behind him.

To find out more and purchase copies, visit the website at: www.cepstore.com.au/p/573/panda-home

Reviews

MUSIC: Hillsong Live Hillsong’s new album set to challenge the world with life’s big questions An international tragedy was a catalyst for the title track of this year’s album release from Hillsong Music. An ‘intersection of fear, doubt and sorrow’ was how Hillsong’s Reuben Morgan described the mood as he arrived on the Scandinavian Peninsula within hours of Norway’s horrific 2011 shooting. His response was to pen a song urging the world to hold on to the ‘anchor’ of life.

‘To some it might seem odd to reach for a guitar when tears are falling on scuffed up shoes, but I really don’t know any other way of being,’ he explained. ‘When darkness seems to hide his face; in every high and stormy gale; through the storm; my anchor holds,’ he wrote.

The album, like all of Hillsong’s projects, is more than a mere group of songs. It is a profound message that builds faith, stirs the soul and asks, and answers, the big questions.

Morgan believes the state of the world has caused many to think deeply about life in recent years. ‘When the earth shakes, we look to our feet and wonder what it is that we are standing on. Can we trust it? Is it strong enough to carry us? Will we be safe enough here?’ he asked. He also believes the album reflects a shift in the church, with Christians wanting a new depth and more authentic relationship with God. A baptismal service for 600 people led to the song ‘Beneath the Waters’. ‘What defines us is not what happens on the surface. What matters most for those who follow Christ is what occurs beneath the waters.’ Morgan said the story of ‘Cornerstone’ had just started and that people across the world will write their own endings as they join in worship and reaffirm God as their anchor.

Cornerstone is available on CD, DVD and Blu-Ray and downloadable from iTunes and Hillsong Music.

All profits support the work of missions Providing Christ like care for grieving families Personalised care & support Prepaid Funeral Planning

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‘Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding’ (Jeremiah 3.15).

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Work for God

The highest and holiest One of Martin Luther’s more provocative statements goes like this: ‘…the farmer in the field, or the farmer’s wife in the farmhouse, if they are doing their work by faith for the glory of God, are fulfilling as high and holy a calling as the pastor in the pulpit.’

Brother Lawrence said something similar thing in his book, The Practice of the Presence of God, where he determined to make sure he saw the presence of God in his kitchen as well as the church. His simple daily prayer was, ‘Lord of all pots and pans and things…make me a saint by getting meals and washing up the plates’.

Every Christian is called. ‘Calling’ is God’s way of expressing his will for each and every one of us. We are all called to be saved, it is God’s desire ‘that no one perish, but everyone come to repentance’ (2 Peter 3:9). We are also called to grow in discipleship, love each other, and move onto maturity.

When we respond to his call it is an act of faith, belief and obedience. Each of us has a choice. We can choose to live ordinary lives, doing ordinary things in ordinary ways, without any extraordinary sense of purpose. Or, we can choose to invest time, talent and treasure in being obedient to God’s will and direction in our lives—no matter what the task and how simple it seems.

This was one of the great rediscoveries of the Protestant Reformation: it doesn’t matter what you do or who you are, when God calls you, he calls you to a life of serving him. It doesn’t matter what it is, it is whether we do it faithfully and lovingly that matters.

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This is both an encouragement and challenge to us all. We can ask ourselves, is my life lived by faith for the glory of God? We can easily discount what we do just because it doesn’t seem significant, big, or spiritual enough. But we need to be reminded that anything we do, whether it is at work, at home, at school, voluntary or not, can be the highest and holiest of calls.

As you live this coming week, let me encourage you to talk it over with God. You may be surprised that he sees what you do in a very different way. Perhaps you work for the glory God in a way you hadn’t previously considered!

Stephen L Baxter Heaven2earth Random reflections of a fellow life traveller Reprinted with permission http://wp.me/p1izFh-j5

Fun zone

LIKE A CHALLENGE? COMPLETE THESE TO WIN PRIZES!

June 2012 solution:

Sudoku Challenge Sudoku puzzle provided by www.sudokuoftheday.com visit them and get a new Sudoku every day!

Sudoku rules: Each row, column and block must contain one of the numbers from 1 to 9. No number may appear more than once in any row, column or block. When you’ve filled the entire grid, the puzzle is solved.

Sukodu solutions to: QB Magazine, PO Box 6166 Mitchelton Qld 4053 Two correct entries will be chosen to receive a $30 Word bookstore voucher. Don’t forget to include your full name and contact details.

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Congratulations to Nicolaas Reitsema & Elizabeth Cane a $30 Word Bookstore voucher is coming your way!

Hey Kids, Look for Lucy!

Email

Congratulations! To all those who found Little Lucy hiding at the bottom of page 19 (June issue).

Hey kids! Look for Lucy in this issue! Little Lucy is hiding somewhere. Tell us where she is hiding and snail mail your answer, or email qb@qb.com.au

Creative Captions Win a Word Bookstores Gift Voucher Send your creative caption for their image to admin@qb.com.au or mail to PO Box 6166 Mitchelton Q 4053.

Don’t forget, if you have a great photo that needs a clever caption, send it to admin@qb.com.au or snail mail.

Last issue: ‘Do you think I should preach in these pants?’

Congratulations to Megan Kercher!

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Classifieds POSITIONS VACANT

Youth Pastor – Murgon Baptist South Burnett Region South Burnett Region Murgon District Baptist Church is seeking an appropriately mature youth pastor who is passionate and gifted in getting alongside teenagers and leading them into a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ.

The position is part time but the suitable candidate would be able to establish a full time position by including a chaplaincy role in the local High School.

Murgon is three hours from Brisbane with many opportunities for spouse employment in health, social work, education etc.

Murgon is 6 km from the Aboriginal community of Cherbourg.

The person: • You will have a vital and growing relationship with Jesus • You will be committed to prayer and the Word • You will be comfortable working within a multicultural environment (ie indigenous youth) The role: • • • •

Oversee and grow the existing youth group Pursue outreach opportunities in the community Be available as the “town youth pastor” Combine the Youth Pastor and Chaplain roles for effective youth ministry • Involvement in Baptist church services 1-2 Sundays a month Contact: Stephen Gellatly. 0413 006 746, 07 41682426 or email murgonbaptist@bigpond.com

Accommodation CALOUNDRA: Seafarer Chase luxury 2 b/r holiday apartments on the Sunshine Coast. Ocean views, heated pool, BBQ, security parking, close to beaches, shops, cinema and bowling club.

Contact Marianne/Martin Burton, phone/fax 5491 7155.

CALOUNDRA - GOLDEN BEACH: Highset three bedroom holiday home. Weekends or weekly. Pets OK. Close to beach. Phone 0402 077 822 or lizottaway15@gmail.com.

CALOUNDRA - KINGS BEACH: Holiday unit, modern, pool, 100m from Kings Beach. From $390 pw. Phone Ray 0427 990 161.

COOLUM: 3brm beach unit, new facilities, ocean views $270 w/e, $490 week *excludes holiday periods. Phone 0411 222 787, email rickn@activeforkliftservice.com.au.

FOR HIRE Large Auditorium: Seats 290. Qld Baptists’ Centre at Gaythorne.

Phone Claire or Emily 07 3354 5600 for more information or visit www.qb.com.au – venue hire.

GENERAL HOUSE SITTING: Newly retired couple available for short term House Sitting (1−4 weeks). Pets, pot plants okay. Pools will need instructions. References available. Phone: 07 4165 4501 Email: wkippen@bigpond.com.

INTEGRITY TRAVEL Make your travel and holiday bookings with Integrity Travel and assist missions.

Interested in travelling to Israel during 2012... contact Integrity Travel to join one of their groups.

Also a 26 day African train tour for Sept/October 2012 Phone Norman 07 3863 1007 visit www.integritytravel.com.au Join Integrity Travel’s Christian Cruising Program today!

www.qb.com.au August 2012

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RELAX

knowing your money is safe and working hard for you, and at the same time, helping to support much needed local projects.

Simply deposit your savings and investments in BAPLink, the investment fund of the Baptist Union of Queensland.

BAPLink was set up to give people like you the opportunity to enjoy healthy interest returns, while creating a pool of funds from which Baptist churches and ministries can borrow to grow and serve their local communities.

BAPLink provides: • Competitive interest rates • Security of a guaranteed return on your investment • Friendly service • No account keeping fees on savings and investment accounts

Facilities available: • Internet banking (for churches only) • Savings accounts at call and term • Partnership accounts - a new way of giving • Electronic transfers for both deposits and withdrawals • Deposit facilities through the Westpac Bank • Cheque accounts for churches • Loans to churches and ministers Join the growing number of ‘Baptists making a difference’ by depositing with BAPLink.

For more information or an application form contact BAPLink: Building 1, Level 2, 53 Prospect Road, Gaythorne PO Box 6166, Mitchelton 4053 Phone: 3354 5611 or 1800 650 062 (outside Brisbane) Fax: 3354 5605 baplink@qb.com.au www.qb.com.au/baplink