The qb, the voice of Queensland Baptists by Queensland Baptists

The voice of Queensland Baptists December 2014

The power of redemption Truth and love in equal measure Persevering in prayer

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Issue

Christmas camping at QCCC Mt Tamborine

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Comment: David Loder Speaking out: John Sweetman Baptisms Around the regions Milestones Knowing God series About QB Persecution brief Reviews Fun zone Classifieds

In this issue

5 6 8 9 14 16 18 25 43 45 46

QB ministries Carpet to couch (QB kids & their families) Save the date (QB Youth) An unlikely romance (QB Women) Christian camps pivotal in faith decisions (QCCC) Sweeping changes (Carinity) Heritage essay prize winner announced (QB archives) Malyon developing Christians of influence (Malyon)

20 22 23 26 28 29 30

QB partners Five things cross-cultural mission can teach us about life (Global Interaction) The power of redemption (BWAA)

Articles The 65th Annual Women’s Conference of the Boro Baptist Church Association What is a missional church? Truth and love in equal measure Evaluating QB training

36 38 40 42

Our cover: Don’t miss Heng’s story (The power of redemption). He and his family are rejoicing over their new life made possible through the work of BWA and their partner, Light of Hope.

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News, views and issues

The qb is a member of the Australasian Religious Press Association, published bi-monthly by Queensland Baptist Services Group in February, April, June, August, October and December. Editor: Robynne Milne Design: Shell Graphix Print: Printcraft This magazine is printed with soy based inks and paper from sustainable forest plantations.

From the Editor Christmas is almost here! It’s time for carol singing, celebrating with family and friends, and most importantly, remembering afresh that awesome point in history when our Lord Jesus Christ was born, and what that momentous event means for those of us who follow him.

We welcome reader feedback and opinions about our articles. Remember to include your full name, email and postal addresses. Articles and advertising in The qb express the opinions of the authors, not necessarily the editor or publishers. Every effort is made to ensure the correctness of facts and information however we cannot accept responsibility for errors. The publishers reserve the right to accept or decline any advertising. Deadline for advertisement and copy: 10th of the month prior to the month of publication. PO Box 6166 Mitchelton Qld 4053 P 07 3354 5633 F 07 3354 5646

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him ‘Immanuel’ which means ‘God with us’ (Matthew 1:23).

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This Christmas, I encourage you to take time to be overwhelmed again by his love and care for you. Whether your year has been difficult or easy, God sees … and knows … and cares.

Copyright © 2003 by Queensland Baptist Services Group. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means without written permission from the publisher. Unless otherwise noted, Scripture verses appearing in The qb are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Comment

Following Jesus: Knowing God ‘Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did’ (1 John 2:6). Do you know a husband and wife who have been married so long they not only behave in a similar manner, they have also begun to look like each other! We have a tendency to desire to be like those we admire. This is only natural—like any relationship. The Bible commands this in various places. Ephesians 5 tells us to be imitators of God (v1) and to find out what pleases the Lord (v10). These are natural laws of relationship. Along with them come many other process matters. It takes time to get to know someone. There will be times when things go really well and other times when we think all is lost. Never give up! Periodically we sing those words, ‘To be like Jesus, all I ask is to be like Him’. Make this a life goal and a daily prayer! Important happenings A brief introduction to the Training Review commissioned by the QB Board is included in this issue. I commend it to you for your reading. By the time you read this, I will have been to the Solomon Islands as a part of our partnership with the South Seas Evangelical Church. It is planned that I will meet with the National

Executive to discuss the next phase of our partnership, speak at their College Graduation and preach in one of their churches on the Sunday. Next year the QB Board focus shifts to discipleship. I encourage you to start thinking about what your church is doing, in a deliberate way, to disciple others, and also consider what areas of your life you would like to focus on as a learner and follower of Jesus. The New Year will bring in some significant staff changes. Rev Pieter Henning will commence (initially part time) as Regional Consultant for the north. James Baker will conclude as MTQ Leader. Thanks James for your ministry in this very important area! We hope to have a replacement ready to go when James finishes. Dave Morrow concludes as our State Youth Leader. He has done a great job in this area and we wish him all the best as he returns to full-time ministry at his home church. We will be appointing a replacement as soon as possible. Please pray for these changes, that they will be smooth transitions to the next phase of ministry.

Finally… As we wrap up this year, it is a good time to reflect over these last twelve months. What has life been like for you? Has it been a good year? Has it been a really tough year? Most importantly, how have you experienced the presence of Jesus in your life, and how have you changed to become a little more like him? On behalf of all the staff here in the QB office and my wife, Ann, may I wish you a blessed Christmas and I trust the New Year will be a good one for you as you continue the journey with Jesus! David Loder General Superintendent Queensland Baptists gs@qb.com.au

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Speaking out

Persevering in prayer As I write this article (late October), we’ve had two massive answers to prayer in one week. A J Culp, our new American lecturer in Old Testament and Languages, has been granted a visa. A few months ago, it looked like this would be impossible because of his lack of work experience. But God just eased the door slightly ajar and we miraculously found a possible way forward. Still, I’ve been praying every day over the last few months that God would grant us favour with the Immigration Department, with no

certainty that it would be possible. No word ... nothing. Then this week, at last, I got the news from A J. The visa has been granted with no conditions—the best possible result. God had given us favour. A J will be in Australia by early December, in plenty of time for the new semester. The second answer involved Andrew Dunstan, our theology lecturer, who has had major problems with examiners over his thesis confirmation at Oxford. Despite his experienced supervisor being very happy with his work so far, he

had been required by his preliminary examiners to submit more than normal, and even then it looked as though they would unjustly fail him. This would have led to a messy appeals process and had significant ramifications for his work. For months I have been praying almost daily for justice for Andrew. No word ... nothing. Then last week he suddenly got the news that no further defence would be needed (which would have involved travel to Oxford) and that the preliminary examiners were happy with his work. This was the best possible result.

Justice did prevail. He can now finish his thesis. So, after labouring away in prayer for months over these issues with few encouragements and a lot of silence, suddenly both prayers have been answered in the best possible way ... within a week. Wow! This is very exciting and we’re really thanking God. But it has caused me to mull over perseverance in prayer because, over the same period, we have prayed regularly for D’s eye problems (his eyes are not being watered properly

qb.com.au which causes pain and impacts vision) and my chronic sinus infection (despite a nose operation), and nothing permanent seems to have happened. What is going on?

The need to persevere in prayer

There is no doubt that God wants us to persevere in prayer. To show his disciples that ‘they should always pray and not give up’ (Luke 18:1), Jesus told a parable about a vulnerable widow who just kept pestering an uncaring judge until finally he granted her justice, simply because she was tiring him out. Jesus’ conclusion was that if such a judge was persuaded by persistence, ‘Will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?’ (18:7). God loves our persistent prayers. So I persevered in prayer for A J and Andrew. I felt that God had given me prayers to pray: favour for A J and justice for Andrew. I keep a prayer diary. Day after day I wrote down those same prayers; asking and asking for the same things in faith; waiting for God’s time to move in response. Andrew Murray (a champion of revival and mission around the late 1800s) said: ‘Our great danger, in this school of the answer delayed, is the temptation to think that, after all, it may not be God’s will to give us what we ask. If our prayer be according

Speaking out to God’s word, and under the leading of the Spirit, let us not give way to these fears. Let us learn to give God time. God needs time with us to exercise the full influence of His presence on us and to fill our whole being. He Himself will lead us from faith to vision; we shall see the glory of God. Let no delay shake our faith. Of faith it holds good: first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear. Each believing prayer brings a step nearer the final victory. Each believing prayer helps to ripen the fruit and bring us nearer to it; it fills up the measure of prayer and faith known to God alone; it conquers the hindrances in the unseen world; it hastens the end’ (With Christ in the School of Prayer, 16th lesson). We give up too quickly. God wants us to persevere in prayer for his will. Keep praying in faith.

Time to stop praying

But there are also examples of unanswered persistent prayers in the Bible. One of these was Paul’s prayer for release from a tormenting problem he faced that seemed to hugely curtail his ministry (2 Corinthians 12:7). Was it poor eye sight? Depression? We don’t really know, but it certainly frustrated Paul— he consistently (at least three times) pleaded with God for release. God said, ‘No, I have another purpose’ (12:9). So after the third time, he stopped praying. It

was pointless continuing to persevere in prayer. God had given his answer. Sometimes God gives his ‘no’ answer practically (e.g. you don’t get the job), sometimes he speaks directly to you (as he did to Paul), and sometimes he just takes the burden from your heart. We do have to listen for the ‘enough’ from God or we can end up praying against the work that God is doing, which is such a waste of time. I know that this is difficult to accept, especially when we have a deeply vested interest in the outcome, but God often works in ways we don’t expect. So should I stop praying for D’s eyes? There appears to be no medical solution. In some situations, that could be a clue. But I have no sense yet that God has finished his work or has another purpose, and so I will continue to persevere. In health issues, it is often difficult to discern God’s will, so as time goes on and nothing happens, we tend to become more spasmodic in our prayer. I guess this is inevitable because we can’t pray persistently about every need forever. God may be revealing his will through his lack of action. But on the other hand, I was miraculously healed of renal colic after six episodes over 20 years and much prayer. So healing may still be on the way.

When to pray for God’s will to be done When we are not sure of what God wants, the easiest thing is to pray for God’s will to be done. Jesus prayed such a prayer the night before his crucifixion (Luke 22:42). But it appears that Jesus’ prayer was not motivated by a lack of certainty as to what his Father wanted. His prayer was more an act of submission to God’s clear but dreadfully painful plan.

It seems to me that praying for God’s will to be done is a general prayer (Matt. 6:10) and attitude (James 4:15) that should pervade our relationship with God. We recognise that we live under the hand of God and long that whatever he wants will be accomplished in our lives and in our world. But ‘God’s will be done’ only becomes our specific prayer when either we have no idea of what God might want, or we suspect God wants something very different from what we want.

Persevere

So Jesus encourages us to persevere in specific prayer. Keep asking. Keep seeking. Keep knocking. I have found that God usually works more slowly than what we want or expect, so don’t give up before his answer comes.

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

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Baptisms

Pictured: L-R—Ps Pieter Henning with Paul Williams, Matthew Henning, Imogen Graham, and Justin Knight-Gray.

At the church end-of- year fellowship lunch held on Sunday 23 November, Whitsunday Baptists were thrilled to see four people baptised, bringing the total number baptised so far this year to seven, with at least one more person requesting to be baptised before Christmas. This very special occasion was witnessed by family and friends, as well as some visitors from the wider community. Pictured: Young lady baptised at Toowong Baptist Church.

Baptisms Bundaberg Baptist Church Glennis Devlin Jessie Edwards Frank Lorch Aiden Radloff Jessica Rutherford Cairns Baptist Church Merwe Bridget City North Baptist Church Bri Gray Bethany Millar Ellie Rose

Please pray for those baptised recently in all our churches around Queensland, including:

Cleveland Baptist Church Jess Crawford Colette Gordon Francis Harrison Norton Kelly-Boxall Laura Millar Trystin Millar Siobhan O’Brien Hannah Shepherd Hayden Smith Nate Zerk Dalby Baptist Church Rhianna Collins Lachlan Finch Amy Skerman

Greenslopes Baptist Church David Clark Helena Fisher Pricilla Greaver Bupa Kaonga Obadiah Peewee Jen Waller-Wilkinson Kathryn Wrigley Kruger Parade Baptist Church Kate Barlow Adrian Moir

New Heart Baptist Church (Rochedale/Kingston/ Balmoral) Isabella Borja Peter Fenton Ally Hudson Whitsunday Baptist Church Kimberley Azul Jayden Cooke Imogen Graham Justin Knight-Gray Matthew Henning Patrick Patterson Paul Williams

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Around the

Regions

Large crowd attends Community Day Ps Robert Howells (Leichhardt Baptist Church) writes: It has been a busy time for our congregation. Over the past twelve months our major focus has been on re-establishing

Around the regions a presence in the local community. This can be a slow process, but recently we have seen some fruit being established. After many years of trying to partner with our local state school, this year we have been able to hold a thankyou morning tea for the teaching and admin staff, as well as establish a reading program with the grades two and three students. One comment received from a young girl recently was that the half hour reading with her ‘buddy’ was a highlight for her. Many of the students’ literacy skills have improved with the reading, and the time is enjoyed by those who participate. Some students have opened up about their home and school lives, giving us the opportunity to refer them to the school chaplain, and we are developing a relationship with him. Taking this relationship further, the church has agreed to sponsor an annual award for the student who shows a servant attitude, but who may not normally be recognised. This is an exciting development.

On 25 October, the church hosted a Community Day at the local community centre as a way of celebrating 45 years of service to the community. We invited a local band to play, there were displays by the Ulysses Club (Lockyer Branch)—motor cycles and Rod Squad, and local community groups and businesses set up a variety of stalls. The evening concluded with fireworks. Many conversations took place with people from the community; many were shocked to learn that it was the church that put on the evening. Many also commented that we should do it again. The evening surpassed our expectations, with around 750 people coming along. Our goal was to promote relationships with our local community and help raise money for them, and this was achieved. Overall the vision that God gave us for this year has developed in different areas and we are excited to see how he leads us into 2015.

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Around the regions

Family camp— going from strength to strength Narelle Heit (Kruger Parade Baptist Church) writes: What do you get when you put together a peaceful environment down by the river, laughing kookaburras singing a dawn chorus to awaken all present, flickering fireflies, toasted marshmallows beside a hearty camp fire, all sorts of tents, campervans and caravans, and a host of people—from newborn to those getting longer in the tooth and weaker in the legs—all having a great time? Kruger Parade Baptist Church Family Camp is what you get. The camp was held recently at Allawah Road Scouts’ Camp (near Colleges Crossing, Mt Crosby), and most of the church family got involved, many dusting off their sleeping quarters and trying to remember what goes where to set up, and many attending as day-trippers, coming and going as they pleased. Entertainment consisted of nightly campfires, shared

meals, bush dances (where admittedly some didn’t know when to heel and when to toe), and a mini Olympic games with many a splattered egg in the ‘oldie but goodie’ egg-and-spoon race, and a cheering audience not knowing who they really wanted to win. Green garbage bags became flying machines (kite craft), and we played charades and held a trivia night. But most important was our time together spent around God’s word, and as we experienced our worship of him being echoed in his creation all around us. Sunday culminated in a baptism in the river and although not the cleanest of waters, it certainly was a wonderful inspirational testimony that was shared. Pack up time and some just didn’t want to go, but sadly life goes on and we ventured home, tired but relaxed after a great church family time spent in friendship and fellowship communing with nature, including a goanna trying to enter the pastor’s tent. I can’t wait until next year—this annual event just keeps getting better and better.

Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth

practices, are endeavouring to teach and train Thai locals in environmentally friendly methods of intensive animal husbandry.

Dawn Vickers (Dalby Baptist Church) writes: Dalby Baptist Church, in obedience to Jesus Christ’s great commission (Acts 1:8) to ‘be my witnesses in Jerusalem (Dalby), and in all Judea and Samaria (Queensland) and to the ends of the earth (Thailand)’, commissioned 16 of our church family and sent them on mission to Thailand. For three weeks in the June/ July holidays they assisted ‘Kingdom Kids’, the ministry Terry and Robyn Collins have established with Pioneers in the village of Saluang Nork, 40 km north of Chang Mai, Northern Thailand. Terry and Robyn are setting up a group of satellite family homes for orphans who have developmental delay, a physical disability, or who are at risk. They act as the intake home, to initiate therapy for each child and to address health and management issues. They have also established a small farm and, by combining traditional methods with modern

Very early in 2013, our newly appointed youth pastor, Dale Lewis, began to envision a mission trip to Thailand and had organised to meet with Terry and Robyn at the time of their visit to Dalby in August 2013. Just days before this meeting took place, Dale was tragically killed in a car accident. However, his vision lived on and was picked up by our interim pastor, Frank Hall, and planning for ‘REACH’ (Reach out, Equip, Assist, Care, Help) Thailand began. It became clear that this mission would not be of an evangelical nature, but one of practical help and service to the work and ministry of Terry and Robyn. Team members covered their own expenses and initiated fundraising events to bless the work with needed funds as well as the practical service they would give. The goal was to raise $15,000. Over the months, through fundraising ventures like Thai meals after the evening services, a chocolate drive

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Around the regions

Worshipping God in the great outdoors David Stevens (Sunnybank District Baptist Church), writes: Recently I was ‘appointed’ as the ministry team leader for the church’s Camping and Caravan Club. Presently we have people in over a dozen caravan and camping rigs meeting every two months at modestly priced campsites, within an hour or so drive from Brisbane.

(which lightened pockets but did nothing for waistlines), a silent auction and a cake auction enthusiastically enjoyed by all, and a trivia night/auction, we were able to put $18,000 into the work and ministry of ‘Kingdom Kids’. The team sweated it out in very hot, muggy conditions, unlike the cold weather at home in Dalby, and painted the outside and most of the inside of a bigger home for the children. They also managed to enjoy the local markets and up-close encounters with tigers and elephants. The team felt very privileged to be given the opportunity to teach and care for the 14 children currently in care and to be God’s people on the ground showing his love, compassion, mercy and grace in a culture unlike their own. This close interaction with these precious children made it very hard to say goodbye, and a number have expressed

a desire to return for further ministry. Then, in September, another team (of 18 people) was commissioned and sent to Woorabinda, an aboriginal community in Central Queensland. Dalby Baptist Church has been joining teams from other churches for many years now and ministering to this needy community under the umbrella of Scripture Union. The teams join forces to run a children’s program in the morning, and a rodeo (the highlight of the week) in the afternoon. Visiting those who are sick and ageing, and holding a community barbecue on the final evening, provide other opportunities for the team to connect with the community. The folk of Woorabinda always look forward to these yearly visits, and we pray that the relationships built over time will bring blessing and a harvest for God’s kingdom.

Our purpose is two-fold, firstly as another form of small/home group activity with like-minded church folk, and secondly as a possible outreach to those who are not presently attached to any church. Our trips are mostly organised around a weekend to enable those employed to participate, and usually we have a sizeable number stay on for at least one extra day. Saturday mornings provide opportunity for exploring local shops, sights or cafes, while in the evening we have a social time around our campfire. Sunday morning is our outdoor (weather-dependent!) church service lead by various folk in our group, although we have been

known to have a Saturday evening ‘Church in the Dark’ service—interesting for the congregation but a challenge for the speaker who can’t see them! So far the meetings have been a great success as we get to know each other in a deeper Christian environment, and we all benefit from the opportunity to exchange caravan and camping tips and techniques. The group arose from two different sources in 2010 when my wife and I, together with another couple from the church, were on an aroundAustralia caravan trip and we lamented the apparent lack of Christian caravanning. Concurrently, another church member was trying to enthuse a few tent campers to have an informal weekend away. So, today we have a list of people with 20 rigs keen to enjoy the many beautiful camping spots around Brisbane, especially the Scenic Rim area, in the company of like-minded Christians. We would welcome other church folk to consider joining in some of our camps in the future. Please contact me for more information: David Stevens [davmar1943@gmail. com]

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Around the regions

Pedal power

A feast of food and fellowship Queensland Baptists held a special Appreciation Dinner for QB ethnic pastors and their spouses on Sunday 23 November 2014. It was a great time of fellowship and it was wonderful to see guests meeting and greeting people they had not met previously. QB General Superintendent, David Loder, spoke at the dinner, expressing appreciation for the great work our ethnic pastors and their families are doing in their communities, acknowledging their hardships, and paying a special tribute because they are faithfully serving Jesus Christ in a country and a culture that is new to them.

Isaac Otte (Laidley Baptist Church) writes: Treatable or avoidable diseases kill 19,000 children under the age of five every day: diseases such as malaria, diarrhoea, measles, HIV/ AIDS and pneumonia. In this country, we rarely associate these with child mortality because they are so easily prevented and managed. Education, post-natal and childhood medical care, vaccination, and improved nutrition have already reduced the rate of childhood mortality by 17,000 per day in the last 24 years. However, there is more to do. In a lot of places, these basic services are still not available—places like Riobamba in Ecuador, South America. Compassion’s Child Survival Program has the capacity to provide the services needed to reduce child mortality in this area,

but they need funds in order to continue delivery. That’s where we come in. On 27 December, our family will be riding from Laidley, in the Lockyer valley, to Adelaide, South Australia, to raise money for Compassion’s Child Survival Program in Riobamba. Yes, you read it correctly! Laidley to Adelaide: a distance of nearly 2,000 kilometres—on bikes ... not motorbikes ... pushbikes. Embarking on this epic adventure are three generations of Ottes: Adrian Otte (Grandpa), Rosemary Otte (Grandma), Andrew Otte (Dad) Pauline Otte (Mum), Ellen Otte (23), Corrie Otte (22), Isaac Otte (19), Joseph Otte (17) and Micah Otte (5). Some will be riding all the way, others some of the way, while the remainder will be providing on-road support.

The goal is to raise $36,000, which is enough to fund the Child Survival Program in Riobamba for a whole year. One of the best things about the work of Compassion is that they also cater for the spiritual needs of the mothers and children. Compassion collaborates with local churches so that those helped by the program can join a community of believers and help to bring about change throughout the entire region and beyond. There is truly something special about rescuing people from poverty in Jesus’ name. According to the Credit Suisse Global Wealth Report 2012, Australia’s mean wealth per adult is the highest in the world. We are rich. The trouble is that when you read the New Testament, being rich is not such a good thing. Check out these passages: Mark 10:17-27, Luke 6:24, Luke 12:15-21, Luke 16:13 and 1 Timothy 6:9. The greatest benefit of being rich is the capacity we have to do good and be generous. That’s where you come in. If you would like to get on board with this project, you can visit and like the Ottes’ Big Bike Ride Facebook page or donate at https://give. everydayhero.com/au/otte-sbig-bike-ride.

On the move • •

Rev John Silver concluded at Connect (effective late September 2014). Rev Graham Ballin concludes at Biloela (effective end January 2015).

qb.com.au

Image: Hayley, Jenny, Sarah and Elisabeth (from Lifepointe Baptist MOPS group) enjoy an evening of feathers, finery and frivolity (photo: Miranda Miller)

Spreading the MOPS bug Three teams of MOPS leaders from Queensland Baptist churches recently attended the 2014 Australasian MOPS Conference, held at Stanwell Tops, north of Sydney. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) is a non-denominational church-based outreach ministry operating in over 100 churches around Australia. ‘It is hard to pick one highlight from our time at conference’, says Kylie Walls, Coordinator of the Wynnum Baptist MOPS group. ‘Our team was truly inspired by the teaching of Sherry Surratt (CEO of MOPS International). Her messages were a wonderful reminder of our need to wholeheartedly pursue all that God has for us as women and

leaders created uniquely by him. It was also wonderful to be able to meet and connect with other MOPS leaders from throughout Australasia and glean insights and ideas that we could use in our MOPS group next year. The conference was such a wonderful time of encouragement as we were reminded about the significance of what we do as MOPS group leaders—each week we touch the lives of mothers of preschoolers and help them grow into all that God intends for them. What a privilege!’ ‘MOPS Conference is a highlight on the Rockhampton MOPS calendar each year,’ says Belinda Clark, Coordinator of the MOPS group that meets at the Rocky Baptist Tabernacle. ‘We look forward with great anticipation to what God will show us

A Ministry of The City Tabernacle Baptist Church, 163 Wickham Terrace, Brisbane, Qld 4000

Around the regions

www.willarahouse.com.au HOUSEKEEPER—SUPERVISOR & ASSISTANT Applications are invited for two positions at Willara House: Housekeeper-Supervisor & Assistant. Willara House provides accommodation for up to 20 female residents many of whom are tertiary students, and is located adjacent to the City Tabernacle Baptist Church in Upper Edward Street, Brisbane. The Housekeeper-Supervisor position hours are from 6pm Sundays to 2pm Fridays. The Assistant relieves the Housekeeper-Supervisor from 2pm Fridays to 6pm Sundays Suitable accommodation is provided on site. Enquiries may be directed to: Mr Hamish Pietersz on 0412 350 171

Email: willarahouse@citytabernacle.com.au

about ourselves, our team, our MOPS group, and the wider ministry of MOPS Australia. It is a time of great encouragement and refuelling as we ready ourselves to give out again the following year.’ Maroochydore MOPS Coordinator, Sarah Thomson, says, ‘I love going to MOPS conference! It is a very special time of personal growth and an exciting time of learning. We had four leaders from Lifepointe MOPS attend this year. The excitement that conference has brought to our

team is amazing! We are now inspired for next year and about all that God is doing in the lives of our mums and our MOPS group. It was a time to meet with God, share with like-minded Godly women, and capture some of what I call the MOPS bug!’ A MOPS group offers a caring and accepting place where all mothers of preschool children can develop friendships, share concerns and explore a wide range of subjects relevant to being a mother and a woman. In 2014, almost 3,000 young mums attended a MOPS group. Over 1,000 of these mothers had no other church connection. Many groups have waiting lists. Churches interested in knowing more about starting a MOPS group are invited to visit www. mops.org.au or contact Lexia Smallwood, ph 0413 693 274.

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Milestones

Korean students who come to Australia to study. Our ESL classes have already benefitted, with a number from this congregation attending classes to improve their English.

Twelve months on Charlie Harrison (Cannon Hill Baptist Church) writes: Much has happened since the people of Birkdale Baptist and Cannon Hill Baptist churches voted to begin a partnership twelve months ago. I have to say, for the most part, we have seen incredible faithfulness and much celebration as we have moved forward as a people of God. It is incredible to see the work which can only be attributed to God, coming to fruition. God is good! When I last wrote, we were celebrating the passion and enthusiasm that saw the transformation of a tired looking sanctuary into something that is now modern and attractive. Many hands made the work much lighter and I am very appreciative of the help we received. Although practical work was being done on a building, a greater work was taking place in people’s hearts. Some have been called to let go of what they once had here, and to embrace a new direction and vision. Some have moved from a comfortable congregation to be involved in a place that calls them to hard work. Some have had to step out of what was comfortable for them because in this work, we all have to be doing something! As time has passed, we have seen some steady growth and greater stability in the Cannon Hill Baptist Church

(CHBC) congregation. We regularly see 55–65 people on Sunday mornings, comprised of people who were part of the original CHBC congregation, those from Birkdale who have made the transition, a number of young adults who are now committed to a morning service and Boost (the evening service), and a number who have come from the local community. We can truly praise God for this growth! In the beginning, we had few ministries operating effectively, but that has changed. We now have a presence in a local primary school and a high school, supporting the chaplains with breakfast clubs, student support groups and lunch time Bible studies. Within the church, our children’s ministry has seen some growth, there are some youth attending Birkdale for youth group, and we will see our third life group start within the next few weeks. We are serving the community through Cannon Hill Care (discounted groceries), a free bread ministry, and English as Second Language classes. The women of the church recently conducted a clothes swap, which was very successful. All of these ministries are being assessed to see how we can have a bigger impact on our local community. We are also subletting the church building to the Wide Open Korean Presbyterian Church (WOKP). This is an exciting development and we see it as another facet of building God’s kingdom. The WOKP Church is primarily focussed on reaching young

On 16 November, we gathered as one congregation (the WOKPC and the CHBC) and enjoyed a thanksgiving service, praising God for all he has done for us on an individual level, and also corporately as a people of God. It was an incredible blessing to be able to unite together and worship God as brothers and sisters. The added benefit of cultural food for lunch after the service (and free manicures for the ladies) was an abundant blessing as we got to know each other on a more social level.

This past year has been a settling and establishment phase; everyone has needed to settle into what is, in reality, a new building, a new type of service, a new pastor, and a new congregation. For people to endure such incredible change and to remain committed and faithful is a real blessing. Please continue to pray for us, as we look to increase our presence and impact on the Cannon Hill community this coming year. We believe God is calling us to more, that the best is yet to come, and we are trusting him to lead us into the coming year!

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Milestones found that the demands of the prison work were so great that it was a full-time role. As a consequence, he was appointed by the Baptist Union of Queensland (BUQ) as their official Prison Chaplain in 1973. Ray delighted in this work until the funding for that position dried up and he was faced with a life-changing challenge that resulted in the BUQ supporting him to establish an independent and non-denominational prison ministry. At the 1978 General Assembly, BUQ not only endorsed this ministry but confirmed Ray’s role as the Honorary Prison Chaplain for Queensland Baptists. The ministry continued to be supported financially by BUQ and Baptist churches throughout Queensland; a link which remains strong today.

Changing lives from the inside out Not many people would find themselves the recipients of the admiration of 1000 prisoners, but the Rev Ray Euston certainly qualifies for that honour. At Caboolture Baptist Church on 30 September 2014, Ray Euston celebrated his 90th birthday with family, friends and yes, some of those he got to know ‘while they were on the inside’. During the festivities, Ray reminisced about this aspect of his life, as well as sharing family memories and other stories. Ray began visiting prisons more than 50 years ago, starting at Stuart prison, Townsville, in 1961. He developed such a passion for the work that he stayed with it for nearly a quarter of a century. As a Baptist pastor who sought to do this prison work in conjunction with his local church pastoral ministry, Ray

This was the beginning of Prison Mission Association of Queensland, which has undergone two name changes since: Correctional Centres Chaplaincy Association Incorporated in 1990 and Inside/Out Chaplaincy in 2008. The work was far more than Ray could handle alone, so he recruited several others to work with him. Since the ministry started, dozens of chaplains have worked in the prisons, and at the present time there are approximately 25 volunteer chaplains working in Queensland prisons. At his party, as Ray reflected on his 23 years of serving as leader of this work, he spoke of the encouragement that he has found from the prisoners whose lives were changed from the inside out. He was greatly encouraged by the testimony of a former prisoner who has remained a lifetime friend. This man, who has served in recent years as a chaplain himself, spoke of the strength that he gained from Ray that has enabled him to face many great difficulties in his life. It would be safe to say that throughout Australia there would be dozens, if not hundreds, of men and women who could also testify to the value of the work done by Ray Euston and the many chaplains who have continued to fulfil his God-given vision.

One might think that at the age of 90, Ray might not be very interested in what’s happening in prison chaplaincy. Yet nothing could be further from the truth! Ray’s passion is just as strong today as it ever was. He prays every day for the chaplains and the prisoners. He takes an active interest in how the work is developing, particularly in the difficulties that modern regulations are creating. Of course, there is much more to the life of the Rev Ray Euston, but if there is one thing that puts a sparkle in his eyes, it is to hear about, and share, what God is doing inside and out of Queensland prisons. For more information visit www.insideoutchaplaincy.org.au/ volunteering.

‘In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register’ (Luke 2:1-2).

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Knowing God

THE THEME FOR QUEENSLAND BAPTISTS DURING 2014 IS

‘KNOWING GOD’ PART SIX In 1989, a report was presented to the Queensland Baptists’ Assembly. The report was the fourth in a series and this one pertained to the spiritual life of our churches. How would you respond to questioning in this regard? The report made some positive observations—which still apply today. They were: 1. The Word of God is central and loved 2. We have noted an increasing emphasis upon prayer 3. There is a greater openness, freedom, and joy in worship, in many churches, regardless of their theological emphasis 4. Within the local church, people are growing in their relationship with God and in spiritual maturity 5. There is an increased emphasis upon a personal awareness of God and his holiness. 6. There is an increasing emphasis on ‘preparing God’s people for works of service’ (Ephesians 4:12) 7. The majority of churches are growing by conversion and baptism as well as by transfer. 8. There has been some movement toward greater openness and cooperation between neighbouring churches, especially in the country, but also in the city. Following these commendations were a number of concerns. Here reference was made to division and disharmony within the church, decision making deteriorating into majority rule with attendant dissatisfaction and hurt, conformity to the world’s standards in lifestyle, a widespread low level of commitment to worldwide mission, undue emphasis being placed on peripheral issues while the great central issues were neglected, autonomy being confused with independence—among a few other concerns!

The disappointing outcome of this report seems that, although it was presented to an Assembly, very little was ever done to intentionally address the issues. I wonder what opportunities were missed at that time. The spiritual life of our churches is the essential element to our existence. If this is lacking, nothing else matters. We must continue to ask this question of our movement, churches, pastors, leaders and individuals. We must continue to emphasise the positives and seek to address the negatives. We must maintain our missional edge—being careful not to become so relevant that we become irrelevant! The earlier articles gave a theological framework to keep us certain. We discussed that God is both transcendent and immanent and that our approach to him is both a matter of the head, and the heart. From practical theology we declared four important areas: • • • •

mastering God’s Word, God’s Word mastering us, in-reach, and outreach.

This paradigm gives us a useful tool to examine our spiritual life at all levels. It is important that we do so. The Board of Queensland Baptists has determined that the focus for the coming year (and maybe beyond) will be on discipleship. This is an appropriate time for us to do a stocktake of our spiritual life, both individually and collectively, and to determine to address this in our lives in the coming time. How will you do this? Another way of addressing this is to ask the question: ‘How is it with your soul?’ And the answer is? It lies within, how well we really know God! David Loder gs@qb.com.au

Rev Edmund Chan Rev Edmund Chan will speak at the Pastors’ & Spouses’ Retreat 7-9 April and also at QB Leadership Day. The Leadership Mentor of Covenant Evangelical Free Church, Rev Chan is widely regarded as a seasoned disciplemaking pastor, an insightful Bible expositor, and a mentor of Christian leaders.

You are welcome to join us at the Queensland Conference & Camping Centre, Mapleton (Obi Obi Road) THESE EVENTS ON FRIDAY 10 APRIL 2015 ARE FREE OF CHARGE FRIDAY 10 APRIL 2015 12.30 pm 1.30 pm 3.30 pm 4.00 pm 5.30 pm

Lunch Electives (Edmund & Ann Chan) Afternoon Tea QB Thanksgiving & Recognition Service (Speaker: Edmund Chan) QB Celebration Dinner

For more information or to book (for catering purposes) please contact admin@qb.com.au, ph 3354 5600, or visit www.qb.com.au.

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About QB

The Training Collaborative (previously CALAM) provides a suite of qualifications from Certificate III to Vocational Graduate Diploma in its core offering of Christian Ministry and Theology. Approximately 400 students participated in courses in 2013 via a network of centres located in local church facilities throughout our state. The Training Collaborative works in close cooperation with Malyon College.

Queensland Baptists following Jesus knowing God

Synergy Queensland Baptists (QB) is a family of churches totally dedicated to God, to one another, and to the world: achieving together what individual churches cannot do alone. There are currently 191 QB churches spread around our state, from Cooktown in the north, to Mt Isa in the west and south to the border with New South Wales. We are growing every day: our church community numbers almost 50,000 with around half of this number attending on any given Sunday. Our churches vary in size and style, and include regional and remote ministries and ethnic, LOTE (Languages other than English) and multicultural congregations. Our churches are busy in their communities, operating seven educational facilities (schools and colleges) and a large number of community care programs. Support is provided to ministers, laypersons and churches by the QB Ministerial Services Committee, the Administrative Services Group and through a range of other QB ministries.

Financial support is offered through BAPLinK, which provides the means to make money work for the Kingdom of God by offering a range of services including internet transactions for individuals and churches (and associated organisations). Through BapLink, churches and Baptist organisations can finance their vision for outreach and ministry.

Through Carinity, the community care ‘arm’ of Queensland Baptists, care, compassion and respect are offered to a wide range of people through aged care, and education and community services. Operating since 1949 when the first aged care service commenced, in 2013 Carinity assisted 15,197 people in need across Queensland. Carinity operates an extensive network of aged care facilities and servicesAged and a Care variety of • community Education • Lifestyle • Communities • Youth services targeted to some of the most www.carinity.org.au marginalised and disadvantaged groups Queensland Camping & Conference in our society. Centres (QCCC), the 2013 winner of An outreach of Queensland Baptists We’re here for you. the Queensland Outdoor Recreation In addition, Carinity Education— Award for Excellence in Outdoor Glendyne, a co-educational independent Instruction and Education, exists to school in Hervey Bay, offers a second create life-changing experiences through chance for young people who have excellence in hospitality, service, teaching struggled in mainstream schooling, and outdoor education. and Carinity Education—Southside provides secondary school education, QCCC is one of Queensland’s vocational training and mentoring for leading providers of school camps, female students who haven’t succeeded outdoor education, leadership retreats, in traditional educational models. expeditions and conference facilities operating at three quality venues on the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and in Brisbane. With a focus on learning through Outdoor Education, our school camp programs are complementary to the Australian Curriculum. Malyon College provides world-class, accredited theological education and trains students in practical ministry so they can serve God effectively wherever God places them. There are currently over 250 students enrolled at Malyon; at the beginning of the 2013 academic year, Malyon welcomed 87 new students; probably the college’s largest enrolment in its 110-year history. Malyon’s centres are having a growing impact on the wider Christian community and beyond. They are: Malyon Leadership, Malyon Traverse and Malyon Workplace.

In 2013, QCCC: • Welcomed more than 50,000 guests • Provided programs and ministry to 400 schools • Partnered with more than 250 other groups—a broad range drawn from the charity sector (including high profile charities like Camp Quality, Camp Diabetes, Canteen), church groups across most denominations and para-church ministries such as Scripture Union

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The QB Kids & their families team exists to resource, equip, empower and support Queensland Baptist churches in their ministry to children and their families.

QB Women is a fast growing ministry area of great joy in Queensland. In 2013, over 1400 Queensland Baptist women gathered for the annual She is... conferences and camps.

About QB

QB Youth aims to assist local youth leaders in realising their God-given vision for their church’s youth ministry. In 2013, 70 youth pastors attended a retreat, and 350 people attended the inaugural QB Youth, Young Adults and Worship Conference, OneDay, at Gateway Baptist Church (Brisbane).

The role of MTQ (Mission to Qld) is to assist Queensland Baptist churches start new communities of faith that are effective in sharing Jesus with unreached people groups in Queensland.

Trying to decide between uni and bible college? At CHC you don’t have to. Real-world courses with a Christian worldview. Get ready to be transformed!

chc.edu.au

Other QB ministries include Indigenous Ministries, Defence Chaplaincy and the QB Gift Foundation. 2014 marks 30 years since the formation of Baptist Heritage Queensland. As well, the Baptist Church Archives Queensland stores and manages the documentary records of Queensland Baptists.

QB partners with Global Interaction (which celebrated 100 years of Australian Baptists together in cross-cultural mission in 2013) and with Baptist World Aid in generous giving, ethical consumption, courageous advocacy and faithful prayer in order to achieve justice for people living in poverty.

QB kids and their families

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Carpet to couch ‘You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth’ (Acts 1:8). When I first became Children’s Pastor, I thought, ‘Fantastic! I’m going to sit on the carpet with kids and colour, and do craft, and tell stories about Jesus. This is going to be great!’ Six years into the job and I hardly spend any time on the carpet with kids—I spend more time sitting on the couch with leaders. This has been the foundation of my personal leadership journey. I have been challenged and learnt more about God, people and myself sitting on that couch then I ever would have sitting on the carpet, colouring in. The truth is I already knew how to sit on the carpet and tell kids about Jesus, and God was now calling me to step up and use what I already knew about kids’ ministry to inspire, encourage and empower others. When I finally settled into this new call, I realised that my passion to see kids come to know Jesus hadn’t disappeared (I don’t think it ever will), but the most joy I was experiencing was seeing young leaders under my stewardship realise their potential and step up to discover how God had gifted them and placed them in the world to make a difference. I remember when I was searching for a teaching team for our Sunday morning program, my innermost desire was just to do all the teaching myself. But I knew God had called me to more, so I sent out some cards to leaders I thought

might be interested in having a go at teaching a couple of hundred kids about Jesus. There were a few tick boxes on the card where people could indicate their interest in different aspects of leadership. One particular young male leader filled in the card and gave it back to me. He had ticked ‘I would like to join the teaching team’ but had then added a big question mark. When I saw his card I felt the whisper of the Holy Spirit say to me, ‘Yes, this is it, push him, encourage him, and empower him’. In that moment, I knew that God had a significant purpose for this young man, and what was really exciting was that I was going to be a part of it.

microphone … and absolutely nailed it. I don’t think I have ever watched any communicator (in the world of kids or otherwise) do better at their first time on stage. He was a natural and I had the absolute privilege of continuing to work with him, and nurturing him. I saw God use him more and more in powerful ways and through him saw young lives changed and the Kingdom of God extended.

I approached him and asked him to join the team. I gave him some training, resourced him and then gave him one more nudge on his big, Sunday debut. He got up on stage, nervously took the

For me, this is what starting up in leadership is all about. Taking a step back and seeing those around you, who have the potential, take a step forward. When Jesus ascended to heaven he said

to his disciples, ‘You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth’ (Acts 1:8). He said to a group of ordinary people, ‘Go! It’s your turn now; I’ll be with you to the ends of the earth. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, go and build my kingdom’. The greatest joy in my leadership is to see others developed into leaders. More and more I continue to step backwards in ministry, to give more opportunities for others to step forward. That has been my journey—from the carpet to the couch.

Cath Tallack is the Children’s Pastor at Gateway Baptist Church catherine@gatewaybaptist.com.au

HELP BUILD GOD’S KINGDOM through your local church and other Baptist ministries

Explore giving options at

www.qb.com.au/giftfoundation or phone 0400 795 302 We encourage you to consider a gift in addition to your tithes and offerings, after you have made provision for family and friends.

PARTNER WITH CHRIST

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QB youth

SAVE THE DATE QB Youth Pastors Retreat 2015 Monday 9 – Wednesday 11 March 2015 Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast! More details coming soon Retreat Speakers Announced! We are very excited to announce that Dave and Karra Overholt will be our speakers. Dave and Karra are a father/ daughter team from ‘Church on the Rock’, located in North America. Here’s a little bit about Dave... Rev Dr Dave Overholt is the founding and lead pastor of the Baptist church, ‘Church on the Rock’, one the largest

and longest running next generationtargeted churches in North America. In addition to 30+ years in youth ministry, Dave has a doctorate in philosophy of education from University of Toronto with a thesis in ‘Adults Mentoring Adolescents’. Dave’s books include: Transfusing Life, a research-based project on keeping youth in church; Reasons to Believe, a youth apologetic; Live What You Believe, a youth growth project, and Soul Searching the Millennial Generation, a youth worker’s guide to teen work.

‘So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child’ (Luke 2:3-5).

‘While they were there (in Bethlehem), the time came for the baby to be born, and Mary gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them’ (Luke 2:6-7).

Dave heads up the Youth and Family Department at Tyndale Seminary and regularly teaches at other schools every year. Dave also speaks ‘on the road’ to thousands of students and leaders each year. Dave’s passion and calling come from a deep belief that this generation is the church of today!

All our very best wishes go to Dave Morrow who concludes as Team Leader, QB Youth. An advertisement to find God’s person to step into this role appears in the classifieds section. As General Superintendent, David Loder, requested in his comments: ‘Please pray for these changes, that they will be smooth transitions to the next phase of ministry.’ Dave, God bless you and Shardi, and your kids, as you move into your next season of ministry!

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QB women

the well. He goes when the sun is high and hot. He goes when she is hiding, inviting invisibility, for she is ashamed. You might feel invisible, but God sees you. He knows how you like your tea, your favourite flower, and the books you treasure.

Look into the mirror. Stare deep into your reflection below the skin. Find yourself in the mirror image of the woman at the well. She is you and you are her; a woman pursued by heaven.

An unlikely romance The woman at the well is staring at her jagged and jaded reflection within the water. Her reflections are broken by the sound of sandals shifting through the stones. He is a man, a Jew, a rabbi which translates to a bully, a bigot, and smug. Then her world is capsized, he dares to ask for a drink. He just smashed every rule of gender, race and religion to talk to her. The story of Jesus and the woman at the well is an unlikely story of heavenly romance. Their encounter follows the courtship pattern of the Old Testament. First, the man travels to another land to find a wife. There he goes to the village well. Moses, Isaac and Jacob all found wives at a well. Next the man asks for drink, and then he offers a gift.

The woman indicates her availability and interest. Finally, if an agreement is reached the romance is announced to the village and the man invited to stay. In the same way Jesus travels to the land of Samaria. The Jews cursed Samaritans as spiritual half breeds and would travel longer distances to avoid Samaria. But Jesus says I must go through Samaria. The Greek word used for ‘must’ is ‘dei’, a word that indicates not just need or desire but the divine will of God. In the same way it is God’s divine will to travel from his heavenly kingdom to this sin cursed planet to pursue you. Jesus goes to the well seeking a special woman. But he does not go in the cool of sunrise or sunset when women go to

He sees your sleepless nights, silent tears, the hidden bruises. He sees your thirst in the wilderness of your soul. Following the courtship ritual, Jesus asks her for a drink. His request for a drink was a forbidden act of intimacy because his lips would touch the cup from which her lips had drunk. The Samaritan woman is so shocked she misses his proposal. Are your taboos a barrier to God’s invitation into intimacy? Are you okay talking to Jesus but evade being touched by Jesus? Or do we long not just for his presence but also for his touch. ‘Your left arm would be under my head, and your right arm would embrace me’ (Song of Solomon7:3). Jesus then offers a gift, the gift of living water. But she doesn’t see the giving, she only sees the receiving. ‘Give me this water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again, and I won’t have to come here to get water.’ Skimming the spiritual surface, it seems she is accepting Jesus’s offer. But he does not want a trophy wife conversion. Trophy wife conversions say, ‘I’ll be your follower Jesus, if you meet all my needs.

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QB women

I will accept if you give me health, wealth and happiness’. That’s not salvation; that’s negotiation. That’s not transformation; that’s a transaction. He doesn’t want to do business, he wants her heart. He is pursuing her love but perhaps she is pursuing a lover. She has not just avoided female time at the well but has gone when the well would be used by men who were travelling or working. Five husbands and a de facto could not quench her thirst. She may have been looking for love, maybe, just maybe, she would finally find ‘The One’. Jesus lived to be ‘The One’. Some lovers would woo her with wine, he would change water to the finest wine, some would dine her with sumptuous meals, but he would give 5000 a feast. Other lovers would swim the seas to reach her, but he would walk on the ocean. Other lovers would climb mountains; he would walk the hill of Calvary. Now the courtship reaches a crescendo: Jesus says, ‘For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth’. The word ‘worship’ here literally translates ‘to turn and kiss’. A kiss is intimate; it takes you into someone’s space, to share air. When you worship in freedom you breathe in his love, letting it fill every molecule. You breathe out his spirit; his love and life enter the atmosphere. This is the divine kiss. ‘Kiss me and kiss me again for your love is sweeter than wine’ (Song of Solomon 1:2). The woman at the well has searched for her one true love in the arms of false lovers. She has searched for meaning in religion and rituals, in mountains and temples. Still she is thirsty. But Jesus has stirred up the stagnant waters of her dreams. She dares to hope again. She says, ‘I know the Messiah is coming’. Jesus says, ‘I am he’. He reveals he is ‘The One’. Everything she was thirsting for is right in front of her. Jesus is offering a real and enduring love. ‘I am my lover’s, and my lover is mine’ (Song of Solomon 6:3). He is the one you have

been thirsting for. Jesus is standing right in front of you! Finally, she runs back to the village and tells them she has found the one. They invite him to stay. Love comes to stay. ‘The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.”….Let anyone who is thirsty come…drink freely from the water of life’ (Revelation 22:17). Look into the water of the well, see your reflection, and see his betrothed. Extracted from the book, “Mirror, Mirror, Revealing the God Colours of You” by Elissa Macpherson which is available at www.koorong.com or www.lavishpursuits.com.au. Elissa lives to lavishly pursue the beauty of God and infuse this Truth into the lives of women. She is an author and international speaker. She is a loud advocate for victims of gendercide and the abandoned baby girls

of China. Elissa is a member of Stanthorpe Baptist Church and part of the She is… team. She will be one of the key speakers at next year’s She is… ... Now he (Jesus) had to go through Samaria. So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon. When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, ‘Will you give me a drink?’ (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?’ (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans) ... (John 4: 1-42).

qb.com.au

Persecution brief

‘And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified’ (Luke 2:8-9). ‘But the angel said to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord’ (Luke 2:10-11).

Please pray! LEBANON & SYRIA We continue to pray for the Middle East—we know it is in turmoil. Civil war in Syria, a battle against IS (Islamic State, formerly known as ISIS) in parts of Iraq and elsewhere, refugees flooding Lebanon and Jordan and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) fleeing to safer areas in Syria or Iraq. What we must remember is that while these facts may look like a negative thing, the other side of the coin looks much more positive, because God is at work. Muslims continue to find Jesus in all of these countries. During church services in Syria or Lebanon, one easily sees the change. For example, on a recent Sunday morning, buses stopped in front of a church building in Lebanon. Groups of Syrian refugees jumped out of the bus and flooded the building. The sight was incredible—veiled women singing praises to God and the voices of children ringing out and filling the church with joy. This particular church has been undergoing a big transformation in the past few years, so much so that the pastor has had to consider starting a second service on Sunday mornings, to have enough room for both refugees and his own church members. In Lebanon, a miracle has happened. Where many Lebanese Christians held deep distrust of Syrians because of past relationships between the countries, they now embrace them. The love of Christ makes them love the more than 1.1 million Syrian refugees who are now everywhere in the small country with a population of just 4.5 million of its own. ‘Could we ever dream of Sunni Muslims coming to our churches?’ a Lebanese pastor asks, rhetorically. ‘Of course not, we prayed for a long time for this to happen—and now is the time.’ Source: OPEN DOORS www.opendoors.org.au

‘This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger’ (Luke 2:12).

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QCCC

Christian camps pivotal in faith decisions Daniel Bullock, Director of Mission & Ministries for the Baptist Union of Victoria, makes a guest appearance this month, reflecting on the importance of camping in his own life journey, that of his family, and the church in general. As a long-time supporter of Christian camping, recently I was both interested and encouraged to see this research around the strong connection between camping and faith commitments. It caused me to reflect on my own experiences of Christian camping. I have personally been involved in Christian camps in a number of contexts over many years, primarily in leading youth and all-age camps, and attending church family camps. These

events provided great community with one another, the opportunity to go deeper on a spiritual and relational level, and the simple pleasures of having fun and relaxing in an environment away from the usual pressures of life. I have great memories of family camps at Camp Wilkin, Anglesea, when my son was a young boy. These occasions provided an inexpensive way to have a holiday in beautiful surrounds and enabled my son (an only child) to connect with many other children, and as a family, we greatly enjoyed and appreciated meeting new people and forging friendships. Another added bonus is that camps can be a place to find one’s life partner; in fact, I have observed over the years a number of camp romances that eventually led to the altar!

The data in the infographic clearly shows Christian camps are pivotal in people making faith commitments; indeed I have personally seen many young people commit their lives to Jesus through youth camps. My son, now in his teens, attends youth camps a couple of times a year and always returns enthused and renewed in his faith and speaks of friends who have given their lives to Jesus. As a parent, this is very heartening to see and hear. I would also add that my own experience and involvement as a leader in the Alpha program shows me that those who attend the weekend away (part of the Alpha course) are more likely to make a faith commitment than those who do the course but do not attend the weekend away. There is something about the time and space away which seems to help

QCCC foster a greater openness to the gospel and likelihood of conversion. And so it is with the opportunities created by Christian camping. I would encourage all churches to invest time and budget into creating opportunities for their young people and families to participate in Christian camps or retreats. The life-changing impact and effect is undeniable, both statistically and anecdotally. As a pastor and in my current role as Director of Mission & Ministries of the Baptist Union of Victoria, I have heard many testimonies citing a Christian camp as the place and time of coming to faith. Others commonly refer to a camp or retreat as a pivotal point in their Christian journey, a deepening of their faith or some other defining spiritual experience. Let’s not miss the opportunities that Christian camps and retreats allow for expanding and advancing God’s Kingdom! Queensland Conference and Camping Centres – Key Statistics: • Largest single provider of Outdoor Education Programs in Queensland • Largest Baptist Camping Ministry in Australia • Catering to 50,000 guests annually (1000 per week on average) • More than 300,000 meals served annually • Partnering with over 300 school groups annually • Partnering with 150 church groups annually • Scores of school holiday camps conducted in partnership with Scripture Union and other Parachurch organisations • Summer Family Program held annually at Mapleton • Newly signed Joint Venture with the Mount Tamborine Convention Centre (Keswick) • Growing Ministry through offsite expeditions offered in Queensland and NSW • 2013 Winner of the Queensland Outdoor Recreation Federation Award for Excellence in Outdoor Instruction and Education.

Queensland Conference and Camping Centres www.qccc.com.au

Mapleton Ph (07) 5456 3600 enquiries@mapleton.qccc.com.au

Enquiries:

Tamborine Ph (07) 5545 1417 bookings@tamborine.qccc.com.au

Brookfield Ph (07) 3374 1166 bookings@brookfield.qccc.com.au

Article reprinted with Daniel Bullock’s kind permission.

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Carinity

Sweeping changes

Carinity’s Dave McNair and Longara Brush’s Production Supervisor Mark Hockey, with John in the forklift.

The people on staff at Longara Brush (a leading Australian manufacturer of brooms for 40 years) know that their work has a higher purpose. Their real mission is helping young people make sweeping changes in their lives. Longara Brush owner, Sam Peacock, had an epiphany 12 months ago and hasn’t looked back. He is driven by his mission to help young people and has made it a company-wide project. The family-run business at Brendale, on Brisbane’s northside, began its charitable drive in earnest this year, including acting as a drop-off point for donated blankets and sponsoring children overseas. Employees are encouraged to find ways to fund new charitable programs and they have responded with production efficiencies and new initiatives including selling discarded pallets for $5 each. With such determination, the staff wanted to do more for local people. That’s when a chance meeting with Carinity Youth Orana’s Dave McNair— as crisis accommodation provider— resulted in a partnership to transform young lives. Carinity Youth Orana is an accommodation centre at Bald

Hills which helps homeless people (aged 16-19 years) access education, training and employment opportunities with the goal of transferring to suitable stable accommodation. They work with businesses in the local community to organise placements for residents. One such resident is John, 18, who lost his labouring job, had nowhere to live and had run out of money when he arrived at Carinity Youth Orana in late August.

young people need to see someone in their corner. They need someone to stand up for them and say they are a good person who deserves a chance,’ Sam says. ‘By connecting groups like Carinity Youth Orana with businesses, we can help young people in need. The business owners can choose where and how they want to help.’ Sam was so impressed with John’s work that he has offered him permanent part-time work at Longara Brush. Sam sees this as a stepping stone for John. ‘John has a job here as long as he wants it, but at the same time if he decides to move on to another opportunity, I will support him completely,’ Sam says.

John thanks Carinity Youth Orana for their support and feels lucky to have met Sam and the Longara Brush employees. ‘He’s such a great boss and the people at Longara have been good to me. I am in a much better place than I was before. I have my forklift licence, a job and I plan ‘So manyAged young people who come to my own flat in•a couple of weeks,’ Care • Educationto •get Lifestyle Communities • Carinity Youth Orana have so much says John. While Sam Peacock knows potential but have fallen on hard times. www.carinity.org.au he is a small fish in the big picture of When John arrived, he had a real spark what’s needed to help disadvantaged An aoutreach of Queensland and strong work ethic,’ says Baptists Dave. young people, he has already made a real her We’re John, who does not want to be difference in a young person’s life. And identified, has been employed and he is encouraging others to do the same. mentored by Longara Brush for the past 10 weeks. ‘Sam talked to John about what he wanted to achieve. They decided on a forklift licence. He’s had regular work each week and recently achieved his forklift ticket. But what’s great about this story is John has seen there are people out there who do care about him— people who are willing to help him get ahead in life. So many young people who find themselves homeless find it incredibly difficult to break the cycle without support,’ Dave says. Sam believes other business owners are willing to help; they just don’t know how. That’s why he has started a business breakfast to connect local businesses with people in need in the community. ‘Many business owners are time poor and don’t have time to research who needs help in the community. And

For 30 years, Carinity Youth Orana has been successfully helping homeless and at-risk young people aged between 16 and 19 years reengage in the community. The house consists of five young people who can generally be accommodated for up to three months at a time. To find out how you can help a young person in need, visit www.carinity.org.au email orana@carinity.org.au or phone Carinity Youth Orana’s Manager Dave McNair on (07) 3261 3969.

qb.com.au

BHQ President, Eric Kopittke presents the Heritage Prize to Dr Neil Parker of Toowoomba

Heritage essay prize winner announced

Baptist Heritage Qld (BHQ) is pleased to announce that the winner of the 2014 Heritage Essay Prize is Dr Neil Parker, Associate Pastor of Toowoomba Community Baptist Church. The prize is awarded to the top essay submitted as part of the unit on Baptist history and principles taught every second year by Malyon College. The winner is presented with a cheque, books published by BHQ and is given a year’s BHQ membership. This is the fifth time the prize has been awarded, but there have been six winners because in 2012 two essays were judged to be of equal rank. The 2014 prize was presented at the annual meeting of BHQ held 8 November. Neil is a medical practitioner; he is also a member of the Queensland Baptists’ Board, as is a previous prize winner, Dr Anne Klose, and a runner-up, Rev Mark Mackay. Dr Parker grew up in country Victoria. Soon after marrying Hilda, whom he met at the House of the Gentle Bunyip, a 1970’s Christian community, they moved to Bangladesh and worked there for 14 years. Their first three children were born in the village hospital where Neil was Medical Superintendent, while a fourth was born in Toowoomba. In Bangladesh, Neil established a rural development project, and then back in Australia he established the Darling Downs Public Health Unit. Neil and Hilda became a part of Toowoomba Community Baptist Church, where Neil served as worship

QB archives coordinator and church council chair. In 2010 he was registered as a minister with Queensland Baptists. He has been the Queensland Education Coordinator and national Lead Fellow for Teaching and Learning for his specialty (Public Health). He is also a member of St Andrews Toowoomba Hospital Board. Dr Parker’s essay was entitled ‘Independence and Interdependence: Baptist Ecclesiology’ and was published in the December issue of Queensland Baptist Forum, the newsletter of BHQ. The examiner said this essay, which was ‘carefully conceived and thoughtfully executed’, is a ‘powerful defence of the principle of interdependence in Baptist polity’, especially in suggesting the relevance of the concept of ‘covenant’ to the issue. Another strong feature of the essay was the reference to the contemporary situation among Queensland Baptists. Dr Parker gave this overall explanation of the theme of his essay: ‘From the earliest times, Baptists have insisted on the autonomy of the local church, together with the necessity to express their union in Christ through interdependence. The two concepts have frequently been in tension and this tension has been resolved in different ways. Seventeenth century confessions of faith suggest that General Baptists were more willing to accept a degree of central control than were Particular Baptists. The arrival of cooperative programs, such as foreign missions, occasioned reactions from those who believed the local church was the only legitimate initiator of such actions. ‘Over the years, Queensland Baptist home missions have oscillated between more or less central control, illustrating the tension between local and central initiatives. Schisms over doctrinal differences have also highlighted the tension between central determination of doctrines and local autonomy. Some Baptist associations demand conformity to fairly narrow views, others to less prescriptive views and some offer doctrinal statements merely as guidance to member churches. ‘Current Queensland practice has an appropriate balance between dependence and

independence, but attention could be paid to formal church covenants.’ Copies of Forum containing the essay are available from BHQ at $2 posted (send postage stamps to this value to address below).

Progress as Archivists Confer

Baptist archivists from around the country made good progress towards higher and more consistent standards of state union archiving when they met in Melbourne for the second time in midNovember. One of the highlights was a session with the administrators of state Baptist unions which adopted a set of guidelines and protocols for the archival management of the records of the unions and other entities. The archivists had identified this as a need at their first meeting last year and had worked on the document through the year. It is hoped that the implementation of the provisions in this document will improve the management and use of the records nationally. Another feature of the archivists’ meeting was the virtual completion of a two-year-long program of digitising the former national newspaper, The Australian Baptist. Consisting of more than 50,000 pages published from 1913 to 1991, this paper is a mine of information and is now readily available for rapid searching and easy distribution. The digitisation project was a cooperative venture of all state union archives and historical societies with support from some individual donors. Copies will be available in the Baptist Archives, Malyon Library and for purchase. Baptist Church Archives archives@qb.com.au, Ph 07 3878 3178, 07 3354 5642 or 07 3256 8897 The Baptist Archives PO Box 6166, Mitchelton Q 5053

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Malyon

developing Christians of influence

Appointment of a new lecturer We are very pleased to announce the appointment of a new lecturer at Malyon College, Dr A.J. Culp. Dr Culp will be joining Malyon’s faculty in December 2014 to teach in the areas of Hebrew and Old Testament. He is from the USA and will bring his wife and son with him to Australia—just in time for an Aussie Christmas in the heat! Dr Culp has a PhD in Old Testament from the University of Bristol under the supervision of Gordon Wenham. He was awarded the Joyce Baldwin award for excellence in Old Testament study in 2010 and the Zondervan Hebrew Scholar Award for ‘outstanding achievement in the study of biblical Hebrew’ in 2007. He has published two books, The Memoir of Moses: Deuteronomy and the Shaping of Israel’s Memory (with publisher) and Puzzling Portraits: Seeing the Old Testament’s Confusing Characters as Ethical Models (Wipf & Stock: 2013). Amongst other things, Dr Culp will be teaching an intensive unit at Malyon College in March 2015, titled Interpreting Deuteronomy. To find out more about our new lecturer, click on the News page at www.malyon.edu.au

NeoLeader Retreat Loved neoLeader’s 2014 conference? Imagine if you could do it all again for four days straight... If you are 17–21 years old and following Jesus, you can’t afford to miss this fantastic opportunity to grow personally, develop your leadership skills, and connect with peers who are developing in their faith. Come and discover God’s heart for leadership. Learn how to share the gospel, to lead a bible study, to live out your faith at the intersection with culture and context. Come and discover

the impact of personality on leadership and your unique shape for ministry. Above all, come and be inspired. Speakers: Dave Benson, John Sweetman, Darren Dakers, Ian Hussey, Neil Bernard 12-15 January 2015 || Register now at www.neoleader.co ‘Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding’ (Jeremiah 3:15).

qb.com.au

Malyon

Date Claimer! Malyon Workplace Conference 20 June 2015 At Malyon, we are passionate about developing Christians of influence, wherever they happen to be. While most of our graduates go on to vocational Christian ministry, we understand that most Christians are ‘full-time Christian workers’ in a myriad of other contexts. That’s why we established the Malyon Centre for Transforming Work – Malyon Workplace. We want to equip Christians to answer questions like… •

•

Monday to Friday, 9–5? Or is God most interested in what we do in those ‘sacred’ times when we are with our Christian family, or when we are serving him at our church? •

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Is God even interested in what we do from day-to-day in so called ‘secular’ workplaces,

And look out for our conference on 20 June 2015… details coming soon!

Retreat

Queensland Baptists’ Retreat Lodge

Dr AJ Culp This unit delves into deeper exegesis of the text, builds greater knowledge and understanding of theological and textual issues, explores many of the critical and debated concerns, and forges a more thoughtful biblical theology of Deuteronomy.

What is God’s view of work anyway? Is ‘secular’ work a distraction from real ministry? Is it a necessary evil? Is it just God’s way of making sure the full-time Christian workers can get paid? Is it just a way of funding well-earned holidays or (hopefully) early retirement? Or is work actually worship?

Check out www.malyonworkplace. org.au for coaching, community and resources on transforming your experience of work.

The Open Door

16-20 March 2015 Interpreting Deuteronomy (MA(Th) Unit)

What does it mean to be ‘salt’ and ‘light’ in the workplace? How might the world be squeezing us into its own mould in an office, school classroom, or on a building site?

What does it look like to be a Christian of influence at work—whether that is on a building worksite, on a hospital ward, in a Woolies warehouse, or in a classroom, law office or boardroom?

Relax

Students will also apply the texts and issues explored to pastoral contexts and ministry. Even more fundamentally, this unit will show how the text of Deuteronomy addresses you personally and spiritually. For more information or to enroll, go to www.malyon.edu.au.

Refresh

The Open Door is situated 30km north of Gympie on Mt Kanigan in a rural setting with spectacular 360

degree views. The complex sleeps 27-30 people in seven bedrooms and one dormitory and there are two kitchens, two lounge rooms, four bathrooms, a dining room and fireplace. Other amenities include a children’s play area and games room (pool and ping-pong tables) and a small meeting room/chapel.

The Open Door is a relaxed, refreshing environment that provides a unique uninterrupted setting for leadership seminars, prayer retreats, team weekends and missionary holidays.

For further information contact: Queensland Baptists Phone: (07) 3354 5600 Email: enquiries@qb.com.au

www.qb.com.au

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Global interaction

Five things cross-cultural mission can teach us about life You don’t need fine china to make a party When I was a kid, I remember preparing for my pastor to visit. We arranged our matching china, put away our personal belongings and waited for him with nervous anticipation. In cross-cultural mission I’ve learned that many cultures put the sharing of food at the centre of relationships, and that this can be joyful and significant without dedicated dining rooms or coordinated china. In September 2013, I visited

Global Interaction’s work in Thailand. Luke and Belle from Bracken Ridge will be headed there soon. I didn’t see any dining rooms in that rural village, but food and relationships were central. I felt incredibly humbled when a stranger made us a paw-paw salad, served on a leaf. As we seek to share hospitality with others, we needn’t stress the décor or china but rather the care and welcome we extend to our guests.

Language matters Did you know that in Malawi, amongst the Yawo people, there are five words for grass? Grass isn’t just about keeping weeds at bay, it’s about feeding, housing and insulating. Learning language offers significant insights into a culture and way of life. As a person who hopes to influence younger generations, one of my challenges is to continue to learn ‘teenager’ so I can understand their culture better.

qb.com.au As we learn language we open up understanding and the ability to share the full, life-changing story of Jesus.

There’s more culture under the surface The first time John and Glenda brought back photos from the Silk Road, I thought, ‘Christian culture is there, because they have Christmas trees and Santa!’ In reality, it is far more complicated. They have a ‘New Year’ tree, ‘Grandfather Frost’ (dressed in rather familiar red and white), as well as a ‘Snow Princess’ dressed in blue. There’s no nativity story at the end of the year, but there is strong disapproval and resistance from the dominant religious leaders about spending time and money on a ‘foreign holiday’ at New Year. While the culture appears to have some Christian links, in truth, one of the world’s most precious stories has been lost. That’s why people like Ben and Petra are preparing to go to learn both language and culture so they can tell this life-changing story to the people of the Silk Road. We do well, even in Australia, to ask people about the meaning they ascribe to their traditions and practices.

God is already there when you get there Pip Miner, working in Cambodia, once told my church a brilliant example of God’s preparing work. She, together with a small team, was teaching English in a school. A student shared that he’d had a dream. He’d dreamed a man walking on water had asked him to get out of his boat and walk with him. The so called ‘teachers’ were astonished, then delighted. They were able to turn to the scriptures and show that this was Jesus. He was the one inviting the young man to step out in faith.

Global interaction

Have you ever asked someone who doesn’t yet follow Jesus, to recall a time when something miraculous or unexplained happened to them? They might look at you as if you’re mad. Yet you may also find they can recall a time when they experienced a miraculous provision of safety or generosity from an unexplained source. As witnesses to God’s goodness, we are in a position to gently explain that God is amongst us and at work, drawing people to himself.

Mission is more important than a corner office I have met some brilliant people in crosscultural mission. They speak multiple languages, fix water pumps, plan strategy and disciple new believers … all in the same day! Some of them, I must say, missed the memo about what the world sees as success. Many wear unassuming clothes, still use brick phones and don’t even have an office! These unassuming history makers are focused on what matters. They want to put their energy and resources to work in the coming of God’s kingdom. This focus on what matters reminds us that true success is not about external trappings; it’s about seeing God’s work unfold. Karen Haynes Young Adults Consultant Global Interaction karen.haynes@qb.com.au www.globalinteraction.org.au

developing Christians of influence Degrees in theology and ministry Bachelor | Masters | Doctoral

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

www.malyon.edu.au

‘Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests”’ (Luke 2:13-14). ‘When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about”’ (Luke 2:15).

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BWAA

The power of redemption Redemption. It’s a theme which has particular meaning for us at Christmas time—the birth of the Christ-child ushering in a new covenant with humanity. For Christians, it’s a time for joy and celebration, ‘For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption’ (Psalm 130:7 ESV). In a small village in Cambodia there is a man who understands first-hand the power of redemption. Thanks to the generosity of Australian Baptists, he was able to take part in an aid

and development program which has changed not just his world but also that of his long-suffering wife and children. ‘In the past, my family had better living conditions but then I started gambling,’ Heng admits softly. ‘I was very depressed and then I started using illegal drugs … and I stole alcohol. I was tired and angry and it was hard to control myself.’ Life had reached rock bottom for Heng and his young family. His wife was forced to pull the children out of school to help her sell rice cakes to get enough money for food. As her husband descended further into his life of anger and addiction, the family became shunned by the community. Then, a day of hope arrived when a worker from

one of Baptist World Aid’s Christian partners in Cambodia, Ponleu Ney Kdey Sangkhum (Light of Hope), approached Heng to offer a chance to change his life. ‘I was able to attend a “peace” course for three days where I learned I could control myself,’ Heng recalls. ‘I stopped using drugs and, with Light of Hope support, decided to grow vegetables and farm animals instead. With the agriculture skills I was taught, we are able to raise chickens and pigs, and grow fruit and rice. Before, I knew nothing about those skills. ‘In the beginning I fed only three pigs and six chickens, but then each month I could raise more chickens. Now I am

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BWAA

‘I am thankful. Light of Hope has changed my husband to be a better person’ planning to enlarge my business and raise ten more pigs!’ ‘I am thankful. Light of Hope has changed my husband to be a better person,’ Heng’s wife, Da cuts in. ‘Life is not difficult like before. We were helped when we were very poor. No one wanted to make friends or lend us money. Since Light of Hope got involved, we have managed to save to buy land which I keep for my son to open a small mechanic repair shop. My younger daughter can afford to study at school and my older daughter can learn a skill in a hair salon. My children now feel confident in public and they are not afraid anymore. Now they are very strong. ‘Although our house is small, we are happy. I am happy Heng has stopped drinking and gambling and has stopped all bad habits. I’ve never know any organisation to do what Light of Hope has done. Our life gets better and better!’

moment that speaks (louder than any words could) of the true power of forgiveness and redemption. Baptist World Aid uses your generous gifts to work with local Christian partners, like Light of Hope, all across the region, bringing hope and transformation to many families. It is the Christmas morning story of redemption and hope repeated day after day, in village after village. It’s the Church at work in some of the darkest places on earth. This Christmas, join with Baptist World Aid to give thanks for the many moments of redemption that together we can make happen. Please continue to pray for this work and be encouraged that your generosity at Christmas to our appeal is bringing hope, not just on one day, but every single day of the year. To give to Baptist World Aid Australia’s Christmas appeal, call 1300 789 991 or visit www.baptistworldaid.org.au.

Heng and Da look towards each other and smile. It is a truly touching Pictured: Jet gets ready for action!

‘So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them’ (Luke 2:16-18).

Jet power! As many as 2.5 billion people in the world lack access to sanitary conditions, yet water sanitation and hygiene have the potential to prevent at least a tenth of the global disease burden and more than 6% of all deaths! So just imagine the big difference you make for a family or neighbourhood by providing a toilet close to home or a tap for washing hands. This is exactly what one small boy from Queensland set out to do. ‘My church was raising money for toilets in Bangladesh by selling the Little Book of Big Gift Ideas cards and by doing other things. I wanted to do something to help,’ Jet Gillan, aged just nine, recalls. ‘I wanted to do something as scary as skydiving, as freaky as base jumping, as dangerous as eating vegetables, as brave as holding a spider, more revolting than being kissed by an aunty and, although it is probably highly impossible, something more horrific than getting “girl germs”. I had a brilliant idea: I was going to clean a toilet ... our toilet at home. I reckoned I would need the power of a superhero to get through it! ‘In the end, I really did clean that toilet. Baptist World Aid Australia needed $500 to build a functioning toilet, with a tap to wash hands, in Bangladesh and thanks to all my generous sponsors, I raised $501! ‘Thanks to everyone who helped me to raise this money and no… I won’t be coming to your house to clean your toilet. Actually, I won’t clean any toilet ever again!’ Jet concludes. Jet’s story is a wonderful reminder that none of us are too small or too limited to make a real difference. To be inspired by the full range of Baptist World Aid gifts that keep on giving, please visit biggifts.org.au.

Boro women in Lower Assam

The 65th Annual Women’s Conference of the Boro Baptist Church Association

Where can you find an auditorium to hold up to 6,000 people in a remote village in the foothills of the Himalaya? Not a problem for the Boro women of Tukrajhar in Lower Assam—you build one! What would take engineers and tradespeople a couple of weeks in many western countries (to say nothing of the workplace, health and safety regulations and bureaucracy required) took only several hours for volunteers to erect. A complex, effective and very sturdy structure of bamboo poles covered with metres and metres of material like parachute silk soon appeared, complete with electricity installation, connection of the extensive PA system and decoration of the main entrance and platform area. This was the venue for the 65th Annual Women’s Conference of the Boro Baptist Church Association. Thousands of women came from churches far and near—some just for the day and others for the whole weekend. Women travelled by bus,

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some on motorbike or scooter or autorickshaw, many on foot, to spend the weekend in fellowship and renewing of friendships, and to hear two Boro Bible teachers speaking on the theme from Revelation 2:5, ‘Remember Your First Love’. I was the topical speaker and was asked to speak on ‘The Marks of a Christian Woman’. The women slept on the floors of schools, church halls and other suitable buildings, and they brought and prepared their own meals in groups over the many open cooking fires. Several women brought their young children with them. These children either sat with their mothers or played together quietly throughout the entire conference. The rally on the Sunday afternoon drew a crowd of around 5,000 people, and women sat in the cool shade of some of the large trees around the venue because the auditorium was full. Many

qb.com.au

Boro women in Lower Assam

of these trees were just saplings when they were planted, 50–60 years ago, by missionaries from the Australian Baptist Mission Society (ABMS, now Global Interaction) who came to the Boro people in the Lower Assam area, having heard God’s call and crossed the border from Bengal (now Bangladesh).

rooms, other sleeping under tarpaulins draped over poles in a sports field. Parent volunteers cook the meals over open cooking fires, and this year they catered for around 5,000 children: the smallest CDP registered over 350 children, while the largest catered for about 1,000 children.

The motto of the Boro Baptist Church Association is ‘Arise and Build’. The people have taken up the baton passed on from the missionaries and are running for the prize (1 Corinthians 9:24) and the women’s and children’s ministries are now vital, driving forces in this flourishing church.

This annual women’s conference is always held on the first weekend in October. At the same time, during the school holidays in the first week or two of October, the Lower Assam Baptist Churches coordinate with each other to conduct ‘Child Development Programmes’ (CDPs), the equivalent of children’s holiday clubs. These are held to coincide with the October Hindu festivals so that the Christian children have an alternative celebration to attend. The children, ranging in age from Year 1 to Year 12, look forward each year with eager anticipation to these CDPs. They camp out for the five days of the event—some sleeping in the school

Even though several decades have passed since the late 1960s, when all expatriate missionaries had to leave India, the indigenous church has gone from strength to strength. Today there are nearly 400 Baptist churches and fellowships in the Lower Assam Baptist Union, as well as a theological college, four Christian schools, two small Christian hospitals, and four health clinics. Those early ABMS missionaries would be in awe and continually praising God if they could see the sweet widespread fruits of their often-difficult labour to plant the Gospel there.

Lorraine Walker worships with North East Baptist Church, and with her husband John, coordinates the seniors’ ministry there. Lorraine is also a Queensland Baptists’ Past President.

‘But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart’ (Luke 2:19). ‘The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told’ (Luke 2:20).

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Missional church

What is a missional church? As you move in church circles you may hear ‘missional,’ ‘emerging’ and ‘emergent’ being applied to various churches and movements. However, there is some confusion about these terms. Each movement has its supporters and opponents, but some people see them as all basically the same thing. Space does not allow for a careful analysis of the differences, so I would like to focus on the idea of ‘missional church’ and consider whether it has anything to say to Queensland Baptists. The missional church movement emerged in the United Kingdom in the mid-1980s in response to the work of Lesslie Newbigin. Newbigin, on returning to the UK from a lifetime of missionary service in India, realised that many of the missiological practices he had been using in the cross-cultural setting were now needed in the secularised society he returned to. One of the leading writers about missional church in the world is an Australian—Alan Hirsch. In 2006 he wrote a book called The Forgotten Ways, which serves as a useful summary of the principles of the missional church

movement. Hirsch begins by examining the early church to find clues to explain its explosive growth. In AD 100 there were as few as 25,000 Christians, yet by AD 310 it is estimated that there were up to 20 million Christians. How did this happen? • • •

They were an illegal religion throughout this period They didn’t have any church buildings They didn’t even have the scriptures as we know them.

Similar conditions to those of the early church emerged in the wake of the Communist revolution in China in 1948. Yet, like the early church, the Chinese church grew explosively during this period. In seeking to explain how these persecuted churches grew so rapidly, Hirsch identified six features (he calls them the missional DNA) that characterise powerful church movements: The heart of it all: Jesus is Lord One of the key passages in the Old Testament is the shema: ‘Hear, O Israel:

The LORD (Yahweh) our God, the LORD (Yahweh) is one’ (Deuteronomy 6:4). This was a declaration of ultimate monotheism in a polytheistic world where numerous gods, demons, and angels that needed to be appeased were seen as ruling over different spheres of life. When Christians confess that ‘Jesus is Lord’, it is not just the simple confession that Jesus is our Master—it echoes ‘Yahweh is Lord’. ‘Jesus is Lord’ declares there is no separation between sacred and secular. Jesus is the one Lord in every place, not just church. In a world where many false gods compete for the central position in our lives, and many of us have trouble taking our spirituality into the world, this reminder that Jesus is Lord of everything is helpful to us. Disciple making The church’s central commission is to ‘make disciples of all nations’ (Matthew 28:18-20) and the early church took this mission very seriously.

qb.com.au Hirsch says the Western church faces two issues: 1. Poor Discipleship Although we use the language of discipleship it often does not have the central place it once did, or should, have. 2. Consumerism The major threat to the viability of our faith and discipleship is consumerism because it infects every one of us. The end-users of the church’s services (namely, us) can easily slip into the role of discerning, individualistic consumers, devouring the religious goods and services offered by the latest and best church vendor. The problem is that consumerism and discipleship are mutually exclusive. Consumerism is one of the biggest challenges that Queensland Baptist churches face (just ask your pastor!). Hirsch’s warning about the danger of consumerism in our churches is one that we should consider. Missional-incarnational impulse Jesus was incarnational, entering the world he was seeking to save. Incarnational ministry is often contrasted with attractional ministry. Some in the missional church movement caricature attractional ministry as churches simply running programs that they expect nonChristians will just come to. Hirsch argues that churches should be more incarnational and run fewer programs releasing Christians to minister in existing social networks. Although the reminder to be incarnational is helpful, the New Testament also talks about people being attracted towards the family of God manifested in the church. Apostolic environment By ‘apostolic environment’ Hirsch is talking about an environment where leaders are able to lead the church in its mission. Although his description of apostolic leadership is probably

Missional church not appropriate for most Queensland Baptist churches, his reminder about the importance of leaders keeping the church ‘on mission’ is helpful. Organic systems Organic images of the church and the kingdom abound in the scriptures— body, field, yeast, seeds, trees, vines etc. However, Western churches are often more like an institution. Hirsch reminds us that church isn’t primarily about buildings, worship services and size of congregations, but rather about gearing the whole community around natural discipling friendships, worship as lifestyle, and mission in the context of everyday life.

Missional Leadership in the 21st Century Malyon College MA Intensive (2–6 March 2015) Audit students welcome This unit explores the distinguishing contours of the missional church revolution as well as the leadership required by it.

Communitas, not community Hirsch makes a distinction between community and communitas, which is basically community on mission. One example of communitas would be a short-term mission trip. These experiences of communitas are sometimes the most vibrant periods of our Christian life. One of the problems that we have is that often our churches and small groups become all about us, rather than the mission of God. Community is crucial for Christian life, but it should be community for the purpose of mission, not as an end in itself. C. S. Lewis once said: ‘There exists in every church something that sooner or later works against the very purpose for which it came into existence. So we must strive very hard, by the grace of God, to keep the church focused on the mission that Christ originally gave to it.’ (C. S. Lewis quoted in A. Hirsch, The Forgotten Ways). We may not agree with everything that the missional church movement advocates. However, it does serve as a useful reminder that mission should have a central place in church life. Ian Hussey Lecturer & Director of Post Graduate Studies Malyon ian.hussey@malyon.edu.au

GUEST LECTURER: Alan Hirsch Alan Hirsch is the founding director of Forge Mission Training Network and currently he co-leads Future Travelers. He is the author of The Forgotten Ways and co-author of The Shaping of Things to Come, ReJesus and The Faith of Leap (with Michael Frost); Untamed (with Debra Hirsch); Right Here, Right Now (with Lance Ford); On the Verge (with Dave Ferguson) and The Permanent Revolution (with Tim Catchim). Alan is co-founder and adjunct faculty for the M.A. in Missional Church Movements at Wheaton College (Illinois) and adjunct professor at Fuller Seminary, George Fox Seminary, among others, and he lectures frequently throughout Australia, Europe, and the US.

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Thinkspot

Truth and love in equal measure The past few weeks have been hard ones for Australians, not least for Australian Muslims. Various alleged plots by Islamic State supporters to slaughter Australians has Islam in the news. Even as I write, five out of ten of the ‘most popular’ articles on The Australian’s website are about Islamic jihad and national security. What are ordinary Australians to make of conspiracy theories aired by Muslims on the ABC’s Q&A program, implying that recent police raids were staged as a cynical act to manipulate public opinion? Are Muslims being unfairly victimised by all these security measures? How are we to evaluate Senator Jacqui Lambie’s claim that sharia law ‘obviously involves terrorism’? Or the Prime Minister’s decision to mobilise Australian troops against the Islamic State? What about the Islamic State’s grandiose claim that ‘We will conquer your Rome, break your crosses, and enslave your

women’. Or Mr Abbott’s declaration that the balance between freedom and security needs to be adjusted in favour of greater security and less freedom? Earlier this month, an 18-year-old Melbourne man, Numan Haider, was shot dead by police after he stabbed two officers outside a suburban police station. At the time of writing, news was breaking that authorities believed he intended to behead a police officer and post the photos online. Prison officers in Goulburn jail have struggled to contain the worst riot in ten years, during which rampaging prisoners were heard to be crying ‘Allahu Akbar’. A Christian woman who works in a church close by an Islamic centre has asked her employer to install security measures to protect her and others at the church. Someone else, a convert from Islam to Christianity, reports that his personal sense of being under threat

has risen, because he feels that people he knew from his earlier life as a radical Muslim are more likely to be activated to violence after the successes of the Islamic State and their global call to arms. Are such responses reasonable? Or are they Islamophobic? Many young Muslims have been using the hashtag #NotInMyName on social media. Many are insisting that IS does not speak for them: as Anne Aly put it ‘This isn’t in my name, this isn’t what Islam is about, I am against it and they don’t have my allegiance, they don’t have my support’. How then can we know the truth about Islam? What is a Christian response to all this? How can we find our way through these crises: does protecting national security mean we risk losing some part of our soul? A truly Christian response to the multifaceted challenge of ‘Muslims behaving badly’ must embrace both truth and love in equal measure.

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Truth will acknowledge that the Islamic State ideologues do claim to speak for Islam, and that they justify their actions from the Koran and Muhammad’s example. Truth will acknowledge that IS has recruited tens of thousands of Muslims to fight for their cause, but apparently not a single Christian, Jew or Buddhist. As Brother Rachid, a Moroccan convert to Christianity put it in a widely distributed letter to President Obama ‘ISIL’s 10,000 members are all Muslims. None of them are from any other religion. They come from different countries and have one common denominator: Islam’. Truth will recognise that the selfdeclared ‘caliph’ of the Islamic State, Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi has a PhD in Islamic studies: he is not ignorant of Islam. It will also acknowledge that the very idea of a caliphate—a supranational Islamic state—is a religious ideal widely shared by many Muslims. However this ideal bodes ill for any non-Muslims who fall under its power. Truth will accept that there is a price to pay for increased security. Since 9/11 we wait in queues at airports because of the actions of jihadis. As the level of threat increases, it is inevitable that our need for increased security measures will only grow. Truth will also acknowledge that many Muslims vehemently reject the methods and goals of the Islamic state, and that the #NotInMyName hashtag campaign is genuine and heartfelt. But this begs the question: ‘What is the real Islam?’ Love on the other hand, will reject stereotyping Muslims or denigrating them with labels of hatred and suspicion. Love will reach out a hand of friendship. It will show grace instead of fear, kindness instead of rejection or indifference. Love demands that we emphatically reject speech which dehumanises Muslims or pins labels on them. It will honour those Muslims who reject the Islamic State’s ideology. Love will find new friends even on the blackest of days.

Thinkspot

What is a Christian response to all this? How can we find our way through these crises: does protecting national security mean we risk losing some part of our soul? It can be tempting at times such as this to choose between love and truth. Love without truth can be gullible, opening the door to many threats. I am reminded of a Persian fable. A Fox met a Heron and said ‘My, what lovely feathers you have, dear Heron. May I have one?’ The Heron obliged. The next day they met again. Day after day the Fox’s question was repeated, and day after the day the Heron’s response was the same. One day they met for the last time. The Heron had been plucked bare, so the Fox said ‘Heron, you look delicious. Now I will eat you. And he did.’ Love without boundaries, at the cost of truth, can wreak incredible havoc on innocent lives. In the end, such love is false, and will prove profoundly unloving. Genuine love does not fear the truth. True love will not deny or obscure the damaging effect of sharia law upon Christians living in Islamic societies, or the atrocities being perpetrated in the name of Islam against Christians and others by the ‘caliphate’. It will be mindful of the words in Proverbs 24:11-12: ‘Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering towards slaughter. If you say “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it.’ On the other hand, truth without love can become merciless, excluding and cruel. Love counts the cost of aggressive argument and rejects rhetoric. It takes pains to understand the other; it seeks to see the world through another’s eyes and to hear words through another’s ears. Love nurtures life-giving relationships. It reaches out to enmity and answers it with grace. It does not jump to conclusions, but is patient and careful. It delights to partner with and nurture truth and does not fear it.

Professor Peter Leahy, former Army Chief and leading defence strategist has warned Australians that we face a war that is ‘likely to last for the rest of the century’. If he is right, then the troubles we are facing now as a nation are only the beginning, and dealing with the potential horrors ahead will stretch our humanity to its limits. As Christians we are called to be salt and light in the world. If this means anything, it means staying true to Jesus’ two great statements ‘the truth shall set you free’ and ‘love your enemies, and do good to those who hate you’. This is no time for circling the wagons and cowering behind them in fear. This is a time for Australians to reach out to our Muslim neighbours, to show and receive grace. In the present difficulties many Muslims will agree with Melbourne lawyer Shabnum Cassim who stated that ‘the everyday Muslim just wants to get on with their day’. As a nation the fact that we need to respond realistically to genuine threats to our peace, and seek a true understanding of the religious beliefs that generate these threats, should not deflect us from the everyday task of getting on with our lives together, graciously, inclusively and generously. Mark Durie is the pastor of an Anglican church, a Shillman-Ginsburg Writing Fellow at the Middle East Forum, and Founder of the Institute for Spiritual Awareness. His book The Third Choice explains the implications for Christians of living under Islamic rule. Reprinted with kind permission from the Bible Society http://www.biblesociety.org.au/news/ christians-respond-jihad-truthlove#sthash.LzLBU4yw.dpuf

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QB Training

Evaluating QB training Queensland Baptists has deliberately chosen as its statement that we are followers of Jesus. The common name given to such people in the Bible is ‘disciples’, and that is what we are! The meaning of ‘disciple’ is ‘learner’ and so it is important that we evaluate the learning processes within QB at all levels. For the last two years, a subcommittee from the QB Board has looked at various aspects of training. The review group consisted of Dr Neil Parker (chair) with Helen Bates, Colin Stoodley and David Loder making up the team. A reference group consisting of John Sweetman, Rod Bullpitt, Graeme Dunkley, Andrew McCafferty, Col Peaker, Stephen Ball, Emil Rahimov and Steve Twible was also consulted. Consultation has been undertaken throughout Queensland as well as liaising with other State Unions on some matters. The review was not a focus on our colleges or ministry training. We believe our current training is doing very well, but we wanted to both assess this, as well as look for any gaps or ways of improving what we are already doing. The outcome has been a report to the board with 28 recommendations—the final recommendation being that there is still more work to do! The board has received feedback from some major stakeholders including QB Ministerial Services, Malyon, The Training Collaborative (previously CALAM) and the QB Regional Consultants. Subsequently, the board has accepted the major thrust of the findings, and has put together an implementation team to consider what can be done, and when. One significant recommendation that has gained support from those receiving the report is that newly registered

ministers should undergo a period of formal supervision. There are good grounds for this. Ministerial Services tends to keep a closer eye on new ministers, and the regional consultants do extra work with new ministers.

This time is also when they are most vulnerable. The idea of bringing this (and other matters) together into a formal supervision has a lot of merit. Consequently, the board is moving on this matter as a priority. However, there are implications. The concept of supervision will only affect new ministers. It will not impact currently registered ministers in any way. If the supervision is implemented as suggested, it will mean that our new ministers will receive greater support. This means that another resource will be required and at this stage, two alternatives have been put forward: one idea is to appoint a person with the sole responsibility of being that support; an

alternative is to appoint another regional consultant and so spread the support across all the regional consultants. The latter proposal is the preferred pathway as the regional consultants are already working with new ministers in their contexts alongside senior pastors and the churches where they are serving. Consequently, the board has approved the position of another regional consultant to facilitate this. Enough flexibility will be built into the structure to allow any changes, when and if required. Details are being finalised. This will be a QB Assembly appointment. Of course, training goes well beyond the vocational pastoral ministry! In the last two National Church Life Surveys (2006 and 2011), this question was asked: ‘What would make most impact on our churches?’ In both surveys the top response was to encourage people to use their gifts. Good discipleship training is required for this! This area of training needs to undergo further exploration and will be the focus of a subsequent review. A further detailed report on the review, outlining the findings and recommendations so far, will be included in the next issue of The qb.

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BOOK: Prayer (Timothy Keller) Price: $19.99 at WORD ‘Can’t anyone teach me how to pray?’ Millions of people today are asking the same question. There is a sense of the necessity for prayer—we have to pray ... but how?

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Reviews: Books, DVDs, Music

Prayer is central to Christian faith; indeed, as Timothy Keller notes in his introduction, it is the main way we experience deep change. Yet so many people struggle with prayer—a struggle that the author himself has shared. This wise and inspiring book is the fruit of those struggles, offering a real and glorious vision of what it can mean to seek God in prayer. Keller begins by giving a theological underpinning to what prayer actually is—both conversations and encounter with a personal God—before describing how we can learn to pray, and then deepen that prayer. Finally, he gives detailed, practical suggestions about how to make prayer a part of the reality of daily life.

receives fathering or the father who learns what must be spoken. Most important, these conversations speak to a searching generation: ‘You are not alone. It’s not all up to you. You are going to find your way.’

BOOK: Killing Lions (John Eldredge) Price: $16.99 at WORD The challenge before you is a bold one: to accept the wild, daring adventure of becoming a man We want to be self-sufficient. Find our own direction as we pursue our dreams. Know it all and never ask for help. Isn’t this how most guys approach manhood? On our own, pretending we are doing better than we really are? But sooner or later the thrill of independence gets lost in the fog of isolation.It’s time to take the pressure off. We were never meant to figure life out on our own. This book was born out of a series of weekly phone calls between Sam Eldredge, a young writer in his twenties, and his dad, best-selling author John Eldredge. Join the conversation as a father and son talk about pursuing beauty, dealing with money, getting married, chasing dreams, knowing something real with God, and how to find a life you can call your own. Killing Lions is more than fatherly advice. It is an invitation to a journey: either to be the son who

BOOK: Killing Lions Journal to accompany the book (John Eldredge): Price: $8.99 at WORD John Eldredge, coauthor of The Sacred Romance with the late Brent Curtis, is a counsellor and lecturer. He has also taught at the Focus on the Family Institute where he was a speaker and writer for more than 12 years. Now, John is director of Ransomed Heart™ Ministries, a teaching, counselling, and discipling fellowship devoted to helping people recover and live from their deep heart. John’s passions are fly-fishing, mountain climbing, and exploring the waters of the West in his canoe. He and his wife, Stasi, have three boys.

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You can also catch up with all David’s news at davidwillersdorf. com. He is launching a new direction of music under his new

‘I love God and love writing songs to him. I’ll keep on doing so as David Willersdorf, and I’m looking forward to releasing new projects in my new musical name of THE FREE,’ David says. If you want to be at the beginning of this new THE FREE journey with David, connect with THE FREE on Facebook, or head to http://signup. thefree.com.au. Everyone who signs up for the weblaunch will receive a free MP3 download.

To win a copy of the Sound of Heaven Album, visit davidwillersdorf.com and be the first to email qb@qb.com.au with the name of an artist who has recorded one of David’s songs.

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The Sound of Heaven CD contains twelve songs by Christian singer/ songwriter, David Willersdorf; eleven of which were recorded live, plus a bonus studio track. The DVD was filmed on the Sunshine Coast and contains a short documentary from Compassion Australia.

musical identity: THE FREE. This will see David releasing more of his mainstream rock and blues songs that he has been writing for some time.

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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.

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Classifieds

POSITIONS VACANT STUDENT LODGE SUPERVISOR:

YOUTH/CHILDREN’S PASTOR YOUTH/CHILDREN’S PASTOR _______________________________________________________ Minden Baptist Church is seeking a dynamic husband and wife team who are passionate about working together to minister to young people. MB Church is a growing church in the Somerset region about 20 minutes down the Warrego Highway from Ipswich. The successful applicant must be willing to work in a team with the Senior Pastor and the leadership team of the church and to see the overall goals of the church reached.

Northreach Baptist Church, Townsville is now calling for expressions of interest for the position of Northreach Student Lodge Supervisor(s), to commence ministry as of late January 2015. This position is unpaid, but in lieu of payment, on-site accommodation, power and internet are provided and would suit either a single person or couple. NB: Relocation costs will not be payable. The Lodge is located on the church property and provides accommodation for up to 12 students on a shared facilities basis. The Supervisor’s role involves resident supervision, processing applications and placement, liaison with maintenance and rostering of cleaning, OH&S and purchase of supplies. Contact Ian Stephens at the Church Office on 4723 2371 or at church@northreach.org.au, for a Position Description. A detailed resume and cover letter are to be received by Friday 16th January 2014.

The position of youth/children’s pastor is being offered on a part time basis. _______________________________________________________ If you would like more information or you think God might be calling you to serve at MB Church please phone Ps. Steve Henley on 07 5426 8206 or email at steve@mindenbaptist.org

QB YOUTH TEAM LEADER QUEENSLAND BAPTISTS Queensland Baptists seek a QB Youth Team Leader to lead the QB youth ministry. The successful applicant will be a strong, strategic leader who will empower people across Queensland to resource and support Queensland Baptist churches in their ministry to youth and young adults. This is a part-time role, one day per week. The person fulfilling this role will be able to demonstrate the following skills and abilities: • • • • • • • • •

Team leadership Passion about ministry to youth and young adults and ability to motivate others Effective and diverse communication Strategic thinking Problem solving Vision casting Ability to prioritise and focus Critical reflection Ability to network

A will to end poverty

The person will be a committed Christian with a vision for youth ministry and with the ability and commitment to be a part of the ministry team of Queensland Baptists, and must be a member (or become a member) of a Baptist church before appointment is confirmed. Whilst not essential, registration as a Queensland Baptists’ minister would be an advantage. For more information and/or a position description, please telephone the General Superintendent, Rev Dr David Loder on 07 3354 5615 or email to gs@qb.com.au

Do more than you ever thought possible by leaving a bequest in your will. Call us on 1300 789 991 or visit baptistworldaid.org.au

Applications may be made by email to gs@qb.com.au or posted to The General Superintendent, PO Box 6166, Mitchelton Qld 4053. Applications will be received in confidence and close on 27 January 2015.

qb.com.au POSITIONS VACANT ASSOCIATE PASTOR – FAMILY & CHILDRENS’ MINISTRY (DALBY BAPTIST CHURCH) Dalby is a large country church in a vibrant and growing community on the Darling Downs. This position presents an ideal opportunity for a dedicated and Godly leader who is passionate about children and family ministries to pastor, spiritually grow and encourage our church to reach the community for Jesus. Expressions of interest are invited from interested pastors. Requests for a full position description, please contact: Jenny Johnston, Chair Search Team, tonyjenny96@bigpond.com LEAD PASTOR WHYALLA BAPTIST CHURCH Whyalla Baptist Church, on SA’s Spencer Gulf, is seeking a full-time Lead Pastor to join with us in our current season of church life, enabling us to take what we know and put it into practice. We have a strong belief in our need to reach our community and want a person who will not only lead us but will work alongside us in this; encouraging and empowering the congregation to share the love of Jesus with others. For a copy of the church and pastor profiles please contact the moderator, David Smith at dsfifty.smith@gmail.com or on 0416 251 718.

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ACCOMMODATION AGNES WATER: Clean highset 3 bedroom house available for school holiday rental for $400/wk. Walk to the beach, rural setting, basic furnishings. Call (07) 4974 9018. BRISBANE: House available as a ministry to missionaries and church workers on the move. Three bedroom, single garage, everything provided. Transport at the door. Minimal rent. Email: gtho4536@bigpond.net.au 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: Sunshine Coast, Qld, beachside units from $300/wk, phone 0427 990 161. HOUSE-SITTING: Short term (1-4 weeks) Plants, Pets, Pools no problem. References available. Phone: 0427 654 501. Email: billkippen@gmail.com. NORTH BRISBANE: Self contained unit style accommodation with water views. Perfect for sabbaticals, couples retreat, conferences. Queen size room, ensuite, kitchenette(breakfast basket daily) Mention The qb reader special when booking$120/night. Regular rates $160/night). Phone Helen Gynther 0400 832614 or email helen@moretonmusic.com.

FOR SALE PEWS: Quantity of pews - varnished pine on steel frame each 3.1metres - Price negotiable. Also 1 x bain marie and 1 x deep fryer available at no cost. Pick up ex Mundubbera. Please phone Mundubbera Baptist on 07 4165 4388 or email mundubberabaptist@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE PASTOR ( 4 DAYS) KAWANALIFE BAPTIST CHURCH KawanaLife on the Sunshine Coast is a growing multigenerational church. The Associate Pastor would join the ministry team with significant components of the role being: • Regular preaching and teaching • Recruiting, training and equipping leaders Is God is calling you to serve at KawanaLife? Please call 0497 831 885 to obtain further information.

FOR SALE-AGNES WATER: Duplex Unit - 400m bush walk to beach. 1 x 3 bed/ens. villa, carport, colourbond cladding with timber features, verandahs for sea breezes, qual. fixtures, gas cooktop, ceil fans etc. Low body corp, close to shops, new Christian school, town of 1770, and National parks. Fully landscaped, watering system. Invest/retirement potential, owner occupied, $340,000 ono. Ph: 4974 7428 or 0438 793 673.

FOR HIRE LARGE AUDITORIUM: Seats 290. Qld Baptists’ Centre at Gaythorne. Phone Sharon on 3354 5600 for more information or visit www.qb.com.au – venue hire.

INTEGRITY TRAVEL

Book all of your holidays and travel with Integrity Travel and help missions. Tours & specials at www.integritytravel.com.au Ph 07 3863 1007 for more information and bookings.

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

Partner with BAPLink to support ministry initiatives through Queensland Baptists. BAPLink, a ministry of the Baptist Union of Queensland, supports churches who serve their local communities. BAPLink provides: • • •

Competitive interest rates Friendly service No administration fees

Facilities available: • • • • • •

Internet access (for churches only) Term investments Partnership investments - a new way of giving Electronic transfers for churches Cheque facilities for churches Loans to churches and ministers

Join the growing number of ‘Baptists making a difference’ by partnering 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