Together in Mission | February 2020

TOGETHER

IN MISSION

February - March 2020

IN THIS EDITION What’s happening in Army Chaplaincy What’s happening at Barossa Community Church Limestone Coast Toy Run Success Voices from our Past Speaking into our Future

A movement of local churches thriving in Jesus transforming the world.

FOR PRAYER 10-19 February •

Voices from our Past Speaking into our Future

Dr Karen Walker President

Baptist Care: Pray for all the Government and community leaders who are responding to the recent bushfires.

A proverb heard during my time in Cambodia advised “Don’t

•

Praise God for the appointment of Scott Pilgrim as Global Interaction’s Executive Director.

ancestors have taken.” It challenges our modern western

•

GIA: Pray for Ian Dicks and his family as they farewell friends in Malawi; he takes up his new role as Senior Pastor of Moonee Ponds Baptist Church, Victoria.

•

Praise God for the work that Ian was involved with while serving with GIA. Pray that the work amongst the Yawo would continue to be fruitful.

Entering the world of theological study and writing has proved challenging for

•

Recuperation of the first residents of Baptist Care SA’s new Homeless Respite Centre.

field of education is suspicious of anything written more than 10 years ago and

•

GIA: Pray for safety and guidance as Rob and Deb Griffith travel around Australia, providing updates and thanking supporters while on Home Assignment from Cambodia.

20-29 February •

New managers and staff are warmly embraced into empowered teams at Baptist Care SA.

•

Pray for Luke, Team Leader for team Khmer in Cambodia, as he leads those back in Australia on home assignment, new members arriving in January (Staunton family) and continuing work with the team currently on the ground.

take the straight path or the winding path. Take the path your insistence on esteeming the latest, most recent and new above the past, the older and familiar.

me with a lifetime of study, research and work in the education sector. The students preparing as teachers are advised to make sure their essay reference lists has nothing older than 10 years! Imagine my consternation and urgent need for re-orientation when, as a theological student, I encountered material written centuries ago which I was required to consider and use in my papers!

This reorientation has been challenging as well as powerful as I explored and wrestled with the writings of (mainly) men from ages past. One contemporary writer I recently encountered challenges us modern Christians to step back from our culture’s primacy for the new, the trendy and instead to listen to voices from our past for what they offer us in our time and place. I offer his challenge to us all,

•

Baptist Care SA’s new Tumbelin Farm will be a place of restoration for young lives.

church communities and individuals as we move into 2020.

•

West Beach: Pray for God’s blessing on our youth group (Grades 6-10) meeting fortnightly on Fridays in school terms. Pray for more leaders.

These [church] fathers force me to listen continually to other voices that I might

•

Pray for children and young People under State Guardianship but living in homes provided by Baptist Care SA.

•

GIA: Please pray for Dema and Carolyn as they seek to share who Jesus is but sense spiritual darkness and distraction around them in Thailand (Eph.6:12).

1-14 March •

GIA: Praise God for the restoration He is doing through Catherine’s friends in Cambodia. Pray that He would continue to bring peace and forgiveness with these relationships.

too quickly overlook or ignore, voices that have proven themselves over hundreds of years to be reliable guides. The benefit of listening to them will be at least threefold for the modern readers.

First, interaction with these voices might actually strengthen our present perspectives and convictions…

Second, learning theology with the church fathers continually rebukes the fallen human inclination toward theological and spiritual pride, an exaggerated and overblown appreciation and advocacy of what we perceive the truth to be. For

Churches will continue to be inspired and people living with disabilities be blessed by Baptist Care SA’s Connections Workshops.

instance, as we read the fathers we will quickly realise that we do not need to

•

Salisbury: For the church to grow and be effective in making disciples and evangelism.

who have come before us have much to offer, if only we will open ourselves

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GIA: Pray that God would provide financial partners for David and Susie to be mobilized for Malawi soon.

•

Church leaders will develop and enter Collaborative Community Projects with Baptist Care SA.

•

15-31 March •

People will feel blessed and relationships enriched as they delight in new accommodation etc. at Mylor Adventure Camp.

•

Pray for the President, Dr Karen Walker.

1-12 April •

Pray for Mike Mills and staff.

•

Pray for Easter Camp (9-14) and all the prep for this beforehand.

reinvent the wheel. We are not the first Christians to read scripture … and those to their advice and insight. In fact, I am increasingly convinced that the task of theology is the constant, nuanced, prayerful reappropriation of the heart of the Christian faith and its careful and sensitive communication to the modern world in which we live…

I am not arguing that there will never be progress in comprehending or communicating Christian truth, but as Thomas C. Oden puts it, “true progress is not change. True progress is an advance in understanding of that which has been fully given in the deposit of faith.”

Third, the fathers will consistently prod us to focus on the heart of the matter.

They themselves were forced to pray and think through communally the meaning of the gospel, frequently in response to other teachers who were exaggerating, ignoring, distorting or undercutting important aspects of Christian truth.

COVER IMAGE: Matthew Khuu was baptised by Ps Darryl Bishop at Rostrevor Baptist Church on Sunday, 12th Jan 2020.

Praying for Matthew is his mother Chauey Khuu who was instrumental in Matthew becoming a follower of Jesus.

Let’s not scorn or ignore the wisdom of our Christian elders. Accepting Hall’s challenge will change and grow us.

Ref: Learning Theology with Church Fathers. Christopher A. Hall, 2002, IVP, 27-28

TiM

Darren Jaensch, Robert Bishop & wife Robyn Bishop

What’s happening in ARMY CHAPLAINCY Congratulations to our Dec 2019 recipient So to have my service so recognised with

War One. My Chaplaincy Leadership

of the 414 Award – Chaplain Robert

Team, Command reps at DFCC and others

the 414 award seems akin to rewarding a

(“Bob”) Bishop, Army’s Senior Instructor at child for eating their dessert!

have been interested to hear about the

the Defence Force Chaplains College.

many nominations and stories shared

There are so many selfless, dedicated hard

Bob was suitably surprised and humbled

working Defence Chaplains out there,

this morning when representatives from

some in harm’s way serving our people and

my Chaplaincy Leadership Team (and

our Nation that are equally deserving of

Robyn, his wife) gate-crashed morning tea recognition.” - Chaplain Bob Bishop at the Chaplain Intermediate Cse and duly

of Chaplains today doing great work amongst the women and men of the Australian Army, and particularly of the encouragement and appreciation of nominators for their colleagues’ efforts.

Chaplain Bishop was recognised for,

I applaud this show of comradery and

amongst other things, the contribution

mutual respect. As I said last week,

“The award came as quite a surprise and

he has made to RAAChD by exhibiting

it demonstrates those attitudes and

one of the very few times in my life when I

collegial leadership, modelling selfless

tendencies toward good teaming, respect

have been found wanting for words!

teamwork & making an enduring

and positive appreciation of each other’s’

contribution to chaplaincy training at the

ministries and giftings that we desire

DFCC. I received multiple nominations for

to be enduring characteristics of our

Bob, and I am confident that he will be

Chaplains department.

presented him this award.

Army Chaplaincy - like all ministry, has it’s hard times but being present with Defence members and their families as they go through the joys, struggles and all too

perceived as a worthy recipient.

Well done Bob. And well done each of

frequent tragedies associated with Service

As you would be aware, the 414 award

you in your faithful and oft-unrecognised

life and minister the grace and hope

is named in recognition of the legacy of

service and ministry.

that Christ offers in the midst of all is an

the 414 Clergypersons who served as

absolute privilege.

Army Chaplains in the AIF during World

ORDINATION OF RILEY SMITH December 1st, 2019 We congratulate Pastor Riley Smith on his ordination, 1st of December 2019, after

completing

the

accreditation

and ordination process through BCSA. Pictured receiving his certificate from President, Dr. Karen Walker.

Riley is currently the Family Ministries Pastor at Victor Harbor Baptist Church, a role he has been in since 2016. Previously he attended Parkside Baptist as a youth worker. Riley is married to Naomi and they have two children.

Chaplain Darren Jaensch Director General Chaplaincy – Army

TiM On mission

EVENTS - SNAPSHOT OF 2020 FEBRUARY

JULY CONTINUED

13th

5-9th

Cultural Intelligence

International Biblical

Journey Seminar

Conference - SBL (University of Adelaide)

14th Collaborative Community

9 - 11th

Funding Workshop

Bible College SA Theology Conference

21st YYA Leaders Brunch

AUGUST MARCH

5-6th Pastors Conference

17th Change Journey Seminar

20th Mentoring Journey Seminar

APRIL

27th - 28th

9th - 13th

Lifewell Conference 2020

Easter Camp

SEPTEMBER MAY

3-4th

8th

Recognised Pastor Intensive

BYG - North 15th Autumn Assembly

18th BYG - South 30th Prayer Day Journey Seminar

16th 4D Conference Edwardstown Baptist

OCTOBER 19-21st

JUNE 24th

Inspire Conference

Conflict Resolution

NOVEMBER

Journey Seminar

3rd Preaching Journey Seminar

JULY

14th

4-6th

Annual Assembly

M&M Kids Camp For more information, head to our website: www.sabaptist.asn.au All dates are subject to change and are only current as of 16/01/2020

Sacred Agents

Better Than Jesus?

By Andrew Turner Church Development Facilitator

How can I put this?

That’s the big question of every sacred agent, every missionary, every evangelist. We have such good news, such a wonderful kingdom to represent and invite others into. Such good news, and yet … how do we put it?

It should be straightforward - everyone everywhere should check out Jesus. But so many are oblivious, blinded, suspicious, resistant, biased, distracted and deceived. We have a bit of a go but can quickly get disheartened, feeling that ‘I blew it.’ Especially if the response to our message wasn’t just a cold shoulder but a hip-and-shoulder.

It’s tempting then to retreat back into a ‘gospel lab’, doing mental research-and-development over and over to find the perfect way to share the message of God’s kingdom that will surely succeed. Fail-safe.

Fool-proof. Irresistibly alluring. (Let’s pause here to think of youth pastors put under pressure to produce a program that will keep 100% of young people in the church.)

In short, we want to be better evangelists than Jesus.

Because if there’s a way of putting the message of the kingdom that will meet with nothing but acclaim, then Jesus certainly never found it.

All sacred agents must either go insane, quit, or grasp this truth: Whenever the gospel is put, there is a double-revelation. The kingdom of God is revealed you’re giving people a peek at it. But the message of the kingdom also reveals the hearts of the hearers.

If you tell the story of the Prodigal Son, not only will an incredibly, scandalously loving Father be revealed, but also the extent to which your hearers are ready to ‘come to their senses’ like the pig-feeding prodigal.

A rejection-proof message that doesn’t reveal hearts is safe, but short of being real evangelism. It’s the difference between saying ‘I like you’ and ‘Will you have dinner with me?’ If people can merely shrug and say ‘That’s nice to know,’ have we really shown them a God who deeply longs for them?

It’s not failure to share the inviting love of God and be rejected. But it is failure to not share it in case of rejection. We definitely need some ‘lab time’ so that our ministry is appropriately thoughtful and respectful. But – how can I put this – the fear of causing offense, and desire to represent the kingdom in a suffering-free way – these put us in danger of offending the One whose opinion matters most of all.

TiM

What’s happening at BAROSSA COMMUNITY CHURCH RETIRING PASTOR? Pastor Richard Ansoul writes...

At the Farmers Market a few Saturdays ago, my wife and I bumped into an old friend, a leading Lutheran layman in the valley. I mentioned a matter that would involve the Baptists dealing with the Lutherans; I said, “ if you can deal with heretics ?” ”HERETICS !” he exclaimed, “you’re not heretics.

You’re LOCALS. Everyone knows you”.

This heady honour completes the circle begun in 1995. The Leader ran a front page story on our arrival from Sydney, and quoted the newly arrived Baptist pastor saying we intended to become Barossans in order to win Barossans (a quote from apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 9 `I have become all things to all men, that I might save some`).

Ruth and I have settled here, and plan to continue living in our home in Tanunda for the rest of our lives, worshipping with the precious family of faith that God has assembled. Though retired I will, for example, still be organising the performance of Messiah on 5th April 2020. Tickets will be sold exclusively through the Good Seed bookshop (part of the HUB, in Tanunda).

Let me put on record the amazing journey of faith it has been; 1994 God’s call to me on Mengler’s Hill “I want you to come to South Australia”. We only want to do what He wants, so we came. At incalculable cost on a personal level; leaving our family, and a thriving congregation in the Hills district in Sydney. 1997 the invitation from Dr Tolly Jaloshin to be the dean of the Kiev Christian University. I declined this invitation, but offered to teach an intensive 3 week course on church history. This came about in 1998, and proved the germ of connecting to Russian-speakers who would become our fellow-labourers in an exciting cross-cultural project. In 2000 we led a Barossa team to Ukraine, featuring the clown team from Langmeil church. From that point on it became clear to me that BCC was picking up the vision of our state’s

The Leader photograph of Ruth and Richard Ansoul taken in 1995 at the oldest building in the Barossa, the Old Union chapel

beloved founder, George Fife Angas, that the new state would become the centre for the diffusion of Christianity in the southern hemisphere. He was only half right. The outstanding realisation of his dream began with the Lutheran settlers commissioning dedicated workers to reach out to the native population. The negative forces of two world wars took its toll on Lutheran cross-cultural momentum. It seemed there was an element of BCC spring-boarding off that historic beginning to initiate a new dynamic , recapturing an apostolic spirit, and moulding BCC in the profile of the first outreach base to the Gentiles in Antioch. Paul and Barnabas seemed to come alive in our midst. Each year brought bold new advances, using the human resources of KCU students to find openings for the gospel amongst a heretofore resistant unreached people group, based in Crimea (now occupied by Russia). Our presence among them as ambassadors of Jesus is now well established, and will continue under the providential leading of God’s Spirit.

At the regular Sunday service on 10th November I announced my retirement. Then Ruth and I came forward and the elders prayed for us, laying hands on us.

On our wedding day, 14th Dec 1968, at Concord Baptist church, in Sydney, our beloved pastor, John Curtis, included a dire warning, in his address, that our road ahead, in joint ministry, would be tough and challenging. Not the sweet phrases one might expect. We both recall the mild alarm.

That Sunday, as the elders prayed, I stood facing Ruth, as I had on that far-off day. John Curtis was right. Later, at home, I apologized deeply for dragging Ruth through the challenges of church ministry over half a century. She said “Its what I signed up for”.

Our formal farewell was celebrated on the 15th December at our regular meeting place, the Music Centre of Faith Lutheran college, at 10am.

A more recent photograph at the Old Union chapel (note growth of hedge and greying of hair!)

TiM On mission

Audacity to Hope As I listened to the aspirations of local church leaders who engaged in missional dialogue with other Baptist leaders from across South Australia, I gained a sense that our Lord is seeking to reveal to us new ways to ‘be salt’ and ‘shed light’ into lives, families and communities.

Late last year, State Executive Minister Mike Mills and I co-hosted a ‘Collaborative Missional Communities’ forum when Pastors and leaders from 23 Baptist Churches actively entered into bold discussions with Baptist Care SA leaders. We entered into a process of discernment around how, by working more closely together, our Baptist Movement can increase our collective impact in South Australian communities as we seek to be an authentic expression of the Gospel, particularly amongst those who are struggling and vulnerable.

Through the grace of God and with the servant heart of Jesus, working with and on behalf of the Baptist Churches of SA, Baptist Care SA has the audacity to hope that: • Vulnerable children and young people will have every opportunity to flourish • Struggling families will be strengthened so that they can provide nurturing homes that launch people into each day with renewed hope • Communities will recognise, celebrate and be empowered to sustain the strength of cohesion that our nation has witnessed during the recent catastrophic bushfires.

In 2020, Baptist Care SA accepts the challenge with and on behalf of the Baptist Movement in SA to support the healing and restoration of thousands of people who are living in despair and languishing under layers of adversity that are beyond their control.

Accordingly, driven by the audacity to hope that lives can be transformed, we are actively pursuing bold, life-changing initiatives this year including: • ‘Sanctuary in the City’ – Please pray with us as we seek to cast a fresh and compelling vision for the development of our ageing WestCare Centre. This place of sanctuary in the heart of Adelaide provides a safe, welcoming and supportive place for thousands of homeless and vulnerable people every year.

Aboriginal people have been accessing the safety, support and sense of community in this sanctuary for over 100 years • Homeless Respite Centre – A barrier-breaking pilot program, developed in conjunction with the Royal Adelaide Hospital, providing 10 safe and supported beds for the recuperation of people who would otherwise have been homeless when discharged from the RAH onto our city streets. Commencing in mid-January, this new service is an inspiring forerunner to the development of a larger and more comprehensive Health and Wellbeing Centre over the next few years • Housing Pathways Strategy – We will be work closely this year with local churches, Federal and State Government and other partners to increase access to appropriate, stable and affordable accommodation for people living on low incomes • Collaborative Missional Communities – We will be seeking to engage with small clusters of Baptist churches this year to co-develop initiatives that support the transition pathways of disadvantaged people in local communities.

How can you partner with us in these exciting initiatives?

• Become a missional project partner for the Homeless Respite Centre by providing financial support (approx $50k is required) • Have you thought about supporting the work of Baptist Care SA by making a gift in your will?

• Please pray with our Board, Executive and staff that our Lord would move ahead of us to bless the lives of vulnerable people.

Graham Brown Chief Executive Officer Baptist Care SA

Baptist Care SA’s Limestone Coast Toy Run gives over 500 Christmas gifts to children in need Hundreds of young people living in the Limestone Coast received a special Christmas blessing when over $10,000 worth of gifts was raised through the Baptist Care SA Toy Run. It was the first time that Baptist Care SA had run the event and Area Manager John Merrett approached t h e l o ca l B a pt i s t C h u r c h f o r assistance with purchasing gifts and sorting through donations.

It turned out to be a mammoth task! The community responded with extraordinary generosity - 354 children and young people in need received gifts which were delivered through 16 local schools and community support agencies.

Marguerite Leggett was one of nine volunteers from Mt Gambier Baptist Church who put up her hand to be involved.

“It was really fun,” she said, “We thought about and prayed about each gift, and the child that would receive it. It’s nice to know that children who may not have much will receive something a bit extra this Christmas.”

As the group completed their shopping expedition, the young lady at the register shared that she had received a gift through the Toy Run as a child. She then approached her manager who kindly donated a trolley worth of gifts on behalf of BIG W. “It was a really wonderful moment.”

Many thanks to our major sponsor Roundwood Solutions and to all the Baptist Care SA staff and volunteers who helped make the event such an amazing success! We look forward to continuing to strengthening our partnership with Mount Gambier Baptist Church.

“Children are a blessing and a gift from the LORD.” – Psalm 127:3

TiM

2020: A YEAR OF ACTION As a new decade commences, the need for gospel workers remains urgent amongst the least reached people groups. Local Baptist churches still have a role in supporting overseas mission endeavours. Results are occurring but teams need regenerating to ensure the work flourishes.

The SA/NT office in 2020 continues to address this agenda through depending on God. The year planned is full of activity.

We will say farewell to Ian, Wendy, Simeon and Benjamin Dicks who conclude their formal connection with Global Interaction on 20 February after 24 years of service amongst the Yawo in Malawi and Mozambique. Ian has accepted a pastoral position at Moonee Ponds Baptist Church and will continue at Whitley College one day a week as Lecturer in Intercultural Studies.

We have welcomed home from Cambodia Rob and Deb Griffiths who are on home assignment until the end of May. Dema and Carolyn Pachuau will be on home assignment from Thailand, most likely between May and August.

We are rejoicing that Windy and Sigit have been accepted as candidates for SE Asia.

They are starting their journey and partnership development. More about this couple who come from the region will be supplied later.

We continue to plan to send David, Susie, Anushka and Kyran Haydon in June.

During March a call to prayer campaign entitled “Mobilise for Malawi in March” will occur. They will continue an ongoing relationship with the Yawo.

We will continue to provide opportunities to meet and share stories in the coming months: The annual Global Inspire event (Saturday 29 February at 9.00 am at Blackwood Hills), the young adult initiative entitled Unearthed (Monday 24 February at 7.00pm at Flinders Street) and May Missions Month are opportunities to inspire participation, recruitment and prayer.

We will welcome a new Executive Director, Pastor Scott Pilgrim, in March. A more detailed introduction will follow.

The State Office looks forward to engaging with you throughout 2020. May you have a blessed and rewarding year too as God works through you.

LEADERS WANTED! 1. EASTER CAMP

9TH - 13TH APRIL Unity College Murray Bridge

2. M&M KIDS CAMP

3-6TH JULY (leaders) 4-6TH JULY (campers) Mylor Adventure Camp

HEAD T OUR O WEBS I TE

Rob and Deb Griffiths - on home assignment

What’s on

BAPTIST 40+ SINGLES

IN OUR COMMUNITY

FEBRUARY: 15th Feb - 6:30pm - Semaphore Hotel (17 Semaphore Road, Semaphore 5019) Reasonable cost - senior discount available Walk after dinner down to the beach

Morialta Charitable Trust Fund Morialta Charitable Trust Fund has been supporting disadvantaged Children, Young People and their families in South Australia through its annual program of Distributions for 40 years.

RSVP: 11th February

To enable the Fund to continue this support through Community Organisations in South Australia Morialta Charitable Trust Fund seeks donations from the public.

MARCH:

Donations of $2- and above are Tax Deductible and can be forwarded to the Morialta Charitable Trust Fund at PO Box 92 Crafers SA 5152.

21st March - 6:30pm - Fresh Choice (373 Diagonal Road, Sturt 5047) $28.50 or $25.50 (senior) all you can eat

BUSHFIRE SUPPORT

RSVP: 17th March CONTACT: Brian or Helen 08 8341 8283

GROWING TOGETHER IN MARRIAGE YOUR MARRIAGE MATTERS! Take time out for a retreat weekend that allows God to work in your marriage helping it become the best it can be.

February 21-23 May 1-3 (BRISBANE RETREAT) June 12-14 August 28-30 October 30 - Nov 1 All SA retreats are held at Weintal Resort, Tanunda. For more, contact Rob

Our nation has been in an unprecedented

& Lee Allen 8331 7061 | 0438 892 980

bushfire crisis for weeks now with

Or visit gtimsa.org

thousands of people affected. We feel for those who have experienced loss and we pray for them. As a Baptist family we

MILLICENT 50TH ANNIVERSARY

can stand together to help those in need through the local church and the state

A Thanksgiving Service will be held on

associations. Please continue to PRAY.

Sunday March 8th 2020 @ 2-00p.m.

SA Government: https://www.sa.gov. au/…/emergencies-and-saf…/bushfireappeal KI Mayoral Appeal: https://www. kangarooisland.sa.gov.au/…/kangarooisland-bush…

And if people want to volunteer or assist in other ways we recommend Blaze Aid (https://blazeaid.com.au/) who currently have a basecamp at Lobethal and are going to establish on KI when safe to do so.

If folk would like to give to the interstate need they can do so through the disaster relief funds of: Baptist Churches of NSW/ACT (https:// nswactbaptists.org.au/bushfire-reliefand-recovery/) and Baptist Union of Victoria (https://www. buv.com.au/baptistonmission/give)

Together in Mission Issued By Baptist Churches of South Australia Inc 35–39 King William Road, Unley, SA 5061 08 8357 1755 tim.sabaptist.asn.au

Articles And Advertising in this publication are the opinions of the authors, not necessarily the editor or publisher. The publishers reserve the right to accept or decline any advertising.

Mailing Address Baptist Churches of SA PO Box 432 UNLEY SA 5061 info@sabaptist.asn.au

followed by afternoon tea (no morning service). RSVP by 10th Feb 08 87332690 or millicentbaptist@gmail.com

BAPTIST HISTORICAL SOCIETY Friday 20th March 2020 5.00pm at Enfield Baptist Church, 1 Francis Ave. Broadview.

Speaker : Rev. Dr. John Beasy. He will speak about his ministerial career including the churches he has ministered in, Baptist churches of SA, Australian Baptist Ministries and Baptist World Alliance.

A light tea will be served and a donation would be appreciated.

Any enquiries please contact Marie Lines. Phone 8332 4887 or email linesmb@internode.on.net An RSVP, to Marie, for catering purposes would be helpful.