AUSTRALIA’S CHRISTIAN NEWSPAPER

VOLUME 71NUMBER 16

www.nlife.com.au ‘Tell the people the full message of this new life.’ (Acts 5.20b)

Thursday 19 March 2009 $2.00 Print Post Approved No. 34918100419

OVER 700 people attended MAF’sMission Aviation Discovery Day atCamden Airport (Sydney) on Saturday 21February. Families and church groupstravelled from nearby metropolitan andNSW country areas to see MAF’s aircraftand meet some of their pilots and supportmissionaries. NSW Representative TomTeale-Sinclair described it as the bestattended MAF event for decades. Hesaid: ‘Many attendees had not previouslyheard of Mission Aviation Fellowship.’

At the opening ceremony, AndrewJenkins, a Flight Instructor at theAustralian Centre for Mission Aviationand former 11-year field pilot with MAF,entertained the crowd with excitingadventures and humorous incidents thatshowed just how essential MAF pilotsand their planes are in remote areasaround the world.

Two real-life MAF aircraft flew all dayproviding joy-flights for those attending.One of these, a brand new GA8 Airvan,built in Victoria by Gippsland Aeronautics,is the first turbocharged Airvan off theirproduction line. The first 20 children tocheck in were given a free flight. This air-craft is destined for work in the Highlandsof Papua New Guinea, just one of almost

40 countries where MAF provides itsstrategic air services to remote and iso-lated communities.

At the start of the day, hundreds ofsupporters led by John Sedden, gatheredin prayer around the GA8 and committedits future work for God into His hands.

The second MAF aircraft flown for theday, the veteran Cessna 206 (VH-MAF),is the same type used by MAF aroundthe world, but now gradually beingreplaced by the GA8 series Airvan.

Eight hundred free sausage sand-wiches and many litres of deliciousPapua New Guinean coffee were con-sumed by those attending and childrenenjoyed face painting, clowns, paperplane flying competition, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sit in a Tiger Moth

similar to the aircraft first used by MAF60 years ago.

Many people attended the variousforums that were held throughout the day,with a full house for Jetstar Captain KeithSouthcott, who has many years of experi-ence flying in Papua New Guinea withMAF. Keith spoke about the techniquesof flying light aircraft in that challengingenvironment, where the monsoons meetthe mountains.

MAF conducts flights to around 2,500isolated communities to facilitate Gospelministries and the efficient delivery ofdevelopment services on a regular basis,as well as emergency relief in times ofnatural disaster, eg Cyclone Sidr inBangladesh in 2008. MAF focuses onpeople, planes and isolation, and is help-ing transform the lives of isolated people,physically and spiritually by overcomingphysical and geographical obstacles tothe Good News of Jesus. At the sametime, MAF provides the means of accessfor a thousand Christian and humanitari-an organisations in Africa, the Americasand the Asia-Pacific region.

For more information and to learnhow you can support the work of MAF,see their website – www.maf.org.au orcontact MAF NSW State Rep Tom Teale-Sinclair on 02 9672 7763 or emailtom.teale-sinclair@maf.org.au

MAF Open Day Drew Crowds

The New GA8 Airvan

The Old Tiger Moth

On The MoveDavid and Margaret Price ask prayer for atrip to Christian Leaders’ Training College inPapua New Guinea from 26 March to 6April (just before Easter). David will attend aPNG Pioneers’ Retreat at CLTC, followedby two meetings of the Accreditation Boardand the Executive Council. Should Marg gowith him to help with the heavy load in theGuest House? They ask for wisdom andstrength which only God can give.They thenleave on 21 April for Croatia for the EuropeArea Conference of Pioneers. David is theirspeaker and Margaret will share with theladies.SIM’s Hope For AIDS Program In MalawiAustralians Mike and Jacky Hammond arebusily involved in preparing to open fivenew centres for orphan care by mid 2010.HIV has orphaned over 1.2 million childrenin Malawi and the need for regular care isenormous. Mike and Jacky are working inco-operation with the Africa EvangelicalChurch to make this care a reality. Pleasepray and give. simaid@sim.org.au, SIMaid,Box 42, Penshurst NSW, 2222.CNEC Partners Needs around the world seem overwhelm-ing and the question ‘How can we do any-thing that’s significant?’ is often asked. Thecompelling documentary Lumo can still beshown. Last Christmas 1,300 handmadedolls made by fistula patients at HEALAfrica were brought to Australia and sold.These were often given as gifts or hung onChristmas trees. Further orders can bemade, and the money goes back to helptreat those in need. Contact CNEC PartnersInternational at PO Box 67, Croydon Park,NSW 2133, cnec@cnecpi.com.auSGM LifewordsThese are Bible resources prepared to helpus engage creatively with the Bible’s lifewords here in Australia or with various otherlanguage groups. A team is working withfemale volunteers from Alabaster Jar on thestreets of Berlin. The city is a major centrefor young women who have been traffickedfrom Eastern Europe, some being as youngas nine, who have been sold to the boom-ing commercial sex industry. Pray as SGMLifewords are used as a tool to tell the old,old story of God’s love. Contact: Lifewords,PO Box 688, Castle Hill NSW 1765;www.sgmlifewords.com‘Aussies Take Over Daystar’So ran the headline in Challenge Weekly

from New Zealand. The Christian monthlymagazine Daystar is now transferred to theAustralian company Media Inc which isowned and operated by Managing DirectorMatt Danswan. It will continue to be pro-duced in NZ maintaining the original ethosand direction of the magazine and will alsoallow them to link with Ark House, MrDanswan’s publishing company.Using FacebookCreation Ministries International in NewZealand has begun to use the popularsocial networking site Facebook to promotethe Biblical record of Creation. Adrian Batesthe CEO said, ‘It is great for reaching out toyounger people and they are a valuableaudience.’ Restoring Churches In ChinaAccording to an article in Chinese Daily byZhiang Xin and Wu Jiao, a Beijing ReligionBureau official, Yang Xiaodong recentlyannounced that the Chinese Governmentplans to rebuild or restore 12 churches,mosques and temples in Beijing. Thereporter says ‘the aim is to give Christians –Catholics and Protestants both – Muslims,Buddhists and Daoists better access toplaces of worship.’New Church In Northern AsiaWEC International reports that 40 local peo-ple attended the first gathering in this newchurch which followed three months ofprayer and visiting. Pray for the follow-up.

Australian WEC church planters inSpain, Steve and Coralie Preston, are work-ing among immigrants who come looking forfinancial rewards. Immigration has explodedacross Europe during the past eight yearsand there are enormous opportunities forwitness and care.

WEC Australia is involved in a similarministry called ‘Testdrive’ in WesternSydney and is seeing good interest. Prayfor these outreaches. Phone: 1300 788 566or www.wec.com.au/testdriveMueller College Of MinistriesThe personnel give thanks for the smoothtransition to the new building in Redcliffe,Qld, which gives more space for library, lec-tures, study areas, staff offices with air-con-ditioned comfort and fantastic views! Prayfor the TESOL course being offered for thefirst time this semester.Listen To This!Southern Cross, of the Sydney Anglicancommunity, reports some interesting find-ings about 'Why your friends aren't coming

to church'.'Hypocrisy inchurch, apathy tochange, sufferingin the world anda perception that all religious views areequal are the key issues ...' according to afield test involving churches in Australia, theUK, Europe, Asia and the US. EvangelismExplosion undertook this survey and saidthe prominent issues to emerge are morerelational than in the 1960s. The questionsare more about life than about eternity.FEBC Reaches Out By RadioMany are now listening to the programs thatare beamed to Yemen. They say, 'Radio isour church'. Producers recently produced36 programs on how to be church. Pray forlisteners as they learn what the Bible teach-es about this. Pray also for the Life of Christprogram, a drama series that began inCambodia last August. May many listenersbe drawn to Christ through this.Helping Young People Affected By TheFiresScripture Union is seeking to develop pro-grams and support strategies for youngpeople and their families during the longerterm recovery following the severe bushfires in Victoria. They are placing two com-munity development chaplains in affectedcommunities. Many SU staff members havelived in these communities and been activein the schools there – they will now be ableto minister effectively because of their mutu-al understanding of what has happened.Cry From Iran FilmOpen Doors announces that this significantfilm will be shown in the Central NSWregion from 16 March. Phone: 02 94512999 or email: odaustralia.od.orgMore Mega Voice PlayersOMF International reports that a further 500players will be distributed in the Manoboarea. Pray for God's protection as they aredistributed in this mainly tribal area and asthe people hear the Gospel in their lan-guage. Pray for Tim and Sally Cross andfamily who have been VicState Directors asthey leave on 23 March to move north andthen to South East Asia on 18 April.For Our Adelaide Readers ...Visit the Second Chances Op Shop operat-ed by Prison Fellowship on Diagonal Road,Sturt. There are three shops open five daysa week. Di and Alan Whyte oversee thisministry.

HERE, THERE AND EVERYWHERE WITH THE WILSONS

Page Two – 19 March 2009 – NEW LIFE

NEW LIFE – 19 March 2009 – Page Three

PROVINCIAL council elections were held in14 of Iraq's 18 provinces on Saturday 31January. Because Iraqi politics is totally trib-al the stakes are high and Christians, as asmall minority, are inevitably marginalised.For various reasons the elections were gen-erally peaceful. Also no voting was held inthe still ethnically mixed, highly contestedand volatile northern provinces of Dahuk,Arbil, Sulaymaniyah or Kirkuk.

Tensions are high in the northern Nine-veh Province where a massive ethnic powershift is about to take place. It has been thecentre of the Assyrian homeland for severalmillennia and is where most of Iraq's re-maining Christians live. However, for thepast few centuries it has also been Kurdish'frontier' territory. When the Sunni Arabsboycotted the 2005 vote, they opened the

door for Kurds to extend their control intoArab-majority areas – lands Arabised bySaddam Hussein to ensure Arab majoritiesin oil-rich areas.

Oil-rich Mosul (Nineveh's capital) subse-quently became a front-line in the SunniArab insurgency. After the US-led surge incentral Iraq drove militants north, Mosulalso became al Qaeda's new Iraq base inits jihad for the imposition of fundamentalistIslam.

Arab nationalists, rumoured to have tiesto both Baathists and al Qaeda, cam-paigned on a platform of rolling back Kurd-ish expansion. They are now set to takepower in Nineveh from incumbent Kurdishnationalists who campaigned on a platformof Kurdish consolidation, de-Arabisation andautonomy.

Assyrian Christians, who for centurieshave suffered intensive persecution andnumerous massacres at the hands of bothArabs and Kurds, were reportedly threat-ened and intimidated for their vote. Thepower shift could create an explosive situa-tion. Iraq's Christians are once again goingto be stuck in the middle and torn betweenwarring and vengeful ethnic nationalists, tothe delight of al Qaeda which will doubtlessuse any ethnic conflict as a cover for itsIslamic jihad.

The catastrophe that has befallen Iraq'sindigenous Christian peoples is virtuallynever mentioned in news reporting as itwould conflict with the 'success' propagan-da. The tragic plight of Iraqi Christians is soprofoundly ignored you could be forgiven for thinking they are invisible or non-existent!This terrorised, traumatised, largely dis-placed remnant – less than half of Iraq'spre-war Christian population – is facinggenocide and a return to crippling, dehu-manising, brutal dhimmitude (seewww.dhimmitude.org).

The WEA Religious Liberty Commissionsponsors this Prayer List to help individuals

and groups pray specifically and regularlyfor religious liberty issues, and in particular

to uphold the Church where it is sufferingpersecution. RL Prayer is moderated by

Ron Clough.Elizabeth Kendal researched

and authored this message.

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY PRAYER BULLETIN

IRAQ: Christians Marginalised And Vulnerable

PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY FOR:� God's Holy Spirit to sanctify the Iraqi Church, increasing

prayerfulness, faith, brotherly love and solidarity across ethnicand denominational lines; may assurance of God's perfect love,eternal presence and absolute faithfulness bring hope and comfortto the Church in trying times.

� Our Mighty God – 'el gibbor' (Isaiah 9.6) – our strong,warrior God, to intervene with His heavenly forces to frustrateHis enemies (mortal and spiritual) and protect and preserveHis Church, to shed abroad His light in Iraq, a land of promise.

Update On The Lord's Resistance Army (LRA)ON Friday 30 January, the Ugandan Armyattacked an LRA camp in north-east Congo.To avoid civilian casualties, they hit thecamp only indirectly, scattering the rebelsinto the bush. A senior LRA commander,Major Okore Okello, was killed and 90Congolese captives – all women and chil-dren – were rescued.

Brigadier Kankiriho reports: 'The abduc-tees were tied to each other on ropes likethe old slave traders used to do.' This is thefirst rescue of abducted civilians sinceOperation Lightning Thunder started on 14December.

The International Organisation forImmigration reports additionally that LRAdeputy commander Okot Odhiambo has

requested safe passage to surrender. OkotOdhiambo replaced former deputy VincentOtti who was assassinated in 2007 onKony's orders after a rift.

Rumours have it that Okot has defectedand is seeking protection after having like-wise fallen out with Kony, head of the LRA.He has told the IOI that if they can get himout he will bring 45 rebels and 10 ab-ductees with him.

After two weeks of prayer focus on thisissue there has already been a turn aroundin momentum. Praise God! Please continueto pray for defections, rescues and an endto Joseph Kony's blasphemy, terror andspiritual (demonic/occultic) power. (1 Peter3.22 ESV) – Elizabeth Kendall

Please Pray:GLOBAL Interaction asks for prayer forPapua New Guinea where fighting in theLumusa area has resulted in a health cen-tre being burnt down, pastors cancellingchurch services and leaving the area forsafety.

Pray for the Baptist Union PNG leaderswho are talking with community leaders toencourage peace.

Pray for Patrick Gaiyer, President of theBaptist Union of Papua New Guinea, whowas admitted to Port Moresby GeneralHospital with a minor heart problem. Hisheart has been weak and not functioningwell and his condition is unstable.

Also pray for Lina Gaiyer who will careand support him at this time.

A Battler Against CorruptionPOLICE Chief Christine Nixon has retiredfrom the Victorian Police Force. When shewas interviewed for the job she told PremierSteve Bracks that corruption in the PoliceForce was a problem and she presented acomprehensive plan to oppose it. It is re-ported that this was a major reason shewas given the top job eight years ago.During her time she stated: 'Our ethical de-partment has investigated a range of peo-ple'. (Herald Sun, Melbourne, 28 February.)In retirement she has now been appointedto head the recovery plans after the terriblebushfires of recent days. She has not al-ways won friends and influenced people inthe way she would have desired but it isgood to see her concern for the need ofright ethical standards.'It Was That Good Bloke Upstairs WhoSaved Me!'SO said Bill Hill to the Herald Sun (28 Feb-ruary) about the fact that he was not con-sumed by the wall of fire that almostclaimed his life on Black Saturday. The onlything he could put it down to was that des-pite the massive burns that almost endedhis life, 'He's got something else for me!'. Asudden change of wind had caught him andtwo sons, Nick and Tom, and 'a fireballcame out of nowhere, it must have leapt upto ten feet high.' He stated, 'I've got a lovelyfamily and I've got a lot of support. I'm avery lucky man. I know that.' Bill Hill hasnow returned home and his brave spirit andpersonal statements of thanks is typical ofso many who faced death on Black Satur-day and the days that followed. Many testi-fied to the fact that although they had lostall their material possessions, they hadcome to realise how much more important itwas that loved ones were spared.To Hell And Back!THIS is another heading from the HeraldSun. We constantly find that Bible languageand themes are used in our English lan-guage. CFA fighter John Munday was full ofpraise for what he had seen as he survivedthe inferno of Marysville and other places of

tragedy. He graphically described the awful-ness of the bushfire events, but told how heremembered that others had suffered evenmore. He especially thought of many re-turned soldiers who not only suffered in war,but had long battles afterwards, without thecounselling and help that is available forbushfire victims today. He referred to pris-oners of war who endured Changi prison,and he emphasised that others even nowhave witnessed far more suffering than hehad endured – and he described a numberof them.

He tells of not being able to rescue anelderly couple trapped in their home in aMarysville street. He wanted to help butcouldn't do anything. He likened it all to avision of impending hell – and yet, 'It's abizarre thing to say but I had this quiet con-fidence that we could get through it if we dideverything right.' He had witnessed firesthat were unprecedented in their ferocity.

I could not help but think of the compari-son that faces us all, between heaven andhell. There is indeed a hell to be avoidedand heaven to be gained. As for doingeverything right, thank God there is heaven– not hell – to be gained for those whoknow what it is to be safe in the arms ofJesus, having trusted in His offering ofHimself on the cross of Calvary to offer maneternal salvation.'A Defender Of The Faith'ANOTHER example of the Bible being com-monly used in a non-religious style is theheading about a leading player in an impor-tant football game. A full page article showsfootball captain Kevin Muscat as an impor-tant player in an A-League team, stating hewas confident that his team would head intothe Grand Final. The article shows howdetermined he was in his chosen field offootball. We too have a challenge to be de-fenders of the Faith – even the faith oncedelivered to the saints. Let's be as deter-mined in the wonderful privilege we have ofdefending the Scriptures and the Person ofour Lord Jesus Christ in all His glory. SeePhilippians 1.7 and 1.17 where the Apostle

Paul tells ushe is set forthe defence ofthe Gospel.Let's all be true defenders of the faith!Greed, And Heartless LeadershipA NEWS report tells us that 'shamelessexecutives at Bonds owner, Pacific Brands,gave themselves pay rises of up to 170%last year – at the same time they were plan-ning to sack 1850 workers.' We also learnthat a top executive was one of the biggestwinners which included a seven-fold rise inincentive payments. Total remuneration for13 directors more than doubled last year,rising from just over seven million dollars to15.5 million dollars. Workers are now toldthat their jobs are no longer viable. TheAustralian Press has been incensed aboutexcessive payments to 'shameless execu-tives' when workers such as one who hasbeen with the company 26 years suddenlyfound that he will be without a regularincome.

Government leaders, including thePrime Minister and the Treasurer, haveexpressed great concern and show theirintention to do more about such huge pay-ments. Also the unions have stated they willblock Pacific Brands from shipping taxpay-er-funded machinery to China amid thegrowing anger at the mass sackings by thetextile giant.US Troops To Leave IraqTHE announcement by Barack Obama towithdraw most American troops from Iraq byAugust next year has been widely applaud-ed, though there will still be tens of thou-sands of troops left behind to advise Iraqiforces and to protect US interests. Perhapsit is not surpising that some objections havebeen raised by Democratic supporters thateven that was too far away to satisfy Ameri-cans. It is so sad to see that there are warsand rumours of war all around us and sooften they accomplish much less than theparties concened had hoped for. It is nowonder that we Christians cry out with fer-vour, 'Even so, come Lord Jesus!’

CURRENT COMMENTS – CLIFFORD WILSON

Page Four – 19 March 2009 – NEW LIFE

New Life Now Available ElectronicallyFOR over 70 years, New Life has come to subscribers and readers through the post or Christian book shops, but we cannow offer an alternative way of receiving New Life – by email. The email edition contains an additional four pages of newsand views we canʼt fit into the print edition, subscribers receive it a few days ahead of the print edition, and it costs halfthe price!TO SUBSCRIBE to the email edition, contact Alison on (03) 9890 3377 or email her at alison@nlife.com.au

VOLUME 71NUMBER 1619 March 2009ISSN: 1033-7903

FOUNDER:Eric J. Daley (1910-1992)

EDITORIAL TEAM:Rev Dr Bob ThomasDr Clifford WilsonDr Barbara Wilson

EMAIL:office@nlife.com.aueditor@nlife.com.auPHONE:03 9890 3377FAX:03 9897 4561POST:PO Box 457Mitcham VIC 3132REGISTERED OFFICE:CBM Building,56 Rutland Rd,Box Hill VIC 3128WEB-SITE:www.nlife.com.au

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NEW LIFE – 19 March 2009 – Page Five

AUSTRALIA’S CHRISTIAN NEWSPAPER

Published by New Life Australia. LtdABN 15 005 035 138, of 56 RutlandRd, Box Hill Vic 3129, and printed byNewsprinters Pty Ltd, Melbourne Rd,Shepparton Vic 3630. (All letters toNew Life please).

The Letters To The Seven Churches– A Reality Check on ʻRevelationʼ

Revelation has long been regarded as a happy hunting ground for all manner of reli-gious extremists and has caused great dissension amongst the most well meaning ofChristians. It begins with its feet firmly on the ground – John, its author, is in prison onthe Island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea, off Ephesus. Yet he is ‘in the Spirit on theLord’s Day’ and is given a revelation by the Lord Jesus Christ of what is to come: trialand tribulation to break with fury upon the Christian Church.

Chapters Two and Three single out a selection of seven churches scatteredaround Asia Minor who turn out to be a fair sample of the whole church in every placeand in every generation. But then it takes off and we are plunged into turmoil as thecurtain of the future is whisked away and we are given an insight of the fiery trial thatwill engulf the Christian Church until finally Satan is defeated and all is beauty, lightand life eternal in that New Jerusalem.

‘The Seven Churches’ – Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadel-phia and Laodicea – first grabbed my interest as a student for the ministry when Iread William Barclay’s summary of Sir W.M. Ramsey’s 1904 tome on the SevenChurches, so much so that I wrote one of my exit theses on them, wrote a series oflessons for secondary students I was teaching at the time, and preached a series ofsermons on them in each church I have ministered in.

You can imagine my delight when it became possible to take the trip to Turkey andtour the circuit of the sites of those ancient cities where the early Christians lived. Aswe travelled from one place to the next many thoughts and emotions welled up, butone kept recurring over and over again: how real it all was! The Risen Christ’s inti-mate knowledge of the history, geography, society and culture of each place dis-played in His several letters is truly astounding; and so much of it is still plainly to beseen today.

I came away asking myself: ‘If all this is so real, don’t we have a right to believe inthe fulfilment of that portion of Biblical prophecy yet to be fulfilled and those “exceed-ing great and precious promises” yet to be kept?’

Not only the first three chapters of Revelation, but so much of Scripture is so pal-pably real that we are on good ground to trust the entire Bible for its absolute truth,and when we do we are not taking a leap into the abyss; we are simply ‘leaning onthe Everlasting Arms.’

– Bob Thomas

THE Darling Downs Easter Convention heldjust outside Warwick, Qld, at the KingswoodConvention Centre for the past 50 years isnow to be held in Warwick itself.

The Easter Convention will be held at theSenior Citizens Centre, 12 Albert St,Warwick. The programs will include youthand children’s meetings and fun times at theWarwick Aquatic Centre. Youth gatheringswill be at the Salvation Army building justacross the road in Guy Street after com-mencing at the open meeting in the SeniorCitizen’s hall. All are welcome.

The keynote speaker is world-renownedscience debater and Christian apologistJohn Mackay from Creation Research. Johnmakes the most difficult things in the Bible

easy to understand. He will be speaking atthe Senior Citizens Centre throughout theweekend. On Saturday night the topic will beClimate Change And The Creator. On thissubject a lot of half truths are presented aswhole truths. Come and hear what many inthe media will not let you hear.

There will be three other speakers fromdifferent organisations: John Wiggins, son ofa local pastor, who grew up in Warwick andis now a Baptist Pastor in Sydney and soongoing to Africa with Africa Inland Mission;Allan and Cecilia Anderson from Toowoom-ba who are home from Liberia where theyvolunteered to drill bores for the villages,start schools and work with law enforce-ment, immigration and Government people

to raise aware-ness of the peo-ple traffickingproblem; andPeter Kane whowas last year’skeynote speakerand is going toAsia in the nearfuture to work in church planting.

For further information about accommo-dation and to register contact Dave Powellon (07) 4635 0204 or go towww.thebmca.org and click on ‘ComingEvents’. Registration is also available ateach meeting and will help in arrangingcatering.

Page Six – 19 March 2009 – NEW LIFE

CHRISTIANS IN THE ACTION ...

Leena LavanyaTo Receive BWAHuman Rights AwardLEENA Lavanya of India is the 2009recipient of the Baptist World AllianceDenton and Janice Lotz Human RightsAward.

Lavanya, referred to by some as the‘Baptist Mother Teresa’, is being recog-nized for her work among the poor anddispossessed of India. Her ‘Serve Trust’organization operates several ministries,including homes for the aged, lepers, andadults and children living with HIV/AIDS.

Serve Trust operates a school for chil-dren in one of the most depressed areasof Narasaraopet, a town of approximately100,000 in the southern Indian state ofAndhra Pradesh. In another town, Chila-kaluripet, Lavanya operates training pro-grams for female sex workers and theirdaughters with the hope that thesewomen and their daughters would breakthe cycle of prostitution.

Lavanya began her ministry afterattending the Baptist Youth WorldConference in Harare, Zimbabwe, in1993, in response to a challenge bynoted speaker Tony Campolo for youth tofully surrender their lives to Christ.

The Denton and Janice Lotz HumanRights Award will be presented during themeeting of the BWA General Council inEde, Netherlands, in July.

New Venue For Darling Downs Easter Convention

Here, There And Everywhere (continued from page 2)Crossing The Dry Murray RiverThe historic 1915 Sunday School Picnic Party crossing the dry Murray river from the MyallBaptist Church (now part of the Koondrook/Barham Baptist Church) will be re-enacted on13 April – Easter Monday. All are welcome to participate in the event. WEC InternationalSharon and Stefan Wagner with their two sons are back in Australia after 12 years inGreece. Pray for them as they adjust to new schools, church and networks. They will alsobe seeking to know what the next role is that God has for them with WEC.Middle East Reformed Fellowship In South Sulawesi Several microenterprise projects have been established to benefit elderly people and othersin need. These have included a bookshop, rice-farming, cows, a hand tractor, and a smallirrigation system, all of which have proved to be of great value to the community. All thewhile, the Good News of Jesus Christ is also shared.HomelessnessEvery Home for Christ reports that recent battles between government troops and rival mili-tias have driven another 250,000 people from their homes in the Democratic Republic ofCongo, adding to a death toll that has exceeded five million over the last decade. TheUnited Nations is trying to broker a lasting peace and local churches are helping share theGood News with more than six million families there.Prayer For New Outreach In NagalandThe Indian Evangelical Mission is praying for more workers in their area of northern Indiaand that there will be a new vision for missionary outreach.Bimbadeen Christian Training And Conference Centre This college, which is operated by the Aboriginal Evangelical Fellowship near CootamundraNSW, celebrated 30 years of ministry in February. Keep praying for its ongoing ministry.New Evangelical Fellowship For GeelongFollowing 12 months of discussion and prayer, the Geelong Evangelical Fellowship hasbeen formed. GEF has commenced holding worship services on the first and third Sundaysof each month at 6.30pm. The first service was held on 1 March, with attendance exceed-ing the expectations of all concerned. GEF Chairman Ron Ellis led the service and spokefrom Isaiah 12.2, encouraging all to acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and toembrace trust in Him as the antidote to our fears. GEF is non-denominational and is com-mitted to the preaching of God’s Word, while avoiding unbiblical trends and ‘pop theology’.Meetings are held at the ‘GATE’ building, 33 Mt Pleasant Road, Belmont. All are welcome.Enquiries: 03 5243 5249.

John Mackay

NEW LIFE – 19 March 2009 – Page Seven

GLOBAL Care will operate a free shut-tle/taxi service in Kinglake, Vic, for residentsto visit nearby towns for supplies they areunable to access in their own town. It hadbeen operated by the Council up until now,but they have asked that Global Care lookafter the service from here on in.

The Armed Forces are now due to exitthe area. Until now they have been operat-ing mobile shower, toilet and laundromatfacilities. These services were due to beremoved from Kinglake but will remain, withGlobal Care responsible for their operationand upkeep.Base At Kinglake Footy ClubGlobal Care will also establish another baseat the local Kinglake Footy Club. GlobalCare has been given access to facilities inan effort to continue providing services tothe community.

In exchange for being able to utilise thefacilities, Global Care will raise money forthe club through Gold Coin Donation forburgers and barbecue items sold fromthere. This is a great development for thelong term service that will be provided.

Coroner Begins Releasing Those WhoWere LostThe Coroner has begun releasing the bod-ies of those who were lost in the BlackSaturday bushfires. Obviously, this will leadto another wave of grief being spreadthrough the community as memorial servic-es and funerals begin to take place, andresidents being allowed back to their prop-erties. It would appear that the bushfirethreat has largely passed, with only one firereportedly still burning out of control in theState. Please keep the residents of King-lake in your prayers to give them thestrength needed at this very difficult time.Arborist Team In The FieldGlobal Care’s team of arborists, led by ScottSharp from the Plenty Valley branch of theChristian Outreach Centre, has been out inthe field helping residents with dangeroustrees. Given what Scott and the experi-enced arborists could have earned by work-ing in their business rather than volunteer-ing to Global Care, their contribution cannotbe underestimated and all at Global Carecannot express their appreciation enough.

Global Care Community SupportIncredibly StrongThe support shown by Global Care through-out Australia has been nothing short of phe-nomenal. A constant stream of volunteers isheading to Kinglake to offer their assistanceto the efforts in the township.

Anyone who can provide any time orservice to the effort, please visit the GlobalCare website: www.globalcare.com.au

It would also be appreciated if GlobalCare’s volunteers and the residents affectedby the bushfires could be kept in yourprayers. Global Care has a special BushfireRelief Fund. Any donations are most appre-ciated. Visit the Global Care website (seeabove) for further details.� Good News From ESAFollowing an item in the last issue of NewLife which stated that there may have beenloss of life from the bushfire at their camp-site in Marysville, ESA have advised thatthankfully no-one perished. We praise theLord for this and continue to pray for guid-ance and resources for the continuation oftheir ministry in the future. www.esa.org.au

BUSHFIRE RECOVERY CONTINUES

Global Care To Provide Transport And Essential Services

Page Eight – 19 March 2009 – NEW LIFE

THE Australian Christian Lobby has urgedthe Rudd Government to take an evidence-based approach to claims that abortion clin-ics will save women’s lives in countrieswhich don’t even have proper birthing facili-ties.

‘Why we would consider diverting ouroverseas aid to providing abortion clinicswhere proper birthing clinics don’t existdefies logic,’ ACL Managing Director JimWallace said.

Mr Wallace said that Australia had neverused its overseas aid to fund abortions, andrecent Senate Estimates questioning hadrevealed no country had ever asked us todivert our aid money to abortion.

‘Christians helped put the poor on the2007 election agenda for the first time

through their championing of the MillenniumDevelopment Goals to increase our over-seas aid. Very many would feel disappoint-ed even betrayed, if this meant using aid forabortion’, he said. ‘Mr Rudd and ForeignMinister Stephen Smith should examinevery closely claims from the world’s biggestabortion provider, Marie Stopes Internation-al, that abortion will save women’s liveswhen women don’t have access to basicbirthing services in the first place.

‘We know that simple $2 birthing kitsdrastically cut maternal death rates. Weknow the importance of trained birth assis-tants in reducing maternal death. How is itthat abortion could be a priority for aid whenit is possible to save the life of both motherand baby?

‘The Government should be very skepti-cal of the push by Marie Stopes Internation-al, which was founded by the Nazi sympa-thizer and eugenicist Marie Stopes.’

Mr Wallace said the push to use aid forabortion was being driven by people with aradical abortion ideology. The ParliamentaryGroup on Population and Development,which claims to represent the views of 42Federal MPs, last year told a Senate Inquirythat Medicare funding to abort late term dis-abled babies was needed because disabledbabies allowed to live were a burden on thetaxpayer. Sadly, the PGPD is at the fore-front of championing aid for abortion.PLEASE NOTE: The followingeight pages of Awakening Newsare a supplement to this issue ofNew Life.

AS I have said on BreakPoint before, formany people environmentalism occupiesthe same place traditionally occupied bymore conventional religious belief. Actually,if you consider the lengths to which peoplewill go not to offend against Mother Earth,or ‘Gaia’ as she is known to her devotees,you have to smile when they call Christians‘fanatics’.

By way of illustration, let me recount twopieces of advice given to people desiring tolive in the most ‘eco-conscious’ mannerpossible. See if you can guess which is aparody and which is in earnest.

In the first, people are urged to makesure that, just as they are ‘eco-conscious’when it comes to managing their householdwaste, they are also ‘eco-conscious’ whenthey themselves ‘become waste’.

Traditional burial, they’re told, is ‘highlyresource-intensive’. It uses lots of raw mate-rials, and the transportation of raw and fin-ished materials creates greenhouse gases.Add the toxic chemicals used in embalming,and burial is little more than terrorismagainst the biosphere.

Cremation isn’t much better. The aver-age cremation produces as much green-

house gas as the average home does in sixdays. And then there’s the mercury releasedby burning dental fillings.

What is the most ‘eco-conscious’ way ofdisposing of your body? Burial in a shallowgrave covered by a bio-degradable shroud.And don’t forget to purchase carbon offsetsto counteract the gases your body will emitas it decomposes!

In the second bit of advice for the eco-conscious, they were asked to consider theethical ramifications of helping poor Africans– specifically, giving them a goat.

If this sounds like a good thing to you,you obviously haven’t thought about theeffect that Western aid, however well-inten-tioned, has on the ‘authenticity’ of Africanlife. You haven’t considered the possibilitythat what we call ‘poverty’ is the kind of har-mony with the Earth that we in the Westshould aspire to and even envy.

What’s more, what Africa really needsare more and better family-planning servic-es to keep it from becoming ‘even morewildly overpopulated by more mouths tofeed’.

Then there’s the goat – what about itsrights? Should we ‘entrust animals to a con-

tinent ...where Peoplefor the Ethical Treatment of Animals hastried but failed to bring about a cultural shiftin attitudes to wildlife and pet-life?’

Okay, the bit about the goats was a par-ody from SPIKED online. But you wouldn’tknow that unless you had read the wholepiece with its lampooning of the lifestyles ofthe eco-conscious. As for the eco-friendlyburial, that was an earnest appeal found inSLATE magazine.

Nonetheless, the ‘advice’ in both scenar-ios reflects actual positions taken by envi-ronmentalists. The misanthropy needed tocall a human body ‘waste’ is the same mis-anthropy behind the willingness to sacrificehuman well-being for the sake of the planet.

Ultimately, what distinguishes modernenvironmentalism from the Christian idea ofstewardship isn’t the degree of concern forthe environment. It’s the deity in whosename we’re acting.

Whereas the Christian God cares for allHis creation, ‘Gaia’ doesn’t like us verymuch. Dead or alive, to her we’re a‘resource intensive’ nuisance. Or worse.And that’s not a parody!

Getting Gaia’s Goat –Advice For The Eco-Conscious

BREAKPOINT:

Copyright (c) 2009 Prison Fellowship Ministries. Reprinted with permission. ‘Breakpoint With Chuck Colson’ is aradio ministry of Prison Fellowship Ministries. Prison Fellowship Australia National Office, PO Box 579, Eltham Vic3095; Phone: 03 9431 3877; Fax: 03 9431 3830; email: pfaus@vicnet.net.au

Charles Colson

Birthing Clinics, Not Abortion Clinics Needed For Poor

NEW LIFE – 19 March 2009 – Page Seventeen

THE ARCHBISHOP SPEAKS ...

THE global economic downturn and socialuncertainties may provide an unrivalledopportunity to reassess corporate and com-munity attitudes towards child developmentand wellbeing, say leading childhood advo-cates.

Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne DrPhilip Freier, who called last year for aninquiry into the state of childhood in Aus-tralia, says that parents today are anxiousabout their children to the point of beingoverprotective while not perceiving the harmour society is causing.

Speaking at an open forum in FederationSquare, Melbourne, with Dr Rob Moodie,Professor of Global Health at the NossalInstitute, and children’s television producerand author, Dr Patricia Edgar he addressedthe issue: Fighting For Our Kids: How To

Raise Intelligent, Optimistic Children.‘We must consider more effective regu-

lation of marketing directly to children’, hesaid, ‘as well as finding ways to involve allof society in contributing to children’s well-being. It’s not just a job for parents – we allbear a responsibility in providing a healthyenvironment in which children can grow,while hearing the voices of those who feelalienated by the rhetoric of “family”.

‘Parents protect their children from pred-ators in the street, while unwittingly expos-ing them to inappropriate marketing prac-tices and messages at home on the televi-sion. Young people feel free to trust all theirpersonal details to social networking siteslike Facebook, while their parents are afraidto let them walk home from school.

‘We invest more and more hours in cre-

ating idealchildhoodsfor our off-spring, butour child pro-tection serv-ices are morestretchedthan ever toprovide carefor growing numbers of neglected childrenand adolescents.

‘We are a society with an inconsistencybetween our perceived fears for our childrenand the real dangers to which they areexposed, and I suspect that this is a uniquemoment in our society’s development tochange the way we do things, to redressthe balance.’

Corporate Village Must Step Up For Children’s Wellbeing– Archbishop Freier

Archbishop Freier

Page Eighteen – 19 March 2009 – NEW LIFE

FROM ALL QUARTERS ...Malaysia's Minority Religious LeadersCondemn 'Allah' BanLEADERS of Malaysia's minority religiousgroups have criticised the country's govern-ment for restricting the use of the word‘Allah’ by non-Muslims in Bibles, a RomanCatholic newspaper and other texts.

The Malaysian Consultative Council ofBuddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhismand Taoism said in a statement made avail-able on 6 March that ‘no religion can claimexclusive use of this term [“Allah”]. The gov-ernment must therefore cease its periodicattempts to issue orders prohibiting itsusage by religions other than Islam.Historically the common use of the termpredated the Holy Quran and Islam.’Christians Rejoice At Better Church-State Relations In MozambiqueCHRISTIANS with links to Mozambique, anation considered Marxist and anti-religiousafter its independence in 1975, have beenreflecting on the way Church-State relationshave improved in the country since then. AMozambican government official has indi-

cated this in praise of the Anglican Churchfor its help in bringing peace and reconcilia-tion after a bloody civil war. Millions ofMozambicans, Angolans and Portugueserecently commemorated the 40th anniver-sary of the death of Eduardo Mondlane, thefounder of the Mozambique Liberation Frontknown as FRELIMO, and whom Portuguesepolice agents assassinated in the Tanzaniancapital of Dar es Salaam on 3 Feb 1969.End Sexual Solicitation – Fred NileTHE Rev Fred Nile, Leader of the ChristianDemocratic Party, has given notice that hewill be introducing legislation in the NSWParliament to prohibit individuals approach-ing others and offering money for sexualfavours. The ‘Crimes Amendment (SolicitingSex for Payment)’ Bill 2009 seeks to amendthe Act of 1900 to prohibit a person solicit-ing another for sexual gratification for pay-ment.

“This Bill is based on the successfulSwedish legislation which has dramaticallyreduced prostitution in Sweden. Instead ofharassing the prostitutes, the police will

charge the customers, which will become amajor deterrent’, Fred Nile said.A Good Read: ‘The Neurotic Rooster’Raymond N. Hawkins (see ad this page).THIS is a well presented 34p booklet con-taining 31 devotional writings. Every personplanning to share in overseas ministry (oreven at home) would benefit by taking timeto read one meditation a day and reflectingon the contents. This brief but descriptivewriting will help to prepare each one forexperiences that will touch them while theyare overseas. The incidents, the accompa-nying humour, the struggle to adjust and thelong term lessons are freshly presented in avery down-to-Earth way. God’s Word isindeed relevant to our everyday circum-stances. Ray Hawkins is a retired Church ofChrist pastor, currently involved in plantinga Baptist Church at Beauty Point inTasmania. He and his wife Mary haveshared in three short term outreaches in vil-lages in Zambia. Every cent from sales ofthis book goes to Eagles Wings Children’sCentre in Zambia.

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NEW LIFE – 19 March 2009 – Page Nineteen

A Resource For The Worldwide Church:Global Dictionary Of Theology, William ADyrness and Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen, eds(Downers Grove: IVP, 2008).THIS dictionary represents a survey of glob-al theological and missiological studies. Theeditors’ hope is that ‘a thick description ofthe context, matched with an equally carefulrereading of Scripture, would issue in a sur-prising number of theological approachesthat, at various points, would deepen andoccasionally challenge Christian tradition’(p. viii). This book represents an evangelicaland ecumenical perspective in a globalizingworld. It approaches theology from multipleperspectives and takes seriously the in-sights of all voices (p. ix).

One of the aims of this dictionary is ‘toprovide a general overview of theologicalreflection and practice around the world in aconversation that does not privilege a singlearea of the world’ (p. xii). One can easilyfind that the methods, perspectives andconcepts presented in the articles are differ-ent from the traditional ones, yet they arefresh, multi-disciplinary and biblical.

There are some unique features in thisdictionary. There are no entries on individ-ual theologians. All entries are on themes,country and area studies, movements, andtraditions. Some contemporary topics suchas terrorism, children at risk and globaliza-tion can be found in this dictionary. This dic-tionary is a very useful reference and re-

source book. It can also serve as a textbookfor those who would like to update or equipthemselves with 21st Century contextualtheological and missiological concepts froma global perspective and is highly recom-mended for those who want to be informedabout contextual perspectives in a globalsetting regarding missiology and theology.

– Dr Felix Chung

BOOKS WORTH READING ...

Ministry By The Book: New TestamentPatterns For Pastoral Leadership, DerekTidball (Nottingham: Apollos, 2008,277pp).DR Tidball is a former principal of the Lon-don School of Theology (formerly LondonBible College) and is the author of the wide-ly-used book Skillful Shepherds, so heneeds little introduction to those interestedin thinking through pastoral ministry. In hisnew book he seeks to demonstrate that theNew Testament provides a number of per-missible ‘models of ministry’ and he does soin the hope of promoting a freer under-standing of ministerial leadership whileinsisting that all Biblical models are unitedin a commitment to the Gospel. He sums uphis thesis in a sentence: ‘The New Testa-ment must be normative in our thinkingabout ministry but, if we are true to it, it willnot prove reactionary and restrictive’ (p16).

In the course of the book, Tidball exam-ines what the different biblical authors sayabout ministry. Matthew emphasises therole of the wise teacher in the Christiancommunity, with Jesus modelling this role inthe first Gospel. In Mark’s Gospel, the cruci-form shape of our Lord’s ministry is to thefore, with the anticipation that the ministry ofHis followers will also be cross-shaped.

This outlaws the kind of authoritarianismand status-seeking that mars the ministry ofmany modern church leaders. It is perhapsan obvious point to make (but no less nec-essary for that fact) that those who ministerin Christ’s name must do so in the sameway that He did. None of this, however,takes away from the uniqueness of Hisatoning death. For Luke, Jesus models a

ministry of compassionate seeking of thelost. In John’s Gospel, the beloved discipleshows the kind of spiritual perception need-ed to sustain a ministry of witness in a hos-tile world.

There is an obvious fluidity to the min-istry roles described in Acts, with flexibleand responsive forms of ministry contribut-ing to the rapid growth of the early church.The letters of Paul reveal his pastor’s heartin his dealings with both fledgling churchesand problem churches. Tidball provides adiscerning analysis of Paul’s role as ‘father’of the churches that he founded. Paul em-phasises and dignifies the teaching rolewithin the church and, one way or another,it is always the Gospel (expounded andapplied) that is the lesson. More is said onthe topics of leadership and ministry officesin the Pastoral Epistles than in any otherNew Testament books, but even there thefocus is not on structures so much as onthe godly character of those worthy of suchoffices.

Tidball shows that there is no necessaryincompatibility between the exercise of spiri-tual gifts and institutional roles – a false di-chotomy in the thinking of many today. Theauthor believes that the Letter to theHebrews should renew our confidence thatpreaching (Hebrews is a sermon on paper!)can be God’s instrument for bringingchange and growth in people’s lives. Amento that!

Pastoring and preaching go hand inhand. We need more wise and practicalpastor-teachers like James, the half-brotherof Jesus. That the great apostle Petershould style himself a ‘fellow elder’ when he

addresses church leaders (1 Peter 5) setsan example of humility that all must follow.Likewise, John simply calls himself ‘theelder’ (2 John 1; 3 John 1) relying on argu-mentation to persuade his readers, not anysupposed power of high office, and his let-ters breathe a family atmosphere. There isno room for elitism or power-plays amongChristian leaders. The roles of pastor andprophet merge in the book of Revelation.

Derek Tidball refuses to see the differentmodels of ministry on show in the New Tes-tament as mutually exclusive and insiststhat they are complementary, with differenttimes and situations calling for different em-phases.

It is not the case, however, that anythinggoes! There are legitimate specialist roles inministry, and this book is an ideal tool forpastors, or pastors-in-training, to use in find-ing a form of ministry that fits their gifts andmeets the situation of their church, for thereis variety, flexibility and responsiveness inthe New Testament patterns of ministry. Acommon thread, however, running throughthe New Testament is the need to teach,show compassion and be self-sacrificing.

Sad to say, some common contempo-rary ministry models are not only absent inthe New Testament, but Jesus and theapostles warn against them and denouncethem. ‘He who has ears to hear, let himhear’. – Greg Goswell

Who Can You Inviteto Subscribe to

‘New Life’?

NEW LIFE – 19 March 2009 – Page Twenty

FOR THE YOUNG ONES:

NEW LIFE – 19 March 2009 – Page Twenty One

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is currently searching for a Pastor.Further information available from Norm Luke

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Wollongong Congregational ChurchWe are looking for a suitably qualifiedevangelical Christian to be our pastor.

We seek someone whose primary gifting is pastoral.Preferred full-time. Manse is available.

For further informationand copy of church profile, contact:

Max Edwards: 02 4228 6296or Jo Martin: 02 4228 9984

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Introductory, Overview or In-Depth.For group or personal study. Phone: 03 9435 7449.

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bring a smile and a plate. A family event.Enquiries: 0428 178 413

Page Twenty Two – 19 March 2009 – NEW LIFE

COME & WORSHIP

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PASTORAL OPPORTUNITIESIN RURAL VICTORIA

Do you have a sense of call to ministerin rural communities?

Do you have a passion to share Christ with manyimpacted by drought and hard times?

Do you have the desire to demonstrate ʻChrist in youʼby helping people in practical ways?

Are you Reformed in your theological understanding?Are you willing to undertake ongoing theological education

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Email ministry@pcvic.org.auor phone 03 8786 9358

Applications and enquiries from ordained ministersare also welcome!

COMING TO WESTERN AUSTRALIA?

Come to Scots ChurchFremantle,

90 South Terrace(next to Fremantle Markets)Reformed and Evangelical10am and 5pm Sundays12:30 pm WednesdayLunch Time Worship

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08 9398 1304 melbonn@bigpond.com

CHANGE OF WORSHIPVENUEPRESBYTERIAN REFORMEDCHURCH MELBOURNE advises that we have changed our placeof worship from:Laburnum Primary School TO NUNAWADING PRIMARY SCHOOL104 Springvale Rd Nunawading(Between Luckie & Esdale Sts)Melway Map 48 Ref. F8Service each Sunday @ 10.30am preceded by prayer @ 9.45amEnquiries phone: Rev Graeme Hulls, 03 9876 5346,or Mr Barry Gregor, 03 9877 4006.

Hear ‘Amazing Grace’ 98.1 Eastern FM, each Sunday 7amFor more information visit our website:www.prc.org.auPresbyterian Reformed ChurchMelbourne Inc (A0049333Z)

3 br house in Pakenham.Share rental plus service exp.

Prefer female 20-40 yrs.Must be non-smoker.Phone 03 5941 5746

NEW LIFE – 19 March 2009 – Page Twenty Three

‘FATHER, FORGIVE THEM ...’

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A PASTOR in Northern Ireland, where twoBritish soldiers were killed and another fourpeople wounded, has asked for prayer forthe injured and the families affected by thisnew episode of violence in the province.

Rev Jack McKee, who pastors New LifeCity Church in Belfast, Northern Ireland, inthe Shankill Road area, the scene of morethan 35 years of sectarian violence knownas 'The Troubles', said: ‘Two British soldierswere shot dead last night; not in Iraq, nor inAfghanistan, but just outside Belfast,Northern Ireland. Their battalion is presentlyin Afghanistan, and they were due to jointheir colleagues there next week to fight theTaliban, but terrorists in Northern Ireland gotto them first!

‘This is notthe MiddleEast; nor is itAfrica, India orPakistan; thisis Europe; thisis NorthernIreland; this isthe UnitedKingdom where these men should havebeen safe,’ he said.

‘It brings back memories of our recentpast that most of us thought had been leftbehind, but is a sad reminder that there arestill those among us who have nothing tooffer but violence, death and heartbreak.

‘No doubt if these terrorists are arrested,

and we pray they are soon, there will bethose waiting in the wings, ready to lookafter “their interests and well being” andlooking for any reason to condemn thesecurity forces for “mistreatment”.

‘Your prayers for those injured and thefamily affected would be appreciated,’McKee said.

According to CNN, Police in NorthernIreland said Sunday the execution-stylekilling of two British soldiers and woundingof four other people in Northern Ireland was‘an attempt at mass murder.’

The troops are the first British soldiers tobe killed in Northern Ireland in 12 years.

– Michael Ireland, Chief Correspondent,ASSIST News Service

Church Asks ForPrayer AfterTragic ShootingOf PastorFOLLOWING the tragic shooting of its pas-tor, Dr Fred Winters, during the early morn-ing service at the First Baptist Church inMaryville, Illinois, USA, the church hasissued a statement which reads:

‘Today, a little after our 8.15am servicebegan, a man entered First Baptist Churchand fired several gunshots at our SeniorPastor, Dr Fred Winters. Pastor Winterswas taken to the hospital but died of hiswounds.

‘Please pray for Dr Winter’s family, ourtwo brave members who were injured whenthey stopped the assailant, for the assailanthimself and his family, and for our churchmembers as they deal with this tragic loss.

‘In this day, where uncertainty seems toabound creating an environment in whichpeople are vulnerable in doing things theymight not do otherwise, one thing is certain,we, as human beings need a foundationupon which we can live our lives. We atFirst Baptist Maryville, along with otherChristian believers, share this conviction:that foundation is God’s Word. In the pagesof the Bible, we find the pathway for peace,hope, and a quality of living life despitewhat circumstances we find ourselves in.’

– Dan Wooding

Northern Ireland Pastor: 'Pray For Wounded British Soldiers'

ʻWITH CHRIST ... BETTER BY FARʼNUNN, Betty. 22.02.2009. Aged 83.Dearly loved wife of Cyril (deceased). Loving mother ofColin and mother-in-law of June. Loving Nanna of Beth,David and Sarah, Karen and Amy.Faithful in prayer and encouragement.Rejoicing in the presence of the Lord.

Page Twenty Four – 19 March 2009 – NEW LIFE

‘NEW LIFE’ – AUSTRALIA’S CHRISTIAN NEWSPAPER

AN overflowing Ryde Civic Hall inSydney of Morling College graduates,new students, faculty and family cele-brated as students entered a new jour-ney in ministry opportunities. The annu-al Commencement and ConferralService, held on Monday 2 March 2009welcomed 48 new full-time students and170 new part-time residential and dis-tance students into the Morling commu-nity, beginning their ministry and theo-logical training. Over 600 students willbe studying the Bible and theology atMorling in 2009.

One hundred and fourteen studentsgraduated with qualifications rangingfrom Certificates to Doctorates and areheading into a variety of ministry areasequipped with solid Biblical truth. Ofthose graduating, 14 students were thefirst graduates from the PlungeProgram, a gap year experience thatcommenced in 2008.Five New DoctorsMorling College announced the gradua-tion of Edwina Murphy, who receivedher Master of Theology for her work on

Cyprian, Hope and the Christian Life.Four Doctor of Ministry awards werepresented to Nicholas Foord, for his the-sis work on Sydney Anglican SchoolChaplains, Michael Frost for his thesison Forge Mission Training and theEmerging Missional Church, VivianGrice for his thesis on The Impact OfBeing A Pastor’s Child In BaptistChurches In NSW/ACT, and to Pius Lifor his thesis on Conflict Resolution InSydney Chinese Churches. Facing The ChallengeKeynote speaker for the evening wasRev Dr Brian Winslade, the NationalDirector of Crossover Australia and theDirector of the Baptist Union ofAustralia.

Brian gave a stirring address, basedon Luke 12.48, challenging all to usethe gifts that God has given them inwhatever capacity they are called, but todo so in a humble manner. Morlinggraduates were challenged to use theirawards for God’s glory, but to remainhumble and to remember that it is Godwho has given them their gifts.

Variety Of MinistriesFor 114 women and men, the eveningrepresented the culmination of years ofstudy and preparation as they receivedtheir awards from Rev Kel Willis, Chairof Morling College Council. These peo-ple are going out to serve God, God’speople and God’s world in a wide vari-ety of ministries.

Some are now pastors in localchurches; some will enter cross-culturalministry; others will take up new andcreative opportunities to contribute toGod’s Kingdom in ministries includingre-entering secular employment betterprepared to be salt and light in the work-place.

Three graduates were interviewed:James Sutherland who has joined thepastoral team at Thornleigh BaptistChurch in Sydney, Linda Axelsson whois returning to Sweden to assist thechurch in mission work, and Oliver Makwho will use his Master of Arts inChristian Studies to better equip him inhis leadership and work within theaccounting profession.

From Doctorates To Diplomas,Morling Graduates 114 Students

The Morling Class of 2008

SAMARITAN’S Purse reports that Franklin Graham,president of Samaritan’s Purse, began his trip to Sudanon Saturday 28 February, to visit humanitarian projectsand meet with high-level government officials to discussa faltering peace agreement that affects SudaneseChristians.

Franklin Graham, who heads the Christian relieforganization as well as the Billy Graham EvangelisticAssociation, is was accompanied by leadership teamsfrom both organizations with the aim of finding new part-nership opportunities and ways to help the people ofSudan.

On the morning of Wednesday 4 March, Grahammet with Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir. ‘We had afrank discussion on religious freedom, human rights,extended focus on the Comprehensive Peace Agree-ment, and the complexities of Darfur,’ he said in a state-ment. ‘I challenged him, in light of the pending charges

by the International Criminal Court, to stand up forpeace.’

Later that day, the ICC issued an arrest warrant forSudan’s President on charges of war crimes and crimesagainst humanity in Darfur. He is being accused ofattempting to wipe out three ethnic African tribes in theregion. Graham said he would urge US President BarakObama ‘not to let the economic crisis distract him fromworking with Sudan to achieve full implementation of theComprehensive Peace Agreement. Setbacks now couldhave long-term consequences.’

Samaritan’s Purse has been working in Sudan since1993, helping hundreds of thousands of people surviveregional conflicts while advancing the cause of peaceand religious freedom. Graham has worked closely withSudan’s leadership for years. He also met with Sudan’spresident in 2003 and 2007, addressing the concerns oflocal Christians.

IT is expected that over 600 top Christian leaders from70 nations will assemble in Hong Kong 1-6 for the Inter-national Call2All Gathering '09.

Mark Anderson, President of The Global PastorsNetwork and one of the organisers of the event, haschallenged Christians all over the world to ensure theyattend the gathering in Hong Kong.

‘If at all possible you should be part of this strategicmeeting and bring with you the key Christian leadersthat you know. Something historic is going to happen thefirst week of June’, he said. ‘We are entering a newphase of world events; it's not going to be “business asusual” for the church any more. We are experiencingincreasing shakings all around the world; this is a prel-ude to the greatest ingathering into God's Kingdom wehave ever seen. The time is now! It is imperative weplan and work together to see the Great Commissioncompleted.’

Mark Anderson noted that the International Call2AllGathering is expected to run alongside the Global Dayof Prayer scheduled for 31 May and the Global Day ofMissions also taking place on 7 June.

He stated that the Congress which is to be held atthe Asia World-Expo, Hong Kong, is designed to bringtogether Christian leaders from across the world in orderto form a cohesive global network that would help tocomplete the Great Commission.

He pointed out that participants in the Congresswould be able to join forces with other Christian leadersfrom other organizations, denominations and agencies,together with key business, civic and educational lead-ers in round-table settings to strategize on how to com-plete the Great Commission together.

‘At Call2All Congresses you find out where the needis and what you can do about it’ he said.

– Success Kanayo Uchime, ASSIST News Service

Franklin Graham Meets And Challenges President Of SudanDuring Africa Visit

Over 600 Christian Leaders To Gather In Hong KongFor International Call2all Gathering '09

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NEW LIFE – 19 March 2009 – Page Twenty Five

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NEW LIFE – 19 March 2009 – Page Twenty Six

HINDU nationalists in Orissa, north-east India, arehumiliating Christians in the way Islamic states have his-torically subjugated their 'dhimmis' (Jews and Christiansunder Islamic rule).

Whilst most Christians displaced by last year'spogrom are still too fearful to return to their homes,those who do are being forced to 'become Hindus' orpay a fee. Those who continue as Christians are thenforced to wear humiliating clothing; dismount from bicy-cles and salute 'Hindu' tribals whenever and whereverthey come across them; not use public facilities whileHindus are there; and not attend church under threat ofsanctions (loss of water, firewood and the like).

Some observers fear another attack is beingplanned. Others believe that Christian leaders are beingtargeted for elimination. Please pray for India, especiallyfor the Church in Orissa.

On 18 February Hrudayananda Nayak (40), a Baptistlay leader and father of two, accompanied his sisterfrom their predominantly Christian village of Rudangia inKandhamal district to a nearby town.

While en route he was snatched by Hindus and mur-dered. His battered body was found in the forest the fol-lowing day. It is assumed he was murdered by people

who had been threatening him.Nayak is the fourth Christian to be abducted and

killed since the anti-Christian violence subsided lateOctober last year. Social activist Rabindra Parichha toldthe Union of Catholic Asian News that he suspects theHindu radicals have decided to kill the district's Christianleaders. And he warns: 'They are working toward theirtarget.'

Please Pray Specifically That God:� will remove the cloak of propaganda from Kandhamalso that India and the world might see how ugly Hindunationalism can be; while the 'world' may not care, maythe Holy Spirit stir up grief and indignation in the Churchso that prayers will rise up against this evil for the sakeof His precious Indian Church.� will protect and build His Church in Kandhamal, inOrissa, and across India; may every Indian believerknow and experience the fellowship, comfort and love ofChrist. 'For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh buthave divine power to destroy strongholds.' (2 Corinth-ians 10.4 ESV)– Elizabeth Kendall, WEA Religious Liberty Commission

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Hindutva's Indian Christian 'Dhimmis'

Spicer’s Easter Masterpiece Makes ItsLong-Awaited Australian Premiere

NEARLY a decade after its first performance at England’s LichfieldCathedral, Paul Spicer’s Easter Oratorio is set to receive its Australianpremiere at another iconic building, The Sydney Opera House.

Fresh from their celebrated Dawn Chorus performances in theSydney Festival, he Sydney Philharmonia Choirs have chosen Spicer’sbeautifully orchestrated work for their Easter Concert on Saturday,11 April at 2pm.

Commissioned for the new millennium and to coincide with the250th anniversary of Johann Sebastian Bach’s death and the 1300thanniversary of Lichfield Cathedral, Easter Oratorio was hailed as aninstant masterpiece in the English choral tradition following its debuton 15 July 2000.

Easter OratorioSaturday 11 April, 2PM, Sydney Opera House, Concert Hall

NEW LIFE – 19 March 2009 – Page Twenty Seven

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THE Rev Fred Nile, Leader of the Christian DemocraticParty, has spoken on the Christian Multi-cultural SydneyHoly City events in the NSW Parliament.

‘I draw the attention of the House to the forthcomingSydney Holy City events being held over the weekend of14, 15 March 2009. They are being organised by the200 Korean Christian churches in Sydney in cooperationwith other Christian churches and community organisa-tions. The Holy City Movement, as it is now known, wasinitiated by Christian leaders in Korea in 2004—althoughChristian leaders in Korea first promulgated it about 37years ago.

The movement has spread to cities such as LosAngeles, New York and Chicago in America and somemajor cities in Japan. The first Holy City Convention—the Sydney Holy City Convention—took place threeyears ago. The movement is fundamentally a KoreanChristian movement, but it is now attracting many peo-ple across cultures, and even non-Christians. That isbecause the theme of the movement is understood, veryhealthy and very hopeful. It is particularly attracting peo-ple in North America, where moral standards are indecline’, said Rev Fred Nile.

‘Last year in Sydney about 2,000 people joined inthe Holy City Sydney march along George Street. Thisyear we are expecting more than 2,500 people to join usunder the convention's banner. The participants willcome from a diverse range of groups and organisationsin Sydney. We will also have special guests from Korea.One of the two main events this year will be a spectacu-lar at the Sydney Sports Stadium on Saturday 14 March.This will involve Korean guest speakers and local musi-

cal groups from different ethnic backgrounds. The othermain event will be a Holy City march to be held onSunday. Participants will assemble at Belmore Park at3pm for a preliminary music program. They will then beled by a Korean Salvation Army band down GeorgeStreet to Martin Place. On arrival at Martin Place at 5pma multicultural musical program will be performed for thepublic.

‘The aim of the Holy City Movement is to create aholy and decent city in which families can live withoutmoral decline, violence and crime. Sydney's 200-oddKorean churches have about 50,000 members and rep-resent many denominations, including Presbyterian,Baptist and the Uniting Church. I have been privileged tomake five visits to Korea to share in important Christianevents such as the 40th National Prayer Breakfast,which was addressed by the President of Korea LeeMyung-Bak, who visited Sydney only last week.

‘Korean Presbyterian churches in South Korea havehad strong links with Australia, as Australian Presbyter-ian missionaries took the Gospel of Jesus Christ toKorea more than 100 years ago. It was a very challeng-ing time for them to be living and working in a differentculture with a different language and primitive condi-tions. There were no hospitals or medical facilities untilthey were established by Australian missionaries. TheChang Shin Christian College in Masan, which wasfounded by the Australian missionaries, still respectsand remembers their leadership. On my recent visit thecollege, to celebrate the 100th anniversary, establishedmarble memorials to those missionaries, who are still sogreatly appreciated, Fred Nile said.

Fred Nile Commends ‘Sydney Holy City’ Events

Sound Advice:

‘LIVE TO THE WILL OF GOD’WHOEVER determines to live no longer to the desires of people, but to the will ofGod, will soon find that he or she cannot stick to that purpose without self-denial,without taking up the cross daily. That person will, every day, desire something ofthe world instead of the cross. But one must deny self or deny the faith. He or shewill daily meet with some means of drawing nearer to God that are unpleasing toflesh and blood. In this, therefore, one must either take up the cross or renouncethe Master.

–- John Wesley in A Collection of Forms of Prayer for Every Day of the Week, 1733

Bible Society NSW WinsFIA Award For HelpingRwandan ChildrenTHE Bible Society NSW has taken out the prestigious2008 FIA National Award for Excellence for its interna-tional aid campaign, ‘Hands For Hope’. It’s the secondconsecutive year the Bible Society NSW has won thisaward.

The campaign used direct mail to raise more than$600,000 to take literacy programs to the children ofRwanda.

‘We are thrilled to be recognised for our work in help-ing the Rwandan children’, says Bible Society NSWCEO Daniel Willis. ‘Literacy is the key to breaking thecycle of poverty in developing countries as ignorancebreeds oppression.

‘We have had people in Rwanda for several years,teaching children to read, with the feuding Hutus andTutsis children working and learning together.

‘Our aim was to improve the reading and writing ofall Rwandan school children and break the cycle ofhatred that has been poisoning this generation, usingBiblical themes of reconciliation and forgiveness. Thechildren gain an understanding of tolerance and recon-ciliation as they read the stories in the Bible.

‘This campaign has allowed us to transform the livesof more than a million Rwandan children, which has hada massive impact on the individual children, their fami-lies and their communities’, says Daniel.

‘The Rwandan Government recognised the improve-ments we had made and approached us to extend theprogram to all four million Rwandan children – whichwas going to be expensive!

‘And so began the most successful appeal in the his-tory of the Bible Society! We needed everyone weapproached to be able to see what we saw and feelwhat we felt’, Daniel says. ‘These kids and these com-munities needed our help and fortunately, through thecareful design of our mail-out, we were able to conveythis desperation to potential donors’.

Daniel says letting people know that $6 would edu-cate a single child gave them the option of changing thelives of an entire class for just $300 – which thankfully,

many people elected to do. ‘It was a big step to take our projects into the wider

community, as we did with this mail-out’, says Daniel, ‘soit’s especially gratifying to have our secular peers recog-nise the quality of both our skills and the content of theproject for a second time.

‘We are delighted to have won the FIA Award, but itwas the worthy nature of our campaign, the dedicationand commitment of our staff and the generosity of ourdonors that combined to make it a reality. Most impor-tantly, we are able to continue our work, preparing andempowering the children of Rwanda. For all of that weare both blessed and grateful’.

Women’s Luncheon Huge SuccessMORE than 200women gathered atSydney’s Hilton Hotellast week to learn moreabout the BibleSociety’s ‘Jesus. AllAbout Life’ campaign.

The non-denomina-tional, state-wide cam-paign hinges on mass-media advertising,however Christians are

being called upon to act at grass-roots level to truly takethe concept ‘to the people’.

The women were addressed by international song-writer, worship leader and author Darlene Zschech,(whose song Shout to the Lord is sung by an amazing30 million Christians every week). They also heard fromthe dynamic Pastor Chris Pringle from Christian CityChurch and Hillsong’s Sue and Peter Irvine, who startedthe enormous Gloria Jeans franchise.

The attendees were told all about the campaign,then were urged to do what women do best – talk to oth-ers about Jesus and what He said ‘about life’, as well asthe importance of being loving and supportive role mod-els as people are made increasingly aware of Jesus.

Attendees were also urged to ensure their churchesare registered for Jesus. All About Life. All Christiandenominations have registered their support for thecampaign, which officially kicks off in September.

For more information, or to register your church, goto www.jesusallaboutlife.com.au

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NEW LIFE – 19 March 2009 – Page Twenty Eight