Heartlands Autumn 2023 is the quarterly email for EmpowHer – a network of Tasmanian women growing and encouraging each other in their God-given potential.
Table of Contents
INTERNATIONAL IMPACT
World Women’s Day of Prayer
Last October, Day of Prayer events were held around Tasmania. Did you get to one of them? These are incredibly encouraging times of hearing, praying and giving.
DAY OF PRAYER ATTENDEES …
HEARD about the work, and worlds, of women around the globe.
PRAYED for the women, some of them have devastating stories.
GAVE to the amazing projects, run by women, which are changing families and communities.
In 2020, Australian women raised a total of $365. In 2021, Tasmanian women raised a total of $560. And in 2022, Tasmanian women raised a total of $869!WOOT!
Great work everyone! Watch out for the Day of Prayer opportunities in your region in October 2023, and make a difference to our world.
NORTHERN EVENT
Weekend Wind-Down
WHEN: 7-8:30pm Friday 17th March 2023 WHERE: Hoo Hoo Hut, Trevallyn Nature and Rec Area (Duck Reach Rd) WHERE? Change of plan! New location: Liv-Eat Kings Meadows, Shop 143 Hobart Rd. SEE MAP WHAT: Wind-down for the weekend and enjoy supper! WHO: All women welcome INFO: Wendy (0407 765 414); Mary (0408 335 618) FLIER: Unfortunately, the flier is now out of date and no longer available.
SO FAR IN 2023
Women in Leadership
Ann Herbert explains what took place at the recent No Limits women’s conference in Brisbane, when many of the sessions explored the importance of women in church leadership.
Pictured above are Tasmanian attendees Jenna Blackwell (City), Zahara Rehrman (Summerhill), Tracey Avery (City), Ann Herbert (Citywide); Jenny Baxter (Hobart), and Kez Hutchison (Wynyard) . Plus the speakers panel, and the women gathered.
Do you suffer from FOMO? It is so easy to have a Fear Of Missing Out!
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy. Psalm 30:11 (NIV)
We don’t want to miss out what’s on social media. So we scroll, and keep on scrollinig.
We don’t want to miss out on that delicious cake or muffin. So we stack the kilos on.
We don’t want to miss out on that special moment, or this event, or the other big gathering. And in the process wear ourselves out.
But check this: THERE IS ANOTHER WAY!
Have you heard of JOMO?
The “Joy Of Missing Out” is easy too.
Stop scrolling, and ease your anxious heart.
Say NO to that cake – and enjoy a slimmer you.
Take a break from endless commitments, to make some space to rest your body, soul and spirit.
Instead of being fearful of missing out, choose JOY and relief in taking time out. Today.
Women Making a Difference
From one Generation to the Next
Love Beyond our Backyard
Three generations of northwest Baptist women leave a wonderful legacy across the world.
Sophia Russell recently chatted with three women from the same family from Wynyard: Shirley Wilson, daughter Cindy and granddaughter Kelsea Clingeleffer. Kelsea is the International Programs Coordinator at Baptist World Aid.
Join a friendly leisurely walk at Pig Island Latrobe on the Mersey River.
Continue with coffee at at Monclair of Latrobe and Madame M Cafe.
All women welcome!
RSVP or MORE INFO:
Gabrielle – 0421 434 138
International Women’s Day of Prayer
Late October/Early November 2022
This year there will be Day of Prayer events held in the north, northwest and south of Tasmnia as we pray toether and raise funds for Baptist women working on some amazing projects in developing countries.
Post-Covid hesitancy is a thing. Maybe it’s because people are reluctant to move out of their houses and safe spaces. Or maybe we got used to managing on our own.
Whatever the reason, it’s true to say we all need each other. Being part of a community is critical to good mental and emotional health.
Whether or not you are wary about getting back into circulation, why not ask a friend to come with you? That could be as simple as going for a walk together on the beach, grabbing a coffee at a local café, or heading off to the gym or church together.
Or maybe you could invite someone to one of the EmpowHer events lined up in your region.
It’s a good time to be the blessing!
God’s Whisper
It’s so easy to think up your own answer to a problem. Instead, remember to listen for God’s still, quiet voice.
By Jenny Baxter
Too many people and not enough food! How many times have you been caught in that situation? I have to admit, I’ve been there a few times. Tiny servings of apple crumble, and thinned-down pumpkin soup have featured on my table, much to my horror.
Kidzfest begins with music guests and “The Quest,” an interactive presentation with a fun Gospel message. There will be petting zoo, games, balloon animals and other fun activities all for free!
KIDZFEST LAUNCESTON
KIDZFEST HOBART
Tickets are requiredto attend Hobart events: (not for Launceston!)
Led by Denise Stephenson (LifeWay) and Jenny Baxter (Hobart), this retreat will focus on sheltering in God’s presence.
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1
If you are weary and burdened with life, and need some time to enter God’s presence to reflect, restore and rest, then come along!
INFO: The retreat is non-residential, and will be held in Blackmans Bay. COST: $45/person NB. There are other ways you can contribute if money is an issue – so get onto us! ARE YOU IN? Call or SMS to reserve your spot, and we will send you more info: 0401 652 566 BROCHUREDownload here
Ministry Training at WEC
Cert IV Christian Ministry and Theology
Eastern College Australia are offering accredited units at its delivery site in Launceston. Worldview Centre host evening classes where you can complete units towards a Certificate IV in Christian Ministry and Theology.
The Tuesday evenings include catered meal breaks.
Unit Costs $300/unit
Where Worldview Centre for Intercultural Studies, 41 Station Road, St Leonards, TAS 7250
5pm-8:30pm 14 June-30 August (10 weeks): Christian Ethics 5pm-8:30pm 13 September-29 November (10 weeks): Discipleship
Tasmania Celebration
Since 1950, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has held Crusades across the globe to proclaim God’s love to people who need Jesus Christ. Today, Will Graham Celebrations continue this life-changing mission.
A Celebration is not just an evangelistic event; it is a process of prayer, training, outreach, and follow-up that takes place over a 12-month period—and it begins and ends with the local church.
The Tasmania Celebration is scheduled to take place in May 2022, just a few short weeks away.
In Hobart, the Tasmania Celebration will be held at the My State Bank Arena on 21st May. In Launceston, the main events will be at the Silverdome on 27th-29th May.
PRAY for the Events
Commit to praying; privately, within your Connect Groups and prayer gatherings. Click HERE to download prayer points as we pray together in unity.
Perth Baptist is running a bus to attend the 29th May event at the Silverdome. For more info, please email info@perthbaptistchurch.org.au or call 0418 130 221.
Advocating for the Most Vulnerable
Micah Australia is a coalition of Christian aid agencies who lobby the government on behalf of the world’s poor, vulnerable and oppressed. Micah Australia’s Executive Director, Tim Costello, is one of Australia’s best-known community leaders and a sought after voice on social justice issues, leadership and ethics.
The 2022 federal government Budget, released on 31st March, revealed some major wins. This included the announcement that the government will increase the intake of Afghan refugees.
Watch the video from National Director, Matt Darvas, to find out more:
There were also some incredible outcomes for Micah’s End Covid For All campaign. This is the direct result of months of campaigning for Australia’s neighbours in crisis.
You can take action
Please spread the good news and thank Minister Alex Hawke (Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs) for responding, by sharing this Facebook post.
Through Micah’s latest campaign, A Safer World For All, the momentum will be sustained in the lead-up to the federal election. It’s an unmissable opportunity to call on Canberra to support our neighbours in crisis.
Since the formation of the Asia Pacific Baptists Federation in 1975, and the first historic gathering of Baptists in 1979 in Hyderabad, India, the APBF Congress has met regularly every five years. As a result they have touched thousands of Baptists through the Congress.
APBF has witnessed the faithfulness of God in Asia and the Pacific over the period of 40 years as the Baptists of Asia and the Pacific has grown to almost 40,000 churches today.
The 10th APBF Congress again calls Baptists to gather with the theme “Stronger Together” in its first Hybrid Congress (available to both in-person and online attendees). Attendees will witness yet again God’s faithfulness. In-person will allow you to interact face-to-face with the speakers, while online will provide a seamless flexibility to join the Congress from your location.
STOP PRESS! Due to an overwhelming response, all registrations for in-person attendance have now closed.
Here’s some exciting news: if you stop by the Baptist World Aid website, you’ll find a new look and a new visual identity. The look might be new, but they are still committed to ending poverty so all people can enjoy the fullness of life God intends.
(Even now, BWA’s Ukraine appeal is helping Christian Partners care for displaced families.)
BWA will also print a new quarterly 16-page magazine for supporters, Better World Magazine, which will hit mail boxes in the next few weeks and includes news updates, inspiring features and even a column on ‘Curly Questions’.
A heads-up that our next Tasmanian Baptist Assembly will take place at Riverlands Longford on Friday night 6th May, and Saturday 7th May.
As always, Assembly will be an inspiring time of challenge, encouragement and connection.
On Saturday, Scott Pilgrim of Exec. Director of BMA will speak. “Business” is kept to a minimum, and the focus will be our theme for 2022: (en)Courage.
If you are not a regular attendee and would like to attend you are very welcome. It is important to note, however, that only official church representatives have voting rights.
Church Secretaries watch out! Information for Assembly, will soon come your way to distribute to delegates.
Crossover Easter 2022
History has shown that nothing transforms lives, communities, the world, like people coming to know Jesus. Sharing Jesus is so vital, what if we had more confidence, more wisdom, suitable methods and more really useful resources. Crossover passionately focusses on helping Australian Baptists share Jesus.
Will Graham will be in Tasmania in May for the Tasmania Celebration. Let us make sure we cover the entire event in prayer before, during and afterwards!
Prayer meetings are scheduled in the north and south of the state over the next few months.
Do you want to know how to easily share your faith with others? Or perhaps you would like to be a prayer partner/counsellor at the Tasmania Celebration?
Then look no further! This 3 x 2-hour-session course is being run in Hobart and Launceston, and you can pick up missed sessions online.
5pm to 5pm, FRI/SAT 24-25 June 2022, Blackmans Bay
SHELTER …
Everyone needs it. God provides it. We sleep, eat and live in it.
But how do you live in the SHELTER of the Most High God?
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
Psalm 91:1
Led by Denise Stephenson (LifeWay) and Jenny Baxter (Hobart)
$45/person Covers food and materials. (This is a non-residential retreat.) Contact us if you have hesitations about cost. There are other ways you can contribute. Contact us if you have any hesitations about cost. There are other ways you can contribute.
These are all good prayers, and quite legitimate, but they are so general! They are all “motherhood prayers” – prayers so broad it is impossible to know if God truly answers them.
Instead, pray with intention. Fill those prayers with meaning and talk to God about what worries you. And, when prompted, follow up your prayer with action. Relationship is critical to answered prayer.
How different are these prayers to those above?
God, how can I bless Mary today?
Lord, give me wisdom as I call my son, so I can encourage him.
Jesus, I pray about the war in Ukraine. Is there something I can do to assist?
Father, help me to love and care for others around me, even if my life is not so good.
It’s a time to be the blessing!
Undervalued or Super Loved?
Women’s ministry at Beauty Point
By Rachelle Hawkins
Since the The Point* Baptist’s inception in 2006, we have endeavoured to hold many outreach events to reach our town of Beauty Point.
The message is always about who Jesus is, and why it’s important. These events include men’s dinners, women’s dessert nights, concerts, kids’ clubs, and an annual visit by Texan missionaries who do all the above, and more.
We, as a church, long to share the hope Jesus offers.
Gratitude and thankfulness for the World, the Universe, and Everything!
By A.J. Spurr
Recently, I interviewed a young man who had been struggling with addiction since the age of 12. He had completed a program at a Christian rehab centre, and while he was there, he encountered Jesus.
“The first thing I noticed,” he said, “was that I could feel the breeze on my skin. I’d never experienced it before, even though it had been happening the whole time. I was finally able to feel it.”
Monday 4th April Release week for HEARTLANDS Autumn
Saturday 9th April Proposed Southern Day-Retreat: “Shelter”
Saturday 21st May Northern event. Stay posted for details!
Recent EmpowHer Events
Ladies Event at Ulverstone Baptist
Tuesday 30th November 2021
The evening went off! Attending on the night were 93 women to hear speaker, Amanda Cox, talk about belief systems.
Many of the women at Ulverstone Baptist invited their friends and family members. The talk was both inspiring and challenging, and the delicious supper afterwards was a great time to share some treats and good conversation with friends.
Congratulations to Gabe Fife and her team for pulling off a wonderful pre-Christmas event.
Action for You
Thinking outside your box
It’s both an interesting and challenging time in Tasmania. COVID has caught up with us! No matter where you are in the pandemic journey, it’s always good to connect with others to encourage, and intentionally create a safe space to engage.
So . . . who can you catch up with, one-on-one? Who do you know who might need someone to talk to? You could go out for coffee. Meet at the park. Call someone up. Or, make an effort to connect more deeply after church.
These can become moments of connection, support and encouragement for both you and your friend or family member. Maybe you could even offer to pray for them, or ask them to pray for you?
There are many ways you can interact to make sure others are cared for during this time.
It’s a time to be the blessing!
Praying for Alice
By Jenny Baxter, Tasmanian Director, EmpowHer
Praying for Alice became my lifetime passion
While my life flashed before my eyes, I sat in the Spanish winter sunshine, nervously waiting for the bride, our Alice, to be given away.
Well, it wasn’t my life exactly. It was pieces of Alice’s life I’d kept close in my heart. Moments I had participated in, helped with, and cried over.
The memories flickered through my mind like precious flowers, once fresh but now pressed, faded and time-worn.
