Tag: Prayer

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reCharge NEWS November 2023

22nd November 2023 | reCharge News

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    Australian Christian Book Awards

    The October News featured the winners of this year’s Sparklit Australian Book Awards. In addition, the shortlisted books provide a feast of reading which are suitable as Christmas gifts, or your own summer reading. Here are some of them:

    Shortlisted Australian Christian Books, 2023

    Behind the Tears by Bruce RobinsonBehind the Tears, Bruce Robinson, Green Hill Publishing
    Bruce Robinson doesn’t waste time wondering why we suffer, but swiftly moves to suggest ways and means of coping, enduring and even growing through experiences of suffering.
    Bringing Forth Life, Jodie McIver, Youthworks Media
    A unique and moving meditation on the eternal significance of pregnancy, birth, and life with a newborn child. Written by a mother, midwife and theologian, this book is a practical guide through the journey of childbirth, including the discomforts, difficulties and occasional heartbreaks.
    		Disrupting Mercy, Matthew Clarke with Annabella Rossini-Clarke, Turning Teardrops into Joy
    What would happen if, like Zacchaeus, we allowed Jesus to change our hearts and turn us upside down? In Disrupting Mercy the Clarkes confront our anaemic understanding of God’s mercy and urge us to allow God’s extreme kindness and generosity to disrupt and transform our life and our world. 
    How to Find Yourself, Brian Rosner, Crossway
    Without discarding the importance of self-reflection, Rosner suggests that to truly find ourselves we need to look beyond ourselves to our relationships, our community, our history and, most fundamentally, God’s Word.
    Imagination in an Age of Crisis, Jason Goroncy and Rod Pattenden, Pickwick Publications
    This carefully curated treasury of essays and creative works showcases the strength and diversity of the Christian imagination in Australia.
    Practicing Peace, Michael Wood, Wipf and Stock
    In Practicing Peace, Michael Wood explores the centrality of peacemaking to Christian thinking, feeling and living. First, he anchors our pursuit of peace in a theology that declares that we are forgiven by God in Christ and free to forgive others. 
    Raising Tech-Healthy Humans, Daniel Sih, Spacemakers
    What to do about children and screens? Daniel Sih has written a positive and practical response to this pressing question. 
    Religious Freedom in a Secular Age, Michael Bird, Zondervan Reflective
    While secularism is routinely deplored by many Christians, Michael Bird makes a strong case for the secular state as the best way to ensure freedom of faith (and no faith) and to provide the optimal climate in which the church might thrive. 
    The Future is Bivocational, Andrew Hamilton, Ark House Press
    Circumstance, then curiosity, drove Andrew Hamilton to consider alternative models of church leadership. What will sustainable ministry look like in an increasingly post-Christian society? 

    Hobart City Prayer

    Hobart Tasmania

    Church leaders from across Hobart gather to pray on the last Wednesday every month to come before God and seek His face. The leaders ask for a movement of God in the city of Hobart and beyond. They pray the city will be touched and changed by His power.

    “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for.
    Keep on seeking, and you will find.
    Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 
    For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds.
    And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.    ”

    Matthew 7:7-8. NLT

    Hobart City Prayer takes place in different churches around the city each month. The venue for the November prayer time is Hobart Baptist Church.

    The next Hobart City Prayer is NEXT WEEK.
    7.15am for a 7.30am start, Wed 29th November
    Hobart Baptist Church 282 Elizabeth St. Nth Hobart

    This invitation can be shared with other church leaders to pray in faith for city of Hobart.

    Join the Fostering Hope Family!

    Fostering Hope recently released a newsletter. You can download it here >

    Please enjoy reading it, and learning more about the work of Fostering Hope. The newsletter also explains how you can support children growing up in care, and carers in your community.

    They also just launched the Fostering Hope Family which is a great way for people to more formally support the work. Find out more here >

    FOSTERING HOPE - Join the Family

    Being welcoming and inclusive to diverse families

    Safe Church

    Part 1: Single people

    Here are some tips to help your church be a place where single people can grow in their faith and feel fully part of a church community. A single person may have never been married, be separated, divorced or widowed.  25% of Australian households are individuals who live alone. 

    • Be mindful of your use of language, which might unintentionally exclude single people: For example, say “We are having church community picnic. Please invite all your loved ones” rather than “We are having church family picnic. Please invite your family”
    • Celebrate and pray for things important in the lives of single people.  Such as completing year 12, completing a qualification, and buying a house. (Not only announcing engagements, marriages and pregnancies)
    • Acknowledge the joy and pain of special days, like Christmas, Mother’s Day, and anniversary of a partner’s passing away

    Useful Resources

    Kindle eBook “What we cannot be alone”, by Kimberly Smith. 
    Pastoring singles with Dani Treweek Podcast episode.
    Loving Singles over Christmas and January Podcast episode.
    Single Minded Has a website, podcast, and conference. 

    Walk the World

    10-12th November 2023

    Walk the World is a community building weekend of prayer and fun. It’s an invitation to get out and about in your local neighbourhood… and pray! Pray for your community and communities around the world. Pray for your church’s ministry and the ministry of our Baptist Mission Australia team members.

    Watch the video . . .

    Walk the world 2023 video image

    Across the weekend of 10-12th November 2023, commit to praying as you walk, run, wheel, cycle, imagine or drive around your area. As you do, BMA teams in Africa, Asia and Australia will be praying for you too!

    REGISTER FOR WALK THE WORLD
    CREATIVE PRAYER IDEAS

    News From the Middle East

    Though the fig tree does not bud
        and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails
        and the fields produce no food,
    though there are no sheep in the pen
        and no cattle in the stalls,
    yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
        I will be joyful in God my Saviour.

    Habakkuk 3: 17-18

    The past few weeks have been incredibly challenging. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support in prayer, and I personally extend my thanks to each of you for sending encouraging messages. These messages from distant lands have been like cold water to a weary soul.

    We continue to affirm that God is sovereign over the entire universe and holds the power to change the current situation. We earnestly pray for a miracle to stop the ongoing conflict, coupled with a cry of hope for a brighter future for all residents of Israel and the Palestinian territories.

    Our churches have been holding continuous prayer meetings and in the midst of sorrow and anxiety, we are spreading the message of God’s love to those who are hurting.

    Baptist church in Israel prays for the Middle East

    Thank you for your friendship, and for your support for the ministry of the Association of Baptist Churches in Israel, so that we continue to empower, enhance and expand churches in the land where Jesus walked.

    From Bader Mansour, Development Officer
    Association of Baptist Churches in Israel 

    GIVE to the MIDDLE EAST CRISIS

    Perth Baptist Rock ‘n’ Roll Night

    Perth Baptist Rock n roll night

    Families and Grief Seminars

    An invitation from New Mornings to you and members of your church community to attend the Families & Grief Seminar. This will take place on Saturday 2nd December at The Gnomon Room, The Wharf in Ulverstone.

    As we serve our community in the area of mental health and wellbeing, one of our goals is to educate and support individuals walking the journey of grief, with educational events.  

    Our keynote speakers are experts in the field of grief and will cover:

    * Types of grief experienced in families 
    * Supporting a family. Especially after suicide
    * How young people experience grief

    EARLY BIRD registrations: Available until 19th November >

    DOWNLOAD: Flyer for noticeboard display >

    Thank you for supporting families and young people in the area of grief and loss.  

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    reCharge News November 2023

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    reCharge NEWS October 2023

    25th October 2023 | reCharge News

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      Support those affected by the Middle East Crisis

      Baptist World Aid are taking action. You can too.

      Baptist World Aid have activated a disaster appeal to respond to this unfolding crisis and enable local Christian Partners to provide urgent assistance to civilians affected by the conflict as soon as humanitarian corridors are open.  

      Together, we’re grieving the violence that is causing immeasurable suffering, and mourning with those whose loved ones have been killed or are being held captive. We’re distressed for the one million people who’ve been displaced, and all those innocent civilians living in fear across the region today. 

      Baptist World Aid request the help of the Baptist Family. Donations will enable local Christian Partners to provide urgent assistance to families affected by this conflict as soon as possible. 

      Appeal details. DONATE HERE > | Resources for churches are also available >

      Baptist churches across Israel and the Palestinian territories, including Gaza Baptist Church, have requested fervent prayer for peace. ‘Let us follow paths of peacemaking that unequivocally reject terrorism or any acts that target civilians,’ the Baptist World Alliance said, in a statement on behalf of churches in the region, ‘Let us generously provide help and support with the compassion of Christ.’  

      Please join us in praying for peace, hope and security for the entire region, so all can enjoy fullness of life as he intends. We’re yearning for the day the prophet Isaiah spoke of when swords will be beaten into ploughshares. (Isaiah 4:1)   

      Hiroshima Survival

      Original Documentary: Australian Veteran’s Incredible Story

      This documentary features Dennis and Laura Ludbey formerly of Ulverstone Baptist Church.

      mainly music at Westbury

      Westbury Baptist Church, mainly music

      Westbury Baptist have established mainly music in order to connect strategically with families in their local community.

      Children and their parents enjoy songs and activities together. Parents and carers discover others in their community and form friendships.

      Through the program, Westbury Baptist will have an opportunity to reveal Jesus through their interaction and engagement. Together, with the support of mainly ministries, they’ll be creating a joy-filled community of belonging.

      First time free, then $5 per family. Ages 0-4 plus parents/carers.

      Westbury Baptist Church, 53 Franklin Street, Westbury, TAS 7303

      Doors open at 9:45 and music starts at 10am, followed by morning tea and play time.

      Find out more >

      Farewell Mal Garvin

      18 November 1941 – 3 October 2023

      Family and friends were warmly invited to attend the memorial service of Mal Garvin at 11:30am on Thursday 12th October at Citywide, 400 Cambridge Rd, Mornington.

      READ: An article about the service on Thursday 12th October, including an overview of Mal’s life.
      WATCH: The entire service on YouTube.

      Mal Garvin memorial service, 11:30am Thurs 12th October 2023, Citywide Baptist Church Mornington

      Follower of Jesus, loved and loving husband of Jenny. Loved and loving father and father-in-law of Matt and Leeanne, Liz and David, Danni and Dan, Nathaniel and Renee. Proud and loved Papa of Maddi, Josh (and Jen), Dan, Sophie (and Mitch), Simeon, Anya, Zoe, Josuahm, Ollie, Bridie, Lilly and Tim.
      Friend and mentor to hundreds across the country and around the world.

      Domestic Violence Resources

      The Safer Spaces Toolkit

      An endorsed project of Australian Baptist Ministries, The Safer Space Toolkit is aimed at resourcing pastors and church leaders to address domestic abuse and build relationally healthy communities.

      FIND OUT MORE: Preaching tools, training sessions, videos and user guide.
      WATCH the introductory video, below

      This project started as a result of recognising domestic abuse resources were often available only by region, and there was a need to create a resource that could be accessed by any pastor anywhere, with access to the Internet.

      The project working group is made up of Baptist women from around the country who have expertise in pastoral leadership, theology, teaching, domestic abuse and project management.

      Compliance Reminder

      Is your church ChildSafe?

      The Safe Church deadline is fast approaching! 1st January 2024 is the date to meet all the Safe Church requirements, as set out by the Child and Youth Safe Organisations Act approved by parliament in May 2023.

      Child Safe training for Safe Churches

      Training has begun in every region of the state. If your church has not yet begun the process, you are encouraged to get onto it urgently.

      As a refresher, you could read the article by Administrator Rodney Marshall which was published in June: Safe Churches Update >

      For more information please contact:

      LifeWay comes 3rd!

      Crossover Quiz Night Results

      Australia’s Baptistist Quiz Night

      Crossover Quiz night 2023

      Well done to all the teams who participated in the online quiz night on Saturday 2nd September. A big thank you from Crossover for joining in!

      Crossover raised just over $1,100 from the night.

      Special mention to the top 3 teams: 

      1. Knightsbridge Baptist Church SA 
      2. Richmond Baptist Church SA 
      3. Lifeway Devonport Tas

      State Leaderboard:
      1. South Australia/Northern Territory
      2. Tasmania (Woohoo! Go Tasmania!)
      3. Western Australia
      4. Queensland
      5. New South Wales/ACT
      6. Victoria

      Funeral Notice

      Farewell Markus Sebastian

      1963-2023

      Friends and relatives were invited to attend the service to celebrate the life of Mr Markus Sebastian at Gateway Baptist Church 22 Wellington Street, Launceston on Friday 29th September 2023, commencing at 11 am.

      The service was conducted by Rev. Michael Eleveld, St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Launceston. This invitation was extended to those who knew Markus. He would have loved to see people he knew there.

      Please also be in prayer for Stephanie Sebastian (SU Tas), daughter Charlie and son Michel.

      Australian Christian Book Awards 2023

      The Australian Christian Literature Awards encourage Christian writing and publishing that helps people discover Jesus in a way that is authentic and culturally meaningful. The SparkLit Awards recognise and encourage excellence in Australian Christian writing and publishing.

      Held recently in Melbourne, the awards revealed some amazing writers along with their books. Check out the shortlisted books as well, because they also produced some gems. (Maybe there’s some Christmas shopping in the wind today?)

      WINNER! Australian Christian Book of the Year 2023

      Biblical Critical Theory: How the Bible’s Unfolding Story Makes Sense of Modern Life and Culture by Christopher Watkin
      A philosopher uses the Bible to analyse and interpret contemporary Western culture.

      Australian Christian Book of the Year award winner 2023

      WINNER! Australian Christian Teen Writer 2023

      Caleb MacLaren from Victoria won the 2023 Australian Christian Teen Writer Award with his screenplay The Journey.

      In a modern twist on the Noah’s Ark story, this script follows four companions as they navigate an empty world devastated by an alien attack. 

      Australian Christian Teen Writer of the Year award winner 2023

      Fostering Hope

      Mentoring Program in Hobart

      The next Fostering Hope training day is in Hobart on Saturday, October 14.

      Fostering Hope are a community organisation whose work comes from the Bible and the teachings of Jesus to ‘visit’ and ‘care for’ orphans and widows, to put the lonely in families, to love the fatherless, to care for children, and to love the neighbours in the communities. Tasmanian Baptists partner with Fostering Hope partner to provide foster care to Tasmanian children.

      Through their Mentoring Program, Fostering Hope seeks to provide a “friend with purpose” for kids in care.

      If you are looking for a way to live out your faith in caring for those in need, you can make a difference for a child in care. Please get in touch to talk about how to be equipped with training, connected with a child, and provided with ongoing support as you mentor. With just a few hours a month, you can significantly impact the life of a child in care for the better.

      Find out more or apply HERE | Reach out to Ellie (ellie@fosteringhope.net.au).

      Fostering Hope Mentoring Day, Hobart 14th October 2023 ReCharge News October 2023

      Crossover Resource

      Baptism Week Ideas Guide

      15-22 October 2023

      National Baptism Week logo
      Crossover Baptism Week, Oct 2023

      National Baptism Week will be an opportunity for churches, youth groups, small groups and ministries across Australia to celebrate, explore and offer baptism.
      Check out the short explainer video and Ideas Guide, as well as baptism resources on our new Baptism Hub. Joining in is very simple – no need to register or report back – you can use Baptism Week in your own way.

      DOWNLOAD IDEAS GUIDE

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      GOD and Life in Tasmania

      Fresh wind blow, Tas Baptists, Stephen Baxter writes

      Changing Landscape

      Noticing the Deep Questions

      Tas Baptist’s Mission Director, Stephen Baxter, has had some time out to ponder and reflect from a distance. It’s amazing what a trip beyond Tasmania’s shores can do to shift your perspective!

      We are well and truly into 2023. Kids are back at school, church programs get underway, and life returns to its familiar rhythm. Jenny and I have just returned from a time in Spain to be with our daughter, Alice, and son-in-law, AJ, on the birth of their daughter, Koa.

      Alice, AJ and Koa, Christmas Day 2022
      Alice, AJ and Koa, Christmas 2022

      Spain, like Australia, is very secular. This got me wondering what God thinks about all these people going about their lives, without giving much thought to the deep and essential questions of life. The question was heightened by the fact that Alice and AJ are in Spain working with others in bring the good news of Jesus to Spaniards.

      My thinking has remained with me as I return to Tasmania.

      THE CHURCH: From Spain, to Tasmania, to Marrawah!

      Last Sunday I was with the Marrawah church as they celebrated their final church service. It was a day of celebration and sadness. As I looked at the pictures of the past, spoke with people, and heard their shared memories, it was clear that over the years God has been at work in special ways.

      But times change, and the church as it was, is no longer viable. Marrawah is a little picture of the church in Australia and Spain. It is no longer the centre of our communities like it was. However, that does not mean it is the end of the church. Rather, it is the end of a certain form of church that worked well for a season, and needs to adjust for a changing world.

      Because the world keeps changing, the church needs to be constantly renewing itself

      Stephen Baxter

      God has given everything needed through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. But because the world keeps changing, the church needs to be constantly renewing itself. As Germain theologian Helmut Thielicke put it,

      The gospel must be preached afresh and told in new ways to each generation, since every generation has its own unique questions. The gospel must constantly be forwarded to a new address, because the recipient is repeatedly changing his place of address.

      Fresh wind, B L O W

      On the day of Pentecost God did a new thing and the church was born. Whenever we celebrate that day, it is a reminder of the need for constant renewal. A quick survey of church history reveals just that. The Holy Spirit is at work renewing the church from age to age, enabling and equipping it to be the church of its particular age. May it be so here in Tasmania.

      Returning home, this is my prayer for Tasmanian Baptists, and I encourage it to be yours too: that God would blow a fresh movement of the Holy Spirit through us, that we might be vibrant churches with a revitalised theology finely attuned by the Holy Spirit to the changing needs of a changing world.

      Let me encourage you to join me in praying this prayer.

      Stephen Baxter
      Stephen Baxter, Senior Pastor

      Stephen Baxter
      Mission Director
      Tasmanian Baptists

      FIND OUT MORE about the Mission and Leadership Development Team and how they can support you and your Tasmanian Baptist church.

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      God and Life in Tasmania

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      2022 World Day of Prayer

      World Day of Prayer 2022
      Heartlands News

      Praying for Baptist Women

      14th October – 13th November, 2022

      Women from more than 100 countries will gather around the first week of November for World Day of Prayer. This event was launched by the Baptist World Alliance Women over sixty years ago after World War II had shattered unity between the nations. Once again, this need is as desperate as ever, especially for the many Baptist women in Ukraine and Russia.

      Here in Tasmania, two regional events are planned for Saturday 22nd October.

      • NORTHWEST: 10am, 22nd October at Ulverstone Baptist.
      • SOUTH: 2pm, 22nd October at Claremont Baptist
      PARTICIPATE IN TASMANIAN EVENTS

      Many Papuan women will walk up to three days through the jungle so they can be part of the World Day of Prayer.

      What’s the World Day of Prayer?

      The World Day of Prayer sets aside a time in which women and men pray for their global sisters. The Prayer Guide lists prayer requests from all over the globe, requesting God’s intervention over issues of domestic violence, human trafficking, armed conflict, and areas devastated by natural disasters.

      DOWNLOAD THE PRAYER GUIDE

      Here in the Pacific region, many will gather to be part of this global movement. Over a thousand will gather in Papua, with many women walking up to three days through the jungle so they can be part of the World Day of Prayer.

      Yet, others will gather in churches and homes in Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, PNG, Vanuatu, and Tonga. The Pacific Island have the highest rates of domestic violence in the world so the need for prayer is desperate.

      World Day of Prayer 2022
      L to R: Women pray for our world; Sewing machines, Vanuatu; Day of Prayer 2021; Gardening project, Fiji.

      Financial Support

      As part of the gathering, women will bring a monetary gift which will be used to finance the work of Baptist World Alliance Women, and also our regional branch, Baptist Women of the Pacific. International projects supported by the Baptist World Alliance Women include a women’s outreach in Iraq, a safe shelter for women in Jamaica, and nurses aid training in Myanmar.

      Within our own region, offerings have funded a gardening project which enabled Fijian women to feed their family and community during Covid-19. Purchased sewing machines for women in Vanuatu, and funded literacy programmes for women in the highlands of PNG.

      LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROJECTS | HOST YOUR OWN EVENT

      Elissa Macpherson

      Elissa Macpherson
      President, Baptist Women of the Pacific
      president@bwpacific.org

      WATCH

      Invitation to Day of Prayer by BWA Women Executive Director Merritt Johnston

      Subscribe to Heartlands

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      Praying for Alice

      Alice's Wedding Welcome Table

      A Lifetime of Prayer

      Heartlands News
      Jenny Baxter

      By Jenny Baxter, Tasmanian Director, EmpowHer

      What do you do when the answers don’t seem to be coming?

      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.

      FLASH: Her traumatic assisted delivery, after an almost-C-section.

      FLASH: The trip to Canada before she could even crawl.

      FLASH: Sitting in piano lessons, piano lessons, piano lessons.

      FLASH: Tears over a nasty gravel graze, her first week on a bike.

      FLASH: Her first grown-up hairdo, Grade Six graduation night.

      FLASH: Torn, watching her lag at the back of a pack of high-schoolgirls, convinced she was born to lead.

      FLASH: Goodbyes on the bus, leaving home for Victoria, little knowing she was really on her way to France, via Sydney and Japan!

      The memories flickered through my mind like precious flowers, once fresh but now pressed, faded and time-worn. Compressed into short minutes.

      And the prayers. Especially, I remembered the prayers. So many for this very moment. This day, when she would promise: To have and to hold from this day forward.

      Praying for Alice – and the switch

      Prayer is a commitment I made to my children as each was born. I pray for them all, regularly.

      As well, I committed to pray for each one’s life-partner as both halves were forming and founding, maturing and mellowing, living and learning. What better time to sow into their lives until the two became one? Granted, I didn’t know who those partners would be. But God did.

      For well over three decades, I prayed for Alice, and her as-yet unknown husband. Where was he? What had happened to him? My hope wore out.

      Only a year ago, Alice had given up. But during one Zoom call, from somewhere deep down, I found the words to encourage her to keep believing he would materialise. Tearily, she’d agreed. But only when remembering the letter her close-to-death grandfather had written 13 years ago, for opening on this very day.

      It’s hard to believe it was only 10 months since I’d switched up my praying. Inspired by the story of Isaac and Rebekah in Genesis 24,  I stopped asking for a husband. Instead, I audaciously asked for Alice to be the answer to someone else’s prayer.

      The most unexpected answer

      And here he was. My soon to be son-in-law, AJ. Arthur Jnr. Standing with the minister, patiently waiting for Alice. He was everything I had hoped for, and nothing like I expected.

      I didn’t know he would be Nigerian-American. Or that he would live in Spain. Or that Alice would move to France, and now Spain, to join him for their new future. How little I knew!

      But those qualities. They were everything I had prayed for. Faithful. Caring. Believing. Strong. Determined. Loving. Kind.  

      Her moment had come. That prayer from her birth, now answered before my very eyes. God’s magnificent answer.

      And then came Alice on her Dad’s arm! Jessica’s Theme melodically bringing an undeniably Aussie flavour, and tears to my eyes. She was ready. In love. Looking gorgeous and dewy-eyed. Having waited all those years.

      Alice and her dad, walking the aisle to "Jessica's Theme" from Man from Snowy River. Photo Credit: Jonas Mantay

      Here was the culmination of a lifetime of prayer. Pinching myself this was all real, I was so aware it was a moment I will savour forever, that morning in the wintry Spanish sunshine. It was an ending and a beginning. The old and the new. The faded and the fresh.

      My prayers for Alice and her future husband, are now complete. Thank you God!

      But, you know, there is more to come. From here on, I pray for Alice and her newfound family.

      Alice and AJ

      Alice’s life in pictures

      • Alice at 2
        Alice at 2
      • Alice at 4
        Alice at 4
      • Alice at 10
        Alice at 10, our family complete
      • Alice at 12
        Alice at 12, in Grade 6
      • Alice at 14
        Alice at 14
      • Alice at 17
        Alice at 17
      • Alice at 24
        Alice at 24
      • Alice at 29
        Alice at 29
      • Alice at 32
        Alice at 32
      • Nigerian betrothal. Photo credit Jonas Mantay
        Nigerian ceremony
      • Mr and Mrs - celebrate. Photos Credit: Jonas Mantay
        It is done! Time to celebrate. Alice at 34.
      Heartlands News

      This story was first published in HEARTLANDS Summer 21-22.
      This is the quarterly e-mail news for EmpowHer, an activity of Tasmanian Baptist Women.

      To find out about EmpowHer events and activities for women in Tasmania, please subscribe to Heartlands!

      SUBSCRIBE TO HEARTLANDS
      EmpowHer
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      Tasmanian Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast, 2021

      Tasmanian Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast 2021
      Advance Header

      prayer for the state:

      Wednesday 24th November, Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart

      This year’s Tasmanian Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast brought together like-minded people from across Tasmania to pray for our State, our leaders, parliamentarians, businesses, schools, communities, and community organisations; our families, youth, and children.

      Over 400 people attended this, the 16th annual Tasmanian Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast. It was attended by Church and business leaders, aid agency representatives, and many other Christians from across the state.

      A record number of State and Federal politicians attended, 26 out of a possible 40. This included the Premier Peter Gutwein, the Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff, and Leader of the Opposition Bec White. Jacquie Petrusma MP welcomed all as the Parliamentary Host.

      Tasmania’s Young People

      Prof. Patrick Parkinson speaks at the Tasmanian Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast 2021
      Prof. Patrick Parkinson

      The breakfast was chaired by Stephen Baxter (Tas Baptist Mission Director), who oversees the TPPB organising committee. The newly formed Calvin School Choir, pictured below, performed for those gathered.

      Prof. Patrick Parkinson, the speaker at the recent Tasmanian Baptist Annual Assembly, gave an overview of some of his achievements. He spoke about the care and nurture of young people in Tasmania, and presented some concerning statistics. Having suffered childhood abuse, and his current blended family, he spoke into those numbers with heart-warming vulnerability and authority.

      Framing

      Stephen Baxter

      As usual, Stephen Baxter gave a very insightful framing to begin the morning. It is reproduced here for you . . .

      Let me take a moment to explain why I believe we are here.

      We gather in the name and spirit of Jesus to pray for our state and its people. From the oldest to the youngest, those doing well and those not so well, those who lead and those who serve.

      Across this room we are a rich and diverse tapestry of culture, experience, outlook and belief, believers and non-believers alike. We do life together on this magnificent island, Tasmania – lutruwita. We are wrapped in the world’s purest air, graced with magnificent forests and magical lakes, lined with epic coastlines and surrounded by crystal clear water. It is a slice of heaven. We are truly blessed.

      Yet, our lives, public and private, could be better. Perhaps, more than ever, we are rightly aware of the wrongs of the past, sensitive to racism and injustice, and conscious of the need to care for our environment. But the same time we are distracted by fear and anger. It shapes our lives.

      A damaging polarisation is at work. We see it in the rage and resentment that prioritises victimhood and grievance over community and resilience. We see it in the violence – verbal, written and physical – that seeks to silence the opinions of others. The result sadly, is division, conflict, and animosity, even between good people. And it solves little.

      At the same time, we are losing the art of forgiveness. We dredge up things from someone’s past suggesting it defines them today – conveniently forgetting each of us is more than the worst we have done.

      Some advocate the removal of faith from the public square. They do so unaware that true faith nurtures confession, repentance, and the potential for redemption and restoration. If we are to overcome the significant challenges we face, I am convinced we need to include faith.

      As a spiritual leader I appreciate you might be sceptical. I am deeply aware the Church, in its various forms, has let our community down in so many ways. I know I speak for many when I say I’m sorry.

      Churches are not exempt from the need for confession and repentance. We are always learning and relearning how to follow Jesus. His execution by the authorities of the day, which included the religious, was a brutal form of cancel culture. They did not like what he said so they silenced an innocent man.

      We all can learn from his response. It was not resentment or rage, but a cry, “Father, forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing”. We all need forgiveness. The resurrection of Jesus reveals God is willing to give it.

      Love, acceptance and forgiveness. It’s what holds our lives and families, our communities and our future together. Every day, inconspicuously and unheralded, thousands of Tasmanians just ‘do it’. They don’t seek wealth, power, or fame, but quietly do what needs to be done: lending a hand, sharing a meal, volunteering at emergencies, caring for the forgotten, and courageously standing for what they believe.

      It’s spiritual. It is what lights and sustains the fires of excitement, passion, vision and sacrifice.

      It is the spiritual that will help us learn afresh how to respect one another, how to engage in civil dialogue, and how put aside our differences for the sake of the common good.

      That’s why we come to pray.

      Stephen Baxter, Tasmanian Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast 2021
      Calvin Choir sing at the Tasmanian Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast 2021
      Calvin Choir sing

      READ MORE IN THE NOV/DEC 2021 ADVANCE | STEP BY STEP

      Posted on

      WALK | PRAY | LOVE

      Walk Pray Love, Heartlands Events, Spring 2021

      Heartlands SPRING 2021

      Walk | Pray | Love Events during November 2021 (scroll down)
      Being an Imperfect Ministry by Jenna Blackwell
      Baptist World Day of Prayer for Women by Elissa Macpherson

      NOVEMBER 2021 EVENTS

      EmpowHer

      Join with others state-wide to walk, pray, love and enjoy the company of other women.

      REGIONDATETIMEWHEREWHAT
      NorthMonday 1st Nov7:30-8:30pmHomes and GroupsGlobal Day of Prayer
       Saturday 20th Nov11:30amHollybankHollybank Picnic Adventure
      NorthwestMonday 1st Nov7:30-8:30pmHomes and GroupsGlobal Day of Prayer
       Tues 30th Nov7:00-8:30pmUlverstone Baptist ChurchLadies Evening with Amanda Cox
      SouthFriday 5th November7:30-8:30pmHobart Baptist ChurchGlobal Day of Prayer
       Saturday 13th Nov10am-1pmClaremontWindermere Bay-Claremont Loop
      SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE INFO

      NORTH – walk | pray | love

      Monday 1st November

      7:30-8:30pm Global Day of Prayer Informal Gatherings
      INVITE FRIENDS! Download Invite >>>

      Global Day of Prayer, North
      Saturday 20th November

      11:30am Hollybank Picnic Adventure
      INVITE FRIENDS! Download Invite >>>

      Walk Pray Love: Hollybank Picnic Adventure

      NORTHWEST – walk | pray | love

      Monday 1st November

      7:30-8:30pm Global Day of Prayer Informal Gatherings
      INVITE FRIENDS! Download Invite >>>

      Global Day of Prayer, Northwest
      Tuesday 30th November

      7:00-8:30pm Ladies evening
      INVITE FRIENDS! Download Invite
      RSVP to Yvette: admin@ub.church by 25th November | $10 pp on the night

      SOUTH – walk | pray | love

      Friday 5th November

      7:30-8:30pm Global Day of Prayer Coffee and Dessert Night
      INVITE FRIENDS! Download Invite >>>

      Global Day of Prayer, South
      Saturday 13th November

      10:am-1:00pm Claremont-Windermere Bay Loop Walk
      INVITE FRIENDS! Download Invite >>>

      Walk Pray Love South Windermere Nay walk
      EmpowHer is an activity of Tasmanian Baptist Women
      Tasmanian Baptist Women

      OUR VISION is to see a network of women growing and encouraging each other in their God-given potential.

      Posted on

      Baptist World Day of Prayer for Women

      Say of Prayer, Heartlands Spring 2021

      Heartlands Spring 2021

      Baptist World Day of Prayer for Women by Elissa Macpherson (scroll down)
      Being an Imperfect Ministry by Jenna Blackwell
      Walk | Pray | Love Events during November 2021

      prayer:

      Participate in a Global Event

      Every November, Baptists from all over the planet come together to pray for women, and support them financially.

      From cities far and wide across the world, women and men join the World Day of Prayer. They pray from Cameroon, to Cambodia, to Croatia, and Canberra. They unite in one cry for women: “Lord, help the women of the world, sisters facing persecution, civil war, natural disaster, and poverty.”

      Reunite women . . .

      . . . Who live in desperate times

      Colombian Women at a Day of Prayer event
      Colombian Women at a Day of Prayer event

      The World Day of Prayer began in 1948, in response to the devastation and division created by WWII. To facilitate healing, the Baptist women of Europe organised the first Day of Prayer, aiming to reunite Baptists alienated by war.

      The movement gathered momentum, and now Baptists globally gather in groups of five, 20 and 100s. They represent over 200 Baptist women organizations, and pray in more than 80 languages. They unite in prayer under the banner of Baptist World Alliance Women (BWAW). This is a global collective representing Baptist women from 145 countries. They have networks and projects across the world, but this is the one day they focus on the most important activity of all: PRAYER!

      Just like the devastation of WWII, our world is once again in a global crisis with the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic. At the same time, there are Baptist women bravely giving free medical care amid the coup in Myanmar; leaders dealing with devastation caused by earthquake in Haiti; Baptist sisters volunteering as midwives in remote villages in PNG; and yet others providing a 24-hour helpline for women feeling distressed by unplanned pregnancy in Argentina.

      Inspire HOPE

      Leading prayer in Nigeria
      Leading prayer in Nigeria

      Being a light to the world is integral to the call of BWAW. Consequently, as part of the Day of Prayer, an offering finances the ministry and support global projects. This year’s financial gifts will support a frog farm in Thailand, sewing clubs in Vanuatu, a library in Cameroon and a resource kit addressing mental health issues in the Philippines.

      These projects will inspire hope and enable women to flourish.

      You are invited to be part of this day. Why not gather a group to pray, and let the voices of Tasmania join the global movement?

      Elissa Macpherson President, Baptist Women of the Pacific

      Elissa Macpherson
      President, Baptist Women of the Pacific
      Contact Elissa for more information and support.
      (president@bwpacific.org)

      Complete guide to running your own World Day of Prayer: BWA World Day of Prayer >>>

      What to do next

      The World Day of Prayer can be held on any day in November.
      HERE ARE SOME PRE-ORGANISED TASMANIAN EVENTS!

      PARTICIPATE WITH WOMEN IN TASMANIA

      NORTHWEST
      7:30-8:30pm Monday 1st November
      Gather in homes and groups to pray.
      DOWNLOAD FLYER >>> |
      Contact Gabe Fife (gabfife@gmail.com)

      NORTH
      7:30-8:30pm Monday 1st November
      Gather in homes and groups to pray.
      DOWNLOAD FLYER >>> | Contact Wendy Marston (wendy.marston@iinet.net.au)

      SOUTH
      7:30-8:30pm Friday 5th November 2021
      Coffee and Dessert evening at Hobart Baptist Church.
      DOWNLOAD FLYER >>> | Jenny Baxter (jenny@tasbaptists.org.au)

      READ THE 2021 WORLD DAY OF PRAYER PROGRAM >>>

      Baptist women in Cambodia
      Baptist women in Papua, Indonesia at a Day of Prayer gathering, 2021
      Posted on

      ADVANCE | step by step – Sept/Oct 2021

      Advance September/October 2021
      Request Print Version via Mail >>>
      DOWNLOAD ADVANCE Sept/Oct 2021

      September/October 2021 No. 1

      Released 9th September 2021

      Advance SeptOct 2021 No. 1
      • Brave New World Reading the signs of the times – Stephen Baxter
      • Church Profile City Baptist Launceston
      • Engaging with your Community – Michael Henderson
      • Need to Know EmpowHer Walk | Stand Sunday | Calling All Artists | BWA Ethical Fashion Report

      September/October 2021 No. 2

      Released 23rd September 2021

      Advance step by step Sept Oct 2021 No. 2
      • Anthea Maynard Q&A Interview
      • Baptist World Day of Prayer for Women
      • Pastors and Leaders Muster – Report
      • NEED TO KNOW Book Review | Covid Vaccinations | Operation Christmas Child – How to pack a box

      September/October 2021 No. 3

      Released 7th October 2021

      Advance SeptOct 21-3
      • Food for Thought Bob Goolsby (George Town) considers Our Divine Purpose
      • Global Disaster Zones Haiti | Myanmar | Afghanistan
      • Crossover Australia latest update
      • NEED TO KNOW Prof. Patrick Parkinson at Assembly | Tasmania Celebration Launch | Christian Book of the Year

      September/October 2021 No. 4

      Released 21st October 2021

      Advance SeptOct-21-4
      DOWNLOAD Sept/Oct 2021 ADVANCE
      Posted on

      Participate in Prayer Events

      Prayer evets ADVANCE SeptOct 2021
      Advance Header
      At home, online, in groups, at church, with other denominations

      NOVEMBER is a big prayer season, not just in Tasmania but across the nation and globally. There are many ways to participate.

      Perhaps you could choose one or two of these prayer events that best suits you.

      Local

      1. BAPTIST WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

      State-wide events during first week of November

      International Day of Pryaer for Baptist Women, Prayer events

      Pray and raise funds for Baptist women around the world who are working on many projects to help disadvantaged communities. Funds for Frog farming (Thailand); Lighters of Hope in Darkness (mental health support, Philippines); Educational Library (Cameroon).

      Find out More: bwawd.org/day-of-prayer
      Download: Program >>>

      PRAY IN THE North and Northwest

      7:30-8:30pm Monday 1st Nov (or anytime that week). Alone, in groups, in homes, in churches. Info North: wendy.marston@iinet.net.au; Info NW: gabfife@gmail.com.

      PRAY IN THE South

      7:30-8:30pm Friday 5th Nov Dessert and coffee evening. Come and see the new Soundy Lounge, Hobart Baptist Church 284 Elizabeth St Hobart. RSVP 1st Nov: jenny@tasbaptists.org.au

      2. TASMANIA CELEBRATION 2022

      Hobart 20-22 May 2022 | Launceston 27-29 May 2022

      In May 2022, Will Graham will visit for the Tasmania Celebration. keep reading for the many prayer events already taking place to prepare the church and people of Tasmania.

      Find out More Tasmania Celebration >>>

      Preparation Prayer Events for the Tasmania Celebration

      North:
      • Gateway Baptist Church hosts weekly prayer meetings for Tasmania Celebration.
        7am every Thursday morning. 22 Wellington St Launceston
      • Launceston Prayer Walks in City Park.
        10am every Thursday. 45-55 Tamar St Launceston
      South:
      Time of prayer and breakfast!

      Hosted by Ps Dave Morse and the Executive Leadership Team Co-chairs Ps Matt Sharples and Rev Pete Adlem you will hear how the Tasmania Celebration is not just a single event next year but a series of collaborative events designed to increase our prayer activity as a collective church; equip local believers through the intensive Christian Life & Witness Classes; increase our effectiveness for Christ through new outreach initiatives and offer opportunities to get involved.

      • 7-8.30 am Wednesday 27th October | Your Church, 29 Charles St Moonah
        RSVP HERE for the breakfast for catering purposes.
      • Generally, these times of prayer are at 7.30am on the last Wednesday of each month for coffee, however next month it will be a gathering on Wednesday 17th November
      Tasmania Celebration Launch, 19th/20th November 2021
      Tasmania Celebration Launch, prayer events

      An invitation to the launch of Tasmania Celebration 2022 with Will Graham, to gather, prepare and pray for the events next year.

      • Hobart Launch event: 7-8:30pm Fri 19th November, C3 Convention Centre.
      • Launceston Launch event: 7-8:30pm Sat 20th November, Door of Hope Conference Centre.

      Find out more tasmaniacelebration.org.au

      3. TASMANIAN PARLIAMENTARY PRAYER BREAKFAST, 24th NOVEMBER
      6:45am Wednesday 24th November 2021

      • Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart. Guest speaker Patrick Parkinson.
      TPPB 2021, Prayer Events

      Find out more and Register: https://tasmanianprayerbreakfast.com

      The Tasmanian Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast brings together like-minded people from across Tasmania to pray for our State, our leaders, parliamentarians, businesses, schools, communities, and community organisations; our families, youth, and children. In the name of Jesus, we ask God to grant us the will and wisdom, the creativity and strength we need to care well for each other and to see Tasmania flourish in every dimension. Join us for this special moment of unity and humility.

      Guest Speaker, Prof. Patrick Parkinson

      Prof. Patrick Parkinson, Prayer events

      Professor at the TC Beirne School of Law, Patrick Parkinson is a specialist in family law, child protection, law and religion, and the law of equity and trusts.

      Professor Parkinson served as Chairperson of the Family Law Council, an advisory body to the federal Attorney-General, and chaired a review of the Child Support Scheme in 2004 which resulted in major changes.

      Nationwide – Online

      4. MOVEMENT-WIDE PRAYER GATHERING, 3 NOVEMBER

      • Australian Baptist Ministries invite you to join in a nationwide prayer gathering via Zoom at 7:45-8:30pm Wednesday 3rd November. Register here: bit.ly/ABMpraywithus
      ABM nationwide prayer events

      International

      5. INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH, 7 NOVEMBER

      November 7, 2021 International day of prayer for the persecuted church
      • Pray with persecuted Christians suffering for their faith.

      Your church can unite in prayer for the persecuted church, with Open Doors. Please take a moment during your service to pray for the persecuted church on 7 November. Find out more and

      SIGN UP Open doors Prayer Event >>>