This issue of Heartlands features Elysia Cunningham, one of the Tasmanian Baptist Council northwest representatives. She is a psychologist from Penguin who attends Penguin Baptist Church.
I am a born and bred Taswegian, having been born in Hobart and living in various places around the state, including St Helens, Smithton, Launceston, and Hobart. Most of my life has been spent living along the North West Coast, with a foray to Launceston and Hobart for a few years while studying at university. I now live in Penguin with my husband, Warwick, along with our dog, three cats and goldfish. All my family also live in Penguin, which is lovely to have them close by.
A Christian Heritage
I was very privileged to grow up in a Christian family, with strong Christian faith back through the generations on both sides. I remember going to church on Sundays, going to Christian camps over the school holidays, and attending youth groups and Girls’ Brigades throughout my childhood and teen years. All this helped me to develop my own faith at a young age, around seven years old.
ABOVE: Elysia with Husband, Warwick.
I remember asking my mum how to ask God into my heart and then kneeling behind our couch, for a bit of privacy in a busy house, to pray for God to become a part of my life.
I now attend Penguin Baptist, a small church on the hill. Being a small church, I assist in most roles within it, speaking, leading, communion, cleaning, morning tea and so on. I love the sense of family that comes with a small church, along with the opportunities to learn and grow in multiple ways.
Working with Others
In my day-to-day life I work as a clinical psychologist. It’s not what I would call an easy job, often leaving me mentally exhausted at the end of the day. My poor husband then must put up with me being short-tempered by the time I get home – it’s something I am continuously working on! Many days I have to pray to God to “give me the words to say”, as I sit with people through some of the toughest times in their lives.
I’ve worked in various places as a psychologist, including schools, forensic mental health, and private practice. In 2024 year I ventured back to working for the Department of Health in the Diabetes Service, a space close to my heart after my diagnoses with Type 1 Diabetes as an 11-year-old.
Living with Chronic Disease
A few years ago, I never would have wanted to spend my days working with diabetes, as it wasn’t something I got along well with in my own life. But now I feel I can sit comfortably with a chronic disease and help others to learn to do that too.
When I was first diagnosed, I remember crying on my bed and asking God why he had to give it to me. It felt unfair I was lumbered with this disease, when no one else in my family had it. It took nearly 30 years to reach a place of acceptance of diabetes; not that I blamed God that whole time, as I quickly came to realise that God doesn’t want us to suffer but suffering is a part of the world as it currently is. I have been on a journey with God as I’ve worked this through.
In Awe of God
Despite the suffering in the world, there is also beauty throughout. Living in Tasmania, where we can enjoy the beauty of creation all around, is such a blessing. It leaves me in awe of God and helps to restore my soul!
The Big Penguin at sunrise.
Short ‘n’ Sweet
I am looking forward to…having holidays soon.
I am worried about…time going too quickly while I’m on holiday.
I‘m confident that… nothing is impossible for God!
I am joyful about…summer and sunshine.
I would like to change…the world!
I‘m at my best when…I’m asleep (or so many people would say!)
Here’s our end of year wrap from Baptist churches around Tasmania. This time we hear from Latrobe Church, Ulverstone Baptist, City Baptist, The Point, Riverlands, Citywide, Claremont and Hobart Baptist Church.
NORTHWEST
Latrobe Church
During National Baptism week, Latrobe Church was thrilled to see three people baptised on Sunday, 20 October. Andrea, Felix and Sarah all publicly declared Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour as they followed His example through the waters of baptism. It was a wonderful service and a blessing to everyone who was there.
Ulverstone Baptist Church
Pastor Louis’ sabbatical Over the months of July to September, Pastor Louis took eight weeks of sabbatical leave. This extended time away from ministry was for the purpose of rest, soul nourishment, a deeper relationship with the Lord, family renewal and a clearer understanding of God’s vision for the Church.
UBCs Operation Christmas Child Once again UBC participated in packing boxes for Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Christmas Child. With help from our Kids Church children, we were able to send off a total of 230 boxes.
Carols by Candlelight Collective This year an invitation has been extended from the Apex club of Ulverstone to the combined churches of Ulverstone to present a program at the Carols by candlelight. Collectively, as believers in Christ, we are excited and honoured to have this opportunity and to be able to bless our town during this season of celebration and joy. Several of our UBC members are involved in the program with momentum and excitement building.
UBC in the Christmas Parade UBC will also be participating in this year’s Christmas parade. Our float will represent the movie “Inside Out” with the words “Jesus is your source of joy this Christmas” (Joy being the main character of the movie) on each side.
Christmas Events The Christmas Eve service will be held at 5.30pm. The evening will feature carol singing, musical items and a message of hope from Pastor Louis.
The Christmas Day service: UBC will host another Christmas day lunch for those in our community who are either alone or in need.
NORTH
City Baptist Church
City Baptist members enjoyed participating in Walk the World (Baptist Mission Australia initiative) in November, intentionally praying for those in the city of Launceston.
The BDC (Building a Discipling Culture) intensive brought City Baptist together with other churches in Tassie, to learn about simple and reproducible discipleship.
In December, Friday Frolics lunch provided a great opportunity to gather together outside of structured Sunday services.
Christmas Events City Baptists’ Christmas service will be on Sunday 22 December.
On Christmas Day, a casual Christmas gathering will be held at 9.30am in a congregants home. Contact Anthea (antheamaynard1@gmail.com) for details.
The Point Baptist Church
In October, the marriage seminar “Building a Better Marriage” with Bruce Challoner (formerly of Focus on the Family) went really well with members from the community attending. This was part of the Men’s Support Mission visit from Melbourne who earlier in the week shared testimonies and music. The testimonies from the men were an important step for one man listening, who decided to follow Jesus the following Sunday – praise God.
The Point is still looking for a part-time pastor with youth focus since previous youth leader Dempsey Horton returned to Texas. It has been wonderful to see many young people getting involved in church services
Riverlands Community Church
Building Discipleship Culture Intensive As Baptists we have spent the past ten years grappling with the necessity of change for our systems and missional strategy, acknowledging the wealth of experience we have in our congregations, but also noting the lack of people who can carry on that experience. Building Discipleship Culture is a system designed to equip people to simply share the Gospel within their context and develop those around them into coaching clusters so they not only feel equipped but get the strategic lens for identifying people who may be open to the Spirit of God in their lives.
The intensives for this program took place on 28-29 October at the Riverlands Community Church. Headed up by the team at Crossway Baptist in Melbourne and including teams from around the Launceston Baptist churches and Kingsborough Family Church, the two-day intensive was focused around how to best put the mission of God into the hands of the regular people of a church. This group is not focused around making an academic statement or a professional development course but is actively seeking to build up church members so they can best meet the spiritual needs of those around them.
This was an edifying time for those gathered discussing the key tool of the Bible Discovery Method and how it integrates with mission, curating a church culture to being one that is accepting and acceptable to all people, and encouraging one another as we seek the Kingdom of God in our communities. More intensives will happen next year, the nearest one being in March, where we intend to dive deeper into these subjects. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue to look forward to God’s kingdom coming into the lives of new people.
BDC (Building a Discipling Culture) intensive
Longford Kids Week Children’s week is a fantastic opportunity for churches with Childcare programs or child focused endeavours to join with the community in celebrating and engaging with the local children and families. Held on the fourth Wednesday of October events across the country all base themselves around the theme ‘Children have the right to a clean and safe environment.’
For the second year of our participation with Children’s week, Riverlands Stay and Play, in co-operation with Longford Primary school’s Launch into Learning (LiL) Program, put on an obstacle course event for parents within the community. With several church members stopping by, families and kids all participating in the obstacle course and other games and toys in our children’s area. It was a wonderful day in community with families and friends we don’t normally have at our Stay and Play.
The kids had the opportunity to test their climbing, balance, and gross motor skills in a safe well watched environment. Given our age group is between 2 and 5 the cleanliness was limited, but all messes were easily dealt with! These events are only possible through the support of Playgroups Tas, Longford Primary’s LiL and the organisational skills of the team at Stay and Play. Thank you to all those people who do this work.
Christmas Events Riverlands Christmas Carols service for the community is on Saturday, 14 December at 5.30pm, followed by supper.
Christmas Day service is 9.30am
SOUTH
Citywide
Big Day Out Instead of our annual camp this year, we held a Big Day Out on 12 October, hiring the premises and grounds of Emanuel Christian School. The weather smiled upon us, the Nepali team won the annual soccer match, and all enjoyed great food, fun and games. Matt Sharples (Head of Tas Christian Churches and Pastor of Abundant Church in Lauderdale) was guest speaker, bringing God’s word to challenge and bless us.
Operation Christmas Child We dedicated our service on 20 October to packing and praying over 250 shoe boxes to be distributed to children in Ukraine, Philippines, Cambodia and Indonesia.
Month of Prayer and Fasting in November November was set aside for a strong focus and challenge to be praying and pressing into Jesus more – both personally to grow our relationships with him, and corporately for the church. We had four special encouragements for our people – Pray daily and specifically beyond our normal quiet times – Fast one day a week – Give, reassess our giving of money and time – Invite a non-Christian to church each week. As we submitted ourselves to spiritual growth and sacrificial discipline we are trusting God to speak into us and effect some breakthrough for us.
Visit of Annie Seeba Annie is the Founder and Director of REHOCH (Renewed Hope Children’s Home) in Zambia. This is a mission focus Citywide has had now for over a decade – supporting the children in their education and living, as well as helping with building projects and women’s industries. Citywide sponsored Annie to visit Hobart and share her faith journey and her work for God with us.
Support from Baptist Mission Australia We are delighted to report that BMA has extended grant support money towards our Nepalese Outreach Programs, and Jivan Thapa has joined the staff of BMA. Our Nepalese congregation is super active in meeting, supporting and sharing Jesus with all the Hindu people who come to Hobart. They run a free Learner Driver Mentoring program, which helps many new arrivals to obtain their licence and thereby be equipped to seek work or attend studies. They also run a community bus in support of new arrivals, helping them from airports, in housing, in local community services, in outings for the elderly, etc. Another active area is in running a very popular soccer competition. All these activities come with information about the love Jesus has for them.
Youth and Children-led service On Sunday, 24 November the kids and youth led the church service for us. They did such an amazing job of walking us through ‘weakness’ and how God’s strength can be seen in us as we submit to him.
Citywide Celebration Dinner We will hold our annual Celebration Dinner on 30 November, again with thanksgiving and honour to God for all he does for and in us. Annie Seeba was our guest speaker this year.
Our Recycled Christmas A local artist more used to working with sculptured wood and an engineer who does creative lighting for a hobby teamed up to produce a unique Christmas Tree and stage display out of recycled materials for the annual Carols service on 15 December. 610 cans make our massive 12-foot tree, with each can boasting individually controlled LED lights. As if that wasn’t enough, the two enlisted the help of forty volunteers to construct hundreds of meters of paper chain half a dozen smaller Christmas trees for the stage.
Christmas Events Thursday, 12 December – Christmas Shop, in partnership with Mission Australia. We set up, stock and invite eligible families in our local area to come and ‘buy’ (with tokens) items for their families at Christmas time.
Saturday, 7 December – Carols in the Park at Lenah Valley. We give some lead to the community carols in the park.
Saturday, 14 December – Carols at the (Bellerive) Beach. Joining with all the Eastern Shore Churches we together put on the Eastern Shore Carols.
Sunday, 15 December – Special Carols Service – a combined service at Mornington, Levendale Lunch and Carols from 12 noon.
Saturday, 21 December – Christmas in the Paddock – this is Citywide’s special gift to our local community in Mornington – a time of fun and togetherness with the neighbourhood.
Wednesday, 25 December – A short Christmas Service keeping Christ at the centre of Christmas, held at both Lenah Valley and Mornington at 10am.
Claremont Baptist Church
What a wonderful time of blessing at Claremont! There has been a steady flow of new people bringing with them their talents and experience. How wonderful to grow the Kingdom together.
September Through our combined efforts, we were able to pack 40 well stocked Samaritan Purse boxes.
October We held what is now an Annual Plant and Craft Sale. The sale of tomato plants, other vegetable seedlings, succulents and annuals is now anticipated and well supported by the local community. The weather was kind to us, so we were able to set up the sausage sizzle BBQ and Devonshire Tea tables in the sunshine. This gave a wonderful atmosphere and opportunities for chats with both church friends and locals from our neighbourhood. Everyone knows everyone in Tasmania and many old friends were reunited!
Baptism Week We were thrilled to baptise Anna Clark and Jack Murtagh. We look forward to these two young people growing in faith and fellowship.
November We held a Christian Diwali Service. A truly special service with Hindi and Malayalam hymns and even some dancing followed by a traditional Indian food lunch. In Acts 17, Paul connected with the Athenians by using their own language and cultural references to reveal the truth about God. In the same way we used the concept of light over darkness to point to the true light, Jesus, and to share His love with others in a meaningful way. There were a few visitors. It also helped us as a congregation to gain more knowledge of the traditions of some of the newer members of our church who come from diverse cultural backgrounds.
This month we will have a special service for the Persecuted Church with a focus on the Voice of the Martyrs.
Christmas Events Drive by one evening to see the Nativity Scene as you do the rounds to view the Christmas Lights in Hobart.
Christmas Carol Celebration is on Saturday, 21 December at Claremont Baptist from 6:30pm. Sing along as the Christmas Story is presented in Scripture and Song.
Christmas Day Service is 9:30am
Hobart Baptist Church
It was wonderful to celebrate Hobart Baptist Church’s 140th anniversary together as a church family, with an historically themed service with well-known hymns accompanied by the organ and choir along with stories from the rich history that HBC uniquely holds. It’s exciting to think about the opportunity HBC has ahead in the next era. What will they be talking about at the 200th anniversary celebration?
HBC Youth & Young Adults (aged 16-25) have started meeting from 6-7:30pm each Saturday night at HBC and ‘The Battery’ prayer meetings continue Thursdays 6-7pm at HBC in the Soundy Lounge.
Christmas Events
75th Anniversary for ‘Empty Christmas Tree’ Sunday 15 December, the Empty Christmas Tree will be up during the church service ready to receive gifts. This long-standing HBC tradition , is in fact now in its 75th year! Attendees are invited to bring a gift, such as a book, toy, game, clothing, non-perishable food item, gift card, voucher or financial donation to place under the tree. Gifts should be new, unwrapped and can be for all ages. Come and experience the joy of giving.
All gifts and donations are delivered to Hobart City Mission for distribution.
Also on Sunday 15 December, HBC will hold a Christmas Market in the foyer during morning tea after the service. Donations of baked goods and Christmas treats welcome. Money raised will boost donations to the needy through Hobart City Mission.
‘I am leaning on God for His strength, His peace and His provision.’
Tasmanian Baptist Council Southern representative, Hazelyn Mohan, serves on the music team at Claremont Baptist. She has a heart for Christians who have lost their first love – God. Read on to find out more . . .
I am originally from Singapore and came to Tasmania 14 years ago to pursue my Bachelor of Laws at UTAS (does this make me a Tasmanian now?). I still am unable to get used to the weather and I often wear bright coloured coats, different coloured socks and shoes on each foot and layers and layers of clothes.
No one has time for same colour shoes on each foot!
I currently work full time for the State Government (and that in itself was a journey of faith for me!). I am also pursuing my Masters in Cyber Security with UNSW online and on a part time basis.
Family life
I come from a small family and have an older brother who is four years older than me. He is married and lives in Singapore as do my mom and dad. I am the only one in my family who has moved out of Singapore.
Left to right: Here are the Mohans: Mum, Dad, Hazelyn, sister-in-law, and brother.
Faith Seasons
My own faith journey has been a roller coaster, but I know that through all my seasons, God never let me go. Not once.
I come from a strong Pentecostal background and my dad has been in ministry for as long as I can remember. In Singapore, I attended an Assembly of God where I was encouraged to find my own faith and accept Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Saviour.
My own faith journey has been a roller coaster, but I know that through all my seasons, God never let me go. Not once.
I accepted Christ at the age of 14 and was baptised several years later; I only began to truly seek Him when I was older. When my dad started his own church, I was the pastor’s kid which meant that I was the first to arrive and the last to leave. I was the usher, the Sunday School teacher, the set up and tear down person, part of the music team and everything else in between.
Having grown up in a home where God was always first, it created a strong foundation for me when I was ready to pursue God with all my heart, soul and mind.
I have a heart for Christians who have lost their first love – God. My desire to help them find God again and reconnect with the One who loves them so much.
When I graduated from UTAS, after being called to the Bar, I wondered if I should join my friends in Melbourne. However, doors were never opened for me and I didn’t feel at peace when making the decision to move. On hindsight, I now know that God had a greater plan for me. I met some wonderful people who I now worship with, attend bible study and do life with.
I have a heart for Christians who have lost their first love – God. My desire is to help them find God again and reconnect with the One who loves them so much.
Church Life
Through fellowship, prayer and support, my faith grew here in Tasmania. I love to serve people. Through Intercultural Church (IC Church), I was given the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and be part of the music team, do a bit of sharing and sit on the elders board.
Late last year, IC Church joined with our brothers and sisters in Christ at Claremont Baptist Church. At Claremont Baptist, I serve on the music team and I am also on the Tasmanian Baptist Council as a Southern representative.
IC Church continues to regularly meet every other month for food, fellowship and to grow our faith. I attend monthly meetings as part of the Glenorchy Churches Network, which is an opportunity for pastors and leaders to gather and pray with each other as we serve our community.
I am also the Secretary of the Glenorchy Community Care program which is a not for profit food program that was initiated by the Glenorchy Churches Network to show God’s love to the community doing it tough by not just meeting their physical need but also their spiritual needs through prayer.
In my spare time, I like to read fiction stories – especially if they are of the crime and mystery genre. I listen to true crime podcasts most of the time. Mostly, if I am not at church or work, you can find me at home where I am most comfortable in my PJs and layers and layers of clothes to help keep me warm!
Current challenge
I am time poor at the moment due to working full time and studying part time as well as being involved in my various ministries. I cannot wait for next year when I would have finished my studies and can get involved even more deeply into God’s work.
Patience is not my virtue, and my mom always says that I have a patience of a 5 year old! So if anything, in this season of my life, I am leaning on God for His strength, His peace and His provision.
…in this season of my life, I am leaning on God for His strength, His peace and His provision.
The Best piece of advice?
People don’t care about what you know until they know that you care.
Pray For…
You can pray for me that in this season and next season, I will step out in faith and keep my eyes on the Lord.
Hazelyn Mohan leaning on God
Short ‘n’ Sweet
I am looking forward to. . . the end of the year when I would have finally finished my course (God willing!)
I am worried about. . . my grades (currently!)
I am confident. . . that I may not have enough but I have a God that is enough for me (Amen!).
I am joyful about. . . the opportunity to serve God
I would like to change. . . nothing (except maybe make time move faster so I can finish my studies!)
I am at my best. . . when I am well rested and have chocolates (mostly the chocolates!)
ABOVE Tasmanian Baptist Council members from October 2023. Clockwise from top left: Chair, Scott Ambrose; Vice Chair, Matt Garvin; Administrator, Rodney Marshall; Craig Hawkins (North); Owen Muskett (Northwest); Hazelyn Mohan (South); Mark Harris (South); Wendy Marston (North); Louis Fife (Northwest); Mission Director, Stephen Baxter.
We areTasmanian Baptists
Our Council represents Tasmanian Baptist churches with elected members from each region.
It’s time for a catch-up!
Last year there were three new appointees to Council: Scott Ambrose, Owen Muskett and Mark Harris. Then, at the Annual Assembly on 21st October, two new Council members were elected: Hazelyn Mohan and Craig Hawkins. Read all about them, below.
Tasmanian Baptist Council
The Tasmanian Baptist Council meets four times every year and delivers governance and administration for the Baptist Union of Tasmania. Officially the Council is “Assembly in Absentia”, and represents Assembly in all it does.
In addition to elected members, Council consists of the Mission Director (Stephen Baxter) and Administrator (Rodney Marshall).
Currently, eight elected members represent churches from each region:
CHAIR Scott Ambrose VICE-CHAIR Matt Garvin NORTH Wendy Marston; Craig Hawkins NORTHWEST Louis Fife; Owen Muskett SOUTH Mark Harris; Hazelyn Mohan
Please keep these men and women in your thoughts and prayers as they represent their regions, and make significant decisions which impact Baptist churches throughout Tasmania.
Council is due to meet for the final time this year on Saturday 2nd December.
New Council members, 2022-23
Council Bio – Scott Ambrose elected May 2022
Scott Ambrose is the Principal at Calvin Christian School in Kingston. Scott is married to Sonya and they have five children. An active member of Hobart Baptist Church for over 20 years Scott currently serves on the Church’s Leadership Team as the Chair. Scott has been a Youth Group Leader at Hobart Baptist, and also serves as a Leader at Hobart Boys’ Brigade.
Professionally, Scott is a member of the Modern Language Teachers Association of Tasmania State Council. He holds a Bachelor of Arts with First Class Honours, a Bachelor of Teaching, a Graduate Certificate and Diploma in Indonesian, and a Masters of Educational Leadership.
Council Bio – Owen Muskett elected October 2022
Owen Muskett has been married to Dawn for 45 years, and have three married sons and eight grandchildren. He has been the Pastor at Wynyard Baptist Church for 9½ years and encourages the church to worship together, to get to know God personally, to care for each other, to witness the name of Jesus locally, nationally and internationally, and to serve the local community.
He and Dawn recognise that through God’s sovereign will, He both opens and closes doors and both recognise that throughout their lives, they have experienced God’s plan and purpose in all they have accomplished: in raising their children, in business and in church life. They have experienced the joys and the hardship of being self-employed, and the sadness seeing friends and family struggle with all sorts of life issues – sickness, death, and divorce. Through it all, Owen and Dawn have sought to love and care for others in their time of need.
And certainly, through all of life’s journey, they can say that God is good – all the time!
Council Bio – Mark Harris elected October 2022
A Christian since his youth Mark Harris, with his wife Fiona, have attended Citywide Baptist Hobart for over five years. They have three adult children, and enjoy most outdoor activities.
Mark has served in a variety of church capacities ranging from kids and youth programs to development, leadership and board roles. He also served as an Executive Pastor for a number of years in a large ACC Melbourne church, and currently contributes in board roles for two Christian organisations.
Mark has a professional background in finance and general management, having worked in a broad range of commercial, Christian and NFP organisations at a senior level. Up until his retirement, Mark was a Certified Practising Accountant, Chartered Secretary, and Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia. Mark holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Melbourne University, and a Graduate Diploma in Theology.
While enjoying a retirement lifestyle, Mark is keen to serve the Kingdom and make a difference in the name of Jesus.
Council Bio – Hazelyn Mohan elected October 2023
Hazelyn* attends Claremont Baptist, having initially been a part of IC Church.
Hazelyn Mohan is originally from Singapore. She came to Tasmania 13 years ago to pursue a law degree. She has been in the Tasmanian public service sector for the past ten years, and is currently working full time, pursuing her Masters part-time, and is involved in various Church ministries.
Hazelyn’s dad was a pastor and she so grew up in a God-fearing household. She accepted Jesus as her personal Lord and Saviour when she was 14, and was baptised as a youth in Singapore. Her faith journey has been a rollercoaster, but through every season, she knows that God holds her hands.
She strives to live courageously through Christ, love unconditionally by His grace, and work faithfully for His kingdom.
* Hazelyn is also known informally as Hazel.
Council Bio – Craig Hawkins elected October 2023
Craig Hawkins is the son of Church of Christ pastor Ray Hawkins and mother Mary, who are well-known to many northern Tasmanian Baptists. Becoming a Christian at 10 years old in central Queensland, his baptism took place the same year. He married Rachelle in 1997 and they have six children, aged 12 to 21 years. They attend The Point Baptist Church in Beauty Point.
Both Craig and Rachelle have post-graduate degrees in science, and this has led to a passionate interest in faith and science issues. Craig is currently chairman of the Creation Discovery Centre board and is a speaker for Creation Research.
Upon taking on well-known northern business Seahorse World in Beauty Point, the Hawkins’ moved to the area in 2002, where a few years later Craig left his position as Compliance Manager with the Tasmanian Forest Practices Authority to become Managing Director of their business.
Craig has been active in The Point church since its inception and has been an elder there for about the last six years.
