reCharge NEWS October 2024

Encounter Trailer

New Series from Olive Tree Media  

Olive Tree Media are excited to announce a new series called Encounter.  

In this series, you’ll revisit moments from the Gospel where people met Jesus and walked away profoundly transformed. Karl Faase and some expert guests will unpack these New Testament encounters and consider their relevance for today. You’ll also meet people from all walks of life and people from around the world who have encountered Jesus today.  

Watch the trailer here.

Around the world today, many are encountering Jesus and being transformed by his love and grace. In this series, Karl Faase unpacks some of the unique stories from Scripture, highlighting how encounters with Jesus brings healing, transformation, and purpose to those on the margins of society, those seeking truth, and those desperate for grace. From Mary’s life-altering meeting with the Angel to the woman healed of a long-term illness, these stories reveal that God continues to meet people in unexpected ways. Each story is reflected upon by a diverse group of voices—ranging from theologians and pastors to cultural commentators and those who have had their own divine encounters. 

An Encounter Discussion Guide and DVD are also available to purchase. 

Watch Episode 1 for free here. 

International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) 

3rd and 10th of November 2024 

For more than two decades, the World Evangelical Alliance has organised the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP), as a global event that unites millions of Christians in prayer for the persecuted Church.  

Annually, the IDOP is observed on either the first or second Sunday of November. 

The theme for this year, “Courageous Faith,” inspired by Deuteronomy 31:6, calls us to remember the strength and resilience of those who, despite facing intense opposition, hold firmly to their faith in Jesus Christ.  

Persecution is intensifying around the world. From the Middle East to Asia, from Africa to Latin America, and even in the West, Christians are increasingly being targeted for their faith. They are marginalized, oppressed, and silenced. Yet, in the face of this adversity, the faith of many remains unshaken. Their courage is a testament to the power of God at work in the midst of suffering.  

Read about God’s Sovereignty and the Suffering Church from the idop blog here. 

As a church, or as an individual or small group, the WEA invites you to unite with millions of believers across the globe to stand in solidarity with our persecuted family.  Use these days to pray, to educate and to mobilize your congregations and communities to amplify the voices of those who are often unheard.  

Download the prayer guide and other resources here.

True Enlightenment

Free resource from Crossover  
True Enlightenment is an Advent and Christmas Series resource that explores how Jesus brings true light into the world – indeed is the light of the world – bringing everything into perspective: God, others and us ourselves. The series is adaptable for use in all kinds of churches and full of the great news about Jesus. It’s free for you from Crossover, that exists to help Australian Baptists Share Jesus. 

23rd Baptist World Congress

July 7-12, 2025 in Brisbane 
The countdown is on for the 2025 Baptist World Congress. Join the global Baptist family to engage in powerful worship, learning, and service together, with the theme focused on “Living the Good News” in the world. This will be an incredible experience for the whole family with exciting programs provided for adults, children, and teenagers. 

Here’s some more information about the program: 

The Baptist Women’s Summit and the NxtGen Leadership Summit will kick off the week on 7-8 July.

On 9 July, the BWA Executive Committee and Global Council will meet, with a Mission Conference planned for the day. In addition, there will be a Mission Experience half-day tour during the afternoon ahead of the Congress Opening Celebration on Wednesday evening. 

From 10-12 July, the main Congress program will continue through each day and evening until the Closing Celebration on the evening of Saturday, 12 July. Thursday through Saturday will include plenaries, Bible studies by language, seminars, as well as regional and affinity groups. When not in sessions, music from around the world will be played at the International Festival for fellowship networking. 

The team have compiled important information to help with planning. Be sure to bookmark the Congress website as this is being updated regularly with the latest info.

Baptist Women’s World Day of Prayer

Saturday, 2 November 2024 

Tasmanian women are invited to this year’s Baptist Women’s World Day of Prayer. 
Join as a community of women to intercede for Baptist women around the world. 
This year’s theme is Purposeful Life.  

Where: Citywide Lenah Valley
When: 2:00pm – 4:00pm 
RSVP: Friday, 1 November 2024  

To register or for questions, contact the team at empowher@tasbaptists.org.au or call 0439 357 574. 

Jireh House 

Job Opportunity 

Jireh House are seeking an Administration Officer to provide support and assistance to women and children residing at Jireh House Shelter.   

The purpose of the role is to: 
– Assist in the safety and security of Jireh House’s clients. 
– To facilitate the smooth administrational processes of Jireh House. 

Hours of Work – 45 hours per fortnight (8.30am – 5.00pm, Wednesday – Friday) 

Applications to be submitted by Thursday October 24, 2024. 

For more info visit: Finance and Administrator Worker Job in Hobart TAS – SEEK 

Walk the World

8-10 November 
Baptist Mission Australia invites you to Walk the World! Across the weekend of 8-10 Nov 2024, pray for the world, as you walk your world!  Is your church participating?

Walk the World is about facilitating an opportunity for Australian Baptists to get out in our neighbourhoods and pray! This community building weekend of prayer and fun is for individuals, churches, small groups or families. 

Pray for the local communities God has placed us in, and pray for the communities around the world our intercultural teams are placed in. Pray for your church’s ministry, and the ministry of our Baptist Mission Australia teams. 

Churches and individuals can participate in many ways including: prayer walks, fun activities with kids, special small group events, picnics, sing-a-longs and more…  

Walk the World is for everyone, of all abilities, ages and group size and although it’s not a competition, there are also prizes! BMA have provided resources for all ages on their website. Some resources will be targeted towards adults and others to children, families or youth.
 
These include: 
– Walk the World Prayer Guide 
– Creative Prayer Ideas 
– Global Prayer Guide 
– 24 Ways to Walk the World

Register here for Walk the World 2024

For more info, visit the Walk the World 2024 website or watch the endorsement video from LifeWay Baptist church.

Walk the World! 8-10 Nov 2024 church promo video

Mission and the Reign of God

4-part video course presented by Mike Frost 

Mission and the Reign of God is a FREE resource provided by Morling College 

In this series, Mike links the ideas of the Kingdom of God and the mission of God’s people.

He believes the church’s mission is all about helping others to see and experience the reign of King Jesus and to submit to his rule in their lives. 

Discussion questions are provided after each video, along with some suggestions for where you might find more information. 

Mike is the founder of the Tinsley Institute and an internationally recognised scholar in the area of Christian mission. He is a pastor, evangelist, writer and lecturer and has written extensively on the mission of the church. 

Lebanon Crisis Response 

Baptist World Aid  
A humanitarian emergency is rapidly escalating in Lebanon as towns and villages in Southern Lebanon are being destroyed in bombing campaigns as tensions escalate. The number of displaced people is expected to rise rapidly. 

Baptist World Aid is asking for financial donations to support their Baptist Partner in Lebanon as they serve their neighbours fleeing conflict.   

Over 90,000 traumatised and newly displaced people need urgent assistance and somewhere safe to take their families. This number is expected to rise rapidly as conflict escalates and more family homes become unsafe. 

The BWA Partner in Lebanon is working closely with the local Church to arrange safe shelter and distribute bedding, hygiene kits, and food.   

‘Daily life has been upended as places like schools have turned from institutions of learning into shelters’ said the local Christian Partner. 

BWA’s Baptist Partner in Lebanon can offer somewhere safe for their neighbours.  

Donations will mean this Baptist Partner in Lebanon can arrange shelter, and provide mattresses, bedding, blankets, hygiene kits, and food to families arriving with almost nothing.  

Just a year ago, Melissa Lipsett, CEO at Baptist World Aid Australia walks with BWA Christian Partners in Lebanon.

Equipping Churches for Disability Ministry  

12 October, 8:30 am – 3:00 pm AEDT 

The Jesus Club Conference 2024 invites local churches across Australia to explore how they can better connect with and minister to adults with intellectual disabilities. 

The conference will be in Sydney and live-streamed online. It offers a day of powerful discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities aimed at equipping volunteers and church leaders to build communities where people of all abilities feel they truly belong. 

This year’s conference will revolve around the theme of “Belonging: What does it mean to belong at Jesus Club and the wider Christian church community?” 

The event will feature a lineup of distinguished keynote speakers who will share practical strategies and theological insights on creating more inclusive church environments.  

Speakers include: 
– Rev. Dr. Mike Bird (Ridley College) – “From Tolerance to Inclusion: Christian Ethics of Hospitality, Healing, and Holistic Ministry.”
– Dr. Louise Gosbell (Australian College of Theology) – “What does it mean to belong at Jesus Club?”
– Rev. Dr. Archie Poulos (Moore College) – “A body – parts serving a part and a part serving the body.”
– Rev. Bec Baines (Youthworks) – Teaching the Bible to people with intellectual disabilities. 
– Naomi Bird (CMS-A) – Supporting carers in church and ministry.

Date: Saturday, 12 October 2024 
Time: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm AEDT 
Location: St Andrew’s House, Level 2, Sydney, Australia (In-person) 

Attendees can participate in person or join via live-stream. All registered delegates will receive access to the conference video recordings. Early registration is encouraged as spaces are limited.

Register here for Jesus Club Conference 2024 or contact josh@jesusclub.org.au. 

ReCharge News October 2024

Read More ReCharge!

Recharge Articles 2024

Walk the World Winners!

Walk the World = Baptist Mission Australia

Baptists At Our Best

Congratulations Lifeway Baptist

Baptist Mission Australia award for praying, walking, driving and time in the garden! 

Last November, Baptist Churches nationally were encouraged by Baptist Mission Australia to pray for their community, neighbourhood and the world in the Walk the World campaign.

Lifeway Baptist in Devonport took up the challenge, and their efforts so impressed Baptist Mission Australia, that they won a prize!

Jenny Mountney of Lifeway Baptist explains what happened.

Baptist Mission Australia’s November initiative of “Walk the World” and praying over a three-day period really captured the heart of the Lifeway community.

There were people praying as they drove the streets, walked the streets and undertook activity across the state, country and overseas. The intentional prayer focus was for our community, state, country and intercultural teams, wherever they were.  

From the youngest in Sunday Tribes, to the most elderly, it is thought over 60% of the community took part. Nothing inspires people more than a challenge – and an amazing purpose – to bring our world to the Lord. We asked for healing and peace, strength and vision.

Baptist Mission Australia provided prayer guides, and children’s resources and activities. Our insomniacs prayed through their nights. The workers took moments in their day to walk and pray. The bushwalkers marvelled at God’s glory while counting steps and kilometers. 

Watch Lifeway’s video report

Excited responses

It was an amazing weekend filled with hope and joy. Plus, we are excited to receive the award for Australian Baptist Churches Walk the World winners! So many amazing stories came from the initiative, and it is quite surreal that Lifeway Baptist was selected. A huge thank you goes to every person who supported, prayed, walked and rode praying for our world. 

Teagan Dwyer-Riviere, Communications Manager at Baptist Mission Australia, said “Our team was so blown away by the amazing report you shared about how your whole church community got involved in Walk the World in November last year! It was so encouraging to read of the creative ways people of all ages, abilities and interests engaged in prayer. It sounds like it was a very rich time of prayer and community engagement.”.

Senior Pastor Nicholas Alexander was ecstatic. “It’s super encouraging for Lifeway, both for the mission’s team who work so hard, and for all of us in our prayer life.”

We at Lifeway are looking forward to receiving our first prize of a whole of church morning tea and guest speaker from Baptist Mission Australia. Fingers crossed this can take place in May Missions Month! 


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Walk the World Winners