today issue #13
DESCRIPTION
Read what God is doing in Australia and beyondTRANSCRIPT
Our Mission
Launching spiritual movements by
winning, building and sending Christ-
centred multiplying disciples.
Our Vision
To see spiritual movements
everywhere so that everyone knows
someone who truly follows Jesus.
Our Core Values
» Bold faith
» Christlike character
» Fulfi lling the Great Commission
» Effectiveness and innovation
» Community and interdependence
“ Therefore go and make
disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name
of the Father and of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Matt 28:19 NIV
NOVEMBER 2011
true stories from next door and around the worldPRIN
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03
Life Changing RadioPage 8
Shaking JapanPage 10
MKs: Grown Up and Making a DifferencePage 12
Teens Digging Wells in CambodiaPage 18
Page 4
NEXT TIME YOU SHARE YOUR FAITH:
WHICH EVANGELISTIC TOOLS WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE IN YOUR POCKET?
The ICE PAC – Images for Creative Engagement.
Find out more at resources.ccca.org.au or scan this QR code with your smartphone.
Are Catholics Christians?
JUDGEMENT
DAY!OR
Lunch ends, but the medical clinic continues to treat patients until evening. Ben, Jacinta and their siblings head back into the unforgiving Cambodian sun to play games with the village children, sing a few songs, and help the adult volunteers teach a few Bible lessons.
Many children come seeking medical treatment on their own initiative, without their parents accompanying them. Ben stares at them, knowing one out of every fi ve of these children will not live to see his or her fi fth birthday. He knows how important it is to provide clean water for these kids. “There have been times when I didn’t really know what to believe about God. On this trip I learned that God is with us. He sees us, and He sees the Cambodians. Maybe they will have a better life because of something small we did like this. God’s been a part of making this happen, and I’m so glad I came.”
TODAY ISSUE 13 19
…connecting everyone to someone who truly follows Jesus
From the Editor
Change Equals Growth
I am not the most spontaneous person on earth. I am a bit of a planner. So needless to say, when forced to change direction, it can be a bit challenging for me. In the long run, I survive and come out the other end a more fl exible person than before. Consequently, by learning to rely on the Lord more, I have grown.
TODAY magazine experienced signifi cant changes over the past two years. You may or may not have noticed the experimentation we did in testing new and different layout and designs. With each change, I learned what does and does not work. Interviews, fi nding the right angle for a story, the best photos, layout and design – all pose challenges. Any changes cause growth for me and everyone else involved in the process.
This issue of TODAY marks another change in that it is my last issue as Editor-in-Chief. I have moved back to Campus Crusade’s for Christ’s international headquarters in the USA (now called Cru). In fact, I’ve been in the USA several months, so this entire issue was directed from my new offi ce in Florida.
Working remotely has been a challenging change – but through it, I’ve grown. As my family and I begin our new assignment (serving in U.S. Communications for Cru), I am saddened to say goodbye to our Australian missionaries – friends who are dear to us and will always hold a loyal place in our hearts – but still excited for what adventures God has planned for us as full-time missionaries.
My friend, Ian Finnan will be fi lling my role as Editor. His experience and expertise is sure to make the Communications Department of CCCA successful. We are not sure what TODAY magazine will become in the future. What we are sure of is that Jesus still transforms lives around Australia. Campus Crusade for Christ Australia remains committed to sharing these stories in order to point you to Jesus.
May God be glorifi ed as you read through this issue.
— Tez
2 TODAY ISSUE 13
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— — TeTeTeTez
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Christ Australia
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MAIL TO:Campus Crusade for Christ AustraliaUnit #1, 8 Anzed Court,Mulgrave, VIC 3170
TODAY MagazineIssue 13 – November 2011
Editor-in-ChiefTez Brooks
Managing EditorIan Finnan
EditorsKathryn BickertonMaryBeth Berry
Contributing WritersEric Skattebo Graham MacDonald Jennifer LuLynn Menhennitt Suan Lee CampbellTez Brooks
Design and ProductionClassic Press
Front cover athlete image by Rakesh Kumar
TODAY Magazine is a publication of Campus Crusade for Christ Australia an interdenominational Christian parachurch movement committed to helping fulfi ll the Great Commission of Jesus Christ. Campus Crusade works together with churches and other Christian organizations to win, build, train and send individuals from all walks of life into dynamic spiritual growth and multiplication.
For address changes or to submit a story for publication contact
TODAY magazineAttention: Editor-in-Chief Unit 1–8 Anzed CourtMulgrave, VIC 3170Australia
Or
MINISTRY LEADERS
International PresidentStephen B. Douglass
CCCA National DirectorBill [email protected]
RESOURCES & WEBSHOPresources.ccca.org.au
CCCA MINISTRIES
Athletes in ActionReaching Athletesoz.athletesinaction.org
Children of the WorldTraining children’s [email protected]
CRAMCreative Arts [email protected]
FamilyLife AustraliaMarriage & Family outreachwww.familylifeaustralia.com [email protected] 03 9014 7590
GAiNHumanitarian Aid and [email protected]
Here’s LifeMulti-lingual evangelistic [email protected]
Professional LifeInfl uencing the [email protected]
Student LifeUniversities outreachwww.studentlife.org.au
The Signifi cant WomanLife coaching ministrysignifi [email protected]
Youth Ministries AustraliaReaching [email protected]
Ian Finnan
For mission trip opportunities, join GAiN Australia on Facebook
NationAl DirectoR’s CorneRMelbourne Matters, 2009) reveals that if we take Melbourne as an example of Australia’s cities, each month close to half the population comes into some sort of contact with Christian institutions or services – health care, aged care, social services, schools, churches, etc. – and their lives are enriched. Yet clearly there is little effective heart connection. Weekly church attendance hovers near 8 percent and dropping. The younger generation is increasingly absent. Yet the deeper heart need remains: 18 percent of people aged 16-24 and 23 percent aged 45-59 say they are “… hurting deep inside and nothing seems to help.”
“Although pastoral care is being exercised, the churches are losing the battle for the hearts and minds of people. … The churches are simply not connecting with the average person…” (All Melbourne Matters, page 99.)
I am so encouraged by the dedication of our Campus Crusade for Christ Australia teams as they work hard to connect creatively with the unchurched majority. For example, the Love That Lasts conference (see page 9, this issue) was over two years in the making, with a lot of time, people and fi nancial resources involved. New initiatives do not just happen. They require much prayer, planning, resources and risk-taking faith.
Pray for us as we constantly seek to learn new and better “non-religious” ways of connecting non-churched people to a life transforming relationship with Jesus. Thanks for your partnership in this endeavour.
— Bill, National Director
His body language revealed reluctance, uncertainty, even scepticism. Hers showed eagerness, determination and a desperate longing for hope. They sat next to us, that Friday night, second row from the front. I introduced myself and my wife; he introduced himself and his partner. Here we were together at a FamilyLife Love That Lasts conference, two couples at very different stages of their relationships with each other and with God.
As I watched over the course of the weekend, I watched them change. Both relaxed as they laughed at the speakers’ stories of their own misconceptions and misadventures in marriage. They sat deeply engaged in conversation in the couples’ application workshops, refl ecting on the truths shared. His body language changed to openness and renewed determination to work on the relationship. Hers revealed a sense of empowerment through practical
TODAY Magazine is available via email
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truths and a new-found hope. They came to realise there is more to “a love that lasts” than commitment and good interpersonal skills, that there is a deeper spiritual mystery revealed in Jesus: the power to forgive, power to change and love unconditionally.
They had not yet become followers of Jesus, but they recognised the wisdom of the truth revealed and the qualities of His love. She felt so encouraged by the conference that she sought out our FamilyLife team to thank them personally and to ask how to join the team to help with future conferences. There clearly is more to this story still to come.
The FamilyLife Love That Lasts conference serves as a great example of our desire to sharpen our effectiveness in truly connecting non-churched people to spiritual truth in non-religious ways, so that ultimately they experience a life transforming relationship with Jesus. This is done through focussing on their “felt needs” and starting where they are rather than where they feel Christians expect them to be. It is about making a real heart connection with people’s deeper sense of thirst (John 4) and demonstrating how that self-evident ‘soul thirst’ fi nds thorough satisfaction in Jesus.
One of the challenges facing the body of Christ in Australia is not only how to make contact with people, but how to make those authentic heart connections. Research (All
Bill Hodgson
TODAY ISSUE 13 3
PLANE FAITH by Jennifer Lu
Matthew Rennie was a young, successful professional, full of ambition, just starting a
company, and preparing for the birth of his fi rst child. Life had never been so rewarding and exciting for him; but the daily stress was overwhelming. Despite his success, the constant challenges in life brought Matthew to the verge of a breakdown. At this point God chose to introduce missionary Gary Speckman into his life. Gary, Australia’s ministry leader for Athletes in Action, is now one of the most important pieces in Matthew’s journey.
Matthew remembers, “I met Gary on a plane from Melbourne to Sydney.” This short fl ight introduced a long-term relationship that transformed Matthew.“It was a life-changing experience. We had an amazing conversation about life, the world and Christianity. I thought this guy had the most amazing manner and such a peace. I wanted that. So I asked for his contact details and connected with him later.”
Soon afterward Gary and Matthew started meeting regularly. As a result, Matthew eventually prayed to receive Christ and started a new life as a Christian. However, like many who walk with God, his troubles did not end there. Spiritual challenges continued to bombard Matthew.
“It seemed I got attacked by the devil and my own fl esh every day. Three months later I lost direction and went back to my selfi sh ways. I was very focused on my business, being successful and wealthy. That had become my identity. As a result I suffered with a lot of negative
emotions,” says Matthew. “I like to solve everything
myself, but when I live my life based on that, I’m just smashing against a wall. I was trying to control something I had no control over.”
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Recognising his old habits popping up, Matthew started attending church. The fi rst thing he learned was to truly fall in love with Jesus. This principle now has become the most important thing in his life as a Christ-follower. He began getting to know Jesus as his personal mate by reading his Bible more and surrounding himself with other believers.
Meanwhile, with Gary’s help, Matthew’s faith strengthened. Gary convinced Matthew to become involved with Athletes in Action (AIA), a ministry that focuses on reaching people in the sports industry. Matthew participated in AIA’s Ultimate Training Camp and he reckons it was the best camp he ever attended. Through the camp, he understood more personally the pain Jesus went through when He carried the cross, which has continued to infl uence his Christian walk.
“I’m continuing to grow a lot spiritually,” says Matthew. “I can see where Christ has made me a better father and a better boss. I suppose I’d say the secret is you’ve got to fall in love with Him. If you don’t give Christ your heart, you’ll get distracted. I’m following Jesus no matter what!”
If you want to know more about Athletes in Action, visit oz.athletesinaction.org
“ I can see where Christ has made me a better father and a better boss. I suppose I’d say the secret is you’ve got to fall in love with Him…”
Matthew: new Christian / new Daddy
4 TODAY ISSUE 13
ULTIMATE TRAINING CAMP – WHERE GOD, LIFE and SPORT UNITEBy Tez Brooks
Sometimes as a competitor it is diffi cult to know how to play, compete, and train by the
values that are so important in life and to the Christian. If Christians are called to be in the world and not of the world, then what does this mean with respect to our beliefs and practices as followers of Christ in sport? Is there a way forward for a follower of Christ, or are we simply to accommodate the norms and rules of our coach, team and even the game itself? Do Christians play any differently?
The Ultimate Training Camp (UTC) helps answer some of these questions. It is for the competitor, for the sports person who takes his or her sport seriously. Not only does a participant learn how to become the best athlete he/she possibly can, on and off the fi eld, but also how to live by life-changing principles.
Jess Blake, Campus Crusade for Christ Australia missionary with Athletes in Action (AIA) says: “This camp is not for the couch potato nor someone who can simply take or leave sport. This event is for the active sports competitor. It requires a teachable heart and mind. The culmination of UTC ends with the ‘Ultimate’ test – a 20-hour multi-sport marathon.”
Each day includes:
» Classroom and on-fi eld teaching times.
» Competitions.
» Small group discussions.
» Down time to rest.
Gary Speckman, National Ministry Leader for AIA Australia says: “The effort to attend this camp is worth it. We have had sportsmen and sportswomen from Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Germany. It’s for anyone 17 years and over to learn – in a fun, practical way – how to integrate God, sport, and life.”
Speckman continues: “It doesn’t matter which sport you prefer. We have competitors from ice and fi eld hockey, basketball, rugby, track and fi eld, triathlons, wind-surfi ng, orienteering – even ballroom dancing! You don’t need to be an elite or professional sportsperson. However, because of the intense nature of the training, we do recommend participants be serious about sport and competition.”
If you want to know more about Athletes in Action, visit
oz.athletesinaction.org or scan this QR code with your smartphone.
Check our website from time to time for upcoming UTC events.
oz.athletesinaction.org
“ The effort to attend this camp is worth it … It’s for anyone 17 years and over to learn – in a fun, practical way – how to integrate God, sport, and life.”
TODAY ISSUE 13 5
Surf Life Saving Champion is Ambassador for ChristBy Suan Lee Campbell
In April, almost 8,000 Surf Life Saving (SLS) competitors from 300 clubs participated in the
four-day Australian Championships in Queensland. Among them was school teacher Chris Allum, from Cronulla SLS Club. Chris and his brother Hayden won the Open Board Rescue event (top photo). The youngest Surf Life Saver to represent Australia, Chris won another gold medal and two bronze.
This remarkable champion is the Ambassador for Life Saving Chaplaincy and was recruited by Terry Legg, a Campus Crusade for Christ Australia (CCCA) missionary. Terry is a chaplain for Athletes In Action and has known Chris since he was just a Nipper.
Over the years there is a growing number of attendees at the SLS Championship ecumenical service. In the 2011 Championship, Chris read a Bible passage at the beach service and Terry Legg preached. The message was broadcasted to the 7,000 who were there, taking the church where the people are.
On sharing his faith, Chris said of his recent role, “It’s a cool thing
to be an Ambassador. It gives me the opportunity to talk to others on the beach.” He is the only male elite Ironman who openly claims to be a Christian. “It’s easy to [get] selfi sh as an athlete, my whole life revolves around my sport. Anything that does not fi t into that can get cut off. But, as a Christian, there is more to it than that.” Chris prefers to show his faith through his behaviour and relationships with others in SLS. He considers himself soundly grounded in his faith and avoids the party culture common among some athletes.
When Chris was a boy, he had two important role models who infl uenced him: fi rstly his dad and former Ironman, Greg Allum. The other was his year-six teacher. Chris
says, “He was hard but fair and he’s the reason I chose teaching primary school boys.”
Chris speaks passionately about his infl uence on young boys and cadet teen members in SLS teams. He has many opportunities to give godly advice to others who seek him out for guidance.
Currently, his father Greg is also serving as a board member for Life Saving Chaplaincy. The father and son duo continue to have an infl uence for Christ in one of the biggest organizations in Australia.
If you would like to infl uence athletes by becoming a chaplain or through sponsoring a chaplain, log on to www.lifesavingchaplaincy.com
Second from right: Ambassador, Chris Allum with co-competitors
6 TODAY ISSUE 13
FRESH By Tez Brooks
Two musicians, Tim Gardiner and Peter Mawhinney, faced a classroom of 20 students in
Southern Highlands NSW, a region 100km out of Sydney. The Scripture coordinator invited the duo – known as Destination Life – to share the gospel in a fresh new way, through their performance.
Destination Life is an outreach band of Creative Arts Ministries (CRAM), a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ Australia. They work with Scripture teachers, chaplains and youth pastors to share Jesus using fresh, relevant music and lyrics for today’s teens.
So what kind of entertainment does the band provide for unchurched teens who seem to shy away from religious music? CRAM Ministry Leader, Darren Hamilton says, “Top 40 artists have credibility with kids, so we use the themes brought up in those lyrics to share about Jesus from our own life stories.”
A teacher approached the artists. “Don’t be too upset if you don’t get much of a response. This group is my hardest, most cynical class.”
Unphased, the duo picked up their guitars to play. They shared their songs and personal life stories. They challenged students to consider a personal relationship with Jesus and then led them through a prayer if they desired to follow Christ.
On the whole, the students were eager, attentive and responsive. By the end of the hour, it became apparent God was moving in the class. Out of 20 students, 11 prayed for a fresh start – a relationship with their Creator.
At another concert, a boy named Nathan (name changed) fi led into his school library where the duo was to perform, and squished into a corner with several other Year Eight students. As the band began to play, Nathan’s corner gradually became
Destination Life works with Scripture teachers, chaplains and youth pastors to share Jesus using FRESH, relevant music and lyrics for today’s teens.
increasingly noisy. Teachers decided to separate the students. Nathan was moved to the back of the room, and divinely located to a seat in front of the band’s booking manager, Judy Hamilton. God prompted her to pray for Nathan throughout the show.
After the concert, Judy began handing out response cards. Nathan did not take one. Head in his hands, he sat crying, overcome with emotion. He could not understand why he felt so overwhelmed. Nathan needed a Savior, so he prayed to receive Christ – one of 40 students who began a walk with God that day.
As of June 2011, Destination Life has performed over 46 gigs and more than 600 teens have prayed to receive Christ. For more information contact [email protected] or
follow Destination Life on Facebook.
TODAY ISSUE 13 7
HOPE FOR ABUSE SURVIVORS
FamilyLife Australia is a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ focused on reaching families
with the gospel. Recently a radio listener in rural Western Australia called the offi ce to say she heard a “Marriage and FamilyLife” interview with Lyn Denton on sexual abuse. She said she knew two Christian teenagers – ages 14 and 16 – who had suffered abuse and now struggled to recover. One was on anti-depressants. The woman ordered copies of three of our programs on sexual abuse, along with the book Wounded Heart, which is FamilyLife Australia’s main resource on the topic. The listener hoped the programs and book would better equip her and others involved to, assist the teenagers in their recovery. As a result of the resources FamilyLife provided, both teenagers began to heal and recover from their abuse.
RADIO THAT CHANGES LIVESBy Eric Skattebo
ONE TESTIMONY’S RIPPLE EFFECT
Rachael Holt grew up in the Melbourne area, the child of loving Christian parents. However, during her teenage years, a rebellious phase caused her to drift far from the Lord. A bit of a free spirit, Rachael eventually
made her way to Africa to be a teacher.
While there, the Lord took hold of her heart at an orphanage in Swaziland, and she renewed her commitment to Jesus. She decided to stay at the orphanage and become a full-time missionary. During her recent visit to Melbourne, FamilyLife Australia had the privilege of broadcasting her journey.
However, the story does not end there. A Brisbane listener greatly inspired by Rachael’s story travelled to Swaziland. Rachael says, “She has come to permanently volunteer in our preschool.”
To listen to Rachael Holt’s and Lyn Denton’s stories, click on the radio link at familylifeaustralia.com
8 TODAY ISSUE 13
HEARTBREAK WARFAREBy Suan Lee Campbell and Lynn Menhennitt
Bri (name changed) was a heavy-drinking party girl. Although raised in a Christian
home, she spiritually drifted over the years. Now Bri was living with a man and engaged to marry him. She wanted to start the marriage out healthy. That’s when she attended the relationship getaway hosted by FamilyLife, a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ Australia. She walked away changed.
This isn’t always the case – many couples wont ask for help. So do couples long for a love that lasts? The answer is obvious – yes. Yet a snap shot of Australian families shows a different picture. Four out of every ten marriages end in divorce. Of those who divorced, almost half are couples with children. With over 900,000 couples cohabiting, almost a third of our nation’s children are being born out of wedlock.
If these facts are concerning, consider Australia’s spiritual state: sixty percent of Australians do not know someone actively in church, let alone someone who truly follows Jesus.
A 2009 research campaign on the condition of the church in greater metropolitan Melbourne, discovered that only 5,000 people are converted per year. That’s an average of less
than 3 people per church, per year coming to Christ.
For ages 34 and under, only four percent attend church. This is the demographic group most likely to be in a relationship or fi rst marriage. Our challenge in FamilyLife Australia is to target this demographic who would never really consider attending an event offered by a church.
In response to this scenario, FamilyLife has been on the move with a new strategic weekend conference designed to reach unchurched couples. In June of this year, after months of prayer and preperation, Love That Lasts – A Relationship Getaway was piloted in Melbourne.
The weekend combines multi-media, story-telling, teaching from transparent presenters, self-learning, refl ection, couple interaction, fun activities, free time for relaxation, good food and a romantic date night. To ensure the couple’s privacy there is no group interaction.
Bri came for help in her relationship and got something much more than a weekend away. Yes, she realised she needed to change; to start doing something positive to help her relationship. But now she is also considering a relationship with Jesus.
COMMENTS FROM ATTENDEEES“Coming to the relationship getaway helped me see three things damaging our relationship – ways I react, ways I communicate and focusing on the negative instead of the fantastic attributes of my husband.”
“We came with a huge issue; that was boiling for weeks. This weekend gave us the time, space, frame of mind and motivation to communicate, forgive and work on solutions. It was a gift in the midst of really hard times. Thank you FamilyLife Australia.”
“Excellent! I feel empowered. I was honestly at the end of my tether. This has given me new tools & strategies for my marriage.”
For bookings and more information, log on to www.lovethatlasts.com.au
or scan this QR code with your smartphone.
TODAY ISSUE 13 9
Shaking Japan
Six days before the earthquake,
tsunami and resultant nuclear
reactor breakdown, Campus
Crusade for Christ Australia sent
three missionaries to Japan. In Japan’s
700 universities, more than 2.8
million students need to hear about
Jesus. These are the future leaders of
Japan. So Cecilia Au reported to her
assignment in Nagoya for three years
along with Renee Chieng and Olivia
Liu, who are serving for one year.
The three women barely had settled
in when the earthquake hit, shaking
more than the buildings – it shook
the lives of thousands, causing them
to question topics of security, life,
death, hope and eternity.
at my university, I’m going to share Jesus with my friends right now.”
Edie (name changed), a non-believer, mentioned: “Even though I saw the video of last year’s conference, I thought I would run away, but I didn’t. Everyone was so kind and reached out to me. I realise that I’m really loved by God. I don’t know if I’m going to put my faith in Jesus, but I’m going to think about it more.”
Japan Campus Crusade for Christ (JCCC), along with several other mission organisations, joined a relief network named Crash, for cooperative relief in affected areas. Soon after the tsunami, authorities permitted 100 JCCC staff members and students to bring water, food and spiritual assistance to six bases of operation. They also helped counsel trauma victims in the hardest hit areas.
Japan and Australia were not the only Campus Crusade ministries involved. America also joined in to take the gospel to the hurting. According to Jacqueline Celum, Chief-of-Staff for Campus Crusade’s The JESUS Film Project®, the U.S. based ministry responded to requests to send the JESUS DVD and other products in Japanese in order to help provide an eternal perspective and instill hope.
Please pray for this nation that has suffered so much. Pray that God continues to use this tragedy to open people’s hearts to the gospel. Pray particularly for our three Campus Crusade for Christ Australia
missionaries – Renee, Cecilia and
Olivia – that they will be strengthened
and sustained and have many
opportunities to share Jesus’ love
with students. Cecilia asks “Please
pray for my frustration of not being
able to communicate with Japanese-
speaking students and staff. It really
doesn’t help when I see students
shy away from talking because they
know I can’t speak Japanese well. I
tell myself to not take it personally,
it hurts when it happens for the fi fth
time in one day.”
Much like Japan, in Australia, once
students leave the university, they
are less likely to have opportunity
to become Christians or receive
discipleship training as young
professionals in the workforce. In
order to see the spiritual culture of
Australia change, we too must reach
university students with the message
of Christ. If you would like to help
reach universities here or abroad, log
onto www.ccca.org.au and click the
link to Student Life.
Japanese student, Mai, is baptized
after praying with our missionaries to
receive Christ into her heart.
Pray that God continues to
use this tragedy to open
people’s hearts to the gospel.
Two days after the earthquake, the annual student conference for Japan Campus Crusade for Christ was due to start. The ministry decided to go ahead with the conference as they believed it was a good place for students to grieve, debrief and pray for their suffering nation.
The conference proved to be a blessing to many. One Christian student, Chiaki said: “Thank you so much for inviting me to the conference. I realise I’m not alone. I don’t need to wait for Campus Crusade for Christ to start a ministry
with the GospelBy Tez Brooks
Aussies serving in Japan: Campus Crusade missionaries Cecilia Au, Renee Chieng, Olivia Liu
10 TODAY ISSUE 13
Children: the Great OmissionBy Graham McDonald
“ Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him” (Psalm 127:3, New International Version).
In Deuteronomy 31:12 God instructed Moses to write down this law and give it to the priests.
Then the Israelites were instructed to gather every seven years for the reading of the Law. Everyone, including children, were invited. A major reason for this was for their children to hear the Law and learn to fear the Lord. It could be argued that God expected children – at least seven years and under – to be able to hear and understand the Law.
Mark records that Jesus showed indignation at the disciples when they stopped the children from coming to Him. He responded, “…Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” Mark 10:14b, NIV).
We see Jesus actually getting involved with the children. He picks them up and blesses them. The original word to bless (kateulogeo) is used only once in the New Testament. It means Jesus blessed them with fervour and emotion.
One could wonder why He was so emotionally affected by this incident. Was it because only a short time ago He told His disciples about the importance of children, and the disciples had forgotten? Could it be He looked down the corridors of history and saw the same mistake repeated?
In Australia, 93 percent of children do not attend church. In fact, children make up the largest unreached people group in the world, with over 2 billion under the age of 15 still waiting to hear about Jesus.
Very few Bible colleges in the world require mandatory biblical teaching for their clergy on children and families. This may be a good
indication of why children’s ministry remains under resourced.
During the 90s as many as 900 children per week left the church in England. One of the major reasons being they did not feel adults thought they were important. Sadly, children receive only what adults are prepared to give them. They face little chance to voice concerns in families, society or church.
Research in the United States of America by The Commission on Children at Risk shows lack of spiritual and religious teaching as a major contributing factor to the increase in mental health and behavioural problems in children. It is not hard to assume that a similar situation may exist in Australia.
Jesus said “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven” (Matthew 18:10, NIV). Knowing this, let us make sure we value our children and those in our care.
However, Jesus enunciates a more serious warning when He indicates that death would be an appropriate end to those who cause children to sin. Jesus says, “If anyone causes one of these little ones – those who believe in me – to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6, NIV). If our heavenly Father wants no child to be lost, I am convicted to ask what strategies and actions do each of us have in place to comply with our Father’s will?
When children arrive at my church, am I helping to make it child friendly? I sense I have much work to do to reach out to the children in our
a m the
g aHim”New ersion).
families, our community and our society. Of course none of us can do it alone. It takes many.
Thankfully, the Lord opened a door for me to serve with Campus Crusade for Christ Australia. For the last several years I and a small team of missionaries around the country have trained children’s workers here and abroad how best to reach these little ones who are so precious to God. Sadly, we need more workers in order to continue reaching this unreached people group.
Will you prayerfully consider how you might contribute? Whether through volunteering to stuff envelopes, becoming a full-time missionary with Campus Crusade for Christ Australia, or somewhere in between, the Lord has a place for you to serve because the harvest is great, but the labourers are few. Log on today to www.ccca.org.au and investigate where the Lord may be leading you to get involved.
May the Lord give us a zeal and a burden for the lost children of Australia and beyond.
Graham McDonald lives in Sydney and serves as the Team Leader for Children of the World, a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ Australia.
TODAY ISSUE 13 11
Spiritual Movements Everywhere: Missionary Kids Making a DifferenceSuan Lee Campbell and Tez Brooks
12 TODAY ISSUE 13
MEET GILES – single, early twenties
Giles takes out a couple of books out from his backpack. One is the Bible and the other, a
bodybuilding magazine, both dog-eared and well used. They speak of a young man who, in spite of his mental health challenges, continues to train his body and spirit – to live his life as best as he can. He was ten when his parents joined Campus Crusade for Christ Australia (CCCA) in Sydney where he and his sister grew up. Over the years, meeting other missionary families, going to staff conferences, and reading many books from CCCA infl uenced him. Although not offi cially a missionary with the organisation, Giles is one of thousands across Australia who has become an infl uencer to his peers as a result of Campus Crusade’s impact upon his life.
Giles is a fi t young man with a gentle and unassuming demeanour. When speaking to him for a while, it becomes noticeable that he struggles to follow and contribute to conversations around him. The remarkable thing about Giles is that despite some disabilities, he is an evangelist. In 2010 he distributed more than 200 gospel tracts, such as the Knowing God Personally booklet, and has shared the gospel with countless friends and strangers since high school. At the age of 10, he was introduced to Campus Crusade when his parents joined as missionaries. Over the years the missionary families his parents associated with infl uenced him, as well as the many resources and the philosophies he
absorbed by being immersed in the Campus Crusade culture at home. Although not offi cially a missionary with the organisation, Giles is one of thousands across Australia who infl uences his peers as a result of Campus Crusade for Christ Australia’s effect upon his life. Because of this, we wanted to interview him.
Giles lives in a Community Care Unit in Frankston, Victoria, where he shares a unit with another young man. He gives me a wry smile and continues to wash his bicycle in the laundry. His singlet is as wet as the fl oor. As I begin chatting and asking him questions, Giles holds up his hand in the middle of my sentence and says, “Slow down please, it’s hard for me to concentrate today.”
Later in the kitchen over a cup of hot chamomile tea, Giles begins to reveal bits of his life. “I had been to church [for] many years before I was sure of my faith. Although I had asked Dad to pray with me to be a Christian when I was three years old, it wasn’t until 11 years old that I was sure about my faith. I had read a gospel tract and I prayed the prayer of repentance at the end.”
However, as he approached upper primary, his behaviour became noticeably different from his friends. This led to a series of tests, medical appointments and eventually a diagnosis of mental illness.
This did not stop Giles from sharing his faith. His passion for evangelism began during high school. He fi rst practiced using a gospel tract with his father. “Dad said that I was a natural,” Giles smiles.
Refl ecting on his past witnessing experiences, Giles recalls: “I wasn’t so discerning back in school. But
now when I talk to people and give them tracts, I stand back a bit to see if they’re interested. If they’re not, I’ll walk away. Mum has also advised me when it’s not appropriate to witness.”
He used to share the gospel to passers-by near a gym where he worked out. A man came up and said, “I don’t believe in God, I’m an atheist.” Unfazed, Giles continued witnessing aloud to random passers-by. After a while, that same man commented to Giles, “People need God, so keep preaching.”
There were times when people reacted negatively, like the angry bus driver who told him not to “talk religion” to his passengers. Giles grins, “He’s just making up his own rules.”
When asked why he passes out tracts, Giles replied that Jesus wants us to “’bear much fruit. Near the end of Matthew, Jesus said: ‘Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the ➔
What happens to missionary kids (MKs) when they grow up? They do not necessarily become Christian workers like their parents. Their journeys of life and faith are varied. We connected with two Campus Crusade for Christ MKs and found out how they are changing their spheres of infl uence as adults.
Giles believes witnessing helps us realise our own daily need for a savoiur.
TODAY ISSUE 13 13
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded You. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”
Giles believes witnessing helps us realise our own daily need for the Saviour and helps with our spiritual growth. A vivid picture reminder of the importance of witnessing came in the form of a dream years ago. In that dream, Giles saw what hell was like. Since then, he feels a deep compassion and burden for others who do not yet know Jesus. He is one of “Gideon’s 300,” a Campus Crusade prayer initiative (see bottom of page 17). Giles prays consistently for the lost, using a global and local church prayer guide. Finally, his motivation to pray and share the gospel stems from God’s love. He tilts his head and says, “God’s love compels me to do it.”
Recently, he ordered another 150 gospel tracts to continue witnessing. His method of evangelism and uninhibited way of sharing the gospel may not suit everyone, but God knows the effect of his actions. Giles lifestyle reaffi rms that anyone – whatever his or her situation or capacity – can fulfi l the Great Commission.
MEET JODI – married, three children
Jodi is in her late twenties. She is pictured below with her sons and husband – singer,
songwriter Simeon. Because her parents joined Campus Crusade for Christ Australia as a young couple, Jodi grew up in Melbourne as an MK. When her parents and siblings moved to Sydney because of her father’s ministry role, she decided to stay in Melbourne to continue her tertiary education. She is now a busy woman running after three active boys – all under fi ve years of age – and being supportive of her husband Simeon, a well-known muso who travels often. Jodi also enjoys ministering to women with young children.
She sips on a cuppa and smiles. “My experience of growing up in the Campus Crusade family was very positive. I always looked forward to the conferences and opportunities to connect with other MKs,” says Jodi. “We had a lot of different people from interstate or overseas stay in our home at different times. I saw this as special, being able to meet people from around the world who were
working towards the same goals as my parents. It gave me a sense of being part of a bigger family of people who were passionate about Jesus and took His mission seriously.”
As a young girl Jodi became aware her parents were fi nancially supported by the generous gifts of others. While some MKs might feel like their families lacked money – and as adults, run far from this lifestyle – Jodi felt the opposite as she witnessed her parent’s total reliance on God as their provider. “It was faith-building to have Mum and Dad share with us about God’s provision for our family. This was wonderful preparation for me as [my husband] Simeon, is a full-time muso and the majority of our income is through churches and individuals.”
Jodi pulls her hair back around her ear and sighs, her smile revealing a love for Jesus and the Great Commission. She shares about her parents taking her, and her siblings to the Philippines, to feed rice to poor and hungry children. She speaks about her mission trip to Romania and the USA as a teenager. “I’m certain my exposure to all things Campus Crusade has played a part in shaping my perceptions and even desires – being intentional about sharing Jesus and how to do
...seeing wherever I am as m
y m
ission
fi eld.
14 TODAY ISSUE 13
that effectively, seeing wherever I am as my mission fi eld, having a global perspective even in regards to utilising resources. I use Campus Crusade materials quite a lot,” Jodi says as she jumps up and tends to one of her sons who is getting into something. “I’ve always had
one of the various versions of the Knowing God Personally tracts fl oating around, and I have taken small groups of girls through the Christianity Explained material. Last year, I worked through the Discover God Bible study series with a few friends as follow-on to an Alpha course we did. One of the girls still could not understand many aspects of Christianity. Delving into who God is and His character sparked great conversations that addressed her questions and provided the framework for her understanding better. She ended up committing her life to Christ and is now working through Campus Crusade’s The Signifi cant Woman material as part of a large group I facilitate.”
Campus Crusade always has been in the business of winning, building, training and sending missionaries into the world. It is exciting to see how often that ideal spreads to those outside of their immediate staff members. Bill Thomas, former Member Care Leader for Campus Crusade for Christ Australia, says, “We often forget the trickle-down effect of our organization and the capacity it has to reach much farther than we expect.”
Whether it is sharing Christ with a simple gospel tract (like Giles and Jodi), using photos to initiate spiritual conversations with a neighbour (see this issue back cover), or making short, evangelistic fi lms for uni students (see May 2011 issue of TODAY), people around the world are encouraged by Campus Crusade for Christ Australia to make a difference in their spheres of infl uence. If you would like to know more about how Campus Crusade for Christ Australia can assist you in starting your own spiritual movements everywhere, log onto www.ccca.org.au.
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“ I’m certain my exposure to all things Campus Crusade has played a part in shaping my perceptions and even desires – being intentional about sharing Jesus and how to do that effectively…
Storytelling the GospelBy Tez Brooks
I interview a lot of people in my line of work. Usually during the interview the nugget I try to
uncover is how Campus Crusade for Christ played a role in that moment of truth, where one’s life becomes transformed by Jesus. Those stories glorify God and encourage our readers. However, this interview ended up ministering immediately to everyone in the room – before ever getting to print. I never will forget it.
The quiet room felt a bit cold in the cabin where Jessica Santosa from Sydney Uni met with my wife and I, to share her story. Outside the cabin, fun music ramped up as part of a celebration party to end the conference we had attended. Jessica chose to be with us instead of joining the party. I was grateful. She appeared a bit nervous. I thanked her for coming, and my wife Christine offered her a bottle of water. Jessica’s smile seemed to warm the room for us. We liked her instantly.
We tried to set her at ease a bit and asked about some of her hobbies. We learnt she was a guitarist and soloist. She was preparing to record a CD which, since this interview, has been released. We talked about her love for song writing, poetry and just being with people. Then we dove in.
“I come from an Indonesian background,” she began. “Before Christ came into my life I had a distorted view of my beauty and self worth. During high school I was in a relationship that messed me up spiritually. I should have spent those years associating with people who had a better infl uence on me.”
Jessica allowed herself to be vulnerable with us, and I could feel the Holy Spirit in the room. This was not going to be a typical interview. I slumped in my seat and put my hands behind my head to create a more casual feel. Perhaps Jess would relax too. I asked when was it she turned to Christ.
“I had a defi ning moment at 17. I was dating all kinds of guys and really dishonouring my family. I seemed to reject anyone who truly loved me. Much of that period in my life is shameful. It’s taken awhile to talk about it, even to close friends. I ran away from home and hit rock bottom. It wasn’t until then I heard God’s voice in my head.”
Jessica paused, unable to speak further. Her lip quivered, and her voice conveyed her remorse for sin. At the same time we saw the joy of His redemption on her face. I silently praised God for allowing me to be
“ Before Christ came into my life I had a distorted view of my beauty and self worth. During high school I was in a relationship that messed me up spiritually.”Jessica Santosa
16 TODAY ISSUE 13
a part of this testimony. We waited for her to compose herself, and then I asked, “So what did God say to you?”
“It was like He was asking me to please come back to Him. That was the defi nitive moment when I realised I could not keep living like this. I needed to live for God.”
More sweet, quiet sobbing. “Sorry,” she apologised. I could not speak either – tears were running down my face, too.
Jessica continued: “Despite my attitude, God still showed His love through my family. My sister discovered I ran away and came looking for me. I didn’t know she had her entire Bible study group praying for me. I decided to return home, but was feeling pretty unworthy. I rejected God and spat in His face so often, why should He want me?”
“I struggled with that until I went to Macquarie University. During that fi rst week of school, the Christian groups made a beeline for me to do those spiritual survey things, and my sister was like, “Yes, my sister Jessica would love to do a survey!” Jessica laughs, rolling her eyes. “So I did the survey.”
At Macquarie there are a number of Christian groups that reach out to students. I checked out two of the groups. One was Student Life, the Campus Crusade ministry. Don’t laugh, but there’s something a bit daggy about Student Life … am I
To join an army of prayer warriors, committed to intercession for Campus Crusade for Christ Australia, email [email protected] and write “Enlist Me” in the subject line.
GIDEON,S
300
Jessica paused, unable to speak further. Her lip quivered, and her voice conveyed her remorse for sin. At the same time we saw the joy of His redemption on her face.
allowed to say that? I’m just really drawn to them and the community feel. They just seemed so authentic and loving. The Christian girls I met during that fi rst week are still my good friends. They were defi nitely sent by the Father to be my accountability partners and to help me grow in the Lord – to understand my identity my new identity in Christ.”
Jessica took a long breath and a drink of water. She smiled and looked at me. “I thought you were going to ask how Student Life trained me to share the gospel or about my future plans.”
I raised my eyebrows, “Do you want me to ask you those questions?”
Jessica laughed, “I was afraid I’d answer wrong. But I feel like I’ve been touched through this interview. This was a great ending to fi nish my last year at uni and with Student
Life. Hearing myself review how God worked in my life is so encouraging. I need to remind myself.”
We spent a few minutes in prayer, and as my wife closed the door behind Jessica, I sighed. I had experienced a paradigm shift in my ministry as a missionary journalist. I had collected stories of changed lives before and knew it encouraged and supported our fi eld ministries and friends of Campus Crusade. Tonight, however, I experienced something deeper: the power of a story. As I helped Jessica walk through her painful past and uncover the beauty of God’s work in her life over the years, it ministered to her. God was doing more than just using journalism to serve a ministry organisation – He was touching hearts and changing lives through story-telling.
TODAY ISSUE 13 17
Digging Wells of Living Water By Tez Brooks
Ben Wallace and Jacinta Roche eat lunch and enjoy a well-deserved rest under a tree. They,
along with their siblings, just spent all morning entertaining a group of 40 children in a Cambodian village. It is their job to entertain the kids while local villagers visit the mobile clinic to receive treatment for medical problems. Other Aussie teenagers may spend the school holidays having fun, but these teens chose to go on a medical mission trip with Sydney-based Global Aid Network (GAiN).
Ben and Jacinta attend different high schools, but have been friends since kindergarten. Jacinta is a student at Sunshine Coast Grammar School in Queensland, while Ben attends Wagga Wagga High School in NSW. Both are in Year 12 and a few years ago, together with their families, helped raise money to build wells in Cambodia.
Jacinta recalls, “My mum and dad are both in the medical profession. We have been here before and saw the need for fresh water. Mum suggested raising money for a well.”
Meagan, Jacinta’s mum, says: “You can only do so much in providing a temporary fi x with medical treatment. The Cambodians are
desperate for safe drinking water. It starts a cycle towards improving their health and many other areas of life. But I had no idea how many wells we would be able to supply.”
What happened from there is an incredible testimony of Australian generosity. Ben, Jacinta and their families quickly raised money for the fi rst well. With the cooperation of their schools, a fund-raising BBQ was organised. In addition, a day took place when students wore regular clothes to school for a gold coin donation. Before they knew it, Ben and Jacinta had raised enough for 10 wells in various Cambodian villages. Ben speaks with gratitude, “I was surprised to see how eager the community was to support our cause.”
They traveled to Cambodia with their families to see the fi rst two wells. Next to children bathing happily, women collect water from the well for cooking. Jacinta walks over to the well and tries it out. “It’s so easy to pump; people have been using it all day long.” She takes a few
photos for the donors back home. “Everyone should see fi rst-hand how other countries live. It changes your perspective in so many ways,” she says. On her face one senses an expression of pride and gratefulness to the friends and family who helped make this happen. Ben, too, is excited to see the well. To him, its presence in the village is a direct result of everyone’s hard work back home. “It’s so fulfi lling,” Ben says with a smile. Eight more wells were dug while they were in-country.
The teenagers are part of a team of medical professionals and lay volunteers who – in addition to providing medical assistance – bring God’s love. When Jesus met the woman at the well in the fourth chapter of John, He offered her something more than just a drink. He offered her something that would change her eternal destiny: living water. Ben and Jacinta provide more than just the practical gift of fresh water. They help GAiN bring living water, the message of Jesus.
Ben and Jacinta provide more than just the practical gift of fresh water. They help GAiN bring living water — the message of Jesus.
18 TODAY ISSUE 13
Lunch ends, but the medical clinic continues to treat patients until evening. Ben, Jacinta and their siblings head back into the unforgiving Cambodian sun to play games with the village children, sing a few songs, and help the adult volunteers teach a few Bible lessons.
Many children come seeking medical treatment on their own initiative, without their parents accompanying them. Ben stares at them, knowing one out of every fi ve of these children will not live to see his or her fi fth birthday. He knows how important it is to provide clean water for these kids. “There have been times when I didn’t really know what to believe about God. On this trip I learned that God is with us. He sees us, and He sees the Cambodians. Maybe they will have a better life because of something small we did like this. God’s been a part of making this happen, and I’m so glad I came.”
TODAY ISSUE 13 19
…connecting everyone to someone who truly follows Jesus
From the Editor
Change Equals Growth
I am not the most spontaneous person on earth. I am a bit of a planner. So needless to say, when forced to change direction, it can be a bit challenging for me. In the long run, I survive and come out the other end a more fl exible person than before. Consequently, by learning to rely on the Lord more, I have grown.
TODAY magazine experienced signifi cant changes over the past two years. You may or may not have noticed the experimentation we did in testing new and different layout and designs. With each change, I learned what does and does not work. Interviews, fi nding the right angle for a story, the best photos, layout and design – all pose challenges. Any changes cause growth for me and everyone else involved in the process.
This issue of TODAY marks another change in that it is my last issue as Editor-in-Chief. I have moved back to Campus Crusade’s for Christ’s international headquarters in the USA (now called Cru). In fact, I’ve been in the USA several months, so this entire issue was directed from my new offi ce in Florida.
Working remotely has been a challenging change – but through it, I’ve grown. As my family and I begin our new assignment (serving in U.S. Communications for Cru), I am saddened to say goodbye to our Australian missionaries – friends who are dear to us and will always hold a loyal place in our hearts – but still excited for what adventures God has planned for us as full-time missionaries.
My friend, Ian Finnan will be fi lling my role as Editor. His experience and expertise is sure to make the Communications Department of CCCA successful. We are not sure what TODAY magazine will become in the future. What we are sure of is that Jesus still transforms lives around Australia. Campus Crusade for Christ Australia remains committed to sharing these stories in order to point you to Jesus.
May God be glorifi ed as you read through this issue.
— Tez
2 TODAY ISSUE 13
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— — TeTeTeTez
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TODAY MagazineIssue 13 – November 2011
Editor-in-ChiefTez Brooks
Managing EditorIan Finnan
EditorsKathryn BickertonMaryBeth Berry
Contributing WritersEric Skattebo Graham MacDonald Jennifer LuLynn Menhennitt Suan Lee CampbellTez Brooks
Design and ProductionClassic Press
Front cover athlete image by Rakesh Kumar
TODAY Magazine is a publication of Campus Crusade for Christ Australia an interdenominational Christian parachurch movement committed to helping fulfi ll the Great Commission of Jesus Christ. Campus Crusade works together with churches and other Christian organizations to win, build, train and send individuals from all walks of life into dynamic spiritual growth and multiplication.
For address changes or to submit a story for publication contact
TODAY magazineAttention: Editor-in-Chief Unit 1–8 Anzed CourtMulgrave, VIC 3170Australia
Or
MINISTRY LEADERS
International PresidentStephen B. Douglass
CCCA National DirectorBill [email protected]
RESOURCES & WEBSHOPresources.ccca.org.au
CCCA MINISTRIES
Athletes in ActionReaching Athletesoz.athletesinaction.org
Children of the WorldTraining children’s [email protected]
CRAMCreative Arts [email protected]
FamilyLife AustraliaMarriage & Family outreachwww.familylifeaustralia.com [email protected] 03 9014 7590
GAiNHumanitarian Aid and [email protected]
Here’s LifeMulti-lingual evangelistic [email protected]
Professional LifeInfl uencing the [email protected]
Student LifeUniversities outreachwww.studentlife.org.au
The Signifi cant WomanLife coaching ministrysignifi [email protected]
Youth Ministries AustraliaReaching [email protected]
Ian Finnan
For mission trip opportunities, join GAiN Australia on Facebook
Our Mission
Launching spiritual movements by
winning, building and sending Christ-
centred multiplying disciples.
Our Vision
To see spiritual movements
everywhere so that everyone knows
someone who truly follows Jesus.
Our Core Values
» Bold faith
» Christlike character
» Fulfi lling the Great Commission
» Effectiveness and innovation
» Community and interdependence
“ Therefore go and make
disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name
of the Father and of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Matt 28:19 NIV
NOVEMBER 2011
true stories from next door and around the worldPRIN
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Life Changing RadioPage 8
Shaking JapanPage 10
MKs: Grown Up and Making a DifferencePage 12
Teens Digging Wells in CambodiaPage 18
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