Monthly Archives: July 2016

Education

Inside Israel News Report July 2016

Inside-Israel2

Aliyah Day Added to Israel’s Holiday Calendar

Israel is adding another holiday to its calendar – Aliyah Day – to commemorate those who have immigrated to Israel. It is not easy to uproot life and family from a familiar homeland and move to Israel where the language, style of life and weather is different. Aliyah Day is a way to give back to those who have moved to Israel to show the world that this is the Jewish homeland and a place to consider living and pioneering.

Please pray for safety and protection for Jewish people who live in regions and neighborhoods of antisemitism and fear.

 

Salt Levels in Sea Of Galilee on the Rise

Salt levels in the Sea of Galilee (the Kinneret) are on the rise as a result of another winter of low precipitation. Without new water flowing into the Sea of Galilee, underwater, and nearby salt water springs flow in and disturb the levels of “sweet water.” As a result, farmers may soon not be able to use the sea water to water crops, and it may damage its ability to be used for drinking water. The Sea of Galilee has shrunk from 480 million cubic meters in the 1970s to 320 million cubic meters of water today.

Please pray for the Sea of Galilee, a very important and necessary body of water in Israel with much biblical and modern significance to so many people.

 

Israelis Win Gold Medal

Israeli rhythmic gymnasts won the European Gold medal on their home court – the championship took place in Israel. This group of gymnasts is the most decorated in Israeli history. They will fly to Brazil to take part in this summer’s Olympic games and are a hoping for more medals.

Please pray for all the Israeli athletes traveling to Brazil, for safety and protection as they compete.

 

Terminally Ill Israeli Kids Fly To See Soccer Games

Russian-Israeli billionaire Roman Abramovich has helped sick children attend international soccer games in the past, and this time, 55 Israeli children and their caregivers have flown to France to see three soccer matches at the 2016 Eurocup. The charity that organized this is run by volunteers and Abramovich donated the money. Many of the kids have not seen an international soccer game and probably will not live long enough to see another major competition.

Please pray for these children, their families, and their doctors who care for them, that cures and solutions can be found to fight their illnesses.

 

Commemorating the Hostage Crisis of 1976 in Entebbe, Uganda

Four decades after the surprise, daring Israeli rescue mission by elite Israeli forces in Entebbe Uganda, Prime Minister Netanyahu and a large security detail have come to commemorate the mission in special ceremonies with the Uganda government. Over 100 Israeli hostages were freed while Netanyahu’s brother, Yonatan, was shot as his unit stormed the airplane. The raid made international headlines and embarrassed then-dictator, Idi Amin, who had taken power by force. Benjamin Netanyahu will continue to three other African countries – Kenya, Rwanda, and Ethiopia.

Please pray for continued good relations with Israel and African countries.

 

Short-Term Missions Teams Serve with Chosen People Ministries in Israel

So far this summer, we have had quite a few short-term missions teams come and serve with us in Israel. They have helped in our food distribution centers as well as packaging food parcels for the poor and needy. They have been involved in special events for Holocaust survivors where they shared many stories from the Word. There was even a special night of pampering for single mothers. Would you like to bring your church or school group to serve with us? Please contact opportunities@chosenpeople.com for more information or visit our website for more information. We await your friendly smiles and desire to share your testimonies!

Please continue to pray for all the summer outreaches going on in Israel and around the world.

 

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Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching, Terrorism

TURKEY IN TURMOIL

Oh, No! Another Coup? It was a horrible sense of deja vu. In 1960, 1970, 1980, and a soft postmodern version in 1997, Turkey had military coups. It was the Turkish government’s worse nightmare. Then, on 15 July 2016, it looked like Turkey was experiencing yet again another coup. This time, however, it failed. The toll, however, was high, with 290 people killed and 1,440 wounded.
The Inevitable Crackdown: With great rapidity, the government of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan took strong action in a matter of hours and days to stamp out the ‘coup virus.’ Consider these statistics (courtesy of Incontext Ministries):
•   22,000 people in education suspended;
•   9,000 in the military arrested;
•   2,700 in the judiciary arrested;
•   50,000-60,000 government employees dismissed.
A 3-month state of emergency has been declared in Turkey, giving President Erdogan sweeping powers. The purpose of the emergency, so the government says, is to ‘preserve freedom and democracy.’
Turkey is in turmoil. And this is bad news … not just for Turkey … not just for the Middle East … but also for the world. Why?
Turkish Secularism – Under Threat? Turkey has had three constitutions (1924, 1961, 1982) and all of them have stated that Turkey is a secular, democratic republic. This secular, western-leaning outlook came courtesy of the founding father of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk (1881-1938). Ataturk, one of the most successful revolutionaries in modern times, took the feudalistic backward Ottoman dominated nation and yanked it from the dark ages to the 20th century. His secular legacy is highly appreciated by many modern Turks to this very day. Turkey’s secularism has been held up as a role-model for other Muslim-majority nations; however, the current instability iis clearly a setback for reformists Muslims everywhere.
A secular, western, democratic Turkey helps preserve the balance of power in the Middle East.
Part of the reason the military took over in Turkey in the previous occasions was because secularism and democracy were under threat. Once the takeover was complete and everything settled down, the country was handed back to civilian democratic rulers.
Military coups are the antithesis of democracy and for this reason many countries condemned this coup attempt. Yet the failed plotters, if they were given a microphone, would probably say that democracy was already under threat in Turkey and that’s why they felt the need to step in.
The ascendancy of Erdogan in 2003, along with his Justice and Development Party (AKP), began to change this unswerving commitment to secularism. Erdogan is an Islamist more than a secularist, even though he continues to give verbal allegiance to Kemalist secularism. He still publicly supports Turkey’s application to join the (secular) European Union, though with less enthusiasm than before. Nevertheless, key areas of society – the military, academic, NGOs, and the media – have been under great scrutiny and pressure by the AKP. The hysterical reaction to popular protests, plans for an executive presidency, a shaky economy and risky foreign policy (e.g. Syria), have the Turkish secularists worried.
Watch Turkey: This service has been saying for years to ‘keep your eyes on Turkey.’ Why? Its history, heritage, location, make it a powerbroker unlike any other. Turkey holds the balance of power in the Middle East and as long as it stays secular, there will be a degree of stability. That’s why Turkey is important to the world. But if this nation heads down the road of political Islam, it will upset the balance of power and the tremors will be felt worldwide.
Two trends to watch:
1. Will Turkey go down the Islamist road (not if the millions of Turkish secularists have their way);
2. Will there be a neo-Ottoman empire in the future? Former Prime-Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu spoke his neo-Ottoman ambition to ‘reintegrate the Balkan region, Middle East and Caucasus… together with Turkey as the centre of world politics in the future.’
When Turkey is stable, so is the region. But, as it appears, Turkey is unsettled, then others will be, too.
The Syrian Gamble: Turkey took a gamble when it decided to get involved in the Syrian civil war, with the goal of trying to unseat President Bashar al Assad. They allowed would-be jihadists to cross their territory from Istanbul Airport to the Syrian land border; it gave clandestine support to the so-called Islamic State, then refugees began to flow from Syria into Turkey. Some estimate 2 million Syrians are present in the nation. Then Turkey allowed the migrants to go from its territory into Europe, and then the EU responded with a deal to give Turkey money, visa-free travel, and accelerated EU Admissions talks, for its cooperation in stemming the flow.
Turkey continues to have unrest with the Kurds. Prior to the coup attempt, there have been several sensational terrorist incidents in Ankara and Istanbul, culminating in the attack on Ataturk International Airport (you cannot even walk into the terminal building without going through security twice, however the terrorists detonated outside the building and in the ensuing chaos were able to enter inside and detonate some more).
Turkish Leadership: Turkey has been wired for leadership over the millennia. The Anatolian Peninsula (Asia Minor) hosted the Hittite and Byzantine Empires. The Turks originated in Central Asia and migrated to Asia Minor 1,000 years ago. They led the Seljuk Empire and later the 600 year long Ottoman Empire, dominated North Africa, the Middle East, and SE Europe, while their sultan became the ‘Caliph’ of Islam. The empire collapsed after World War I and was replaced by Ataturk’s secular Turkish Republic. Turkey has become a valued ally of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and recently restored full diplomatic relations with Israel. Erdogan admitted earlier this year that Turkey and Israel need each other.
Other Nations Affected: Already, the Turkish backlash is affecting other countries like Azerbaijan, Armenian, and Turkmenistan. These are Turkic nations, formerly in the USSR, and part of Turkey’s ethnic and linguistic heritage. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have had the same leaders since independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and want to enshrine family members into the high echelons of power. Like Turkey, these nations are endeavouring to have centralisation and security crackdowns to ensure stability and protect them from jihadist threats. Indeed, they are taking their cue from Turkey.
All the recent turmoil has weakened Turkey, despite the governmental crackdown. This is bad news for the region. Again we ask: Will Turkey stay secular and western-leaning or will it go Islamists and neo-Ottoman?

Watch this space.
Baptist

Baptcare Opens Wyndham Lodge

Wyndham Lodge has this week, proudly opened its doors to welcome back residents and family members to Baptcare’s brand new aged care facility. 

Baptcare Chairman Philip Curtis, Ladies Auxiliary President Margo Kendal, staff member Murray Holland, resident Joyce Perry and Werribee Mayor Adele Hegedich, with Baptcare CEO Graham Dangerfield, officially re-opening Wyndham Lodge

Occupying the site of the old Werribee Hospital, Wyndham Lodge is a completely new building possessing modern designs and state of the art facilities, offering an even greater provision of care to residents. 
Along with an increase from 30 existing beds to 150 over four floors, Wyndham Lodge has catered to its residents and now offers modern, community-like facilities such as a hairdressing salon, activity spaces and lounge rooms. A landscaped internal courtyard has also been developed for residents to enjoy the outdoors and to provide natural light to all rooms. 

 Wyndham Lodge exterior

Over the coming weeks and months, Wyndham Lodge will become home to 150 people, and provide more than 150 local jobs.
The new modern design allows for ‘ageing in place’, with all rooms including amenities such as a ceiling hoist. This addition will permit most residents to remain in their own rooms without needing to move around as their needs change.
The residential aged care facility was built on a strong foundation of community spirit and a culture of care. Throughout the building process, 30 beds continued to be in operation in the adjacent Bill Featherstone House, allowing for the culture and deep community base of Wyndham Lodge to be preserved and carried on. Baptcare will now focus on the complete refurbishment of Bill Featherstone House, with plans to operate the 30 beds for ambulant clients with a diagnosis of dementia. This will be a program centred on a social model of care, where activities of daily living are incorporated into the care program and where our engagement programs are much more specific to the needs of these clients. This work will commence later this year. 
Existing staff members at Wyndham Lodge have been undergoing training and upskilling in preparation for the opening of the new facility. This process will empower them to become staff leaders, ensuring the current culture at Wyndham Lodge is carried over and sustained into the future. 
“Staff understand that care goes beyond physical health,” said Baptcare’s Chief Executive, Graham Dangerfield. “Baptcare has ensured community involvement remains at the forefront of Wyndham Lodge,” he said. 
“The residential aged care facility was originally run and funded largely by the Werribee community. Much of the success Wyndham Lodge has today is a result of local organisations, and I am thrilled that Baptcare has been able to provide the capital and the people resources to bring this local community dream into a reality.
The many generous people who tirelessly fundraised for Wyndham Lodge, particularly the Ladies’ Auxiliary, have had family members and close friends take up residence at our aged care facility. “It is amazing to think that I am now going to be calling this place home,” said Faye Stuyoff, an existing resident of Wyndham Lodge.  

Faye Stoios and Joyce Perry

“I am sure there will be other locals who will be in the same position – whether they have been heavily involved in the auxiliary like me or have just supported its fundraising efforts – they can all feel they have contributed to what is already a great local place to call home.”

To mark the opening of Wyndham Lodge, Baptcare will be running Open Days from Thursday 21st July to Sunday 24th July, starting at 10.00am and concluding at 3.00pm. A band and refreshments will be provided. To book a tour please visit: https://www.baptcare.org.au/wyndham-open-day or just turn up.

Photos courtesy of Janusz Molinski
 

Source: BUV News

Baptist, News

Baptcare Opens Wyndham Lodge

Wyndham Lodge has this week, proudly opened its doors to welcome back residents and family members to Baptcare's brand new aged care facility. 

Baptcare Chairman Philip Curtis, Ladies Auxiliary President Margo Kendal, staff member Murray Holland, resident Joyce Perry and Werribee Mayor Adele Hegedich, with Baptcare CEO Graham Dangerfield, officially re-opening Wyndham Lodge

Occupying the site of the old Werribee Hospital, Wyndham Lodge is a completely new building possessing modern designs and state of the art facilities, offering an even greater provision of care to residents. 
Along with an increase from 30 existing beds to 150 over four floors, Wyndham Lodge has catered to its residents and now offers modern, community-like facilities such as a hairdressing salon, activity spaces and lounge rooms. A landscaped internal courtyard has also been developed for residents to enjoy the outdoors and to provide natural light to all rooms. 

 Wyndham Lodge exterior

Over the coming weeks and months, Wyndham Lodge will become home to 150 people, and provide more than 150 local jobs.
The new modern design allows for ‘ageing in place’, with all rooms including amenities such as a ceiling hoist. This addition will permit most residents to remain in their own rooms without needing to move around as their needs change.
The residential aged care facility was built on a strong foundation of community spirit and a culture of care. Throughout the building process, 30 beds continued to be in operation in the adjacent Bill Featherstone House, allowing for the culture and deep community base of Wyndham Lodge to be preserved and carried on. Baptcare will now focus on the complete refurbishment of Bill Featherstone House, with plans to operate the 30 beds for ambulant clients with a diagnosis of dementia. This will be a program centred on a social model of care, where activities of daily living are incorporated into the care program and where our engagement programs are much more specific to the needs of these clients. This work will commence later this year. 
Existing staff members at Wyndham Lodge have been undergoing training and upskilling in preparation for the opening of the new facility. This process will empower them to become staff leaders, ensuring the current culture at Wyndham Lodge is carried over and sustained into the future. 
“Staff understand that care goes beyond physical health,” said Baptcare’s Chief Executive, Graham Dangerfield. “Baptcare has ensured community involvement remains at the forefront of Wyndham Lodge,” he said. 
“The residential aged care facility was originally run and funded largely by the Werribee community. Much of the success Wyndham Lodge has today is a result of local organisations, and I am thrilled that Baptcare has been able to provide the capital and the people resources to bring this local community dream into a reality.
The many generous people who tirelessly fundraised for Wyndham Lodge, particularly the Ladies’ Auxiliary, have had family members and close friends take up residence at our aged care facility. “It is amazing to think that I am now going to be calling this place home,” said Faye Stuyoff, an existing resident of Wyndham Lodge.  

Faye Stoios and Joyce Perry

“I am sure there will be other locals who will be in the same position – whether they have been heavily involved in the auxiliary like me or have just supported its fundraising efforts – they can all feel they have contributed to what is already a great local place to call home.”

To mark the opening of Wyndham Lodge, Baptcare will be running Open Days from Thursday 21st July to Sunday 24th July, starting at 10.00am and concluding at 3.00pm. A band and refreshments will be provided. To book a tour please visit: https://www.baptcare.org.au/wyndham-open-day or just turn up.

Photos courtesy of Janusz Molinski
 

Baptist

Follow Baptist Church- Pakenham

Just last weekend we celebrated our 1st birthday as a Church plant. We are grateful for all the support we have had from many, including the BUV. We have recently started a project called the Bless Collective food Van project. We meet every Tuesday and Thursday night at Pakenham Station where we create a place for food and friendship. We have also combined with Orange Sky and Clean as Casper who provide portable laundry facilities and a portable shower. Please join us in prayer for those we minister too, who are largely homeless, disadvantaged or lonely. For more info you can look up the Bless Collective Food Van Project on Facebook. 

Source: BUV News

Baptist

My Ignite Conference Reflection By Mi Doh Htoo

This year, the BUV, held their second Ignite Multicultural Youth and Young Adults Conference. It was really different from last year’s conference, with the Ignite Committee making some changes to make it even better! 

 My highlights:

I had the opportunity to meet new faces from other church communities. It was really cool that Gang Nam Baptist Church came all the way from Korea! They prepared so many performances, and made the effort to get to know us, even though it costs a lot to travel to Australia! They shared their different talents with us, and shared their hearts too. I was so happy to have met them and we are keen to welcome them back any time! 

 Mi Doh

The food was excellent! The Werribee Karen Baptist Church, and Bentleigh Baptist Church provided us yummy traditional food!

This conference is so good for young people to attend and learn so many things. The conference is multicultural and combines churches from diverse backgrounds. We got to know each other through our small group activities, working together as a team, and also doing group challenges. I also loved worshipping and celebrating together as sons and daughters of God.

Each night we had a keynote speaker who gave us a message to encourage us young people. After the speaker shared, we would have a group discussion and share our story and how we were encouraged. This was really good because some of the people can’t speak English well, but we tried to understand each other. 

 We also attended a workshop, which I thought might be a bit boring – but it wasn’t!

I hope the workshops will help young people gain more skills and knowledge and also develop in their spiritual health.

 A few organisations came to share about what they’re doing like the Hope Project, Surrender, Whitley College, Praxis, Global Interaction, and Daily Rice. It’s good to show young people ways to study and develop in their faith. I myself am studying at Praxis and this has helped me a lot in my wellbeing and faith.

 What I learned:

I learned so many things that I can’t explain it all. I learned how much teamwork, cooperation and communication are important to our lives. Our small group facilitators, Sam and Rachel, did great in helping those who can’t speak English well and helping us understand and connect with each other.

The other thing I learned was how to love Jesus better. I know some people try to be cool and nice but if they don’t live in Christ like ways, nothing will happen. Also we need Christ in our lives; he is the one who can help us. Sometimes we fail but we have the Holy Spirit to encourage and help us. 

  Sam Chan

 One of the keynote speakers, Sam Chan, spoke about how different it is between 1st and 2nd generations in how we show love. We had a small group discussion afterwards about our cultural backgrounds, and we shared how differently our parents show their love to us, and vice versa. Some Karen people are shy to say they love their parents or parents are shy to say that they love their children. Some other cultural groups were different. We came away with questions such as, how can we help our parents and how can we love our parents better? I hope that the talk will help all us young people love our parents better. 

I want to encourage young people who have not attended the Ignite Conference to come along next year! Bring along your friends and church community with you. I want to encourage you to come and build on your communication skills to help for the future, and for your community. We came and learned so much and connected with people from other cultural backgrounds. We need lots of young people to be leaders who care about their communities. My last encouragement is to come and share your own stories, and your own culture!

Thanks so to the BUV for this conference! I look forward to seeing you all next year again at Ignite 2017!

 

 

 

Mi Doh Htoo is a member of Werribee Baptist Church who attended our recent Ignite2016! Conference

 

 

Source: BUV News

Baptist, News

My Ignite Conference Reflection

By Mi Doh Htoo

This year, the BUV, held their second Ignite Multicultural Youth and Young Adults Conference. It was really different from last year’s conference, with the Ignite Committee making some changes to make it even better!

My highlights:
I had the opportunity to meet new faces from other church communities. It was really cool that Gang Nam Baptist Church came all the way from Korea! They prepared so many performances, and made the effort to get to know us, even though it costs a lot to travel to Australia! They shared their different talents with us, and shared their hearts too. I was so happy to have met them and we are keen to welcome them back any time!

C:\Users\ncapp\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.Word\13711573_1163780107006651_317753123_o.jpgMi Doh

The food was excellent! The Werribee Karen Baptist Church, and Bentleigh Baptist Church provided us yummy traditional food!

This conference is so good for young people to attend and learn so many things. The conference is multicultural and combines churches from diverse backgrounds. We got to know each other through our small group activities, working together as a team, and also doing group challenges. I also loved worshipping and celebrating together as sons and daughters of God.

Each night we had a keynote speaker who gave us a message to encourage us young people. After the speaker shared, we would have a group discussion and share our story and how we were encouraged. This was really good because some of the people can’t speak English well, but we tried to understand each other.

G:\Communications\Image Library\Ignite\IGNITE 2016\IMG_0705.JPG

We also attended a workshop, which I thought might be a bit boring – but it wasn’t!

I hope the workshops will help young people gain more skills and knowledge and also develop in their spiritual health.

A few organisations came to share about what they’re doing like the Hope Project, Surrender, Whitley College, Praxis, Global Interaction, and Daily Rice. It’s good to show young people ways to study and develop in their faith. I myself am studying at Praxis and this has helped me a lot in my wellbeing and faith.

What I learned:
I learned so many things that I can’t explain it all. I learned how much teamwork, cooperation and communication are important to our lives. Our small group facilitators, Sam and Rachel, did great in helping those who can’t speak English well and helping us understand and connect with each other.

The other thing I learned was how to love Jesus better. I know some people try to be cool and nice but if they don’t live in Christ like ways, nothing will happen. Also we need Christ in our lives; he is the one who can help us. Sometimes we fail but we have the Holy Spirit to encourage and help us.

G:\Communications\Image Library\Ignite\IGNITE 2016\IMG_0560.JPG  Sam Chan

One of the keynote speakers, Sam Chan, spoke about how different it is between 1st and 2nd generations in how we show love. We had a small group discussion afterwards about our cultural backgrounds, and we shared how differently our parents show their love to us, and vice versa. Some Karen people are shy to say they love their parents or parents are shy to say that they love their children. Some other cultural groups were different. We came away with questions such as, how can we help our parents and how can we love our parents better? I hope that the talk will help all us young people love our parents better.

G:\Communications\Image Library\Ignite\IGNITE 2016\IMG_0317.JPG

I want to encourage young people who have not attended the Ignite Conference to come along next year! Bring along your friends and church community with you. I want to encourage you to come and build on your communication skills to help for the future, and for your community. We came and learned so much and connected with people from other cultural backgrounds. We need lots of young people to be leaders who care about their communities. My last encouragement is to come and share your own stories, and your own culture!

Thanks so to the BUV for this conference! I look forward to seeing you all next year again at Ignite 2017!

Mi Doh Htoo is a member of Werribee Baptist Church who attended our recent Ignite2016! Conference

 

Education, News, Presbyterian

Church Planting in Victoria

Richard Worth, writer and researcher from North Geelong PC, gives us an update on the state of progress of our five church plants for your prayers.

Church Plant One: ‘Valley Presbyterian Church’ in Doreen—a brand new suburb on the North Eastern fringe of Melbourne with 40,000 mostly white middle class people, with big homes, big mortgages and all the stress and work that goes with them.

The Pastor: Richard Wilson (married, four children) started from scratch five years ago and now has an average attendance of about 150 on a Sunday morning, meeting in a school hall.
Valley Presbyterian has made connections into the community through engaging with community fairs, letter box drops, door knocking, the Internet and Facebook. Reaching out to the local children through the Summer Wipeout program in January has been a great way to connect with local families.

Pray: ‘We don’t lack places to plant churches, we lack suitable church planters. Pray that the Lord would raise up a new generation of church planters amongst us.’ (Richard)