Crossway LifeCare was incorporated in 2010 and the first staff came on board in 2012, operating out of modest counselling offices located within the main church facility. 2012 also saw the formation of a steering committee to start concept design of a purpose-built LifeCare Centre. Demand for the core services grew consistently and, true to our vision, LifeCare was soon ready for the new building that at that stage existed only as an idea. The new centre would provide more meeting spaces for counselling, room for our growing number of counsellors and psychologists, larger spaces for volunteers to prepare food parcels or share skills, and even a dedicated space for community gatherings.

Crossway’s founding generations had the foresight to plan for “something greater” and we were blessed with ample land at our main Burwood East campus. What we didn’t have was the capital to construct and fit out the LifeCare Centre. In 2013 and 2014, Crossway held major fundraising drives, enabling construction work to begin in 2015. Provision for LifeCare has always been met by the congregations and supporters of Crossway as an extension of their commitment and giving, and this enabled us to raise the majority of the required capital outlays. After discussions with a range of potential lenders, in 2015 Baptist Financial Services was selected because they understood churches and, in particular, understood the Baptist Church constitution with regards to property. As well as that, the rates were competitive and the borrowing process was relatively uncomplicated. 

Around a year later, construction is complete. A Certificate of Occupancy is currently being sought and commissioning of the building is underway. At this stage, it is anticipated that the Centre will be ready for operations in October 2016. With ministry space soon to be freed up in our main facility, we are also planning to embark on the refurbishment of our main church building. We are excited about the future use of repurposed spaces and are planning to again seek the assistance of BFS on that journey. Our vision for LifeCare was always going to depend on God for success. Through the provision of our faithful congregation and supporters, and the helpful team at BFS, LifeCare is positioned to grow and bless our community well into the future. 

Source: BUV News

Speaking from Thailand today, Executive Officer Ms Misha Coleman, said: “There had been a great deal of anticipation here in Bangkok yesterday amongst the hundreds of refugee organisations I’m here working with. This morning however, there is clearly nothing to celebrate”.

Ms Coleman said: "As demonstrated by figures from AHRC, Australia’s aid to the major countries of refugee origin and asylum in the Asia-Pacific region has been slashed. Additionally, since 2012/2012, the government’s overall aid budget has been slashed by $1.22 billion. So while of course the pledge today of $130 million is welcomed, it does little to redress the cuts that have made over recent years”.

Source: AHRC, Pathways to protection: a human rights-based response to the flight of asylum seekers by sea, 2016, p.58.

She said “the additional announcement that the government would not cut its commitment to provide 18,750 refugee resettlement places, pales in comparison to the new pledges that other countries made at the Summit”.

Acting Chair of the Taskforce, Rev Mark Riessen, said that “we had hoped that Mr Turnbull would use the world stage in New York to announce an end to the hell that people are enduring in Nauru and in Manus Province, and would bring them here. Despite a series of highly credible reports being released over recent weeks, which outline alternatives and other options for the Government to take, unfortunately the cruel attempt to cover up Government-sanctioned abuse  just continues.”

Our BUV is represented on the Australian Churches Refugee Taskforce by Rev Meewon Yang. Victorian Baptists also passed a Resolution on Refugees and Asylum Seekers in October 2012 when churches agreed to advocate and act on issues of justice and compassion in regard to Asylum Seekers.

Source: BUV News

This course is amazing, it is challenging, rewarding, and it will push you in body, mind and spirit with time for reflection. Our Programming staff are excited to have the opportunity to work with the interns. They will be trained in outdoor activities (Certificate 4 Sport & Recreation, grounds, Business admin), first year diploma of theological study (5 subjects, diploma of ministry), and live with our team at the Anglesea Centres.

You are part of the Centres team and will work around the sites which covers all areas from cleaning, kitchen, maintenance, office as well as having a high focus on Outdoor Education. The program is set with a balance so there is time to do study, training and site work. This is a full live in position working Monday to Friday with a weekend roster, this will give you experience in all areas of camp and what a camping life style is all about.

Servant hood ministry is what we are about, working and serving others.

After the 12 months, you will be skilled in your area of choosing whether that is to take adventure activities, operate a kitchen, or do bookings, while having the confidence to work with young people. We believe God will empower you, change you, and give you more focus for the future.

BCV Internship Applications are now open for 2017.

If you are 18-23 and are serious in developing personally and professionally in the following ministry areas, we want to hear from you.

• Jesus
• A Mission Trip
• Youth Ministry Camps
• Leadership
• Outdoor Education
• Bible Studies
• Prayer
• Camp Life
• Spiritual Formation
• Life skills
• Missions & Ministry
• Doing life with new friends

Live on site at Camp Wilkin, get paid to study & work, and receive a Certificate 4 in Outdoor Recreation and 5 subjects toward a Diploma of Ministry from Whitely Bible College.

Give a year to God and get an experience of a life time.

Contact: Chase on chaseg@baptistcamping.com.au for a link to our online application and our prospectus.

Source: BUV News

The fourth quarter of life can feel quite intimidating for a whole host of reasons, not the least of which is that growing older reminds us of our mortality. Having turned 65 in November 2015 I stopped fulltime work in February 2016 to take up a two day a week role with Christian Ministry Advancement (CMA). I approached my impending semi-retirement with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Excitement about what new opportunities the next phase of life and ministry may bring, but some anxiety over how I would transition from fulltime employment. At first I found having a few days extra every week was fun. I watched more DVDs, and am now a totally committed fan of the Outlander TV series. I have read more books and played more golf. I even got two pars in a row the last time I played. However, I struggled with the change in the rhythm of my working week. Working fulltime, starting and finishing work at a set time has a rhythm to it. Working for one day, then having a day off before working another day and then having four days off took some getting used to. Four months down the track I’m beginning to adjust. I can’t imagine what it must be like to be unemployed. I have also given some thought to what it may feel like to cease all paid employment. Who will I be when I no longer have a paid role?

In the past few months CMA has interviewed a range of Australian Christian men and women about their Q4 journeys. Their experiences of retirement vary enormously.

Retirement can of course be affected by ill health, lack of financial resources or a range of other factors. John records that “Until suffering a stroke in Jan 2015, in addition to family engagement and support, I was active in various personal learning, analytical, coaching, teaching, including Bible College courses, and consulting activities, including being part of 2 men’s groups and joint leader of one. Since then I regularly exercise in a health group, walk, read, study, sleep and participate in two men’s groups.” John says, “Earlier in my retirement, I was a member of the Boards of a Mission Society, and an evangelical ministry; a member of Church Vestries, Church Warden, member of Diocesan Council and working parties. I ceased institutional involvement because I became disenchanted with institutional unwillingness to act on the outcome and recommendations of studies and working parties. When those for whom you have worked ignore what you have offered, move on.”

Heather isn’t yet retired and serves as the CEO of the national Baptist cross-cultural organisation Global Interaction. She says, “My husband and I have always had a passion for cross-cultural ministry. However, I could not see what I had to offer in such a ministry. Eventually I just mentioned to my friends in Global Interaction that I/we were still interested but had this trouble seeing what I could offer and within 24 hours I had an email that outlined a position that was closely aligned to my experience and training. However, the bigger lesson was that once on field I discovered that there is so much that anyone can do – the big lesson is to be open and allow the Lord to use you!”

Bob lives with his wife Prue in a retirement village in New Zealand. “This is an opportunity for offering friendship to many and we do. Out of 330 people in the village we find that we have special relationship to about 20. This could be a full time ministry. I love to do woodwork projects in the well-equipped woodwork workshop. Most projects are for friends. Some are coffins!” Bob says that when they need a break, “We spend 50-50 of our time in Manawatu on a farm we have an interest in. This is spent volunteering conservation work. With 4 children scattered over NZ we spend time with them and with friends along the way. I have a continuing project seeking to upgrade response protocols for medical emergencies in NZ retirement villages. This has been an onerous and taxing research and networking opportunity for the last 3 years.”

By retirement most of us have a wealth of experience and wisdom that can be used for the benefit of others. In my first year of parish ministry in the Anglican Church in Tasmania I had the privilege of attending a seminar run by John Mallison. Among a great many things John shared that day there was a pearl of wisdom that quickly became a ministry principle for me: “Availability is more important than giftedness!” I came to see that what God can do the most wonderful things through ordinary people who are willing to make their time and talents available to him.

CMA is inviting those wanting assistance to explore their fourth quarter to sign up for a four step process at a minimal cost. The first step will help you to discover/rediscover your passions, gifts and personality type. Step two will provide you with access to wide range articles by those currently doing the fourth quarter and a number of other resources. The third step will direct you to a rich array of ministry possibilities both inside and outside Australia and step four will put you in touch with mentors to help you through the process of discerning what your fourth quarter could look like.

Q4 will be launched at a number of conventions around the nation in February next year. If you would like to find out more about the Q4 journey log on to www.cma.net.au/q4 or contact me on 0468605617 or paul@cma.net.au

Paul Arnott is the Executive Director of Special Projects for Christian Ministry Advancement.

Our BUV’s Second Half Ministry and Mission Group provides training events that catalyse churches to develop models of spirituality, discipleship and mission for older adults. To get involved, contact Ross Morgan.

By Paul Arnott

Source: BUV News

Baptist Care Australia executive director Carolyn Kelshaw said Baptist Care Australia applauds the action of the 35 senators who supported the resolution for a Senate inquiry to examine the conditions of asylum seekers in Nauru and on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea.

The inquiry was spurred by the publication by Guardian Australia of the ‘Nauru files’ detailing more than 2,000 incidents of systemic physical and sexual abuse of detainees, humiliating treatment and harsh conditions, and widespread self-harm and suicide attempts.

“Horrific as the reports are, Baptist Care Australia is particularly heartened that the Senate has cast the inquiry more broadly than an examination of existing conditions, to look at possible solutions and amelioration of the current situation,” Ms Kelshaw said.

“Baptist Care Australia is particularly pleased the inquiry will examine how an independent children’s advocate could provide protection for the most vulnerable detainees; attempts by the Government to negotiate third country resettlement of asylum seekers; and additional measures which could expedite third country resettlement.

“These are all measures which Baptist Care Australia supports.

“The terms of reference leave open the possibility of the inquiry examining other related matters. Baptist Care Australia urges the Senate Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee to use this clause to examine what further action is needed to maintain Australia’s annual humanitarian immigration intake at at least 27,000 a year, the number to which the humanitarian intake was due to increase in 2015-16 after the Government announced a special increase of 12,000 refugees in response to the Syrian Refugee Crisis.

“With the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimating there are currently more than 21.3 million refugees worldwide, maintaining Australia’s humanitarian intake at the level that was proposed for 2015-16 would be a modest contribution to an urgent international need,” Ms Kelshaw said.

With the Australian Government under pressure from the decision of the Papua New Guinea Supreme Court to relocate detainees on Manus Island, the Senate inquiry must be used by the Senate and the Government to recast Australia’s unacceptable offshore detention policy.

Baptist Care Australia’s asylum seeker policy

Baptist Care Australia joins A Just Cause (an arm of Australian Baptist Ministries) in calling for an increase in the humanitarian migration program to at least 27,000 places a year and:

• A commitment to implementation of a regional resettlement framework as a matter of the highest priority, beginning with Indonesia and Malaysia.
• A commitment to finding a third country of resettlement for those currently detained on Manus Island and Nauru as a matter of the highest priority. The countries in which resettlement occurs should be capable of providing the refugees with genuine protection. In order to do this the resettlement countries should be developed countries according to the United Nations Human Development Index. If such a resolution cannot be found within 12 months of the election, those currently detained on Nauru and Manus should be settled in Australia.

A group of Pastors and Leaders from our BUV joined with A Just Cause, Baptist World Aid and Baptist Care Australia earlier this year in lobbying MP’s in Canberra, asking these same things. We continue to stand with these other Baptist organisations in calling on the Government to urgently fine compassionate ways forward.

Source: BUV News