Postcard from Cambodia

Kanishka and I went to College with Dave and Leonie Painter. They have been serving with CMS for a number of years in Cambodia. They serve in Phnom Penh Bible School training pastors. Here is an update from them:


Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ

Friday morning the other week (11th April) a huge plume of smoke could be seen from most parts of the city. The source was a fire sweeping through one of the poor sectors of this sweltering city, destroying 600 wooden houses, which would have been home for about 5000 people. Now all that remains is a blackened field of concrete stumps. One former house (not yet fully paid off) belonged to the family of a member of Faculty at the School. They quickly borrowed sufficient money from family and friends to pay back the bank, and retrieve the land title from the vault, before somebody else made the bank a better offer.

This fire increased the burden of suffering many of the poor in this city are currently experiencing, along with the doubling of the price of food this year. Until recently when the government stopped it, neighbouring countries were buying up Cambodia’s harvest to meet their own shortfalls. We remain grateful for the prayer and financial support we receive through CMS (from you), as we are in many ways protected from these disturbances, so that we can focus upon the work God has given us here.

Phnom Penh Bible School
One series of classes at PPBS is now complete (Romans to 2nd year), and another commenced (2 Corinthians to 2nd and 3rd years). This is a large class of over forty students, so they are providing a serious challenge for teaching, preparation and marking – which must be finished before we go on away on a family holiday at the end of the semester.

This was the fourth time I have taught Romans, so am trying to avoid the rut of just teaching the same material each year. So I read a new commentary, revise the class notes, and seek to make best use of any new vocabulary or cultural insights learnt in the last year. Hopefully this adds clarity and depth to the lessons, though my mispronunciations still serve to provide occasional comic relief to a class that is becoming less forgiving as language skills slowly improve. The Khmer language (like NT Greek) is rich in imagery, having borrowed many words from Thailand, Vietnam, France, English, Pali and Hindi. The choice of words has important ramifications for the understanding of theology. To further complicate, the two main Bible translations in use have chosen words that reflect the translators’ diverse theological beliefs – this is especially noticeable with regard to the words chosen to express “justification” (infused vs. imputed). The class were greatly interested to see how Paul used language from the market place, the Temple, and the law courts to describe God’s plan of salvation. The students were appreciative of having Khmer notes, and a deepening of their own understanding of the Gospel, and their own language and culture. However, like most students, they remain apprehensive regarding assessment – many other local institutions solve this problem by passing all the students, or including some other “important” criteria, such as developing and maintaining a good relationship with the teacher.

This coming academic year there is a new curriculum. This will mean many changes to syllabus’s, subjects, and a change in emphasis for the School. We teachers are waiting to find out what the new syllabus will have in store for each of us, and especially as to how busy we shall be preparing new subjects, or modifying old ones to fit in with this new curriculum.

This week please pray for:

• Those people in Phnom Penh who lost their homes in the fire
• For the students of the Romans class. May their understanding of the Gospel bear fruit in the challenges God will give to them.
• For my fellow teachers, one who had a bad bicycle accident (broken collar bone and wrist), and another has been diagnosed with tuberculosis.
• For faithful and diligent preparation of lessons.
• For the Phnom Penh Anglican church (Diocese of Singapore), that is currently deciding upon a new minister.

Dave and Leoni


GP

Foxfires: African Enterprise Youth Ministry

Following the African Enterprise Foxfires team visit to our morning churches
Here are two websites that give more info on the teams tour of Australia
and the ministry of African Enterprise in general.

The team appreciated our welcome!
Please pray for them for their 5 week tour of Australia.

Click Here

or


Click Here


Cheers

GP

Simply Christianity: The 5 Week Course

Simply Christianity was the Australian Christian Book of the Year in 2000.

One of the reasons people sometimes avoid looking into Christianity is that there are so many Christianities on offer, each with their spin on things, their own rituals and practices, their own religious package. But just imagine we were able to get beyond this--to strip back all the rituals, myths and dogma; to put to one side the hair-splitting and disagreements; to get beyond all the trappings of 'religion'--what would we find? If we were to go back to Jesus himself, to the biographies about him contained in the New Testament, what would we discover Christianity to be about? That is the project of this book and this Course. It aims to present simply Christianity, by reading and reflecting upon the ancient biography of Jesus written by Luke. John Dickson has put the course together.

We are running Simply Christianity: The Course

5 Weeks from Wednesday 30th April with Gavin Parsons 7:45pm.

This is for people seeking to understand the central teaching of Christianity and for christian people wanting a refresher in the essential teaching of Christianity. It is a chance to ask hard questions about Jesus! For more information or to sign up contact Gavin at the church office 9381-2640 office@stmattsshentonpark.org.au

More harm than good.

An opinion piece from Australian Chrisitan Lobby’s WA Chief of Staff Michelle Pearse was published in Monday’s West Australian. The article points to the credible research showing the real harm which will result from the WA Government’s decision
to legalise brothels and urges a serious rethink on this issue.

Click...


http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=54&ContentID=64313

Subiaco Council is choosing not to implement new Legislation.

GP

Anzac Day: A good time to pray for peace

The Apostle Paul instructs Timothy that prayers be made for peace on a regular basis in the church.

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." 1 Timothy 2:1-3

Anzac Day reminds us men and women serve in our armed forces with a view to bring peace in the troubled spots of the world. The Australian Army currently has significant forces deployed on four major operations :

1. Operation Catalyst - Australia's commitment to the Coalition forces in Iraq. Overwatch Battle Group (West Iraq); this is a battlegroup consisting of a headquarters, infantry company, armoured squadron and training team, with a total of 450 personnel. This has two tasks: Provide support to local Iraqi security forces Assist in the training of local Iraqi Army units so that they are able to take over the internal and external defence of their country.

2. Operation Slipper - Australia's commitment to the War on Terror. The army contribution is primarily concentrated in Afghanistan:

3. Operation Astute - Australia's commitment to Timor-Leste. This constitutes the largest overseas deployment of Australian forces, with around 925 troops deployed. These are primarily formed into a single battlegroup.

4. Operation Anode - Australia's commitment to the Regional Assistance Mission Solomon Islands (RAMSI) has changed over the years, with an initial influx of over 2000 troops to one Platoon of Australians, New Zealanders and Pacific Islanderers just before the riots of April 2006.

Australians are also involved in other peacekeeping operations:

A. Operation Mazurka - Australia's commitment to Multinational Force and Observers (MFO). From 1982-1986, the RAAF provided rotory wing aviation support.

B. Operation Paladin - is the Army's longest ongoing operation, where Australian personnel have served since 1956. Operation Paladin is Australia's contribution to the UN Truce Arab/Israeli War.

Pray for our armed forces as they seek to bring peace in the world,
often in places were violence rules and there is no peace.

Paul prays for earthly peace that we might have an opportunity to find peace with God through Jesus. Paul prays that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness For...

"This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time".

Pray for peace on earth.
Pray for the armed forces of our country as they seek to bring peace in difficult places.
Pray for peace with God that comes through knowing Jesus.

"Lest We Forget"

GP

A Letter from Gallipoli: Lest We Forget

A Letter from Frank Clark at Gallipoli 1915

"Lest We Forget"

GP

Opportunities to pray for

In St Matthew’s centenary year the Lord is setting before us challenging opportunities for proclaiming the glories of the Son. As we approach our Annual Meeting of Parishioners in June, can I ask you to be regular and earnest in prayer, on your own and with others, about the many matters that are before us.
In late February a small group of about 12 people - Unichurch International Fellowship - began to meet for prayer, planning and bible study with a view to establishing an outreach and discipleship ministry among south east Asian students. We are praying that by next year we may be able to recruit some ministry interns to assist Rory in the oversight of this ministry and work towards launching a new congregation.
Between now and the AMP the 10am congregation will undertake a series of congregational prayer meetings and consultations in order to finalise a decision about expanding the mission of the 10am service. The first of these is a meeting for key ministry coordinators including PABS group leaders, next Saturday 12 April, from 9-11:30 am, at the church. All are welcome to attend. This will be followed by the release of a documented proposal by May 4 and a further congregational consultation, after church, on May 18.
By this time next year we plan to commission a team of people, led by Nigel and Liz Gordon to establish a church planting mission. Unlike previous churchplants in which we have been involved, this project will rely on an intentional, relationship-building model, rather than ‘congregation transplant’.
As we think about the Unichurch International Fellowship, the expansion of the 10am ministry, and the 2009 church plant please pray:
- that God will glorify himself through our frail efforts, increasing our trust and devotion to him, and mercifully bringing many into the knowledge of his love in His Son;
- that across our congregations we will have an increasingly widespread, prayerful and convinced commitment to these projects so that we will share (ie fellowship) in the costs and joys of serving the Lord in these ways;
- that the UIF will grow in unity of the faith and be equipped to contact and welcome many SE Asian students;
- that the meetings of 10 am members over the next two months would be constructive and prayerful. That people would be free to air all their concerns and that we will come to a wholehearted agreement about the best way to proceed;
- that the Lord will raise up people willing to join Nigel and Liz in a new way (for us) of evangelising Perth. That Nigel and Liz would know continually the Lord's sovereign ability to provide for them and to use them for His glory;
- that the Lord would raise up someone to labour full time in the City Bible Forum ministry as well as someone to take up leadership of the 5pm congregation;
- for our partnership with Matt and Corinne Malcolm in Dongara and Ray and Lyn Arthur at Maddington through the April missions; and
- for Parish Council and the working groups, in its oversight of our resources, and attention to all the ongoing requirements of the ministry, in the midst of our attempts to advance.
I trust that you share with me a great sense of the privilege of serving the Lord together as St Matthew's in these days. Please pray that all our efforts would result in increasing praise of the glories of the Lord Jesus, our Risen Saviour and mighty, merciful Lord.

KDR

Foxfire to visit Morning Church

This Sunday, 27th April, We are having an African enterprise Foxfire team joining us for morning church. The team are participating as part of our World mission awareness.
The Foxfires Youth Group Partnership is a program designed to help our Youth become Mission Minded and Globally Aware. African Enterprise hopes this may help you as leaders and teachers of Young people to do just that, while at the same time helping those in Africa here about Jesus Christ.

Young people have the desire to be a part of something bigger than themselves, to create significance and change in the world, but the problem seems so far away and disconnected. This partnership is about bridging that gap, and allowing young people to not only see and understand ministry in Africa, but to allow them to create change and to have an impact on the lives of people there.

Foxfires youth ministry is part of African Enterprise’s evangelism and leadership development program. The young people study subjects such as theology, leadership development, life skills plus many other youth related topics. Throughout the year they are sent out into the cities, schools, churches, prisons, orphanages, tribal groups etc, to proclaim the gospel and share about Jesus. They reach many areas that can be unknown and untouched by most westerners.

A team is joining us on sunday to particpate in our services so we will be more aware of their work in Africa.

Enjoy!

Gavin

Pray for Rob and Leanna Haynes at Groote Eytlandt

Meet CMS Missionaries to Groote Eytlandt

Rob and Leanna Haynes.

Groote Eylandt: With a population of around 1,400, Alyangula is a multicultural mining town on the north-west tip of Groote Eylandt. Two other Groote towns are Angurugu, with around 850 people, and Umbakumba with about 450. The local language is Anindilyakwa.
As well as pastoring the small Alyangula congregation, Rob Haynes trains indigenous Christian leaders in the churches, with a specific goal of seeing men come to know Christ and follow him boldly. The Haynes are praying for more younger men and women to begin the road of discipleship. Leanna works for Anglicare, implementing strategies to improve health and education for children aged 0-5 years, in 14 indigenous communities in east Arnhem Land.

Rob has recently been diagnosed and operated on for prostate cancer. We cannot know yet if the cancer has spread. The operation on 16 April will confirm things one way or the other. Results are usually available within 5-7 days. The cancer may have spread from his prostate, which would probably mean radiation treatment or chemotherapy ..and time away from Groote. This may impact on the timing of the Groote Trip if it goes ahead. Please pray for Rob's recovery and Steve Pivetta's wisdom as to whether the trip will advance.

If you would like to receive the Haynes' monthly prayer points and news please send an e-mail to The Haynes' Prayer Support including your name and e-mail address.

Email: rlhaynes@cms.org.au

CMS Link:

http://www.cms.org.au/missionaries/view-missionary?id=e9e8a56ee74e29312eb1c4324f42424b&sessid=47ac63f80aa3413827800e9ad5f1409c

Post Card from Table Mountain, SA

Here's a recent photo of Dr Dan Claughton taken in front of Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa. He was on a few days' break from where he is working in Kwazulu Natal in the Eastern Cape. He is an Associate of CMS and for these six months he is working as a medical doctor in a tiny village called Ingwavuma. He has been there for four months already and is due back in Perth in July.

In a recent letter he said that one of the reasons he wanted to stay for six months, and not just a few short weeks as he did when he went to Cambodia last year, was because he wanted to get beyond feeling like a tourist. He wanted the routines of life in a remote community to really hit home. It has. He knows everybody in the village and everybody knows him. Only about 12 other health care professionals speak English so his socialising is limited. But he has been able to spend a lot of time with them and has had wonderful opportunities to share his Christian worldview with them. One Swedish doctor, Anna, says she grew up in a religious context and has been confirmed but had no idea that the Bible had a message for people today. Dan asks us to pray that in the next two months some of these 12 will open their hearts to the Gospel.

But he wants to learn the local Zulu language so goes to the big morning church service. He doesn't understand much at all, but joins in the dancing and singing. The Church leadership is faithful to the Gospel, but most who claim to be Christian still hold to their African spirit beliefs. Most couples are not married because men can't afford the dowry. It is 11 cows if the girl is uneducated, 14 if she is!! Most people practise polygamy and HIV is running at 46%. The Zulu king, Jacob Zuma, who is most likely to take over from President Mbeki next year claims to be a Christian but has many wives and has been charged with corruption many times. It is reported that at the high school in the village where Dan is working, 64% of the girls are pregnant. So you see, he is working in a very complex needy social and spiritual environment. He realizes that long-term work is needed in Ingwavuma in order to build relationships with the Zulu community. He would need to learn Zulu well and build trust over time before he could effectively speak to them of serious matters of faith. We need to pray that Dan will know what God wants him to do after this tour of duty is over.

On the medical front, he feels he is going well. The hospital is critically short of doctors and this lack he says accounts for the strong possibility that he will be appointed as a Senior Medical Officer. He has been working in the Isolation Ward until now, but in May starts in paediatrics. He feels he lacks experience in that area of medicine and asks for our prayer support. He asks us to pray for perseverance in a working environment which is often frustrating: that he would continue to be joyful and not grumble or complain. His longing is that his manner of life will reflect Jesus and draw people to want to know Jesus for themselves.

BT

Welcome to our church...

Would this work with an Australian Accent?

GP

What would 10am @ Rosalie look like?

Centenary Snaphots

Centenary snap shots

Were you part of the crowd

at the St. Matt's Centenary Service...

Check out the photos.....

http://picasaweb.google.com/theparsonis/1oothCentenaryMarch2008

Postcard from Dongara

As we meet together now, the Gordon family of five, and Peter Downes all from the 5p.m. service, are on their way to Dongara for the Family Mission which starts on Tuesday morning. Jeremy and Annie Chappell with their four little ones, will set off on Monday after Annie arrives back from Brisbane tomorrow night. Can you sense that those involved have been very busy. Two trailers laden with Scripture Union marquees and all the necessary equipment are going up from Perth as well. A lot of work has had to be done, then many miles to be travelled before the Mission can begin. This is our focus for mission prayer this morning.

Let us pray for safety in travel and for the children to be relaxed and happy in the midst of all the busyness. Matt and Corinne Malcolm and Tyler and Penny Swartzentruber will be waiting eagerly for them in Dongara. Matt says he hasn't got a clue what the response from townspeople will be. This sort of event has never been run before.

Their plan is to run a Beach Mission type programme in the mornings of Tuesday, Wednesday Thursday and Friday and different events for adults and families in the evening. OnTuesday there will be a Card Making Evening for the ladies at which Annie and Penny will tell their stories, Jeremy will run a Family Fun Night on Wednesday and then on Friday there is a Beach programme in the afternoon and in the evening Nigel Gordon will speak to the guys at a Beer, Prawns and Eternity night. One very real complication is that Nigel has been called to give evidence in Sydney over an accident which he witnessed six months ago. The hearing has been twice postponed but is now set down for that same Friday. We need to pray about that specifically .

After the Mission is over Matt Malcolm is planning to run an Alpha Course. The very best outcome for the Mission is that people would sign up for that course so that they can hear the true message of the Gospel.

Let us pray now that the Gospel will be truly heard by children and adults alike during this coming week in the town of Dongara.

BT

Postcard from Nepal

Our focus for this postcard is on the land of Nepal. The Christians in that country have united to declare today as the Global Day of Prayer for Nepal. This coming Thursday, 10th April, an Election of the Constituernt Assembly will be held which could usher in a lasting peace to that strife-torn country. It is only two years ago that the king stepped down and declared Nepal a secular state. A few months later a ceasefire between the Government and the Maoist rebels was declared. Since then a fragile peace has been maintained.

This all has huge implications for the Nepali Church which has seen tremendous growth in recent decades. The secular nature of the state should protect religious freedom but these laws have not been fully implemented. We need to pray that the government will be given divine wisdom in the decisions it makes. And we need to pray that Christian organisations will continue to have opportunity to work with the Church in the spread of the Gospel in all areas of the country.

Our special prayer link is with Wayne and Tanuja Martin. They have completed a second term with Interserve as doctors in the main hospital inTansen and will return to Perth with their two children Alecia and Siobhan in a month's time. They plan to return in 2009 if there are teachers to teach their children. They have weathered lots of difficulties during this term but have finished on a real high as the hospital community showed such open-hearted appreciation for their servant-hearted ministry. They will be visiting us in late July.

BT

A 10am meeting

Dear Friends of 10am Church,
We invite you to an important meeting on Saturday 12th April 2008, 9:00am to 11:30am to discuss the viability of moving 10am to Rosalie School undercover area. This is an open meeting to discuss possibilities. In Dec/January a move to Rosalie was considered a good idea worth exploring so we engaged Khim to research it. Khim Harris has researched the move with Rosalie and it has now become an opportunity to take. As a congregation we have to assess the viability of such a move.

At the meeting:
1. We want to explore how this will help us to serve the people in the local area.

2.We want to explore how we have come to this opportunity via the 2016 vision process and alternate options.

3. We want to explore what it means for us logisitically to run 10am at Rosalie every week.

This “Think Tank” will be followed by a public meeting after church in May to discuss this further and move to a decision. Please let us know if you can make it.
Please pray for it and it’s outcomes. We hope to see you there
Thanks for your partnership with us
Gavin & Kanishka