transformed february march 2011

senior’s convention

barrel of babes

what is Evangelism?

TRANSFORMEDNew Year Edition 2011HumeRidge Church of Christ Magazine

TRANSFORMEDHumeRidge Church of Christ Magazine

The New Year often starts with holidays, rest and relaxation. Not this year! On January 10th we experienced the shocking and unexpected flash flood that ripped through Toowoomba and the Lockyer Valley. Before and after this date there were floods to the west and floods to the east. Lives were lost. Homes were ruined. People were missing. Communities were shattered.

The flood crisis certainly impacted us at HumeRidge Church of Christ. Many of our own members were personally impacted by the flooding, and a number of our folk live in hard hit communities such as Murphy’s Creek, Withcott and Grantham. Furthermore we are connected to 100 communities through the network of Churches of Christ in Queensland, and many of those are also flood affected. Beyond that, we are also deeply concerned for the well-being of the whole community, and have been involved in the response and clean-up effort, as well as fund raising.

Jesus said, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows” (John 16:33a). Life is difficult. Whether affected by floods, or struck by an illness or accident, we discover that this life is fragile.

In the aftermath of this latest devastation, two needs become clear. The first is our need for community. The second is our need to hold on to something or someone strong, immovable, and eternal. Recent events demonstrated our fragility; our helplessness against the elements. Faith in God, however, leads us to cling on to that which rust or moth, flood or fire, can not destroy. Faith gives us purpose and meaning beyond the disaster. Faith gives strength to carry on. Faith motivates compassion and action.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging” (Psalm 46:1-3).

Dale White SeNIOR PaSTOR

Front cover image - sunset at Forest Hill.

Voice Photography

cONTENTS Spiritual Maturity 2

John Ortberg

Senior’s Convention 4

Playgroups 6

Popcorn Testimonies 8

What’s On 9

on Sunday Mornings

February / March 10

Pull Out Calendar

Youth Camp 12

Soap Studies 12

LifeKeys 14

ACOM 16

What is Evangelism? 18

Heather Fletcher

Noticeboard 21

18-20th March 2011

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the right measure It is a leadership axiom that we will seek to measure that which we are serious about. The default measures at a church are nickels and noses because, by definition, if we run out of those, I’m out of a job. But most of us want to go deeper than that. We’d like a sense of how we are doing at creating communities where saints can flourish. and we need to get our gauges as right as possible.

When I was growing up, if someone asked me, “How is your spiritual life going?” my mind immediately went to what we called “the quiet time.” If my quiet times were regular and long, I would rate my spiritual life highly. I rated my spiritual life in terms of my devotional practice. Churches sometimes do the same thing. In an attempt to take spiritual growth seriously, they may try to calculate how many people are reading the Bible or writing in a journal.

Transforming Hearts

>>>measuring up... for spiritual maturityBy John Ortberg

That’s not necessarily a bad thing. But devotional practices are not the ultimate criteria for spiritual growth. In Jesus’ day, the people who would have rated highest on devotional practices would have been the scribes and the Pharisees (“I thank you, God... that I fast twice a week; I give tithes on all I get”). But they were not examples of spiritual maturity.

How do you measure spiritual maturity so that the Pharisees don’t win? Sometimes churches measure spiritual progress in terms of commitment. Often we see scales that look something like Scale 1 (below). Where would the Pharisees be by this scale? Far right. They win. Commitment was not the problem.

But consider another possibility. Jesus said the ultimate command was to love. So imagine another scale. See Scale 2. On the second scale, Jesus would put the Pharisees at the far left.

SCaLe 1

Sceptic > Seeker > Convert > Totally Committed

SCaLe 2

Selfishly Unloving > Radiantly Loving

Commitment is not the same thing as Christ-likeness. In fact, where people’s primary focus is on their commitment, pride is not far behind. Where the primary focus is on Christ, commitment no longer seems like such a heroic thing. It just seems sane.

When I realized that devotional practices were not the best measure, I asked Dallas Willard how he monitored the condition of his soul. His immediate response was that he regularly asks himself two questions:

>> Am I growing more or less easily irritated these days?

>> Am I growing more or less easily discouraged these days?

Gauging peoples’ involvement in activities like small groups and serving is surely a good thing. But we need to give them a deeper way of looking at the well-being of their souls. and because we all live in our own blind spots, it is enormously helpful to find a way to have relationships where other people can help me see those parts of my soul that are obvious to others and opaque to me.

HumeRidge Church of Christ Magazine I 3

About tHe AutHor

John ortberg is pastor of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church in Menlo Park, California, and author of the Me I Was Meant to be (Zondervan, 2010).

An excerpt from an article by John ortberg entitled, Your Spiritual Growth Plan, from Leadership Journal, March 2010.

the full article is at www.leadershipjournal.net

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HumeRidge has always valued the support, encouragement, commitment and input of the senior members of our community. In March 2011 we are delighted to be hosting our first regional Seniors Convention with Keynote Speaker David Ratten, Guest Speakers Peter Best & John Gouldson, a variety of electives from local speakers as well as entertainment and a Gala Dinner. It is our hope that through this event our senior members will not only be provided with practical information and resources,

but also enjoy the fellowship of new friends and old, and moments to brighten one’s spirit and lift the heart.

We would like to extend a special thanks to our organisational team lead by Bruce armstrong and Tim Smith. Their passion and commitment to the senior members of our community and beyond is a great example to us all. We look forward to hearing all the news from the Convention in a future edition of TRaNSFORMeD!

David ratten is the Senior Minister at one Community Church, a large and vibrant church in the eastern Suburbs of Melbourne. He has held this position for the past 16 years.

He has a passion for seeing Australians discover a real faith in God and believes the truths of the bible continue to speak clearly to the needs of contemporary life. David’s ability to communicate with insight and humour sees him in demand as a speaker.

David is married to Julie and they have six children and four grandchildren. He has a passion for bike riding and is currently training for the 220km Around the bay in a Day ride.

KeYNOTe SPeaKeR: David Ratten

Transforming Hope

www.humeridgechurch.org I 5

eLeCTIVeS

Pyrography – Barry Miller

This is your opportunity to learn something of pyrography, an ancient craft dating back many centuries. Try some of the different methods.

The Key to Me – Deb Dayet

Scrapbook a 6x8 photo preferably of YOU. Tell your story beyond the who, what, when and where. The photo can be framed or added to an album. a black and white photo is preferrable but a colour will work too. Suits beginner to advanced.

Well-being – Denise Hart

Discussion on diet and exercise. No special clothing needed.

Cracking the Computer Code – Greg McKeon

Practical display and the basics of computing.

“Going Potty” – Justin Russell

enjoy a session with HumeRidge’s own Justin Russell. Whether you have a pot on the balcony or plantation in the backyard you’ll improve your green thumb skills.

Pharmacy for Seniors

Find out what is available to assist you with health aids etc.

Travelling Nomads

Find out what is available for seniors who wish to travel in australia or overseas with Craig Mathieson from Jan McSweeney Travel.

Holyland Tour - Geoff Pankhurst

Highlights of Geoff’s tour to the Holyland.

ReGULaR SeNIORS eVeNTS

Seniors Cornerafter 9am Sunday Service.Home made morning tea.

Golden Eagles 50+every third Thursday of the month at 9.15am. Stay tuned for bus trip and luncheon details.

OTHeR GROUPS OF INTeReST

U3A Travel Club9am every Tuesday

KYB [Know Your Bible]For all women.Wednesday 10am and Thursday 12.45pm.

Hymn Singingevery second Wednesday of the month at 1.30pm.

Indoor Bowling 9-11am Thursdays. Excluding third Thursday of the month for Golden Eagles.

Book Clubevery second Friday of the month at 9.30am.

Connect GroupsMeeting at various times. Contact the Church office for further details.

SPONSORED BYBurstows

Centenary Development Foundation

Churches of Christ CareDornburschPartners Pty Ltd

Heritage Building SocietyPalm Lake Resort

Travelscene

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Did you know that more than 100,000 families meet every week in over 8,000 playgroups right across australia, bringing children, parents and caregivers together in a uniquely affordable, accessible, welcoming, safe and enjoyable way.

The increasing cost of living prohibits many families and carers with children under school age from participating in community activities. Playgroup is, for many Queensland families, the answer.

For 17 years members from our church have been coordinating the Barrel of Babes Playgroups which operate four sessions every week, reaching out to over 80 families from the community. 80% of

our members have no association with any church, however we have found many families do extend their association with HumeRidge after their playgroup years have ended. Our playgroups are highly regarded & we receive referrals from health care professionals within the community.

What is Playgroup?

a Playgroup is a group of mums, dads, grandparents and caregivers who meet together each week with their babies, toddlers and preschoolers for interaction and fun.

Parent and caregivers work together to provide their babies and young children with opportunities to learn through play.

“ Children tend to do better when parents (usually mothers) participate in their own children’s program, compared to children attending programs whose parents did not participate and to those children who did not attend any program.”

(early Years Study noting the benefits of the uK’s Child Health and education Study).

Transforming Families

TRANSFORMED new yeaR edITIon 2011 I 7

Why go to Playgroup?

Children under five are going through a stage of rapid brain development and young children need a stimulating environment to play and learn. Playgroups offer babies, toddlers and young children a wide variety of early learning experiences. It’s a great way for children to learn about the world, make friends and develop social skills. Playgroup also gives mums, dads, grandparents and caregivers a chance to meet, to share ideas and experiences and develop a network of support in what is the toughest job in the world - raising children!

aT PLaYGROUP CHILDReN

• Havefun• Discoverhowtosharethroughplayand

get along with other children• Learnanddevelopnewskills• Listentomusicandstories• Improvetheirabilitiestosolveproblems• Explorebyplayingwithwater,bypainting

and trying other kinds of art and craft• Havefunplayingoutdoorsand

experimenting with a range of equipment designed to improve balance, strength and coordination.

aT PLaYGROUP aDULTS

• Getoutofthehouse• Makenewfriends• Shareexperiences• HelprunthePlaygroup

Many long-term friendships begin at Playgroup and for mothers new to town, playgroup is their lifeline! Our playgroup members have risen to the challenge and provided amazing support to fellow members during times of need.

International research and growing evidence based within australia acknowledges the importance of the first five years of life, the role of parents or caregivers in these early years, and the benefits (community capacity building) evident from an investment in early years and early intervention projects.

National Playgroup Week (20-26 March 2011)

Our playgroups are proud to be involved in The National Playgroup Week. The theme for 2011 is ‘Learning Through Play’. at events across the State, Playgroup members and other families, with children under 5, will engage in free fun activities designed to raise awareness of the importance of play.

To enquire about joining one of our church playgroups, contact Liz Laverty on 4635 6653.

popcorn testimonies

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Jack Kamst

even though I believed in God since I was young, and considered myself a Christian, I lived my life pretty well independent of Him. That was until I discovered that God was personal and deeply cared about me and had good things planned for me! Now I can face life with confidence knowing that He loves me and that life has profound purpose and that I am a part of His family. I am filled with joy, peace and happiness because life now has meaning.

Danielle Vickers Dalton

I have always known aBOUT God growing up in church. I was shallow and selfish and church was just a habit. even after publicly making a commitment to be a Christian I still didn’t KNOW God. One day my eyes opened to a very different perspective of God that made Him real to me and made me hungry to live that out. Now I KNOW God, have a purpose, peace. I have experienced a new way to live and hope that my life can point others to God who wants to do the same for them.

Gloria Geddes

For years I was filled with emptiness, fear and a feeling of not being accepted. I had a hole in my soul that needed to be filled. I sought to fill it with alcohol and looked for the approval for others to fill the void I felt, but nothing helped me to feel worthwhile. Then I found Jesus. My problems didn’t go away over night but God gave me strength and courage to relate authentically with Jesus. I am now in a place where I know I am significant because Christ is in me. To know that I have been chosen by God, created uniquely by Him and loved with an everlasting love, just blows me away. My desire is to love others for who they are because of the wonderful grace that has been shown to me. and I pray that they come to know the Jesus I know.

what’s on on Sunday mornings

SERIES – 9aM

living Jesus’ way

APRIL 10 “Getting Relationships Right”- Neale Proellocks(Matthew 7:7-12)

APRIL 17 CONCLuSION “Two Ways to Live” - Neale Proellocks(Matthew 7:13-29)

APRIL 3

“Handling Criticism” – Dale White(Matthew 7:1-6)

TRANSFORMED I 9

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

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februarycalendar 2011

9.30am Playgroup 4pm Band Practice

12.45 KyB

8am Prayer9am Sunday Service

4pm Prayer5@Sunday

9.30am Playgroup7pm LifeKeys

9.30am Playgroup11am Playgroup

7pm Lifekeys

6.30am Prayer9.30am KyB

6pm Stumpys

9.30am Playgroup5pm youth

(Grades 7&8)7pm youth

(Grades 9-12)

12.45 KyB9.45am Golden

eagles


4pm Prayer5@Sunday



7pm Lifekeys


6pm Stumpys



(Grades 9-12)

12.45 KyB

8am Prayer9am Sunday Service11am Prayer for Lost2pm-5pm Pathways

(Membership & Maturity)4pm Prayer5@Sunday



7pm Lifekeys

6am Prayer for Lost6.30am Prayer

9.30am KyB6pm Stumpys

7pm Prayer for Lost



(Grades 9-12) 4pm Band Practice

8am Prayer9am Sunday Service2pm-5pm Pathways(Ministry & Mission)

4pm Prayer5@Sunday

7.30am women’s Breakfast

4pm Band Practice


4pm Band Practice


7pm Training week7pm Lifekeys 12.45 KyB


HumeRidge Church of Christ Magazine I 11

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31




12.45 KyB


4pm Prayer5@Sunday



7pm Lifekeys


6pm Stumpys



(Grades 9-12)

12.45 KyB9.45am Golden

eagles


4pm Prayer5@Sunday



7pm Lifekeys


6pm Stumpys



(Grades 9-12)

12.45 KyB

8am Prayer9am Sunday Service11am Prayer for Lost

4pm Prayer5@Sunday



7pm Lifekeys

6am Prayer for Lost6.30am Prayer

9.30am KyB6pm Stumpys

7pm Prayer for Lost





4pm Prayer5@Sunday

4pm Band Practice


6pm Stumpys

4pm Band Practice


7pm Lifekeys 12.45 KyB


12.45 KyBaCoM - Christology


7pm LifekeysaCoM - Christology


6pm StumpysaCoM - Christology

marchcalendar 2011

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CHRISTOlOGY29 – 31 March

Tim McMinnon

sss

In early December our young people and their leaders headed off for camp at Caloundra. Once again the leaders were blown away by the excellent behaviour and commitment of the youth to get in and get

involved. Despite the weather and confined spaces everyone had a great time, laughed a lot and learnt more about God, themselves and each other.

Thanks goes to our intrepid leaders Ross and elicia and all the team leaders who give

Scripture. Observation. Application. Prayer.S.O.a.P. studies are about developing a healthy habit of spending regular time with the Lord. If you commit to a reading and journaling on a daily basis, your life will be truly revolutionised.

s.o.a.p. studiesS = ScRipTuRE

Which particular Scripture stood out to you from today’s reading? Write it out in full.

O = ObSERvATiON

Outline the main theme of your reading:

What is taking place in the passage? What is the main point of the verses? What thoughts come out of the reading?

A = ApplicATiON

Make it personal. Outline how this reading applies to you. How will you be different because of what you have read? You may need to identify some specific steps of action.

p = pRAyER

end by writing out a prayer that expresses your heart to God about what you read.

so much of themselves to help our young people know more about Jesus, and living whole and productive lives. We look forward to hearing more about the youth group antics throughout 2011!

Youth Recommences 11th February5pm Grades 7 & 8 7pm Grades 9 – 12

NeWTIMeS!

February

1 Matthew 1

2 Matthew 2

3 Matthew 3

4 Matthew 4

5 Matthew 5

6 Matthew 6

7 Matthew 7

8 Matthew 8

9 Matthew 9

10 Matthew 10

11 Matthew 11

12 Matthew 12

13 Matthew 13

14 Matthew 14

15 Matthew 15

16 Matthew 16

17 Matthew 17

18 Matthew 18

19 Matthew 19

20 Matthew 20

21 Matthew 21

22 Matthew 22

23 Matthew 23

24 Matthew 24

25 Matthew 25

26 Matthew 26

27 Matthew 27

28 Matthew 28

16 I Corinthians 11

17 I Corinthians 12

18 I Corinthians 13

19 I Corinthians 14

20 I Corinthians 15

21 I Corinthians 16

22 Philemon

23 Isaiah 34

24 Isaiah 35

25 Isaiah 36

26 Isaiah 37

27 Isaiah 38

28 Isaiah 39

29 Isaiah 40

30 Isaiah 41

31 Isaiah 42

March

1 Zephaniah 1

2 Zephaniah 2

3 Zephaniah 3

4 Haggai 1

5 Haggai 2

6 I Corinthians 1

7 I Corinthians 2

8 I Corinthians 3

9 I Corinthians 4

10 I Corinthians 5

11 I Corinthians 6

12 I Corinthians 7

13 I Corinthians 8

14 I Corinthians 9

15 I Corinthians 10

If you’d like to learn more about the youth programs at HumeRidge please contact Ross or Elicia.

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every term several LifeKeys programs, as well as The Marriage Course, are run here at HumeRidge. each program is designed to answer specific questions and build on the participant’s knowledge and understanding of themselves, and of God. There is no pressure in the group. You can share as you feel comfortable and confidentiality is a commitment of each group member. LifeKeys programs are designed to be a comfortable safe place for all group members.

Below is a list of the LifeKeys programs being offered in Term 1 of 2011. each program will be offered later in the year as well. as you read through each program

consider if this is something you, or in the case of the marriage course you and your spouse, may like to do. The leadership of HumeRidge highly recommend the LifeKeys programs as part of your spiritual growth journey.

Search for life

Without insight and answers to the human dilemma individuals resort to inadequate and destructive patterns of behaviour to address feelings of low self esteem, inadequacy, emptiness and insecurity. This program identifies the cause of so many human tensions and introduces participants to the healing power of truth in a caring and safe environment.

For information on any of these courses please contact our LifeKeys Coordinator Jack Kamst at the office.

Transforming Hearts

www.humeridgechurch.org I 15

Valiant Man

Developing and maintaining a healthy sexuality is every man’s battle. Valiant Man is about male sexual discipleship.

This program, with study and devotional guide is designed to fortify and restore the moral and spiritual integrity of men.

Valiant Man challenges all men to fight for their own personal, moral and spiritual vitality and help other men fight for theirs.

Understanding Your Valiant Man

Many women want to understand the men in their lives. Understanding Your Valiant Man has been developed for women; a companion program to the Valiant Man program which is designed to provide men with an empowering experience of sexual discipleship. This program allows women to see and understand the journey the men involved in the program are taking.

Woman to Woman

every woman carries with her the strengths and weaknesses of her background. She carries the legacy of her past into all her relationships - family, business and church. This program will show participants how to free themselves from the past and focus on the future. It will provide strategies and skills needed to make positive and lasting changes in relationships.

The Marriage Course

a seven session course set in a fantastic atmosphere. You will be served with a special meal and/or coffee, tea and dessert at a romantic candlelit table for two whilst listening to practical talks that are informative and fun, either given live or played on DVD. There is never any group work and you will never be asked to share anything about your relationship with anyone other than your partner.

the marriage course

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Have you ever felt a desire to learn more about Jesus and the Bible?

Have you ever felt a call to train for Church or Para-Church ministry?

Why not consider a one year Diploma of Ministry, or for the more adventurous, a three year Bachelor of Theology?

In 2011 the australia College of Ministry is offering the opportunity for you to learn more about God, His Word and ministering to our community through subjects including:

>> Christology which focuses of Jesus;

>> Youth Context & Culture to help us understand how to support, encourage and reach out to the young people in our community; and

>> Wisdom literature exploring the Books of Wisdom from the Old Testament.

aCOM offers flexibility in study through its external studies program which can

be utilised in conjunction with attending three day facilitations. Facilitations provide a wonderful opportunity to interact with other students, many of whom are engaged in ministry on a variety of levels, as well as receiving input from leaders with expertise in the area being studied. Facilitations are a great place to raise questions and explore relevant issues with others. You might just be surprised at the number of times you share the same questions and concerns as other students. Together you can explore the truths from God’s words and find practical application for your ministry and life.

This year we are delighted to have Ross Savill facilitating the “Youth Context and Culture” subject right here at HumeRidge in the July School holidays. We encourage anyone working with children and youth to consider taking the opportunity to attend this facilitation. aCOM is opening this course as a seminar for all. You do not need to be an aCOM student. We will provide details of registration closer to the time.

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2011 FACIlITATIONS AT HUMERIDGE

Christology 29 – 31 March Tim McMenamin

Youth Context & Culture 5 – 6 July Ross Savill

Wisdom literature 27 – 29 September Randy edwards

Transforming Hearts

ROSS SaVILL

TRANSFORMED new yeaR edITIon 2011 I 17

Chris England

“When I started aCOM I thought this would be a fairly easy thing that I could do in my spare time. BUT IT’S ReaLLY HaRD. Not hard to understand or do the work, but hard because they don’t accept the brief fluffy answers that I have always given. You have to get right into it, read the scriptures, read them again, look at social, emotional, relational, educational, cultural (and so much more) factors that impact the question you’re trying to answer or discuss. You have to investigate and dive deep into research, articles, books, and theories to create answers and discussions that will literally form and build into your faith. and when you’re done and read what you have come up with, you realise that you are only scraping the surface of what all this God stuff is about, and that is so incredibly exciting!”

Natalie Tucker

“If I could be so bold as to add a note of warning about studying with aCOM... be prepared to have everything you thought you knew about God turned inside out and upside down. It’s not a bad thing. You might just come out knowing why you believe what you believe and be able to back it up with the truth we can depend on; God and His Word! That’s “knowing” mind you, understanding God... that’s a whole other story!”

More information about aCOM can be found on their website at www.acom.edu.au. You can also speak with our resident students, Children’s Ministry ‘guru in the making’ Chris and Ministry Support ‘extraordinaire to be’ Natalie who are both studying with aCOM. Chris & Natalie are both enjoying their study [outside of assessment deadlines!]. They recommend attending as many facilitations as possible as it allows interaction with leaders with

experience and expertise in their field. and, it is also a wonderful time to connect with other students from a variety of church settings. They guarantee that amidst all the learning there’s also lots of fun! If you answered yes to the opening questions, or if this article raises the slightest of promptings in your heart, don’t wait. explore the options of studying with aCOM today. You may just find the study opportunity you are looking for!

It was a dark and stormy night. Nervous steps took me towards a cafe near the end of the street. Welcoming light spilled out from the cafe, warming the surrounding gloom. I was only metres from it when out of the corner of my eye, I saw him - a bearded ne’er-do-well lurking in the shadows. I increased my pace to scurry past his notice. But alas, he spotted me. With wild eyes, he leapt into my path and demanded, “Do you know the Lord?!”

“No!” I shrieked and ran, panicked, into the safety of the cafe.

It wasn’t true. I did know the Lord (well, I knew of him), but I wasn’t going to admit to it under those sinister conditions. It was my first taste of street evangelism and I vowed I would never inflict it on another soul.

So it’s a little surprising that for nearly two decades since, great chunks of my time have been spent helping my husband train uni students in street evangelism, friendship, family and workmate evangelism, and even random-stranger evangelism.

Transforming Hope

what is

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TRANSFORMED I 19

I used to think that success in witnessing was defined as “When a non-Christian takes the initiative to say to a Christian, ‘You’re so awesome; this must be because of Christianity, please tell me about it as I would like to convert and become as awesome as you.’” Based on this definition, I had a 100% failure rate. So it was a relief when Cam told me that Student Life’s definition of success in witnessing is “Simply taking the initiative, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to share Christ, and leaving the results to God.”

What a liberating definition! It takes courage, of course, to take the initiative, but God supplies that. The power of the Holy Spirit helps me and makes compassion my propellant. Leaving the results to God means I don’t have to get my knickers in a knot if it isn’t received well. God is the one who converts; God is the one who is drawing people to Himself. I just need to cooperate with him to find out what he’s doing in a person’s life and help them take their next step towards Jesus. He likes to use me because it’s good for me. I’m sure He gets a kick out of using everyday “normal” people like me because there’s no way we can hog the credit!

Student life – Impacting Schoolies

Mel the schoolie sat by herself in the dark on the end of the pier at Phillip Island. She thought sadly of her friend who had drowned not long before, at just 22 years of age. and now, Belinda, Mel’s schoolie friend, had left her to find fun elsewhere. She felt all alone.

Then a girl called audrey approached her. audrey said she was a Christian from a group called Student Life here to help schoolies practically and talk to them about God if they were interested. Mel decided to open up about feeling abandoned. It was late and drunken schoolies abounded so Mel gratefully accepted audrey’s offer to walk her home. as they walked, audrey asked, “Have you ever heard of the concept of knowing God personally?” Mel had not, but was interested. a couple of times when she’d attended church and even at her friend’s funeral, Mel had been vaguely aware of God, but she couldn’t say she knew him personally. audrey pulled out a gospel tract. She explained why Jesus died on the cross and that God could forgive anybody. (Continued next page)

evangelism?By Heather Fletcher

(Continued from previous page)

even a murderer? Mel asked. even a murderer, audrey assured her. audrey went on to explain how the Christian life is a friendship with God through Jesus. The big difference is that Jesus is the friend who never deserts you. Mel liked the sound of that!

Mel listened attentively as audrey explained how it’s not enough to have God in your life, but to have him empower and direct your life. She showed Mel a prayer she could pray to get started. Pushing past anxiety about praying in front of others, Mel decided to take a step of faith and pray out loud to receive Christ. Now Mel will never walk alone. epilogue: audrey is now making arrangements to take Mel through a Christianity explained course and help her find a church and read the Bible.

Mel’s story is unique, but not uncommon. In the reports of drunken debauchery you would

have heard of schoolies, you may not have heard how spiritually open many of them are. Student Life took teams of university students to reach them on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, Byron Bay, the Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island. Many of our students were raw – new to the faith or inarticulate or shy. But they took the evangelism and theology training we gave them and ran with it. They trusted God to give them courage when they felt fearful and God graced them with spectacular success in witnessing. around the nation, our students had over 1200 significant spiritual conversations with schoolies and holiday makers, gave 380 gospel presentations and saw 38 people come to Christ! all of them are determined to keep sharing their faith back on campus and with friends and family, and 20 are considering full time ministry when they graduate!

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pHONE 07 4635 0350 FAX 07 4635 4674 EMAIl [email protected] WEbSiTE www.humeridgechurch.org ADDRESS 461 - 469 Hume Street Toowoomba Q 4350PO Box 7564 Toowoomba South Q 4350OFFicE HOuRS 8:30am - 4:30pm Monday - Friday

editorial by Natalie TuckerGraphic Design by Kristy Fielder { www.blackcanvas.com.au }

Senior Pastor Dale White 0419 756 469

Pastor – Evangelism Neale Proellocks 0419 737 950

Pastor – Congregational Care Tim Smith 0438 350 376

Student Minister/Ministry SupportNatalie Tucker 0409 393 439

Careforce Lifekeys & Pathways Jack Kamst 0434 729 115

Pastor – Youth Ross Savill 0411 201 227

Youth Worker elicia Wuersching 0402 158 700

Children’s Ministry Chris England 0413 580 012 Zara England 0401 948 860

Music Ministry Brendon Walmsley 0419 654 548

Minister Emeritus Bruce armstrong 4635 9885

Youth Turn (House 469) 4636 2981Graham Storey 0431 268 065

Transformed Magazine submissions and enquiries eMaIL [email protected]

TRANSFORMING LIVES to Christ by experiencing and reflecting God ’s love together

TRANSFORMING LIVESto Christ by experiencing and re�ecting God’s love together

Hearts Hope Families World

Introduction MorningWednesday 2nd February 9.30am

kyb

Youth Recommences 11th February5pm Grades 7 & 8 7pm Grades 9 – 12

{youth} NeWTIMeS!

Sunday 20th February 2 – 5pm Membership & Maturity

Sunday 27th February2 – 5pm Ministry & Mission

Prayer for LostSunday 20th February

11am in LoftWednesday 23rd February

6am in Chats7pm in Staff Room

[enter via southern portico]

Wednesday 9th February6pm Stumpy’s Recommences

Term 1 LifeKeys Programs

transformed february march 2011

Documents

spiritual life

spiritual growth serious

flood crisis

hard hit communities

unexpected flash flood

right measure

transformednew year

mountains quake