Aboriginal Evangelical Fellowship Australia Newsletter

Transcription

1 Aboriginal Evangelical Fellowship Australia Newsletter Little girls from Ceduna SA December 2014 March 2015

2 Blessings at Christmas Christmas 2014 is almost upon us. Celebrations and parties are already beginning. People are putting up their sparkling decorations. The Sunday school children in my church have been rehearsing a skit, in which they show many of the things that crowd out the real meaning of Christmas. Holidays, presents, Christmas trees and decorations, lots of food, Santa Clause, parties, and so many other things that push the baby Jesus in the cradle, into the background. The children are keen to show in their skit that the birth of baby Jesus, born on Christmas day should be in the forefront of all these other things that we like to do over the Christmas Season. AEF Chairman: Rev Neville Naden and his wife, Kathy they are based at Broken Hill, NSW Chairman s Message Hi Folks, I trust that you are doing well in your part of God s wonderful vineyard. I want to bring the members and supporters up to speed regarding the recent Federal Council meeting that was held in Sydney. A couple of things that we are asking people to pray about. A discussion took place regarding moving the convention back to an annual event. This is something that will have to be discussed at our next convention in There will be a proposal put forward for this to happen and we are wanting the membership to pray about this important move. The Federal Council feel that the time is right for this to happen and we are wanting the wider fellowship to consider this at the 2016 AGM. Don t forget that the next convention will be a testimonial convention. It will be a time of bringing back to Port Augusta the original council men and their wives (those who are still with us) to honour them at a formal dinner. This night will take those present on a stroll down memory lane. The Rev Canon Tom Slockee will be the Master of Ceremonies and the Rev Graham Paulson will be the speaker. The dinner night will mark the beginnings of a Page 2

3 wonderful weeklong celebration of fellowship and great Bible teaching. Pastor Bob Brown is the main devotional speaker, with various other AEF members sharing the word of God at night. The dinner will cater for 200 people. If you would like to be a part of this historical occasion then you will need to purchase your tickets. Tickets cost are $100 each. First in best dressed! We have re-introduced the tribal night. The Rev Max Wright has been given the responsibility to organise this evening. For those of our brethren from the Centre of Australia and the North who would like to be involved on this night can contact Max. Max s other responsibility will be to organise a choir for the convention. If you like singing and would like to be a part of this group then let us know and we will put you in contact with Max. All nominations for Federal Council. It was decided that anyone nominating for Federal Council at the AGM must be present at the AGM in order for their nomination to be valid. The only time that a nomination could be accepted if there were major circumstances that would not permit the person to be present. We trust that you are already planning to attend the 2016 AEF gathering. Many have already booked accommodation. If you are planning to be there, then let me encourage you to book your accommodation ASAP as there are quite a number of people who have indicated that they will be attending. The other matter is the AEF supported Country Gospel Sounds. This event runs every year in Eden. The AEC Church of Eden do a wonderful job in running this event and people are expected to attend from across the country. The event will take place from the 9th-11th January Come and join the throngs of people as they give praise to God through their musical talents. For more information contact Pastor Ossie Cruse on God Bless Neville Naden Chairperson Bimbadeen Christian Training and Conference Centre Cootamundra NSW For information on the training programs and bookings for the Conference Centre please contact Bimbadeen, PO Box 313 Cootamundra NSW 2590 Telephone: admin@bimbadeen.org Page 3

4 TESTIMONIAL DINNER AND CELEBRATORY CONVENTION HONOURING OUR AEF FOUNDATION COUNCIL OF 1970 SATURDAY 2ND JANUARY AND 3-9 JANUARY 2016 CAN YOU PARTNER WITH US ON THIS UNIQUE PROJECT Page 4

5 G day, Over the past 47yrs, many Aboriginal men and their families have worked tirelessly, in ministry with little or no physical reward. They have committed their lives to proclaiming the gospel amongst our people. At the 2016 AEF convention, we want to honour such people for their love and commitment to reaching our people with the gospel. We have therefore organised a week long celebration of their lives beginning with a dinner on Saturday evening the 2nd January We are praying that this event will be well supported, both financially and physically as we pay our respects to those who are still with us and those that have gone on before. There are four ways that you can support such an event. You may want to give to a fund that would be used to transport, accommodate and provide meals for the original council men and their immediate family. You may want to sponsor a person who has been instrumental in giving leadership to this wonderful organisation down through the years, by giving $100 towards the dinner night. You may want to purchase a ticket ($100) yourself to attend the three course dinner that is planned, or you may want to pray that this event will be God honouring. We ask that you stand with us as we give thanks to God for these people and their leadership. Regards Rev Neville Naden Chairperson Aboriginal Evangelical Fellowship of Australia. Page 5

6 LET US COME BOLDLY TO THE THRONE OF GRACE Please pray with us for the following people, ministries and programs: 1 Praise God for the year that is behind us. The AEF has faced many challenges in 2014 and we praise God for His grace, wisdom and strength. Despite setbacks the Lord continues to bless the vital work of the Community Chaplains, the exciting ministry among the youth in the Eastern States and many other programs. 2 Pastor Gerald and Mrs Jackie Eades of Coolgardie in WA has requested that we keep the Christians at Black Stone Aboriginal Community, which is in the remote Warburton Ranges, in our prayers. Praise God for the Christian pioneers who took the Gospel through this rugged area many years ago. The fruit remains! 3 Pray for those who recently went through the waters of baptism at Port Augusta. Pray for the new Christians in remote areas, that they will stand strong in the Lord and that other local Christians will come along side them and support them as they strive to live for Him. 4 The AEF Federal Council has a number of pressing issues that they are working through. Rev Neville Naden, who is the Chairman of the Council, is a strong godly leader. Council members represent a wide area of AEF ministries in Australia. Neville and his wife, Kathy are doing a wonderful work in Broken Hill. 5 The 2016 Testimonial Dinner and National Convention is a big event on the AEF calendar. We are asking for prayer for this important and historical gathering. We are currently seeking sponsorship and donations. 6 The AEF Eastern Area Women s Council is praising God for the faithful women members who are involved in the ministry of the Eastern Area Women. Next year the women will be holding their 44th Annual Convention. Older women, who were there from the beginning, have passed away but the younger ones have stepped into the gap and are keeping the ministry going. 7 Pastor Ossie Cruse continues to minister on the far South Coast of NSW. He is heavily involved in the local church, with children and in youth ministry. He is working hard to get the youth camp at Jigamy up and running. Would you join us in praying for funds to complete this very important project? 8 Along with their son, Daniel, Mr Tony and Mrs Francine Riches of Melbourne are developing a project called Solid Chaplaincy Indigenous Youth Program. This program is being set up to train young adults, based on the great need to provide chaplains, mainly to sporting clubs. 9 Mr Josh and Mrs Jenice Manton who were ministering at the Dubbo Christian Family Church, recently moved to Karuah, on the mid-north Coast of NSW. They now have a beautiful little daughter named Liana. 10 Mr Neville and Mrs Lorraine Lilley continue to thank the Lord for the talented people who make up the AEF Administration team. Along with running the National Office and their executive roles on National Councils, they are appointed Community Chaplains. This is a very demanding but rewarding ministry. 11 Pray for the Christians in Gilgandra, NSW. Mrs Kathy Bird has asked for prayer for their new fellowship, which is growing rather rapidly. There are currently over 40 people worshipping together. The folk praise God for Mr Geoff Higgins, who is sharing on the preaching roster. 12 Pastor Jonathan Bates would value your prayers. He holds the position of Principal of the Kimberley Bible College. Jonathan is highly respected in the Kimberley as well as many other areas in the Top End. He does important outreach to many areas in the Kimberley and to other remote and isolated regions in WA. 13 Bimbadeen College staff do a great job of maintaining the buildings and looking after the spacious grounds of the property at Cootamundra. Rodney and Wanda Manton and Aaron and Rachael Taylor are currently on staff. Please pray for Wanda as she recovers from chemotherapy and other treatment. 14 The rapid development and growth of the East Coast Christian Indigenous Youth Network is Page 6

7 For with God nothing will be impossible. Then Mary said, behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word. And the angel departed from her. Luke 1: amazing. The ministry continues to grow strong under the leadership of Pastor Mark and Mrs Alex Naden and their team. Pray that the Christian young people won t become sidetracked with the things of the world that ensnare so many of our young people today. 15 Bimbadeen College at Cootamundra will continue with their on-campus and by-distance training programs in The college is seeking help from people who can contribute to building restoration and general maintenance. If you can assist please telephone the office on The Community Chaplaincy ministry vital for our people. Chaplains have a huge impact in Aboriginal communities around Australia. Even though financial support for this ministry had a $10,000 short fall last financial year, we believe the Lord will provide to keep the ten Chaplains on the ground in Chaplains, Mr John and Mrs Dorothy Caton spent several weeks on a huge outreach to many areas of SA. Many Christians in remote and isolated areas were greatly encouraged by their visits. John would value prayer as he has had a long wait in the public health system to have a knee operation. 18 Chaplains, Pastor Denis and Mrs Maureen Atkinson are based at Cummeragunja. They faithfully ministering in regional Victoria and also in the city of Melbourne. Denis and Maureen are keeping well. Praise God! 19 Chaplains, Pastor Dennis and Mrs Wilma Jetta minister in the local community south of Perth and to Aboriginal people in prison. 20 Chaplains, Pastor Denzil and Mrs Shirley Humphreys are based in Perth. They mainly do counselling and encouraging Christians. Visitors from country areas often visit them in Perth to seek guidance and support. 21 Chaplains, Pastor Albert and Mrs Maxine Knapp do extensive hospital visitation in Perth, in counselling, and outreach to country areas. Maxine is getting close to the completion of her AEF History book. 22 Pastor Lyle Browning, his wife, Fay, and the faithful Christians of the Fingal Christian Fellowship, in Northern NSW, are facing testing times. They have asked for prayer for the situation with their church manse. 23 Pastor Darren and Mrs Michelle Wighton minister at Albury. Darren is very involved in men s ministry. Both serve on the Bimbadeen College Board. 24 Pray for Mr Leon and Mrs Sheryn Turvey as they minister in the Indigenous Church in Western Sydney. Their main work is with children and young people. 25 Pastor Frank and Mrs Rose Johnson of Tamworth NSW, would value your prayers for the ministry. Frank has regular dyalisis treatment but he continue to pastor the Aboriginal church at Tamworth. 26 Rev Rick Manton of Mount Druitt has been very ill in hospital for some weeks. He is currently at home and building up his strength to face impending hearth surgery. Please pray for Rick and Kayleen and family. 27 Pastor Jim and Mrs Maxine Lawrence do personal evangelism as well as their Community Chaplain ministry. 28 Pastor Ray and Mrs Sharon Minniecon of Sydney have an important ministry in Redfern. Their also help to run a program to support the thousands of Aboriginal children who have been removed from their families. 29 Plans are underway for a National Women s Leadership Conference in SA for Pray with us that the Lord will provide the financial resources needed to support the ministry of the Aboriginal Evangelical Fellowship. We believe that the ministry, which God began in 1970, will continue. 31 Give thanks to the Lord with us for our prayer chain ministry. Which involves numerous key personnel. Page 7

8 EDEN COUNTRY & WESTERN GOSPEL SOUNDS Come and join us for our annual Country Gospel event. Share in the singing, the fellowship and fun while listening to the Word of God. Expect to be challenged by the Word. Where: Jigamy Farm, Eden Speaker: Pastor Greg Kelly of Perth Compare: Nathaniel Naden of Broken Hill When: Friday 9th to Sunday 11th January 2015 Theme: "Christ died for us" Romans 5:6 Contact: Pastor Ossie Cruse Program Friday 7.00pm Sing-a-long Saturday 12noon BBQ lunch (free) 2.00pm Concert & Message Sunday 11.00am Morning Church Service 12noon Lunch (free) 7.00pm Evening Service You are encouraged to come dressed in your best Country & Western outfit Mr Ross and Mrs Nicola Manton Mrs Kaye Russell Page 8

9 John and Dorothy Caton on Big Outreach On our recent trip through South Australia we had the joy in spending time with the folk at the Port Augusta Gospel Chapel. It is always great to catch up with them. Dot had the joy of fellowshipping and sharing God's word with the Ladies at their women s meeting. We also shared in the Gospel meeting at night. Mr John & Mrs Dorothy Caton On Sunday afternoon we witnessed three people obey the Lord in baptism in Spencer Golf. They were Peggy Welsh, Jennifer Reed and Sid Waye. It was a great joy to see these people obey the Lord, who we have known for a long time. We had a good time of sharing with the old people in the old folks home, we have known a number of them for some time. Mr Sid Waye being baptised at Port Augusta We had a wonderful time at Coober Pedy, where brother Ian Crombie is pasturing the church. While in Port Augusta we attended three funerals, all of them knew the Lord as their Saviour. One of them only came to the Lord a couple of weeks before in hospital. The other two were used by our Lord in Service for Him in sharing the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in many different places in South Australia and interstate. Brother Ian Crombie of Coober Pedy SA Gospel Chapel group at Port Augusta Page 9

10 Big Year for one of our AEF Members Mrs Francine Riches of Melbourne was awarded 2014 Citizen of the Year by the Maribyrnong City Council for her social work in the Aboriginal community, particularly in the area of reconciliation. Francine, who celebrated her 50th birthday this year, ministers with her husband Tony in Aboriginal ministry in the Western suburbs, Footscray and also in Thornbury. Despite her busy life, Francine has found time to study and get a Masters Degree in Arts. (Not bad for an Aboriginal girl from One Arm Point) - her words! In her role as Citizen of the Year she has lots of opportunities to share her story at many speaking engagements. She is also busy in helping to establish the new Solid Chaplaincy Indigenous Youth Program. Chaplain Stories Breakfast is served to the children each Lord s Day. We are conscious of the fact that many children are affected by problems in the family, drugs, alcohol abuse and gambling addictions. We have a vital presence in our schools in our community. We support RE for those children who voluntary come to our class. I am a registered volunteer with the police service, and have been for the last 20 years or more. The local police contact me to be present when youth are taken into custody. I won t let them lock our youth in cells but I sit with them in the police station, sometime for over four hours until they are either released or sent to a youth centre. One young man who felt that he was affected by demonic forces asked for prayer for his situation. After a lot of discussion and prayer he made a commitment to follow Jesus. AEF Eastern Area Women s 44th Annual Convention Date: 5th to 8th June 2015 Where: Bimbadeen Christian Training & Conference Centre Rinkin Street Cootamundra NSW For other details ring: (02) or Mrs Francine Riches Page 10

11 Uncle Willie Austin of Port Augusta passed away on 14 September 2014, he was 83 years of age. These lovely words were on his funeral program. Weep Not Don t weep for me, for I ve made it home. Through heaven s gates there I may roam. Wipe your tears and dry your eyes, I m in a better place, with heaven as my prize. Don t weep for me, no tears and no sorrow. Live for Jesus, He promises tomorrow. A chapter completed, a page is turned. A life well lived, a rest well earned, WILLS AND BEQUESTS HELP US TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Have you considered leaving a portion of your Will to support the ongoing ministry to the Aboriginal people of Australia? For more information contact the AEF Office, PO Box 118 Tanilba Bay NSW 2319 Telephone: or Mob: aef@aef.org.au David Mungarannie (Rocky) Another AEF member was called Home to Glory on 27th October 2014 at the age of 60. As a boy, Rocky put his trust in the Lord and after some years he reaffirmed his faith in the Lord at Coober Pedy as an adult. He went to WA to study at the Bible School. During this time he made many friends. Rocky enjoyed going on outreach trips with his mates throughout the outback taking the Lord s message to Aboriginal communities of Coober Pedy, the West Coast of WA and outback NSW. PLEASE NOTE We have included our bank account details on the back cover of this magazine for those wanting to make a donation by direct deposit to the ministry of the AEF Australia Page 11

12 AEF National Women s Executive Council Please accept the enclosed gift for the work of the Aboriginal Evangelical Fellowship Australia YOUR NAME: ADDRESS: Postcode I would like my gift to be used for: O General Funds O Where most needed O Family & Youth Services Chaplaincy Ministry (gifts of $2 and over are tax deductable) Or a direct deposit can be made to our NAB Account BSB: Account No: AEF Postal Address: Post Office Box 118 TANILBA BAY, NSW 2319 Telephone: (02) : Mobile: Fax: (02) aef@aef.org.au Web Site: