RESCUE IS COMING BOOK OF JUDGES DAILY READING GUIDE

Transcription

1 RESCUE IS COMING BOOK OF JUDGES DAILY READING GUIDE

2 INTRODUCTION What is a Daily Reading Guide (DRG)? At 6pm on Sundays we will be going through the book of Judges, in a sermon series called Rescue is Coming. The DRG is designed to help direct you in your personal Bible reading and reflection throughout the week. There will be suggestions for passages to read, questions to get you thinking and ideas for prayer. Contents About Judges Week 1 Judges 1-2: Week 2 Judges 2:20-3: Week 3 Judges Week 4 Judges Week 5 Judges Week 6 Judges 9-10: Week 7 Judges Week 8 Judges Week 9 Judges Week 10 Judges

3 ABOUT JUDGES The book of Judges spans the time in Israel s history between Joshua and Samuel. It follows 12 judges who are more like military leaders rather than political or legal rulers. This is not a book of heroes, in fact many of the judges have little or no redeeming qualities. Instead the book is full of chaos, murder, violence, idolatry, abuse, deception, power-plays and debauchery. The Pattern The main theme of Judges is the moral and spiritual downward spiral of the Israelites. Keep an eye out for the pattern that occurs throughout Judges: rebellion rescue retribution repentance Israel continuously rebels against God and yet time and time again God shows mercy and compassion. Regardless of their sin, God sends a deliverer to his people when they cry out to him. This cycle in Judges reveals the need for a righteous king, to lead the people to God (17:7; 21:25). We see this happen with the establishment of the Davidic monarchy (1-2 Samuel), but ultimately it points towards the need for a true and ultimate King, Jesus. Rescue is coming! 1

4 Judges in the storyline of the Old Testament Timeline Important Events Books Creation Creation Fall Call of Abraham, promises of land and blessing Israel (Abraham s descendants) spend 400 years in slavery in Egypt c BC God rescues his people from Egypt, Moses aims to take them to the land promised to Abraham Israel rebels, wanders the desert for 40 years c BC Under Joshua, the promised land is conquered God drives out pagan inhabitants of the land (Joshua 21:43-45) Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy Joshua 1000 BC c. 500 BC Joshua dies Israel fails to drive out pagan inhabitants from the land The time of the judges The time of the kings, beginning with King Saul The monarchy ends, Israel is in exile Judges Samuel, Kings, Chronicles Timeline adapted from 2

5 MULTIPLICATION The mission of WBC is to know Christ and to make him known. We want to tell others about Jesus so they will have the joy and hope of following him. Throughout this DRG there will be prompts to pray for 3 unbelieving family members or friends who you desire to share the gospel with. Who are 3 people you would like to be praying for opportunities to share Jesus with?

6 WEEK 1 DAY 1 Read Joshua Joshua led the Israelites into the land which had been promised to Abraham (see timeline on page 2). This speech is given just before the time of Judges. Write a list of the things Joshua wants the Israelites to remember. 2. Why does he warn them not to ally themselves or associate with the other nations? 3. What are the consequences of violating or transgressing the covenant they have with God (v )? Pray: for help in obeying God and remembering his word. Pray: for Wollongong Baptist Church, its members, leaders, and vision. 4

7 DAY 2 Read Exodus 23:31-33, Exodus 34:10-13 and Deuteronomy 12:3 1. What is the command God has made repeatedly to the Israelites? 2. Why do you think God commanded this? 3. What would it look like if the Israelites obeyed this? What would it look like if they disobeyed? Pray: for help in listening to God. Pray: for the 3 non-believing friends or family members who you desire to know Jesus (see page 3). 5

8 DAY 3 Read Judges 1: In light of what you read in days 1 and 2, how do you think Israel is going at keeping God s commands? 2. While it might seem like Israel is having a lot of military success, there are several examples of half-way or half-hearted obedience throughout this chapter. What examples of this can you see in verses 19-26? 3. Are there any ways in your life that you are only being half-heartedly obedient? Pray: for conviction to live fully and whole-heartedly for God, ensuring he is Lord over all parts of your life. Also pray for wisdom and understanding as you embark on reading Judges. Pray: for missionaries our church supports (see appendix on page 54). 6

9 DAY 4 Read Judges 1:27-2:5 1. In verses we hear more accounts of the Israelite tribes successes and failures. What do these stories reflect about God s people? 2. What is God s assessment of their actions? 3. The Israelites had failed to break down the altars of the foreign gods, what idols do you need to break down in your life? Pray: that God will break down the idols in your life and that as you read Judges you will be led to repentance and change. Pray: for the leaders and members of your home group. 7

10 DAY 5 Read Judges 2:6-19 (note: Judges 1:1 already told us Joshua died, but 2:6-9 is a flashback to Joshua 24:28-31 and transitions to the next section of the book) 1. How long does it take for the people to not know the Lord? 2. What is the spiritual state of Israel? 3. How are you passing on your faith to the next generation? Pray: for the next generation, that they will know, love and serve God. Pray: for the area of Wollongong for revival, the city leaders and the other churches. 8

11 WEEK 2 DAY 1 Read Judges 2:20-3:6 1. Why does God test the Israelites? 2. What would it look like for them to obey the commandments of the Lord (3:4)? What would it look like for us? 3. How does this section set the stage for the first judge? Pray: that you will obey the commandments of the Lord. Pray: for Wollongong Baptist Church, its members, leaders, and vision. 9

12 DAY 2 Read 1 Peter 2: In Judges, Israel is commanded to drive out the foreign nations. Do you think God s people now are supposed to do the same thing? Is living amongst non-believers a bad thing? 2. In what way are Christians aliens and strangers in the world? 3. How can you live a godly life alongside non-believers? Pray: for wisdom and godliness as you live in this world as an alien and stranger Pray: for the 3 non-believing friends or family members who you desire to know Jesus 10

13 DAY 3 Read Judges 3: On page 1 of this DRG you can see the pattern that recurs throughout Judges. How can an example of that be seen here? 2. Why does God show them pity? 3. Have you seen the Judges pattern in your own life? How does your sin and God s grace prompt you to live for him? Pray: thank God for his abundant mercy and grace. Pray: for missionaries our church supports. 11

14 DAY 4 Read Judges 3: How is God s judgement (3:12) actually an act of redemption? See also 1 Corinthians 11: Who is in control throughout this section? (3:12, 15, 28) 3. There is a lot of violence in this section, and throughout Judges. How are we supposed to understand this? Does the Bible endorse such actions? Pray: for trust in a sovereign God. Pray: for the leaders and members of your home group 12

15 DAY 5 Read Isaiah We saw in Judges 3 that Ehud was an unexpected leader because he was left-handed, which was not something the Israelites associated with power. In what ways is Jesus the ultimate unexpected leader? 2. How is Jesus different to Ehud? 3. How did Jesus deliver His people? Pray: thank Jesus that he bore our suffering and punishment to bring us peace and deliverance. Pray: for the area of Wollongong for revival, the city leaders and the other churches. 13

16 WEEK 3 DAY 1 Read Judges 4 1. Referring once again to the pattern in Judges (page 1), how can you see this cycle occur in this chapter? 2. What does this passage teach us about God? 3. What does it teach us about people? Pray: thank God that he continually listens to his people when they cry out for help. Pray: for Wollongong Baptist Church, its members, leaders, and vision. 14

17 DAY 2 Read Judges 4: How has Israel s oppression worsened? Compare to 3:8 and 3: How is Deborah different to Othniel and Ehud? 3. What can be learnt from Deborah s example? Pray: acknowledge God s work in your life and the world like Deborah did. Pray: for the 3 non-believing friends or family members who you desire to know Jesus 15

18 DAY 3 Read Judges 4: How does Barak show faith? (He is commended for his faith in Hebrews 11:32-34) 2. Barak s army of 10,000 men was vastly out-numbered 900 chariots were a huge army. (By comparison, in Exodus 14 Egypt sent 600 chariots to chase the entire nation of Israel which included about 600,000 men). What does this show us? 3. Are there any things in your life that you might not be trusting God in because the odds seem overwhelming or the opposition is great? Pray: that you will know that The Lord is my strength and defense, he has become my salvation (Psalm 118:14) Pray: for missionaries our church supports. 16

19 DAY 4 Read Judges 4: Why is Jael s involvement remarkable? (4:17) 2. What do you think of Jael s actions? (see also 5:24-27) 3. Who is credited with defeating Jabin? Pray: to thank God that he is sovereign and in control. Pray: for the leaders and members of your home group. 17

20 DAY 5 Read Judges 5 (note: this chapter retells the events of Judges 4 but in a song) 1. Who is the glory attributed to? 2. Not all the Israelite tribes joined Barak s army (verses 13-18, 23). At what times are you tempted to not come to the help of the Lord (5:23 ESV)? 3. In verses we hear that during his reign Sisera captured women as sex slaves. Does this help in understanding why Deborah says, may all your enemies perish, O Lord! (5:31)? How do we understand this in light of the New Testament command to love our enemies (Matt 5:43-48)? Pray: for the courage and faithfulness to love your enemies. Pray: for the area of Wollongong for revival, the city leaders and the other churches. 18

21 WEEK 4 DAY 1 Read Judges 6: The cycle continues: Israel returns to their evil ways (v. 1), are oppressed (v. 2-5) and then cry out to God (v. 6). What does God send them this time? 2. What truths are the Israelites reminded of? Why? 3. Have there been times in your life where you have cried out to God for some kind of action or miracle, but perhaps God responded instead by asking you to listen. Are you listening? Pray: for help to listen to God Pray: for Wollongong Baptist Church, its members, leaders, and vision. 19

22 DAY 2 Read 2 Corinthians 7: In Judges 6:6-10 the prophet was trying to persuade the Israelites to true repentance. They were sorrowful at being brought very low by the Midianites, but weren t necessarily repentant of their own evil ways. Based on the 2 Corinthians passage what is the difference between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow? 2. Why might God sometimes use sorrow for our own good? 3. Why is repentance so important? Are there things you need to repent of? Pray: spend some time confessing and repenting of sin. Pray: for the 3 non-believing friends or family members who you desire to know Jesus. 20

23 DAY 3 Read Judges 6: What does this section show us about God? 2. The angel of the Lord says, The Lord is with you, but Gideon isn t sure that in the midst of the Midianite oppression that God has been with them. Have you ever questioned whether God has abandoned you? 3. Tim Keller writes: we are often waiting for God to do something to us or for us, or wondering why he doesn t use someone to bring help. We essentially say: Lord, why don t you remove this problem? instead of saying: Lord, please make me the person who can handle this problem. 1 What can be learnt from Gideon s interaction with the angel of the Lord? Pray: that God will grow you into the person who can handle any present problems you might be facing. Pray: for missionaries our church supports. 1 Keller, Timothy. Judges For You (God's Word For You) (Kindle page 967). 21

24 DAY 4 Read Judges 6: Do you think it was OK for Gideon to ask for a sign? 2. What is Gideon commanded to do in verses 25-26? Why? 3. Gideon quickly obeys God and removes the idols. Are there idols or temptations that you need to deal with just as swiftly? Pray: for conviction about any idols in your life and that you will rid them from your life quickly. Pray: for the leaders and members of your home group. 22

25 DAY 5 Read Judges 6: How do verses show Israel s lack of repentance? What does this show us about God? 2. Why do you think the Israelites respond to Gideon s call to follow him? 3. Gideon once again reveals his uncertainty and asks for another sign. In what ways do you also struggle to fully trust God? Pray: for help in trusting God, I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief! (Mark 9:24) Pray: for the area of Wollongong for revival, the city leaders and the other churches. 23

26 WEEK 5 DAY 1 Read Judges 7: Why does God want the army to be smaller? 2. Are there areas in your life where you don t give God the glory? 3. How can this part of Judges help in our understanding of salvation? (see also Ephesians 2:8-9) Pray: spend some time giving glory to God. Pray: for Wollongong Baptist Church, its members, leaders, and vision. 24

27 DAY 2 Read Judges 7: How is the Midianite army described? 2. What is the significance of the dream described in verses 13-14? 3. God is still helping Gideon to overcome his fear (v ). What fears do you need to pray that God will help you overcome? Pray: that God will help you overcome your fears. Pray: for the 3 non-believing friends or family members who you desire to know Jesus. 25

28 DAY 3 Read Judges 7: Who is the victory attributed to? 2. What s the significance of the kings being killed at a rock and a winepress (7:25)? (see 6:11, 20-21) 3. God used Gideon s skills as a mighty warrior (6:12) to achieve this victory. What skills has God given you? What circumstance has he given you to use these gifts? Pray: you will act in good faith and integrity. Pray: for missionaries our church supports. 26

29 DAY 4 Read Judges 8: How are these battles different to the one described in chapter 7? 2. Gideon is angry at the people of Succoth and Penuel (or Peniel) for refusing to acknowledge and reward his achievements. How is this reminiscent of Judges 7:2? 3. Are there times when you worship and seek after your own successes more than you worship God? Pray: you will worship God more than your own achievements. Pray: for the leaders and members of your home group. 27

30 DAY 5 Read Judges 8: How does Gideon contradict what he says in verse 23? 2. Israel s downward spiral continues. How does this differ from the final accounts of each of the previous judges? 3. What lessons can be learnt from this passage? Pray: that God will keep you from so quickly sliding in to sin like Gideon did. Pray: for the area of Wollongong for revival, the city leaders and the other churches. 28

31 WEEK 6 DAY 1 Read Judges 9: What is shocking in this story? What does it say about the state of Israel? 2. Read Genesis 12:6-7. What is the significance of Shechem? What does this account in Judges occurring in Shechem highlight? 3. Abimelek (a.k.a Abimelech) is never called a judge but he does claim to be king. In what other ways is Abimelek different from Othniel, Ehud, Deborah or Gideon? Pray: God will keep you from straying far from him like the Israelites had. Pray: for Wollongong Baptist Church, its members, leaders, and vision. 29

32 DAY 2 Read Judges 9: Abimelek s name means My father is king (this is interesting given 8:23), while Jotham s name means The Lord is perfect. What does this suggest? 2. What does Jotham s story mean? 3. Who is he criticising? Why? Pray: that your good deeds will be done in humility that comes from wisdom. Pray: for the 3 non-believing friends or family members who you desire to know Jesus. 30

33 DAY 3 Read Judges 9: God stirred up animosity (v. 23, NIV) between Abimelek and the people of Shechem. Why does he do this? 2. What happens as a result? Pray: for unity and peace. Pray: for missionaries our church supports. 31

34 DAY 4 Read Judges 9:42-10:4 1. How does Jotham s story from earlier in Judges 9 come true? 2. How does God judge Abimelek s actions? How is God s judgement both a present and future reality? 3. Following Abimelek s death, Israel appears to have lived in peace under the judges Tola and Jair. What does this reveal about God? Pray: thank God that he remains faithful and merciful even when his people are faithless. Pray: for the leaders and members of your home group. 32

35 DAY 5 Read Hebrews 10: How should Christians act in light of what Jesus has done? 2. What are the consequences for continuing to sin? 3. How would you explain to someone how they can be made right with God? Pray: that you will draw near to God with full assurance of faith. Pray: for the area of Wollongong for revival, the city leaders and the other churches. 33

36 WEEK 7 DAY 1 Read Judges 10: Referring once again to the pattern in Judges (page 1), how can you see this cycle occurring in this chapter? 2. What stands out to you about God here? 3. What does God want from his people? Pray: that you will serve God alone. Pray: for Wollongong Baptist Church, its members, leaders, and vision. 34

37 DAY 2 Read Judges 11: What do we learn about Jephthah? 2. Who selects Jephthah as commander? 3. How does this account differ from the previous patterns in Judges? Pray: you will trust God and be prayerful, rather than take matters into your own hands. Pray: for the 3 non-believing friends or family members who you desire to know Jesus. 35

38 DAY 3 Read Judges 11: In Jephthah s opinion, why does the land belong to Israel? 2. Jephthah doesn t deny the existence of the Ammonite god Chemosh (v. 24). What does this suggest about his understanding of God? 3. Do you believe that there is only one true God? How would you explain to someone why you believe that? Pray: that your belief in the one true God will allow you to love him more than other things of this world. Pray: for missionaries our church supports. 36

39 DAY 4 Read Judges 11: What does it mean that the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah (v. 29)? 2. What is Jephthah s vow? Was this vow pleasing to God? (see also Leviticus 20:1-5) 3. Child sacrifice was how the Canaanites worshipped their gods. In what ways are you influenced or impacted by the culture around you? Pray: for help in recognising how you are influenced by the world. Pray: for the leaders and members of your home group. 37

40 DAY 5 Read Judges Who is Israel s enemy now? 2. Jephthah treats his own people worse than he treated the Ammonites, with whom he tried to be diplomatic and peaceful in 11: If you are a Christian, are you quick to judge fellow Christians? Who are you refusing to forgive or seek peace with? 3. Jephthah keeps giving lip service to God (v. 3) but doesn t really seem to understand who God is. In what ways are you appearing on the surface to worship or acknowledge God but in reality are failing to do so? Pray: for forgiveness, peace and unity with fellow Christians. Pray: for the area of Wollongong for revival, the city leaders and the other churches. 38

41 WEEK 8 DAY 1 Read Judges 13: God has chosen a new judge (v. 5) to deliver his people from the Philistines, how is this story unique compared to the appointment of the previous judges? 2. What does the angel of the Lord tell Manoah s wife to do? 3. What was a Nazarite? What was the purpose of a Nazarite vow? (see also Numbers 6:1-8) Pray: thank God that he delivers his people. Pray: for Wollongong Baptist Church, its members, leaders, and vision. 39

42 DAY 2 Read Judges 13: Who is the angel of the Lord? (see also Exodus 3:2-5) 2. What does this story of Samson s miraculous birth remind you of? Could it be foreshadowing something? 3. Read Matthew 1: While Samson will begin the deliverance of his people from the Philistines, what will Jesus save people from? Pray: thank Jesus for his gift of salvation from sin. Pray: for the 3 non-believing friends or family members who you desire to know Jesus. 40

43 DAY 3 Read Judges 14: The previous chapter built up a lot of hope in this last judge of Israel. Does it seem he will live up to this? 2. Why did Samson s parents not want him to marry a Philistine woman? (see also Deuteronomy 7:3-5) 3. Is God s command against inter-faith marriage still relevant for today? Why/why not? (see also 2 Corinthians 6:14-15) Pray: about any things that have challenged you from today s readings. Pray: for missionaries our church supports. 41

44 DAY 4 Read Judges 14: How does Samson s behaviour reflect the wider problems with Israel? 2. We see throughout Judges that God uses sinful judges to enact his sovereign will, what does this teach us about God? 3. Several times Samson has acted very impulsively. When do you find it hardest not to act on impulse? Pray: you will not act impulsively, self-indulgently or hastily. Pray: for the leaders and members of your home group. 42

45 DAY 5 Read Acts 2: What is the ultimate example of God using wicked men to achieve his purposes? 2. Is God responsible for their sinful actions? Why/why not? 3. Have you seen God work through your sin or someone else s? How does this lead you to praise him? Pray: praise God for working in people, even when they are far from perfect. Pray: for the area of Wollongong for revival, the city leaders and the other churches. 43

46 WEEK 9 DAY 1 Read Judges Compare the story of Samson so far to the pattern seen in the rest of Judges (see page 1 of this DRG). How does it differ? 2. What motivates Samson s violent behaviour? Who is he like (v. 6)? 3. Do you look any different to the people of this world? In what areas of your life do you most feel the pressure to conform to the ways of the world? Pray: you will look different to the people of this world. Pray: for Wollongong Baptist Church, its members, leaders, and vision. 44

47 DAY 2 Read Romans 12: What motivates true and proper worship? 2. What does it look like to not conform to the pattern of this world? 3. What are some steps you could take to ensure you are being transformed to look more like Jesus rather than like the world? Pray: you will present your body as a living sacrifice and be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Pray: for the 3 non-believing friends or family members who you desire to know Jesus. 45

48 DAY 3 Read Judges 16: What is Samson s greatest temptation? 2. Why did the Lord leave Samson (v. 20)? What happens as a result? 3. It seems Samson had grown complacent and didn t really think his strength or God would leave him. Are there ways you take God for granted or have grown complacent? Pray: for wisdom in discerning what are your greatest temptations, and for help in fleeing them. Pray: for missionaries our church supports. 46

49 DAY 4 Read Judges 16: How is this a fulfilment of the prophecy from Judges 13:5? 2. Why does God give Samson his strength back? 3. Samson finally acknowledges his dependence on God. How would doing the same thing help you to have peace in your weakness? Pray: acknowledge your dependence on God. Pray: for the leaders and members of your home group. 47

50 DAY 5 Read Hebrews 11:32-12:3 1. Why do you think Samson is listed as someone commended for their faith? 2. Who is the pioneer and perfecter of faith? How is this achieved? 3. How should we respond? Pray: for great faith, and to fix your eyes on Jesus. Pray: for the area of Wollongong for revival, the city leaders and the other churches. 48

51 WEEK 10 DAY 1 Read Judges Why do you think this story about Micah has been included? 2. Judges chapters are a conclusion to the book of Judges, and are framed by the refrain: In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes (17:6 and 21:25). What do you think is the significance of this line? 3. Micah has created a kind of self-made religion, with a shrine and a personal priest. What is the problem with this? Are there any ways you are trying to worship God on your own terms rather than his? Pray: that you won t try to control or lessen God, but worship him in a real, whole-hearted way. Pray: for Wollongong Baptist Church, its members, leaders, and vision. 49

52 DAY 2 Read Judges Why are the Danites looking for land? (see Judges 1:34) 2. The previously unnamed Levite priest is named as Jonathan a descendent of Moses in verse 30. What does this reveal? 3. We can see the natural desire in humans to worship, who or what is the thing you look to for ultimate meaning and blessing? Pray: that Jesus will be your everything and give thanks that you worship a God who will never be taken away from us. Pray: for the 3 non-believing friends or family members who you desire to know Jesus. 50

53 DAY 3 Read Judges What is shocking in this chapter? What does it show about the state of Israel? 2. There is a parallel here with what happened in Sodom in Genesis 19:1-11. What does this connection suggest? 3. How does this chapter make you feel? What is its purpose? Pray: that you will be repulsed and appalled by sin and evil, and that you won t grow hardened against the sin in your own life or in the world but mourn it. Pray: for missionaries our church supports. 51

54 DAY 4 Read Judges The last time Israel was united in battle was under Othniel s leadership in Judges 3. Under Othniel they had gathered to fight the Canaanites, but now who is their common enemy? 2. Who defeats Benjamin? Why? 3. What motivates the Israelite s into battle? Pray: that you will not act out of vengeance and anger like the Israelites. Pray: for the leaders and members of your home group. 52

55 DAY 5 Read Judges Why do the tribes of Israel weep bitterly? 2. The line In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes is repeated (17:6 and 21:25). It sets up the need for a king, who will fulfil this? 3. No other book in the Old Testament offers the modern church as telling a mirror as this book. This book is a wake-up call for a church moribund 2 in its own selfish pursuits. Instead of heeding the call of truly godly leaders and letting Jesus Christ be Lord of the church, everywhere congregations and their leaders do what is right in their own eyes. 3 It can be hard to recognise ourselves in these final, extremely evil chapters of Judges. But in what ways are we like Israel and seek to do what is right in our own eyes? Pray: that Jesus will be our king and you will do what is right in God s eyes. Pray: for the area of Wollongong for revival, the city leaders and the other churches. 2 moribund = at the point of death. 3 Daniel I. Block, Judges-Ruth, page

56 APPENDIX: MISSIONARIES As a mission-minded church, WBC supports a number of missionaries who work both locally and overseas. It s important that we are praying for them regularly, so here is a bit about them. Andrew and Emma Beddoe The Beddoes are pioneering a training strategy to equip blue collar gospel workers. The strategy adopts a TAFE/apprenticeship model, recognising that around 75% of Australians have never completed a University qualification. Matthew and Evelyn Meek The Meeks, along with their two children, attend WBC, and Matthew oversees FOCU S (International Student Ministry) nationally and locally at Wollongong University. FO CUS is affiliated with AFES. Samar Mikhael Samar attends WBC and is a scripture teacher at Smith s Hill high school in Wollongong. At Smith s Hill high, Samar teaches scripture, the Christian studies and Studies of religion electives and runs lunch time groups. Jasmine Since 2008, Jasmine has been living in Chiangmai, Thailand and is involved in creative ministries. At present she trains ethnic teams across South-East Asia to produce gospel videos in their native language. Millard and Joyce Affiliated with Global Interaction, Millard and Joyce have been serving in Lebanon since Their approach involves small groups and large evangelistic rallies, and they have recently planted a church. They have three children. 54

57 Andrew and Muriel Schachtel The Schachtels attend WBC, and Andrew is director of CultureConnect, which is part of Interserve Australia. He leads a team of people across Australia who are working cross-culturally. CultureConnect aims to motivate Australian Christians to connect locally with people from other faith and ethnic backgrounds. Scott and Rachael Adamson Scott is Deputy National Leader of Student Life, and Leader of the National Catalytic Team located in Toowoomba, Queensland. His team seeks to launch student-led movements of evangelism and discipleship around the country. Scott and Rachael have six children. Josh and Ali Reeve Josh is currently finishing his PHD in disability ministry, while Ali is working as a GP as they prepare to go to Albania at the end of After learning the language, they hope to be involved in church planting and disability ministry. They have two children and one on the way. Nate and Jenni Nate and Jenni are involved in church planting and discipleship ministry in eastern Africa. They work with a small group of new believers to reach a largely unchurched people group. Phil and Miriam Snelling After returning from cross cultural ministry in Taiwan, Phil is now leading the FOCUS (Fellowship of Overseas Christian University Students) group at Macquarie University. They have two children. Jordan Milburn Jordan is a performer and puppeteer with Quiz Worx, which is a children s ministry that exists to share Jesus with kids everywhere. 55

58 WOLLONGONG BAPTIST CHURCH wollongongbaptist.org