In what is thought to be South Africa's largest ever multiracial prayer meeting, as many as 1.7 mil‐lion people met recently in Bloemfontein. South Africans ‘of all genders, races and denominations con‐cerned about the malice, hatred, violence, murder and corruption in the country’ were invited to cometogether to pray. Organiser, Faith Like Potatoes evangelist, Angus Buchan said, ‘We are tired of people taking the lawinto their own hands. We are going to call upon the Lord to bring justice‚ peace and hope to our belovedSouth Africa.’

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Ahok – Doing What Christians DoJakarta’s Christian ex-governor Basuki ‘Ahok’ Purnama has withdrawn his appeal against his two‐year prison sentence for blasphemy in a controversial case that has challenged religious pluralism inIndonesia, with repeated clashes between Ahok’s supporters and radical Islamic groups. Ahok says thathe wished to drop his appeal ‘for the sake of our people and nation.’‘I know this is not easy for you to accept this reality, let alone me, but I have learned to forgive andaccept all this,’ he wrote in a letter that his tearful wife Veronica Tan read out last week at a news con‐ference.He also thanked his supporters and those who were praying for him, or sending him flowers, lettersand books. The news of Ahok’s appeal withdrawal came a day after the United Nations called on the In‐donesian government to free Jakarta’s ex‐governor and to repeal blasphemy laws which they say un‐dermine religious freedom in the Muslim‐majority nation. – World Watch Monitor

NEW LIFE – 1 June 2017 – Page TwoNEW LIFE – 1 June 2017 – Page Two

VOLUME 79 NUMBER 21

ISSUE DATE:1 June 2017

FILE NO: NL 2017-06-01

ISSN: 1033-7903

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What The World Needs NOW!‘How do I explain this to my own kids?’ asks Oppposition Leader Bill Shorten

after the latest murder of innocent people, in the Manchester massacre, appar‐ently conducted by an Islamic terrorist.Well our explanation could start by showing people that this is yet anotherillustration of the fact that the human heart is totally depraved, ‘desperatelywicked and deceitful above all things’. Our greatest need is therefore to ‘repentand believe the Gospel’.Then we could tell them that, wondrously, ‘God is love’ and has chosen a ‘pe‐culiar people’ for Himself, and that all who have repented and believed theGospel are in that number.We can assure them that we know this because our Lord Jesus Christ, thesinless Son of God, has died for us on Calvary’s Cross to pay the penalty due tous for our sins and thereby has ‘opened a new and living way for us into the holi‐est of all.’ We are therefore saved not because of any goodness of our own oranything we have done, but because of the perfect righteousness of Christ andHis all‐sufficient sacrifice on the Cross.Then we could tell them that God’s grace really is amazing and the best thingis that we simply and gratefully acknowledge it, accept it, revel in it and witnessto it in word and deed to all people by all means everywhere.And we could tell them this God of love who has brought us ‘out of darknessand into His marvelous light’, having ‘begun a good work in (us) will bring it tocompletion on the Day of Christ’; that is, He will never let us go.Oh, and perhaps we could give them a lesson or two in Comparative Religion.Line the religions all up, not forgetting atheism and secular humanism and aber‐rant forms of Christianity, and compare them with true, Biblical Christianity sothat people can see that there are many paths leading to one Hell, and just oneleading to Heaven; many futile ways of trying to make yourself right with what‐ever ‘god(s)’ you believe in (or don’t believe in, as the case may be) but One Wayof being made right with God, by His reckoning the perfect righteousness ofChrist to be ours by His grace through faith; many ‘sacred writings’ obsessedwith such things as sex, death, hatred, revenge, self‐improvement, but only one(the Bible) obsessed with God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – who works pow‐erfully in Creation, Providence and Redemption for the welfare of His people.And we could PRAY with them and for them. It’s always nice to hear politicalleaders’ ‘thoughts and prayers’ going out to those affected by all these atrocities,but our prayers need to be going up to God. What this poor, lost and perishingworld needs most of all is a mighty outpouring of His Holy Spirit. We must praybelieving in His exceeding great and precious promise: ‘If My people, who arecalled by My Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turnfrom their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and I will forgive their sinand will heal their land.’ (See 2 Chronicles 7.14)Please Note: While it was Bill Shorten who asked the question in a speech toFederal Parliament, it’s a question many people are asking. We who are the ben‐eficiaries of the grace, mercy, love and light of God, who have been given new lifein Christ, we of all people must be constant in prayer, certain of our faith, win‐some in our witness, bold to proclaim the Gospel, always looking to Jesus ‘theAuthor and Finisher of our faith’, for the preaching of the Gospel is the ordinarymeans by which God effects change in the human heart.

– Bob Thomas

Central African Republic is French-speaking, 76% Christian (mostly Protestant) and 13.8% Muslim. On24 March 2013 an Islamic army known as Seleka seized control of the capital Bangui. Many Muslims celebratedwhat they saw as the rise of Islamic power. What they did not count on was how fierce would be the resistance,with the rise in CAR of the 'anti‐balaka' (ie 'anti‐machete' – traditional village defence militias turned anti‐Muslimvigilantes), the unravelling of the fabric of society, along with the outbreak of sectarian conflict. There has beenthe insertion of UN peacekeepers, the disintegration of Seleka, the restoration of democracy and the de facto par‐tition of the country into a Christian south and Muslim north with a volatile, conflict‐wracked middle belt. Violencecontinues, as does the humanitarian crisis, with more than 800,000 internally displaced and some 2.2 million inneed of humanitarian assistance. From the outset, CAR's Church has courageously been at the very centre of allhumanitarian and reconciliation work, despite the risks this entails.Violence has increased markedly in 2017, but now there are essentially two separate conflicts. Seleka disinte‐grated in 2014 and since late 2016 two factions – the Gula and Runga‐dominated FPRC and the Fulani‐dominatedUPC – have been fighting each other in central CAR. This developing intra‐Muslim conflict is being waged largelyalong ethnic lines; at stake are water, farmlands, roads and diamond mines. In this fight, anti‐balaka groups haveallied with the FPRC against the Fulani. The most recent clashes in Alindao over 6‐7 May left at least 37 peopledead and thousands more displaced.Alongside this is the continuing war being waged by anti-balaka vigilantes determined to rid the south ofMuslims. On 6‐7 May a group of some 700 anti‐balaka fighters attacked a UN convoy near Bangassou in the south‐east, killing five international peacekeepers and wounding a further ten. As they targeted Bangassou's Muslimdistrict of Tokoyo, more than 1,000 residents took refuge in a mosque, some 1,500 others in a cathedral and 500others in a hospital, whilst more than 3,000 reportedly fled over the border into DR Congo. Cardinal DieudonneNzapalainga, the Archbishop of Bangui and a native of Bangassou,led negotiations. By the evening of Monday 15 May he had convincedthe anti‐balaka fighters to withdraw from the city. World WatchMonitor reports that amongst those killed in the latest violence are the youngest son and grandson of the Rev Nicolas Guerekoyame‐Gbangou, the president of CAR's Evangelical Alliance and vice‐pres‐ident of the Council of Elders set up to mediate peace.Described in Western media as 'Christian rebels', the anti‐balakavigilantes wear juju (occult charms) around their necks and threat‐ened to burn churches and kill pastors that shelter Muslims. But asthe Rev Dieu‐Seni Bikowo explains, 'For us they are not Muslims orChristians. They are people – people in danger.' On Sunday 14 May,Mgr Juan Jose Aguirre Munos, Bishop of Bangassou, risked his life todefend thousands of Muslims sheltering in the mosque. He survivedwhile the man who stood beside him was shot dead.Operation World's 2010 description of CAR gives a sense of hope‐ful anticipation that despite various challenges (the most salientbeing widespread nominalism, syncretism and lack of unity) a solidfoundation had been laid on which a national Church was emergingwith a vision for mission. Confronted with this momentum, it seemsSatan has both put his foot down and established a foothold, doubt‐less with the aim of destroying the Church and reducing majority‐Christian CAR to a failed‐state. The nations have abandoned her; the Church must not.

NEW LIFE – 1 June 2017 – Page ThreeNEW LIFE – 1 June 2017 – Page Three

MATTERS FOR PRAYER:MATTERS FOR PRAYER:

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: Church In The Fire

PLEASE PRAYTHAT GOD WILL:• bless Central African Republic PresidentFaustin Touadera (60) with all the wisdom,insight, courage and strength needed tolead the nation out of this complex crisisand towards peace and reconciliation; • preserve and bless CAR's desperately‐needed Christian leaders and peace‐mak‐ers; may their efforts be effective and theirwitness powerful and transformative.• redeem all this suffering for CAR's well‐being; may the Church be sanctified andunified in the fire and may there be a na‐tional awakening with conviction of sin thatleads to repentance, revival and reconcilia‐tion for the glory of God.

'Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,whose confidence is in Him.'

(Jeremiah 17.7 NIV.

Elizabeth Kendal is the author of Turn Back The Battle: Isaiah Speaks To Christians Today (DerorBooks, Melbourne, Australia, Dec 2012) which offers a Biblical response to persecution and ex-istential threat; and After Saturday Comes Sunday: Understanding The Christian Crisis In TheMiddle East (Wipf and Stock, Eugene, OR, USA, June 2016). See www.ElizabethKendal.com

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As concertgoers fled, terrified and injured,from the Manchester terror attack, theyfound an Aussie in a church just around the cor‐ner. A few minutes walk from the ManchesterArena, where the suicide bomber launched hisattack, is the Audacious Church. Reporting fromManchester, Fairfax's Nick Miller says while thespirit of the city remains strong, there are fearsabout an organised terrorist cell still operating.Audicious Church meets in a former ware-house now turned into a modern Christianchurch by two Australians ten years ago. Its congregation has grown to the hundreds, even thousands –and its carpark is a useful secret known to some Arena‐goers. On Monday night the church was open foran event when staff heard a muffled boom. Soon a stream of panicked people started arriving outside.One church member, also an Australian, worked nights at the arena. He had gathered a group of youngpeople and helped bring them to safety.A fourth Australian, Jason Alexander, 44, from Newcastle, NSW, has been executive pastor of the Au‐dacious Church for three years. As soon as he heard the news Mr Alexander rushed to the church, drivingalongside a stream of incoming ambulances. He and his team offered what they could to the mass ofshocked people outside the church – many of them children and some needing first aid. ‘We had peoplewith lacerations, we had a gentleman with his arm torn apart, we tried to get him help,’ he said. The manhad two young girls with him. ‘There was a whole mixture of emotions: people in extreme shock, peoplein fear trying to just get out as quickly as possible. The roads were full of people running and trying toget out of the city centre,’ Mr Alexander said.Alexander and his staff fired up their minibuses to get out-of-towners back to their hotels, andarranged carpooling for the locals. Meanwhile Alexander was starting to get worried calls from Australia.His phone ran hot overnight, at first with close family and friends asking if he was ok, then from hisbroader network offering encouragement and sympathy.On Tuesday they kept the venue open all day, offering it to police and ambulance workers as a placefor refreshment and respite. That evening they held their regular service, attended by about 600. ‘Themood is a courageous one,’ Alexander said. ‘There's a lot of empathy and sympathy for people strugglingwith loss. The overriding mood has been of confidence this is not going to stop us as a city. We are a re‐silient city, we have faced situations just like this in the past with terrorist actions.’

He is already looking to the next step. Histeam have offered chaplaincy to the localhospital, for referral and pastoral work forfamilies coping over coming days andweeks with injury and loss. They have alsoreached out to local schools, many of whichthey already work with, to help those deal‐ing with grief, who had friends or went tothe concert themselves. ‘Our Christian ethosis we are here for other people, not our‐selves,’ Alexander said. ‘This (attack) takeseverything to a heightened level: there is animmediate need, how can we practically puthands and feet on that over the next daysand weeks?’ – Nick Miller in The Age

HOLY BOLDNESSHOLY BOLDNESS

NEW LIFE – 1 June 2017 – Page FourNEW LIFE – 1 June 2017 – Page Four

MANCHESTER ATTACK: Australian Church MembersShepherd Survivors To Safety

CHRISTIANS URGED TO PRAY FOR MUSLIMS IN RAMADANChristians are being encouraged to pray for the Muslim world as the Islamicholy month of Ramadan gets underway. Open Doors is highlighting how theperiod of prayer and fasting presents ‘multiple challenges’ for believers inareas such as the Arab Peninsula. The organisation, which serves persecutedChristians across the globe, is urging believers to use their 30 Days Of Prayerresource.One Open Doors worker in Egypt said: ‘As much excitement as the Islamicholy month brings to Muslims, it does carry a great deal of burdens and con-cerns to the Christian community in Egypt. It is a very long 30 days duringwhich Christians in schools, work or public spaces will receive harsh looksand verbal harassments from fanatic Muslims because of their faith.‘Even in some cases, Christians may face physical violence if they are caughteating their lunch by their fasting Muslim co-workers or neighbours!’ DuringRamadan, Muslims are forbidden from eating, drinking, smoking or havingsexual relations between dawn and sunset. One Christian in Oman told OpenDoors: ‘We pray for Muslims to see the truth and receive visions and dreamsof Jesus. Each year we hear testimonies of that actually happening.

NEW LIFE – 1 June 2017 – Page FiveNEW LIFE – 1 June 2017 – Page Five

Let The Celebrations Begin – 500th Anniversary Of The ReformationThe official celebrations marking 500 years sincethe Reformation have been launched in the ancientcity of Wittenberg in Germany, the home of MartinLuther.Around 4,000 people gathered for the launch. Theyattended a worship service in the town square, whichfeatures statues of Luther and his fellow reformerPhilipp Melanchthon, who also lived and worked in thetown. Also unveiled at the town's railway station, wasthe mobile Luther exhibition set to tour Europe, includ‐ing the UK, during the next few months.As well as the two great churches associated with Luther – the Castle Church where Luther is said tohave nailed his 95 Theses to the door, and the Stadtkirche where he preached – the town is also home tothe largest permanent Luther exhibition, in his old home. – Christian Today

FAITH NEWS FAITH NEWS ...... With Stan HuntWith Stan Hunt

Good Friday – It’s All About ChristPhilip Huggins, assistant bishop of the AnglicanDiocese of Melbourne, has called on the AFL lead‐ership not to have games on Good Friday in future.Bishop Huggins says playing on Good Friday ‘is notfair’ because it requires faithful fans, players, clubstaff and media to make choices that are not fair onthem. ‘People who love footy are really conflicted –that’s what’s unfair,’ the passionate Geelong sup‐porter says, ‘and it’s unnecessary because you’vegot games going from Maundy Thursday to late onEaster Monday.’ Bishop Huggins organised and de‐livered a petition against the Good Friday fixture.

– Eternity News at biblesociety,org.auRapid Growth Of Evangelical Churches In BrazilEvangelical churches are expanding rapidly inBrazil, home to the world's largest Catholic com‐munity, especially in poor favelas. These communi‐ties, which developed from squatter settlements,often do not have the same services as formalBrazilian neighbourhoods in terms of healthcare,sanitation, transportation or formal property reg‐istration. In favela communities evangelicalchurches are gaining members partially by provid‐ing social services like education, security and eco‐nomic development. ‘The government doesn't helpus so God is the only option for the poor,’ says Pas‐

tor Marcio Antonio. Pastor Antonio was born andraised in the favela and like other poor young men,the lure of easy money drew him to the drug tradebefore he found God and a new mission. His churchis helping people involved in a lack of work, crime,and mental health issues. Protestants, many ofwhom are evangelical, comprise more than 20% ofBrazil's 200 million population, up from less than3% in 1940, according to the Pew Research Centre.

– Charisma NewsEarly Learning Through Play Pays OffEarly Learning Through Play programs are startingto emerge across the Anglican Church, with oneprogram at Ashbury, NSW, already seeing strongparticipation within the church and the community.St Matthew’s, Ashbury, has a long‐term playgroupaimed at preschoolers, but a desire within thechurch to better support migrants led last year tothem partnering with Anglicare. The playgroup’suse of Anglicare’s ELTP principles means it focusesnot just on community building and creating rela‐tionships between migrants and church members,but also on actively preparing children for the tran‐sition into Australia’s school system. A key featureis that while children are engaged with play, par‐ents are able to join the church’s English as SecondLanguage class. – Sydney Anglicans

On June 2, 1867 Josiah Spiers held his first children’s meeting in a friend’s London home. Josiahbelieved that children could have a living and vibrant relationship with God and could understand theBible if presented in a way suited to them. The meetings grew so fast they soon had to use a local churchschoolroom. This was the start of what is now the Scripture Union – a ministry known for disciplingchildren and youth, and helping people of all ages meet God through the Bible and prayer. Celebratingits 150th anniversary on 2 June, SU has grown into an international movement ministering in more than120 countries. Around the world SU Movements have begun marking the occasion with creative cele‐brations and competitions that will continue throughout the year. – Inspire Magazine

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THANK GOD FOR THE SALVOSTHANK GOD FOR THE SALVOS

Australia never was ‘The Lucky Country’. It was ‘The Blessed Country’, but for how much longer? A country whosepopulation is so determinedly turning its back on God will soon enough find the truth in the old proverb: ‘He whosows the wind will reap the whirlwind.’ – Ed.‘Referring to Australia as the “Lucky Country” is an ideal of the past,’ says The Salvation Army, in responseto a dramatic new survey showing Aussie children are skipping meals and are unable to afford medication whensick. The survey of 1,380 Salvation Army clients across the nation paints a very bleak picture of what life is likefor a huge number of struggling Australians. The Salvation Army's national Economic Social Impact Survey revealsa staggering 69% say getting enough food to eat is a daily challenge, revealing the heartbreaking reality that Aus‐tralian children are going hungry.The Salvation Army's Leigh Cleave, Communications and Fundraising Director, says that despite Australiabeing a wealthy country, the demand on Salvo services is greater than ever. She says that across the board, Aus‐tralia’s standard of living continues to improve in almost every category. But these gains and opportunities havenot been distributed fairly, with millions of Australians living on the margins. ‘We like to think of Australia as theland of the “fair go”, but unless people are willing to go the extra mile to help those in need, this idea will becomea relic of the past,’ Mrs Cleave says.The Salvation Army sends a big thank you to the Australian public after $4,705,738 was raised around thecountry during May as part of the Red Shield Doorknock 2017. The Salvos have also acknowledged the businesscommunity for their valuable support of this year’s Red Shield Appeal. Each year, the Australian business com‐munity rallies behind the Red Shield Appeal and they especially thank Westpac, JLL, Bendigo Bank and CommunitySector Banking, Woolworths, Bunnings, McDonalds and Quest Payment Systems for their support.Salvation Army Communications And Fundraising Director, Leigh Cleave, says this year’s Red Shield appealhas seen incredible generosity from people across the country, with the early results suggesting once again theAustralian public has dug deep. Anyone who would still like to donate can do so by calling 13 SALVOS (13 7258),or by visiting salvos.org.au or any Westpac Bank branch. The overall target for Red Shield Appeal, which concludesat the end of June, is $73 million. – The Salvation Army

Australia – No Longer ‘The Lucky Country’

NEW LIFE – 1 June 2017 – Page SevenNEW LIFE – 1 June 2017 – Page Seven

The Theme Park WithThe Grandest ThemeThe Answers In Genesisorganisation has an am‐bitious 10‐12 year planto enlarge their Noah’sArk Biblical Theme Parkin the United States.Ken Ham, the Australian founder of Answers InGenesis is now working on re‐creating a walledcity from the time of Noah and a 1st Century vil‐lage from the time of Jesus.The 65-year-old Aussie wants to reach the gen‐eral public with a tangible message. He says theywill also build a Tower of Babel, snack shacks, a3,000‐seat amphitheatre and a 10‐plagues‐of‐Egypt thrill ride. Frogs! Fiery hail! Locusts!Instead of building a church, Answers In Gene‐sis is sharing its teachings through the theme parkdesigned to attract both believers and nonbeliev‐ers. Mr Ham believes he can reach more peoplewith the message of the Bible by having attrac‐tions that people will come to in the same way asthey go to Disneyland. The Noah’s Ark replica hasattracted one million visitors since opening lastyear. – National Religious Broadcasters

NEW LIFE – 1 June 2017 – Page EightNEW LIFE – 1 June 2017 – Page Eight

CHRISTIANITY AT WORKCHRISTIANITY AT WORK

Wesley Mission, Sydney, is delighted that community-based suicide prevention services have been givenvital ongoing support to address one of the nation’s most pressing health and social issues following the FederalGovernment’s announcement of an increase in prevention funding.The need is telling: during the past five years an average of 2,415 people died by suicide in Australia, accordingto the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Wesley LifeForce has received $5.64 million in new money for its ground‐breaking suicide prevention community networks and $2.14 million for Wesley LifeForce suicide prevention work‐shops over the next three years. Wesley Mission is planning to expand its Wesley LifeForce Suicide PreventionNetworks to 104 and provide more than 380 suicide prevention training workshops during this time.Wesley Suicide Prevention Networks are designed to respond to local issues and complement existing sup‐ports and services. Currently there are 72 networks across every state encompassing suburban, rural, regionaland remote Australia representing 585 network members who live or work in their local communities. The net‐works target high‐risk populations in all Australian states and territories, including 12 which are located in Abo‐riginal communities.‘Wesley Mission facilitates a local, grassroots approach to suicide prevention. Networks are made up of rep‐resentatives who know their region, understand the local issues, and work to improve community resilience,’ saidWesley Mission CEO the Rev Dr Keith Garner. ‘Local people are best suited to identify local issues and problemsand come up with local solutions. We work in partnership with local communities to help them identify and meettheir needs.’The networks provide ongoing support to improve community strength, resilience and capacity in suicideprevention. Wesley Mission’s approach is informed by thorough analysis of suicide, self‐harm and social demo‐graphic data in each region. Emerging evidence on what works in suicide prevention is continuously sourced fromthe Wesley LifeForce Advisory Committee and the Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention.

Wesley Mission To Build And ExtendSuicide Prevention Services

World Vision Distributing Water And Soap After 'Terrible' MudslidesSupplies of water, soap and tarpaulin sheltersare being distributed by World Vision in SriLanka after the worst flooding in years. World Vi‐sion embarked on a relief operation after torrentialrains swamped western and southern districts,causing mudslides which have claimed at least 151lives.National Director for Sri Lanka, Dhanan Sen-nathirajah, told Premier News: ‘The biggest chal‐lenge right now is access to the areas [affected]because some of them are in mountainous terrainand most of the roads have got washed away orthey are under five or six feet of water.’ More than 100 people are still missing, while the head of thecountry's search and rescue operation, Major General Sudantha Ranasinghe, said crews are not expectingto find more survivors.Dhanan Sennathirajah went on to say: ‘The extent of this disaster is way too much for any governmentto handle… because 15 districts are affected out of 25 districts in the country. About five districts havebeen severely affected.’ With more rain expected, the government said more than 100,000 people forcedfrom their homes have taken shelter at 339 relief centres. The United Nations says it is assisting, in re‐sponse to an appeal by the Sri Lanka government, while the US has joined India and Pakistan in offeringsupport. Dhanan Sennathirajah added: ‘It has been a bit of a terrible situation over here because ... wehaven't had this kind of rainfall, flooding, loss of life for the last two decades.’With some forests being removed to make way for tea and rubber crops, mudslides are commonduring monsoon season in Sri Lanka. More than 100 people in the centre of the country died during alandslide last May. – Premier News

NEW LIFE – 1 June 2017 – Page NineNEW LIFE – 1 June 2017 – Page Nine

TO THE RESCUE ...TO THE RESCUE ...

TURN BACK THE BATTLE: TURN BACK THE BATTLE: Isaiah Speaks to Christians Today.Isaiah Speaks to Christians Today.

With persecution escalating globally, Elizabeth Kendal calls us to revisit the prophecy of Isaiah,maintaining that Isaiah 1-39 provides an unambiguous treatise on how God's people are to respond to persecution, suffering and existential threat.

For purchasing options, visit: www.turnbackthebattle.com

To Look Up Back Issues Of New LifeRight Back To August 2007

Go To: www.nlife.com.au And Click On: Previous IssuesBound Volumes Back To Vol 1, No 1Are Held In The Library Of MST,

5 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna 3152

WHO CAN WHO CAN YOU YOU FORWARD FORWARD NEW LIFENEW LIFE TO?TO?

NEW LIFE – 1 June 2017 – Page TenNEW LIFE – 1 June 2017 – Page Ten

FROM ALL QUARTERSFROM ALL QUARTERS

Have you ever consideredoverseas mission? Here'syour chance to give it a go!Church Missionary Society isseeking expressions of inter‐est for a short‐term team totravel to Barcelona for 3‐4weeks at the end of the yearfor a mission exposure trip.This Go! Explore Barcelonateam will be supporting theGiffords, who are CMS mis‐sionaries serving long‐term inBarcelona.As part of a team, you willbe connecting with Year 12 and university students and helping them practise their skills in speakingEnglish (no Spanish required!). You will also get a chance to explore a new city and see how the Gospelis working there, and ask yourself how you might be involved in overseas mission in the future.Go to: https://vimeo.com/216171590 where Andrew Gifford gives a glimpse into life in Barcelona.The dates for this trip are 11 December 2017 to 9 January 2018, with some flexibility.The main costs will be airfares, travel, accommodation (aimed to be minimal in cost), some touristventures, and food (around 10‐15 euros per day). The estimated overall cost for this trip is $3,000 AUD.This will vary depending on flights, duration, etc.An information night will be held on Monday 7 August in Mont Albert for those who would like somemore details, but feel free to send through an expression of interest before then! There is no commitment,no obligation at this stage. Anyone who is interested should contact Melanie Williams atmwilliams@cms.org.au

Are You Interested In Short-Term Mission?

Ramon A Wi l l iamsRamon A Wi l l iams

– Wor ldwide Pho tos –– Wor ldwide Pho tos –WANT TO SEE MORE?

New Life can only publish a small selection

of photos, but you can see more of those

attributed to Worldwide Photos by contacting

Ramon Williams,e-mail: rlgmedia@ozemail.com.au

VISITING MELBOURNE?You’re welcome at The Faith Factory:

ST KILDA: Cnr Alma Rd/Barkly St. Every Sunday 11am & 7pm;Living Stones Korean Presbyterian Church. Every Sunday 1pm;

BALACLAVA: Cnr Hotham St/Denman Rd. Every Sunday 9.30am.MINISTER: Rev Bob Thomas 0417 592 646

You’re Welcome At The Faith Factory– A Friendly, Caring, Bible-Believing Christian Fellowship –

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NEW LIFE – 1 June 2017 – Page ElevenNEW LIFE – 1 June 2017 – Page Eleven

Glorious Things – A Protestant’s Guide

To London

• Revised! • Updated! • Illustrated! • Now Available As An e-Book!Glorious Things will help visitors to London arrive well prepared to make the most of their time there.

The guided tours will take you to places like Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral,but Glorious Things will take you to important sites linked to our Protestant heritage.

COST: $10 for the PDF version, with the right to print two hard copies.PAYMENT OPTIONS:

1. Cheque for $10 payable to New Life Australia. Mail to: PO Box 457, Mitcham Vic 3132.(Please include a letter with your name and email address so that we can email the PDF to you.)

2. Direct deposit $10 to Bank: Westpac; A/c name: New Life Australia LtdBSB: 033-112; A/c No: 16-8239 (Please also notify us by email).

Elizabeth Kendal’s New Book ...War! Destruction! Violent Persecution! Martyrdom! Forced Displacement!

For hundreds of thousands of now destitute Christian families, this is the new reality.Yet contrary to all appearances, God is at work in the Middle East.

‘Kendal’s book is a godsend to anyone who is at a loss to understand what lies behind the suffering in the Middle East. Drawing onauthoritative voices from the region, her clear-eyed analysis untangles the conflicts with the heart and insight of a prophet.

– Jeff M. Sellers, Editor, Persecution News Service, Morning Star News.For more information go to: www.ElizabethKendal.com

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PLEASE CONSIDERPLEASE CONSIDERMAKING A DONATION:MAKING A DONATION:

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A Sudanese Church of Christ building has been demol-ished in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, ten days after the de‐struction of another SCOC building in nearby Soba, 12 milessouth of the city. The church in Algadisia had been there since1983, according to Middle East Concern. Christian charityMiddle East Concern reports that the second demolition tookplace on 17 May in Khartoum’s Algadisia District.The Algadisia church had been there since 1983, accord‐ing to MEC. (After war broke out – again – in 1983 betweenwhat was then North and South Sudan, many thousands ofsouthern Christians fled north to escape fighting and bomb‐ing, resulting in extensive communities which over time de‐veloped so much that, when South Sudan independence came in 2011, the Christians were too ‘settled’ in thenorth to leave and start a new life all over again, thousands of miles away to the south.) However, MEC reported,another person recently claimed ownership but refused to provide any proof. The authorities then demanded thatthe church vacate the land. MEC said that even when the church showed ownership documents, the authoritiesrefused to hear the case.The two SCOC churches were part of a list of 27 churches listed last year for destruction by the Sudanesegovernment, which claims they were in violation of the designated purposes of the land they were built on. Thechurches had challenged the government’s order, but their appeal was rejected in April. The legal basis was ap‐parently a decision taken in 2014, which introduced a distinction of land use into four categories (worship, resi‐dential, commercial and government) and which prohibits the construction of churches on land not designatedfor worship. It seems that some of the structures in question were built before the 2014 decision.Government officials have denied the specific targeting of Christians in the demolitions. The Commissionerof Jebel Awliya, Jalaleldin El Sheikh El Tayeb, was reported by Radio Dabanga as saying the removal order also in‐cluded ‘12 mosques and Koran schools’, but a local source told World Watch Monitor, ‘the government has madeit clear that no new churches will be allowed to put up new buildings, whereas none of the schools or mosqueswill face the same reality.’ The Sudanese Minister of Guidance and Endowments announced in April 2013 that nonew licenses would be granted to build new churches. Sudan continues to insist there is ‘no need’ for new churchbuildings in the country, given that the Christian population has been much diminished following the 2011 seces‐sion of South Sudan, after which seven former Sudanese dioceses moved to South Sudan, leaving only two diocesesfor the small Christian minority in Sudan, mainly in South Kordofan and Khartoum states.In April local authorities in Omdurman, next to the capital, tried to take control of a Christian school runby the Sudanese Presbyterian Evangelical Church. During a peaceful protest against the government’s actions, achurch member was stabbed and died. A few weeks later, police and an armed mob arrived to occupy part of thechurch’s compound. – World Watch Monitor

NORTH KOREA: Neronian-Type PersecutionChristians in North Korea are facing persecution that islikely ‘on par’ with the level of persecution that the EarlyChurch endured under Roman emperor Nero. That’s theview of human rights activists, convened by Interna‐tional Christian Concern. Greg Scarlatoui, the executivedirector of the Committee for Human Rights in NorthKorea, says their colleagues in South Korea have thor‐oughly documented cases of religious persecution. Hesays thousands of North Korean defectors have broughttestimony of extremely severe religious persecution.Any Christian worship, or religious worship, is illegaland can be punished by arrest, torture or execution. Forthe past 15 years, North Korea has ranked as the toppersecutor of Christians by Open Doors.

– Christian HeadlinesChristians Kidnapped By Terrorists In PhilippinesThousands of people have fled the city of Marawi in the

south of the Philippines after militants kidnapped 14Christians and burnt down their church. Extremistgroups, which have pledged allegiance to Islamic State,went on the rampage in the city on the island of Min‐danao. Please pray for the safe return of Pastor Teresito‘Chito’ Suganob and the 13 other Christians kidnappedfrom his church when armed men raided St Mary’sCathedral and abducted the 14 Christians. As well assetting light to the cathedral, they also burned downthree buildings of the church‐owned Dansalan College.The Filipino army engaged in firefights with militantswhom the Government has since identified as membersof the Abu Sayyaf Group and the Maute Group: two sol‐diers and a police chief were killed. President RodrigoDuterte has imposed martial law in Mindanao, an islandwith a significant Muslim population. Pray for our Chris‐tian family in the Philippines.

– BBC, Morning Star News

NEW LIFE – 1 June 2017 – Page TwelveNEW LIFE – 1 June 2017 – Page Twelve

PERSECUTION WATCH

Second Church In Ten Days Torn Down In Sudan

NEW LIFE – 1 June 2017 – Page ThirteenNEW LIFE – 1 June 2017 – Page Thirteen

GOOD NEWS FROM ABROADGOOD NEWS FROM ABROAD

OM Turns 60Operation Mobilisation,one of the world’s largestmission organizations, willcelebrate 60 years of ministrythis month. OM’s founder,George Verwer, still active inministry at age 78, says they are giving thanks to God for thousands of answers to prayer and especiallythat about 200,000 people have served with OM since the work began, in Mexico, in 1957.Mr Verwer says OM has never stopped ‘growing and going globally’, and one of the highlights wasthe launching of a Christian ship ministry in 1970. The mission has had the benefit of tens of thousandsof prayer partners and supporters, and churches who have stood with them from the beginning. – ANS

Billy Graham 'Rapid Response Prayer Team'Tend To The Brokenhearted In ManchesterA team of chaplains from the Billy Graham Evangel‐istic Association have headed to Manchester tocomfort and pray for the brokenhearted. Nigel Faw‐cett‐Jones, who leads the Billy Graham Rapid Re‐sponse Team, travelled up to Manchester with twoother team members to meet church leaders andattend the vigil in Albert Square. He told ChristianToday: ‘Responses vary from individual to individ‐ual. Primarily we are there to offer a ministry ofpresence. Typically people are in shock, there'snumbness, anger, frustration – and you might seethis all in one person. We always make a point oflinking up with church leaders – it's their place andthey know it best,' he stressed. 'But we have expert‐ise they may not have themselves.’

– Hello ChristianThe Persecutor Becomes The PersecutedPradhan came from a Hindu background in Indiawhere he worshipped many idols and demonicspirits. He became a leader for an anti‐social group,notorious for killing and inflicting harm on Chris‐tians. He had 200 men he could call upon to huntdown Christians and do them harm. Following fam‐ily tragedies, Pradhan’s anger turned inward andhe became addicted to alcohol and tobacco. ButGod stopped Pradhan in his tracks when one nighthe had a vision of Jesus Christ, and heard the call ofGod on his life. The very next day some Christiansshared with him about Jesus and he received Christas his Saviour. In the 17 years since Pradhan hasbeen a Christian, he has endured many forms ofpersecution. Ironically, he admits that much of it is

similar to what he inflicted on Christians.– God Reports

Archeology Opens Up New Area Of ResearchAs Israelis celebrate the 50th anniversary of the re‐unification of Jerusalem, archaeologists have foundevidence of the battle for Jerusalem two millenniaago. They are excavating the main thoroughfareleading to the Second Temple before its destructionby the Romans in 70 AD. The road, about 6 metresbelow the surface, leads from the Pool of Siloam tothe Temple Mount. Archaeologists believe it couldhave been built during the reign of Pontius Pilateand would likely have been the route Jesus walkedon His way up to the Temple. The find, according toarchaeologists, is now opening a new era in the re‐search of Jerusalem. – CBN Christian World NewsChristianity Growing In IndonesiaChristianity is growing in Indonesia, according to aBaptist pastor from Jakarta. But at the same time,the influence of radical Islam is also being felt, withsome districts in the country adapting highly re‐strictive bylaws. The pastor, a former Muslim him‐self, who goes by the name Kongkin, told TheChristian Post in a recent phone interview that hisministry in Jakarta helps persecuted Christians andmakes sure their stories are heard across the coun‐try and abroad. Pastor Kongkin said Christianityonly makes up 7% of the Indonesian Muslim‐ma‐jority population, but many former Muslims havedecided to embrace Christianity and come to Jesus.‘The number of Christians is growing,’ he says, ‘A lotof Muslims see the extremism in the name of Islam,and realize there has to be a better way.’

– Christian Post

Read Murder At Port Arthur: Was It A Conspiracy? by David Holden

at www.defenceofthefaith.org

The first missionary journey continues with visits to Iconium (vv 1–7), Lystraand Derbe (vv 8–20). The visit to Iconium features bold proclamation of the Gospel,signs and wonders. At Lystra, Paul’s first miracle of healing takes place (v 8–10).There are striking parallels in Luke’s description of the public emergenceof Jesus and Paul:• Luke 4.1–13: Jesus confronts the Devil; Acts 13.4–12: Paul confronts the childof the Devil.• Luke 4.14–30: Jesus preaches in the synagogue and is rejected; Acts 13.13–43: Paul preaches in the synagogue to a divided response.• Luke 4.38–44 and 5.17–26: Jesus heals many, including a paralytic; Acts 14.8–10: Paul heals a paralytic.Just as Jesus the Saviour emerges into the public arena, so does His primary representative in theGentile world. Paul is in solidarity with Jesus, and Jesus continues His work through Paul. There is alsoa parallel here with Peter’s healing of the paralytic (Acts 3). This demonstrates Paul’s apostleship is ofthe same order as Peter’s.The people of Lystra want to give Paul and Barnabas divine status. Their response (vv 14,15) is aclear contrast to Herod’s in chapter 12. Paul responds to these people with a clear message to a paganaudience, whose lives are dominated by agricultural cycles (vv 15–17). First, he insists on the humannessof the messenger. Secondly, that God the Creator has shown kindnessby giving rain, crops, food and joy. Thirdly, people should turn from theworship of men to the living God. Finally, God’s attitude to humanityhas been patient acceptance, but that has now changed (see Acts17.30).The pattern of this message is very close to Paul’s description ofthe conversion of the Thessalonians (see 1 Thessalonians 1.9,10). Once more the Jews win the crowd and consequently, Paul is stonedand left for dead. Later, the team returns and encourages the believersby telling them what is in store for them (v 22).We must not be unrealistic as we face the future. Unrealistic expec‐tations always cause doubt. See how Jesus tells the disciples what isahead of them in John 16.1,4,33. Such warnings are given to us for thesame reason as to the first Christians in Lystra – to ‘strengthen and en‐courage them (and us) to remain true to the faith’ (v 22).

NEW LIFE – 1 June 2017 – Page FourteenNEW LIFE – 1 June 2017 – Page Fourteen

ACTS ACTS –– A JOURNEY TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTHA JOURNEY TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH –– DAVID COOKDAVID COOK

Onward Goes The Pilgrim Band ACTS 14.1-28

REFLECTION:Prosperity theology is oftenpopular, teaching that follow‐ing Jesus leads to health andwealth.How does what you are read‐ing in Acts challenge thisthinking and teaching?Opposition to the Gospel isinevitable. What response iscalled for in the face of suchopposition?

Content taken from 'ACTS –To The Ends Of The Earth' by David Cook, published by 10Publishing, used with permission.

C o l o s s i a n s 1 . 2 7 , 2 8C o l o s s i a n s 1 . 2 7 , 2 8C h r i s t i n yo u .C h r i s t i n yo u .

Words Of Wisdom:

PLEASE NOTE:Due to unforeseen circumstances,

all enquiries– editorial, advertising and subscriptions –

should be directed until further noticeto the Editor, Rev Bob Thomas,

Phone: 0417 592 646;Email: editor@nlife.com.au

Egyptian Pastor On Christian Reaction To ISIS:‘Kill Us, We’re Not Afraid’On Friday 26 May, the media exploded with news of the fourth major ISIS attack against the Copticcommunity in a span of six months. But Egyptian‐American preacher Michael Youssef says Coptic Chris‐tians are more passionate than ever about their faith – and that’s something the networks aren’t talkingabout. At the World Summit For The Defence Of Persecuted Christians earlier this month, MRC Culturespoke with Atlanta‐based Youssef about his recent visit to Egypt. Even after the devastating Palm Sundaybombings in Alexandria and Tanta, Youssef had only good news about how the Christian community iscoping.‘There were two million more Christians in churches on Easter and Good Friday than the previousyear,’ he rejoiced. ‘And this is the message they wanted to communicate to the terrorists: “Kill us all, andthat’s fine by us. We’re not afraid of you”.’ Youssef then explained the counterintuitive effects of persecu‐tion. ‘This is the one thing so many Christians in America don’t understand: that persecution strengthensand makes believers more passionate about their faith than easy Christianity,’ he added.

This counterintuitive re-silience was beautifullydemonstrated by SamiraFahmi, an Egyptian widow wholost her husband Naseem in thePalm Sunday bombings. In aninterview with ONTV News,Samira displayed stunning for‐giveness toward her husband’sattackers, shocking Muslim cor‐respondent Amr Adeeb.How are Coptic Christianscoping? Youssef says: ‘They areabsolutely rejoicing! They allwant to suffer for Christ if thatis what they are going to haveto do,’ he concluded. ‘So God isblessing them!’Although ISIS violence hasbeen rising, there is somecause for hope in Egypt. Ac‐cording to the 2017 report fromthe US Commission on Interna‐tional Religious Freedom (US‐CIRF), religious freedomconditions actually have im‐proved somewhat over the pastyear. Youssef says: ‘PresidentAbdel Fattah el‐Sisi has con‐demned sectarian attacks andworked to root out ISIS cells.The government, and Presi‐dent el‐Sisi, loves Christians. Hegoes to their churches onChristmas and Easter, and ex‐presses real love for them.’ andthey return that love.’

NEW LIFE – 1 June 2017 – Page FifteenNEW LIFE – 1 June 2017 – Page Fifteen

‘THE BLOOD OF THE MARTYRS ARE THE SEED OF THE CHURCH’‘THE BLOOD OF THE MARTYRS ARE THE SEED OF THE CHURCH’

SEEN ON FACEBOOK:

THE DOCTRINE OF JUSTIFICATION: An Outline Of Its History InThe Church And Of Its Exposition From Scripture, JamesBuchanan, Edinburgh, The Banner Of Truth Trust, 2016.ISBN 978-1-84871-693-3.We welcome this reprint by Banner of a classic in historical and systematic theol‐ogy on the doctrine that is at the heart of the Gospel and the centrepiece of Protestantteaching. A brief history of Buchanan (1804‐1870) is provided that shows him to havebeen an effective preacher as well as an accomplished professor of theology, and hisbook is the substance of the Cunningham Lectures of 1866. His gifts as a preachershine on every page of this lucid and impassioned exposition of an old doctrine andcomes home with all the freshness of a new truth.The book has an introductory essay by J.I. Packer (dated 1961), who helpfullypoints out that this great truth rests on the divine authority of the Bible and its diag‐nosis of our situation as law‐breakers, the revelation of God’s wrath against sin andthe substitutionary atonement provided by Christ. ‘Modern Protestantism’, as Packercalls it, has lost confidence in these truths, and the result is that the doctrine of justi‐fication seems to have lost its relevance. Too often, it is the answer to a question thatno‐one is asking anymore (‘How can I be right with God?’). Yet the question is still themost important one that can be asked. Buchanan is correct in asserting that the best refutation of error is by means ofa positive exposition of the truth, and that is the emphasis in this book. He shows theclear and consistent intimations of the Gospel of justification by faith in the Old Tes‐tament that knows no other way of salvation. The value of rehearsing the responseof Jesus and the Apostles to old errors about justification is, as Buchanan says (quotingPusey) ‘it would be difficult to invent a new heresy’. One of the best antidotes, there‐fore, to the recent confusion caused by the so‐called ‘New Perspective On Paul’ is toread Buchanan, for there is really nothing (entirely) new under the sun so far as falseteaching is concerned. Buchanan says that new attacks on this doctrine require new defences, and thatis what he aims to provide. Then, as now, most attacks on justification come fromwithin the Protestant camp, with claims that the doctrine is a novelty invented by theReformers. Far from being a novelty, the teaching of salvation by faith in Christ isfound in the writings of the earliest church fathers.There is, of course, detailed study of the differences between the Reformers andRome on this vital subject. The differences cannot be explained away and should notbe minimised (such as attempted by the Council of Trent). Buchanan then traces thetroubled history of the doctrine in later Protestantism and in the Church of Englandin particular (eg the Tractarian Movement). He makes an important point that whatis most needed to understand the doctrine is a tender conscience and a deep convic‐tion of sin, that is, an honest realisation of our guilt and misery as transgressors ofGod’s law.Buchanan gives a clear one-page explanation of the relation between (and com‐patibility of) justification by faith and future judgment according to works (page 222).Too many people have tied themselves up in knots over the issue and ended up witha wrong understanding of both. Buchanan is a clear thinker and a reliable expositorof the difference between, but essential relation of, justification and sanctification,and of Gospel and law. He spends much time on the doctrine of the imputation ofChrist’s alien righteousness to us as the only means of justification, for this has beenfiercely attacked and/or perverted by many writers.The book closes with 100 pages of endnotes in small print, which are not neces‐sary to read but have some fascinating comments and information if one makes theeffort to scan their contents. All in all, this treatise clears away every obstacle to aproper understanding of justification. With so much confusion and woolly thinkingin the church on this most important of subjects, we are again in debt to the BannerOf Truth for making this splendid book available in reprint. – Greg Goswell

BOOKS WORTH READINGBOOKS WORTH READING

NEW LIFE – 1 June 2017 – Page SixteenNEW LIFE – 1 June 2017 – Page Sixteen

‘All in all,this treatiseclears awayeveryobstacle toa properunderstand-ing ofjustification.Withso muchconfusionand woollythinking inthe churchon this mostimportant ofsubjects,we are againin debt tothe BannerOf Truth formaking thissplendidbookavailablein reprint.’

Following the two-year anniversary of the Bali Nine executions, Aus‐tralian producers Ben Field (Home and Away, Hillsong: Let Hope Rise) andPaul Nevison (i-Heart Revolution) with Executive Producer Matthew Weaver(Rock of Ages, Jiro Dreams of Sushi), have announced a new feature film proj‐ect that will tell the story of convicted ‘Bali Nine’ drug trafficker, AndrewChan.Now in pre-production and set to begin shooting in early 2018, FindingMercy was written by Los Angeles‐based screenwriter Cliff Dorfman (writerof Academy Award nominated film Warrior) and captures the untold storyof Chan’s personal transformation and rehabilitation during his ten‐year in‐carceration in a Bali prison up until his execution in 2015.‘The journey of the Bali Nine was widely publicised in international pa-pers, but our aim with this film is to capture the part of the story that hasn’tbeen told. This film is a story about mercy and second chances. Can peoplechange? And if so, will we allow them the opportunity to do so?’ says Ben Field. ‘Andrew’s transformedlife touched countless lives in the prison system and the global community at large, and in his finalmonths it was his death sentence that divided a nation. We’re excited and honoured to be working ex‐clusively with the Chan family and those closest to Andrew with the intention of bringing to screen thisheart‐wrenching yet inspiring story set against a landscape of political and moral tensions,’ says PaulNevison.Despite Andrew’s vibrant and jovial personality, he endured constant setbacks, disappointments,challenges and betrayals throughout his ten years of incarceration. Andrew inspired hope and was asource of encouragement to many. Not only did the jail warden testify on behalf of Andrew’s rehabilita‐tion in a bid for his clemency, but also several inmates wrote to President Widodo offering to take An‐drew’s place so that his life could be spared. ‘This is a story of endurance, commitment to change,perseverance, and finding life and hope in the midst of facing death. We feel honoured to bring Andrew’sinspiring journey to the screen,' says Ben Field. Finding Mercy will be released in cinemas in 2019.

NEW LIFE EXTRANEW LIFE EXTRA

NEW LIFE – 1 June 2017 – Page SeventeenNEW LIFE – 1 June 2017 – Page Seventeen

New Finding Mercy Film To Be Based On Life Of‘Bali Nine’ Drug Trafficker Andrew Chan

WITH CHRIST: Rev Dudley N Barker, 21 March 1922 – 28 May 2017.Well‐known Baptist Minister Rev Dudley Barker was an ex‐serviceman. He worked as aWEC missionary in the Himalayas 1943‐58, had pastorates in Australia (Wagga Wagga,Gunnedah,Ramsgate, Matraville, Bel‐Air, Burnie, Narranderra )1965‐79, served as StateRepresentative of the Tasmanian Bible Society 1978‐82, as Australian Secretary of NorthWest Frontier Fellowship, and had ministry in Fiji 1989‐94. – Worldwide Photos

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