Monthly Archives: June 2018

Which Christian and Initiate Media join forces

FAITH NEWSWIRE – Initiate Media has announced a joint venture with whichchristian.com.au, Australia’s leading printed guides publisher.

Whichchristian.com.au has been in the Christian marketplace for 20 years. Its print guides have been the preeminent magazines for connecting Christians with Australian Christian schools, colleges and missions. However as the market moves away from print, whichchristian.com.au is re-directing its focus to online search.

Rod Heard, Managing Director of whichchristian.com.au, said: “Which Christian and Initiate Media have been active in the Christian space for many years. Although Matt and I have had a number of conversations about working together, it has not been until the last few days that the pieces have suddenly fallen into place.

“We’re looking forward to being able to combine to continue to publish information about Christian organizations very effectively online.”

Matt Danswan, CEO of Initiate Media, commented: “The publishing world is changing at record pace, and I believe the strong brand whichchristian.com.au possesses, coupled with the strong network of websites and traffic we can bring to the site, make this a perfect fit.

“Rod and I have had informal discussions over the last few years, and it has just been a matter of waiting for the right time to come together. The time is now, and so this is an exciting result for not only our advertisers, but also Australian Christians looking for quality Christian organisations.”

For more information visit www.whichchristian.com.au.

Initiate Media to launch new housesitting site

FAITH NEWSWIRE – Initiate Media has announced that it is launching a global site connecting Christians looking for like-minded house sitting services.

Christianhousesitting.com will be the first of its kind, connecting homeowners with those looking for short-term accommodation.

As the owners of christianhomeswap.com, Initiate Media is launching the site in response to homeowners specifically looking for trusted individuals who can mind their animals whilst traveling.

Initiate Media co-founder Nicole Danswan stated, “Christianhomeswap.com fills an amazing space in the marketplace by connecting Christians together and affording them free holiday accommodation.

“However, many have told us of the need to have their homes and/or pets minded while traveling. In addition to this, who you have stay in your home unattended is a big decision. It’s not only the personal assets within your home, but also the spiritual connotation that person brings.

“Sadly, there are also people in our community with no fixed address, and so this also bills a void for those who need short term accommodation. We are really confident that christianhousesitting.com is therefore going to be a perfect fit between home owner and those needing such accommodation.”

The site is due to launch in September 2018.

 

 

Initiate Media completes ownership of christianhomeswap.com

FAITH NEWSWIRE – Initiate Media has announced that it has acquired 100% of the popular website ChristianHomeswap.com. ChristianHomeSwap.com is an international community of house swappers located all around the world.

ChristianHomeswap.com has been in the marketplace since 2007. The website was originally started as a result of dissatisfaction with the cost of traditional accommodation, the prohibitive costs of travel making holidays difficult for many people.

Until recently, Initiate Media was a 60% owner of the website, with the remaining 40% owned by Australian company Pack Your Bags Pty Ltd.

ChristianHomeSwap.com provides an alternative form of travel, where friendly local and international travelers swap homes to enjoy free accommodation.

Matt Danswan, CEO of Initiate Media, said, “While we enjoyed a tremendous relationship with Pack Your Bags and its owners, Dave and Kirsty Utting, at the same time we are happy to announce that we have acquired the website in full.

“The Uttings were steering their business in a slightly different direction, and so as the majority shareholders, it was only natural that acquiring the full site was going to be a good fit for both parties.

They have done a tremendous job in building this website from a standing start, and we are confident that, as our platform continues to grow, that we can go on to build ChristianHomeSwap.com into an even more amazing website than it is today.”

For more information visit www.ChristianHomeswap.com.

Racism and Discrimination – one man’s journey

FAITH NEWSWIRE – Have you ever stopped and wondered what it would be like to be different – I mean of a different race and culture to the one you are living in? The many trials and suffering that are undergone because you don’t fit in and are not welcome in your community?

Leonard Young, the author of ‘The Man Who Rebelled Against God’ tells his story of an unforgiving society that wouldn’t accept him for who he was – a young Chinese living in Brisbane in the early 1940s. 

This is the story of a young Chinese man growing up in western society where racism was rife. This story is Leonard’s personal testimony of God’s forgiveness of his sin, and by trusting Jesus Christ.

The book is published by Ark House Press. 

The author explains his journey. “Some people who hear the call of God upon their lives respond immediately and never waver throughout their entire life. They grow closer to Him every day and never fail to obey His demands on their lives. They can look back over their lives with satisfaction knowing just how much God has blessed their service for Him”. 

“As for me I have struggled throughout much of my life to show a consistent walk with our Lord.” 

As a child Leonard was led into a life of delinquency and law breaking and was totally uncontrollable. His foster mother had a house of amoral boarders that gave him a poor role model. “Being Chinese in a completely white community I was ostracized and suffered from abuse from both adults and in my school,” he says. “On the other hand, a small Christian church gradually changed my life by patient and loving acceptance and brought knowledge of Christ to me.” 

Being fostered by an Irish mother in a completely white society Leonard was basically cut off from his Chinese community (apart from his school holidays). However, the language barrier with his father and his Chinese friends prevented any close connections between father and son. His Church became his only haven from the verbal abuse and isolation from outside in the general community. Christian men became his spiritual mentors and emotional support.

Having accepting Christ in his late teens and then rebelling against God through interpersonal relationships within the Christian community Leonard lived a life of wanton selfishness and sin. “I never at any time believed that God did not exist but felt that he had deprived me of my deepest desire,” Leonard went on to explain.

After a time, Leonard became marginally connected to the Christian community because, as he pointed out, he wanted his children to grow up to be law-abiding and morally upstanding citizens and to reject drugs and other pit-falls young people fall into. “However, with the death of my grandson I realized my life without Christ was empty and I desperately needed God’s love and comfort the world could not give me.” 

This is a story of a Chinese man born on the wrong side of life and the law who, as a young child, lived in a suburb of Brisbane just after World War 2. Although he experienced the psychological barbs of racism and discrimination and became bitter and rebellious, a small congregation of Christians eventually rescued him. 

Leonard Young inspires us with the account of his journey from childhood and teenage rebellion to finding God in the midst of his trials. 

This story begins in a period of our history when there have been many changes within the Australian community as well as its churches. Some of these transformations have been positive and beneficial while others are spiritually destructive. 

“Although the Church, in particular, is generally welcoming, there is again an increase in racial discrimination and verbal abuse,” Leonard strongly points out. “This is not helped by the atrocities and terrorism that has become a current occurrence nearly every day. My hope is that when their children grow up in our society they will gradually become more accepted.”   

“I believe this story of mine is also timely. We are now in a period when there is little sympathy for others in the world who are suffering persecution, social isolation, discrimination and even worse; innumerable deaths and acts of genocide. This is particularly so when they are considered not to have the same belief system, a common ethnic origin, social standing, or political preference. However, God sent Christ to die on the cross because of His great love for all humanity. 

Editor’s Note: this article may be re-produced, without requiring permission.

Poetry: The Reflection of God 

FAITH NEWSWIRE – The author, Dr Edwin Yip has composed some very meaningful poems in his book ‘Glorifying God Centred in Christ’. The purpose, he maintains, is to glorify God, through meditation on the poetry. Dr Edwin Yip’s goal is to help Christians grow in faith and to understand what it means to be a Christian.

But why poetry? “If you are a Christian, it does not really matter whether you like poetry or not,” the author explains. “For example, even if you do not like the literary styles in the book of Psalms, you can still study and learn from it. Of course, if you enjoy poetry then that’s a bonus. This book is more than a collection of poems. It has reflective questions and my own comments besides each poem. In other words, its main value is as a devotional tool.” 

Why the author decided to write down his inspiration for these poems is because he was sharing a personal poem he had written in front of others. He realised he wanted to share all his poetry and bring joy to his readers.

Dr Yip gives an overview of the time in his life when he felt he wanted to write his poetry. “Although I have written a few poems relating to my faith in the past, it was not enough to form a collection. During my brief missional trip to Tonga in 2016, I had the opportunity to share a personal poem I had written with other believers, and I was encouraged by the responses of those who heard it. 

“At the same time, I was inspired by one of the sisters who travelled with me. Her main role during the trip was to impart knowledge and wisdom and encouragement to caregivers and families looking after children with autism. This is made possible through her experience in bringing up her youngest child with autism. She also went on to write a book called ‘Mikey & Me’ which shares her personal journey. Her story has become a source of hope and blessing to others.

“I also wanted to write something that can inspire and help others, to cultivate and strengthen their spiritual growth. As I thought about what my spiritual gift(s) are and what I can do for Christ, the idea of writing and publishing a poetry collection was born.”

So how does the author believe his collection of poems can glorify God? “It’s personal,” he declares. “It’s a reflection of my gratitude to God and what he has done in my life. I hope others can appreciate what I have written even if they are not into poetry. Furthermore, I hope they are inspired to focus on their own gifts and passions to glorify God.” 

Editor’s Note: this article may be re-produced, without requiring permission.

A Mum Without Her Baby – A Father Without His Daughter

FAITH NEWSWIRE – “Time of death…” were the words the doctor spoke to Liz and Ray when their baby daughter went to heaven. Relive the gripping emotions and feelings the family encountered at the time of this great tragedy. It is a time in your life you will always remember when a loved one (and especially at such a young age) is taken from you.  

Alana’s Brief Season’ is the compelling story of the death of little six month-old Alana Bremer. This captivating book recounts the faith that brought Liz Bremer, the author, through the pain of losing her precious child.

The words uttered by the doctor came sometime in the afternoon, 29 December 1994. Liz knew it was the right decision but she was still stunned by their words. She had tried to revive her doing CPR, then the ambulance officers took over and finally the nurses at the hospital.

“Monitors were turned off, IV lines removed, the place tidied up and doctors and nurses left the room for Ray and I to be together alone with Alana,” Liz said. “In the last couple of hours so much of how I had reacted was due to my nursing training. Now I was a mum without my baby while Ray was a dad without his daughter. For a moment in time we were lost in our pain. There were no words, we just hugged each other and cried at the enormity of our loss. This was the worst moment of our lives.”

No words can describe this loss, but Liz and Ray had a great faith in their God and trusted Him. Yes, they hurt so much over their bereavement but Liz explained it beautifully.

“I did a lot of crying in the first few months,” Liz said. “Instead of running away from God I turned to Him daily on my own. I didn’t question what God had done and wouldn’t let myself linger on the ‘why’ or ‘if. For me Alana was gone, full stop, rule off’, end of story. Yet I was hurting and told God so. In fact I told Him everything, just as I learned to do many years ago when I understood that God is my Father and friend. I needed time to heal. God was everything He promised to be. My best friend was and is Jesus and together we went through the pain.”

Liz and Ray were numbed by the experience as they left the hospital. They just wanted to shut down and let the world go by.

 “We were physically and emotionally exhausted when we went to bed,” Liz goes on to say. “We all had a good night’s sleep and that has continued for many years. I’ve never had a dream / nightmare when Alana has been in it since that day.”

It was a blessing that they had family and friends around them from the day till just after Alana’s funeral. It felt like God carried them through this time with His energy to deal with everything.

Liz coped by taking time out writing to work through pain and for special days such as Alana’s birthday. The couple have had other children. However this was a great step of faith as this allowed them to be open that it all could go wrong again. 

God was everything to Liz. She had become a Christian at the age of 13 years and now 17 years later she was calling out to Him to get her through this, knowing He loved her and was in control.

“Alana’s death was like the winter of my world. It was a season of loss and death. Somehow my ability to make sense of this tragic event came from words of comfort and hope in the Bible. There’s the hope and power of the resurrection of Jesus because He’s gained victory over death. One day I will be forever with Jesus in heaven. Love, blood, death and resurrection power will get me there and keep me there forever along with Alana who I will see again and many millions more.

“This is my autobiography, not a self help book or written by a counsellor wanting to help others. It’s one of the worst experiences I’ve gone through. It took years for this wound to heal to become a scar.”

Time heals pain experienced in the first stage of bereavement, which is slowly turned into a permanent sense of loss according to Liz. “From the day Alana died to the time I felt a sense of closure was around five years. It was a journey I never thought would take so long.

“I end the book with my youngest daughter’s birth. Her name is Nicole and means victory while Alana’s name means beautiful and for a brief season we enjoyed her beauty.”

Editor’s Note: this article may be re-produced, without requiring permission.

From Religion to Intimacy with God

FAITH NEWSWIRE – A person’s life consists not of what we plan or achieve or dream about. It is not about our own purposes and ideas. It is whether we are prepared to recognise that God is in control. It depends on whether we are prepared to accept His control, or to reject it in favour of our own machinations.

The author of the book, ‘The Gardener’s Son’ details his sometimes torturous journey into submitting his life to Christ, completely. 

The book is published by Ark House Press.

 When this book is read, and mixed with faith, it will generate a new sense of purpose, vision and empowerment.  It will lift the discouraged out of their shallow dungeon and they will see the Cross and be drawn to Jesus who hung there for humanity. It is the intention of the author that readers will put their complete trust in God.

David Munns, the author, says, “Recognition often comes with hindsight. Whilst having been raised within a Christian environment, this does not necessarily mean that there is a spiritual qualification automatically conferred upon one in understanding what it is that God requires of one.”

David’s statement comes out of his childhood in the Plymouth Brethren. “Its doctrines are founded on the belief that they are the only people who God has chosen for salvation. Anyone outside of their group is unsaved, children of the devil and sold out to the world. To enhance this concept, they strictly enforce a ‘Doctrine of Separation’ by not permitting their people to interact with ‘outsiders’, either by speaking to, living with, or eating with their neighbours or having common walls between dwellings,” David explains.

In the late 50’s the world leader of the Brethren wanted greater control of the ‘church’. He applied the doctrine of separation. Children were being cut off from their families. Husbands and wives were being forced to not only separate, but to divorce, claiming through the legal system the husband’s assets, so that he was left with nothing. Young people having their belongings literally thrown out onto the street because they left the brethren. David could not tolerate this it was so traumatic and he looked for a way out.

David Munns became a member of the Royal Aero Club of Western Australia and learned to fly. This was entirely contrary to edicts of the Brethren. “But I managed to keep it quiet for a time until my photo appeared on the front page of the Daily Newspaper. The Brethren tried to pressure me into stopping after visiting me, but I refused and was dutifully withdrawn from the organisation.

“Life was hard for a time, as I was only 21, but I slowly found friendships both in my work and at the aero club. I have never danced and always avoid it at all costs. Some things remain and last a lifetime.”

David had a negative religious experience. It certainly was not one that gave him a personal and intimate relationship with Christ. 

Missionary Training College had been the organization where David had studied. He learned vital biblical truths and principles to live a life dedicated to God. He knew it all. 

But the reality of knowing God’s presence in his life came when his marriage failed. 

“At that time it seemed my prayers were unanswered,” David maintained. “My Christian friends deserted me; my church shunned me; my endeavours to compensate with social activities through my work, failed. It was when some faithful Christian friends from America took me under their wing, that I was able to understand that the truth of Hebrews 13:5 where He says, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’.”

Then David was unlawfully terminated from his work. This was restored through the legal system. He stood on God’s word and declared victory over the situation, which was achieved. It was God’s grace and mercy upon his life and more answers to prayer!

The author joined the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia and served there for three and a half decades. During this time he was faced with many dangerous and life-threatening challenges. He says, “I was able to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. I looked death in the face and was part of the miraculous restoration to life after the death of a baby. I also had the privilege of being asked to fly a new aircraft from Switzerland to Perth.” 

There are many stories from the author while flying, of near-death experiences, in-flight emergencies and tragedies avoided through the protection and faithfulness of God.

“I have written this book to share how God has worked in my life,” the author states. “I   suspect that most people have similar failures and successes without knowing that it is God who is working in their lives.  I have attempted to share my story, warts and all so that others may understand that the Christian pathway is not a complicated obstacle course, replete with rituals and traditions. But rather a simple hand in hand walk with Jesus each and every day. Most importantly, to believe that what He has promised He will fulfill.

“If my book can reach one person and change that person’s life, then I will have achieved something in history.” 

Read about David Munns’ incredible journey to find an intimate relationship with his Savior. 

Editor’s Note: this article may be re-produced, without requiring permission.

The Ordinary Made Extraordinary

FAITH NEWSWIRE – Rob Hawkes, the author of ‘Peter’s Song’ takes an exclusive look into the life of Peter, the disciple of Jesus. He has examined his humanness and looks at the humanity of the men Jesus chose to be His disciples. The very enlightening book deals with the tragedy and humour of the various situations scripture places them in.

‘Peter’s Song’ is published by Ark House Press.

The book looks at the unique celebration of the very ordinary made extraordinary by the hand of God. It brings some great insights into the life of the Apostle Peter as recorded in scripture. But it is seen through his eyes and those who may have witnessed the events with him.

What makes the author’s book intriguing and interesting to read? Rob explains, “There are a number of unique perspectives on familiar passages in the scriptures…at least I think they’re unique. For example: readers may be familiar with the accounts of the Last Supper in the upper room and when the Holy Spirit fell in power on those gathered there at Pentecost. But have you ever wondered what those events would have sounded like to those in the lower room? ‘Peter’s Song’ looks at that perspective. The book also dares to take a first person viewpoint of the Holy Spirit coming upon the disciples gathered in the room.”

The author also looks at the Gospel account of Peter’s reinstatement by Jesus on the shores of Galilee after His resurrection from the dead. It mentions Peter wrapping his outer garments about himself before leaping from the boat into the water to greet his Master on the shoreline. This is a beautiful illustration of the love that Peter had for Jesus.

“I have used this example of Peter and the others to highlight one of the qualities that may have singled out Peter as leadership material,” the author says. “It may be alien to our controlled, ordered western view of the world, but maybe there is something about allowing our love of Jesus freedom of expression that the rest of the world needs to see more. Even if we look a little foolish in the process!”

The book is unique as there is a touch of humor and it is not overly religious nor is it excessively theological in its approach. This may be a little unusual given its subject matter. The author hopes it is all the more accessible for a wider readership because of that.

‘Peter’s Song’ is a little unconventional in its perspective on familiar passages. The author explains, “It emphasizes the humanity of the ordinary men and women who met Jesus. It takes you into their company as they travel together, share meals and wrestle with the horrifying death of their beloved Rabbi, contemplate their future without Him, then share in the wonder of His resurrection. It explores their new relationships that developed now that Jesus was no longer (physically) with them.

“Peripheral figures in the Gospels like Mary, Martha and Lazarus take a more prominent role in the story. The disciples would have previously had a relationship with them because of their association with the renowned Jesus of Nazareth. Would this change following His death? Would they have any association with them in the future or would they have to establish their own relationship with each other, without Jesus in their midst?”

Rob Hawkes describes how he sees Peter as different from the other disciples. “His propensity to make very public mistakes.
The completely inappropriate violence he exhibited in the Garden of Gethsemane at the moment of Jesus’ arrest followed shortly after by his cowardice and rejection of Jesus in the courtyard of the house of Caiaphas, when confronted by a young servant girl. His eagerness to have a go. Jesus’ eagerness for him to succeed!

“To a greater or lesser extent I see these traits in my life and in the lives of some others who I know. I find him endearing because of them, not in spite of them. He’s the one who comes across as the most human and therefore the easiest for me to identify with, because all his failings are my own too. Peter was an ordinary, hardworking man. Someone who was prone to misunderstandings and making mistakes, even after meeting and living alongside Jesus throughout His ministry years.”

The book builds to a crescendo of hope brought about by the transforming work of the Holy Spirit working in and through them as they continue with the ministry Jesus started.

Editor’s Note: this article may be re-produced, without requiring permission.