Message from Fiona:

Dear Friends

It is lovely to be back among you after so many weeks being stuck! Thank you so much for your care of me and your prayers. I have begun work this week and expect to be able to manage the weekly services at least from now on. Thank you too for looking after each other – that which makes you church, seeing Christ in each other, serving one another.

You may have watched some excellent documentaries on both SBS and ABC television in the last few weeks about boatpeople and the issue of refugees for Australia. There is a lot of misinformation about those who seek asylum from persecution in their homelands. At the recent diocesan synod, the following motion about the issue was moved by Julia Nutting and seconded by the Revd Andrew Eaton of Castlemaine and Daylesford parishes. It was unanimously carried.

I move that this synod acknowledge the challenges facing world leaders with the number of asylum seekers fleeing life threatening circumstances in their own countries.
Further, that synod urge the Federal Government to pursue policies which recognise the universal right under the Geneva Convention of asylum seekers and refugees to seek refuge (with all that the word implies) in Australia, and to resist solutions which treat people as commodities in a system of barter and exchange, putting at risk their basic human rights -especially the rights of children.
When persecuted Vietnamese people began to flee their homeland to save their lives in the 1970s the Australian government and the opposition of the time had bipartisan policies enabling asylum seekers to come to Australia and to facilitate their processing. Unfortunately recent governments have chosen to use the issue of refugees for political gain resulting in false labelling and even vilification of those who seek asylum here. It is never illegal to seek asylum, and terms like illegals and queue-jumpers are inflammatory as well as totally incorrect. A second motion about empowering us with factual information was also carried:
Since policies of major Australian parliamentary parties can reflect perceived public opinion, I move that synod actively encourage people within the diocese to engage with human rights issues, promote wider community understanding of the rights of all who seek safety from persecution and work to allay fears based on inadequate information.  In this way Christians would be enabled more confidently to support those who are thus marginalised. 
Following this second motion, plans are already underway to try to help us all understand the issues more clearly. As Christians we must try to find out about national and world issues, especially those affecting our brothers and sisters suffering persecution or disadvantage. Jesus’ ministry was foremost about those who were marginalised and disadvantaged. Welcoming the stranger is foundational to our Judeo-Christian roots and part of a Christian’s practice. I was proud to be sitting with Julia as she put the motions.

Your synod representatives Julia and Jenny Parker, and I, will report to you about synod. It was a fairly quiet one with nothing controversial being raised. I always enjoy synod not least because it reminds me that we are a universal church, much bigger than just the Parish of Maldon, and all striving to live out the gospel for the sake of the whole world!

Fiona

Lesley’s Prayer and Praise – June/July 2011
[Pray for Lesley; she will find it hard to leave where her heart is…when CMS says.  Julia]
Praise God for:

• Responding to our prayers for the children who lived the “Evangelistic Fiesta”. The gospel message was very well presented, and, for me the greatest impact was the way in which it was received. There was total silence and concentration even among the really little ones. Their response to questions reflected their understanding.

I had to leave soon after, but apparently, in the group work which followed, and developed the message relevant to age, much fruit was seen.
Pray for the ongoing work of the Spirit in each child.

• We (that is the main church in Renca) finally have our own web page: still very much in its infancy, but at least up and running. Praise God for those who have committed their time and effort to get it going.  Pray for wisdom and maturity in its use.  (She then says look at photos on… but Julia’s provider won’t allow this and issued Warning!)

• For the first time this year the church finances showed a positive balance, not much but it was good not see the numbers in red!

Thank you for praying. There seems at last to be a more positive atmosphere, as people are adjusting to new leadership. Numbers have dropped considerably, but this was not unexpected.

• Praise God for very slight spiritual growth within the “Women’s Group”, please keep praying for them, especially for greater maturity in the leaders. This has been the weakest area of Spiritual growth in the church. Praise God for new members who are strong in their faith. Pray that they will not be daunted or weakened be the existing members.

Join me in praying for:

• The women’s retreat on Wed 22nd June was a huge success; the subject was the fruit of the Spirit. The main presentation was given by Vikki one of the leaders of “Buenas Nuevas” the other church in Renca.  Please pray that the fellowship enjoyed and especially the practical teaching will be a positive step towards the spiritual growth and maturity that we are asking the Lord for.

Pray for the ongoing work of God’s Spirit in hearts and minds. For a change of “chip” that breaks down resistance caused by old conflicts, prejudices, habits and ideas.
Pray that the light and truth of Jesus will shine into these homes, liberate the captives and bring healing. For many of these women coming to the group brings momentary relief. Pray for a commitment in the coming months, which brings trust that enables them to work towards solutions.     

• The Youth group are planning a Café Concierto for the 16th July. It is hoped that there will be participation from the whole church. Pray that people from the whole area will be attracted.

The object is twofold: to raise funds for the national youth conference and to reach and activate those who do not yet know Jesus.
Please pray for 100% support within the church family.

• The Sunday School Retreat, open also to invitees.  To be held Monday 27th June. Like all children’s events it will have a strongly evangelistic edge.

By the time you get this note it will be over, but the really important thing to pray for is the ongoing ministry to these kids and their families.  A breakthrough is needed with the parents which only the Lord can provide. Up to now there has been little progress in this area. The majority of the kids in the Sunday school come unaccompanied. 
Continue to pray for:

• Me, handing things over and letting go in a way that nobody feels abandoned. Praise God for the positive signs that he is raising up local leaders.

A good home for my dog, but at the right time. For security reasons it would be difficult to live in this area without a dog.

• Keep praying for Silverio and Jacqui and family, and their ministry in the south. Pray especially their eldest daughter Sarai (18 yrs), for adjustment to grey rainy days, and for her work with the young people in Chol Chol. Praise God for her commitment to serving him.

Thank you all for praying, I encourage you to keep it up, we see results on a daily basis. Thank you also for your continued financial support through CMS. who fully support me here in Santiago. Thank you for being part of God’s work in Chile.
Love and blessings.
            Lesley

Readings and services, August/September 2011