MST ambassador Autumn 2014

Imagine walking into a small hut on the outskirts of a rural village in the remote highlands of an island in South East Asia. The heat and humidity are oppressive, though a gentle afternoon brings mild relief. Inside the hut, on the ground and unable to move, lies a man who, seven years earlier, suffered a stroke. He hasn’t walked unassisted since.. This was what MST student and cross-cultural worker, Luke*, faced as he walked into Adi’s hut with some local Christians. He shares the rest of Adi’s* incredible story:

“We greeted Adi and prayed with him for a short time. Suddenly, he raised his voice and said, “Terima kasih, Tuhan. Aku sudah sembuh” which translates, “Thank you, God. I am healed.”

The next moment, he stood up, which caught everyone in the room by surprise. No one had seen him stand, let alone walk, for many years. He walked into the village, wanting to tell everyone what had happened. He soon returned with a crowd of Hindu locals following him. They proceeded to burn his crutches and then burn the many trinkets he’d been given by local witchdoctors.

Only a week later, Adi and his wife were baptised in response to the good news. They are now leading a small group of people in their village to discover the truth in God’s Word.”

Luke and his wife Helen are excited to be a part of bringing the good news of Jesus to people just like Adi in the area they are working in. They are involved

with a small NGO that runs water projects in villages with no access to clean water. This organisation targets the needs of the disabled, particularly through therapy, wheelchair distribution and other mobility aids. They’re also on the lookout for people in whom God is working, known as ‘persons of peace’, who might then form groups to study the Bible together.

“There’s an increasing openness to the good news on our island. It’s not uncommon to hear a testimony of dreams and miraculous healing leading to faith in God. In the past two years we have seen an increasing number of people gathering in groups to study the Word. The Holy Spirit is definitely stirring up a deep interest in searching out truth among the people here and there is no doubt that he is engaging in a very active way.”

Adi’s village, one of the poorest on the island, is also one of the most enthusiastic they’ve come across. The team visits weekly to run a simple program for the children and youth, teaching them twelve foundational moral values to live by. They’re also involved in training local believers to make disciples, producing resources for ministry and leadership development of house church leaders.

“Our vision is to see a disciple-making movement among the Hindus on our island,” Luke shares. “We would love to see a multitude of communities discovering what it means to follow Jesus, being transformed by the gospel and then sharing the same with other communities.”

Before moving into cross-cultural mission and development with Pioneers, Luke worked in undercover drug operations and surveillance with the NSW Police in King’s Cross. He’s now completing a Bachelor of Ministry via distance, which he says is ‘sharpening his focus.’ Wherever possible, he studies an intensive subject, with all lectures condensed to just seven days. Luke completed the ‘Aid and Development’ intensive last year, taught by Dr Peter Riddell.

“The Aid and Development subject was instrumental in implementing changes to our local approach to community development and making disciples. It’s pushed me to rework our vision and start partnering with another foundation doing great development work in the area. The subject also encouraged me to not be ‘separatist’ but allow the entirety of our work to be an expression of the gospel,” he said.

* Names, locations and identifying features changed to protect mission identities.

connect with mst online at www.mst.edu.au ✆ 03 9881 7800

ambassadorMST ambassador · Issue 217 · Autumm 2014

Melbourne School of Theology

O

PEN D

AY/NIGHT

Life Giving Water

Leadership

Pastoral Care

Teaching

Spiritual Formation

Focus on Cross

Cultural Missions

We’re passionate about connecting -If you’d like a team from MST to speak at your church or school about Biblical training for life, ministry and mission, contact Iona: [email protected]


What a joy it is!A few words from Rev. Timothy Meyers

One of my greatest privileges and joys is spending time, one on one, with some of our students.

Often, these appointments arise simply out of the challenges they face; balancing the pressures of life and relationships, studies, local church ministry, grappling with where God is taking them and how He intends to use them. Occasionally, the issues run deeper; spiritual opposition, marriage pressures, anxieties over finances, even crises of faith and unexpected ‘dark nights of the soul’.

Whatever these issues are, they never surprise me. I often reflect on the countless times my own personal and spiritual vulnerabilities have found me crying out to God for wisdom, strength and direction; even for ‘light’ in the darkness.

Introducing IonaIona Parton, to become Mrs

Kroussoratsky in June, joined MST’s staff at the end of 2013 as our Enrolment Coordinator, or the welcoming face of MST for new students.

Iona grew up in Tasmania and after completing a diploma in photography, moved to the mainland in 2006. A retired missionary friend observed her passion for missions and encouraged Iona to pursue Bible college. Over the past three years, Iona has been studying at MST and is close to completing a Bachelor of Theology.

As both a member of staff and a student, Iona is in a unique position to understand the needs of students. She loves meeting new students, hearing their hopes and aspirations for future ministry.

“MST is an incredible home in many ways!” Iona says. “The aspect of MST life I most adore is the family vibe. Lecturers, staff and students truly care for one another here and build each other up to serve the Lord faithfully with joy.”

Enrolments UpdateAround fifty new students from all over Melbourne and across Australia

(see inset) have started undergraduate or graduate courses, with more than 230 enrolling in subjects at MST English in Semester 1.

“It is exciting to see students from places as far afield as Darwin, Perth, Townsville, Brisbane, Sydney, Warrnambool and Echuca choosing to study with us here at MST,” Enrolment Coordinator, Iona, shares. “Many come without a firm idea of where the Lord’s leading them, which is so encouraging because it shows their faithful obedience and trust in His leading.”

(Townsville) Christina has worked as a mental health nurse and is studying for a Master of Divinity. She is passionate about global mission and wants to be more equipped to serve overseas.

(Darwin) Simon has worked as a civil project engineer and is studying a Graduate Diploma of Divinity. He is keen to study the Word and seeking God’s direction for his future.

(Sydney’s northwest) Daryn is studying a Master of Divinity via distance. He loves ancient history and dreams of teaching early Christian history at a Bible college one day.

In his first letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul makes one of his most poignant declarations about the grace and power of God; namely, that the very power of the cross often most clearly manifests when Christians step out from behind their masks of false forms of godliness and allow the grace and love of Christ to radiate through their own weaknesses. Later, in his second letter, he reminds them:

“For God, who said ‘let light shine out of darkness’, made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the Glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that this all-surpassing power if from God, and not from us.”

2 Corinthians 4:6-7 (NIV)

The liberating truth embedded in these words is that whoever I am, whatever my station in life, or my sense of inadequacy, it’s by virtue of His grace and mercy that I am able, even in spite of myself, to “diffuse the fragrance of the knowledge of Him in every place.” (2 Corinthians 2:15)

Jars of clay we may be, but the ‘treasure’ of the gospel remains ours nonetheless. What a joy it is, to be training, equipping, shaping and encouraging our students here at Melbourne School of Theology, not only to know and declare this wonderful message of God’s grace, but to hold fast to it personally, day by day.

Perth

Darwin

Townsville

Sydney

CanberraMelbourneWarnambool

Gold coast

MST Alumni


by Graeme Rule

Some people stand out because of their gifts. Reg Worthy was one such believer.

When he was accepted to study at MBI in 1941, Reg had been a Christian for only a couple of years. After graduation, he enlisted and served as a YMCA

We need your HELP!!Past students and friends often ask if there are any opportunities to serve in a voluntary capacity. The answer is a resounding

YES! Here are just a few:

Valé Reg: A Standout Man of Honour and Ability (1920-2013)

Thinking about a Reunion?? We want to roll out the Red Carpet! Peter Tyrrell, Vice-Principal of Community and Operations, has made his intentions known.

“Alumni are family! If past students or graduates want to hold a reunion here, or even visit MST during a reunion, we need to look after them and roll out the red carpet! By celebrating the past, we’re even more excited by our future together,” Peter says.

If you’re thinking about a reunion for your year group in late 2014 or early 2015, please contact our Alumni Relations Coordinator, Graeme Rule on 0412 599 059 and we will look after you!

Reception. We require help for one hour per day (Mon-Fri) to relieve our receptionist during lunchtime. If you’d like to be trained in this front line position and placed on a roster, please contact Susanne Quilliam at MST (03) 9881 7805 or [email protected]

Gardening. While Ade Rickard does a marvellous job, there’s more garden than one person can handle. If you have a passion for gardening and would like to volunteer your green thumbs, contact Susanne.

Technology. On many occasions we require assistance with our online content. If you’re not afraid of working digitally, you can help us keep up to date. Please contact Deb Fox on (03) 9881 7840 or [email protected]

Cleaning our ‘Dirty Data’. When information is inconsistent and out of date, it’s called ‘dirty data’. If you’re great on the phone, Facebook, email or the internet, we’d love your help to ‘clean up’ our information and fill in the gaps. Please contact Deb if you fit the bill.

welfare officer across Australia and, later, pastored churches in Bendigo and Ballarat at the end of the War.

Reg married Muriel Hayes and ran a Melbourne City Mission youth centre in Brunswick for some years. Appointed a Justice of the Peace, a Parole and Probation Officer, Reg was later elected to the Local Council, completed an Arts degree in Social Studies and became a senior social worker with the, then, Social Services Department.

In 1961, Reg was appointed Administrative Officer for General Welfare in the Northern Territory and saw first-hand the removal of Aboriginal children from their families to apparently “improve their lot.” He soon began to seek ways to remove this practice and, in 1968, became the first Director of the new Department of Aboriginal Affairs in Victoria. His recommendations to the Government ushered in monumental changes to the rights of the Aboriginal Community throughout Victoria. Reg’s catch cries at the time were “a hand up is not a handout” and “black is beautiful.”

Reg was later the first Australian Director of Prison Fellowship, which he led for 15 years. Across the years, Reg served in local churches as a Sunday School leader, lay preacher and Bible study leader. Even in his nineties, Reg was popping up on TV news highlighting the integrations in churches. Awards came his way but serving the Lord he loved was his goal all throughout his long life.

To read Graeme’s full memorial, please visit our website, www.mst.edu.au

MST ambassador · Issue 217 · Autumn 2014

MST Centre for the Study of Islam and Other Faiths

By Dr Ruth Nicholls

Recent Census1 figures show that Buddhism, with 2.5% of the population, is now the largest non-Christian faith in Australia. A class visit to the Melbourne Thai Buddhist Temple, known as a Wat, was arranged as part of the Living Faiths course in January, taught via intensive by Dr Peter Riddell.

The temple complex consists of three suburban houses that are linked together, each with its own use. MST’s students were addressed by temple staff on core beliefs and practices at their temple, with the visit generating an interesting set of student reflections.


Wat’s this? A ‘Living Faiths’ visit to a Buddhist Wat

One student found the visit “insightful but also confusing” and several others noted it was “not what they had expected.” Another student commented, “The Buddhism described to us seems very inward-looking and self-centred, whereas the Christianity I strive towards is God-centred and altruistic.”

A number of students took special note of a comment made by the monk’s assistant at the temple, “Buddha’s teaching is 99% psychological”. Others reflected on the emphasis of Buddhism being a philosophy and a way of life. Quite a few students seemed very surprised by the monk’s parting words: “Buddhism is DIY.” For one student, the discussions in

the temple “put flesh on the bone of an otherwise academic view of another religion. This time has been invaluable in both understanding the beliefs of another religion as well as helping strengthen my own convictions and faith.” Students noted the difference between the faith expressed in books and as actually practised.

A few students expressed interest in re-engaging with the Thai Wat community in the future. This field experience visit served to confirm to many the certainty of their faith and the assurance of salvation through Christ.

1 ABS 2071.0 - Reflecting a Nation: Stories

from the 2011 Census, 2012–2013

Thursday 17 July at 7.30pm‘Veiled: Muslim women in modern mission strategies’SpeakerCathyDirector of Ministries, InterserveRSVP [email protected]

2014 ANNUAL LEONARD BUCK LECTURE

TUESDAY 30 APRIL, 7.30PM

“ Symbols, Ritual and Ceremony in the Context of Gospel Witness”

Speaker: Professor R. Daniel ShawProfessor of Anthropology & Translation at Fuller Theological Seminary

Western evangelicals often reject or even fear symbolism, ritual and ceremony in their corporate worship and daily lives. But when Western missionaries did away with ritual and

they took away the only power traditional peoples have to deal with each other and the spiritual world around them, according to Dr Shaw from Fuller Seminary, who will deliver the Annual Leonard Buck Lecture on 30 April 2013.

Further information on Dr Shaw is available on the MST website.

www.mst.edu.au

No Entry Fee: We invite you

during the evening.

Following the lecture is a book launch: Islam and Christianity

on the Edge edited by John

Azumah & Peter Riddell

For registration contact: Olive Grant

e/ [email protected]

t/ 03 9881 7800

Melbourne Bayswater

Chadstone

CroydonDoncaster

Dandenong

MOUNTAIN HWY

KNIL

TSAE

BURWOOD HWY

Melbourne School of Theology Location:

Triangle island at intersection of Eastlink, Burwood and Mountain Hwys

ANSWERING CLAIMS MUSLIMS MAKE

• “Islam is the answer. It has a perfect and practical social, political, legal and economic system. Christianity has nothing to offer.”

• “The Trinity is illogical.”

• “Jesus is not the Son of God.”

Thursday nights, 8 May – 12 June, 7.30-9.30 pm

This six week training course, taught at MST by Dr Bernie Power, will help Christians answer these and other important social, political and theological questions raised by Muslims.

Adult $95; Student/Concession$45Tickets at: bit.ly/answeringmuslimclaimsContact Bernie at MST for more details.


MST ambassador · Issue 217 · Autumn 2014MST Postgraduate Institute

In Western culture we often make assumptions about the changes that come as a result of becoming a Christian. But what if becoming a Christian meant giving up your national or cultural identity and being disconnected from your own society and culture?

When people in Thailand convert to Christianity from Buddhism, they go through a fundamental change or world transfer. They not only take on a set of new beliefs and practices but also a new social and cultural identity. It is this process, known as ‘alternation’, which is the focus of Postgraduate researcher and PhD candidate, Jim Blumenstock. His investigation centres around the ways in which Thai Christians feel disconnected from Thai culture due to this transfer.

“Most of the ‘road blocks’ to the

gospel in Asia are social,” says Jim, who is researching his PhD topic while living in Thailand and teaching at Asia Biblical Theological Seminary, a part of Cornerstone University.

“In Thai culture, to be Thai is to be Buddhist. So, by accepting what is considered a ‘Western religion’, many Thai Christians struggle with their identity as both Thai and Christian and how they fit in. It seems that Thai churches, by adopting primarily Western models and priorities, fail to understand the actual dissonance that many Thai Christians feel living in a Buddhist culture and society.”

“Many times, we come to cross-cultural ministry with doctrines, methods, and models but fail to first understand the people we are trying to reach. I believe it’s very important for contextual theology to


arise at the intersection of Scripture and lived experience, making the process of listening an important first step,” he says.

The goal of Jim’s research, which will consist of in-depth personal interviews, is not purely academic. He believes his research will help gospel workers in cross-cultural ministry by developing a method for understanding how the lives of converts change, so they can be more pastorally sensitive in their evangelism and discipleship. He also believes it will be helpful in formulating Christian social identities that are firmly rooted in the local culture, while being thoroughly Christian, for converts in any Asian nation where the official society-culture is both religious and non-Christian.

You may recall reading about Jim in a 2012 edition of Ambassador. He still spends much of his time teaching theology in Thailand as well as Myanmar, India, the Philippines and Singapore. Currently in the early stages of research, he will complete his thesis within the next two to three years.

Strangers in a Familiar Land Helping Thai Christians Overcome Social Roadblocks

Images supplied by Jim Blumenstock. Used by permission

Explore your options at MST Postgraduate Institute Postgraduate

Institute

Postgraduate Studies INFORMATION NIGHT29 April 7.30pm

connect with mst online at chinese.mst.edu.au ✆ 03 9881 7800

ambassadorMST ambassador · Issue 217 · Autumn 2014

MST Chinese

Several years ago, Charlie and his wife Vanessa arrived at MST Chinese as new Christians whose faith was expressed in taking up theological study. As they grew in their knowledge of God, He drastically transformed their lives when they decided to become members of the Mission Fellowship Group while studying at MST Chinese.

In September 2013, Charlie and

Vanessa’s passion for missions was realised when they participated in a short-term mission trip to Chinese immigrants in Papua New Guinea. Later, in December, their passion for evangelizing the Chinese was confirmed when they worked at a Christmas Camp for Chinese university students in the UK.

“Vanessa and I feel that short-term cross-cultural ministries have not only

enriched the quality of our spiritual life, but consolidated our determination to serve Him! We pray that God’s will is fully realised in our lives,” Pastor Charlie shares.

After graduating at the end of 2012, Charlie and Vanessa were appointed missionaries to the Chinese population in PNG by the Chinese Methodist Church in Australia, and began their work in March 2014.

The reception of the gospel among the Chinese has been an issue since the renaissance of Christianity in China in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. This symposium will investigate issues relating to history, cultural anthropology, mission and pastoral care by asking questions such as:

• What is the impact of the gospel on the lives of those who believe?

• Is it just an academic preoccupation? Or is it just a personal religious affiliation?

• How does a convert to Christianity deal with pastoral and social issues in a majority non-Christian world?

Speakers include Dr Lu Chen - Syndal Baptist; Dr Sylvia Yuan - OMF; Xie Bin - MDiv graduate, MST Chinese; Dr Y.C. Liong and Dr Justin Tan.

12 May 2014, MST Chapel 9.00 – 1.00 pm. No Cost – Donations accepted

Postgraduate Symposium TO GOD’S ELECT,

STRANGERS IN THE WORLD:Faith and Culture in Chinese Christianity

The power of gentle witnessing

Pastor Charlie (Xiao Ming) and Vanessa (both in orange) with students at the Chinese Overseas Christian Mission Camp in England, Christmas 2013

New Christian to Long-term Missionary

Fu, known also as Fiona, grew up in China near the Russian border and recently migrated from China. She is now studying four subjects at MST Chinese. When she first arrived, she had never read a Bible, never been to a Christian church service and had never even heard the name ‘Jesus’. Fu’s personal story of coming to faith is inspirational.

Soon after marrying an Australian named Lawrence, they returned to Australia.

“I remember, it was only four days after arriving in Australia that I was invited to church for the first time,” she shares.

When she first went back to China as a new Christian her friends responded by saying how much she had changed! Her response: “When you talk about God your eyes shine!”

Read how Fiona found faith in Australia and was later baptized with her new husband in 2011, online at www.mst.edu.au

MST Alumni Family Roundup


Book review by Graeme RuleThe story of Borneo Evangelical Mission

(BEM) and its birth at MST, then Melbourne Bible Institute, is a thrilling story of biblical evangelism among head hunters.

Thoroughly researched, this story of God at work among a people group, written off as ‘unreachable’, is extensively documented and compelling reading. To see names like Hudson Taylor and C. H. Nash linked in the same paragraph is a heartwarming testimony to how the Lord has used those who’ve come through MST and its predecessors.

Available for loan in the MST Library or Amazon (USA) online.

To read the full review by Graeme Rule, please visit www.mst.edu.au

News from MST Alumni and Friends • Glenn Fulton and Julia Lang, both current students, married

in November 2013. Living in Glen Waverley, they continue their studies at MST with Glenn serving as ‘the finance guy’ on the 2014 Student Leadership Team.

• Kara Reeves, who received a Master of Divinity at our 2013 Graduation, has been appointed an Adjunct Lecturer at MST. She lectures in Theology for students of the MST Diploma.

• Nick Crowley, who graduated in 2013, continues serving as the chaplain at Belgrave Heights Christian School.

• Michael Piper, who graduated in 2013, is now studying for Baptist Ordination.

• Mark and Gabby Topping, graduates of 2011, serve on an island in South East Asia in a way that seems to require frequent moves. Their blog, underthebigtopp.wordpress.com, makes compelling reading and will allow you to join with them in prayer.

• Rev Dr John Elantan, who was a student at MBI in the early seventies, is currently the Minister at Burwood Community Presbyterian Church. He regularly visits MST to make use of our extensive library.

• Bruce (aka B.T.) and Ali Coombe have completed four more books of the Gela New Testament. The epistles of John and Revelation are occupying their time in the 12th year of their translation work. Let’s get behind them with our prayers!

• Vic Clarendon, beloved husband of Dorothy (née Gronow) passed away on 25 Feb.

• Mr Linley Wilson (‘91), much loved husband to Elizabeth, father to Andrew passed on to glory on 9 April. He will also be missed by many including all at Heany Park Primary School, where he served as Chaplain, and those in ‘The Community of Hope’ outreach to ‘New Agers’, lead in Victoria by former Vice Principal, Rev Harold Taylor.

MST Chinese• Rainbow Li,

who graduated in 2013, visited us recently with her three month old baby Sarah.

• Pastor Miu Leong (2011) was married on 14 Dec 2013.

• Rev David Xu (2011) was ordained as an Anglican Deacon at St Paul’s Cathedral on 1 February 2014. He pastors a Chinese-speaking congregation at Holy Trinity Doncaster.

• Rev Michael Chau (2012) was ordained as an Anglican Priest in Tasmania on 1 March 2014. He is currently Chinese Minister at Wellspring Anglican Church in Hobart.

Want to leave a lasting legacy?Over the years, legacies and bequests have proved a great blessing to the development

and stability of the College. Why not prayerfully consider MST in your giving plans? Please phone Graeme Rule for details on (03) 9881 7800 or mobile 0412 559 059.

Reunions Galore

1969 Marsali Campbell has been busily organizing the 45 Year ‘Coconuts Reunion’ for the Class of ‘69, staying at Belgrave Heights Lodge from 21-25 November 2014 with a visit to MST on Mon 24. Contact [email protected]

1973 John and Elizabeth Ullyatt have arranged a Class of ‘73 get together on Sat 17 May 2014 at Heathmont Presbyterian. Contact [email protected]

Queensland Alumni GatheringsSat 7 Jun

Sat 6 Sep

Tue 2 Dec

2015

28-30 Apr

Hosts are Graham and Wilma Hine

Host Lyn Stephan

Host Rosemary McClintock

Alumni who graduated in 1965 are celebrating with a residential reunion on Bribie Island from 28-30 April. Contact Graham Hine [email protected] or Jan Pocklington [email protected]

Many 1962-63 Graduates at the Reunion in October were delighted by seeing the new campus for the first time and the great facilities now available.


Please continue your support of God’s life-changing and world-changing work through MST• Credit Card. Donations can be made by calling Deb on 03 9881 7800 or emailing [email protected] • Cheque. Donations via cheque can be posted to MST at PO Box 6257, Vermont South 3133• Online. You can now donate online via our website www.mst.edu.au • Transfer. Donations can be transferred directly to BSB 033107 Account 384 543

(Please let us know by phone)

Please let us know at the time of donation whether you want your support to go to: 1. MST Community Needs 2. Missiology 3. MST Chinese 4. MST CSIOF 5. OtherABN 58 004 265 016 CRICOS Code: 00691A/02809J Registered Training Organisation 3638

Melbourne Bayswater

Chadstone

CroydonDoncaster

Dandenong

MOUNTAIN HWY

EASTLINK

BURWOOD HWY

MST Location: Iconic triangle island at intersection of Eastlink, Burwood & Mountain Highways, Wantirna.

15 minutes from everywhere in Melbourne’s east.


Praise God for the transformation upstairs!

Congratulations, Greg!Dr Greg Forbes, MST’s Head of Biblical Studies,

recently published an exegetical commentary on 1 Peter, the third in the series Exegetical Guides to the Greek New Testament (EGGNT). The commentary series, which includes an in-depth analysis of the Greek text, makes interpreting the New Testament

book easier, especially for the time-pressed who want to preach or teach with accuracy and authority.

JOHN ANDERSON In late March, students and staff were honoured to have

former Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. John Anderson, who opened the Wantirna Campus in 2010, share with us in Chapel. In his capacity as Chairman of Overseas Council Australia, John shared the importance of ‘understanding the

heart of Christ for mission’, encouraging us to understand how mission has changed and help resource ‘workers for the harvest’.

How to Choose a Bible TranslationFREE CHURCH / COMMUNITY SHORT COURSE

Gillian Asquith, our Diploma Coordinator, has written an interactive workshop on the testing topic of choosing a Bible translation and she’s made it available to churches and home groups at no cost!

The one-hour session equips people to choose the best English version for their needs and has become incredibly popular! Contact Gillian at MST today on 9881 7800 to enquire or make a booking.

Stories continue to emerge of what God is doing in hidden places, among hard-to-reach peoples.

Activate 2014 is all about this – stories of God at work in the world. As a key partner, MST is again hosting Activate this year, in collaboration with a number of mission agencies.

Join us on Friday 2 – Saturday 3 May to hear stories from around the world and begin your grand adventure!

Want to know more? Visit www.activateaus.org

Compassion Australia Team inside their new office CYC Ministries Team

Last year, the MST Board decided to develop the vacant second level of our building, so that extra lecture and meeting rooms would be available for future growth of the college. Between November and January, this cavernous, 900 sqm space was literally transformed from a concrete slab into three exquisite professional offices, with shared meeting rooms, kitchen facilities and bathrooms.

Two Christian ministries, Compassion Australia and CYC Ministries, have chosen MST as their Victorian headquarters.

Scott Hawkins, (Southern) Area Manager of Compassion, says of their new

location, “We are committed to working in partnership with local churches around the world to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name. “ He says they feel blessed to be a part of a wider Christian community and look forward to what this partnership may become.

CYC Ministries Manager, Lloyd McLean, says his team is excited about starting a new chapter in Melbourne’s

central east this year, as they run over 30 week-long holiday camps for children and youth, adults and leadership development each year, across five campsites in Victoria.

PLEASE PRAY for a third ministry to lease the remaining space so our loan can be discharged quickly and the funds be used for other opportunities!

Documents

MST ambassador Autumn 2014