from the Editor’s Desk

“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him

Immanuel” – which means “God with us.”

Matthew 1:23 NIV

Happy Christmas to all who read conXion. May the peace and love of Christ our Saviour fill your celebrations this Christmas.

2012 is nearly over so I am taking this opportunity to thank all who have written, those who have taken the time to photocopy, to those who read and those who share conXion with their friends. Without any of you this small publication would not be a reality. THANK YOU

As this year closes it gives us time to reflect – once we stop, of course! The work of Women’s Ministry in Queensland has this year been a time of consolidation, firming up what we do to empower and encourage the women of our state. There have been our two camps, which I am delighted to say have been most successful, thanks to both coordinators, Pam Hine and Carolyn Gee. Both ladies, along with their teams have shown their passion for women's gatherings by heading up a camp/retreat, selecting a theme, choosing a speaker and planning a weekend especially for you, the women of Queensland. Camps serve our smaller churches, giving the women an opportunity to meet and visit with old and new friends, and meet God where they are.

The other excitement for me was the day when Renee Shibuya (our resident Master Chef) called me and asked, “Why don’t we open a blog site for conXion?” It is a great way to read conXion, and through our blog you can also connect with some of our writers who have their own blog sites. The Churches of Christ Queensland web site is also easily available. All you need to do is type in  www.conxionmagazine.blogspot.com and bingo you’re on!

Each year for the past five I have had the pleasure of visiting Adelaide to meet with the coordinators of the women’s ministry in Australia where we share what has been happening in our respective states. Marj Dredge from SA has been our Australian representative with Global Women Connecting, and you would have read in November’s conXion her story of the Global gathering in Brazil.

The main purpose for us this year was to decide viability of maintaining a National Women’s Conference, as there are only two states that have a women’s ministry network. Each of the other states over the past few years have sadly closed. After much discussion and reflection the decision to dissolve was made. We realised that as a group there was little purpose in keeping the national entity going at this time. One of the points made that struck a chord for me was this statement “The era of women being able to express their faith where they could do things they are gifted in has changed, as women today have more opportunities to share their gifts than they did in years gone by”.

Again I wish each of you a Happy Christmas. May 2013 be a year where each one grows in their relationship with God, and we each ‘Shine the Light of Christ in our Communities’

Andi Owen

GOD MOMENTS ...

Ordinary Women, Writing for Ordinary Women

for an Extraordinary God

Throughout this year each of us has shared about times in our lives when we have become aware of ‘God Moments.’

Earlier this year I took over the role of editor. Little did I realise that God Moments was not only to be the title of our lead article, but as each issue has come together, conXion is God’s moment.

Each month my plan begins with the front cover, check the date claimers and look for potential fillers as I call them. Then our writers start to email their articles. We now have 14 amazing writers, who don’t necessarily write each month so I never quite know what will land. Somewhat nerve racking but all very exciting because I have learned God is in control.

About into my second month I was approached by a friend who offered to be a proof reader. Wow! That was amazing as proof reading is not my forte and anyway you can never have enough proof readers! Those typos just sneak up on us! God Moment, He sent me a lady who has taken an interest and is supporting the work of conXion.

Writers. How have I managed to find so many? I still pinch myself, another one of God’s incredible Moments. As I have travelled to many women's gatherings, my conversation will inevitably come round to conXion. I ask “Would you care to share your story?“  ”Would you be interested in writing?”  And best of all, I have been asked, “I would love to write. Can I?” Each of our writers gives something really special from her heart; it’s her story of her relationship with God.

   

In years past, many of our groups would send in something about what they have been or are doing, but as time has passed this has changed. Our CWFs have closed, women are having fellowship differently, and this has impacted on conXion. The upside is that while we don’t receive too many stories, we are asked to advertise what our ladies are doing, be it a women’s conference, or an afternoon tea. So we read about the happenings in our churches that are just done in a different way. Sometimes they're a whole series of God moments!

So, God has shown me His touch, not only on my life through conXion but on all our lives. The heart of conXion is ‘Ordinary women, writing for ordinary women for an extraordinary God’. We are blessed. So let’s honour our precious Lord by noticing and acknowledging His Moments in our lives, praising and thanking Him each day, because every day we receive a God Moment.

In His love

Andi

____________________________________________________________________

2012 Girls’ Getaway—Coolum Beach

Wow! Praise God! What a camp! Thank you Camp Committee.

Ladies, if you didn’t attend this camp you missed out on a great weekend listening to some inspiring speakers, just worshipping the Lord and fellowshipping with like-minded women.

Around 85 women attended and more arrived for the day on the Saturday with Carol Smith being the guest speaker. Carol began by asking, “If I’m not reading the Bible, why not?” Then went on to challenge us— “It is the best gift given to us to change the world and it gives us instructions. It is the Word of God and we connect with Jesus through God’s Word." There was much in the three sessions but I need to tell you more!

Before morning tea Christine Collinson from Destiny Rescue shared with us about the slave trade in the world, especially with little girls being traded into prostitution. After Carol’s sessions on Saturday morning and a delicious lunch (all the meals were just wonderful as were the morning and afternoon teas and suppers– one never goes hungry) there was scrapbooking or free time.

After dinner that night, there was a Country & Western Concert with Bel Thompson leading and others doing various skits or dancing. Then came line dancing which many tried and all had a very enjoyable night. Sunday morning after breakfast there was a Communion and Praise Time. Gloria Flett gave the communion talk, beginning with a mime with ‘How deep the Father’s love for us’ playing. Then reminded us that it is through God’s grace we are saved from our sin because Jesus took our place on the cross. Then we sang ’Because He Lives’ . It was a very moving service. God was there with us.

After that service Carol spoke again. After morning tea we heard from two other very interesting speakers the first speaker Ruth Tuxworth who works in the Philippines as a High School chaplain at the Faith Academy High School. She also told us a story from the “Threads of Hope” ministry. Since Andi plans to include the full story in this issue, I’ll just say that “Threads of Hope” has helped to stop many little girls from being abused and ending up in prostitution. Ruth has an amazing way of telling stories and is truly an inspirational person to listen to and used by God. Maybe you would like to support Ruth in her work or by buying some ‘Threads of Hope’.

The third speaker was Pricilla who writes for ConXion, and helps numerous farm families out west by giving whatever she can. She told her own story of how she and her husband had worked a cane farm for many, many years but due to bad years had to auction the farm off. It sold at once, which happens rarely. Pricilla said that God had laid it on her heart many years before to go and help the farmers out west and so God’s plan was starting to come to fruition. She told us just how hard it is for the farmers after the years of drought, then the floods. None of them want charity, but because she has been through it all, God uses her to reach these tough people. Of course it is extremely hard for them and some contemplate suicide and then there are the children. Christmas is coming! Will these children receive anything at all? I think of the ‘Samaritan’s Purse’ boxes that are filled and sent to children overseas. But what of our own here who don’t receive anything? Would any women’s group like to support Pricilla in her work, or do up boxes for the children? Email Andi she will give you Pricilla’s contact information.

Jeannie Rosendale

  

Abundance Conference Roma...Smile and Shine Christ

Abundance Conference Roma...Smile and Shine Christ

The Roma Church of Christ hosted the 3^rd Abundance Women’s Conference on Saturday the 20^th October, using theme “Smile and Shine Christ”.  We were abundantly encouraged and inspired by the messages from our guest speaker Joan Kambouris from Toowoomba and the wonderful music from the Gold Coast Christian Family Worship Team. They led the Worship time as well as some of the Team sharing their testimonies.  

Joan’s messages came from Psalm 85 V 10 – “Love and Faithfulness meet together. Righteousness and peace kiss each other.”  We were blessed to be able to share this day with many ladies from other local churches, some of whom have attended all 3 conferences.   

Again a few of our men folk (ably assisted by a couple of our young ladies) served us some delicious food throughout the day.   A great day of fun and friendship was had by all and the ladies were certainly inspired to leave ‘smiling and shining Christ’.

Jenny Hewitt

Prayer Page….

Philippians 4:4-8 starts with

‘Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again REJOICE.’

Or as the Message reads:

‘Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean revel in Him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them to see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!

Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and concerns shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the centre of your life.’

GOD DOESN’T call us to pray for EVERYTHING, EVERYDAY, BUT HE calls us to pray EVERYDAY.

We are given many opportunities to pray as we travel about. So many people these days are impatient. You hear horns blowing at cars that do not move off fast enough when the red light turns to green. I heard of some exercises to curb that impatience. 1) Pray for the people in the car ahead. 2) Think of Scripture verses that start with the number plates ahead of you. Allow God to deepen the credibility and sensitivity to your Christian witness through ‘patient’ exercises.

Most families remember their grace before meals, but how many remember His good works when they pass a fruit and vegetable shop. If it were not for the rain and sunshine these things would not grow.

The great news is that we can always reflect during the day by memorising Scripture and listening to Scripture songs. Think of it as a snack in our day. Our spirits would be able to make this journey no matter what obstacles we may face. If these habits become part of our daily walk with the Lord, then on those days when life rushes in we won’t be overwhelmed.

May the promise of the first Christmas shine through to reassure us that love will prevail and that peace will reign on earth.

_____________________________________________________

Prayer Points:

Please remember to pray:-

¨ For the elderly and lonely

¨ For the Schoolies as they go out to face the working world

¨ For the members of our armed forces, especially those overseas

  

On the vestibule wall of the Methodist Church, Southey Street, Keswick, are these lines:-

If after Church you wait awhile, someone greets you with a smile;

But if you quickly rise and flee, we’ll all seem cold and stiff maybe.

The one beside you in the pew perhaps is just a stranger, too.

All here like you, have fears and cares, all of us need each other’s prayers;

In fellowship we bid you meet with us, around God’s mercy seat.

Evelyn Colbran

Eggnog Cheesecake

by Renee Shibuya

(our resident Master Chef!)

I was first introduced to Eggnog when I lived in Japan. An English friend of mine used to make it as a tradition every Christmas. I can’t say I ever got used to the raw egg slimy feeling, but can see how it could be an acquired taste. Served heated on a cold winter’s night it would warm the body through.  I also had an American friend who liked to serve hers with lots of alcohol and cream. Eggnog would not be a tradition I could say was New Zealand or even Australian for that matter. Maybe it is our warm Christmas weather that never encouraged such a fiery drink.

In saying this, this cheesecake doesn’t really have much to do with raw eggs, but it does have a nice (cooked) eggy flavour along with a touch of rum and brandy. Last year I shared with you my mother’s brandy ball recipe, which has been a favourite in our family for years. It may well be that I favoured this cheesecake because of it’s lovely brandy taste.  The cheesecake is a baked cheesecake, so don’t worry too much about the alcohol content, it should evaporate during baking. If you are concerned, try making it using rum and brandy essence to get the flavour, but not the punch. Try small amounts each time until you are happy with the balance.

The topping makes this cheesecake very beautiful and covers all your mistakes in baking! Making a pretty pattern with a stencil and some nutmeg over the top finishes off the Christmas touch!

 Ingredients:

Crust:

              1 packet ginger nut biscuits

              1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

              1/4 cup melted butter

Filling:

              700g cream cheese (room temperature)

            3/4 cup caster sugar

              2 tbsp dark rum

              1 tbsp brandy

              1 tsp vanilla extract

              1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

              3 eggs (room                                temperature)

Topping:

1 1/2 cup sour cream

1 1/2 tbsp caster sugar

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

  Nutmeg for decoration

Crush the biscuits into a fine grain using a plastic bag and a rolling pin, or by spinning in the blender. Mix the melted butter and nutmeg with the biscuit crumbs until well mixed. Press down into a cheesecake pan with a removable bottom. Set in the fridge.

Beat the cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer  or hand beaters in a large bowl until smooth. Add rum, brandy, vanilla and nutmeg. Blend well. Add one egg at a time on a slow speed until mixed through. Spoon the filling onto the biscuit base. Bake at 180 °C for 45 minutes. Cool for 30 minutes inside the pan.

For topping:

Whisk the sour cream, sugar and vanilla and pour over the cheesecake, filling the depressed centre and spreading evenly to the edges. Bake for 8 minutes at 200°C. Cool. Cover with plastic wrap overnight.

Sift nutmeg over the cheesecake, using a stencil if desired to make a pretty pattern.

What is Christmas?

Is it just a day at the end of the year?

A gay holiday filled with merry good cheer?

A season for presents – both for taking and giving?

A time to indulge in the pleasures of living?

Are we lost in a meaningless much – muddled daze

That covers our minds like a grey autumn haze?

Have we closed our eyes to God and His love?

And turned our eyes from ‘THE BRIGHTEST STAR ABOVE?’

Oh, Father in heaven renew and restore

The real true meaning of Christmas once more.

So we can feel in our hearts again

That “PEACE ON EARTH, GOOD WILL TO MEN’

Is still a promise that man can claim

If ‘HE BUT SEEKS IT IN THY NAME.’

Specially for you

When you try to control everything, you enjoy nothing. Go for long walks. Indulge in great conversations. Question your assumptions. Love yourself. Pay attention to the moment. Be a little crazy. Count your blessings. Let go for a little while and just be.

Truth is, everybody is going to hurt you; you just gotta find the ones worth suffering for.

Anonymous

A Prayer for the New Year

God grant us this year a wider view

So we can see others’ faults through the eyes of YOU.

Teach us to judge not with hasty tongue,

Neither THE ADULT … nor THE YOUNG.

Give us patience and grace to endure

And a stronger faith so we feel secure,

And instead of remembering, help us to forget

The irritations that caused us to fret,

Freely forgiving for some offence

And finding each day a rich recompense

In offering a friendly, helping hand

And trying to understanding

That ALL OF US whoever we are

Are trying to reach ‘an unreachable star’ -

For the GREAT and SMALL … the GOOD and BAD,

The YOUNG and OLD … the SAD and GLAD

Are asking today, IS LIFE WORTH LIVING?

and the ANSWER is only in LOVING and GIVING-

For only LOVE can make mankind

And KINDNESS of HEART brings PEACE of MIND,

And by giving love we can start this year

to lift the clouds of HATE and FEAR.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32 NIV

Priscilla Gaston

Threads of Hope

One day Chris and Alex were walking along the beach at Puerto Galera on their holiday.  They worked as dorm parents for Faith Academy – a school for missionary kids in the Philippines.

Along the sand towards them came a poor woman with two children trailing behind her.  She was selling friendship bracelets.  She asked the couple if they would buy any.  Alex was moved with compassion and said he would buy all she had with her.  She was delighted and as they chatted with her, she asked them to come with her back to her home. They agreed and started along the beach, expecting her home to be nearby.  Four hours of hill-climbing later, they came to her tiny hut in the jungle hillside behind the beach.  She told them about her life.  She woke early each day and carried about six of the bracelets with her.  She and her children walked four hours down to the beach, and walked all day up and down the sands selling them to tourists.  In the evening, they walked four hours home and she made another desperate fist-full of bracelets for tomorrow’s journey.

Alex said to her, this week do not go down to the beach.  Stay home and make as many bracelets as you can.  I will come back and buy all you have made.  When he cam e back next week, she had made hundreds.  She was thrilled when he returned and bought them all.  She said, “I have many friends – this is all we can do to make some money.”  Alex and Chris said,  “You tell them too … Don’t go down to the beach.  Stay home and make as many as you can.  I will buy them all.”  And he did.

“Threads of Hope” was born that day, and now about thirty ladies from that poor village all make friendship bracelets.  They make hundreds and thousands of them.  Chris and Alex bring them back to Manila –to Faith Academy – the school for missionary kids.  They sell them to the staff, who carry them home in their luggage as they each go on home assignment to their different home countries.  Staff sell them while they are at home and many small shops have taken up the idea and are also selling “Threads of Hope” bracelets in countries all over the world.

In the months since then, it has grown like a wild, wonderful weed.  Now Chris and Alex process about a million bracelets every year.  Their home brims with the beautiful, hopeful threads.  They have raised enough money to build a church in Puerto Galera and pay a pastor and youth worker.  In July of 2011, about thirty of those women were baptized in the sea where they once walked along the beaches.  They wore white robes and came up out of the sea crying and dancing with delight.  Jesus has saved them in every way a person can be saved – from spiritual and physical despair and poverty.

The real kick in this story is about the little kids trailing along behind that poor woman on the beach that day.  She had little girls.  There are lots of little girls who once went with their poor mothers along that beach.  The tourists who visit that area are often men, and they are often travelling with a sexual holiday in mind.  Those little girls were ending up snared in abuse and prostitution.  That doesn’t happen anymore.  The daughters of those women are now living a dream they could not have imagined before “Threads of Hope”… they are going to school.  Jesus has saved them and the lives they have yet to live and the daughters they have yet to bear.

Ruth Tuxworth, 2012.