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Tasmanian Anglican

March 2003

 

 

signer and band on stage
The music team was a vital part of this year's Summer View.

 

young people raise hands around a levitating man
Anything can happen at a CMS Summer School -
Floating Jonno

 

people singing and dancing on stage
Today's CMS missionaries demonstrate talent and versatility.

 

An Apostolic Church

by John van Emmerik

 

 

This year's CMS Summer View Conference was a challenging time.

We were reminded that the Church is not dead as some suppose, neither asleep, but very much alive. We heard instances of happenings like those in the time of the apostles, but in our own time.

The Rev. Michael Raiter in his Bible studies drew parallels between the book of Acts and our present day context. The headings were:

  • 'No Other Name' - on the exclusive claim of Christianity.
  • 'Mission in the Market-place' - competing with other kinds of spirituality.
  • 'Confronting the Idols' - What are our Australian Idols? Gambling? Sport?
  • 'And The Vital Breath of Religion'- To find perfect salvation.
Not only were the topics challenging, but each talk had numerous telling illustrations.

There were talks and sessions by missionaries in which we were constantly reminded of what is happening in other parts of the world: Christians in utterly corrupt and hostile societies standing firm; people having to remain faithful to Christ with the possibility of losing their future prospects, careers, freedom or even life; Christians who courageously continue to struggle against all odds when it seems futile.

Books available

At the conference two books had just become available. Angels in the Rafters, compiled by Sue Morton, being a collection of reflections by members of staff, workers and students on the happenings of Monday the 5 August, when Murree Christian School was attacked by gunmen; and Let your Light Shine - Christian Witness in a Muslim Context, by Dr John Azumah, who spoke at last year's conference.

There were also many other interesting books available from the Bookstall, run by CMS Book Store.

Besides these the conference was also a very happy time of catching up with old friends, or making new ones, of singing, talking and praying together.

We look forward to the next time - Tuesday 13 - Saturday 17 January 2004. Mark you diaries now.