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8 Free Resources to Reset Your Ministry Tank

29/9/2020

 
Reset your ministry tank with the 'Time to Reset' series on the KCC One App, featuring talks by Dr Grant Bickerton, Tim Dyer, Lyn Worsley and Jen Wilkin.
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We are pleased to share the ‘Time to Reset’ series on the KCC One App--a collection of handpicked resources designed to refresh people serving in Christian ministry.  

Featuring past Oxygen talks by Dr Grant Bickerton, Tim Dyer and Lyn Worsley, ‘Time to Reset’ has been specially curated to help leaders refuel their ministry tank so that they can continue serving the Gospel with zeal and joy.  

Here’s a preview of the 8 talks that are available in this series: 

1. Change, Loss & Grief – Dr Grant Bickerton 

2. Burnout: Being a Living Sacrifice Not a Burnt Sacrifice – Dr Grant Bickerton   

3. Ministry Stress: Crisis or Catalyst – Dr Grant Bickerton 

4. Foundations of Wellbeing – Dr Grant Bickerton 

5. Healthy Ministry Teams – Tim Dyer 

6. Conflict Management in Christian Communities – Tim Dyer 

7. Resilience in Ministry – Lyn Worsley 
​

8. Finding Satisfaction in God – Jen Wilkin  

​These talk titles are available for free listening on the KCC One App. Simply search for ‘KCC One’ in your Apple App or Google Play store. ​

Prioritise Ministry Wellbeing with Oxygen Live this October!  
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This October, KCC will kick off ‘Oxygen Live’ a series of online Facebook events to help Christian leaders prioritise their ministry wellbeing and run refreshed.   

In the first three talks of the series, we will interview Dr Grant Bickerton, Tim Dyer and Dr Valerie Ling who will join us in sharing their thoughts on weariness and dealing with ministry stress. Make sure to save the dates in your diary! 
  
1. What to Do When Your Tank Is Low

​Speaker: Tim Dyer
Date & Time: Wednesday 7 October, 12PM AEDT 
 

Tim Dyer is a trainer of church consultants, mentors and leaders and works across many mainline denominations, focusing on the care, development and support of clergy and the health of congregations. Tim is also trained in psychology at Melbourne and Monash Universities before researching and publishing on Youth Homelessness as a staff worker with Scripture Union Victoria. He teaches at a graduate level for several theological colleges in Team Relationships, Conflict Management, Resilience and Self Care, Trauma and Recovery and the Personal Life of the Minister. 
 
2. Ministry Stress – Crisis or Catalyst

Speaker: Dr Grant Bickerton
Date & Time: Wednesday 21 October, 12PM AEDT
 

Dr Grant Bickerton is a counselling psychologist who also has 15 years' experience as a missionary in Australia and overseas. Grant’s research expertise concerns the psychological and spiritual variables that reduce work stress and promote well-being among Christian missionaries. 
​
3. What to Do When You Are on the Brink of Burnout

Speaker: Dr Valerie Ling
Date & Time: Wednesday 28 October, 
12PM AEDT 

Dr Valerie Ling is a clinical psychologist, speaker, published author and clinical supervisor working primarily in pursuit of burnout prevention. Valerie is the Clinical Director and Founder of The Centre For Effective Living, a group Psychology practice dedicated to clinical excellence in mental health.  

To get the latest updates and resources for Christian leadership and to join Oxygen Live, make sure to follow our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/kcc.oxygen ​

Stay up to date with Oxygen Live: 

Prioritise your ministry wellbeing with Oxygen Live

24/9/2020

 
This October, KCC is hosting ‘Oxygen Live’ a series of online Facebook events to help Christian leaders prioritise their ministry wellbeing and run refreshed.  
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In 2020, the Oxygen team continues to be committed to serving pastors and Christian leaders. In this season of change and instability, we have been brainstorming ways to help our nation’s leaders to run refreshed so that they can continue serving the gospel in a world that’s hungry for hope.  

Therefore, we are hosting Oxygen Live—a series of free online Facebook events, featuring guest speakers who will speak on the topic of ministry wellbeing. In the first two talks of the series, we will interview Dr Grant Bickerton and Tim Dyer who will join us in sharing their thoughts on weariness and dealing with ministry stress. Make sure to save the dates in your diary!
 
1. "What to do when your tank is low" – Tim Dyer – Wednesday 7 October | 12PM AEDT 

2. “Ministry Stress - Crisis or Catalyst” – Dr Grant Bickerton – Wednesday 21 October | 12PM AEDT 

Dr Grant Bickerton is a counselling psychologist who also has 15 years' experience as a missionary in Australia and overseas. Grant’s research expertise concerns the psychological and spiritual variables that reduce work stress and promote well-being among Christian missionaries. 

Tim Dyer founded the John Mark Extension and serves as a trainer of church consultants, mentors and leaders. He works across many mainline denominations and focuses on the care, development and support of clergy and the health of congregations. 

To get the latest updates and resources for Christian leadership and to join Oxygen Live, make sure to follow our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/kcc.oxygen 
​
To get a taste of Oxygen teaching, you can tune into "Time to Reset", as well as our library of old Oxygen talks which have been uploaded to the KCC One App. We recommend that you tune into Grant Bickerton’s Oxygen 11 talk, “Battling Burnout and Enhancing Engagement in Ministry” which comes with the following complimentary handout. ​

Stay up to date with Oxygen Conference:

5 ways to prepare for KYCK this weekend

22/9/2020

 
The first weekend of KYCK 20 will begin this Saturday 26 September. Here are five ways that delegates can prepare for KYCK this week.  ​
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This Saturday 26 September, high schoolers across Sydney and as far and wide as Canberra, Adelaide and Bathurst will gather for the KYCK youth conference livestream. Youth will hear from guest speakers Dave Jensen, Matt Sparks and Ben Staunton as they preach from the book of 1 Thessalonians on the theme “Past Present Future”. Delegates can expect three Bible talks, inspiring testimonies, a live Q&A panel and worship music led by Christian bands CityAlight (KYCK #1) and Gather (KYCK #2). 

Here are five ways that you can prepare for KYCK this weekend:  ​
1. Meditate on the book of 1 Thessalonians  

The book of 1 Thessalonians is filled with wisdom about how the gospel changes humanity’s past, present and future. Take some time this week to read the book and to reflect on the chapters that will be covered in the three talks:  
  • TALK 1: 1 Thessalonians 1:1 – 2:12 | “Past” 
  • TALK 2: 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13 | “Present” 
  • TALK 3: 1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 5:11 | “Future” 
2. Listen to the worship songs on the KYCK 20 playlist  

Be encouraged and meditate on the conference theme by listening to this KYCK Spotify playlist which is available here. 
3. Pray for KYCK  

Please join us in praying for KYCK 20: 
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  • Pray for our speakers—that God will protect them ahead of KYCK, and that they will preach the gospel clearly and faithfully.  
  • Pray that as the gospel is preached, the Spirit will work powerfully in the hearts of youth and that they will continue standing firm in the gospel in their schools and homes.  
  • Pray that unbelieving youth will joyfully repent and surrender their lives to Jesus. 
  • Pray that the livestream and AV will run smoothly on the day.  
  • Pray that God will continue to use KYCK to raise up the next generation of disciples in Australia. 
4. Review the Group Leader Resource Pack 

If you are a Group or Youth Leader, make sure to review the Group Leader Resources Pack containing discussion questions, a prayer guide, suggested activities and how to lead youth in the response segment of the conference.  
5. Help us spread the word
 
  
If you have been blessed by the ministry of KYCK, why not help us spread the word to high schoolers all over Australia? For the first time ever, teenagers from different states can tune into KYCK and to be spurred on in their faith. You can share our posters and graphics on social media, bless your friends with the free footage from KYCK Live or become a KYCK ambassador by purchasing the 2020 tee or 2021 hoodie here. 

5 days to go! Register for KYCK 20 today!
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KYCK #1 will be held this Saturday 26 September and KYCK #2 on Saturday 10 October. 

​Tickets are $27 per person and includes an all-access pass to the KYCK 20 livestream. 

​If you are a youth leader, make sure you choose the “Group Leader & Youth Leader” ticket option so that you receive the necessary Group Leader resources and discussion questions!

​To purchase your tickets, visit our website: https://www.kyck.org.au/register/ 


NOTE: Groups registered before midnight on the Thursday prior to each KYCK will go in the draw for a ‘KYCK Donut Drop’ and the chance to be interviewed during the KYCK livestream. Please note that this competition is open to NSW and ACT residents only. 


Stay up to date with KYCK!

Youth to Consider How the Gospel Impacts Their “Past Present Future” at KYCK 20

17/9/2020

 
High schoolers across Australia will be gathering this Spring for the KYCK youth conference livestream. Guest speakers Dave Jensen, Matt Sparks and Ben Staunton will preach from the book of 1 Thessalonians on the theme “Past Present Future”. This theme will also be explored through testimonies, a live Q&A panel, and worship music led by Christian bands CityAlight and Gather. 
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Over two weekends this Spring, high schoolers and youth groups from across Australia will be gathering online for the annual KYCK youth conference. Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention, KYCK will feature guest preachers, Dave Jensen, Matt Sparks and Ben Staunton who will be preaching from the book of 1 Thessalonians on the theme “Past Present Future”. Currently joining as delegates is youth groups across Sydney Metropolitan areas, and as far and wide as Bathurst and Canberra!  

In the book of 1 Thessalonians, Paul boasts in the power of the gospel to change humanity’s past, present and future. At KYCK, youth will be encouraged to see the saving power of Jesus in ridding the world of the greatest virus of all--human sin!  
​

The official KYCK program will run from 1:30pm-8:30pm and include three bible talks, testimonies, worship in song, and a live Q&A panel. Here is an outline of the three bible talks: ​


  • TALK 1: 1 Thessalonians 1:1 – 2:12 | “Past” 
  • TALK 2: 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13 | “Present” 
  • TALK 3: 1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 5:11 | “Future” ​
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To help youth see how biblical theology is “lived out” in everyday situations, KYCK delegates past and present will be joining the platform, to share how the gospel has transformed and shaped their decisions in different seasons of life.  
​

Christian bands CityAlight (KYCK #1) and Gather (KYCK #2) will also be joining the livestream to guide youth into reflecting and responding to God's word in song. ​To familiarise yourself with the songs ahead of KYCK, you can follow the KYCK 20 Spotify playlist here. ​
Finally, if delegates have any questions from the day, they can submit their questions to our live Q&A panel which will be led by Ben Staunton and our MC’s.  
​

Although our delegates are unable to gather physically this year, every element of the new online program has been designed to challenge and equip high schoolers to live out their faith with joy and boldness. Please join us in praying for this outcome this Spring! ​

​

10 days to go! Register today!  ​

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​KYCK 20 will be held over two weekends this Spring. KYCK #1 will be held on Saturday 26 September and KYCK #2 on Saturday 10 October. Tickets are $27 per person and includes an all-access pass to the KYCK 20 livestream.  

If you are a youth leader, make sure you choose the “Group Leader & Youth Leader” ticket option so that you receive the necessary Group Leader resources and discussion questions!
​ 
 
To purchase your tickets, visit our website: https://www.kyck.org.au/register/ 

Love KYCK? Help us spread the word!  ​

2020 has given us new opportunities to expand the ministry of KYCK! If you have been blessed by KYCK, why not help us spread the word to high schoolers all over Australia? 

​For the first time ever, teenagers from different states can tune into KYCK and to be spurred on in their faith. 

You can share our posters and graphics on social media, bless your friends with the free footage from KYCK Live or become a KYCK ambassador by purchasing the 2020 tee or 2021 hoodie here.  

Stay up to date with KYCK!

5 New KCC One App Resources to Encourage You This Week

15/9/2020

 
Katoomba Christian Convention (KCC) has released KCC One—a brand new mobile platform which aims to make God's word accessible worldwide. Here are five of the latest app uploads including resources by Francis Chan, Heidi Tai, Keith Lord, Dr Grant Bickerton and Helen Roseveare. 
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Katoomba Christian Convention (KCC) has released KCC One—a brand new mobile platform which aims to make God's word accessible worldwide. Available on iOS and Android, KCC One is a free app offering access to video, audio and transcripts of KCC’s extensive catalogue of Bible talks from the last 42 years.  

At a time when Christians across Australia and around the world have been forced to isolate, KCC’s rich library of over 350 expository preaching and topical talks allows users to hear from local and international preachers.  


Here are 5 of our latest resources to encourage you this week:  ​
1. I Am the Good Shepherd – Francis Chan 

​
We recommend this talk to pastors and Christian leaders who may be feeling weary in their ministry. Preaching from John 10, Francis Chan reminded leaders at Oxygen Conference (2014) that though they have been called to shepherd their flock, they are first and foremost sheep who are under the guidance and care of the Good Shepherd.  
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This talk is available for download in text, audio and video format. ​
2. OneLove 20 Testimony: Along Came Mercy – Heidi Tai  
​

At OneLove 2020, Asian Australian writer, Heidi Tai, shared her testimony on how she and her immigrant father found true rest in God’s love, mercy and provision. She also explains how the gospel of grace has transformed her identity and perception of worthiness.  
 
This testimony is available for download in video format.  
3. BASECAMP 20 Testimony: Joy in Hard Times – Keith Lord 

​
At BASECAMP 2020, Australian farmer, Keith Lord, shared how his faith in God and friendship with fellow brothers has helped him in his battle with drought on his farm in Junee. Quoting various promises from Scripture, Keith explains how he has learned to trust God in hard times. 
​
 
This testimony is available for download in video format. 
4. Time to Reset: Change, Loss & Grief in Ministry – Dr Grant Bickerton  

​
In this Oxygen Conference 2018 Masterclass, Counselling Psychologist, Grant Bickerton explores how change in ministry can lead to feelings of loss and grief. In this Masterclass, Bickerton explains the difference between tangible and intangible losses, the normal symptoms of grief and how to cope with grief associated with change in ministry contexts.

​This 
audio talk comes with a complementary handout which is also available under the “Read” tab of the KCC App.  
5. From the Vault: Accepting God’s Will – Helen Roseveare 
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There are so many gems in KCC’s sermon archives, including this talk from the English missionary, Helen Roseveare (1925 – 2016). Preaching from Jonah 3, Helen challenges Australian Christians who have been ‘born into privileges’ to hear God’s heart for global mission and to carefully consider his command to share the gospel to every tribe and nation.  

Download the Free KCC One App!


​Download the free KCC One App which is now available on Apple App and Google Play stores. With fresh content added regularly, you’ll be able to access more video, audio and reading resources from all the KCC events, as well as special app-only content. Faith comes from hearing, and our prayer is that many will do that through KCC One. ​
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Dave Jensen, Matt Sparks and Ben Staunton to preach at KYCK 20 this Spring

10/9/2020

 
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KYCK conference is returning this Spring, and we’re pleased to welcome Dave Jensen, Matt Sparks and Ben Staunton as the guest preachers for this year. Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention as a livestreamed event, KYCK 20 will feature Bible talks from the book of 1 Thessalonians, on the theme “Past, Present, Future”.  

Although we are unable to gather physically this year, the new online program promises Bible talks, testimonies, worship in song, and a live Q&A panel that will serve to challenge and equip high schoolers to live out their faith with boldness.  ​
Meet Dave Jensen​
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Dave Jensen works as a pastor at EV Church on the sunny Central Coast of NSW. Prior to working in ministry, he was in the Australian Army for the best part of a decade which is where someone told him the truth about Jesus, and he became a Christian. Dave is married to Sammy and they have 5 kids. He loves telling people about Jesus, Lebanese chicken and the Sydney Roosters. 
 
Resources by Dave Jensen:  ​
Rebel Turned Evangelist
In this article by Eternity News, Dave Jensen shares his testimony of how he came to faith. ​
Sermon: God Is In The Thick Of It 
 

Where is God in the pain? Does he care - or has he turned his back? Dave Jensen answers these questions from Romans 8:28-30. ​
Sermon: The One Who Impressed Jesus 
 
Are you a hypocrite? Or are you authentic? Jesus shows us the difference - and the reason it matters. Dave Jensen answers these questions from Luke 20:45-21:4.  ​
Or download the KCC One App to access Dave Jensen’s resources from the KCC archives! ​​

​Meet Matt Sparks
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Matt is married to Tash, they have 3 kids Judah, Piper & Levi and live in Sydney’s Inner West. Matt is Lead Pastor/Planter at Anchor Church Sydney. 

Prior to planting Anchor Church, Matt was involved in youth ministry for 17 years; 10 of those as Youth Pastor at Multicultural Bible Ministry (MBM), Rooty Hill. He loves preaching and believes in the potential of young people to change the world! 

Matt was significantly impacted by KYCK as a teenager and counts it a privilege to be able sow back into the ministry that blessed him so much! 

Resources by Matt Sparks: 

Sermon: Wayward – The Reckless Love of God  
 
Matt Sparks shares his personal testimony of living a double-life despite being born in a Christian home. He then unpacks the parable of the Prodigal Son and shares how Jesus reveals the heart of God—full of compassion and love for his lost and wayward children.  


Sermon: Deconstructing God: How can the Christian sex ethic be 'good'? 
 
In a world which tells us that to deny your desires is damaging, or even dangerous, how can the Christian sex ethic possibly be good news for those with same-sex attraction? In this talk, Matt Sparks explores sexuality and ethics from a Christian worldview.  
​

Or download the KCC One App to access Matt Spark’s resources from the KCC archives!

​Meet Ben Staunton
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Even though he’s lived in the city for 7 years, Ben is still a country boy at heart. He grew up in Armidale, heard the gospel clearly for the first time when he was 18 and became a Christian about six months later. Since then he has learnt of God’s grace over and over.  These days he does a couple days a week at a church and some event speaking, but his main role is working with uni students as the Assistant Dean at New College Village, UNSW. He loves old stuff, Maccas and talking with non-Christians about the real Jesus. He hates cockroaches, getting up early and cold showers.  

Resources by Ben Staunton:  
​

Sermon: Progressive Love: Why Does the Future Shape What We Do Now? 
 
A Bible talk by Ben Staunton from 1 Thessalonians 2:1-3:13.  


Sermon: God’s Victory 
 
A Bible talk by Ben Staunton from Psalm 108.  

Join us at KYCK this Spring! 

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KYCK is returning over two weekends this Spring. KYCK #1 will be held on Saturday 26 September and KYCK #2 will be held on Saturday 10 October.  

If you are a youth group leader, make sure you purchase a Group Leader ticket so that you receive our Group Leader resources which includes discussion questions, a prayer guide, suggested activities and information on how to guide the response part of the conference.  

Purchase your tickets from the KYCK website: https://www.kyck.org.au/ ​

True Rest: More Than a Good Night's Sleep

8/9/2020

 
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Photo by Kinga Cichewicz on Unsplash
I love sleeping. Most days, I can nod off with ease and enjoy good chunks of deep and uninterrupted sleep. While stress may cause insomnia for some, my body reacts to pressure by shutting down. Sleep is my superpower, and yet over the years I have learned that no amount of shut eye is capable of curing the restlessness in my soul and heart.

The thing is, if I’m not sleeping, I’m busy. My calendar is bursting with deadlines and to-do’s. I say “yes” too quickly and too often. I struggle to be still, and to focus on one thing. In a culture that glorifies performance and output, busyness is addictive, and yet it makes for a terrible god because its demands are endless.

Why is it that my plate is so full, and yet I’m still wondering if I’m doing enough?

Why is it that I try so hard to be useful and helpful, and yet still feel like I’ll never be enough?

Despite living in such a prosperous country, why are so many of us trapped in workaholism because we feel like we’ll never have enough?

In the words of Dallas Willard, “hurry is the great enemy of the spiritual life”, so why is it such a pervasive part of the human condition, including professing Christians? At the recent OneLove women’s conference, Kara Martin challenged me to consider why I struggle with “hurry sickness” and why slowing down in isolation has caused me to feel uncomfortable, guilty and fearful.

I can identify 7 reasons for why this is so:


  • My identity is shaped by my performance and competency.
  • I’m afraid of being alone with my thoughts and feelings.
  • I don’t fully trust that God will provide.
  • I measure my worthiness by what I can do and how I can help.
  • I’m afraid of being labelled as weak, useless, or lazy.
  • I doubt the goodness of God’s timing and will for my life.
  • I despise my limitations because instead of imaging Him, I want to be like God.

We all have our reasons for pursuing a hurried life, and OneLove reminded me that “true rest” is much more than a good night’s sleep. What Jesus promises in Matthew 11:28-29 is a deep and satisfying spiritual rest in Him. Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to come to Him, for He has the power to calm restless hearts and to satisfy our soul’s desire for hope, purpose, identity, satisfaction, confidence, acceptance and redemption.

In a year where my work plans have been uprooted and every earthly security challenged, I have found myself at the mercy of my Maker and relearning what it means to find true rest in Christ. With my schedules cleared of normal routines, I have been forced to redefine productivity and to see that time resting in Christ’s presence, is never a waste.

Here are 8 ways that coming to Christ has granted rest for my soul:
​
  • My worth and identity is defined by Christ’s righteousness, and not the labour or success of my own hands (2 Corinthians 5:21).
  • I can acknowledge my limitations and surrender to the One who never grows tired or weary (Isaiah 40:28).
  • I can “pour out my heart” in prayer, trusting that God is an unshakeable refuge who is quick to listen and powerful to act (Psalm 62:8).
  • I can confess my flaws and failures, and draw comfort from God’s unfailing love and compassions (Psalm 51).
  • There is “no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus”. In Christ, I am forgiven and reconciled to my Father and Judge (Romans 8:1-2).
  • Even if I don’t see immediate results, I can trust that my labour for the Lord is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
  • There is a Judge who sees all, and there will be a day when perfect justice will rule (Psalm 50:6).
  • No matter my earthly circumstances, Christ has saved me into an eternal hope without death, tears or goodbyes (Revelation 21:4).

Does your soul feel weary and burdened?

Take a moment to pause and to hear Christ’s invitation:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” – Matthew 11:28-29
Originally published by Heidi Tai on August 27, 2020. Republished with permission.

Free Devotionals on True Rest!
​

OneLove speaker, Kara Martin and Heidi Tai have written a FREE devotional series on the topic of finding true rest. You can download the devotionals from the OneLove website or the KCC One App.
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On Fathering a Special Needs Child This Father’s Day: Otto Peeters

6/9/2020

 
We recently interviewed Otto Peeters who shared his experiences of being a Special Needs father to Noah who was born with Cerebral Palsy. In part two of our interview, Otto shares intimately of the privilege and challenges of special needs parenting, and the things that God has done along the way. We hope that you are blessed and inspired by this story. 
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Noah was born with Cerebral Palsy. Apart from a weakness down his left side, he developed seizures from the age of two. Despite trying many different medications, the seizures worsened, and Noah was taken out of Kindergarten after only completing 5 weeks of school that year. To give you a real-time glimpse into a family with Special Needs, attached are some blog posts from Otto’s archives:  

May 2015: Noah Turns Six 

Today is Noah's 6th birthday! It’s also the day our Neurology team in Sydney examining Noah's case, reached a verdict. They agreed unanimously, that Noah's best chance of a future without seizures, would be having surgery. He is having seizures every 5-10 mins, even while on 5-6 different medications! This surgery is called a 'Functional Hemi-spherectomy'. It is a disconnection of the two hemispheres of the brain. The ‘bad’ hemisphere where there are constant seizures will be separated from the ‘good’ hemisphere that he needs to think and move and talk and learn...and live! The surgery on our little boy's brain will take 10-12 hours to complete. 

This is a dangerous operation and there is a possibility (as with any brain surgery) that we may lose Noah. There are also other significant risks including brain damage, infection, and other complications. However, we must weigh up losing some of Noah's functional, cognitive, social, and physical abilities and the gains of (hopefully) achieving freedom from constant bombardment by seizures. 
​

We asked the Neurologists what would happen if we don't go ahead with the surgery. They said, "Noah's quality of life will become increasingly impaired by seizures, his condition will worsen, and he may die in the long term from brain damage". So in the end it's not much of a choice, is it? 

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10 August 2015: The Surgery

What goes through your mind the night before your son has massive surgery on his brain that might end his life or make it even worse? Fear, anxiety, confusion, nausea, angst, sadness, insomnia, complete loss of control, panic, terror...But when you realise that God is in control, many people are praying around the world, that God loves Noah more than I could even imagine or even achieve myself.....then everything changes! 

We have felt all of these things in the last few weeks, but now are feeling immensely encouraged by God's love and the prayers of many. Cath and I both want to thank you all for all your love, prayers and support to us as a family. 

 I am in the same room as Noah tonight. We have talked about how much God loves him. That Jesus died for him on the cross. We prayed together for the operation tomorrow. It is beautiful to see Noah’s simple faith in Jesus. I felt a deep sense of peace as we prayed together. God is good and can be completely trusted with what will happen in the operating theatre tomorrow. 
 
Tomorrow begins at 5am getting up with Noah for his medication and a shower with a special hair wash. We will then make our way to surgery at 6:30am where he will be 'prepped' with the Anesthetics starting from 8:00am. This is where I will say goodbye....(and "see you tonight my big brave boy!") Surgery will begin from 10am once he is sedated and his airway maintained. It will be complete in the late afternoon with him returning to ICU by the evening. All this only an approximation of events. 
 
Cath prayed over the hands of the Neurosurgeon whilst she visited today! She was more than happy to have this happen stating that "much higher powers than herself would dictate the outcome of surgery." Amen to that! 
 
"You hem me in behind and before, 
And you lay your hand upon me,
Your eyes saw my unformed body; 
All the days ordained for me
​were written in your book,  

Before one of them came to be." 
 
2020: Reflections From Psalm 139
 
Noah is now 11. The surgery has proved successful. One medication remains. Seizures are now rare. Noah can do most things kids his age can do. He struggles with concentration and can fatigue easily. He has lost vision to his left peripheral side and some depth perception. Given his learning challenges, home schooling has been a good solution for us as a family. We are grateful he is able to learn, enjoy and discover the world around him. He can go adventuring with his brothers, who are often his best form of best therapy. 
 
His years of seizures set him back significantly in his learning. However, when his Neuro- Psychologist assessed him last year, he scored right on average for his age in a few key learning areas! She could not find any reason for this as it really shouldn’t have happened. There was no clinical reason for it! It went against all norms. She was dumbfounded. We’d witnessed a miracle – God at work to rebuild our little boy. 
 
Raising a child with extra needs is tough, challenging and stretches you as parents beyond where you thought you would ever go. There are views along the way ‘climbing this mountain’ that somehow show how good and great God is. God is in this with us, and we need to hold on for the ride. 
 
It’s like that analogy of ‘going on a holiday overseas’, and the plane arrives in a different country to where you had planned. The currency, the language, the culture, the climate are all different to what you prepared for. When you start to adjust to this change of country, you realise there are beautiful things here to see here as well. You just need to give up your initial expectations, and enjoy this new country. This country can be an equally amazing place to explore and discover! 



Did you enjoy this story? Read the rest of the series!
​On the Privilege of Fatherhood This Father's Day: L-T Hopper
On Representing God, the Father This Father’s Day: Jeremy Ward
On Being a Stay-At-Home Dad This Father’s Day: Otto Peeters

On Being a Stay-At-Home Dad This Father’s Day: Otto Peeters

4/9/2020

 
We recently interviewed Otto Peeters who shared his experiences of being a stay-at-home dad and a parent of a child with Special Needs. In part one of our interview, Otto shares the challenges and joys of transitioning into a new role of a stay-at-home dad, and all that God has done in his life along the way. We hope that you are blessed and inspired by this story.
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1. What does being a Christian father mean to you? 

I’m imperfect. God is perfect. My children are under my authority, but I am under God’s authority. I want them to never know a day that they didn’t trust in Jesus, as their Lord and Saviour (my wife always says that, and I think it’s a good one), so I try to immerse and marinate them in the Christian worldview. We begin and end the day in the Bible and prayer. I’m not great at this but I can see their hearts and minds slowly being shaped by biblical truth. That’s exciting!  

It’s also scary because kids learn by what is taught and what is ‘caught.’ They are ALWAYS watching me, and I have to make sure I am worth copying! This means I need to keep growing in my faith too. If I’m to teach our boys to achieve new goals, I can’t be stagnant myself. The best way to do that is in prayer and regular bible reading. Being stretched in my thinking with clear and relevant bible teaching and Christian writing is priceless too. Lately I have spent early mornings listening to Ravi Zacharias, John Piper, Don Carson, Francis Chan, etc. I don’t have to be a ‘great Christian thinker’ myself, but I can benefit enormously from thinking about Christian things!  

2. How does knowing God the Father change the way you parent your kids?  

I think it changes everything. It has to. As a parent we are teaching a child their identity. As a Christian parent, I also need to show them that their identity then points to their destiny. In the words of J.I. Packer, author of Knowing God: “I am a child of God, God is my father. Heaven is my home, every day is one day nearer. My saviour is my brother. Every Christian is my brother and sister too!” I believe this is a pretty good compass to walk through life with. 

3. Can you share something that God has been teaching you since you’ve become a parent?  

I’ve learnt a lot and yet I still have my ‘L-Plates’ on! Seeing my own sinfulness and shortcomings is one lesson. I used to think I was patient. I may have been. It’s just that now I am constantly put in situations where I have to be selfless and I spend the majority of the day serving others. I have less time for my own hobbies and pursuits. Perhaps my irritability and impatience come from a place where I don't get to fill every day with serving myself. I’ve probably learnt the same lesson through marriage too. Maybe happiness isn’t as important as Holiness? 

I think also trusting in God is a journey that hasn’t stopped. I have lived and worked in the Outback. I have been part of a church-plant. I have three boys and one with extra needs. I lost my job for the last two years due to medical reasons. I have taken on the challenges of a new role–being a stay-at-home dad, studying while homeschooling our boys, running the house and doing the shopping. It’s been a great lesson in not putting confidence and identity in one’s work. 

I’ve had great times and am much closer with my sons. I’ve been able to be more involved in church. I’ve seen my wife thrive in a job she enjoys. I’ve had many opportunities to do things that a shift-work pilot would not have permitted. I have much to be thankful for. Trusting in God is not always easy, in fact at times it was near impossible.  

As C.S. Lewis says in the Lion and the Witch and the Wardrobe, describing Aslan the Lion. “He is not a tame lion, but he is very good.” I know that God is very good, and I can completely trust Him in ALL things. I can see looking back that trusting in God is so important when you go through ‘the valley’. Trusting in God does bring about peace as you hand life’s challenges to Him. I need to do this consciously and on a daily basis.  
 
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 


4. How do you see your role as a dad as a form of “men’s ministry”? 

Apparently Aristotle once said, “Give me the child until they are seven, and I will give you the man.” We have three boys. 11, 9 and 7. According to Aristotle, a significant part of their ‘formation’ has been completed. Of course, they are being shaped beyond their first 7 years. 
 Of course, I have more time with them, God willing. However, these early years are so significant. 

So many seeds have been planted already that are now growing. I see it as a huge privilege to begin ‘Men’s Ministry’ in these boys’ lives so early on. I’m very aware of my imperfection and that I need to keep relying on God. Indeed, it is Jesus who I need to show to my three boys, so I need to instruct them how we need to follow Jesus’s wisdom and teachings in the Bible. By showing them I’m not perfect and I’m still learning. My prayer is that we are following in Jesus’ footsteps together today and on that day when we meet him face to face. 

​

Did you enjoy this story? Read the rest of the series! 
​
​On the Privilege of Fatherhood This Father's Day: L-T Hopper
On Representing God, the Father This Father’s Day: Jeremy Ward
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On Representing God, the Father This Father’s Day: Jeremy Ward

3/9/2020

 
Ahead of Father's Day (Sunday 6 September), we'll be sharing stories of every day Christian fathers, and how knowing God, the Father has shaped and transformed their perspectives on children and parenting. In this interview, Jeremy Ward shares the importance of representing God, the Father especially in moments of reconciliation requiring grace and forgiveness.  
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1.     What does being a Christian father mean to you? 

Being a Christian father means I’m called to represent God to my kids. As concrete thinkers, young children find it hard to know what God is like. But I’m given the high calling of making God’s character known to them, so that the tone of my voice reflects the tone of God’s voice, the way I discipline and exercise authority reflects God’s good discipline and authority and the comfort I provide reflects the comfort God provides. What a task!  

Fortunately, I don’t have to have it ‘all together’. When it comes to my own pull towards self-centredness I’m more like my kids than different to them. So, I learn to rely on God’s grace and forgiveness to me. I identify with my kids in their weakness and self-centredness and I point them to the same grace that I so desperately need myself. 

2. How does knowing God the Father change the way you parent your kids?  

Knowing that God, the Father generously offers me forgiveness and hope for change does two things for my parenting. First, it enables me to own my failure, weakness and sin and speak honestly about this to my kids, and even asking them to forgive me when I relate to them in damaging ways. My kids are always engaged when I speak personally with them about such things. I shudder to think what my relationship with them would look like if I felt I had to ‘cover up’ the ways I’ve wronged them. 

Second, I can offer hope to my kids in the face of their signature struggles. Whether it is acting impulsively, persistent ‘deaf ears’, or another jealous squabble, I don’t have to relate to them as if they’re just a sum total of these patterns. God is patient with me time and time again. His Spirit empowers me with new resources to change. That same patience and those same new resources are extended to my kids in Christ. I can celebrate incremental change as it happens and not give up as if change is beyond their reach. 

3. Can you share something that God has been teaching you, since you’ve become a parent? 
​
 
Our kids are still quite young – we have three kids under the age of 7 years old. Understanding that kids think in concrete terms is something that hasn’t come naturally to me. I too quickly go into ‘biblical instruction’ mode with my kids as if they were older. But I’m learning that one of the key ways I point them to God’s grace and forgiveness is in moments of reconciliation after time-outs.  

We have a bit of routine worked out where we ask the kids what they did, and they take responsibility for their actions by saying sorry and asking for our forgiveness. These aren’t just moments to talk about God’s character but to model God’s character to them in granting forgiveness. This means actually treating them as forgiven – not continuing to resent them for what they’ve done or continue to punish them in subtle ways – but relating to them warmly in restored relationship.  

This is also an opportunity to check my motives. Am still angry them because they spoiled my plans for the evening? Or am I happy to give up my plans knowing God’s calling me to see something bigger going on in this moment?
 ​
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