Welcome to our July 2024 issue of TOGETHER – stories from around our Victorian Baptist Union.
As usual, this edition is filled with stories reflecting our 2024 theme ‘Being and sharing the good news’. Our feature is on the significant issue of loneliness in our communities. As we have discussed this epidemic, experienced by one in six Australians through our discernment processes, I have been heartened to hear and read the ways our churches are already addressing this issue, and the eagerness by others to pursue activities that can have an impact.
In this issue we look back as far as Easter at some wonderful church outreach activities and share a number of stories from our Generations area (kids, youth and young adults) – an area so important as we work hard to encourage, empower and equip churches to develop strategies to engage the next generation of faith. You’ll read a wrap up of our May Gathering events and join with us in celebrating milestone ordination anniversaries.
During Refugee Week in June, we highlighted a story of hope from Jordan, a member of one of our Karen (Burmese ethnic group) congregations with an update from Sharing Hope, the organisation he co-founded, that works on the Thai Burma (Myanmar) border.
I am praying that as you read these stories, you would not only be aware of the wonderful ministries around our union but would also be inspired with ideas to continue being and sharing the good news of Jesus with those you interact with.Enjoy reading and God bless,
Daniel
