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MARCH 2010
EARTHQUAKE DISASTER IN HAITI UPDATE
More than $120,000 has been sent to Bright Hope International now. Thanks again to those who have given generously to this appeal. We have not been actively promoting an appeal for the Chile earthquake as we have no workers/contacts in the area. Please donate through World Vision (Emergency & Preparedness Fund) or Samaritan's Purse.
FEBRUARY 2010
AMT CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS & CONSULTATION REGISTRATION
Online registration forms for the AMT centenary celebrations and service providers' consultation are now available – please fill in either the centenary celebration only OR the consultation +/- celebration form.
EARTHQUAKE DISASTER IN HAITI UPDATE
More than $72,000 has been sent to Bright Hope International, and they have successfully delivered 140,000 meals in a 40-foot container to Haiti. Thanks to those who have given generously to this appeal.
JANUARY 2010
EARTHQUAKE DISASTER IN HAITI
Please pray for the hundreds of thousands left homeless, and for the grieving relatives of the dead. Pray for protection from disease and illegal activities during this time of crisis. Pray for the aid organisations to be able to work unimpeded. As a matter of urgency AMT has sent $20,000 to Bright Hope International (Kevin Dyer, DPG Day 16) who has contacts in Haiti. We at AMT have great confidence that monies we send will be used wisely and appropriately and will reach some of the most needy amongst the people of Haiti through the Bright Hope network.
Kevin writes: "We are working with a network of about 100 churches and we are in communication with quite a few of the pastors. All of them are exhausted and feel absolutely overwhelmed...There are so many who have no home; they don't know where many of their family members are and presume that they are dead. It is a very sad situation and if we didn't have the Lord we would have to throw up our hands and say it is hopeless. But we see the Lord everyday in doing little miracles and we are grateful. It is hard to believe the scope of this. In a small nation of nine million close to two million have lost their homes or [they] have had severe damage. The number of dead is still not clear, but probably at least 100,000. Our goals are to keep the supply of food and water and medicine up to these 100 pastors. Then we want to try and make sure any of the believers are taken care of. If they need a place to go, we will evacuate them to the centre of the country."
AMT has set up the Haiti Relief Fund. Donations can be made by cheque made out to AMT with a note stating that it's for the Haiti Relief Fund, and mailed to PO Box 565, Mt Gravatt QLD 4122. Alternately, you can direct deposit. The bank details are as follows:
Bank: Westpac
Account Name: Australian Missionary Tidings
BSB: 032080
Account: 151023
Please put a message in the description/message field that identifies you and the recipient. You can identify yourself by using your name or donor number (e.g. 1234) - "1234 Haiti" (call or email us if you don't know your donor number). Please also send confirmation by post or preferably email, where you can include additional details.
OCTOBER 2009
BRYSON THOMAS & GOSPEL FOR ASIA
After spending the last five years ministering fulltime in the capacity of a teaching Elder, Bryson Thomas from Toowoomba, Queensland, is now working fulltime with Gospel for Asia (Australia). Bryson and his wife Ruth have four children living at home. Ruth assists in the Australian office of GFA two days per week.
In addition to administration responsibilities, Bryson’s primary role is to make known the ministry of Gospel for Asia to the assemblies of Australia – linking the church in the West with the very fruitful mission field of South Asia. This is being done in partnership with various media facilities, such as AMT’s SERVING TOGETHER, and various Christian magazines. GFA Australia has its own web site, www.gospelforasia.org.au, HARVEST newsletter, and SEND magazine that gives up-to-date news and information from the mission field.
As it is impossible for GFA’s Native missionaries to report to supporting churches and individuals, Bryson counts it a great privilege to represent them and the work of GFA amongst believers in Australia. He wishes to make it known that he is available to visit churches and missionary conferences to present the ministry of Gospel for Asia. Please contact him at brysonthomas@gfa.org, or phone 1300 889 339/mobile 0427 308 417 to arrange a meeting.
KALENE MISSION HOSPITAL NEEDS A DOCTOR URGENTLY!
Kalene Hospital will be without a doctor from 13 November until mid-January 2010. Any prospective applicant must be able to do Caesarean sections, and preferably some other forms of surgery (e.g. hernia, laparotomy, tubal ligation). But he/she also needs some experience in general medicine. It's important to remember that we don't have most of the modern diagnostic facilities that western doctors are accustomed to. Nevertheless, a doctor can still make a huge difference to lots of people in our kind of setting.
The main work is for inpatients, but the doctor does see outpatients on most days as well. The hospital has around 160 beds (a little bit elastic, especially in the wet season!). Some orthopedic experience is also valuable but not vital; we get a lot of broken bones in the wet season – kids go climbing trees for the mangoes!
If anyone shows any kind of interest from anywhere, we would be happy to answer any questions they might have. NB: He/she will be self-supporting.
Rachel & Richard REED
MANILA FLOOD
As most would now know, there are many dead and hundreds of thousands of people left homeless following the devastation wreaked by Typhoon Ketsana/Ondoy and the subsequent flood in Manila, Philippines. We will be passing on donations to Ross and Lea GINN (DPG Day 9) and GLO in Manila for distribution to ministries where most needed. Praise God that no AMT workers are directly affected, but many local Christians and Christian workers (including some of the Ginns' NTM colleagues) are among the victims of this tragedy. Pray for protection of all those affected from disease and further floods. As a priority, AMT will initially send $20,000.
Donations can be made by cheque made out to AMT with a note stating that it's for Manila Flood Relief, and mailed to PO Box 565, Mt Gravatt QLD 4122. Alternately, you can direct deposit. The bank details are as follows:
Bank: Westpac
Account Name: Australian Missionary Tidings
BSB: 032080
Account: 151023
Please put a message in the description/message field that identifies you and the recipient. You can identify yourself by using your name or donor number (1234), e.g. "1234 Manila flood" (call or email us if you don't know your donor number). Please also send confirmation by post or email (preferably email), where you can include additional details.
As far as the Samoan earthquake/tsunami and Sumatran earthquake disasters are concerned, we have no contacts in those areas, so it would be best to donate through Compassion, World Vision or Samaritan's Purse.
8 October: Gospel for Asia has informed us of South India floods that have left over 230 dead and 10 MILLION homeless. You can donate here.
SEPTEMBER 2009
NOTICE OF MEETINGS – NEW CHURCHES
SEAFORD COMMUNITY CHURCH meets at 10am in Maslin Beach Community Hall, Gulf Parade, Maslin Beach SA
LOGAN CITY CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH meets at 1.30pm from 25 October, 2009, at 70 Laughlin St (Groves Christian College), Kingston QLD
NEW HEIGHTS CHRISTIAN CHURCH is the new name of Cardiff Heights Christian Fellowship, which has moved to 30 Northville Drive, Edgeworth NSW
HELP FINANCE GOSPEL PRINTING FOR CENTRAL ASIA
It was hoped to print four gospels at a cost of $2 each, but unexpected price increases now mean that each book will cost $4.50! There is a funding shortfall of US$10,000 for the print run of 5,000 copies. Please pray for this cost to be met. If you would like to make a donation towards this cost, then you can send a cheque made payable to Wycliffe Bible Translators to:
Finance Office, WBT
70 Graham Rd
Kangaroo Ground VIC 3097
or phone the office on (03) 9712 2777 or e-mail finance-office_australia@wycliffe.org.
AUGUST 2009
SIMS VEHICLE FUND
"We are hoping to purchase a good second-hand 4WD upon our return to Benin. This will enable us to visit our children in Sahel Academy, Niger, more frequently and safely. We are trusting the Lord for between $20-30,000, and to date [early July] have received over $14,000 [through Wattle Park]! We will be needing a vehicle with high profile tyres, air conditioning, and seating for at least five. Pray we will make a wise choice." – Neil & Lisa SIM (DPG Day 1)
Update: The Sims have bought a Swiss Landcruiser, from funds sent to Wattle Park Chapel, their sending church. Thanks for your support.
ASSEMBLY AID ABROAD KENYAN VEHICLE FUND
The Elders of the Wamuran Christian Fellowship have joined with the Management Committee of Assembly Aid Abroad Incorporated in establishing a vehicle fund to replace the 1996-model Toyota Twin Cab Diesel 4WD that Albert Fairweather has used in Kenya over the past eight years.
This vehicle tows a small but heavily laden caravan, and is now also used by Jacob and Susan Varghese in camping amongst tribal peoples in isolated places within Kenya. It is based in Rongo where Daniel Ochieng also uses it for orphanage support and medical evacuation.
It has developed braking and steering problems making it dangerous to drive in the severe conditions prevailing. It was assembled in Kenya, and has an adapted rear drum braking system and front discs. The front work OK, but it has not been possible to get full braking on the rear. Towing makes it susceptible to jack-knifing, and difficult to pull up in emergency situations. The steering is also worn and needs extensive replacement parts.
Albert Fairweather usually has overseas preachers travelling with him, and he and they are finding the conditions tough in the heat and dust of the mostly very rough roads.
It is proposed to replace it with a later model Toyota Twin Cab Diesel 4WD with air-conditioning. Very few are available second-hand in Kenya, and because of the 33% import duty, they are very expensive. The best option seems to be to import a 5-year-old model from Japan or Thailand, and inquiries are now in progress to this end.
The estimated cost of the change over, allowing for the sale of the old vehicle, is expected to be approximately AUD$25,000.
Anyone exercised to help may forward gifts to:
Assembly Aid Abroad Inc.
P.O.Box 838
Morayfield QLD 4506
Please enclose a letter stating that the gift is for 'AAA Vehicle Fund'.
Gifts may also be electronically transferred or direct deposited to:
Account name: Assembly Aid Abroad Inc.
Bank: ANZ Bank, King Street, Caboolture QLD 4510 AUSTRALIA
BSB: 014 520
Account No: 486603214
But please e-mail Albert Fairweather at afairweather@ozemail.com.au or our Treasurer John Koning at jokoning@gmail.com with details of donor name(s) and the purpose of the gift (e.g. vehicle fund).
Under no circumstances should cheques be sent to Kenya as in the past criminal elements have stolen them in the Post Office and changed the amounts and tried to cash them. Money should only be sent by Telegraphic (electronic) Transfer, and then only to known and proven men.
CAMBODIAN UPDATE
SAM VIGUS (nee Willans, DPG Day 29), following her July visit to Happy Village in Cambodia, writes...
Urgent Sponsorship Opportunities:
1. New believer Duck Lux and his family are really struggling to get by day to day. Their daughter Sokon attends Tarsha's Legacy centre (TLC) and therefore receives one good meal a day there, but her family is relying heavily on receiving food from other families living in the nearby community so they can survive. Lux became blind for an unknown reason after having pain in his head a few years ago; doctors say there is nothing they can do to help him. His wife became paraplegic after she fell from her bed shortly after giving birth to Sokon. I would dearly love to find a sponsor for this family to help them simply have enough food to eat. In return for this sponsorship (and in order to give them a sense of purpose and self-worth), we will ask Lux and his wife to assist us in the village or at TLC in some way that is within their capabilities. If you are able to sponsor them $60AUD per month please contact me and I will let you know how to go about this.
2. I received an email from Patrick today to say that the funds for our Friendship Soccer Ministry have almost completely run dry, and he will be unable to give them the required funds to continue on at the end of this month unless we receive some assistance very soon! The Friendship Soccer Team ministers to about 25 young men, who train with us each week and play games each weekend. Before these training and game times Sara and Ura minister to these guys, teaching them from the Bible and encouraging them to live lives that will make a positive difference. Many of these guys have become Christians over the last couple of years, and they continue to minister to the others in the team. This ministry costs approximately $570AUD to run each month. These costs include field rental for training and playing; bottled water for players at training and games; sponsorship for needy players (some of whom travel from the provinces to play for us); ongoing repair and replacement of boots, socks, balls etc; registration fees for competitions; and a small salary for Ura who assists Sara in mentoring the players, arranging fixtures and ensuring everyone is at games and training! If you are able to help us keep this ministry going please contact me!
JULY 2009
AMT'S CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS IN 2010
AMT is planning a special celebration around October 2010 to thank God for His provision over the past 100 years, as well as to reflect on the ministry and missionaries of AMT. We are organising an international intersociety conference to coincide with the event. A special publication is also being compiled to commemorate the Centenary. Serving Together's 2010 theme will also be connected with the Centenary. We will keep you updated on the 'when' and 'where' – watch this page!
REED 4WD VEHICLE FUND IS NOW CLOSED
Thanks to all who contributed to the purchase of the Reeds' 4WD.
FEBRUARY 2009
VICTORIAN BUSHFIRE TRAGEDY
Please pray for all those who have suffered loss of loved ones, property and possessions as a result of this catastrophe. The Mountain Lodge of Betel Australia, situated in the Yarra Valley, has been destroyed, with one loss of life. Pray for those who lived and worked there – particularly men who were trying to get their lives back together, and now have had to endure a further setback on their road to recovery. The headquarters of MMM has also been affected. Ken Harris writes that "in recent times MMM have spread their management to many countries to control their own work and ministry – the base here had already moved much of their documentation and records to other locations and so despite the fact that buildings have been lost, much of the outworking of the ministry has been saved". Tim Cranna, National Director of MMM, writes on the website "At this point in time, we are unsure of exactly what help we require, as we have yet to gain access to our property at Whittlesea. Police and fire authorities have closed the entire area, as it has not been safe." Missions Interlink reports "A number of Christian conference centres have suffered destruction, and fatalities at some are being confirmed. Both El Kanah and ESA sites at Marysville were burnt with the rest of the town, but all staff and visitors at these venues were evacuated safely."
CBFV (Christian Brethren Fellowships in Victoria) has a tax-deductible CBCC Bush Fire Fund and a non-tax-deductible CBFV Bush Fire Fund.
Please send cheques to:
CBCC or CBFV Bush Fire Fund
PO Box 399
Kilsyth VIC 3137
(Please include confirmation letter or e-mail glbuchanan@optusnet.com.au)
or direct deposit to:
[tax-deductible]
Christian Brethren Community Care Ltd
ANZ Bank
BSB 013-345
Acct No. 3043-24039
[non-tax-deductible]
Christian Brethren Fellowships in Victoria
ANZ Bank
BSB 013-328
Acct No. 4856-79938
Stewards Foundation (Australia) has a tax-deductible disaster relief fund.
Please send cheques to:
Stewards Foundation Disaster Relief Fund
Stewards Foundation (Australia)
PO Box 131
Burwood NSW 2134
Tel: 02 9747 1351
or direct deposit to:
National Australia Bank
BSB 082338
A/C No. 53930 2758
NB: this disaster relief fund is also available for donations to flood victims in North Queensland
JANUARY 2009
REED 4WD VEHICLE FUND UPDATE
With the devaluation of the Australian dollar we are still a few thousand dollars short of the required amount for the vehicle for Richard and Rachel REED, so please continue to dig deep and send your donations to Canterbury Gardens Community Church or AMT. The vehicle will be a blessing not just for the Reeds, but also for their community.
SEPTEMBER 2008
REED 4WD VEHICLE FUND APPEAL
For six years Richard and Rachel REED (Kalene, Zambia, DPG Day 25) have been without their own personal vehicle. Though they have had access to a hospital vehicle, which is a back-up ambulance for Kalene hospital, this is not always available to the Reeds.
Canterbury Gardens Community Church is opening a Reed 4WD Vehicle Fund Appeal to raise $45,000-$50,000AUD to enable the Reeds to purchase a 4WD vehicle in Zambia.
Assemblies are requested to partner with the Reeds in enabling them to obtain a vehicle. Gifts may be made out to ‘Reed Vehicle Fund’ and forwarded to either the Canterbury Gardens Community Church office or to the AMT office, or by electronic funds transfer direct into the Canterbury Gardens Community Church account (details below).
Questions can be directed to Dr Keith Graham on (03) 9729 4208, an elder at CGCC and also chairman of the Missionary Advisory Council (Vic).
CGCC office:
Fax: (03) 9761 6166
Phone: (03) 9720 7121
Email: office@cgcc.org.au
Postal Address:
Canterbury Gardens Community Church
PO Box 330
Kilsyth Vic 3137
CGCC electronic funds transfer details (Bpay, direct debts, etc – please give both donor name and specify ‘Reed Vehicle Fund’):
Bank: Commonwealth Bank Bayswater Vic
BSB: 063 199
Account No: 0090 0404
It would be helpful to send an email to CGCC office confirming electronic funds transfer donor details so your gifts can be acknowledged.
Keith Graham, on behalf of the eldership at Canterbury Gardens Community Church
MAY 2008
MYANMAR & CHINA DISASTERS
Pray for the millions in Myanmar and the tens of thousands in China affected by the recent natural disasters. Pray for the safety of GLO workers in Myanmar. Praise God that AMT workers in China are safe. This is an appropriate time to remind everyone that AMT has a disaster relief fund, and earmarked gifts will be passed on to suitable contacts in Myanmar and China.
MARCH 2008
Our deepest condolences to Flora Meharg on the passing away of her husband Ned on March 11. Ned and Flora were AMT missionaries in Bolivia from 1951-1997. Ned's obituary will be in the June magazine.
AMT OFFICE MOVE UPDATE
The AMT office will be relocating from Meadowbrook to Holland Park (corner Miriam St & Nursery Rd) in the week after Easter, and so will be closed to the public from March 21-28. Please note that although there will be call redirection for 3 months, our new landline phone number is (07) 3219 1800.
FEBRUARY 2008
CHAD CRISIS: Praise God that Rich & Anne HOYT (Chad, DPG Day 26) are safe where they live. Pray for the safety of not just missionaries but the local population also. Pray for peace to be restored soon.
GLAUCOMA: Please pray for Myra PARKER (PNG, DPG Day 18) who had an episode of acute angle-closure glaucoma that has left her with very poor vision in her right eye. Thank God the eye pressure has normalised with medication and operations. Pray for full restoration of vision.
June update: Thank God Myra's vision is much improved and she will be able to drive again soon.
JANUARY 2008: HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Well, it certainly is for AMT, as we received council approval on Jan 6 to renovate the Holland Park chapel building. Praise God! However, we still need certification before we can start renovations. (We were given notice to leave our current premises by the end of March.)
JOHANNESEN CAR FUND IS NOW CLOSED
On behalf of the Gin Gin and Oakwood Assemblies, together with Byron and Lyn Johannesen, we wish to express our appreciation to those who gave generously towards a car for the Johannesens. Our God is a great provider. A 2005 Mazda 626 was provided for $20,000. It has just 28,000 kilometres on the clock and is in as new condition.
JOB POSITION: Full time Ministry Opportunity in Fiji
The Coral Coast Christian Centre, an established campsite, owned by the Fiji Brethren Fellowship Trust, is looking for a mature, vibrant couple to join their team at the Centre in Fiji.
The applicants would be involved in the day to day running of the campsite, and its other accommodation, as well as helping out with the centre's local ministries, including Kids Klub and Kids Camps. Experience in building or general maintenance work is essential. Children’s ministry experience would also be an advantage. The couple would be expected to have an ongoing vibrant relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, and agree with the doctrines set out by the Fiji Brethren Fellowship. Though the Centre will provide accommodation, gas and electricity, the position will be self-supporting, hence no salary will be paid.
Interested person/persons should contact the Managers on +679-3450-178 (phone) or +679-3450-012 (fax), or email the Managers direct at coralcoastcc@connect.com.fj.
Applications close 20th February, 2008.
Paul & Jo RICHARDS (Fiji, DPG Day 16), Managers CCCC
THE HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN KENYA & KENYA RELIEF FUND
Please pray for Christina EGLINTON (Kenya, DPG Day 28) who has returned to Kenya. Pray that she and her co-workers will be kept safe.
Assembly Aid Abroad Inc. are opening a Kenya Relief Fund to help believers with food and to rebuild homes and their lives. Anyone exercised to help may forward gifts to:
Assembly Aid Abroad Inc.
P.O.Box 838
Morayfield QLD 4506
Please enclose a letter stating that the gift is for 'Kenya Relief Fund'.
Gifts may also be electronically transferred or direct deposited to:
Account name: Assembly Aid Abroad Inc.
Bank: ANZ Bank, King Street, Caboolture QLD 4510 AUSTRALIA
BSB: 014 520
Account No: 486603214
But please e-mail Albert Fairweather at afairweather@ozemail.com.au or our Treasurer John Koning at jokoning@gmail.com with details of donor name(s) and the purpose of the gift (e.g. Kenya relief).
Under no circumstances should cheques be sent to Kenya as in the past criminal elements have stolen them in the Post Office and changed the amounts and tried to cash them. Money should only be sent by Telegraphic (electronic) Transfer, and then only to known and proven men. For Indian believers, funds can be sent through "Missionary Support Partnership" msp@missionaryvoice.org or to Assembly Aid Abroad Inc.
Please feel free to e-mail Albert for further information.
JOB POSITION: National Director of International Teams Australia
The role requires the ability to both articulate and to inspire others to commit to the vision of the ministry, high level skills in team formation and leadership development, and the capacity to grow the organisation beyond its current size of 50 missionaries.
Further information about the position description, criteria and International Teams’ core values can be obtained from Mrs Sally Jones (sally.jones@iteams.org).
Applications containing curriculum vitae, a statement addressing the selection criteria and the names and contact details of three referees should be addressed in confidence to:
International Teams Australia
C/ Mrs Sally Jones
P.O Box 1123,
Baulkham Hills NSW 1755.
Closing date for applications is 31st December 2007.
VEHICLE FUND, NOVEMBER 2007
Joanne (Special Area, DPG Day 21) has asked West Pennant Hills Community Church (NSW) to establish a vehicle fund on her behalf for an amount of AUD$10 000 to enable the purchase of a second-hand vehicle. As part of the translation project, it is necessary for Joanne and other members of the team to make regular trips to the villages, and this requires their own transport. Unfortunately, vehicles are extremely expensive in the country in which they are working, and so it is only possible to consider a second-hand vehicle. Joanne requests prayer that the proper paperwork can be put in place. Please send any contributions for this fund to AMT. For more information please contact Peter Kirkegard (02 9872 4363 or email pastor@wphcc.com) or the AMT office (07 3200 5300 or email admin@amt.asn.au).
A CAR FOR THE HUNTERS
Mark and Joanne HUNTER (Thailand, DPG Day 8) are returning on furlough from March 7-July 24, 2008. They will be visiting folk along the east coast from Cairns to Sydney, spending major portions of their time in Townsville, Brisbane and Sydney. If anyone can provide them with a vehicle during that time they would really appreciate it. Mark's email is mark@hunterweb.org.
MATTRESSES FOR KALENE MISSION UPDATE: TARGET REACHED!
November 1, 2007
There has been an amazing response to the project 'Mattresses for Kalene Hospital' in Zambia.
The goal of $40 000 has been reached (over by $15 actually)! Praise the Lord.
Thank you to each of you who have contributed to make the replacing of all mattresses at Kalene possible. The mattresses have been ordered and will be shipped as soon as practical.
Richard and Rachel REED (Zambia, DPG Day 29) are deeply grateful to God for your partnership in the gospel in this way.
With appreciation of your help, on behalf of the elders at Canterbury Gardens,
Keith Graham
October 23, 2007
Praise God for a wonderful response, as only $985 is required now!
October 9, 2007
There has been a heartening response to the request to fund new mattresses for every bed at Kalene Hospital where Richard and Rachel REED (Zambia, DPG Day 29) are working.
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Total funds that are required:
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$40 000
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Funds received (by 7 October):
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$25 555
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Remaining funds still needed:
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$14 445
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The plan is now to have all the funds by the end of October.
AMT OFFICE MOVE UPDATE
September 12, 2007
We're still in Meadowbrook! Please pray that the city council will approve our application very soon so that we can start renovations. Pray that we will be in Holland Park by early 2008.
MATTRESSES FOR KALENE MISSION
September 3, 2007
Richard and Rachel REED (Zambia, DPG Day 29) report a desperate need to replace all the mattresses at Kalene Mission Hospital where they work in North West Zambia.
The mattresses need to be of a good durable quality, have polyurethane covers, and be shipped to Kalene itself. We have compared purchasing/transport cost from South Africa, and China, and it appears the lest expensive and best option is to buy and ship from Australia. The total cost per mattress to purchase, vacuum pack, ship, and overland transport equates to $275 per mattress.
The elders of Canterbury Gardens Community Church (Vic) have opened a fund for this project.
Please make your cheque payable to Canterbury Gardens Community Church (mattress project) and send the cheque to
Canterbury Gardens Community Church
PO Box 330
KILSYTH SOUTH VIC 3137
Office Tel: (03) 9720 7121
Email: office@CGCC.com.au
If you prefer to do a direct bank transfer please contact the office for the CGCC account details.
The goal is to have the funds in hand by the end of September 2007.
JOHANNESEN CAR FUND, September 2007
Byron and Lyn JOHANNESEN (Colombia, DPG Day 1) travel 25000km annually, and a suitable medium-sized vehicle is vital for that work. Personal safety for non-Colombians is essential, and Lyn suffers from chronic back problems. The elders of Gin Gin and Oakwood Community Churches (Qld) have requested that AMT launch a Car Fund for Byron and Lyn. The target they are aiming to reach is between AU$30 000 (reliable second-hand car) and AU$37 000 (new).
Please send any contributions for this fund to AMT. For more information please contact Ronald Terry on (07) 4252 6357, or the AMT office at info@amt.asn.au or on (07) 3200 5300.
JENYNS CAR FUND, August 2007
Bruce and Angela JENYNS (Philippines, DPG Day 7) are involved in work in Samar which involves a good deal of travel, and a suitable second-hand vehicle is vital for that work.
The elders of Ormeau Community Church (Qld) have requested that AMT launch a Car Fund for Bruce and Angela. The target they are aiming to reach is AU$7 000, which the Jenyns have indicated will be sufficient to purchase a reliable second-hand vehicle suitable for their needs.
Please send any contributions for this fund to AMT. Contact the AMT office at info@amt.asn.au or on 07 3200 5300.
PETERSEN CAR FUND, April 2007
Gavin and Janet PETERSEN (Brazil, DPG Day 1) are in need of replacing their aging motor vehicle. The elders of Craigmore Christian Church (SA) have lunched a Car Fund for Gavin and Janet. The target they are aiming to reach is AU$12 000, which the Petersens have indicated will be sufficient to purchase a reliable second-hand vehicle in Brazil.
Please send any contributions to:
Craigmore Christian Church
213 Yorktown Rd
CRAIGMORE SA 5114
AMT OFFICE MOVE UPDATE
December 7, 2006
AMT was hoping to move into the new Holland Park offices in November. Relying on advice given to us, we had plans drawn up and submitted for certification, only to be told in mid-November that in fact a Development Application (DA) was required for the change in use from a place of worship to offices.
As a result, it may be several months before the move can take place. This should not cause any disruption to AMT operations, however frustrating the situation may be. Please pray for an extension to our current lease and for a quick and positive response to our DA. Pray for wisdom and understanding in our dealings with council and neighbours.
LEBANON-ISRAEL CRISIS
August 10, 2006
AMT has been able to source through Echoes of Service (UK) the following information from a Brethren worker in Israel. We have received the following information:
As far as is known, the believers are safe but the situation in Haifa, Nahariya and many Galilee Arab villages is very dangerous. The last rocket in Haifa landed just 20 metres from where some believers were having their Sunday meeting, but none were hurt. Many rockets are landing in the area near Bethesda Assembly.
Life is somewhat restricting as it is not wise to travel around the north. Tourism has come to a complete halt, many businesses are collapsing or on hold, children’s camps and summer activities were cancelled and it is not sure if the schools will be able to open on September 1.
Please pray for the safety of all the believers there - including some serving in the army, and for their testimony at this time of fear and insecurity.
Pray for an end to the conflict – the believers feel for the people in Lebanon too and pray for them regularly.
August 3, 2006
AMT has had correspondence passed on from an elder of the Ashrafieh assembly in Beirut regarding the current crisis between Lebanon and Israel. They have been able to give us the following information:
So far, none of the brothers and sisters in Christ have been injured or killed, and no assembly buildings have been hit in the attacks. However, due to the damage done to bridges and roads, travelling has been made very difficult, and many Christians are finding it difficult to attend the normal church services.
Furthermore, many Christians from the southern suburbs of Beirut (which has been most badly affected) have been forced to flee for their safety, and are seeking refuge with relatives or with other Christians, which has created some pressure on the church.
Added to this, all business has ceased, and most of the Christians are unable to earn their regular wages through their work. Prices of essential items such as food, petrol and medicine have soared due to demand and limited supply, which is putting further stress and pressure on the Christians.
The church is struggling to cope with this unexpected crisis, and therefore a fellowship gift from the churches in Australia would do a great deal to help these churches through such difficult times.
AMT has opened the Disaster Relief fund for all churches and individuals to make an offering of fellowship for their brothers and sisters in Lebanon. Please remember these believers in your prayers – often in the Middle East, Christians get caught between clashes and violence. Pray that they will be able to endure this crisis through the Lord’s strength, and that they will maintain a strong witness to those around them during this time.
CYCLONE LARRY
March 30, 2006
In the aftermath of the devastation wrought on Innisfail by Cyclone Larry, AMT has had calls with regards to disaster relief. Stewards Foundation is the organisation that administers local and national relief, so please contact Stewards directly on 02 9747 1351 or via fax on 02 9744 1145. Click to read Stewards circular letter. AMT was involved in fund allocation for the South Asia tsunami relief because we had workers in some of the affected areas.
TSUNAMI RELIEF FUND UPDATES
September 27, 2005
The Tsunami Fund has now closed.
On behalf of all those who benefited from the generous outpouring of gifts from the Australian Brethren, AMT would like to thank all who made donations to the tsunami fund. These gifts have really been a great provision to the many believers living in devastated areas. We received well above what we had budgeted for, and the assistance to the projects we supported was beyond expectations. Any further donations to this fund will be placed into the general Disaster Fund for the aid of those affected by future disasters.
April 26, 2005
The following amounts have been disbursed so far by AMT:
$75 000 to Calvary Centre in Galle, Sri Lanka
$75 000 to Bethesda Hall in Colombo, Sri Lanka
$50 000 to GLO for Nias, Indonesia
$25 000 to Stewards Association of India for Kanyakumari, South India
$20 000 to Phuket, Thailand
January 4, 2005
Like most people, we at AMT were shocked to hear of the sheer enormity of the catastrophe that has been caused by the earthquake and resulting tsunami in Asia. The death toll continues to rise, and many have been asking us what they can do to be a blessing to those who have lost so much during the last week.
We have also had many people contacting us, asking if our own workers in the area have been affected.
Firstly, be assured that none of AMT's workers have been directly affected by this disaster. Russell and Ruth Keanalley (Thailand, DPG 04/05 Day 20) were in Brisbane at the time. They have had contact with churches in Phuket. We have also had contact from David and Tina Cannon (Thailand, DPG 04/05 Day 20), and they are safe. We are continuing to receive reports from those indirectly associated with AMT.
AMT has opened a disaster fund for the aid of those affected by the flooding and destruction. This fund will be administered so as to provide benefit to those who are suffering from this disaster. We will be distributing this aid through reliable contacts that we have in the region.
Donations to AMT's fund can be made by cheque (please include a brief statement with the cheque noting that it is for the Tsunami disaster), by credit card (this can be done over the phone on 07 3200 5300) and by electronic transfer (please contact AMT for more details).
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