Our Stories

Bairnsdale Baptist Church have been working hard since the fires hit. Youth leader, Geoff Freiberg, has been leading teams clearing up some of the properties that were devastated by the fires. He has also been co-ordinating efforts to determine the other immediate needs.

Update from Corryong

Thank you for your ongoing support! It is amazing to see that through giving, prayer and banding together, we truly are together on mission.

Click here to view the latest video update from the Bushfire appeal and our staff visit to the fire affected region of Corryong.

“So James, how do you see yourself contributing to ministry in the context of being the pastor’s husband? Several responses instantly presented themselves in my mind, some conforming to what I thought the expectations behind the question were.  There is a lot of largely invisible cultural baggage surrounding the role of a pastor’s wife and as a male I feel this acutely at times. It was this more than anything that informed my response when I paused for a second and then said, “well I don’t do scones”.

Jacob Rayment, a member of Mitcham Baptist, is the man behind the idea of the Big LAN – essentially a memorable event for local gamers.   At a time where many have lost trust in churches, it is hoped that an event like this might help participants to see Christians for who they are. But, Jacob’s vision provides a challenge for all involved. He hopes to see the church stretched beyond its usual activities to find a unique way of making itself available to the community.

As I drove up the Hume Highway with Regional Pastor Robert Hayman and Partnership Development Pastor, Andrew Naylor, I felt unsure of what we would find. The fires had burnt through Cudgewa and come right up to the edges of the Corryong township. I had spoken to the Corryong Baptist Church Pastor, Graeme van Brummelen just after New Year’s Day when the fires had caused most of the town to evacuate. What would we find?

Surrey Hills Baptist Children’s Centre (SHBCC) connects with over 120 families each year through its Kindergarten and Childcare programs. Over 250 of the children and families of the Centre attended the 2019 end of year Christmas celebration which lead to a wonderful time of outreach, from a simple conversation starter “So it’s not a made-up story? It actually happened?”

Do you give all new employees a copy of the Fair Work Information Statement? All employers are required to give it to every new employee so they are aware of their entitlements. Fair Work has recently updated the Fair Work Information Statement, so make sure you’re providing the new version.

Bushfire Appeal Update by Rev Daniel Bullock, Director of Mission & Ministries

Australia is in the midst of a devastating and unprecedented bushfire season. This comes at a time when much of our country is in drought and a hot summer.  Over 10 million hectares has been burnt, lives have been lost, communities, livestock and native animals destroyed. If you’ve been thinking about what you can do to help those affected by the Bushfires – here are some ways…