A smile than words that speaks stronger - Good news and great joy - Wesley Mission
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Christmas 2017
A smile
that speaks stronger
than words
ParentsNext
Good news
and great joy
Home by Christmas
Helping to
mend hearts
and minds
Wesley Impact! Hello
04
Christmas 2017
Hello
Corrie ten Boom was a Dutch watchmaker and a Christian
who helped many Jews escape the Holocaust in Europe
Features during World War II. Corrie and others were gaoled for
their actions and her life inspired a movie. Later, she
A smile that speaks stronger than words.... 04 authored many books and spoke of her Christian faith
throughout the world.
Good news and great joy for Paula
at Christmas ............................................. 08 During her time in gaol, her faith matured and deepened despite
“We can often
experiencing terrible treatment and seeing awful atrocities. Yet
Helping to mend hearts and minds through it all she maintained a strong sense of hope and an abiding
impacted by trauma................................... 10 love of God and others.
She also developed a profound appreciation of Christmas and God’s forget that the
Regulars
greatest gift
gift to all people—Jesus Christ: “Who can add to Christmas?” she
wrote. “The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. The perfect
10
Hello.......................................................... 03 gift is that He gave His only Son.”
we can offer
08
Wordwise................................................... 12 During Advent, as we busily buy gifts and search for the ‘perfect
Wesley News..............................................14
present’, we can often forget that the greatest gift we can offer others
is the love that is found in Jesus Christ. This is at the centre of all we others is the love
that is found in
do in both Word and deed at Wesley Mission, not only at Christmas,
but throughout the entire year. It is the Christmas gift that keeps giving
Contact because it is anchored in God’s unchangeable and unshakeable love.
Executive Editor: Rev Keith V Garner, AM It is a love that broke into this world in the form of a small baby born
in a stable and who remains pivotal to all of life as He continues to
Jesus Christ.”
Superintendent/CEO
bring meaning and purpose to people today.
Editor: Graeme Cole
Writer: Graeme Cole, Esther Pinn, Rich Beeston In this edition of Wesley Impact! you will read of people who have
“Prepare the been impacted by the gift of God’s love. Paula, a sole parent, who,
Design: Sally Ryan, Clarissa Cowan way for the Lord, raising two children on her own, thought she would never be able to
Project Manager: Elizabeth Leow, Stephanie Lockton make straight provide gifts for her children this Christmas until our ParentsNext
Photography: Mandy Magurren, Tim Pascoe, paths for him.” program helped her find a job and our Wesley Vocational Institute
Luke Reynolds John 1:13 provided training to make it a reality. It turned her life around and
has given her great joy and a reason to rejoice.
Printing: Finsbury Green Wordwise Vijay, a member of one of our many congregations, has a personal
12
faith anchored in a love of God and others. This love has given him
220 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000 strength during testing times, including extended unemployment, and
PO Box A5555, Sydney South NSW 1235 has spurred him on to serve others in need in the heart of Sydney.
(02) 9263 5555
communications@wesleymission.org.au As we journey through Advent and some of us gather with family and
wesleymission.org.au friends on Christmas Day, let us be mindful that God’s ‘perfect gift’
Superintendent/CEO: Rev Keith V Garner, AM is at the centre of our celebrations and that this love will be with
us throughout 2018.
Wesley Mission is a part of the Uniting Church
in Australia. May this Christmas prove to be a real blessing to you and
Wesley Impact! is the magazine of Wesley Mission, those you love.
14
Sydney, and is a member of the Australasian Religious
Press Association. Articles from the magazine may be
reprinted with the permission of the publisher.
“I baptise you with water,
but he will baptise you with Rev Keith V Garner, AM
the Holy Spirit.” Superintendent/CEO
Mark 1:8 Wesley Mission
2 3
Wesley Impact! A smile that speaks stronger than words Wesley Impact! A smile that speaks stronger than words
A smile that speaks
stronger than words
The smile and warm greeting says it all: Vijay Singh is one of
the many faces you find providing a welcome to the Wesley
Mission Centre in the heart of Sydney. He is there each
Sunday greeting people as they come to church or during
the week as they seek food and comfort. He will be
there on Christmas Day as people come to worship.
He also volunteers in a Wesley Mission last couple of years, he’s very
program that helps school students persistent… and he keeps going.
and corporate teams understand what For him that is his greatest strength.”
it’s like to live on the margins and how
After losing his job of 28 years, Vijay
to cope with the daily proposition of
was at a crossroad. Spending a large
going without. Little do they know that
portion of his career as a mechanical
Vijay has the lived experience of such
engineer, Vijay struggled to keep up
insecurity: a man who was jettisoned
with the rapid changes within his
from corporate life and struggled
industry and was unprepared when his
with the indignity of long-term
role was made redundant.
unemployment but who still firmly
believes in a God “who works all “I’d been in a very high-profile job as
things together for the good of those general manager,” Vijay said. “I had 100
who love him…” (Romans 8:28) employees, but the technology was
All that Vijay does is driven by an changing and I was out of a job. This is
abiding desire to love God and the nature of the industry.
others, even when life takes a turn “To hear that after 28 years where I put
for the worst. my life and soul to the place, where I
As his daughter, Natasha retold the think I’ve sacrificed my personal time as
story of her father’s experience of well as my family time, to start from
unemployment on an SBS Insight humble beginnings, I thought I [would]
program in October, he sat next to her be a part of the company until I retire.”
beaming a smile that spoke stronger Unsure of his next step, Vijay’s life
than words. suddenly took an upturn when Lucy
Tears streamed down Natasha’s face Parker, coordinator of Wesley Connect
on that night. Under the studio lights, asked him to volunteer his skills.
she could not contain her emotion or Being a member of Wesley
the love she has for her dad. She International Congregation for more
wasn’t planning on crying on national than 15 years, Vijay was already familiar
television, but as emotion stirred in her with the wider work of Wesley Mission “All that Vijay does is driven by an abiding
voice, tears flowed.
and relished the opportunity to be part desire to love God and others, even when
“He’s a very positive person,” Natasha of a team providing food, care and
said. “What I’ve gotten from it from the comfort to people who are homeless or life takes a turn for the worst.”
4 5
Wesley Impact! A smile that speaks stronger than words Wesley Impact! A smile that speaks stronger than words
at risk of homelessness “Moving forward, I would like to work Vijay’s passion for working in the helping people came from his
in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. full-time until I’m 70 years old and welfare sector, practically helping personal journey to discover ‘a
after that do some part-time work those most in need, also extends to place to belong’. Experiencing
Since August 2016, Vijay has been
and spend more time in charity supporting people spiritually. Every the struggles migrants face when
building positive and warm
organisations, because I believe Sunday, Vijay stands at the doors of adapting to a new country and
relationships with those who walk
they do wonderful work,” he said. the Wesley Centre, greets people as culture has helped him in his
through Wesley Connect’s doors,
“And I think it’s a great feeling I they enter the building and answers ministry of hospitality and
offering spiritual support through
get to help people.” questions about the church services welcoming.
prayer and providing them with
and community service programs
much-needed food. Natasha has noticed how her Wesley International Congregation
offered by Wesley Mission. As
Senior Pastor, Andrew Chin, said
“What Wesley Connect is about is father’s optimism has grown and Projects and Ministry Officer, Vijay
Vijay’s earnest and friendly nature
we care,” Vijay said. “It’s not just the his fresh perspective. believes his role is vital to introducing
immediately connected with people.
food or drink we provide. I think Wesley Mission to the community.
“Now he’s saying, ‘I want to go into
people come there because they feel “Having a warm, genuinely loving
community work and I want to work “The first impression is very important
comfortable with us. It’s a home away and welcoming person in Vijay—
with helping people’,” she said. “He’s about the church,” Vijay said. “The
from home. Yes, their home may be it’s so real and authentic,” Andrew
done a 360 in terms of career choices. role is to be in the front and be a
the street, but it is a place where they said. “That’s why Vijay’s role is so
I think he gets a bit more fulfilment welcoming person for the whole
can feel comfortable. They can feel Vijay’s family remains a source of support as does his Wesley Mission ‘family’. important. People, no matter who
from helping others because he’s church. So anybody who walks in that
that there’s a family. They can share they are, even if they don’t know a
always had a very generous heart, a church, not necessarily going to the
their small joys with us.” food and care products to give to “I always believe, being a Christian, single person, even though they
very open and loving heart and I think church, I need to engage and advise,
those who walk through the doors of that you have to go through trials and feel different to other people, we
Passionate about Wesley Mission’s direct or give information. So I engage
it’s best suited for him in that welfare don’t want them to feel out of
Word and deed ministry, Vijay sought Wesley Connect this Christmas. tribulations and I think when that is with them and try and highlight what
area. Unfortunately, it took something place. That’s what I love about
further volunteering opportunities. He over you need to say, ‘I needed to go Wesley Mission does.”
“Christmas is a time to do something quite bad and negative to happen to Wesley Mission—anyone can
found himself co-hosting the Wesley through that journey’,” he said. “I was
special.” said Vijay. “It’s about that him to realise this is the direction he Migrating from Fiji when he was just find home there and not feel out
Homeless Food Challenge where very fortunate I did not get depressed.
giving spirit. At the end of the day, wants to go in.” 18-years-old, Vijay said his passion for of place.”
corporate and school groups are
you’ve made a difference to “Fortunately, I had my family support,
challenged to buy three days’ worth
somebody’s life in some small way”. which was very strong, as well as my
of food with just $10 dollars each. All
spiritual family from church and people
food and care products purchased For Vijay, his volunteering experience
from my Bible study group. They all
A rich celebration of culture
through the program are donated to with Wesley Disability Services has
Wesley Connect. support you. And you know that they
significantly impacted his life. Vijay
don’t let you fall into that gap.”
“I think volunteering in my opinion is says his eyes were opened to the
a joyful experience,” Vijay said. “All challenges faced by people with Natasha said it has been important
my life I think I wanted to make a disability, after taking them on for her father to connect with other
If you walk into either Wesley “It encourages a sense of multiculturalism
difference to a person in any way recreational field trips. While Vijay has like-minded people who support and
International Congregation and embracing the fact that we are
I can. My God-given gift is to make sacrificially given so much of his time, pray for him.
service in Ryde or Sydney’s CBD on different—something that brings the
a difference in people’s lives.” he says volunteering at Wesley Mission
Vijay’s faith, his Christian community a Sunday, it’s not uncommon to find community together. I think it also
has altered his perspective on life.
During the last 16 months Vijay has and positive attitude towards the at least 40 different nationalities and reflects the early church and gospel.
offered his expertise to Wesley “While on this journey I’m taking, I future has urged him on throughout almost 600 people worshipping There’s something about Jesus and the
Mission’s property and marketing think it is part of God’s plan,” he said. his search for work. Since his role was together across both locations. gospel which is meant for all people, no
teams. He also acquired clothing “Yes, times are hard. I’ve gone from made redundant, Vijay has kept busy matter what their background is, and I
Andrew Chin, Senior Pastor
donations that were sold at Wesley having a large salary, a company car developing new skills, through think that is really precious that we have
Wesley International Congregation,
Fair—an annual fete that raised funds and having a corner office, and then completing a variety of courses, that. It means that people can find a
who has been in full-time ministry
this year for Wesley Connect. Vijay is out to nothing. including a Certificate IV in Aged Care. home more easily where they can
with Wesley Mission since 2004
currently organising donations of toys, explore their faith.”
“I think I may be going through a “He’s putting all his energy and time and overseeing both Wesley
“All my life I think I storm in one way, but I think God and effort into making that a reality International Congregation services Andrew said a warm welcome remains
wants me to work in this space so [a new job], whether that’s through since October 2015, is passionate at the heart of all Wesley International
wanted to make a I can help people.” additional study or talking to managers about creating a space where Congregation’s ministry—whether it’s in
difference to a person Faith is crucial to Vijay’s life. Throughout
trying to get his foot into the door,” everyone is welcome, no matter Word or deed. He is looking forward to “I love seeing Jesus at work in people’s
Natasha said. “He just wants to soak their background.
in any way I can. My this period of unemployment, Vijay says more opportunities where his lives to restore them and to reconcile
up as much knowledge as he can.” them to himself and to each other,”
God-given gift is to that his Christian community from the “We’re not trying to assimilate, we’re congregation can work with other
Wesley International Congregation has Vijay said volunteering at Wesley here to celebrate,” Andrew said. Wesley Mission congregations and he said.
make a difference in been his support. And they help to Mission has improved his skills and “I think there’s a richness in the way Wesley Community Services to help Visit wesleymission.org.au/
people’s lives...” keep him smiling. influenced his potential career choices. that we learn from each other. make a difference in their communities. congregations for more information.
6 7Wesley Impact! Good news and great joy Wesley Impact! Good news and great joy
Paula’s path to employment began
with a visit to Wesley Mission’s
ParentsNext in Wyong, a program
designed to help parents successfully
enter or re-enter the workforce by the
time their children start school.
The initiative gives parents access to
a range of practical activities and
services in the local community, from
training opportunities and career
advice, to parent support groups,
Working together for good: WVI’s Len Grahame (left) and ParentsNext Nikki Irwin (right)
assistance with writing resumes and with Paula at her new place of work.
even providing transport to attend
an interview. Len sensed something special about permanent role at her workplace.
But after years of struggling as a single Paula’s passion and determination for “When Paula first arrived at WVI, I
mum, Paula arrived at ParentsNext a role in aged care.
could tell she felt nervous and a bit
without much hope that anything “We had a formal interview with two intimidated by everything that was
would change. managers from the facility and me. going on,” Len said. “She had no
“I was referred to ParentsNext by I asked Paula a few questions about training and no qualifications. All she
Centrelink, but to be honest I didn’t what she’d like to do in the future,” had was the determination to create
expect to get much out of my first Len said. a better life.
day at the program because of my After the consultation the employer “Over the course of her study and
family situation,” Paula said. “Being a selected her to undertake a Wesley work placement, she has really grown
sole parent and having a child with Workforce Development Training in confidence. Now she stands tall
special needs can make finding Course. and sees a real future for herself and
employment difficult.” her children. It’s been quite a
“I could tell she was very determined
Despite Paula’s initial hesitation, Nikki to find employment and so I quickly remarkable transformation!”
Irwin from ParentsNext sat down with organised for her to train on-site with Paula said she was thankful for the
her and explained all the ways the a local aged care provider as she support shown by everyone–from her
program could assist her family. As studied for her Certificate III in family through to Len, Nikki and the
Nikki shared the options available, Individual Support,” Len said. team at ParentsNext.
Paula noticed a flyer offering the
Juggling the demands of her training, “Without my family and ParentsNext,
opportunity to train in aged care.
while also caring for her children, was I wouldn’t be where I am now,” Paula
“I nearly jumped out of the chair when always going to be difficult for Paula. said. “I wouldn’t have had this
I saw the opportunity to train in aged opportunity. This job will change
However, when she told her extended
care,” Paula said. everything for our family. Plus, it will
family about the opportunity, they
“It’s the job I’ve always wanted. I love offered to do everything they could to improve my emotional and mental
Good news and great joy
being able to help people who really help her succeed. Paula’s father even wellbeing and help me be a good role
need it and put a smile on their face took annual leave from his own job in model for my kids.”
if I can.” aged care to look after the two
for Paula at Christmas
children while Paula studied and ParentsNext is currently open to
With the help of Nikki and the team
attended her work placement. parents of children aged five years and
at ParentsNext, Paula was invited to
attend an interview with Wesley “I have an amazing family and younger, who have not undertaken
Vocational Institute (WVI) just a few everyone helped me with school paid work in the last six months and
days later to discuss future possibilities drop-offs and looking after the kids,” live in either the Bankstown or Wyong
It will be a different Christmas in Paula It is has become a tangible message
of good news and great joy. and employment goals. Paula said. “Having that circle of local government areas. The program
Hawkshaw’s household this year. A phone After a lengthy–and often difficult– It was there she met Wesley Training
people offering their help so I could has supported 2,108 families across
call from an employer offering her a new journey as a single mum of two, Group Manager, Len Grahame,
complete the course made it all
happen. It was a real team effort.”
both locations as parents prepare to
re-enter the workforce.
job has proved pivotal in giving her hope including a child with additional
needs, Paula was offered the job
who is tasked with choosing suitable
candidates for the training and Paula worked incredibly hard To find out more, visit
and delight to her family. of her dreams in aged care. offering work placements with throughout her training. Len Grahame wesleymission.org.au or
local employers. was not surprised she was offered a call 1300 911 486.
8 9Wesley Impact! Home by Christmas Wesley Impact! Home by Christmas
Home by Christmas
Helping to mend hearts “PTSD can affect
anyone whose
and minds impacted life or wellbeing
has been under
by trauma threat or who has
witnessed trauma.”
When young men went to fight in a new war, they were often
sent under the false adage ‘you will be home by Christmas.’
The sad reality is that wars always found lamenting the changed state of veterans’ mental health issues may
lasted years longer than expected her husband, Hotspur, who had just not be identified until months or even
and for most soldiers a joyous returned from war and was showing years after serving. The figures from
December homecoming was signs of irritability, withdrawal, the Department of Veteran Affairs
It is usually associated with negative effective treatment requires a well- Wesley Hospital at Ashfield and
never a reality. nightmares and depression. (DVA) 2015 show that of the 147,318
beliefs or expectations about oneself, trained clinician.” Kogarah has the expertise to offer
Later, service people would often In recent decades, PTSD has veterans with one or more
others, or the world in general and Dr Kearney said treatment usually TF-CBT for both individuals and
return home with the scars of battle. become a much more recognised recognised mental health conditions,
negative thoughts about the cause or began with counselling rather than groups.
Some of these were outwardly psychological condition. Wesley 31,501 had been diagnosed with with
consequences of the traumatic medication, as it is “the first solution
visible, but many were emotional, Hospitals at Kogarah and Ashfield PTSD; however, these numbers Additionally, The Veterans and
events that leads to blaming yourself to the problem.”
mental and spiritual wounds that took are one entity of only 17 hospitals have been questioned by the RSL Veteran’s Families Counselling
asserting that the potential number of or others, persistent negative trauma-
time to heal. Some were never across Australia which are approved “The Australian guidelines for the Service (VVCS) provides general
veterans with service-related ill-health related emotions, such as fear,
restored and suffered ongoing and providers of PTSD specialised care. treatment of PTSD recommend that individual, couple and family
could be significantly higher. horror, anger, guilt or shame, loss of
life-changing trauma. Governments of all persuasions have sufferers should be offered trauma- counselling to veterans and their
interest in activities and life in general,
recognised the importance and Dr John Kearney has been at the focussed cognitive behavioural families. VVCS helps people with
Today, Posttraumatic Stress a feeling of detachment from others
efficacy of PTSD treatment and are frontline of PTSD counselling at therapy (TF-CBT),” he said. war and service-related mental
Disorder (PTSD) has been given a and a difficulty in expressing emotions.
backing it with greater support. Wesley Hospital since 1999. He is the health conditions, such as PTSD,
new status in the pantheon of mental These can lead to low self-esteem, “Thus, TF-CBT strategies are
Director of Psychological Services for anxiety, depression, sleep
health and while it has been a A new generation of veterans from depression and problems holding a job derived from behavioural and
recognised term since 1980, it is only Iraq and Afghanistan–and their Wesley Hospital Kogarah, and cognitive theories. These are short- disturbance and anger.
or maintaining relationships.
in the past decade or so that the families–demand more. It is no longer also oversees Wesley’s War Veteran term, structured psychological Dealing with traumatic experiences
government and community have acceptable to suffer in silence; Services and is an acknowledged “People suffering from trauma-related
interventions that aim to address the is painful for anyone, but it is critical
moved beyond old perceptions and however, PTSD can affect anyone leader in his field with strong working mental health issues, and PTSD in emotional, cognitive and behavioural to healing and to the hope of a
the disorder has been given the whose life or wellbeing has been relationships with several leading particular, tend to present with a symptoms resulting from exposure promising future. Pain held captive
mainstream attention that depression under threat or who has witnessed universities. He has also consistently complex array of symptoms, and indeed to traumatic events.” in silence is pain never freed. Pain
and anxiety have experienced. trauma. PTSD counselling has run PTSD programs for non-military a fluctuating course of symptoms,’
Sufferers learn ways to confront and that can be expressed in a place
extended to police and emergency people at Kogarah. Dr Kearney said. “Therefore, it can be
In the past, people spoke of service deal with painful memories, thoughts of acceptance and grace is pain
service workers, to sufferers of difficult to gain an accurate diagnosis
men and women suffering ‘irritable People suffering from PTSD usually and images, so feelings of distress released.
abuse, and those who have been and also difficult to treat effectively.
heart’, ‘battle shock’, shell shock’, re-experienced symptoms, such as are mitigated. They also learn
involved in severe accidents reaching This is one of the reasons why PTSD “Then you will know the truth, and the
‘war neurosis’, and ‘combat avoidance, negative changes in strategies to help them return to
people not only in Sydney but on the sometimes goes unrecognised. truth will set you free” (John 8:32).
exhaustion’. The presenting thought and mood, and hyper- activities or visit places that they may
NSW North and South Coasts. “Additionally, PTSD sufferers tend to Call Wesley Hospital on
symptoms of PTSD are almost arousal leading to sleep disturbance, have avoided since the trauma and
timeless; even Lady Percy in It is often difficult to estimate the real hyper-vigilance, irritability, anger and be highly avoidant of situations and learn to use behavioural tools to help 1300 924 522 for further
Shakespeare’s King Henry IV can be numbers of people suffering PTSD as poor concentration. their symptoms, and the most them relax when anxiety intervenes. information.
10 11Wesley Impact! Wordwise Wesley Impact! Wordwise
The Good News
told by Mark with the Rev Keith V Garner, AM
Mark 1:1-8
We have come to that time breathless messenger who is eager to on good news. Quite the contrary,
make an unexpected announcement.” 1 repentance is the required attitude
of the year which is hard to better discerned than in John’s Gospel, coming as One full of the Holy Spirit. In this season of Advent, as we prepare
for us to be able to receive the good
hold back–the seasons of From the outset, Mark presents Jesus where from the lips of John the Baptist Like John the Baptist before us, our ourselves for the celebration of
news that God is offering to us in
as the ‘Son of God’. People are amazed we read: “He must become greater; Christmas, we must ensure that we
Advent and Christmas. Jesus Christ. role is to “Prepare the way for the Lord”
at his authority and power; he will tell I must become less.” (John 3:30). (v.3). This may have a wide range of keep our focus on the things that matter
I have chosen not to the story simply and keep his narrative One of the great themes for all Christian implications for us and will posit most. In this opening chapter of Mark’s
concentrate on the familiar moving along rapidly. In his Bible Guide, thinking is that of the good news of Crowds gathered from great distances
Gospel, it is clear that what we have
to listen to him. Some came out of questions about our own relationship
biblical passages, but to David Hewitt describes Mark’s approach grace and forgiveness. It permeates the been given is the good news of Jesus
as like that of a fanfare, declaring “The entire Old Testament and is the striking curiosity, while others would realise that with God and the world in which we
turn to the opening words Christ. This makes best sense when we
good news starts here.” 2 note of the New Testament. It is the message of repentance was exactly must live out our Christian discipleship.
of Mark’s Gospel. Mark was understand it as a power that can bring
important to see this opening section what they needed to hear. The baptism The words of John speak with clarity about change in our lives and, hopefully,
probably the first gospel “The beginning of the good news about that John offered was an outward sign not only at one point in time, but for
of Mark’s Gospel as not merely a change in the world. In these days
Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God …” of an inner-change that God could bring those of us searching for God’s truth
writer and his good news beginning in the strictest sense, but when our news is dominated by world
(Mark 1:1) about in people’s lives. Hewitt’s today. John’s words inevitably strike
comes to us in a distinctive that which is facilitating good news in
a powerful note for his audience;
conflict, refugee crises, natural disasters
It is difficult to avoid making a all its fullness. Professor Morna Hooker, description is pertinent: “John was a and divisive perspectives on many
style. It does not begin with however, they also speak to us in a
comparison between the beginning of in her excellent commentary, makes man with burning convictions and an aspects of life, we remind ourselves that
a birth story of Jesus, such Mark’s Gospel and the opening words this point very clearly: “In fact, Mark’s uncompromising message. He was setting that we can easily identify with,
we can change; we can become new,
as we find in Matthew; it of our Bible in Genesis 1:1. Just as God purpose is clearly to set out not just the calling people back to God.” 5 Prophets because they address an unmistakable loving, hopeful, joyful human beings,
does not begin with the birth brought creation into being, now a new beginning of the good news, but the in every age feel as though they are desire for what is just out of sight. through the transforming power of God
of John the Baptist, such work of creative power is being good news itself.” 4 crying out in the wilderness. There are It is true that John’s preaching caused that we meet in Jesus Christ.
described. “The entire story is God’s many reasons why Christians may feel great excitement, but Walter Wessel
as we find in Luke’s Gospel; Now that’s a message of good news
nor does it begin in the
new work in its inception and, as this A voice crying in the that way today. The values that we makes an important point: “In Mark’s made for Christmas!
verse shows, it is concentrated firmly on wilderness – v.3 readily embrace are established in account, John’s message is very brief.
marvellous heights of John’s the person of Jesus Christ.” 3 no more than a minority of minds; Mark includes nothing of John’s
Rev Keith V Garner, AM
After Mark’s splendid introduction, we
Gospel referring to the therefore, we must be ready to declare pointed ethical admonitions to the
may almost feel surprised to find that he
beginning of time. The beginning of the quickly turns to the ministry of John the
what we believe to be important about Pharisees and Sadducees (Matthew 1. Copenhaver, Martin B, Feasting on the Word,
Gospel – v.1 Jesus Christ. Year B, Volume 1, John Knox Press, p.45
It is understandable why there might be Baptist. It would be a mistake if we fail 3:7-10), to the crowds (Luke 3:10-11)
2. Hewitt, David, Mark: Free to Follow Jesus,
a concentration for many on the infancy Mark has begun with his fanfare, but he to grasp that the whole purpose of John or to the tax collectors and soldiers Crossway, p.18
quickly turns to the ministry of John the the Baptist in the New Testament is
The real message is (Luke 3:12-14).” 6 John values Jesus 3. English, Donald, Christian Discipleship the
stories, as they fit well with our
emphasis upon children. We at Wesley Baptist. The voice of prophecy had entirely bound up in his relationship with Jesus Christ – v.8 Christ so highly that he thinks of Hard Way, Methodist Publishing House, p.11
4. Hooker, Morna D, The Gospel to St Mark,
Mission are very happy to affirm such a been silent for close to 400 years, but Jesus. He is significant not only John the Baptist did an excellent job of himself as not even worthy of untying Black’s New Testament Commentary,
focus, as you will read in sections of this now that silence is broken. John because he points forward by his words ensuring that his profile was never his sandals for him (v.7). This was Hendrickson, p.35
considered a very menial task and he 5. Hewitt, David, Mark: Free to Follow Jesus,
Wesley Impact! magazine. However, in preached a powerful message of and actions, but he is also one who higher than that of Jesus Christ. John
Crossway, p.19
Mark, the good news of the gospel repentance, which may appear to be in brings meaning and purpose into the life contrasts the baptism he was offering does not feel he is able to do this for 6. Wessel, Walter W, The Expositor’s Bible
begins, as one writer put it, “… like a complete contrast to a theme centred of the world. John’s humility is nowhere with the person of Jesus Christ, who is the Saviour of the world. Commentary, Volume 8, Regency, p.620
12 13Seeds of growth take hold during 2017 Darwin remembers loved ones and
Wesley Mission’s more than 2,000 friends lost to suicide
WAR2017_1710
staff and approximately 6,500
volunteers supported more than Darwin hosted its inaugural Wesley and to honour the memory of their The service was led by the Rev
295,000 people during the past LifeForce Memorial Service after loved ones. The message to the Steve Orme, drawing together
year, according to its 2017 Annual well-attended memorial services people of the Top End is that you participants and representatives
Report, titled Seeds of Growth. were held in Sydney and Newcastle. are not alone in your grief.” from the Uniting Church in Australia
Northern Synod, Aboriginal
In tabling the report at Wesley People from the northern city and The service heard from Vanessa
Resource and Development
Mission’s recent Annual Seeds of the Top End, who had lost loved Lowe who lost her 16-year-old son
leave a bequest
au
Meeting Wesley Mission CEO/ growth ones or friends to suicide, gathered Taylor Thomas Luck by suicide in
Services (ARDS), and Anglicare NT.
next to the azure waters of Darwin 2014. She turned her grief into The memorial service followed
NSW 2000
Superintendent, the Rev Dr Keith
South NSW 1235
eymission.org.au
ev Keith V Garner, AM
Garner, highlighted not only the Harbour to reflect upon their losses something positive, founding the a three-day Wesley LifeForce
and to hear from others who had Come Walk With Me event to Networks conference in Darwin
ey Mission is a part of the Uniting Church in Australia.
growing number of people being
Annual Report 2017 journeyed the same road. which attracted network
d you can because every life matters
assisted across its service areas, raise awareness about the impact
but also the many complex of suicide. representatives from throughout
Wesley Mission Superintendent,
Australia who shared and discussed
indd 2-4 11/10/17 11:53 am
Wesley Mission Annual Report 2017 – Seeds of growth
challenges facing both Wesley the Rev Keith Garner, who delivered Mr Garner also interviewed Kerrie
strategies on community-based
Mission and the Christian faith. Wesley Mission had also established • Wesley School for Seniors the keynote address on the day, Keepa who lost her son Christopher
responses to prevention and early
24/7 nursing care to its residential provided 90 different courses said recovery or healing from a loss by suicide in September 2014.
Suicide prevention, mental health intervention.
aged care centres and transitioned by suicide can be an extremely She also lost one brother, two
services, assistance for young • Wesley Hospitals provided
three disability accommodation difficult journey. sisters and a nephew to suicide.
people and disability services 19,360 nights of care.
homes from CatholicCare to Wesley Kerrie is passionate about suicide
had grown substantially during the “The process of mending a broken
Mission. It is also now providing Dr Garner said there were no easy awareness and prevention, founding
past year as new programs were heart does not take a week, a
psychology students from Western answers to solving homelessness, the ‘SOS Fast’ (Survivors of Suicide
developed and embraced. month or a year, but a lifetime,”
Sydney University with formal yet underlined the importance of Fighting Against Suicide Toll).
Mr Garner said.
“Wesley LifeForce; it is of great joy workforce training in mental health, remaining committed to the cause Reflective songs and performances
to me that our funding was renewed disability and related fields following and advocating for those who have “The road to healing is not only
by Rev Basil Schild and Adam
and with ongoing expansion of the signing of a partnership during the little or no voice. long, but can be bumpy with many
Scriven provided a fitting ambience.
our networks across Australia,” year. obstacles in the way; however, by
He also identified a number of Those attending the service had the
Dr Garner told the Annual Meeting. drawing upon inner resources and
Other key highlights of the 2017 challenges, including an ageing opportunity to cast a bright
“It combines our Christian witness by being in touch with our feelings,
Annual Report include: population, many of whom have sunflower into Darwin Harbour in
with our operations. Up to the end we can find an appropriate attitude
inadequate funds to plan for the memory of their loved one or friend.
of the last year, Wesley Mission had • Wesley Homeless Services to the past, the present and the
supported 3,963 people future, the pressures upon family life, future. The Wesley LifeForce Other individuals and families
helped establish 72 community-
experiencing homelessness and the complex challenges of Memorial Service is an opportunity left messages of love and
based suicide networks across
mental health, the changing nature to provide comfort to those remembrance on the Wesley
Australia, including 14 Aboriginal • ParentsNext program supported
of the Sydney CBD and the often bereaved by suicide to help reduce LifeForce Memorial Wall. Darwin Harbour, site of the city’s first
and Torres Strait Islander networks.” 2,108 families as parents prepared
selective outsourcing of work from the stigma associated with suicide Counsellors offered support. memorial service.
to re-enter the workforce
He also noted that a number of governments to the non-
new partnerships had been • Some 61 mothers and their children government sector.
Christmas services
established with primary health assisted through Mums and Kids
“We shall need to discover new
networks, including a significant Matter
ways to name the Name of Jesus
network covering Western NSW • 53 young people supported through Christ,” he said. “We must not be
Indigenous mental health funding the innovative Wesley Take Charge lulled into the thought that, because
Please join us as we celebrate the birth of Jesus
based in Dubbo. of Your Life program
and the real meaning of the season
we are engaged in very effective
“During this past year, we have Christmas Eve – Sunday 24 December
• Wesley Dalmar organised care for community services work, this Multiple locations and languages –
seen the successful transition of and supported 801 children alone is our Christian witness. see wesleymission.org.au for details
our disability staff and workers to Far too many agencies have
• Wesley Community Housing Christmas Day – Monday 25 December 10 am
the NDIS model,” Dr Garner said. found themselves drawn by that Wesley Theatre, 220 Pitt Street, Sydney
“Disability Employment Services supported 314 tenancies
temptation. The Person of Jesus A combined service conducted in English,
followed by a simple morning tea wesleymission.org.au
has been rolled out in the • 300 clients received their Christ remains at the heart of
Newcastle area.” NDIS plans our work.”
14 15Encouraging results from world-first World tuning in to new and inspiring
research trial at Wesley Hospital Wesley Mission radio program
A trial conducted on patients at “Not only was Ketamine well- A new and inspiring Christian radio It also airs at 8.10 am Sundays
Wesley Hospital Kogarah tolerated by participants, with program is hitting the airwaves on United Christian Broadcasters
suggests Ketamine is effective as none experiencing severe or across Australia and the globe. UCB 2 on the “It’s Sunday with Abi
an antidepressant when delivered problematic side effects, but Gregory” show. People can listen
Wesley Impact! radio is a fresh
to elderly patients in repeated giving the treatment by a simple on UCB and Australian radio stations.
and encouraging program
intravenous doses. subcutaneous injection (a small
produced by Wesley Mission United Kingdom listeners
Researchers from the University injection under the skin) was
Sydney featuring music, a Bible can listen via national DAB, by
of NSW and Black Dog have also shown to be an acceptable
reading and a heartfelt and downloading UCB Player for
completed the world’s first method for administering the
inspiring gospel message from iOS/Android or online at
randomised control trial (RCT) drug in a safe and effective way,”
Wesley Mission Superintendent, ucb.co.uk/player
assessing the efficacy and safety Professor Loo said.
the Rev Keith Garner.
of Ketamine as a treatment for Participants received increasing International listeners can only
Mr Garner’s message follows listen via UCB UK website at
depression in elderly patients at doses of Ketamine over a period
the lectionary readings calendar ucb.co.uk/player. There is a 28-day by Mr Garner and suitable for a
the hospital in Southern Sydney. of five weeks with doses optimised
and draws on examples of the catch-up available on both UCB music format station. David Taviner,
The results, published in the for each individual participant using Dr Colleen Loo: promising results comprehensive and significant Word Player app and online. Head of Radio, UCB said the short
American Journal of Geriatric a new dose titration approach from research at Wesley Hospital.
and deed work of Wesley Mission. ten-minute magazine-style program
Psychiatry, provide preliminary developed by Professor Loo’s The program is also uploaded onto perfectly suits one of its two
Sydney research team and The radio program is broadcast
evidence suggesting Ketamine’s when seeking treatment for the the Wesley Mission website and national Christian radio stations.
collaborators. on the East Coast of Australia on
effectiveness as an antidepressant condition. Many medications may can be listened to via Soundcloud
94.9 Rhema FM Central Coast at “The blend of music and a down-
when delivered in repeated As part of the double-blind, cause more side effects or have every Sunday morning at the
6 am Sunday, 99.9 Rhema FM to-earth, practical Bible-based
intravenous doses. placebo-controlled trial, an active lower efficacy as the brain ages,” above address.
Port Macquarie at 8 am Sunday message is the ideal start to
Led by a team of researchers from control treatment, which causes said co-author Dr Duncan George and 91.9 1 Way FM Canberra at UCB approached Wesley Mission Sunday for Christian listeners,”
UNSW Sydney and Black Dog sedation similar to Ketamine, was from UNSW. 9 am Sunday. requesting a radio program hosted Mr Taviner said.
Institute, the trial tested different used to substitute for one of the
Dr Duncan said the results
Get inspired for mission this Christmas
doses of Ketamine among 16 treatment sessions. Researchers
indicated a dose titration method
older-age participants (aged over monitored for mood and other
may be particularly useful for
60 years) who had treatment- side effects after each treatment
older patients, as the best dose WESLEY MISSION
session.
Communications and Fundraising
220 Pitt Street Sydney NSW 2000
resistant depression administered
PH. (02) 9263 5555 FAX. (02) 9267 1022
DIRECT. (02) 9263 5330
was selected for each individual
JOB No. CS1659
FILE NAME: CS1659_DVD_external_slick6.
indd
PROJECT MANAGER: Juliet Greentree
at Wesley Hospital.
CLIENT: Fran Avon
Following the RCT, participants also person to maximise Ketamine’s In John Wesley – The man and his mission,John KeithWesley Garner
DESIGNER: David
John
DATE: 2.05.13
VERSION: 2
COLOUR: CMYK
John Wesley The man and his mission
FLAT SIZE: 183 mm x 273 mm
received 12 Ketamine treatments in benefits while minimising its shares powerful insights from one of the world’s most
The man and his mission
“These findings take us a big step An award-winning film presented by Keith Garner
Claim your
influential Christian leaders. You’ll discover: Wesley
Journey throughout England and follow
an open-label phase to investigate adverse side effects.
the story of one of the most influential
forward as we begin to fully
people who ever lived.
FREE bonus
From a childhood upbringing in the small
town of Epworth in the north of England
the effectiveness of multiple doses • John Wesley’s humble beginnings
to a scholarly education at Oxford
understand the potential and
University, and from humble beginnings
in Bristol to an influential base in London, John Wesley’s The man
“These results are a promising DVD!
influence is still felt, though not completely recognised, today.
• His pathway to becoming a world-changing leader
Discover the makings of a man who travelled the length and
and his
of Ketamine.
breadth of England more than any other, who was able to
limitations of Ketamine’s
influence the poor, the middle class and the leaders of his day,
and who is widely regarded as one of the most influential
early piece of the puzzle, but the
figures in world history.
mission
• How his legacy can inspire for your mission.
The work of John Wesley spread throughout the world and
today, hundreds of years after his death, still influences social
antidepressant qualities,’ said lead
justice, politics and religion around the world.
By the six-month follow-up, 43 per risks of Ketamine use are still not
DVD9
Presented by Keith Garner
Running time:
55 minutes Dual layer
Layer transition may
Aspect: 16:9 Audio format: trigger a slight pause.
stereo
Conversations with influential performers
Perspectives on faith and entertainment
author UNSW Professor Colleen
Conversations with world class athletes
Perspectives on faith and sport
CREDITS
Order for just $19.95 and we’ll include a FREE Wesley
BONUS FEATURES ON THIS DVD
cent of participants (seven of 14)
A Wesley Mission Production
wholly understood. Future studies
Presenter: Keith Garner
John Wesley’s interactive timeline Producer/Director: Richard Attieh
and historical events Director of Photography: Mick Eady
Editor: David Forsyth
John Wesley sermons delivered Graphic Design: David Beattie
Loo, the Medical Director of ECT
by Keith Garner © Wesley Mission, 2012. All rights reserved.
Perspectives on faith Presented by Perspectives on Presented by
Impact DVD. Choose from:
CS1659JUN12
Rev Keith Garner, AM
and entertainment Rev Keith Garner, AM
who completed the RCT had
faith and sport
with greater sample sizes are
Conversations with Perspectives on faith and entertainment is Perspectives on faith and sport is an
an insightful and inspirational collection of Conversations with
influential performers insightful and inspirational
collection of
CS1659_DVD_external_slick6.indd 1 interviews. world class athletes 2/05/13 10:29 AM
interviews.
Series 3 Series 2
As part of Wesley Impact! TV, this collection As part of Wesley Impact! TV, this collection
at Wesley Hospital Kogarah.
of interviews looks at entertainment on the of interviews looks at the motivations and
• Faith and Leadership
stage, screen and in music and shares the drive of this unique collection of athletes
entered remission with five remitting needed to formally assess
importance of faith in the arts: who share the Christian faith:
Series 3
Series 2
Debra Byrne Nigel Benn
Singer, actress and entertainer World champion boxer
Geoff Bullock Elka Whalan
Gospel musician Dual Olympic swimmer
• Faith and Sport
Colin Buchanan Duncan Armstrong, OAM
Singer and entertainer Swimming gold medallist
at amounts below the commonly- Ketamine’s side effects, such
Credits Credits
Merelyn and David Carter
A Wesley Mission production
Presenter: Rev Keith Garner, AM Country music artists
Perspectives on faith and entertainment
A Wesley Mission production
Presenter: Rev Keith Garner, AM
Deb Lovely
Australian Weightlifter
Perspectives on faith and sport
“These results are
Producer/Director: Richard Attieh Conversations
Producer/Director: with influential performers
Richard Attieh Conversations with world class athletes
Production Manager: Christine Johnson Daniel Kay Production Manager: Christine Johnson Margaret Court, AO MBE
Editor: David Forsyth Performer and founding member of Ten Tenors Series
Editor: David 3
Forsyth Retired tennis champion Series 2
Darlene Zschech Eloise Wellings
• Faith and Entertainment.
Worship leader and singer-songwriter Featured interviews: Long distance runner Featured interviews:
Duration: approximately 52 minutes Debra Byrne52 minutes
Duration: approximately Nigel Benn
used dose of 0.5 mg/kg. Repeated as its impact on liver function,”
© Copyright Wesley Mission 2016. © CopyrightGeoff
Wesley Bullock
Mission 2016. Elka Whalan
wesleymission.org.au wesleymission.org.au
Colin Buchanan Duncan Armstrong, OAM
Merelyn and David Carter Deb Lovely
Daniel Kay Margaret Court, AO MBE
Darlene Zschech Eloise Wellings
Give the gift of inspiration this Christmas! Order now by calling
a promising early treatments also resulted in a higher Professor Loo said.
(02) 92635326 or email impacttv@wesleymission.org.au
likelihood of remission or a longer
piece of the puzzle, time to relapse with an overall
The study was a collaboration
between UNSW, Black Dog
but the risks of response and remission rate of 68.8
Institute, Royal North Shore Spend your Christmas with us
per cent for the patients receiving
Ketamine use are Ketamine treatment.
Hospital, Wesley Hospital Kogarah, Tune into Channel Nine 5:30am on Monday 25th December 17,
the Dementia Collaborative to watch the Wesley Samoan Congregation choir perform in a
still not wholly “Elderly patients with severe Research Centre and the special Wesley Impact! TV Christmas episode
understood.” depression face additional barriers University of Otago.
16 17High flying experience of a lifetime Wesley gambling counselling goes
makes an impact for life online in Hunter communities
when dealing with an eating people who Wesley Mission cares
disorder: “I’m petrified of heights for and supports each day.” Some families and individuals Newcastle. Some people, who may “Wesley Mission is delighted that it
and wanted to conquer my fear,” struggling with problem gambling have physical disabilities, can find it can provide this new and ground-
While some participants were
Steph said. “I’d only do this for often have to deal with the tyranny hard to leave home. Other people breaking service to people who are
speechless after the descent,
Wesley Mission! They have given of distance in securing the vital who are struggling financially cannot facing devastating circumstances.
Wesley Mission supporters were
me so much and I just really wanted advice and support needed to get afford the cost of commuting. Web An estimated 10 other people can
clear about their intent and acclaim:
to give back.” them out of a financial and counselling opens up a range of be negatively affected by one
Tamara Wikaruk: “I researched emotional hole. opportunities. person’s gambling problem—not
One of her anonymous donors was
all the different charities and chose only partners and family, but also
praiseworthy on social media: That’s why Wesley Mission has “Young people also find online
Wesley Mission, because I loved workmates and friends who may
“Steph, you are an amazing and introduced a new online gambling counselling more comfortable
that they focused on a lot of also need support.”
inspirational young lady. It took a lot counselling service for people in and effective.”
of guts to jump off the 47th floor of different things, especially youth as I the Port Stephens and Great Lakes It is expected that 250 clients will
have three kids myself.” areas. The new service is taking Martina said online counselling was embrace the news service during
a skyscraper, but you did it. You
advantage of web camera convenient for both the counsellor the next 12 months. To book an
should be so proud of yourself. I am Dominique Clapoudis: “I love
in awe of you!” technology to reach people who and the client. online gambling counselling
what Wesley Mission do for the
community. It is so easy to forget in have web access but cannot, “A client and counsellor can session phone (02) 4915 3688 or
Thumbs up for a cause: AMP Zip Tash who has been supported in
your day-to-day life what is really or find it difficult, to travel to a correspond or chat at a range of 1300 827 638.
Line supporting Wesley Take Charge Wesley Mission’s Take Charge of
of Your Life. going on outside.” counselling session in Newcastle. different times,” Martina said. “Too
Your Life program had been in
foster care since she was six It will add to a service which often, counsellors and clients are
Jackie Chung: “I did the juggling appointment times. Online
It was the experience of a lifetime months old. Wesley Take Charge of provides more than 600 gambling
Homeless Food Challenge with counselling provides a greater
that will empower young people for Your Life has helped her transition counselling sessions to people in
Wesley Mission and it was such an range of appointment times across
life. More than $135,000 has been from foster care to independent Newcastle and the Hunter each year.
eye-opener for me. It was mind- a larger geographical area.
raised by a group of high flyers who living by providing her with
blowing to experience what it is like Wesley Mission gambling
skittled the skies above Sydney in accommodation and support as “Some people with social phobias,
to live on so little. I am passionate counsellor, Martina Magnery,
aid of Wesley Mission’s Take she studied for a career in disability agoraphobias or anxiety disorders
about what Wesley Mission does said web counselling was easily
Charge of Your Life program and services at TAFE. may find web counselling a far
supporting those who are not in the accessible and functional.
other vital services supporting more pleasant experience. It also
young people. High above the city amid the mist best place.” “In our experience, online counselling
and gloom, her spirit was bright: overcomes some of the perceived
Darragh Monaghan: “That first overcomes barriers that can prevent
On a bleak and wet day, the Wesley “I did this for Wesley Mission, social stigma associated with
step was terrifying! It’s great fun and others from seeking support,”
Mission supporters took a leap of because they’ve helped me out attending a counselling centre.
going to a great cause, I am Martina said. “People in the Great
faith from one of the city’s tallest more than anyone has helped me Lakes and Port Stephens areas have “Other people are more open to
buildings—the AMP Centre—to delighted to partner with them.”
out before,” Tash said. to drive up to one hour or more to communicate online from their
travel at up to 40 km per hour along Ernest, AMP: “I read through all
Even Hollywood actor, Hugh attend a counselling session in own home.
a zip line to its sister building 20 the charity partner descriptions and
storeys below. They joined around Jackman, threw his support behind
his old friend, Richard Duncan, as soon as I read about the Wesley
160 participants, who were raising
during his Big Zipper fundraising Take Charge of Your Life Program I
$1 million for a number of charities
venture. Jackman encouraged his knew I had to pick Wesley Mission. I Become a foster carer for children and adolescents
as part of the AMP Foundation’s from short overnight stays to one weekend monthly,
worldwide following to support really wanted to raise money to help
25th anniversary. several weeks up to 12 months, or more.
Richard who is Wesley Mission’s support foster kids get back on
After the participants sped down
the Big Zipper line and arrived on
Volunteering Manager. their feet.”
How much support
the roof of the AMP building, they
eagerly shared the excitement of
Wesley Mission CEO, the Rev Keith
Garner, said he was delighted by
Natalie, Lifeline Sydney &
Sutherland telephone crisis can you offer?
the 125-metre burst. the breadth and diversity of support supporter: “I chose to do the zip
for the event and Wesley Mission. “It line for Wesley Mission as I have
Stephanie Tesoriero, said she been a Lifeline volunteer for three To foster the future with Wesley Dalmar,
takes courage to step out into the
wanted to return the support she call 1300 325 627 wesleymission.org.au
unknown,” he said. “It is the same years and I know how valuable the
had received at Wesley Hospital
challenging experience for the many work is that Wesley Mission does.”
18 19You can also read
