Baptism of Emma and Tamara in Canberra

On Sunday, the 23rd November, the Canberra Church of the Nazarene was privileged to witness the baptism of Emma and Tamara.
The baptismal service was held in Lake Burley Griffin. The lake is a centre piece for Canberra, the federal capital of Australia. It has many beautiful inlets. The actual baptisms were held at a scenic area of Black Mountain Peninsula.

Like much of the crazy weather we have been having in Australia, it was unseasonably cold for Canberra, which for other parts of Australia, means COLD. (Note the large jackets!)

Emma and Tamara's
grandmother
came all the way from Adelaide
for this ceremony.

The two girls each gave a short testimony before the baptism.

It was a beautiful setting in God's great creation. The black swan, only a few metres away, was one of numerous water birds that visited the event. They stayed for the whole time. As you can see, it was between Tamara and the congregation on the bank watching.

Afterwards, we sang a hymn. The baptismal service was held on the last day that Acacio was with us. We enjoyed having him with us and his guitar playing. We continue to pray for his ministry in East Timor.

Morwell Rose Spectacular

Morwell Has a spectacular Community Rose Garden right in the middle of town.
Not only is it extensive and beautiful it has some of the rarest roses in the country.

Morwell Church of the Nazarene Organised

The Sudanese community in Morwell, Traralgon and Moe under the leadership of Rev. Stephen Gathep Riek were organised into the Morwell Church of the Nazarene by District Superintendent Rev. Ian Davidson. Before coming to Australia many Sudanese became Christians through the ministry of the the church of the Nazarenes in the refugee camps of Ethiopia, where some lived for up to 15 years. Some of the members from the sponsoring Church at Wantirna, were present for the service.

Morewell Church of the Nazarene Organised

Sunday December seventh the Sudanese mission was officially organised into the Morwell Church of the Nazarene with 50 charter members and over 70 in attendance.
Rev. Stephen Gathep Riek is the founding pastor.
A large number of Sudanese refugees have moved To the towns of Morwell, Traralgon and Moe in Victoria's Latrobe Valley about 2 hours east of Melbourne in order to find affordable housing to rent. Pastor Steven has gathered many of them together to form the church. The organising service was held in St Mary's Anglican Church. St Mary's have graciously permitted the use of their building for services on Sunday afternoons. The mural behind the church platform is an original by Arthur Boyd.