------ Forwarded message ------
From: Noel Rowlatt
nandjrow@bigpond.com
Australian Restoration News September 2017
Greetings All,
Please find attached the September 2017 Australian Restoration News.
With best wishes,
Noel Rowlatt
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AUSTRALIAN RESTORATION NEWS
SEPTEMBER 2017
Around and About the Centre Place by High Priest Paul J. Gage, Independence, Missouri
God's Blessings upon all the Saints of Australia,
I trust the good Lord God Almighty has been and continues to bless each of you in His special way, as you go through each day. I doubt there is a person in the world who does not have daily struggles in dealing with life. How marvelous it is that we have Jesus Christ as our Savior, Shepherd, Light, Life, and all the other names by which He is known. I love, so much the promise in DC 83:15 C. It tells us that there is no part of our lives that go without His watch care and protection. Also, angels around us to bear us up.
Brothers and Sisters, of all ages, don't ever forget how valuable and precious you are, as one individual, to our Lord, Jesus Christ. He knows our every struggle, doubt, fear, concern, etc. and is always true to His promise. He was praying for each of us in John 17:20. As He was praying for the disciples then, He prayed for you and me, because it says, “For them also which shall believe on Me through their word." We know the disciples, after Jesus ascended into Heaven, took the gospel to the world and the Church was established in many areas, and the rest is history. We belong to the Church of Jesus Christ today because someone shared the same gospel they had received from another and so the gospel is now to us in our day to share with all we can.
Jesus came to save us from our sins. He knew we would sin. Many times we get down on ourselves and feel unworthy. That is when we need to go to God in mighty prayer and repentance and ask forgiveness for our sins. It is a promise that when we sincerely repent, He will forgive us. I like the scripture in Philippians 1 especially verse six. Read the whole chapter and be revived in Christ. You can pull up the lyrics to this song on the net. Look for "He who began a good work in you." I also like 1st Corinthians 10:13 for the promise of Jesus. Many people misquote this verse by leaving off the last sentence. He shows us the way out of temptation. That verse is the same in the King James Version as it is in the Inspired Version, so no follower of Christ has to remain "lost," because the "way out" is to run to Jesus.
The reunion and camp season is history....His Story! Do you have a testimony of "His Story?" Share it. The Pastors of Zion Summer preaching series has also concluded. It ran from June 11 - August 13. There were some excellent sermons during the series as well as at the (In-town) reunion. Many services were live-streamed and are available for viewing.
The website is : http://www.waldoavenuerestorationbranch.org.
As you may know, the USA was "treated" to a total eclipse of the sun on Monday, August 21, 2017. It was a spectacular event, which to me, is evidence of the greatness and power of God. What made this eclipse special was that it crossed the entire country from west coast to east coast and the Centre Place was in the path of the total eclipse. I watched from my front porch. There have always been "signs and wonders" in the sky as a part of God's creative genius. That too, is now "His Story."
Centre Place Restoration School has started the fall session under the leadership of Brother Dan Schoenemann. This is his second year.
The Conference of Restoration Elders is "revving" up its Domestic Outreach Program in an attempt to make connection with the Saints throughout the USA and Canada. The country has been divided into ten regions and two elders assigned to go into each area to get input from the Saints and leaders in each region. Leo Carroll and I will be going into the Southeastern part of the USA, mainly Florida and Tennessee and other states as possible. We will be going to Kirtland, Ohio for the annual CRE Priesthood trip on September 16-17, 2017 and leaving from there. We plan to return home around October 4, 2017. We would appreciate the prayers of support from the Saints for the Kirtland trip and the Domestic Outreach efforts. Kirtland is always a very fond memory for me, because that is where I first met Brother Keith Whately in 2001.
The Publication Council of the CRE is now publishing a "Monthly Tidings of Zion." The first issue was sent out on line on August 18, 2017. Most of those in Australia, with internet, should have received it. If not, let me know and I will send it to you. Feel free to copy it and share with others. It will not replace the regular Tidings of Zion, but will serve to help keep the CRE more in touch with the Saints. We are in the process of placing it on the CRE website.
September is a very important month, for the Church, because it was September 21, 1823, that Joseph Smith Jr was visited by an angel and told about the plates, from which came the Book of Mormon. You can find Joseph's testimony of this marvelous experience in Church History, Volume 1, Chapter 2. This would be a good time for each church member to review this part of our history. If you don't have the Church History Volumes, you can pull it up on CenterPlace.org and go to the library. You have to spell Center, the American way.
The missionary groups are all still functioning. ARM has just completed another mission to Africa. Doug Smith will have an article in the next Tidings, which we hope will be in the homes by mid-September. GEM is planning a mission to Germany and possibly England this fall. Two families were in the USA in August to help Brother John Mundy celebrate his 80th birthday. A couple from England were in Independence in July and received their Patriarchal Blessings from Brother Mike Ballantyne. LAMB is active in Central America and Mexico. Seventy Juan Reyes and wife, Tina, from Mexico were with us for the (In-town) reunion. Brother Angel Castro, from Honduras was here this summer, attending the South Crysler reunion at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa.
SEAAM is planning a mission to Mindanao in the southern Philippines in October, while Murray and Delma are returning to Luzon, in the northern part, in December. There is also a mission to Nepal. The team of Elders Brian Herren, Doug Smith, and Lyle Smith leave in late August and return in mid-September. The SEAAM Board is seeking input from the Australian Saints and priesthood as to the best opportunities to plan a mission to Australia in 2018. Steve Mapes has resigned from the SEAAM Board and Jenna Clark and Jeff Morrison have been selected to fill two vacancies on the Board. I had the opportunity to visit the Belton, Missouri RB on August 20, 2017 and visited with Ray and Sheila McFarland and Dan and Lisa Schwartz. They are all doing fine. I have also been in touch with Judith Hawley recently. She is doing fine and will have an article in the next Tidings.
We regret to inform you of the passing of two stalwarts in the Restoration work. Seventy Thomas Evan "Tommie" Thomas and Elder Harold "Skip" Robison. Both passed away in August. We also extend our love and empathy to Sister Elma Grayden and family and the Saints of Australia in the passing of Brother Geoffrey Grayden, certainly also a stalwart in the Lord's work.
God bless and keep you till we meet again, or as Brother Jack Hagensen would say, Till we eat again." Either way, or both, it will be a grand reunion.
************* God’s Response to our Prayers. Submitted by Sr. Sr. Jillian Maas, Brisbane.
Dear Reader, It is cause for celebration when our prayers are answered immediately. We marvel, rejoice and praise God. And then there are the times that our prayers take time to be answered. Why? Because there are some things in life that just take time to develop. It takes time for a house to be built, hair to grow, and a baby to form in its mother’s belly. These all naturally and physically require time to develop. So it is with answers to many of our prayers. While the answer to our prayers are developing, so are we. We should be especially careful not to interfere with the development and process of such prayers. For example, when we decide to practice better eating habits to lose excess weight, we only hinder the process if we become impatient and consume sweet treats. It is the same with our prayer life, if we become impatient with waiting on God, we falter . . . and delay the answer. What do we do while we wait? We study God’s word and get to know Him better. We do what we can for God in service to others. We make ready for the answer. We praise Him for His blessings and promises We be patient. Charles Spurgeon once said “Grin and bear it is old fashioned advice, but sing and bear it is a great deal better.” The Israelites that Moses led out of Egypt are a good example of those who were not patient and hindered the success of their prayers. Their prayer was to be released from bondage. As a process in the answer to that prayer, they were given the avenue to flee from Egypt and make their way to the Promised Land in what should have been an eleven day journey (Deuteronomy 1:2). However, they hindered the answer to their prayer by growing impatient, disobedient and murmuring. Hence, the answer to their prayers were delayed by 40 years. Too often we mistakenly think that our prayers should be answered immediately. For the healing of the
sick, rebuking of evil and such, they should be. However, there are also many instances that our prayers need time and patience to manifest. Just as a farmer must wait faithfully for his or her crop to grow from planting time to harvest, so must we wait and patiently endure. God requires action on our part. “. . . Be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises . . . and after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.” Hebrews 6:12. What is the Promise? It is the answer to our prayers, our hearts desires and the promises of Abraham who talked with God. All that was his, can be ours. “But let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:4). May God grant us the patience to be faithful and patiently endure.
A Brief Tribute to the Life and Ministry of Elder Geoffrey Graydon by Elder Murray Broughton Bro. Geoffrey Graydon was born on 18th September, 1928 and passed away on 24th July, 2017. He was ordained as a Priest when he was 18 years old and came to Euroa to help Elder Harry Jacka with his missionary work. He was employed at Jacka's Dry Cleaning for a while, until Kevin Dowell took him under his wing and took him out at night shooting rabbits. He also helped at Mt. Hut Camp grounds in the early days and worked also at S.E.C. (State Electricity Commission) for many years. It pleased him as he was able to do his church work and have time off to do ministry. He was Pastor in Euroa Branch for many years. He traveled to Shepparton and one time, riding his auto bike there to give ministry, had to follow in the wake of a car and lift his legs to get through the flood water that covered the road.. Others may have turned back. Bro. Jacka once asked him to go to Kelvin View to the home of Jack and Alice Broughton to hold a service and Bro.Geoff said. “how will I get there”?. Bro.Jacka said to him,”you have a bike”; so Geoff rode there on his bike, put it under a tree; not thinking that it would be dark when he was to come home and that he would not be able to see where he had left it. Eventually he found the elusive tree and his bicycle and thus made it home. His father David Grayden gave him his inheritance and he bought his first car which he changed every two years, because of the mileage (50,0000 a year) he traveled going to Melbourne, Murrumbeena, Philip Island, Geelong, Frankston, Euroa and other places to give ministry. He once said to Mr. Baker (a Baptist minister) that he was going to Kelvin View on one foggy winter night on a road with no white lines and Mr.Baker said to him "going in these conditions, you deserve to have a good meeting with the people there tonight”. He went back to Rosebud to work at S.E.C. in Sorento and for some years travelled back to Kelvin View to give ministry. Some Sundays he returned to Rosebud after traveling 4 hours each way and had to work the next day. He served as the Pastor meeting in the homes of Sr.Elsie Crosbie for 7 years and Sr. Elaine Walker for 10 years and then 24 years in Kelvin View Hall where he serve as Pastor until his death.. Bro.Geoff Grayden was a faithful servant of the Lord. He blessed and baptized many people, and married many couples including my wife and myself. He would go out at night when he was called to administer to the sick and to help meet the spiritual needs of his flock. He loved the missionaries coming, especially the visiting ministers from America, Queensland and Tamworth who came to visit and give ministry in Kelvin View. Bro,Geoff Grayden was a devoted minister and will be sadly missed and always remembered. Bro.Geoff Grayden was laid to rest at Euroa Lawn Cemetery at 9 a.m. with a graveside service for family and close friends . This was followed by a memorial service at 11a.m. at Mark Floyd Chapel, and then a wake at the Tennis Club. Anthony Grayden spoke about his father’s early life. Frank Mcmahon and Bro.Tim De Uray spoke also at the memorial service. On behalf of Sr.Elma Grayden, Anthony and his wife Pauline, thanks are extended to Br. & Sr.Peter & Helen and Bro.Danny Helen Archer who traveled all the way from Tamworth and Sydney NSW, to be with us for Bro.Geoff’s funeral service. Also to Bro.Tim De Uray and his son, daughter and mother Jan and also his brother, and to all who came to pay their respects to our much loved and Brother. God be with you till we meet again. Respectfully, Murray Broughton
Testimony – Marriage of Charise Mitchell to Adrian Morris by Elder Neil Kerswell, Queensland. On the 15th of July 2017 I had the privilege of marrying Charise and Adrian to each other. Until our counselling time together approximately 2 months prior I had never met either of them. They and Charises’ Grandparents (Ron and Jan Mitchell) came to Brisbane to stay with Del and Neville Churchill for a weekend. My daughter Emma & I had lunch with Charise and Adrian at a beautiful spot beside Wivenhoe Dam close to nature where I spent time in pre-wedding counseling and preparation later with the couple only, to truly get to know them and their love one for each other. I felt God’s Spirit and leadings as we shared and it was a joyful time, and like so often in the Lord’s work they felt to me like my family almost from the start. It was also a testimony to me that God was with them and their wedding plans. During the time that passed we kept contact and I prepared in heart and mind for the part I had to play and prayed for the couple almost every day that they may be prepared to truly make a covenant for life. God always gives me what he wants done in a service, sometimes months before, sometimes just before. However when He moves I know it and it thrills my soul as I can’t wait to share it. In relation to this couples marriage it was two weeks before, I woke up one morning and the beginning of the service played out in my mind and joy filled my soul with confidence. I was able to have the service notes, scriptures, poems and analogies together and ready all in very little time. All that was left was prayer and preparation until the time arrived. The night before the big day, Del and Neville Churchill and I travelled by car driving 9 hours to Forster. Normally the trip would have been shorter but there was much roadworks and heavy traffic in sections. We were blest with good conversation and a safe trip. Del prepared hot soup, sandwiches and fantastic snacks for dinner and keeping us awake throughout the night and into the early morning hours. The Motel accommodation was very good and spacious. Neville and I slept perfectly till about 7.00am. Sadly Del laid there wide awake, but thanks be to God we all felt good as we had a light breakfast and enjoyed the day as it unfolded. When we left early to see the beautiful spot for the wedding (Green Cathedral – Tiona - this place has a rich heritage with God’s people over many years), we saw the challenge of the day first hand, and it was raining, wind blowing and cold enough to numb your hands. We went to Bunnings Hardware nearby to buy extra umbrellas as we were told by Ron and Jan, it had to be hailing or a cyclone for the wedding not to happen at the venue. We were back in plenty of time and plenty of prayers for good weather. I was inspired by Neville Churchill, he started bearing testimony at least an hour before the due time, that the weather was going to fine up and bright light would break through the dark clouds making it a beautiful day when needed. I must admit under natural circumstances this weather would have been there for the day and into the night (in my opinion it was well and truly set in). It was not just to people of the Restoration but anybody Neville had opportunity to speak too. My thoughts were I know God can do it I have seen it many times before and I got behind Neville’s testimony with much prayer of the heart, because of His courage to witness in faith before the miracle has come to pass. It came time for the marriage and the weather was still miserable, I gave one of my umbrellas to a lady who had a beautiful dress but didn’t do much to keep her warm, Neville and Del shared their umbrellas too where needed. Neville was protecting me up front with his Umbrella as we waited for the Bride. I practiced trying to turn the page of my service plan and could barely do it as I couldn’t feel my fingers properly to grab one page at a time. Thankfully Charise and the girls were ½ hour late, God knew this and had set up a witness for all attending with perfect timing. As the wedding march started the wind had dropped off and drizzling rain began to stop, Neville didn’t need to protect me anymore, the light started to increase continuously. As Charise was given away by her Father, I focused 100% on the service and really was impervious to what was unfolding weather wise throughout the service until it was time to sign the legal documents and have a Duet by Ron and Jan. Then I realized fully just what a blessing God had performed. Most important to me, Mr. and Mrs. Charise and Adrian Morris were given the right conditions to allow them to truly make a covenant with each other in comfort. I know God attended and showed some signs that He was in deed there. I heard people both in Restoration circles and out thank God in public for what He had done for Charise and Adrian. We were invited to the reception and I was amazed when we found we were at the table closest to the Bride and Groom. We weren’t expecting anything like this. We thought we would be at the very back somewhere allowing family, relatives and friends the best seats (this would have been fine with us). However Charise and Adrian chose to give us the best position. I thank God for this couple, I thank Adrian and Charise for allowing us to be a living part of their lives. I thank God for the Unity amongst all people that attended. I thank the couple that their love brought us all together with one accord. It was a joy, pleasure and honour to be a part of the entire experience. We were blessed with a faster 8 hour trip home, we were all tired but very satisfied and fulfilled. May God continue to bless Adrian and Charise is my prayer in Jesus Name, Amen.
Video Tapes of Church Services available on the Internet Information has been received for inclusion in our Australian Newsletter advising of 2 Restoration Branches that have websites where videos of church services can be down loaded An email received from Elder Dan Schwartz who devoted six months of his time to serve in a mission to Australia as a single man and later returned, after he had married, with his wife Liza to attend a Reunion here includes a greeting and one of the two video sources. An extract from the email is as follows: Lisa and I are doing well, and feeling very blessed. We moved into a new home in March 2017. We plan on this being our last move (unless the Lord has other plans), and us growing old together in this home! Our new address is 718 Fox Tail Ct, Raymore, MO, 64083. We think about our Australian brothers and sisters often, and wish that we could come for another visit. Our love, and thoughts and prayers are extended to all. I wanted to pass along some information that may be of interest to some in Australia, particularly those who are somewhat isolated. Our congregation (Belton Restoration Branch) has been uploading our services to a website. They are available to whomever may desire to listen to them. We are in the process of loading some of the older services, and we may eventually have services available from 2012 to present. The services can be accessed via our branch website. Go to http://beltonrb.org, click on the "Links" tab, then click on the "Belton Restoration Branch Recorded Services". This will take you to the website where the services are available. Your brother in Christ, Dan Schwartz
The other link is provided by Elder Mark Churchill who has notified us that videos of services from South Crysler Branch are available on line.
The link is https://vimeopro.com/user48339076/recent-scrb-sermons
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Victoria News
Church of Jesus Christ Restoration Branch, Kelvin View submitted by Elder Murray Broughton 23rd July 2017--Preaching Service: Reading Acts 1: 3-11 Text v 7 “Precise Timing of the Lord.” Exodus14 Attendance was 4 . After the service we went to Violet Town Nursing Home to visit Bro.& Sr.Grayden. and they both received administration.
30 July 2017---Elder Murray Broughton preached.Text Exodus 32::26—“Who is in the Lord side?; let them come unto me.” Administration ..Sr.Elma Grayden. 5 present
6 August 2017—Communion Service. Elder Murray Broughton Reading :1 Corinthians 2:9-16; Rev 21: 1 -8 Text: “:He that overcometh shall inherit all things,and I will be his God and he shall be my son”. 6 present
13th August 2017--Church at Kelvin View Hall –Sermon. Elder Murray Broughton
Ephesians 4:11 -15; Matthew 24: 40 - 51; Matthew chapter 25:12. Gen.7:23, 36.
As a result of the death of our long serving pastor, this was followed by a Business Meeting---All went very well: a good spirit was present, The officers elected are as follows’
Pastor: Elder Murray Broughton
Secretary -Sr.Betty Broughton;
Treasurer-Bro.Murray &Neville Broughton;
Book Steward-Sr.Delma Broughton
Music-Sr.Elma Grayden
8 present. Many want the Branch to keep going and I will do my best to feed the "lambs and sheep".
Our deepest sympathy to Sr.Elma Grayden, Bro.Anthony and wife Pauline,and those in America,who have lost their loved ones. We do pray for those in need of healing, comfort ,guidance and the Holy Spirit to witness of Thy truth, to open the eyes of the blind and draw and lead people back to Thee..
We thank Elder Noel Rowlatt for his time and effort in publishing the Australian Restoration News.
Tamworth News submitted by Sr.Helen Archer We continue to meet each week with Elder Peter giving us ministry.
Our Dear Brother Elder Geoffrey Grayden passed away on the 24th of July. Elder Peter and Sister Helen Archer travelled to Sydney and on the Wednesday evening and stayed with their son Elder Danny Archer. Peter, Helen and Danny then travelled to Euroa on the Thursday, stopping to visit with Sister Mary Dunn at Taralga where she now resides and after sharing the Sacrament with her, taking her out to lunch. We had a lovely visit with Mary then continued on our journey to Euroa. The Funeral was on Friday the 28th of July. A Graveside Service was held at 9.30 am in the morning for the family and conducted by Elder Murray Broughton. A Memorial Service was held at the Funeral home at 11am. The Archer family then traveled back to Sydney and stayed the night with Danny, leaving for Tamworth on Sunday after a Service with Danny and Kris. On the way home Peter and Helen called in to see Br. Johnathon Page.
The Tamworth Group would like to send their condolences to Sister Elma Graydon and family and our Brothers in Sisters in Euroa.
**************** Please include in your prayers the following people who are in need of a blessing Elma Grayden Gwen Whately, Mary Dunn Alma & Janice Kerswell Monique Hummel & Family George Parker Dirk Waasdorp Jonathon Page Adrienne & Robert Windsor Audrey Kerswell Peter Archer Jan & Dennis De Uray ****************
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST RESTORATION BRANCH, KINGSTON
17-19 Juers Street, Kingston, Queensland. Pastor: Elder Alma Kerswell. Phone 07 3800 1151
ACTIVITY SCHEDULE. SEPTEMBER, 2017.
Sun. 3rd. 10.00 a.m. COMMUNION SERVICE. Elder A.Kerswell asstd.by Elder G.Melling
Musical Item for Service. Glenn Kerswell & Jillian Maas 11.10 a.m. Prayer & Testimony Service. Elder A.Kerswell
Sun. 10th. 9.50 a.m. Hymn Sing: Rebecca Melling Flowers: Rebecca Melling
10.00 a.m. PREACHING SERVICE. Elder G.Melling asstd.by Elder N.Churchill
Elder A.Kerswell. Jillian, Linda and Rebecca
11.10 a.m. Adult Class: Elder N.Rowlattl
Youth Class: Jillian Maas
Sun. 17th. 9.50 a.m. Hymn Sing: Jillian Maas Flowers: Linda Kerswell
10.00 a.m. PREACHING SERVICE. Elder N.Rowlatt asstd.by Elder N.Churchill
Musical Item for Service. Gary and Rebecca Melling
11.10 a.m. Adult Class: Elder N.Churchill
Youth Class: Jillian Maas
Sun. 24th. 9.50 a.m. Hymn Sing: Linda Kerswell Flowers: Cathy Melling 10.00 a.m. PREACHING SERVICE. Elder N,Melling asstd.by Elder A.Kerswell
followed by a Fingerfood Fellowship Lunch. (Please bring suitable food.)
BRANCH NEWS and ANNOUNCEMENTS for Kingston Branch. Birthdays
Happy Birthday Wishes to the following people on their Special Day in September.
Emma Kerswell on the 9th. Gwen Whately on the 14th. Roslyn Lakelin on 23rd.
Joshua Kerswell on the 30 th.
We were very saddened to hear the sad news that Elder Geoffrey Grayden had passed away and we, the members of Kingston Branch, wish to acknowledge the great dedication and selfless devotion that he had throughout his life for the Lord and His Church. Deepest sympathies are extended to Sr,Delma Grayden and family.
We ask your prayers for Elder Murray Broughton who has accepted the role of Pastor of Kelvin View Restoration Branch as well as ministering and giving leadership in areas of the Philippines.
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Contributions to the Australian Restoration News need to come by the 20th of the month and must be submitted by email if possible.Email details are nandjrow@bigpond.com.au Phone contact: 07 3824 8386
We would love to have contributions from isolated members in Australia; articles or testimonies or just greetings. We would also like to hear from American saints who have ministered in Australia.
If you do not have access to an internet facility and would like to post your article to me, I will try and have it typed and included, but I would need to receive it by the 18th of the month for inclusion in the next issue. Postal details are as follows: Noel Rowlatt, 6 Wetheral Place, Alexandra Hills. Q4161
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