From: Noel Rowlatt
nandjrow@bigpond.com
AUSTRALIAN RESTORATION NEWS AUGUST, 2019
Around and About the Centre Place by High Priest Paul J. Gage, Independence, Missouri.
Greetings to each and every Saint in Australia,
We trust the Good Shepherd is continuing to guide and direct each of His sheep down under. It is well known, that each day has its own struggles and turmoils that we go through. This is fulfillment of scriptures such as I Peter 1:5-9 where Peter is speaking to the "elect." Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, Australia, and Bithynia, Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you and peace be multiplied. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you; Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time-- Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations, That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise, and honor, and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ, Whom, having not seen, ye love, in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing. Ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, receiving the object of your faith, even the salvation of your souls."
The work of preparation and the perfection of my Saints go forward slowly, and Zionic conditions are no further away nor any closer than the spiritual condition of my people justifies; but my word shall not fail, neither will my promises; for the foundation of the Lord standeth sure.
We were privileged to have Saints from thirteen states in the USA as well as four countries, including the USA here for the reunion. Seventy Juan and Tina Reyes from Mexico, Elder Eric and Pam Odida from Kenya and Ram Baral, a native of Nepal who now lives in South Carolina. All classes and sermons can be viewed on the Waldo Avenue RB website.
The CRE is now preparing for the annual Priesthood Retreat in Kirtland, Ohio, September 14-15, 2019. The Pastors of Zion (POZ) sponsored Summer Series will continue through and conclude with the Youth Service on August 11, 2019.
Center Place Restoration School will begin another school year around August 20th. Dan Schoenemann continues as school administrator.
All missionary boards continue active. Mission trips are planned through the fall and winter to Africa, England, Germany, India, Nepal the Philippines and possibly Russia. Domestic Outreach also continues to offer ministry in the USA and Canada. Feel free to contact the SEAAM Board for any needs or concerns in Australia. Kevin Humphrey and Tom Rindels are now on the SEAAM Board as well as Jack Hagensen, Bob Schrunk and others.
The following is a summary of the Conference/Reunion held June 23-28, 2019.
Conference of Restoration Elders (CRE) 2019 Summary
by Conference Secretary
Elder David Joyce, Morgantown, West Virginia
Seventy-five elders were seated at the 2019 Conference of Restoration Elders’ June conference. Over the course of the week, the men met in session for four days as well as meeting for a Friday sharing service. Elder Vim Horn chaired the conference and welcomed reports from the various CRE Councils and Missionary Boards. The elders and guests in attendance bore testimony of a wonderful spirit which accompanied the news of activities and ministry that had taken place throughout the past year. What a beautiful atmosphere ushered in the week’s business as we joined together and listened to ongoing and upcoming programs and projects that will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the lives of Saints and friends around the world. The conference approved a budget for the 2019 Reunion/Conference week of $11,340 (which was met through reunion offerings) as well as the CRE 2020 budget of $74,400. Several major points of business were brought to the floor by the various quorums and councils. Those items of business included the Reestablishment of the “Youth Missionary Corp” (YMC), which harks back to the 1990’s as a program to facilitate opportunity for youth witness. This included financial support of $25,000 from the CRE to help fund the YMC. Another major piece of business was that the CRE support the establishment of “Freedom Stewardship Ministries,” a program of debt reduction for individuals within the branches of the Church. Details on these programs are available in the conference minutes as well as in upcoming articles in “Tidings of Zion.”
In addition to approving officers and members to serve on the CRE Councils, the conference approved three other legislative items. First that the CRE donate $10,000 to support the Center Place Restoration School (CPRS) matching funds project toward sanctuary renovation at the CPRS site. The CRE would also extend the lease on the office space it was using for an additional two years at its current rate. Finally, the Youth Council would direct its focus on ministry to areas outside the Center Place and be composed of members from regions in those geographic areas.
The Elders in attendance on Tuesday were privileged to show approval of a motion recognizing Elder Frank Dippel as Seventy in the Church based on his ordination in 1982. There was some explanation by Seventy Richard Neill about why Brother Frank was led in the late 1980’s to part ways with the RLDS leadership in respect to this office as he was unable to support many of the programs and direction of the church at that time. Like many in the Restoration who trace their priesthood authority to a time prior to silencing, etc. from the world church, there was great joy and a tremendous outpouring of the Spirit as many testimonies were shared along with a show of support recognizing Frank’s ministry in the office of Seventy.
There seemed to be no distinction between the objectives of the conference and the objectives of the entire reunion experience as we moved from business to worship under the theme “Be Ye Transformed.” A great big “Thank You” to those who spent uncounted hours preparing for and listening to the leadings of the Spirit in making this Conference/Reunion week an uplifting and encouraging experience for all who attended. We look forward to gathering together again with the Saints on June 21, 2020 for our next In Town Reunion and Conference
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Riches From The Scriptures by Elder Neil Kerswell, Queensland, Australia
Vol 4 Chapter 2 Call upon the Lord Always
Some of you will have had the privilege of worshipping God in a dedicated Church building for all, or most of your lives. For those who have, may you always cherish that you have been blessed in this way. Some of you like me have worshipped in churches, rented halls, sheds, fields, parks and homes. Personally, I have known and seen rich blessings in all these church fellowship environments, and have come to understand it is the attitude, desires, and spiritual condition of the people which relates us to God wherever we may find ourselves. I have also found where there is outreach opportunity God meets us in special ways. I would like to now share some scripture relating to our need to always call upon God wherever we are and at all times.
[Ether 1:36] And now I proceed with my record; for behold it came to pass that the Lord did bring Jared and his brethren forth even to that great sea which divideth the lands.
[Ether 1:37] And as they came to the sea, they pitched their tents; and they called the name of the place Moriancumer; and they dwelt in tents; and dwelt in tents upon the sea-shore for the space of four years.
[Ether 1:38] And it came to pass at the end of four years, that the Lord came again unto the Brother of Jared, and stood in a cloud and talked with him.
[Ether 1:39] And for the space of three hours did the Lord talk with the Brother of Jared, and chastened him because he remembered not to call upon the name of the Lord.
[Ether 1:40] And the Brother of Jared repented of the evil which he had done, and did call upon the name of the Lord for his brethren who were with him.
[Ether 1:41] And the Lord said unto him, I will forgive thee and thy brethren of their sins; but thou shalt not sin any more, for ye shall remember that my Spirit will not always strive with man; wherefore if ye will sin until ye are fully ripe, ye shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord.
[Ether 1:42] And these are my thoughts upon the land which I shall give you for your inheritance; for it shall be a land choice above all other lands.
[Ether 1:43] And the Lord said, Go to work and build, after the manner of barges which ye have hitherto built.
[Ether 1:44] And it came to pass that the Brother of Jared did go to work, and also his brethren, and built barges after the manner which they had built, according to the instructions of the Lord.
The Jaredites completed the part of their journey to the great sea that divided the lands, once there they relaxed, taking rest for four years. During this time they became complacent and even the Brother of Jared was beginning to forget to call upon God. This brought about the need for God to call upon him,
chastening him, calling him to repentance and refocussing the whole group on their God given goal of getting to the Promised Land which was choice above all others. There was a condition, they were not to sin anymore, because God’s Spirit will not always strive with man, and if they sinned until they were fully ripened in iniquity, they would be cut off from God’s presence. Have you the reader ever fallen into the trap of becoming complacent?
[Alma 16:124] Now as Alma was teaching and speaking unto the people upon the hill Onidah, there came a great multitude unto him, who were those of whom we have been speaking, who were poor in heart, because of their poverty as to the things of the world.
[Alma 16:125] And they came unto Alma; and the one who was the foremost among them, said unto him, Behold, what shall these my brethren do, for they are despised of all men, because of their poverty; yea, and more especially by our priests;
[Alma 16:126] For they have cast us out of our synagogues, which we have labored abundantly to build, with our own hands; and they have cast us out because of our exceeding poverty, and we have no place to worship our God; and behold, what shall we do?
[Alma 16:127] And now when Alma heard this, he turned him about, his face immediately towards him, and he beheld, with great joy; for he beheld that their afflictions had truly humbled them, and that they were in a preparation to hear the word;
[Alma 16:128] Therefore he did say no more to the other multitude, but he stretched forth his hand, and cried unto those whom he beheld, who were truly penitent, and said unto them, I behold that ye are lowly in heart; and if so, blessed are ye.
[Alma 16:129] Behold thy brother hath said, What shall we do? for we are cast out of our synagogues, that we cannot worship our God.
[Alma 16:130] Behold, I say unto you, Do ye suppose that ye cannot worship God, save it be in your synagogues only?
[Alma 16:131] And moreover, I would ask, Do ye suppose that ye must not worship God only once in a week?
[Alma 16:132] I say unto you, It is well that ye are cast out of your synagogues, that ye may be humble, and that ye may learn wisdom; for it is necessary that ye should learn wisdom;
[Alma 16:133] For it is because that ye are cast out, that ye are despised for your brethren, because of your exceeding poverty that ye are brought to a lowliness of heart; for ye are necessarily brought to be humble.
[Alma 16:134] And now because ye are compelled to be humble, blessed are ye; for a man sometimes, if he is compelled to be humbled, seeketh repentance;
[Alma 16:135] And now surely, whosoever repenteth shall find mercy; and he that findeth mercy and endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.
[Alma 16:136] And now as I said unto you, that because ye were compelled to be humble, ye were blessed, do ye not suppose that they are more blessed who truly humble themselves because of the word?
[Alma 16:137] Yea, he that truly humbleth himself and repenteth of his sins, and endureth to the end, the same be blessed; yea, much more blessed than they who are compelled to be humble, because of their exceeding poverty; therefore blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble,
[Alma 16:138] Or rather, in other words, Blessed is he that believeth in the word of God, and is baptized without stubbornness of heart; yea, without being brought to know the word, or even compelled to know, before they will believe.
We can see the wisdom of Alma’s counsel. He was sensitive to their situation and condition before God. Previously he had been trying to get through to very stubborn people, and now presented before him is a group of people who because of their poverty were humble and ready to hear the word of God. Alma is much pleased with this as it is relating them to God through the humility they have learnt through their difficult circumstances. He is quick to tell them however that it is much better to humble ourselves and repent of our sins because we have a heart to serve and have heeded God’s word using our agency for good. In both circumstances whether we are compelled to be humble, or willingly humble ourselves, it must lead to Repentance and we must endure to the end. Alma asks the question “Do ye suppose that ye cannot worship God, save it be in your synagogues only?”
Alma 16:175] And Alma said unto them, Behold, ye have said that ye could not worship your God, because ye are cast out of your synagogues.
[Alma 16:176] But behold, I say unto you, If ye suppose that ye cannot worship God, ye do greatly err, and ye ought to search the scriptures; if ye suppose that they have taught you this, ye do not understand them.
[Alma 16:177] Do ye remember to have read what Zenos, the prophet of old, has said concerning prayer or worship?
[Alma 16:178] For he said, Thou art merciful O God, for thou hast heard my prayer, even when I was in the wilderness: yea, thou wast merciful when I prayed concerning those who were mine enemies, and thou didst turn them to me:
[Alma 16:179] Yea, O God, and thou wast merciful unto me when I did cry unto thee in my field; when I did cry unto thee in my prayer, and thou didst hear me.
[Alma 16:180] And again, O God, when I did turn to my house thou didst hear me in my prayer.
[Alma 16:181] And when I did turn unto my closet, O Lord, and prayed unto thee, thou didst hear me; yea, thou art merciful unto thy children when they cry unto thee to be heard of thee, and not of men, and thou wilt hear them;
[Alma 16:182] Yea, O God, thou hast been merciful unto me and heard my cries in the midst of thy congregations; yea, and thou hast also heard me when I have been cast out, and have been despised by mine enemies;
[Alma 16:183] Yea, thou didst hear my cries, and wast angry with mine enemies, and thou didst visit them in thine anger, with speedy destruction; and thou didst hear me because of mine afflictions and my sincerity;
[Alma 16:184] And it is because of thy Son that thou hast been thus merciful unto me; therefore I will cry unto thee in all mine afflictions; for in thee is my joy; for thou hast turned thy judgments away from me, because of thy Son.
[Alma 16:185] And now Alma said unto them, Do ye believe those scriptures which have been written by them of old?
[Alma 16:186] Behold, if ye do, ye must believe what Zenos said; for behold, he said, Thou hast turned away thy judgments, because of thy Son.
[Alma 16:187] Now, behold, my brethren, I would ask, if ye have read the scriptures? If ye have, how can ye disbelieve on the Son of God?
[Alma 16:188] For it is not written that Zenos alone spake of these things, but Zenock also spake of these things; for behold, he said, Thou art angry, O Lord, with this people, because they will not understand of thy mercies which thou hast bestowed upon them, because of thy Son.
[Alma 16:189] And now my brethren, ye see that a second prophet of old has testified of the Son of God; and because the people would not understand his words, they stoned him to death.
[Alma 16:190] But behold, this is not all; these are not the only ones who have spoken concerning the Son of God.
[Alma 16:191] Behold, he was spoken of by Moses; yea, and behold, a type was raised up in the wilderness, that whosoever would look upon it might live. And many did look and live.
[Alma 16:192] But few understood the meaning of those things, and this because of the hardness of their hearts.
[Alma 16:193] But there were many who were so hardened that they would not look; therefore they perished.
[Alma 16:194] Now the reason they would not look, was because they did not believe that it would heal them.
[Alma 16:195] O my brethren, if ye could be healed by merely casting about your eyes, that ye might be healed, would ye not behold quickly, or would ye rather harden your hearts in unbelief, and be slothful, that ye would not cast about your eyes, that ye might perish?
[Alma 16:196] If so, who shall come upon you; but if not so, then cast about your eyes and begin to believe in the Son of God, that he will come to redeem his people, and that he shall suffer and die to atone for their sins;
[Alma 16:197] And that he shall rise again from the dead, which shall bring to pass the resurrection, that all men shall stand before him, to be judged, at the last and judgment day, according to their works.
[Alma 16:198] And now my brethren, I desire that ye shall plant this word in your hearts, and as it beginneth to swell, even so nourish it by your faith.
[Alma 16:199] And behold, it will become a tree, springing up in you unto everlasting life.
[Alma 16:200] And then may God grant unto you that your burdens may be light, through the joy of his Son. And even all this can ye do, if ye will. Amen
I am in awe as I read the counsel and scriptures quoted by Alma, they inspire to faith and lift our spirit towards God. We certainly don’t need a church building to worship God. In fact according to these scriptures we can worship God, anywhere, anytime and under whatever circumstances we find ourselves in. Even when despised and cast out by our enemies. It reminds me of another scripture from the bible.
1st, Thessalonians 5:17 & 18. 17. Pray without ceasing.
18 In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
May we never harden our hearts, and stop looking to the God of our salvation. If we do so we will perish as others before us have perished. Rather let us look and believe upon the Son of God, let us call upon him regularly, always listening for God’s instruction. Is my Prayer in Jesus name, Amen.
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Tamworth News submitted by Sr. Helen Archer.
We continue to meet in Tamworth. There have only been three of us Brother Bob Wilkinson, Sister Helen Archer with Elder Peter Archer Presiding over the meeting followed with a fellowship lunch.
Deacon Roy and Sister Daphne Schubert are still away in Port Macquarie holidaying.
Birthdays Bob Wilkinson 8th of August ****************
Victoria News. Church of Jesus Christ Restoration Branch. Kelvin View, Euroa.
Reported by Elder Murray Broughton, Pastor
30-6-2019. Church in Euroa- at our Home.
Acts Chapter 1 & Acts Chapter 2.Text Chapter 1: 11. “ Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus,which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven”.
7 - 7 -2019. No Service --.
14- 7-20`19. Church at Kelvin View Hall
Sacrament Service .Colossians 1. 10-18.
Sermon -Colossians Chapter 1: 1 -18. Romans Chapter 6:3 ,4. Colossians 2::12.
Apostacy and the man of sin.
11 Thessalonians Chapter 2:1 - 4 , 9 ,10.
1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled by letter, except ye receive it from us; neither by spirit, nor by word, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
3 Let no man deceive you by any means; for there shall come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God..
9 Yea, the Lord, even Jesus, whose coming is not until after there cometh a falling away, by the working of Satan with all power, and signs and lying wonders,
10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
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A New Column for Isolated .We are very aware of the problems that our isolated members face in Australia without the opportunity of regular access to ministry and church fellowship. Starting next month we will be including a new column in the Australian Restoration News for you to contribute articles, testimonies, birthdays, family events and achievements etc. Sick and in need of prayer? Let me know and you will go on the Prayer list. You can access any of the Elders by phone if you have a need; sickness, depression etc and they will offer a prayer with you. In the pipeline there are 2 American Elders who are making tentative plans to visit Australia, most probably early next year, with particular emphasis on visiting the isolated. For those have access to the internet the following are a couple of church sites which you can access for services,
https://southcrysler.org/Links/Guest-Links/VideoShorts
https://vimeo.com.com/201438797
You are an important part of our church family. Please feel free to share with us in this column. We really want to hear from all our brothers and sisters.
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Please include in your daily prayers the following people who are in need of a blessing Gwen Whately, Gary Rowlatt Alma & Janice Kerswell George Parker Jonathon Page
Audrey Kerswell Adrienne & Robert Windsor Michael & Patty Fulton Gregory Mackrell, Murray Broughton, Kevin Dowell. Lance Dunn
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST RESTORATION BRANCH, KINGSTON 17-19 Juers Street, Kingston, Queensland. Pastor: Elder Alma Kerswell. Phone 07 3800 1151
ACTIVITY SCHEDULE. AUGUST, 2019.
Sun. 4th. 10.00 a.m. COMMUNION SERVICE. Elder N. Rowlatt asstd.by Priest G .Kerswell
Musical Item for Service. Linda Myers
Prayer & Testimony Service. Elder N. Rowlatt
Sun. 11th. 9.50 a.m. Hymn Sing: Bethany Melling Flowers: Janice Kerswell 10.00 a.m. PREACHING SERVICE. Elder N. Churchill asstd.by Elder N. Melling
Musical Item for Service. Rebecca and Gary Melling
11.00 a.m. Class. Elder N.Rowlatt
Sun. 18th. 9.50 a.m. Hymn Sing: Elsie Melling Flowers: Cathy Melling
10.00 a.m. PREACHING SERVICE. Elder A. Kerswell asstd.by Elder N. Rowlatt
Musical Item for Service. Glenn Kerswell
11.10 a.m. Class. Elder N. Melling
Sun. 25th. 9.50 a.m. Hymn Sing: Rebecca Melling Flowers: Del Churchill
10.00 a.m. PREACHING SERVICE. Elder G. Melling asstd.by Elder N. Melling
Musical Item for Service. Glenn Kerswell and Rebecca Melling
11.10 a.m. Class. Priest G. Kerswell
BRANCH NEWS and ANNOUNCEMENTS for Kingston Branch..
Birthdays. Happy Birthday Wishes to the following people on their Special Day.
2nd August. Alva Robinson
9th. August. Adrienne Windsor celebrates her 92nd.
12th. August Neil Kerswell
Wedding Anniversary. Luke and Rebecca Scott will celebrate their 3rd Anniversary on the 6th August.
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Philippians 4:
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be afflicted for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just; whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do; and the God of peace shall be with you.
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
