November 2019 Australian Restoration News

----- Forwarded message -----
From: Noel Rowlatt
nandjrow@bigpond.com


November 2019 Australian Restoration News

AUSTRALIAN  RESTORATION  NEWS

NOVEMBER, 2019 Around and About the Centre Place                        
by High Priest Paul J. Gage, Independence, Missouri.

November greetings to all the wonderful Saints in the land down under. It is hard to believe that we only have two more months in 2019. This has certainly been a most unusual year, at least in the USA, in many ways. As a singing group, years ago, sang, "For the times, they are a changing." The one area in our lives that should only change for the better and grow stronger every day, is our relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ. As long as we work diligently to keep that relationship steadfast and sure, we can handle what the adversary and/or the world throws at us. We have a hymn entitled, "O God, Our Help, in ages past, our Hope for years to come." speaks of time as an ever rolling stream that carries everything away. But our hope is in Jesus Christ and He has a plan for us of us, while on this earth, and in the here-after.Another hymn, "Father, When In Love to Thee," speaks of time- that is, our stewardship of time. It asks God to forgive us for the "times we've stood, for the things of lesser good. And for stewardship of time, we have spent, unlinked with thine." Many times, we all complain, and say, "I don't have enough time!" I have heard several references to Elbert A. Smith and Arthur Oakman, who, when men of the priesthood complained about working all day and coming home to take care of things around the house, and so forth and thus did not have time to perform their priesthood duties, The response was, All those men you work with have the same obligations you have, and they still find time to go to the bars, sports events, etc. "People do what they want to do." If I don't want to go to church, the slightest little thing can keep me away. On the other hand, if I want to go to church, there is essentially nothing, within my own power and agency, that can keep me away. The same applies to every aspect of our lives, fasting, praying, study, visiting, etc. Some will say, "Yes, that's ok, for you, but you don't know my circumstances. That is totally true, BUT God knows your circumstances and another line of that hymn states, "In the midst of sin and strife, teach us how to live a life, marked by graces of new birth. Worthy of Thy Saints on earth." November is the month of Thanksgiving in many countries. We should always offer daily prayers to God in thanksgiving for His continual care, guidance, and love. I Corinthians 15:57 ": But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."  I Thessalonians 5:18 "IN EVERYTHING give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." Fall events are taking place around the Centre area. Each weekend in October and up into November, young people of various ages came together at Odessa Hills Campgrounds near Odessa, Missouri for fall retreats.. These campgrounds are owned and operated by the ten Restoration Branches that make up the Central Missouri area. 
In months that have five Sundays  the Pastors of Zion (POZ) host a 5th Sunday Service at Waldo Avenue RB. The last one was September 29, 2019. It centered on the Priesthood retreat in Kirtland and the Women's retreat at Odessa Hills. It was live streamed and well worth watching. All the Sunday morning services at Waldo are live streamed, as well as several other branches. You can generally go to the website of  any branch by typing in the name of the branch and location. A great number of Restoration Branches have websites. Tidings of Zion: Issue # 128 should be in your homes by mid-November. It has several articles from the CRE Reunion in late June as well as a number of testimonies. We have not had any testimonies from Australia in a while. Center Place Restoration School, (CPRS) is off to a good start in another school year. The enrollment in K-12 is over 200 students. it is one of the very few Christian schools still operating in the Independence area. Great remodeling is about to take place in the sanctuary and foyer of the building. Administrator, Dan Schoenemann has a nice article in the Tidings of Zion.     The Missionary Boards are all functioning well and had missions in Kenya, India/Nepal and the Philippines through the year. Doug Smith is now living in Kenya and operating a medical clinic there. There will be other missions to various parts of the world in the next six months including Africa, Canada, the Philippines, and possibly Australia and Russia..        

Riches From The Scriptures                               by Elder Neil Kerswell, Queensland,             Vol 4 Chapter 5       Testimony Ministry Weekend Recently Joanne and I travelled to visit with some isolated saints in Port Macquarie New South Wales – Merran, Gina Krieg, Lance and Georgia Dunn and their children Isabella, Xavier – Baptised, Charlotte, Malachi, and Sebastian.  We were originally invited to visit a couple of months or so earlier by Merran as two of her grandchildren had been baptised approx 12 months earlier and were in need of  follow up ministry. The weekend started with a meet and greet with dinner on Friday night as Georgia Dunn had never met us before and we would be teaching their children at times while they were working, therefore she wanted to make sure we were good people (this we greatly respected as we would do the same). Conversation came very easy and within no time Georgia was a good friend to us. Georgia later bore testimony at Sunday’s prayer and testimony service that for her and Lance it was a testimony straight away that their children felt at total ease with us. Xavier spent some time giving me a hug in front of mum and dad and apparently it was unusual for him to take to someone like that. My wife Joanne very quickly had the younger ones sharing openly with her. Georgia saw us both before she left Friday night to say she felt at ease with us teaching the children and that the 3 youngest probably wouldn’t participate as they were too young and not to be upset with them if they did, we put her mind at ease, no one would be upset with the children while we were there. Saturday started with being invited to Lance and Georgia’s Café – BitterSweet, for Breakfast, it’s a beautiful café which keeps them very busy and is something they enjoy doing together, the staff were wonderful and breakfast was incredible, they have a lot of regulars who must have thought it strange for us strangers to be treated like royalty. Georgia later that day shared that it was a record day for them in sales. Joanne and I thanked God as we weren’t allowed to pay for our breakfast through their kindness. We believe this was God’s blessing upon them. We were at Merran’s house by 9:00am and started our first class on God. There was wonderful participation by all the children and the only one to ever leave was the youngest Sebastian who would come and go and was very quiet allowing classes to proceed uninterrupted. God was with us by His Spirit and the contribution by all adults and children alike was a blessing to all. Xavier started the class laying on the lounge with a bad headache, however he still participated and before long was at the table with all of us. After a small break our next class was on Prayer. Gina arrived for that one and like before adults and children shared together and it just worked with the help of God’s Spirit. Lance came from work and picked up the children and we had lunch with Merran and Gina. That afternoon it was over to Lance and Georgia’s we could smell some slow cooking Lamb Roasts which made the mouth water. Everybody was present and we had a class/quiz on Noah and the flood, there was no winner even though we had two teams as everyone helped each other. We would read approx 10 verses from Inspired version of the bible and then answer 3 or 4 questions (the answers being in the scripture just read). Then we read some more, once again all present shared in a blessed manner. Next was a preaching service subject being “Baptism is the Gate – what’s next”. I had wonderful liberty of speech through the leadings of God’s spirit. The service was well received. I had no idea though till the next day’s Prayer and Testimony service that a miracle had occurred. Lance bore witness that God had spoken to him through my lips in the preaching service. There wasn’t many dry eyes as he shared. This is a witness to me that God is always capable of doing His own work, all we as ministry and congregation have to do is prepare and provide a humble worship environment and God does the rest. This is not the first Time I have born witness to this, many years ago when I was Pastor of Wynnum Branch, the priesthood for about a month were all lead to cover the same topic but in different ways according to their gifts. I was very happy with the unity at that time. Finally I had the preaching service and covered another topic which I felt led to do at the time. After the service people came up and said thank you for the ministry that day, then a woman came up and not only thanked me but told me what she had received which was a wonderful new understanding to her. The message she then shared was the topic which had been covered for the last month. I was so thankful to God. Some people pick up on things at different speeds. This woman still needed more of the previous topic even though most had understood already. God did not leave her behind. Lesson learned, God can do amazing things even when we are unaware, all we have to do is turn up prepared and the congregation who prepare also are blessed. Next day was prayer and testimony then Communion, I have already given away some of the blessings shared. God’s Spirit was with us and peace abounded. Joanne and I were blessed by each and every person we shared with. It was a rich experience that we will not forget. God was truly worshiped and honoured and he gave us much to be thankful for. It has been a joy sharing with all of you, God is great and blesses His people abundantly. May God bless all who are reading these words. Amen.

Tamworth News                          submitted by Sr. Helen Archer
We have been meeting each Sunday, with Elder Peter Archer presiding. Sunday the 20th the Opening Scripture came from DC 110:24b then Isaiah 40:1-13Brother Peter  told us the story of Joseph and the Coat of Many Colours  and how Joseph told Pharaoh that it was God that told him the meaning of his dream, not by his own power . Peter said that Joseph forgave his brothers, after even selling him into slavery. He also read some of Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream speech” and that he hoped  we would all be one people one day, without any prejudice. Martin Luther’s hope was for us to be able to work together, to pray together............We have to be a loving people of all Nations and Nationality if we want to have the Kingdom of God. Birthdays & News David Archer  13th November       Danny Archer 24th November Abby and her family are now well. Thank you for all your prayers

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Victoria News    Church of Jesus Christ Restoration Branch.         Kelvin View, Euroa.                                                                                            Reported by Elder Murray Broughton, Pastor             22-9-19. Church at Kelvin View Hall.               Study--Gen.17: 1-6,. 21 - 22.    Gen .18: 1-18.    Gen.21: 1-12.    Gen 22: 1-17.25-9-19. Bible Study in our home,  Luke Chapter 4.29-9-19. Church in Euroa, at our Home.   Sacrament Service.  Visits by Bro. Earnie & Sr Ludia Natino from Philippines. and  Linda Jukes from Ruffy3-10-19..Went to see Edna and Don Shannon. (Edna and her Mother Victoria have came along to Church).  Don was not well in bed and, he asked me to have a prayer for    him, which I did.6-10-19. Church at Kelvin View Hall.               Sacrament Service.    Reading Colossians Chapter 1: 10 -18.               Address 11 Timothy Chapter 1: 9 – 10.   John Chapter 10: 17 - 18.13- 10 -19.  Church in Euroa. No one came.                   read 1 Nephi chapter 2,and some of Moroni Chapter 8.20- 10- 19. Church at Kelvin View Hall.                  Study --More than Belief.                   John 3: 16 - 17,   John 8: 12.,   1 John 1: 7,   James 2:25,   James 4: 17                  James 1: 25-27.   Rev.20: 12.   Second Nephi 13: 14-32.We extend our Sympathy to Edna Shannon and family on the passing of Don Shannon. Please pray for them and the Exton family including Sr. Nola and Husband Bob, whose brother Ted Exton passed away, Sr Ellen Shepherd, Lewis Family, Byers family, Broughton Family, and also the saints and relations that Delma and I minister to in the Philippines.
COLOSSIANS 1: 10 -13. That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.
Your Bro. In Christ.  Elder Murray Broughton. [ Pastor.] ****************

A Page for the Scattered Saints of Australia…

Give Me Thy Heart
1 “Give Me thy heart,” says the Father above,
No gift so precious to Him as our love;
Softly He whispers, wherever thou art,
“Gratefully trust Me, and give Me thy heart.”

Chorus:
“Give Me thy heart, give Me thy heart,”
Hear the soft whisper, wherever thou art:
From this dark world He would draw thee apart;
Speaking so tenderly, “Give Me thy heart.”

2 “Give Me thy heart,” says the Saviour of men,
Calling in mercy again and again;
“Turn now from sin, and from evil depart,
Have I not died for thee? Give Me thy heart.” (Chorus)

3 “Give Me thy heart,” says the Spirit divine,
“All that thou hast, to My keeping resign;
Grace more abounding is Mine to impart,
Make full surrender and give Me thy heart.” (Chorus)

by Eliza E Hewitt A favourite Hymn of Sister Merran, from Wauchope in New South Wales.

This page produced by Sister Monique Hummel of Gawler, South Australia and Sister Melissa Game of Medowie, New South Wales.

THE WHITE LIE CAKE
Louise was to bake a cake for the Church Ladies Group, but forgot to do it until the last minute. She remembered it the morning  of the bake sale and after rummaging through cabinets, found a quick food cake mix and quickly made it while drying her hair, dressing, and finishing a few jobs around the house. When she finally took the cake from the oven, the centre had dropped flat and the cake was horribly disfigured. She realised there wasn’t enough time to bake another cake. So, being inventive, she looked around the house for something to build up the centre of the cake. She found it in the bathroom - a roll of toilet Paper. She placed it in the centre of the cake and then covered it with icing. Not only did the finished product look beautiful, it looked perfect! Before she left the house to drop the cake by the church and head for work, Louise woke her daughter Paige, and gave her some money and specific instructions to be at the bake sale the moment it opened at 9:30 and to buy the cake and bring it home. When Paige arrived at the sale, she found the cake had already been sold! Paige grabbed her cell phone and called her mum. Louise was horrified - she was beside herself! Everyone would know! What would they think? She would be ostracised, talked about, ridiculed!
All night, Louise lay awake in bed thinking about people pointing fingers at her and talking about her behind her back. She decided to pray about it and ask God for His help.
The next day, Louise promised herself she would try not to think about the cake, and would attend the ladies fancy luncheon at the home of a fellow church member and try to have a good time. She did not really want to attend because the hostess was a snob, who more than once had looked down her nose at the fact that Louise was a single parent and not from the founding families of the town. Having already given an RSVP she couldn't think of a believable excuse to stay home and decided to attend. The meal was elegant, the company was definitely of upper crust families, and to Louise's horror, the cake in question was presented for dessert! Louise felt the blood drain from her body when she saw the cake! She started out of her chair to tell the hostess all about it, but before she could get to her feet, the Mayor's wife said, "what a beautiful cake!" Louise, still stunned, sat back in her chair when she heard the hostess (who was a prominent church member) say, "Thank you, I baked it myself. "Louise smiled and thought to herself, "God is good."

Please include in your daily prayers the following people who are in need of a blessing                                                     Gwen Whately,            Alma & Janice Kerswell          Adrienne & Robert Windsor           Audrey Kerswell             Gary Rowlatt,                    Michael & Patty Fulton ,       Ellen Sheppard,           Rhonda Byers,               Jane Broughton.                CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST RESTORATION BRANCH,  KINGSTON                                   17-19 Juers Street, Kingston, Queensland.      Pastor: Elder Alma Kerswell. Phone 07 3800 1151         ACTIVITY SCHEDULE. NOVENBER, 2019.     Sun.  3rd.            10.00 a.m.    COMMUNION SERVICE. by Priest G. Kerswell asstd Elder A. Kerswell                                                  Musical Item for Service.   Linda Myers      11.10 a.m..    Prayer and Testimony. Priest G. Kerswell        Sun.  10th.            9.50 a.m.    Hymn Sing: Bethany Melling                Flowers: Janice Kerswell        10.00 a.m.     PREACHING SERVICE. Elder N, Churchll asstd.by Elder N. MellingMusical Item for Service.  Rebecca and Cathy Melling  11.10 a.m.    Class.  Elder G, Melling Sun.   17th.          9.50 a.m.    Hymn Sing:  Rebecca Melling                                    Flowers: Del Churchill10.00 a.m.     PREACHING SERVICE. Elder G. Melling asstd.by Elder N. Churcvhill        Musical Item for Service.  Glenn Kerswell11.10 a.m.    Class.  Elder G, Kerswell
Sun.  24th.        9.50 a.m.    Hymn Sing: Linda Myers                  Flowers: Linda Myers10.00 a.m.    PREACHING SERVICE.  Elder N Rowlatt asstd.by Priest G. Kerswell        Musical Item for Service.   Linda, Rebecca and Elsie.11.10 a.m.    Class. Elder A. Kerswell BRANCH NEWS and ANNOUNCEMENTS for Kingston Branch..Birthdays.   Our best wishes to the following people who have their Birthdays in November.9th. George Parker       17th. Jessica VanGenderen       26th. Jacob Melling        28th. Glenn Kerswell Wedding Anniversary.  Congratulations to Robert & Adrienne Windsor who will achieve their 70th Wedding Anniversary on Saturday 10th November.
Sadly, Sr. Adrienne has been in residential care for about a year now and is confined to her bed. She is comfortable and well cared for, and Robert, thanks to his son and daughter in law, is able to visit with her each day.

Branch AGM. 1st December, Our Branch Financial year ends on the 31st October. The treasurer needs to have any outstanding accounts cleared by that date to allow time for him time to prepare his Financial Report. To enable the minutes for our AGM to be printed and distributed on 24th November, Reports from all Branch officers need to be received by the secretary by Sunday 3rd November. Our AGM is scheduled for Sunday 1st December, after the Communion Service. Branch Members will have a BYO lunch, followed at 12.15 p.m. by the Branch Business Meeting. The Branch Christmas Service is scheduled for Sunday 9th December and will be followed by the Branch Christmas Lunch. Visiting Ministry. Elder Mark Churchill and his wife Paula who reside in Independence will be visiting his parents, Neville and Del Churchill in Brisbane in December and will be preaching here on Sunday 22nd December 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               

With kindest regards,
Noel Rowlatt