Australian Restoration Newsletter May 2023

 

From: Monique Hummel mlhummel1@bigpond.com Australian Restoration Newsletter May 2023 Dear Saints, Please find attached the May 2023 Issue of the Australian Restoration Newsletter. Thank you to the people who have contributed to it. For those of you who may not be aware, Brother Murray & Sister Delma Broughton will be travelling to the Philippines next week for ministry work - please remember to include them in your prayers. Contributions to the Australian Restoration Newsletter are always welcome. If you have anything you would like to contribute please let me know. With love from Your Sister In Christ, Monique ++++++++++++++++++++ AUSTRALIAN RESTORATION NEWS MAY 2023 AROUND AND ABOUT THE CENTRE PLACE By High Priest Paul J. Gage, of Independence, Missouri May 2023 and greetings from the Centre Place to all the wonderful Saints in Australia, If it seems that time is flying by, remember that the Lord said he would cut time short in Matthew 24:18-21. This thought is also found in Mark 13:2-23, Romans 9:28; Doctrine and Covenants 52:3 d and 83:e-g. While some of these scriptures are to the Jews, as Jesus says, we must all be ready when those times come upon us. The message received at Kirtland Temple last September has some specific directions for us if we are to be ready for what is to come in September 2024. You can find this on the CRE website along with testimonies in the last Tidings of Zion. We have had a fairly mild Winter this year and are now into the beauties of spring. All Branches around the USA and especially in the Centre Place are back to full schedules as far as services and activities are concerned. The Conference of Restoration Elders (CRE) sponsored a very good “Conference March 29-April 1, 2023 Gathering” at the Center Place Restoration School (CPRS)/Waldo Avenue Restoration Branch. All services can be viewed on the CRE website, eldersconference.org. There were classes for Aaronic and Melchisedec Priesthood and Women along with Prayer Services, General Priesthood Discussions and evening Preaching. Speakers were Steve Kropp, Mark McCormick, Eric Odida, and Brian Mundy. High Priest Marlin Guin shared some very interesting testimonies on Saturday morning which will be worth your watching. All info along with testimonies will be in the next Tidings of Zion. The Pastors of Zion (POZ) is sponsoring the annual Restoration Branches Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper at CPRS/Waldo on Sunday May 7th 2023 This service can be viewed on the Waldo Avenue RB web site. Just type in Waldo Avenue live stream. May is a special month, in that many countries celebrate a Mother’s Day.” I believe in Australia it is called “MUMS DAY. So, HAPPY MUM’S DAY” to all the Mum’s in the land down under. We all know how important our Mum’s are to every aspect of life. There are many references to mothers in the Scriptures. Where would we be without Eve, Ruth, Mary, mother of Jesus and so many others? Make a list of at least ten mothers named in the Scriptures that made a positive difference in the lives of their families and the work of the Lord. I have already named three. The missionary groups under the CRE are still active with some missionaries going to Africa, England and the Philippines. The Domestic Outreach Council of the CRE is active here in the USA. There are ten regions with an Elder in charge of each region. There were some great testimonies in the last Tidings of Zion. Centre Place Restoration school is concluding its 31st year of operation. Enrolment is up and much of the remodelling has been completed. The sanctuary and hall around the sanctuary have been completed. With summer coming on, there is a goodly number of camps, retreats and reunions scheduled around the country. Come over and join us for some of them. God bless and keep each of you in His arms of Love. And there you have it. RICHES FROM THE SCRIPTURES By Elder Neil Kerswell, of Queensland, Australia Vol 5 Chapter 26 Testimony God has Plans to Bless Us with Peace I would like to share some blessings that have come into our lives this year. God has shown in no uncertain terms that he desires to bless us. Throughout Australia in recent years the cost of living has gone up at a ridiculous rate after the effects that Covid 19 had upon the Australian economy. Interest rates have soared and the flow on effects of that, have meant almost everything we know has gone up in price. For instance, the weekly cost of our grocery shopping has increased by $50.00/week to buy the same items as compared to before Covid started in the year 2020. However even with these events God watches out for us, like in this scripture from Jeremiah. [Jeremiah 29:11] For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. [Jeremiah 29:12] Then shall ye call unto me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. [Jeremiah 29:13] And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. [Jeremiah 29:14] And I will be found of you, saith the Lord; and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the Lord; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive. I thank God for his blessings over the past few years but in particular will share about this year. At Christmas time I give the owners and my immediate managers of the business where I work a Christmas card and a small token gift. I write something different and personal to each one asking God to bless me with the right words to say, each year God’s Spirit rests with me much like in a preaching service and I know that what I have written is good and right for each individual. In the first Pay of the New Year, I was given a $1/hr pay rise, something we were not expecting as pay rises at my work usually happen about mid-year and are given to everyone. I was the only one at work who received this rise, then at the beginning of April the Workshop supervisor came to me and told me, in the monthly Owners meeting that he attends, they wanted to give me a reward for my 5 year anniversary of working for the company, anything my wife and I chose, Possibly a Night at the Casino with a room for the night and all expenses paid (not that we would ever want a night at the Casino) or a corporate box at the Football just for us and a night in town at a nice Hotel all expenses paid etc. Joanne and I worked it out and these options would have been worth at least $1000.00 and we didn’t need that sort of money spent on us to know I was appreciated. We decided that because we love to relax and go fishing from banks and in our boat that a BCF voucher would be more appropriate and cost the company much less. To our surprise we received a $500.00 voucher and another Pay rise of $2.00/Hr. Once again, I was the only one to receive the pay rise. I would like to thank God for his blessings we are told that when we are baptised, whether we were physically or not of Israel, that we become Israel spiritually and the blessings of our fathers are ours. One of the blessings of Israel when God is with them is to find favour in the site of Authority. Joseph is one of the greatest examples we have of this. He was sold into slavery by his brothers who should have loved him and step by step he rose to being second in charge of all Egypt. These blessings are ours too if we can believe and seek with all our hearts to know and love God. Joanne and I are sinners like all of you who are reading this Testimony and fall short of the Glory of God every day of our lives. However, God knows we love him and seek him every day even though we are weak. God shows us much mercy and love by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. A marvellous gift that we do not deserve, nor could we pay for. We know we are nothing and are so grateful to God for the unearned gift he gives to us every day of our lives. In all honesty, we have not noticed all the increases in cost of living as God has seen our needs before we knew them and blessed us accordingly. I am so grateful to God, the world in which we live is descending into anarchy. The laws of God are trodden under the feet of men and women everywhere, and if we are not careful, we will be swept away. We must cling to the Rod of Iron and press forward with all our might, depending on God for the faith and strength to do so safely. It is my prayer that each of you that read these words may be caused to remember and see what God has done and is doing for you to help you through these times. God loves you and died and rose again to save you, to Redeem you and bring Salvation into your life. You were not able to pay the price yourself, therefore God in his love did it for you. All He requires of you is that you honour the covenant you made with him in the Waters of Baptism and show by your works that a change is taking place in your heart day by day. Bringing you ever closer to the Lord your God. This is my hope and prayer for you in the Name of Christ, Amen. ~ SAMUEL TEACHES & PROPHESYING ~ By Elder Murray Broughton, Kelvin View Branch, Euroa, Victoria 3 Nephi 1:5-17 But there were some who began to say that the time was past for the words to be fulfilled, which were spoken by Samuel, the Lamanite. And they began to rejoice over their brethren, saying, Behold, the time is past, and the words of Samuel are not fulfilled; therefore, your joy and your faith concerning this thing hath been vain. And it came to pass that they did make a great uproar throughout the land; and the people who believed, began to be very sorrowful, lest by any means those things which had been spoken, might not come to pass. But behold, they did watch steadfastly for that day, and that night, and that day, which should be as one day, as if there were no night, that they might know that their faith had not been vain. Now it came to pass that there was a day set apart by the unbelievers, that all those who believed in those traditions should be put to death, except the sign should come to pass which had been given by Samuel the prophet. Now it came to pass that when Nephi, the son of Nephi, saw this wickedness of his people, his heart was exceeding sorrowful. And it came to pass that he went out and bowed himself down upon the earth, and cried mightily to his God, in behalf of his people; yea, those who were about to be destroyed because of their faith in the tradition of their fathers. And it came to pass that he cried mightily unto the Lord, all that day; and behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, saying, Lift up your head and be of good cheer, for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, And on the morrow come I into the world, to shew unto the world that I will fulfill all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets. Behold, I come unto my own, to fulfill all things which I have made known unto the children of men, from the foundation of the world, and to do the will, both of the Father, and of the Son of the Father, because of me, and of the Son, because of my flesh. And behold, the time is at hand, and this night shall the sign be given. And it came to pass that the words which came unto Nephi were fulfilled, according as they had been spoken: For behold at the going down of the sun, there was no darkness; and the people began to be astonished, because there was no darkness when the night came. 3 Nephi 1:22-24 And it came to pass that the sun did rise in the morning again, according to its proper order; and they knew that it was the day that the Lord should be born, because of the sign which had been given. And it had come to pass, yea, all things, every whit, according to the words of the prophets. And it came to pass also, that a new star did appear, according to the word. The Scattered Saints ~ This space is for anyone to share thoughts, requests & messages ~ Sunday May 14, 2023 God's Helpers God could not be in every place With loving hands to help erase The teardrops from each baby's face, And so He thought of mother. He could not send us here alone And leave us to a fate unknown; Without providing for His own, The outstretched arms of mother. God could not watch us night and day And kneel beside our crib to pray, Or kiss our little aches away; And so He sent us mother. And when our childhood days began, He simply could not take command. That's why He placed our tiny hand Securely into mother's. The days of youth slipped quickly by, Life's sun rose higher in the sky. Full grown were we, yet ever nigh To love us still, was mother. And when life's span of years shall end, I know that God will gladly send, To welcome home her child again, That ever-faithful mother. -- George W. Wiseman A Mother's Day Prayer to Honour and Bless Mums Heavenly Father, I speak this prayer to you now in gratitude and praise for the gift of mothers. My mother, those of my friends, relatives, those I’ll never know, all mothers. Thank you for the role they play in the family unit. Thank you for their teachings, their wisdom, their patience, and understanding. Thank you for the physical, emotional, and spiritual gifts they possess. I pray that you help mothers across the world to be a blessing upon their children. Whether delivering affirmation or discipline, I pray that you help every word and action to be done in love. And I pray that children throughout the world would take time to honour their mothers, that you would show them how to uniquely do so. I pray that these mothers also act as a blessing beyond their households, reaching into their extended families, communities, churches, schools. I pray that the impact of motherhood is revered throughout society and that these women are acknowledged for their everyday impact on the world. May you guide each of them into fulfilling their purpose here on Earth. Amen. - Aaron D. Brown Malachi 3:7 Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return? ~ A favorite verse of my Grandmother, Sylvia Page. 5 Generations of Mothers/Saints in my Family Anne Elizabeth Rawling Elizabeth Thompson Sylvia Page Me, Gina Krieg (my Mother) and My Sister Melissa Notice Board Elder Noel Rowlatt – Has a New Address C/o – Stretton Gardens 209 Illaweena Street Drewvale QLD 4116 Phone No. 07 3373 9038 RESTORATION ONLINE SERVICES Sunday Worship Service Wednesday Prayer Service 10:00am (AEST) 6:30pm (AEST) 1st May Danny Archer 7th May Elder Neville Churchill 10th May Elder Peter Churchill 14th May Elder Gary Melling 17th May Elder Danny Archer 21st May Elder Peter Churchill 24th May Priest Glenn Kerswell 28th May Elder Murray Broughton 31st May Elder Neville Churchill Everyone is welcome to join our online services at any time. If you, or anyone you know would like to participate, please email Elder Danny Archer at; danny@inbeta.org to register. Information on how to connect will be sent to you. Please note, you must have access to the internet for this service. Please include in your daily prayers the following people who are in need of a blessing. Carol Buyers, Ruth Mackrell, Cecelia Cash, Kimberley Isle, Judith Hawley, Shiela McFarlane, Ron & Jan Mitchell, Sonya Ireland, Ellen Sheppard, Olive Melling, Alma and Janice Kerswell, Gary Rowlatt, Gwen Whately, Michael and Patty Fulton, David Hardwick and Murray & Delma Broughton (who will be travelling and administering in the Philippines during May). INFORMATION TO THE EDITOR We welcome contributions to the Australian Restoration Newsletter and will endeavour to include all articles received. Contributions to the Australian Restoration News should be submitted by the 20th of each month and can be sent to Email Address: mlhummel1@bigpond.com Postal Address: 33 Bassett Crescent, Gawler East, South Australia 5118 or by calling or text messaging Mobile Number: 0428 298 466 Editor ~ Monique Hummel CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST - KINGSTON RESTORATION BRANCH 17-19 Juers Street, Kingston, QLD. Pastor: Elder Neville Churchill. Phone 07 3848 8209 ACTIVITY SCHEDULE FOR MAY 2023 Wednesday 1st 7:00pm PRAYER SERVICE Elder Danny Archer Sunday 7th 9:50am FAMILY WORSHIP CLASS Elder Peter Archer May Study – Book of Ether 10:00am PREACHING SERVICE Elder Neville Churchill 11:10am SACRAMENT SERVICE Elder Peter Churchill and Priest Glenn Kerswell Wednesday 10th 7:00pm Elder Peter Churchill Sunday 14th 9:50am FAMILY WORSHIP CLASS Elder Danny Archer 10:00am PREACHING SERVICE Elder Gary Melling 11:10am CLASS Priest Glenn Kerswell Monday 15th 7:00pm PRIESTHOOD MEETING Wednesday 17th 7:00pm PRAYER SERVICE Elder Danny Archer Sunday 21st 9:50am FAMILY WORSHIP CLASS Elder Gary Melling 10:00am PREACHING SERVICE Elder Peter Churchill 11:10am CLASS Elder Gary Melling Wednesday 24th 7:00pm PRAYER SERVICE Priest Glenn Kerswell Sunday 28th 9:50am FAMILY WORSHIP CLASS Elder Gary Melling 10:00am PREACHING SERVICE Elder Murray Broughton 11:10 am CLASS Elder Neville Churchill Monday 29th 7:00 pm PRIESTHOOD MEETING Wednesday 31st 7:00 pm PRAYER SERVICE Elder Neville Churchill Birthday Announcements Mandy Fry 9th, Gary Melling 10th, Merran 15th & Micah Game 26th Wedding Anniversaries Gary & Rebecca Melling May 3rd