Bruce Staley

I've just finished reading Miracle in the Mine: One Man's Story of Strength and Survival in the Chilean Mines , written by Jose Henriquez. In chapter 13 Jose writes,   "As we seek the Lord and begin to grow in the things of God, we begin to acquire the three special tools in life that enable us to face any adversities. Become persons of prayer. Prayer for a Christian is as important as the air that he breathes. Become persons who treasure the Word of God. It is necessary to understand and know the Word of God, because it edifies, educates, strengthens, and teaches us how to live and act. Become persons who dare to build churches without buildings. If we are people of prayer who know the Word and have faith, we can raise up a church wherever we go, regardless of the environment, context, historical era, or any other impediments."

On December 8, 1903, a great printing machine was awaiting a message in type that should carry, to the hundred thousand readers of the paper which it was to print, the news of the death of its editor. The one who, in that moment of grief and uncertainty, must write the message, tried to view the seventy-three years of life that had just closed, the half-century of manhood that had ministered unceasingly. The life was rich in varied and extended forms of service: as home missionary in Sunday-school work, as an army chaplain, as interpreter of the Bible, as traveller and explorer, as preacher and speaker and editor, and as writer of more than thirty volumes in the field of character-building and spiritual truth. Yet in that hour when death seems to reveal the real man and his central power and purpose, the one form of ministry that stood out in clearest, whitest light to those who knew this man best was the ministry of which the world at large, though it knew him well, knew least. It was

The previous two posts addressed the first two words in the title of Watchman Nee's book, Sit, Walk, Stand , refering firstly to Ephesians 2:5-6, God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus,  and then Ephesians 5:1-2, Follow God's example, therefore as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. This post addresses S t and, the third and final word in the title. Can you recall where you were on September 11, 2001? I had just started a management training workshop for a group of employees in the boardroom of the Blacktown, NSW, IGA Distribution Centre. Another employee, looking a little dishevelled and apologetic for being late, came through the door. He explained that he had been up since early morn

Sit, Walk, Stand , is an inspiring look at the Apostle Paul's letter to the Christians in Ephesus written by the saintly Chinese pastor, Watchman Nee. This is the first of three posts that briefly examine each of the words in the title to Watchman Nee's book. Matt's Seat Near the south-east corner of the Swan Pool on Lake Wendouree you will find a park bench with an inscription, "Matt's Seat" In loving memory of Matt Jamieson, 22.12.66 - 02.03.05, Always in our hearts...Erin, Jai, Flynn. Today is the seventh anniversary of Matt's death following his long battle with cancer. Matt was 38 years old. A husband and father to two boys Matt had a passion for the lake and its surrounds. He was instrumental in establishing the Lake Foundation and after some investigation discovered that a master plan for the development of the lake had already been prepared by the Ballarat City Council but was laying dormant. Funds generated by Lake Blitz, an initiative of the Foun

Of late it appears that everyone is walking. The local newspaper has a picture of a group associated with the Uniting Care Outreach Centre taking on the Kokoda Trail in June. Another picture shows a group of women taking on a 100 km walk next month to raise funds for Oxfam. A couple of friends associated with the Ballarat Bush-Walking and Outdoor Club are canoeing the Glenelg River this Labour Day weekend, no doubt taking in some walking along the way. Recently driving along the Ring Road I noticed several cars parked on the side of the road as I passed over the rail crossing. More people walking, this time the Skipton Rail Trail and of course all those people who walk around Lake Wendouree. Walkers everywhere!     Picture: Justin Poole My son-in-law, Justin, is also taking on the 100 km Oxfam Trail Walker Challenge. He and his friend, Phil, have enlisted Allan and Paul to form the In Slow Motion team to raise funds and complete the 100 km challenge. Last year Justin and Phil and Justi