www.christianvenues.org.au

experience the spirit of sharing

ChristianVenuesAssociationexperience the spirit of sharing

summer

Newsletter of Christian Venues Association

issue 25

How can you help?

• Use CSCBG deals if they benefit you. You might be surprised what savings you can make.

• Promote CSCBG to your customers (Churches, schools etc).

• Let CSCBG know if you are using a supplier that is offering great deals that can be used nationally.

When you use CSCBG not only do you benefit yourselves, you also help others in Christian camping as well as supporting the organi-sation that supports you, Christian Venues Association. CSCBG is a practical application of the Christian Venues motto "Experience the spirit of sharing".

We use R & R Design for all our signage needs. We have had our main entrance upgraded & most of our warning signs & assem-bly area signs done by Rex all to our expectations & beyond. Rex was able to advise us on the best materials to use & was helpful throughout the process. We found R & R Design very competitive & highly recommend that you try them out & compare with your current supplier. You can see some of Rex's work on our website www.winmaleeccc.com.au [R & R Design are the supplier for the Christian Venues Associa-tion vinyl & metal signs – ed.]

Eddie JansenWinmalee Christian Conference Centre.

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(JUST MAKE IT BETTER THAN THIS ONE...)

CAMP CHRISTIAN SOLDIERSCAMP CHRISTIAN SOLDIERSQUALITY CHRISTIAN C MPING SINCE 1921

CSC Buying Group. Make it work for you.Article by Eddie Jansen, NSW Region Committee Chairman

For some time we have been wanting to improve the quality of our signage across our sites. www.displayme.com.au has been the answer for us. Neil at Display Me has been full of good ideas and offers friendly helpful service. Displayme.com.au offers fast delivery of good quality signs and they are cheap and reliable. (All deliveries have been over night or following day) I have slowly rolled out new signs replacing the old laminated out of date signs. Overall I’ve used 7 different products from Display Me: the lightbox on the wall (see photo), A4 swivel signs, A5 swivel signs, a DL swivel sign, A4 snap frames, Door signs, and Menu stands. The cost has been minimal and the signs have added a more professional appearance to our site. Through the CSC Buying Group we receive a 15% discount off everything except printed products. My suggestion is: take a look at displayme.com.au It helped us. It may help you as well!”

Mark Fanning Operational Support, The Tops Conference Centre

Christian Supply Chain Buying Group is an initiative of Christian Venues and has been set up as a Member benefit in the hope of stretching your dollar further. To make CSC work we need buyers and sellers. The more buyers using the scheme the more power CSC has to negotiate deals with sellers.

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Our life in camping commenced in November, 1982 when we came from Darwin to Mapleton to establish The Mapleton Holiday Centre (as it was then known) – a new site being built by Queensland Baptists.

We received an invitation to attend a meeting in Brisbane in 1984, the first of CCI Queen-sland. The value of CCI was soon very evident to us - the fellowship, learning from each other and encouraging each other. As manager, I (Garth) enrolled the Centre as an Organisa-tional Member. Even though this covered us as members under the Centre’s umbrella, we chose to become Personal Members (February, 1984).

We attended our first National Conference at Marysville in 1984, which was a fantastic expe-rience, and opened our eyes to the wider work of CCI, even learning that we were part of a worldwide organisation.

Garth joined the Committee of the Queensland Fellowship and in 1986 became a represen-tative from Queensland on the National Council. We were privileged to serve in various areas in the following years. When Garth became National Treasurer in 1988, Evie took his place on the National Council as Queensland representative. He was elected President-Elect in 1990 and served 1992-1994 as President of the National Council, which automati-cally followed and, as a consequence, was immediate Past-President in 1994-1996.

Garth had a vision to visit every member camp site in Australia while President. We finished serving at Mapleton after ten years and moved to Camp Elim at Forster, NSW (1992) where our good friends, Garry and Robyn Hayes, were the Managers. The idea was to assist them in increasing the usage to a stage where the camp could afford to employ a second couple. This had already started to happen resulting in a very big load for only two people, but not enough to support four people. We volunteered our services in return for accommodation and the arrangement was that when there were no camps in we could go and visit other member sites. This we did, from Tasmania to the Northern Territory and right across to Western Australia. We were blessed by this as much as the camps we visited were, as we listened to their problems and prayed with them. It was a wonderful experience seeing the various ministries in action.

Our CCI Journey Garth and Evie Shepherd October 2008

We were also honoured to visit sites in England, Scotland and Wales, where we did the same thing. We visited 21 camp sites in 23 days, sharing and praying at each place. Folk were hungry for information about CCI in Australia and how to develop the ministry in the UK further. (Australia seemed further advanced than UK in this area.) We were called upon to speak about CCI Australia at the UK National Council meeting. Other overseas sites that we visited included Poland, Austria and Germany, where we spoke through an interpreter to a group of school children and showed them photos of Camp Elim, Australia. In South Korea, a special dinner at a hotel was arranged in our honour in return for encouraging Joy Mission folk in their work there. At that stage there were only three camp sites in South Korea. We have also visited camps in New Zealand, Canada, USA and Mexico. We attended the world body meetings in 1992 in Mexico City, and Seattle, USA, in 1993. Visiting other sites is a great learning experience, and we highly recommend such visits whenever the opportunity arises. At every site we visited we learnt something new that we could either use ourselves, or else it was information stored in our minds that we could impart to another camp. When visiting Elim Christian Centre in Poland (which is an extremely interesting, but very long, story of commitment and trust) we were able to be instru-mental in a sister camp relationship being developed with Camp Elim in Forster, NSW. The now ex-Managers of Camp Elim,

NSW, Garry and Robyn Hayes, still have a connection with and assist the Elim Christian Centre in constructive ways. A recent newsletter from Poland tells of the work of the camp there being used by a wide variety of groups that are as diverse as groups from USA and Russia, and folk are coming to the Lord

You can see that our involvement with camping and CCI has been an extremely interesting part of our lives. Our ten years at Mapleton, over four years at Camp Elim, and assisting periodi-cally at Ridgecrest in Central Western NSW to enable the Managers to have holidays, has given us much pleasure.

At the recent 2008 National Conference, we were honoured to receive Life Membership and Garth a Certificate of Appreciation. Thank you! We also thank you for your prayers on Garth’s behalf as he struggled to remain on this earth over a twelve week period earlier this year. Four times Evie was told that Garth would not survive the night, but God has more work on earth for him to do yet, and we praise God for His grace and strength given to us through the prayers of His people.

The growth of CCI in Australia and the strength of the organisa-tion is very encouraging indeed and we pray that the Associa-tion under its new name of Christian Venues Association will continue to be used of our Mighty God, and that the blessing will flow on to all members in Australia and also to the overseas Associations which receive positive influence from Australia.

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As a poor seminary student, I tried to cut every financial corner possible while my wife and I pursued our educational goals. One fall, we scheduled a vacation with JoAnn’s sister and her husband. Anxious to show my brother-in-law, Joe, a great time, I decided to introduce him to one of my great loves: duck hunting. To accommodate a first-class introduction to this exhilarating sport, I decided that I needed a new duck boat. In true cost-cutting fashion, I invested in a few pieces of marine plywood, lots of glue, and some galvanized screws, and built this ‘dandy’ boat. That brisk fall morning soon came. The first clue that something could be wrong was the enormous muscle it took to lift this ‘little gem’ onto the car-top carrier. The rest of the trip wasn’t much better. After launching from shore with two big guys, an adequate supply of decoys and guns, and of course a few snacks, we immediately realized that one of us needed to bail water while the other paddled.

In the calm of the pre-dawn waters, we soon reached a small, marshy island where flocks of ducks would instinctively fly. While there was a moment of relief, my thoughts soon turned to our paddle-and-bail adventure back to shore as the calm turned to small white caps. I didn’t dare ask Joe if he was having fun yet.

Even though we were able to bail our water faster than the intake, the entire experience was ruined and our effectiveness as duck hunters was thoroughly thwarted.

Years later, a bailout with very serious implications is filling the media: an unprecedented government bailout for financial institutions. We watch consumer confidence lag far behind as we are shaken by questions about leadership, systems, and institutions that we trusted and depended upon to guard the borders of our everyday practices.

Bailouts come in many forms, but seldom are they the cure for the long term. They keep the crisis temporarily at bay while confidence, effectiveness, and efficiency languish. This has great implications for our ministries.

BailoutBy Bob Kobielush, CCCA President

Whether we embrace it or not, we are living as camp and conference leaders in some of the most challenging and opportunity-laden times we have ever known. Financial margins are dwindling, capital is fully depreciated, churches are consumed in other pursuits, and many individuals don’t recognize the value of Christian camping experiences. At the same time, the needs of people, desire of high-end donors to support a worthy cause, and opportunities to come alongside of the church and other social/educational agencies with real support have never been greater.

One pervasive attitude may stand in the way of us capitalizing upon these great opportunities: our historical propensity to operate in a bailout mentality. Under resourced and over-committed with short-term vision, we continue to feverishly try to keep afloat while water fills the boat. We now have collectively reached a tipping point.

Business (ministry) as usual will no longer cut it. The desire, passion, commitment, and hard work common to those of us in camp and conference ministries now are not enough to overcome some of the realities of our day. The systems, practices, goodwill, and forms of our increasingly institutional approaches have crumbled. Now, armed with vision, faith, passion, and understanding, the shape of our ministries is changing. In this brave, new world of need and opportunity:

- Business coexists with ministry; the latter must always drive the equation.

- Entrepreneurial behavior that forms a small coalition among a few staff members (perhaps only one leader) and a few board members will drive change.

- Crisis will force the emergence of new forms of ministry and business models, while many traditional models will crash and burn.

- The future will belong to those who do not cling only to what we have been (places of renewal, retreat, and discovery) but also what we are now positioned to do (places for launching new initiatives and ventures, supporting worthy agencies, training, and the like).

- Changes will be driven as much by the outsiders (those not intimately connected with Christian camps and conference centers in the last two decades) as those on the inside (those leading camps and conferences in the past 20 years).

- A few models are emerging in our midst; these will soon be identified as the new shapers of our practices for the years ahead.

- The future will belong to those who forge new partnerships, coalitions, and networks to accomplish together that which they cannot alone. These new forms will avoid the trappings of institutional and bureaucratic behavior, maximizing symbiotic value.

If a bailout is a short-term fix for long-term behavior change, it will be worth it. If not, it will lead only to failure.

Of this I am sure: I will never build another duck boat.

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Reprinted from Executive Briefing, Vol 6, No 10, October 2008. Used with permission

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National SceneReport by: Ken Pullen

When you read Tony Campolo’s books you can be encouraged by the power of his writing. When you hear him speak you are blessed by the words and the energy of this Godly Teacher. Added to Tony’s wisdom we have the leadership skills of John Ashman who will talk from his many years of experience in Christian camping, both on-site and in the administration of Christian Conference and Camping Association USA.

Leaders Forum 09 provides so much promise. It will be two very full days that should not be missed! Numbers are limited to 200 attendees and Christian Venues members are being given FIRST OPTION to fill these places. There has already been interest from people outside Christian Camping circles who would like to attend. If the 200 places have not been filled by April 1st then the remainder will be made available to others.

SO: Please use the enclosed application form to register. TODAY. Once again your Association is providing you with a program that should not be missed, especially by anyone in your organisation with any leadership role. Managers (Site, Catering, Maintenance, Administration), Board members, Organisational Executives and Ministry Leaders, all are invited and will benefit greatly.

Need further copies of the Brochure to give to others? Contact the Office on 1800 009 890 or visit the website - www.christianvenues.org.au

Have you marked the dates on your calendar for the following major event - Connect 10 (August 2 through 6, 2010)?

August 2-4The Collaroy Centre, Collaroy Beach, NSW.Mark these dates NOW!

Featuring world renowned speaker Tony Campolo and Christian Camping legend John Ashmen.

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National Scene

National Board meetingsThe Board of Christian Venues Association has met three times during 2008, with the latest meeting held in October. We were pleased to welcome Ian Edgar as Honarary Secretary who commenced his service on our board at this meeting ( see profile below). A number of initiatives have been proposed and will be developed over the next few months. These include:-

• An on-going series of Benchmarking Surveys to assist you as you consider your operation when compared to others,• Promotion of Christian Camping and this Association through Bible/Theological Colleges,• Consideration of Best Practice Guidelines for the outdoors. Rod Field is leading a sub-committee investigating the associations promotion of

appropriate guidelines, and• Recognising Volunteers who are helping Members in their ministries.

Remember the Board is your Board. You may direct suggestions and questions to them directly, through your Regional Committee or through the Christian Venues Office.

Christian Camping International in Asia

Ian Edgar ProfileIan commenced work in the conference and camping industry at Alexandra Park Conference Centre in 2003 as maintenance supervisor, his position included time as relief manager then acting manager in 2005 he took over as Centre Manager at Alexandra Park. Previously Ian worked in the tourism industry for 5 years at the Big Pineapple after running his own farming business for many years.

He has served on the Qld committee for the past 3 years, currently Secretary / Treasurer for Qld. Ian has a passion for the Camping industry and the Ministry it provides in its many and varied forms.

Ian is married to Leane and they have two children David (20) and Elizabeth (15). They have lived on the Sunshine Coast for the past 12 years. Ian returned to Christ in 1997 and currently worships at Mooloolaba Uniting Church, is Church Council and Congregational Chairman. The spare time he has is taken up with family, gardening, enjoying the beach and boating/fishing.

Christian Venues Association has been managing an ever-growing commitment to Christian Camping throughout Asia from the national office in Sydney. This has proved exciting but difficult as the number of interested groups is more than originally expected. In October the Christian Venues Board appointed Rob and Ann Meates as Ambassadors. Rob and Ann will be the primary contact for this Network, reporting to the Christian Venues Board through the CEO. Rob is a consultant in personal and group development - using experiential learning to develop teamwork. Ann is a manager with experience in training and development. They are both passionate about using the Temporary community experience to promote the Gospel of Jesus and about Ministry in the Asia/Pacific. They recently spent three years working in Fiji.

We look forward, in God's timing and with his blessing, to a very fruitful ministry of encouragement as Christian Camping is encouraged in the many nations of Asia. Rob and Ann may be reached through cciasia@christianvenues.org.au

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New MembersWe welcome the following new members (who have joined since 31st March this year) into the Association: • Busselton SDA Youth Camp, WA• Gunundi Youth Camp & Conference Centre, Grafton NSW• Waymount Farm, Cambewarra NSW• Wonga Park Conference Centre, VIC• The Salvation Army - Booth College, Stanmore NSW• Long Point Camp Inc., Ingleburn NSW• Higher Ground NSW• The Healing Ministry Centre, Golden Grove, Newtown NSW• Riverside Convention Centre, Townsville QLD• Coffs Coast Conference & Camping Centre, Coffs Harbour NSW• Richard De Rooy, Personal member VIC

NARTAWe congratulate Coffs Coast Conference & Camping Centre (NSW) for completing and achieving Accredited Status!! Coffs Coast have also achieved NSW Maritime accreditation for their Canoe program through this process.

Remember that Christian Venues Association provides a membership renewal discount of 10% for holders of NARTA Inc Accreditation. Significant discounts also apply to the Public Liability portions of the Insurance Scheme arranged through our Insurance Brokers, Australia Christian Services P/L, where the centre has not previously had their risk management programs accredited.

We continue to see huge increases in enquiries and bookings! Over 3350 enquiries have been processed and at least 680 bookings have been confirmed!

National Scene

BEST caption for this photo of David TolmanGOES TO: Natan McElveney of Crusaders.

BEST CAPTIONCOMPETITION AND THE

WINNER IS?

“Honey, you better call the doctor, the pills are wearing off again!”

Winners of the Panasonic portable DVD player!

SEIZE THE MOMENT

Wow! “Where did that year go?” We hear that comment so often as we near the end of another year. On rethinking through the Christmas Story once again - have you ever wondered why God chose the shepherds to be the first to be told that the Saviour was born?

Perhaps for the same unknown reason that He chose Mary, a Jewish village teenager, to bear the Saviour or why He chose Joseph, a carpenter for his role.

Did he choose the shepherds because they were looked down upon by the rigid orthodox Jews? Or was it because it was thought to be a lowly occupation? Could it be that - as it was with Mary and Joseph also - they were just ordinary people going about living their lives.

One thing for certain, I’m sure God had in the back of His mind, was who better to tell the world and spread the Good News than those assigned the task of caring for the sheep. Who better fitted to hear about the coming of the Lamb of God who was to take away the sins of the world - than shepherds - out on the hillside making their livelihood by tending the sheep. Think that through for those of us privileged to care for His sheep.

Here’s one other thought - for this lovely season and the New Year ahead. After the entertainment (read again in Luke 2:8 - 20) that marvelous heavenly cantata - did they party on or go back to sleep? No way! They ‘seized the moment’. God was doing something marvelous right in their midst and they wanted to share in it. The Word says “so they hurried off” to see for themselves.

Let us never be too busy to overlook what God is doing in our very midst. On our sites. In the lives of those who use our places. Let us seize those many moments, seize the many opportunities to acknowledge what God is doing in our very midst and in our own lives. What different people those shepherds would have been as they then returned to their work.

Dot joins me in praying this Christmas Season and as the New Year unfolds for you. We pray that as you care for His sheep you don’t overlook the opportunity to seize the moments that God will give you to share His love. May the beauty of this holiday season fill you in a new way for the year ahead, bringing deep joy and true peace in each of your hearts.

Errol Woodbury (NSW Chaplain)

The Last Word

CHAPLAINS Errol & DotWoodbury NSW

Les & MarjBatchelor TAS

Laurie & RohnaVenables WA, SA & NT

Kingsley & PamelaAlley QLD

Our chaplains are available to provide pastoral care & support to members through visitation, telephone support & crisis/emergency response.

To contact your nearestchaplain call

1800 088 249

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