“Give me some of that stew”

What does a demand for stew have to do with the children who attend Bible Explorers each Sunday?

On the occasion of the Bible Explorers’ concert on September 14 the children were performing a simple musical about the life of the Old Testament twin brothers Jacob and Esau. Through drama and song they were able to show the audience some of what they have been learning at Bible Explorers each week. In Old Testament times the oldest son received the “birthright” – the right to inherit a double portion of his father’s property and power. Jacob, the younger son, wanted his brother Esau’s birthright. When Esau asked for some stew when he returned from hunting in the fields, Jacob arranged to swap his stew for Esau’s birthright.

A happy afternoon was spent watching the children’s enactment of these Bible stories, seeing them being awarded their prizes and enjoying afternoon tea. Bible Explorers runs each Sunday from 11.30-12.30. We welcome new enrolments.

Bible Mission Work - learn more. Saturday October 11

Have you ever wondered what missionaries do? What has that to do with the Bible anyway?

Here at the Dandenong Bible Education Centre we are very keen on mission work - mission work at home, here in Australia, and mission work in many poor countries of the world.

That’s why we want to show you more! Come along on our Open Day (with a mission focus) to learn more about what is happening around the world. We plan to be open from 11am - 2pm, so you have plenty of time to come and join in. Don’t forget to bring your children, grandchildren or the neighbours’ children, because there will be special activities for them. If you wish to have the children coming to Bible Explorers each Sunday, ask for an enrolment form. At lunch time, have a chat whilst munching on a sausage fresh from the barbeque.

On Open Day you can join the lending library for a once off fee of only $5. Browse through our free literature (both in English and some other languages) and take what you wish to read. Look at the Bibles, books, cards and gifts for sale. Of particular interest to many are the foreign language Bibles. One table will have items for sale which were handmade in Bangladesh - beautiful cross stitch bookmarks, necklaces and cards.

Above all, ask any questions you may have of the friendly staff. These could be questions about the Bible, or about overseas mission work. Enjoy yourself and learn more on October 11!

Stop Press

A “porta-BEC” has just opened in South Africa. What’s that? It’s a portable Bible Education Centre which has been created using a 6m shipping container in Port Elizabeth. This moveable centre can take God’s message of hope to those who need to hear it.

What a great idea!

Painting the logo at the porta-BEC

Mission Sunday - October 12

Following on from Open Day is Mission Sunday. Our usual church service begins at 9.30am, followed by morning tea and the New Life Class at 11.30am. The leader for this session has recently visited Bangladesh as a missionary so the class is sure to be full of interesting information. The speaker says that it will be suitable for young and old alike, so feel free to bring children. Those usually involved in the Bible Explorers’ classes will be joining in the mission Sunday activities. A multicultural lunch is planned to follow.

Support workers in Bangladesh – buy handmade items

Did you know that it is estimated that there are over 150 million people in the small country of Bangladesh? Under one percent of these are Christian. Bangladesh is one of the poorest and least developed nations of the world. During monsoons about two thirds of the land is flooded. Whilst this helps to supply water for the rice crops, it makes life extremely difficult for those living there. Many of these people find it hard to feed and clothe their families. Some people earn money by using their creative talents to make items for sale.

At Open Day on October 11, 11am-2pm, there will be a table of items made in Bangladesh for sale. These will include beautiful cards, cross stitch bookmarks and jewellery. Come in and have a look!

Bible Education Centres around the world

Australia is not the only country to have a “Bible Education Centre”. In South Africa there are four. There is one in Cambodia and another in Korea. In Hyderabad, India, is a Bible Centre. Missionary workers from countries like Australia work in these centres with those who live there, to help others to learn about the Bible and find out that there is hope for the future. Often people in the poorer countries of the world feel the need of God more than those who seem to have plenty, like in Australia. However the need is just as great here – we all sin, and will all die, so we all need the saving work of Jesus Christ. With this hope we can live a meaningful life now and also look forward to eternal life in God’s kingdom on earth when Jesus returns. Maybe you haven’t visited our centre to find out what is being offered. See what we are enthusiastic about!

Open Day (October 11, 11am-2pm)

The Bible Centre in Hyderabad, India

Durban Bible Education Centre, South Africa

Help for those less fortunate than us

Meal-a-Day Academy in Monrovia, Liberia	The Nalondo School for Handicapped Children, Kenya
	Moinabad children’s home, A.P., India

While it is most important to tell others of God’s message of hope as found in the Bible, it is also important to help with the physical needs of the poor. Jesus said that when you do good to others you are doing good to him! Overseas mission work includes many areas of help. Christadelphians run schools for the handicapped, homes for orphans, leprosy clinics, resources for the blind, nutrition drinks for children and so on. Information about some of these projects can be found on the websites listed at the bottom of this page. Want to know more? Ask us! Come to the Dandenong Bible Education Centre:

Open Day

October 11, 11am-2pm

New Life Class topics (Sundays 11.30-12.30)

October 5	Spotlight on the Bible: Josiah’s stand for truth
October 12	Mission Sunday
October 19	How archaeology helps confirm your faith
October 26	Christian living: pride and humility
November 2	Modesty - what guidance does the Bible give?
November 9	The Sermon on the Mount
November 16	Did God really write the Bible?
November 23	Global warming
November 30	Jesus: lamb of God

Some interesting websites

p2pearth.blogspot.com
www.agapeinaction.com
www.thisisyourbible.com
www.meal-a-day.org
www.thechristadelphians.org/cbmsa
bethezer.blogspot.com
www.gladtidingsmagazine.com
www.cbm.org.uk
acbmcambodia.blogspot.com
www.korbible.net