Over the next 5 weeks I will be encouraging you, to think about how you live out and pass on the Christian way of life, to others, especially your children/grandchildren, but really to all the people you live and work with. This is something God considers most important…
“…And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Deuteronomy 6:4-7
Learning to live the Christian way of life, is like becoming fluent in a language - the language of faith. Becoming fluent in a language does not happen overnight. It does not happen in one hour a week. It takes immersion, a daily immersion, and being surrounded by others that speak the same language, and have the same culture.
For a long time now, many of our Lutheran faith communities have relied too much on the pastor and what happens once a week at church or maybe in the Christian school. But now,
“there is a shift going on from being, pastor-led to lay-empowered. A shift from one hour a week to every day and night in our homes. A shift from talking to listening. A shift from lecturing to hands on involvement. And a shift from planning a Christian life where faith talk happens once a week to explaining the importance of daily faith talk that builds and strengthens relationships in the home and in the community.” Deborah A Streicher: The Christian Way of Life: It begins with Immersion.
Mark Hampel is an enthusiastic communicator of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was ordained in 1988 and has served in churches and schools in 3 states. He currently lives in Chinchilla, Qld. His passion is building up the faith of God’s people and working with them so that all will come to know Christ as their joy and salvation.
Mark is happily married to Veronica and they have 4 children and 4 grandsons. He is also a farmer of sorts, having spent the last decade establishing a date plantation in Western Queensland. Other hobbies include Australian history, travel, film & literature and of course, family.
St John’s Downfall Creek, has been a centre of Christian faith and life in the area for over 100 years. They operated a Christian school for twenty-two years (1940 – 62).
This faith community is a warm-hearted bunch, who love to share their hospitality with the district. They enjoy many a pot luck dinner and host ‘Easter Dawn Service & Breakfast’, ‘Christmas Eve’ & ‘Advent Tea’’ and ‘Games Nights’ for the community.
Home Groups are an important part of life in the Downfall. Discussion and exploration of the faith are encouraged.
Religious Education at the nearby Guluguba Primary School is provided by St John’s.
Redeemer Miles, is a dedicated group who know the love of Christ and are keen to share it. They meet regularly in various homes throughout the district for intergenerational worship and home groups.
Religious Education at nearby Drillham State Primary School is provided by Redeemer.
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