FOCUS UTAS. Fellowship of Overseas Christian University Students. international students

Forget the blog...

2010-02-15T14:58:00.002+11:00

...visit FOCUS website http://focustas.org/

FOCUS starts next week!

2010-02-08T16:10:00.003+11:00

We have so many exciting things ahead. This means lots of organizing.

This week I'm preparing for Orientation week and meeting with the leadership team for the first time (although Tim and Doori will be absent ToT ).

I hope you're excited about FOCUS 2010.

I hope you can help us next week as we try to welcome and invite all those new international students to join us!

Each day we are making contact with students and then on Friday 19th at 6pm we have our first Friday Night FOCUS for the year.

its not just changing email address...

2010-02-04T09:57:00.003+11:00

2008 was the change over year from Damon to me. I just did what i.b.m had been doing for the past three years.

2009 was the 'try some new things' year. It was fun and most things worked. No really crazy ideas... nothing too stretching.

2010 is the crazy and stretch year. It is 'Delegation and Ownership' year so we'll have a leadership team. I'll release stuff into the eager hands of others. We'll have our own MYC. We'll try to move our music style from 1970s Christian to 2010 Asian Pop. I'll move to an office. I might even shave my head... nah too crazy...

...as such... I've changed the email address from focus.ibm@gmail.com -> focus.tas@gmail.com !

FOCUS leadership team 2010 is growing...

2010-02-02T14:52:00.002+11:00

So far we have:

Doori Moon, April Chivers, Tim Hansard, Michael Valk, Melody Valk. There are two other people that I'm still talking with about it.

Should be fun!

some people just can't say goodbye...

2010-01-22T17:20:00.002+11:00

I'm trying to reduce the number of email addresses in my 'FOCUS announcements' group; a lot of people are getting the email who can't or don't want to come any more. While lots of people have said 'yes, please remove me' surprisingly a number of people have said 'no! please don't'. Below is one of them, Frederick who I think went to FOCUS about four years ago?

hey luke

i participated in IBM from July to November, 2007

and it was one of my most awesome memories

and after i came back home, joined the army, doing my service...

i've always missed the time when i was in hobart..

and this e-mail makes me sad that i can never do it again, be part of it. join the events..

but this is what i can remember by... the time, the friends, the events..

so, plz don't get rid of me from ur e-mail list..

cheers

from Frederick

Booking Sites

2010-01-21T14:51:00.005+11:00

I've planned for us to have a couple of days away during mid-semester breaks here:

View Larger Map

Hopefully we'll have our mid year conference here:

View Larger Map

Food and Fun at Final FOCUS '09

2010-01-19T11:58:00.004+11:00

I just found these videos on my computer. Enjoy!

FOCUS 2010

2010-01-18T15:27:00.003+11:00

Today is my first day back at work. Mostly i'm just organizing my messy study and my messy email inbox.

Just from looking at Facebook I can see that the FOCUS virtual community I had hoped would form over the break hasn't happened... still...its not too late...FOCUS proper hasn't begun yet... perhaps some weekly blogging, facebooking and the launch of FOCUS' new website will breathe new life into our online relationships?

Now... I'm not blaming anyone who is currently back home in China. A friend emailed me to say that he can't access this blog because its banned in China? I didn't realize my posts were so controversial! ;-)

Summer Activities

2009-12-14T12:48:00.004+11:00

Well FOCUS is finished for the year and will start again in February. BUT there are still things happening over the break. Carol service, Christmas lunches/ dinners and perhaps even a Bible study. Keep logging onto Facebook, keep checking your email and check this blog from time to time... that way you will always be the first to know whats going on!

Last week of FOCUS 2009!

2009-11-23T13:59:00.000+11:00

Hey,

This is the last week for FOCUS 2009.
Let's finish the year with a BANG!!!

TUESDAY - Movie Night #2

Time: 20:00 - 22:00
Location: 1 Lord St
Last wednesday we managed to fit 30 people in my loungeroom! How many can we fit this week

WEDNESDAY - Big Bible Study #3

Its BIG and its a BIBLE STUDY...last one for the year...
This is the last Bible study for FOCUS 2009. Come and be a part of this historic occaison!

Time:	20:00 - 22:00
Location:	1 Lord Street

THURSDAY - The FOCUS Amazing Race

Join FOCUS in a race around Hobart.

Time:	13:00 - 17:00
Location:	...more info soon...

FRIDAY - FINAL FOCUS PARTY!!!
Bring some of delicious food to share with us!
We'll play games and have a great celebration to end our year!
6pm at Sandy Bay Baptist.
PLEASE DON'T MISS IT!

See you soon
Luke

Mission Week 2 @ FOCUS (16th-22nd November)

2009-11-15T14:57:00.002+11:00

Monday
(for Christians - Bible reading and prayer 9am, 2W2L Training 10am)
Coffee and conversation 11am @ Oomph Macquarie St (MAP)

Tuesday
(for Christians - Bible reading and prayer 9am)
Inviting people to FOCUS 2pm @ 1 Lord Street
Movie night 8pm @ 1 Lord Street

Wednesday
(for Christians - Bible reading and prayer 9am, 2W2L Training 10am)
Big Bible Study 8pm @ 1 Lord Street

Thursday
(for Christians - Bible reading and prayer 9am)
Picnic Lunch 12pm @ Botanical Gardens (If weather is bad, we'll cancel it)
Bible story walk 1pm-3pm @ starting at Botanical Gardens (If weather is bad, we'll cancel it)

Friday
(for Christians - Bible reading and prayer 9am, 2W2L Training 10am)
Friday Night FOCUS 6pm @ Sandy Bay Baptist - Topic: 'The Son who was sent away'

Saturday
Walking in the Christmas Parade 9.30am @ Bellkirk 79 Davey Street (MAP)
Watching the Christmas Parade 9.45am @ Sandy Bay Baptist to walk into the city together.

Sunday
Visit local churches - for cultural education and to say 'thanks for your supportof FOCUS!'

Fishing, Friday FOCUS and Saturday games night.

2009-11-11T16:00:00.003+11:00

Thursday 12th- Fishing at Gardeners Bay. Meet 6pm Thursday @ 1 Lord Street. (Bring $5 for transport and $? for food.)

Friday 13th- Friday FOCUS. Meet 6pm @ Sandy Bay Baptist church. (free food, conversation, songs, Bible teaching and games.)

Saturday 14th- Games Night. 7.30pm @ 7 Davenport Street, Glebe. (a time to laugh and play various games together.)

***see below for details of what will happen over the next two weeks***

want to join in a parade?

2009-11-03T14:38:00.002+11:00

On Friday night I had trouble explaining what a parade was. I have provided a clip below for you to see. Of course its Hobart and so it will not look as good or professional as this clip, but it will give you and idea of what to expect.

Have a look

A local church is going to have a Christmas story float (like the pic above) in the parade, If you want to join in just email FOCUS or tell me on Friday.

What FOCUS main meeting looks like...

2009-10-28T09:43:00.004+11:00

...was Boaz fat?

2009-10-27T12:22:00.006+11:00

We're almost finished our series in the book of Ruth. I think everyone is curious about Boaz. He is a kind, gentle, self-sacrificial man, honest, fair and a great listener. Also, even though Ruth is from Moab (and so an enemy of Israel at this time), a widow and can't have children, he is not ashamed of their relationship.

But Boaz is not a 'boyband' boy or a 'Shanghai Guy' (i.e. a bit girly), he is a man! He is strong and powerful, committed and convinced; he knows what he should do and he goes and does it; he promises to look after Ruth and he works hard to do what he says he will.

Lastly, and most importantly Boaz is a man who loves and serves his God. He knows him personally and wants to bring God's blessing of committed forever kindness to all people (even his workers).

I think everyone at FOCUS agrees with this... Boaz has a great and godly character...but what they really want to know is: was he fat?

He must have been well muscled as he worked hard in the field and at the threshing floor, but perhaps he ate a lot of the barley that he harvested? Also, he was past the normal age for getting married so he probably had a beer belly. hmmmm

...talking about death....

2009-10-19T12:35:00.005+11:00

In my culture we don't like to talk about death. In fact we pretend it doesn't exist. I think this is pretty silly because it happens to everyone and everything. God thinks this is foolish and that you can become wise by thinking about death; 'The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.' Ecclesiastes 7:4.

I liked this movie because it talks about death, especially about the importance of a good death. I also liked that it expresses the importance of being prepared for the journey through to the next life. These ideas fit with the Bible.

Of course the Bible and the movie certainly didn't agree on everything! In 'Departures' it is the Daigo's ceremonial "encoffination" that prepares the person for the next life. Whereas in the Bible it is only Jesus' work on the cross that can make that journey safe...

some useful information about God :-)

2009-10-15T12:39:00.001+11:00

John's Haircut

2009-10-13T08:11:00.001+11:00

John used to have very big hair... now he looks fantastic! bald heads always do right?

The Cancelled Cancelled Bible Study Group

2009-10-08T10:26:00.001+11:00

I tried to cancel Bible study group last night. I failed...

Adventures in Ruth

2009-10-05T12:09:00.004+11:00

Here are my plans so far for FOCUS and our Ruth series:

#1 How should I think / act when suffering comes?

If God is sovereign...Can I blame God?

#2 Ruth and Kindness

Are you kind? What is kindness?

Is God kind...how can I know?

#3 Ruth and Sex

What is good sex? And how can i get it?

How can I be attractive to the opposite sex?

#4 Ruth and the world

What does Ruth have to say to non-Israelites?

Is there any blessing for other nations in Ruth?ations in Ruth?

AFL Grand Final

2009-09-29T07:40:00.002+10:00

Last Saturday about 24 people came around to Joel’s house and squeezed into his small lounge room. They came to watch the AFL grand final, which is arguably the biggest sport match of the year in Australia. The Match was between St Kilda and Geelong. According to Tim, St Kilda haven’t had a win in over 40 years. In spite of lots of shouting for St Kilda, (only one or two people were cheering for Geelong), Geelong pulled through to win in the last few minutes of the game. This made some people quite sad, but the game was really exciting to watch and it seemed like most people had a fun afternoon. The food consisted of meat pies, ‘footy franks’ (small sausages), lots of snacks and some cakes. If you didn’t make it, keep the day free for next year!

Joel

Girl's Night Report

2009-09-29T07:33:00.003+10:00

On Thursday the 24th of September the FOCUS Girls had a fun night. It was a wonderful time for getting to know each other better and enjoying some great home made food. It was a lot of fun getting to know each other better in a relaxed and comfortable enviroment. As we were eating, Annette wanted to go around the group and have everyone introduce themselves. Ruth thought we should say our names, a little bit of information about ourselves and how many boyfriends we have had. Afterwards everyone was very comfortable. It was a lot a fun and we laughed alot!! We played apples to apples and bingo and chatted for the rest of the night. There was good mix of Australians and International, both Christian and non-Christian, around 15 girls all up. Most of the girls told me they had a great time and would love to do it again soon!!

April

Studying Ruth

2009-09-28T17:18:00.000+10:00

A Social Week

2009-09-23T10:33:00.003+10:00

this Thursday night there will be a special event for FOCUS girls.

It begins at 7pm at 1 Lord St (Luke and Jan's) and should go for a couple hours. It will be a really fun time for the ladies who attend FOCUS and their friends, to hang out and get to know each other better. April will be baking cupcakes and making chocolate truffles and Sumin might make some yummy Korean food!! We will play some games and eat some food and have lots of fun!!If you can, please bring some yummy snacks to share with everyone. If you can't don't worry!! I'm sure there will be enough for everyone.

Hope you can come!!

April

You are all invited to my house on Saturday to watch the AFL Grand final. If you don’t know what that is, it’s probably the most important sports game of the year in the south of Australia. It should be really exciting to watch! I don’t usually follow the football games but even I am excited about it. The match is between St Kilda and Geelong. It’s traditional to eat meat pies and hot dogs when you watch football so Tim and I will organise this for Lunch.

Time: 1pm. We will eat lunch together before the game starts at 2:30pm. I think it will finish at around 4:30 or 5pm
Location: My house, 7 Davenport St, Glebe 7000. I have attached a map. If you don’t have a car, you can catch a bus into the city then walk to my house. It takes about 15 minutes.
Please bring about $3 to contribute towards food and drinks. We will provide food and drinks.

Please RSVP to to say if you are coming by Thursday, so we know how much food to get.

Look forward to seeing you there.

Joel

FOCUS @ NTE

2009-09-14T12:12:00.001+10:00

http://www.afes.org.au/nte/focusatnte

National Training Event

2009-09-14T12:09:00.002+10:00

Lavish Love

2009-09-01T11:45:00.003+10:00

Mark 14:3-9

¶ While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. 4 Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, "Why this waste of perfume? 5 It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor." And they rebuked her harshly. 6 "Leave her alone," said Jesus. "Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. 8 She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. 9 I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."

There are a lot of reasons to love this story.

Here are three:

1. Verse 9 almost sends a shiver down my spine because as you're reading it you realise its happening right now...as you read it!

2. The clash between the lavish almost wasteful love of the lady and the cold and careful service of 'those present'. Which type of person are you?

3. Jesus calls her lavish love 'beautiful'. Wouldn't you love to have Jesus look at some good you do for him and say 'you've done a beautiful thing'.

FOCUS wants to help you.

2009-08-24T12:08:00.003+10:00

We want to help you in a holistic way.

We believe that people are not just physical temporal animals. We believe that people are spiritual, eternal children of God.

Thankfully the University is quite good at helping students to satisfy the physical needs they have while in Tasmania, but they also like to have groups like FOCUS (and workers like me) around to help them and look after the other part of people that they are less equipped to deal with; the spiritual and eternal.

Make sure that while you're so busy with assignment and general uni life that you don't neglect the fact that you are a spiritual, eternal child of God.

This might mean that you need to learn about God and learn how to relate to him or it might mean that you need grow that relationship... regardless, at FOCUS this Friday and every Friday we want to help you towards this end.

... a little different

2009-08-20T09:36:00.004+10:00

This week at FOCUS things will be a little different. We'll eat together as usual but if possible we'd like to eat some of your country's food. Can you bring some along?

Djembe, Jazz, and a Baptism

2009-08-10T13:59:00.004+10:00

Our music has always been pretty good (especially considering how little practice our music team has), but last Friday night the addition of a djembe and a trumpet took it to a new level. It sounded so good. We ended our night with some great music too; two jazz musicians came to FOCUS and taught us a little about the history of jazz and a lot about how great live music can sound.

Another high point of our time together was Jerry's baptism. He was very happy to finally get baptised; I think he wanted to get baptised even before he decided to become a Christian!

I'm back from holidays :-)

2009-08-03T09:35:00.004+10:00

Hi, This is Luke here... back from holidays. I took two weeks off... the first week I had swine flu (probably) and the second week I caught a cold!

Nonetheless, I do feel like I've taken time off and I'm ready to work hard to look after international students @ UTAS.

Tasmanian Adventures #1

2009-07-21T10:56:00.003+10:00

Tasmania is a remarkable place in so many ways - full of natural beauty and breath-taking wonder!

I would like to take you on a journey over the next few months to some of Tasmania's famous places and some of Tasmania's secret places!

Maybe you'd like to visit them while you're staying here in Tassie?!

Enjoy the Adventures!

Destination #1: Snug Falls

Description: Waterfall approx 25m high located in damp eucalyptus forest

Location: In the hills behind Snug, a small and cosy (!) town about 30mins drive south of Hobart.

Accessing the Falls: You will need to go there by car - there is no bus to Snug Falls. There is a 30min bush-walk to access the falls. It is moderately steep at several points and can be quite muddy and slippery after rain.

Cost: Free!

What to Take: Strong walking boots, jacket, water, food, camera, friend, warm clothes (whenever you go anywhere in the bush in Tasmania you must take a jacket, water and warm clothes - the weather changes quickly and it is best to be prepared for cold conditions)

The wet eucalyptus forest covering the hills and valleys around Snug Falls. You should smell the beautiful smell of the damp eucalyptus - incredible!

Snug Falls cascading down into a natural (and very cold!) rocky pool. After a heavy rainfall the sight is amazing!

My friend John

2009-07-13T11:00:00.004+10:00

I like John. He loves Aussie English and he loves his food. Just like me.

I especially love this photo. In Australia, most people have one bowl of cereal for breakfast. Here is john having three bowls....can you see what he's eating?

Yes... its cake, porridge and cornflakes!

Welcome to UTAS!

2009-07-07T15:42:00.002+10:00

Marshal next to the FOCUS table outside the Library

Rio and Lucas giving out lollies to new students.

April giving out lollies to new students.

I want to say HELLO! to you if you're a new student.

Welcome to Tasmania and to uni life.

Im sure you'll love it here.

If you see FOCUS people on campus this week, come up and say hello.

If there is any way we can help you, just let us know.

Have a look at the photos below to get some idea of what we do at FOCUS!

Last week we were at Mid Year Conference

My Favourite Food

2009-06-23T09:54:00.003+10:00

I love all food from everywhere... provided its cooked well...

BUT if I HAD to pick ONE country's food... it would be Korean.

Here is why:

When I was in Sydney last week, I went to a resturant that made me this soup. Its a spicy soup that is filled with pig's bones. Its surrounded by delicious side dishes too. Its served in a bowl which keeps it hot right to the end.

I think this type of food is called hejunkuk. Its popular among Koreans because it helps you feel better after you've gotten drunk. But I never get drunk. In fact, I think it would be a waste to get drunk and then have this soup because you wouldn't be able to appreciate its distinctive and subtle flavours....oh no... now Im hungry and you cant get this soup in Tasmania!!!

Mid Year Conference

2009-06-03T09:47:00.005+10:00

In a couple of weeks FOCUS will go on the Mid Year Conference. We'll go with lots of Australians and learn lots of Bible in a beautiful location.

I have a love/hate relationship with the food on this conference; there is always so much and we eat so often and its pretty yummy but i eat too much and my stomach feels a bit strange for most of the week! Its a good cultural experience for international students though; did you know that its common for an Australian to eat six times per day? Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner and then an evening snack!

1 Corinthians

2009-06-01T11:37:00.002+10:00

At the moment we're exploring the book 1 Corinthians.

Its a great book of the Bible for many reasons, but I especially like the fact that it acknowledges and exposes the truth that sometimes Christians don't behave like Christ. It seems a bit counter productive doesn't it? If you want people to become Christians, shouldn't your holy book talk about how great the followers of that religion are?

I love the way the Bible does this. There is a similar sort of honesty in the book of Psalms in the Old Testament, where the writer of some of the Psalms admits to having questions in his mind about the justice and love of God towards his people. For example, he asks 'Why do your people suffer while those who hate you prosper?'... again it seems counter productive!

1 Corinthians... in fact the whole Bible wants the reader to understand that making people Christians is God's work by his Spirit... NOT people's work by pretending to be super-human...

Its cold

2009-05-21T14:31:00.003+10:00

I now wear these when Im sitting at my desk:

and I just bought this woollen hat to keep my head warm:

Are you cold?... I suggest to buy wool, wool and more wool!

I tried buying cheap synthetic materials, but they are not warm enough and feel wrong against your skin. I especially love my woolen thermals; a long sleeve top and long johns.

Stay warm!

Cults and crazy 'Christian' groups

2009-05-18T09:44:00.003+10:00

Unfortunately, International students are easy targets for cults and crazy Christian groups. This annoys me! The most common are ; Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons and tongue talkers.

The Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons are very easy to spot and disagree with... but the tongue talkers are harder.

The most upseting story that I keep hearing about these guys is that they ask people:

"Are you are Christian?" and then ask "Do you speak in tongues?"

I get upset about this because the Bible teaches that being a Christian is about following Christ....trusting in Christ...continuing in Christ...

These people want to say that being a Christian is about following Christ and then speaking in tongues. They are usually quite agressive and you can tell they love their tongues more than they love Jesus. This is not Christian, this is not Biblical.

I suggest you stay away from all of these groups.

Baptisms

2009-04-28T09:48:00.003+10:00

Last Friday we had two baptisms. If you would like to watch them join our Facebook group!

Meanwhile... here are some other photos for you to enjoy.

I'm always surprised by how many people come to FOCUS. Its really popular. I think we have found a format that is really fun, yet informative and most importantly, honoring to God.

Weekend Away

2009-04-14T10:55:00.002+10:00

Over the easter weekend some of us from FOCUS went away to Clifton Beach and stayed two nights there.

We did some Bible studies and I spoke about the Easter story. We also watched some DVDs that supported the things that we were learning. There was lots of time for walking on the beach and relaxing too.

We ate a lot of Korean food. Which was very delicious...

We'll do this again soon... if you want to come :-)

What does FOCUS look like? What will it look like?

2009-03-23T15:07:00.002+11:00

Hi,

At this point in the year, FOCUS looks like :

A yummy dinner in the back hall,

a move into the main hall,

Luke with a microphone,

welcome,

get to know you game,

pray,

sing,

talk from the Bible,

reading and discussion groups,

another talk from the Bible,

pray,

sing,

Hang out.

In the coming weeks FOCUS will include things like:

Students contributing to our main meeting (telling their stories, singing, um....)

A weekly Bible study in my home.

Adventures around greater Hobart.

I hope you like what we're doing and are looking forward to what we will do.

a good night

2009-03-10T21:09:00.004+11:00

Friday night was good fun.

It should get better and better.

I want to:

Get more food and more people...get more practice at singing and sing other songs... play better games to improve relationships...start a Bible study or two... do more social stuff...and of course I want to talk more about God and the blessings that come from knowing and growing in him.

Come along and be a part of it!

Welcome New Students

2009-02-26T13:26:00.003+11:00

Hi,

If you're a new students at UTAS. WELCOME! I hope its not too cold for you!

We've tried a lot of different ways to welcome you to Tasmania and to encourage you to come to FOCUS over the last two weeks:

On Monday last week (and a few hours during the rest of the week) we walked up to you and said hello and told you about FOCUS. On Monday afternoon we had an English tea party.

On Friday we had an Aussie BBQ... complete with burnt sausages! yum!

This week on Tuesday afternoon we chose the worst time of the day to have some Aussie snacks and an 'introduction to FOCUS'. Hardly anyone could come!

This Friday we'll have a potluck party at my house in Mount Nelson.

Do you feel welcomed? Interested in coming to FOCUS? I hope so.

Im pretty excited about it... should be good food, good singing and an interesting talk (by me!).

See you there :-)

Orientation and Enrollment week.

2009-02-13T14:33:00.003+11:00

Do you want to help us next week? Its a very important week for our group.

Next week we will invite all the first years to join with us.

Perhaps you're too busy? okk... then just come to the afternoon tea on Monday and/or the BBQ on friday!

Monday.

8am Meet outside the stanley burbery lecture theatre

(underneath the big red main entrance to the university, outside the big lecture theatre)

8-9.30- put up posters and prepare for fliering

9.30-10.30- Fliering /contacting

11am- set up table in activity centre for expo

12-1.30pm- some people flier and some people stand behind table at expo

1.30-2pm- Set up afternoon tea spot

2-3.30pm- English afternoon tea - to welcome new students and tell them some more about FOCUS

(Meet on the grass between humanities building and the red entrance.)

4pm - go home and put your feet up!

Tuesday

12pm Meet outside the stanley burbery lecture theatre

(underneath the big red main entrance to the university, outside the big lecture theatre)

12-2pm- Fliering and contacting

Wednesday

10.30 Meet outside the stanley burbery lecture theatre

(underneath the big red main entrance to the university, outside the big lecture theatre)

10.30-11.30pm- Fliering and contacting

2.30 Meet outside the stanley burbery lecture theatre

(underneath the big red main entrance to the university, outside the big lecture theatre)

2.30-3.30pm- Fliering and contacting

Thursday

10.30 Meet outside the stanley burbery lecture theatre

(underneath the big red main entrance to the university, outside the big lecture theatre)

10.30-11.30pm- Fliering and contacting

2.30 Meet outside the stanley burbery lecture theatre

(underneath the big red main entrance to the university, outside the big lecture theatre)

2.30-3.30pm- Fliering and contacting

Friday

10.30 Meet outside the stanley burbery lecture theatre

(underneath the big red main entrance to the university, outside the big lecture theatre)

10.30-11.30pm- Fliering and contacting

12pm-2pm - FOCUS reunion come to the BBQ spot in the bush (near ELC/ Riawana)

2.30-3.30pm- Fliering and contacting

I hope you can help!...or otherwise see you at the afternoon tea on monday and/or the BBQ on friday

Some important dates

2009-01-30T13:37:00.002+11:00

O-week is the most important date- 16-20th of Feb.

This is when we meet new students and invite them to FOCUS

...wanna help?

The first FOCUS event will be a BBQ on the 20th Feb

At lunch time
...more details to come

Weekend away 27-1st March

Topic : ...sorry its a secret!...yes i do know what we're going to do!

FOCUS main meetings begin on 6th March

Every Friday 6-8pm including dinner.

The first two weeks will explore the story of the Bible.

iCafe 6th March

We'll look at topics like: helping the poor, drinking good coffee and ....

straight after FOCUS 8.30-9.30pm
it will go for 4 weeks

Sound like fun? no?

Ok... well here are some more fun things:

This year we'll behave a bit more like a church... so....

I'll preach a bit.

We'll sing together.

International students will be up the front.

We'll have at least three weekends away (camps) over the year.

Does THAT sound like fun? I hope so!

See you soon!

Welcome to i.b.m ...um... FOCUS... 2009!

2009-01-23T12:52:00.003+11:00

As you can see we've changed our name!

Hopefully there will be many more exciting changes to see as the year moves along.

I want to invite you to our first weekend away for 2009.

We're going to Clifton Beach 27Feb-1st March.

Friday evening through to Sunday lunch time.

Please contact me as soon as you can if you want to come.

More soon!

Luke

What to do over the summer #4

2008-12-19T13:25:00.004+11:00

Go to the taste of Tasmania

http://www.tastefestival.com.au/

You HAVE to... its a distinctly Tasmanian event and its really significant for Tasmanians. You havent been to Tasmania in the Summer if you haven't been to 'the Taste'.

Its not cheap... but it does give you what it promises... a taste of Tasmania.

You should expect it to be a bit annoying due to the large crowds and possibly a bit dissapointing (if you choose the wrong 'taste'). I always say 'keep your expectations low and you won't be dissapointed!'

If you choose a good drink (Tasmania does some fantastic beers, especially Moo Brew... enjoy in moderation to the glory of God...) and a good couple of tastes (around $7 each... you'll need a couple) and if you can find a good seat (get your friend to find one while you buy the food and then call you on your mobile to tell you where they are) I think you'll have a really special time.

Enjoy yourself!.. oh... and I'll stop posting from now until the middle of January... It's Christmas and then holiday time for me!

Have a great Christmas and a happy new year!

What to do over the summer #3

2008-12-12T14:26:00.002+11:00

Visit the Tasmanian Museum

...i know it sounds boring... BUT its free and you can learn some interesting things about Tasmanian Aboriginals and Antarctic Exploration. These two displays are new and so lack the 'crusty' feel of most of the museum.

What to do over the summer #2

2008-12-05T11:17:00.003+11:00

Go Bush Walking

I think you haven't experienced Tasmania until you've been bush walking.

Its cheap and pretty easy in Hobart. Have you walked up Mount Wellington? You have to do that! Take some yummy fresh food with you and have lunch in the bush too!

Look at this website.

If you want to choose a specific track before you go click on 'walks table'.

You can also downloads maps from the site too.

Enjoy your walk!

What to do over the summer #1

2008-11-28T14:55:00.003+11:00

Hi! I'm sure your uni results have made today an exciting day, but I hear some of you are a bit worried your summer in Tasmania is going to be boring! I've decided to post about how you can make your summer in Tasmania a bit more fun.

Learn to love cheese.
Tasmania does cheese very well and sells lots of adventurous cheeses in lots of stores. The best places to look for cheese are the little 'corner store'shops (e.g. Lipscombe Larder in Sandy Bay, Raw in Sandy Bay, The Salad Bowl in South Hobart etc)but i think even Woolworths will give you more yummy Tasmanian cheese than you can eat over Summer.

Here are some of the wildest (and most educational cheeses) you'll ever eat:

http://www.brunyislandcheese.com.au/cheeses.php

They should be for sale in a shop near you.

Happy cheese eating and visit again next week for another interesting suggestion!

Its all over for 2008!

2008-11-21T11:56:00.005+11:00

Last night was a great end to a great year.

We enjoyed a feast together and celebrated the year that we had shared. Lots of people brought lots of different types of food. We had everything from hot chips and tomato sauce through to squid cooked in a chilli sauce. Everything looked and tasted great!

We played a game where you were given a word and had to find your partner. It was difficult for everyone, so it ended out that even the native English speakers had a challenge.

I did a speech and explained my experience of the year and thanked the people who had helped make i.b.m such a positive experience. Again, thank you Shaun, Shelley, Robbie, Geo, Joel, Ruth, Lyndal and of course Damo... my faithful co-leader. Thanks also to the ibm'ers; you regular attenders who are also always so eager to help!

Thanks for a great year! and see you in 2009!

Im a bit sad

2008-10-31T17:01:00.004+11:00

Hi... I want to say sorry and explain why you won't see me for a while; I'm off to Victoria for two weeks of study. This is because some older men whom I really respect have encouraged me to get ordained (become an official minister/pastor/church leader)into the Presbyterian church and I cannot get ordained into the Presbyterian church until I learn more about the Presbyterian church. Confused? me too!
The people in Victoria (my lecturers) are really kind and are trying to make it comfortable for me. But i will miss my family and you of course. i.b.m was really great last night... people would not leave and go home! hehe a good problem to have I think.
See you in two weeks. :-)

You're welcome to join our facebook group

2008-10-16T12:27:00.002+11:00

Hi, If you'd like to be more of a part of the i.b.m community, you're very welcome to join our facebook group. I hope that this will become more significant for i.b.m as people leave Tasmania but can still be in relationship with i.b.m.
:-)

The end of iCafe

2008-10-10T12:47:00.003+11:00

Hi,
It sounds like some of you are a bit surprised and disappointed that iCafe has finished.

Well, we only planned to have it for one month...just as a trial so we could decide whether to do it every week next year. It was quite hard work and tiring (often we did not get home until 11pm!).

I think it was a great thing to do, many students expressed their appreciation. That was one of our aims; to love and support students living in Tasmania.

Eating together and teaching you the Bible is a great way (I would say it's the best way) to love and support you while you're living in Tasmania; when we eat together we build relationships; when we teach you the Bible, we introduce you to God and his great act in Jesus. BUT we also want to love and support you by helping you to understand your environment, which, in the case of iCafe, meant learning about Tasmanian culture.

We hope you felt the love and support... and... we hope you had a lot of fun!
:-)

i.b.m recap and iCafe pics

2008-09-26T13:03:00.004+10:00

This week at i.b.m we looked at the Bible. We learned that it's from God and reveals God to us. It shows us the way to have a right relationship with God and how to live in that relationship. SO we don't need other books or traditions or voices in our heads to hear from God... just the Bible... simple isn't it? if you wondered why we study the Bible every week at i.b.m... now you know...

At iCafe we learned about Tasmania's history. Nick and Kate did a great job and everyone had a good time. There was lots of information, but also lots of interesting things to look at like: maps, art, trees and shoes! Here are some pictures of what happened...

Living Right

2008-09-19T13:41:00.007+10:00

This week we learned about living in a right relationship with God and so living the right way in response.

We also learned about the right way to live in Tasmania... you've got to love the environment...
abseiling

rafting

(with protective equipment)

camping

kyaking

...etc....

iCafe - Australian Food

2008-09-12T16:12:00.004+10:00

We had lots of fun last night. I was even called on to sing a song for the 30+ people that attended iCafe. Here are the words of that song:

We`re happy little vegemites, as bright as
bright can be,
We all enjoy our vegemite for breakfast
lunch and tea,
Our mummies say we`re growing stronger
every single week,
Because we love our vegemite, we all adore
our vegemite
It puts a rose in every cheek.

Australians do love and honor vegemite.... but there are many more 'iconic foods' for the Aussie, like: Anzac biscuits, Burnt Sausages, Meat pies, Tim Tams, Pavlova, Lamingtons, weetbix.

Personally, as I studied my country's food, I was interested to learn that the most popular (or glamorous?) genre of food in Australian dining at the moment is called 'Modern Australian'. It seeks to use local, regional produce while also embracing the blessings of multiculturalism as it blends the flavours of east and west, north and south. I feel hungry just thinking about it.

What can you do to help out with iCafe?

2008-08-29T14:42:00.002+10:00

> Think about friends that would like to come...
> Think about how you can invite people who are not friends.
(do you know a good place to put a poster? a good place to hand out information?)
> If you’re coming find a good way to get home at 10:30 in the night!
> Pray that it will help people to see that Christians are nice and normal people
> Pray that people will know they are experiencing God’s love through His people

iCafe

2008-08-22T11:01:00.003+10:00

11th Sept - Australian Food
18th Sept - Night Walk around Hobart
25th Sept - Tasmanian History
2nd Oct - Tasmanian Culture

we're out the back :-)

2008-08-08T14:29:00.005+10:00

Hello!
We've moved out into the back room of the church building now. The front room was feeling too full. I think it worked nicely for us on Thursday night. What did you think?
Its a happy time at i.b.m at the moment... however it's hard to really enjoy this because w know that soon it will be time to say goodbye to some special friends we've made... It must be hardest thing about international students work *sniff!* ToT ! Enjoy these photos!
Mathew, Lucas and J.J

Back at the books eh?

2008-08-01T14:18:00.003+10:00

Hi, I hope life 'back at the books' is ok ... I do know what you're experiencing! At last count I think i had something like 10 assignments to do, many of which are overdue... ToT

As many of you will know, at the moment we're studying the first book in the Bible, called 'Genesis' in English. The title comes from the greek word:
...meaning 'origin' (this is where we get the English word 'geneaology')

This Greek word comes from the Hebrew word :

Hebrew was the original language of this book and this word means 'in the beginning'.

Genesis gives the reader a lot of the important ideas about God, people and creation, and so it prepares the reader for reading the rest of the Bible. We learn that God is one, God is powerful, God creates by his word, God is relational, God loves, cares for and nutures the things he makes, and that God's creation pleases him. We learn that humans are the most important part of God's creation, they they are made for loving relationship with God and one another and that they have the responsibility of caring for the other things that God has made. We learn that creation is very good and is valuable because of the value of it's creator.
...Anyway... you get the idea... i could say a lot more... but you'd get bored i expect.

Things are going well at i.b.m ... good food, good relationships, good numbers, fun studies and a very good God... why don't you come along and see for yourself if you haven't already?

Mid Year Conference

2008-06-27T15:49:00.002+10:00

Oh... and another thing...
I just thought i'd let you know that 6 people from ibm will go to the mid-year conference this year. There will be about 40 Aussies, lots of Bible, relationship building and free time. We'll be exploring the death of Jesus...

Do you read this blog?

2008-06-27T15:44:00.002+10:00

Hi,
This is a bit of a sneaky way of updating the blog without having to put too much thought into what I write!
Well... I was wondering... is this site being visited by i.b.mer's or international students more generally? or perhaps its just my Aussie mates just trying to make ibm feel good? ;-)
The visitor counter thing at the bottom of the page says the page is being visited... by who by?
Could you leave a comment and say 'hi' ? please? don't worry about your English... i'm just curious to know who visits!
Thanks!

Do you like the idea of an International Cafe?

2008-06-04T11:03:00.002+10:00

Hi,
I'm thinking about a starting an international cafe right after ibm. But It would not be a normal cafe. I would like the 'cafe' to be a time of culture appreciation and relationship building. We'll have some food and drink there and some fun board games... but the central part of each evening would be a cultural presentation from someone. What do you think? Here are some good reasons to have an international cafe.

1) International students think Hobart is boring, especially at night. Going to an international cafe from 8-10pm on a Thursday night is an exciting way to spend an evening. Old people like me think that its too late in the night! But students go to bed at crazy times like 2am!

2) Culture is a wonderful thing and needs to be celebrated and shared. We are enriched as people when we are exposed to different ways of living in Gods world, especially when they have a deep history. Often when someone shares something from their culture we are encouraged to share something of our own.

3) Relationships are really valuable and so worth pursuing and deepening. God has made people to relate to him and one another. Living in the world feels wrong when we have no friends, or have shallow friendship. An international cafe is a good place to develop relationships.

4) I want people to seriously consider whether they would like to come to 'ibm'. Often when people decide they are not interested in coming along, it is because our posters look boring or a Bible study sounds boring or an ugly man comes up to them and invites them. I want people to say 'no' only if they are not interested in exploring Christianity, rather than because we have done a bad job of inviting them.

Let me know what you think by commenting ok? Thanks

Baptism Anyone?

2008-05-18T16:23:00.005+10:00

When Lucas became a Christian recently he asked 'should i be baptised?' His very next question was 'do i have to get baptised in the river? its too cold!' Thankfully Sandy Bay Baptist Church had a baptismal bath that we could use... we were even able to heat it! Lucas was happy... i think...

If youre a bit confused about what baptism is... and youre a bit worried about Lucas because he looks so serious in the photos... let me explain it simply to you.

The Bible encourages us to use two signs in the the Christian's life. One is 'The Lord's Supper' (a special dinner that Christians eat together) and 'Baptism' is the other. Both these signs show us God's promises that he gives us in the Bible. They also help us to trust in these promises in the Bible.

The 'sign' of baptism shows us that if we trust in Jesus' death and resurrection for us,
God will wash away our godless behavior (also called sin or living against God) and make us friends with him forever.

It was a very special time both for Lucas and for those who came to participate as we celebrated and our faith was strengthened.

You are invited to the 'choose your own adventure Richmond Trip'

2008-04-21T08:32:00.001+10:00

What: A trip to historic Richmond where you get to choose what to do (because Richmond is so great, it’d take a week to do it all!). Friends are very welcome.

Possible Activities: Gaol, model village, maze, old-fashioned lolly shop, picnic of bakery treats next to the bridge, take a stroll to the historic church …

When: Saturday 26th April (this Saturday), 10am-3pm (ish).

Where: Meet at the TUU carpark (next to the Ref, on Regent Street)

Transport: If you can drive on the day, please let Erica know (details below).

Approx Cost: $20 - $25.

RSVP: On Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=11830632607), or to Erica (ericag@utas.edu.au or 0437752296) by Friday 25th April.

Let's visit The Signal Station THIS Saturday (12th April)

2008-04-07T10:50:00.005+10:00

Rio and I tried out the tack up to the signal station on Friday. It was really nice and so lets walk up to it this Saturday ok?

our logo

2008-03-25T13:02:00.003+11:00

This is our brand. We're trying to get it known around campus. Originally I thought that the three leaves were just another cool peice of random graphic design that fell from the mind of our graphic designer onto the page. BUT oh how wrong I was... he labored and brainstormed over the Bible for some time to come up with this idea... the three leaves are acutally palm branches referred to in Revelation 7:9-10.

'After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!"

Beautiful isnt it? so it turns out that our logo is pregnant with meaning. It stands for our conviction that this is the end for humanity; everyone from everywhere (even outside Australia!) and all times will gather around our God and his lamb (symbollic of Jesus and the death he died) and praise him for the salvation they will enjoy in utter fullness from that day on. It also drives our mission to see people gathered from those places where very little opportunity is available to hear of the Lordship of the lamb ... it does say 'all tribes and peoples and languages' doesn't it?

SO those who gather are not just those who have democracy, religious freedom, a Christian heritage, church buildings in every suburb and are drowning in Christian resources, RATHER there will also be those from Athiest countries, Buddhist countries, Muslim countries, Socialist countries etc.... who have come to know that Jesus is LORD and Savior and want to love and serve him forever.

Location, location!!...

2008-03-19T20:52:00.002+11:00

ibm is moving to a new home...

it has a great location, good price, friendly landlord, and plenty of room!

It is the Sandy Bay Baptist Church, at 239 Sandy Bay Road, Sandy Bay (opposite 'Yume' and Coles - here is a map if you get lost)

The time is the same - 6pm every Thursday

Come along and visit us in our new home!!

iFm...international Fishing meeting!!

2008-03-12T13:10:00.008+11:00

Ingredients for a fishing trip:

9x fishing rods
100x hooks (!)
200x sinkers (!!)
1x tasty meat for fish
1x sunny day
20x happy people
1x sprinkle of good luck

This recipe feeds between 0-100 people, depending on the quality of the good luck that you use.

Method:

#1
Carefully place your fishing rods out for display. This is very important

#2
Go to the beach and practise 'casting' your line. Be careful not to catch your friend's eye!

#3
Go the rocks above the water that you hope the fish swim in. Be careful not to fall in the water.

#4
Cast your line into the water. Then wait.
At this stage, one of three things happens:

you catch a fish (very uncommon)
you wind your fishing line in without a fish but with lots of seaweed (quite common), or
you lose your hook, meat and sinker and have to spend 10 minutes putting on new ones (extremely common)

#5
When you get tired, hungry, or bored, it's time to go home. But remember to be happy because you might catch a fish next time! (if you use some good quality luck).

The First of Many Barbeques...

2008-02-18T16:49:00.008+11:00

The weather was perfect (for Hobart, Tasmania) - 20 degrees, sunny, and a light breeze.

The food was very good - from Lebanese Beef to Sandy Bay Sausage, we had it all!!...

The company was good too - some new faces, some old faces, some little faces...

BBQ #1 for IBM 2008 was a good way to kick off the year! Hopefully there are many more...

Please join us next week for the first proper 'official' International Bible Meeting ('ibm') at the University of Tasmania where we will have good food and good company AND an exciting time exploring the Bible! (I'm not sure about the weather - it changes every 5 minutes in Tassie so who knows what it'll be doing next week!?!...).

IBM 6-8pm Thursday in the Life Science Building

We're back!

2008-02-15T10:13:00.006+11:00

Hello and welcome to another year of ibm!

The holidays, the trips to the beach, the cherry picking, the sleeping in, the New Year's celebrations are all over and now it's time to get into the year!

This year we're welcoming Luke to the ibm team - he's a Tasmanian who's been with his family in Sydney for 3 years studying theology and now he's very excited to be back in Tassie breathing clean air, cultivating fresh organic vegetables, going to the beach with his boys, and helping to grow the ibm community!

Some of the things Luke loves are spending time with international students, eating and cooking exotic crazy food, Jesus, good coffee, his wife and boys, and helping people to grow stronger in their faith in Jesus. He's a great bloke and it'll be great to have him leading the team this year!

We've got all sorts of wonderful and crazy ideas for ibm this year, so drop back regularly to find out what's happening!

The Endless Summer...

2007-11-29T09:41:00.000+11:00

If you're a surfer you probably know about the famous surfing movie called 'The Endless Summer'. Even if you can't surf (like me!), it's still a great movie, and it'll probably make you wish you could surf!

Anyway, this summer, Crossroads Church is organising 'The Endless Summer Bible Studies', and IBM is invited to join them! We won't be surfing together but we will be enjoying warm (hopefully!), relaxed summer afternoons together in the beautiful St David's Park as we eat and discuss the Bible together.

They're happening every Thursday afternoon from about 4:30pm until about 6:30pm, and it's fine if you come late or leave early if you have to. From 4:30-5:30 we'll be eating, socialising, relaxing, and then from 5:30-6:30 we'll be reading and discussing a small section of the Bible. Bring yourself, a picnic dinner, and your friends, and join the endless summer!

St David's Park, Hobart.
(see Google Map here for directions)

Basic Christianity

2007-11-27T09:16:00.000+11:00

Last week I wrote a long and complicated essay about how Jesus is described in John Chapter 1. But although it is important to think carefully and deeply about Jesus and the Bible, I would hate you to think that Jesus is only for intellectual, philosophical types of people who love big words and debates and complicated ideas.

I was reminded about this again last night when I heard a very clear talk from a small book in the Bible called First Thessalonians, that describes what it means to be a Christian and what it means to live as a Christian in simple, basic ideas.

So here it is - Basic Christianity - from First Thessalonians:

1. Being a Christian begins by hearing a message.

The message is that there is only One God, who is the True and Living God. This God sent his One and Only Son (Jesus) to the world to rescue us from the judgement (punishment) that we all deserve because we have all ignored and rejected this True and Living God. Jesus has rescued us from this judgement by dying for us.

2. Being a Christian means believing this message

Believing the message means accepting that Jesus died for you (which is the same as putting your trust in him or relying on his death or depending on him to rescue you). This is what the Bible means by having faith in Jesus. And you cannot really believe this message without turning away from artificial gods and turning to the True and Living God to serve Him with all of your body, mind and spirit.

3. Being a Christian means following the example of Jesus.

Jesus not only rescues us from God's judgement, but he also shows us how to live in a way that pleases God. That is, Jesus' life becomes an example for us to follow. We also follow the example of true Christian leaders

4. Being a Christian means living differently.

In Thessalonians we see 3 important parts of life where Christians live differently:
(i) Sex lives. Being a Christian means being in a faithful, loving sexual relationship with only your husband or your wife rather than selfishly taking advantage of people by having sex with whoever you can whenever you can.

(ii) Work lives. Being a Christian means being a hard-working, reliable and honest worker, not greedy for money or promotions but instead serving the people you work with and work for.

(iii) Community lives. Being a Christian does not mean going to the mountains by yourself and becoming a monk. Instead, it means being part of a loving community that cares for one another like a family.

It is good to live this way and it pleases the God who has rescued us.

5. Being a Christian means having hope.

Jesus died but did not stay dead! He defeated death because God brought him back to life forever! And whoever believes Jesus also looks forward to the same life after death with Jesus. Therefore, Christians have hope beyond death! This hope motivates us to keep believing the message, following Jesus, and living differently as we wait to meet Jesus!

There you go, that's Basic Christianity for you. It's relevant, powerful, exciting, challenging, life-changing!

The Word about Jesus

2007-11-20T09:03:00.000+11:00

I was discussing with a friend the other day the first few sentences from a part of the Bible called John, which is a biography about Jesus. This is how the book begins...

'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men.' (John 1:1-4)

We were discussing what (or who?) is this 'Word', and why does John begin a biography about Jesus with such strange language?

I went away and did some more reading and thinking about this and I wrote a short essay about what I had discovered (if you get confused by some of the big words just read the final paragraph to get the summary!). Here it is if you're interested...

The Greek word for 'the Word' is logos, which in its most basic translation is a 'meaningful utterance'. This meaning can then be developed in many ways, such as 'a statement, a declaration, a discourse, the subject-matter, a doctrine', or 'reason, cause, sake or respect'. When the Old Testament was translated from Hebrew into Greek (a document called 'the Septuagint'), logos was used to translate a Hebrew word (dâbâr) which had as its root meaning 'that which lies behind'. In Hebrew thinking, a person's dâbâr was regarded in some sense as an extension of that person's personality whilst at the same time having an independent existence of its own. Therefore in the Old Testament, the Word of God is both God's revelation (or utterance or disclosure or speech) about himself (to Moses, the prophets, etc), and it is the laws/commands/visions/revelations themselves, which reveal the God who 'lies behind' these words. In Isaiah 55:10-11 we can see this connection between the Word that goes out from God (about himself), which is both totally dependant from God whilst at the same time having an existence and power of its own: "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth ; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."

The Greek Stoic philosophers also used the word logos . They used it to describe the 'principle of divine reason which caused the natural created world to grow and have unity'.* The philosopher Philo of Alexandria used the term to describe the means by which the world was created. This idea was also present in a similar although slightly different way in the Old Testament to talk about the means by which God created the world (for example, Psalm 33:6 says 'By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host.')

So, when we get to John's biography in the New Testament, John is [in part] drawing on some of these Jewish and Greek ideas to introduce a person - Jesus Christ (see John 1:17). By using the term logos to describe Jesus, John is not just saying that Jesus is like God in some way, but that Jesus is God. Jesus is God's revelation (or speech or utterance) about himself. And yet at the same time, Jesus is distinct (separate) from God, just as in the Old Testament God's word could also refer to a distinct entity with its own substantive, powerful quality. John also tells us that it was by the logos, who we now know is Jesus, that God created the world. This agrees with other parts of the New Testament such as Colossians 1:16 which says that 'all things were created by [Jesus]'.

A new idea that neither Jewish or Greek thought anticipated was the logos becoming flesh (John 1:14), that is, human. This is unique to the Bible. When we think about how powerful this logos being is (equal with God and creating the whole world), it seems incredible that he became human! And if we read both John 1:18 and John 20:31 it becomes clear that the reason for this was so that God would be made known to us and that we might experience the eternal life of the logos (who has and will exist forever with and as God).

So in summary, John chapter 1 shows us that Jesus is totally and utterly unique. He was not just a nice man, or another religious teacher with some good ideas about being nice to people. He is God as a human who reveals God to humans. He gives life forever to anyone who believes him because he made all living things and has lived forever and will live forever!

If this is true then it means that Jesus cannot and must not be ignored. In fact, if it's true, then Jesus must be believed, listened to, honoured, obeyed, loved, and worshipped because he is God. Wow.

*From the New Bible Dictionary, 3rd Edition, published by IVP, 1996. Pg 693

**You can read the whole of John chapter 1 here.

Lunch-time IBM

2007-11-19T22:22:00.000+11:00

Ok, I've finally found a time for lunch-IBM
(drum roll please!...)

Wednesday 11:45-12:30

I think it's a good time for:

...ELC students

...Lazy uni students who sleep in until 11:30

...Hard working post-graduate students who've been up since 7:30

...People who are bored [already?!] with the holidays

...People who love the holidays

...Short people

...Tall people

...Christian people

...Not Christian people

...English as their first language people

...English as their second language people

...MacDonalds people

...KFC people

...PC people

...Mac people

...MySpace people

...Facebook people

Lunch-time IBM

All people are welcome

See you there!

Wednesday 11:45-12:30
(meet in ELC foyer @ 11:40)

Introducing the Hansards

2007-11-13T16:25:00.000+11:00

People are always coming and going at IBM - new people coming, old friends going... it often seems happy and sad all at the same time!

Well here's some happy news - next year Luke and Jan Hansard and their boys are planning to move back to their home state of Tasmania and join the IBM team. Luke actually helped begin IBM many years ago before it was even called IBM! So we're really excited about him coming back to help serve and lead IBM!

Check out this video of them to get a bit of a feel for who they are...

Bye-bye Frederick

2007-11-02T11:49:00.000+11:00

A sad part about IBM is saying goodbye all the time to people who have become good friends when they go back to their home-country.

It's time to say goodbye to Frederick. Here are a few picture we've collected of our friend Frederick!

You've been a great friend and encouragement to everyone at IBM this semester and we'll miss you heaps! But may God continue to guide, bless and strengthen you as you serve him in your life!

How to put a smile on your face...

2007-11-02T10:42:00.000+11:00

This person felt very great sadness in his heart when IBM finished for semester 2.

But then someone told him some good news...

"Guess what?!... IBM is back!"

"Really???!!..."

"Yes. Really. It's called lunchIBM"

"That's fantastic!!..."

"Yeah, I know. There'll be more opportunities to study the Bible.."

"More of the Bible?!... wonderful!"

"Yeah, and of course eating together..."

"...meeting new friends..."

"...and seeing old friends too!"

Join in the excitement of lunchIBM!

Every Tuesday lunch beginning 6th November

Check back regularly @ the IBM blog to find out time and location

It'll put a smile on your face too!

The IBM 70's Party

2007-10-12T20:34:00.000+11:00

The IBM End of Semester 1970's Party took off when...

...Yoko and her disco friend joined us for the evening...

...and then this couple just walked in off the street and showed us some moves.

The party's pumping, eh lads?!

The Korean wrestling was taken very seriously!

Praise God for IBM in 2007!

It's been a great year of food, fun, and finding out about God. Thankyou everyone who has been involved in IBM and helped to make it such a great year!

May there be many more!

A Special Bible Meeting

2007-10-12T16:59:00.001+11:00

IBM was very special last night.

It was the last regular Bible Meeting for Semester 2, 2007. I feel a bit sad about that because it's been such a fantastic semester - we've laughed, swapped stories, feasted on great food, met old friends and new friends and friends of friends, shared our hopes and our fears and our beliefs and our doubts, and grown deeper in our understanding of God as we've tried to understand the Bible better. Here are some scenes from the final 'classic' IBM meeting!...

It was also a special someone's birthday!

Shelley has been such a blessing to IBM over the last few years and we're so thankful to God for her!

Happy Birthday Shelley!

Big Differences

2007-10-01T16:14:00.001+10:00

It is common in Australia for people to compare Christianity and Islam. In many ways they seem similar: both large monotheistic (means 'having one God') religions with famous founders (Jesus and Muhammad) and famous holy books (the Bible and the Qur'an). Many people also see both Christianity and Islam as 'fundamentalist' religions, meaning that followers of these religions are often thought to hold extreme, uncompromising opinions which even lead to them saying and doing violent and shocking things.

Of course, some of these things are true - Jesus and Muhammad are both very famous, and the Bible and the Qur'an are the famous holy books of these two respective religions - but we also need to contrast Christianity and Islam and see the differences if we want to get a clear understanding about them.

This is what we did at the IBM Islam discussion and video night on Monday.

Here are a couple of interesting differences between Christianity and Islam:

The Bible records both what Jesus said and what he did. That is, the Bible provides the context for understanding Jesus' teaching. The Qur'an only records what Muhammad said. Because we are not told what Muhammad was doing when he said these things, there is no context for understanding his teaching. To understand the context of Muhammad's life we have to read the Hadith and Sirat. Therefore to directly compare the Bible to the Qur'an is misleading: Christianity is based entirely on the Bible, Islam requires the Qur'an plus other books!
The earliest stories of Jesus' life and teaching (called 'the gospels') were written between 30 and 60 years after Jesus' death. The earliest Sirat about Muhammad's life was written around 150 years after Muhammad's death.
Jesus told his followers that they must not spread his teaching through swords and fighting. Muhammad encouraged his followers to spread his teaching through swords and fighting.
The Bible says that Jesus was killed on a cross and that because of his death we can be saved from God's punishment (called hell). The Qur'an says that Jesus wasn't killed on a cross and that there is no way to be certain that Allah will save us from punishment.

It's important for us to know that there are big differences when we are thinking about Christianity and Islam.

Thanks Sam for discussing these important things with us!

An Authentic Australian BBQ...

2007-10-01T15:54:00.000+10:00

We went to the beautiful Huon River...

Unfortunately, there was too much water for Paddle Boats :(

But!...

Lizzie's parents gave us an authentic Aussie BBQ experience!

All the important ingredients were there...

Women chatting.

Blokes boasting.

And of course, cricket.

(It would be impossible to have an authentic Aussie BBQ experience without cricket!)

More cricket.

And more cricket.
(or is it baseball?!...)

And of course there was food. HEAPS of wonderful food!

Thanks so much Lizzie, Barry and Anne for giving us such a fantastic afternoon and an authentic Aussie BBQ!

What a Victory!

2007-10-01T15:37:00.000+10:00

These boys from Geelong are happy. Very happy!

It took them 44 years to win an AFL grand final. 44 years!... that's longer than most of us have been alive for!

And they did it with style.

Well done lads!

Bollywood Madness!

2007-08-29T12:08:00.000+10:00

A few weeks ago, Shaun and some excited friends took a big trip to a small town called Cygnet for an evening of Bollywood madness.

Here is the evidence!...

Bollywood is all about dancing, music, love and food!

Bollywood forever!

The Mt Wellington Challenge...

2007-08-24T10:02:00.000+10:00

Here's the proof that it actually happened!...

...and that these 4 happy bush-walkers enjoyed beautiful views and fresh mountain air!...

Two Wonderful Things

2007-08-22T17:26:00.000+10:00

1. The First Wonderful Thing is pizza. It's fantastic stuff. We discovered this again last night at Fiona's house as we constructed pizzas as amazing as this...

Look at all these happy faces enjoying the wonderful stuff!!...

...and even this gentlemans' hat enjoyed the wonderful pizza!

2. The Second Wonderful Thing is The Bible...

The story of Martin Luther showed me what a privilege it is to have Bibles easily available in a language I can understand! The ability to read, think and talk openly and honestly is a privilege that many people in the world still don't have. Let's use all the opportunities we have to know and hear what the Bible says to us!

But two questions many people have about the Bible are 'who wrote it?' and 'is it reliable?'. They're good questions and if you want answers to them then have a listen to these talks about the reliability of the Bible by my friend Sam Green.

What was that man doing there?

2007-08-15T11:37:00.000+10:00

You've probably seen pictures like this depicting Jesus on the cross.

What was he doing there?

Why did it happen?

Why is it important?

Come along this Thursday to IBM as we discuss why the death of Jesus was a good thing...

Goodbye Maria

2007-08-15T11:22:00.001+10:00

Maria has been part of IBM since before it was IBM! We will miss her as she goes to Sydney but pray that God will look after her and help her keep living for him in a big exciting new city!

(Maria is the one in the middle!)

Recent Events @ IBM...

2007-08-15T09:26:00.001+10:00

The Hotpot

There is only one word to describe an IBM hotpot... madness!!

But oh so much fun!

A big thankyou to everyone who helped out!

The Pancake Night

A winning pancake...

A winning team...

A most creative team... choc heart pancakes!

A fantastic evening!