RTC has opened its campus in the Melbourne CBD. With many people and supporters in attendance, a plaque was unveiled and soon students will be flock to 221 Queen Street in the heart of Melbourne. Occupying the third level of an office building, RTC has a number of classrooms, offices, a common's area, and a reading room through which it will provide theological education -- "Christ-centered training for life and ministry."
Tony Deenick, the chair of the RTC Board of DIrectors gave a very thorough overview of the history of the RTC. It was well evidenced that God has blessed this journey and He has proved faithful from its early days right up to the present. A former student, and now a pastor in the CRCA, Phil Popping, gave a warm and supportive reflection on his years at RTC. Murray Capill cast the vision of the RTC mission in Melbourne. Telling the story of his grandfather, a farmer, Murray noted that whilst RTC might have gone to the city, they have not sold the farm. The facilities in Geelong will remain a Resource Centre as well as a revenue base for the ongoing ministry of the RTC in providing theological education. Dr. Peter Adam gave the Biblical address on 2 Timothy 2:1-19 reminding RTC that it mission is not about buildings but students -- students that will be able to present themselves to God approved! The official opening was done through the unveiling of the plaque by Richard Cardew, the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Australian College of Theology.
The opening of this campus in the Melbourne CBD was many years in the making, a result of discussions the RTC Board had already as early as 2014. It is our prayer that this presence in the Melbourne CBD will result in the training of generations of Christ-followers in how to engage the gospel in all areas of life and ministry. And may the RTC be a light set on a hill, a blessing in the heart of the city.
Photos from this Campus Opening can be viewed here.
You are invited to an online presentation on 17 September at 7:30 pm by Safe Church to find out why the CRCA needs Safe Church and how it can assist all congregations implement the 10 Standards safely and easily.
Maybe you are thinking, Why do we need to start new churches? Aren’t there enough churches already out there? Here I want to answer some of the major myths about church planting. As we scan the pages of Scripture and also our surrounding world, we see that the world is in desperate need of new churches. Read More
PC3, a CRCA church plant, is a growing community of Christians desiring to share the love of Jesus in the city of Pakenham (VIC). Check out their story here: Sharing the Love of Jesus in Pakenham.
The Solomon Islands Community Health and Development Project was formed in 2004. We conducted our first project in the Solomon Islands during 2006. This project involved 27 volunteers who travelled to the remote village of Samasodu to build a much needed medical clinic. This initial project totalled over $400,000 in costs with all monies raised through sponsorship, donations and fundraising.
Through this initial project we were able to establish a first class medical facility. This clinic has saved and enriched the lives of the people of Samasodu and surrounding district.
In 2008 approximately 25 volunteers returned to the village of Samasodu. A building project was carried out which provided more medical assistance,. This focussed on providing sanitation, toilets, and electricity to the village school. An education program was also conducted in the school.
In 2010 a team of 30 volunteers again travelled to Samasodu Village to build housing for the two nurses that now reside in the village. This project totalled in excess of $400,000 which was raised through sponsorship, donations and charity events.
In 2012, a team of 30 volunteers returned to Samasodu Village and installed around 7 kms of water pipe. Clean drinking water was sourced from a water fall 3 kms from the village and piped through around 40 outlets in the village. The families and children in Samasodu now have clean drinking water.
In 2014, several more teams volunteers returned to Samasodu Village. The village population has grown from around 500 people in 2006 to well over 1000 people now. This is largely because of the quality medical infrastructure that we have been able to build over the last 10 years. During these projects the teams laid over 10 kilometres of pipe and installed around 100 water outlets throughout the village. This delivered clean drinking water to the entire village and significantly improved the health and well being of the entire village.
During 2015 our charity commenced work on the Katova District High School which will be based near Samasodu Village. So far a parcel of 1000 hectares of land has been donated to the project and written undertakings from the Solomon Islands Government and Isabel Education Authority have also confirmed their commitment to the project. In total, the Katova High School will involve the construction of around 50 buildings and will provide a high school education for over 420 children. Many of which currently have no opportunity to attend High School.
The village of Samasodu is located north of the capital, Honiara, and is only accessible via a 22 hour boat trip that is only available on a fortnightly basis. The village has a population that survive on subsistence agriculture and fishing. The village is in a stable socio/political environment.
The clinic also services many nearby islands and a greater population of over 5000 people. Two nurses service the clinic and live within the village. The only doctors are available at Honiara. Over 2 babies a week are born in the clinic. Injuries such as amputations, tropical disease infections, gangrene, spinal damage, and many other serious injuries are treated at the clinic. In addition, dozens of people are treated for malaria and other infections on a daily basis.
Over the next twelve months we will be travelling to travelling to Samasodu several times undertake construction on the High School. The first two trips are outlined below;
Trip 1: Thursday 18 October, 2018 to Thursday 1 November, 2018.
• Complete survey
• Site preparation and install water supply
• Up to 20 participants
• Coordinated and led by Rod Peet
Trip 2: Thursday 11 April, 2019 to Thursday 25 April, 2019
• Construct classroom block
• Up to 30 participants
• Coordinated and led by Rod Peet
Other aspects of the trip may include;
• Conduct a ministry training program
• Conduct a school/education program in the Samasodu Primary School
• Maintenance of existing infrastructure including water supply system, painting, repairs.
• Medical assistance team
This project has grown beyond the capabilities of what our small church (Wamberal CRC) can manage. We are seeking assistance and support from across the CRC denomination. Could we please request that you consider assisting us with the following;
1. Holding a collection for this project.
2. Circulating the information to your members to see if any of them could assist with providing the larger ticket items.
3. Circulating the information to your members to see if any of them would like to join the upcoming teams
4. Dedicate time during church services to prayer for these projects.
I am happy to speak with you and answer any questions that you might have. Here is a link to more information and a participant registration form should any person want to join a team: Participant Info & Registration
Promotional video can be accessed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UGfMUGwWkA&feature=youtu.be
Alternatively, a link can be sent and the video can be downloaded to facilitate easier viewing during a church service.
Major items that could be sponsored include;
1. Shipping container and freight - $8000
2. Purchase of Tools for the projects - $20,000
3. Charter of landing craft - $20,000
4. Purchase of mobile timber mill - $15,000
5. Donation of a front end loader/backhoe
6. Donation of reliable Hilux 4x4 ute (does not have to be registered)
Looking forward to any assistance you can provide. Donations can also be made through the CRCA website here.
Yours sincerely,
Rod Peet
Katova High School Project Coordinator (Australia)
Elder, Wamberal Christian Reformed Church