• Wade Mullen - Something's Not Right
• Chuck DeGroat - When Narcissism Comes to Church: Healing Your Community From  Emotional and Spiritual Abuse
• Diane Langberg - Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church
• https://bit.ly/th-churchabuseresourcelist

***

Alison Muchira lives with her husband in Niani, Kenya where they are the leaders of a young church plant, Mamlaka Hill Chapel, Niani. Alison has homeschooled their four children until recently with her two oldest now finishing high school in Nairobi. 

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/mamlakahillchapeldiani/

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LINKS:

Heart in Mind Psychology Practice

The Reconnected Heart - The Wandering Bookseller 

L'Abri Fellowship International

The Gospel Coalition, Australia - Book Review of The Reconnected Heart

Tori lives in Brisbane and is a member of Ann St Presbyterian Church. She has studied at theological college and has worked as a pastor with school students and uni students.  For some of her week, Tori runs a business that consults with the construction industry regarding energy efficiency compliance.  She loves teaching the Bible to women and talking with people about their faith in Jesus. Family time is important to her, especially if it includes a beach or mountain or bicycle! With Taryn Hayes, Tori co-hosts The Lydia Project: Conversations with Christian Women.

Dr Diane Langberg is globally recognised for her 50 years of clinical work with trauma victims. She has trained caregivers on six continents in responding to trauma and to the abuse of power. For 29 years, she directed her own practice in Jenkintown PA, Diane Langberg PhD, and Associates. Now in partnership with Dr. Monroe, Langberg, Monroe & Associates continues this work which includes seventeen therapists with multiple specialties.

Dr. Langberg’s newest book is Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church.  Her other books include Counseling Survivors of Sexual Abuse, On the Threshold of Hope (with accompanying workbook), In Our Lives First: Meditations for Counselors, Suffering the Heart of God: How Trauma Destroys and Christ Restores, Bringing Christ to Abused Women and many others.

Dr. Langberg is the recipient of the Distinguished Alumna Achievements from Taylor University., the American Association of Christian Counselors Caregiver Award, The Distinguished President’s award, and the Philadelphia Council of Clergy’s Christian Service Award. She is married and has two sons and four grandchildren. 

Links:

www.dianelangberg.com

https://twitter.com/DianeLangberg

https://missio.edu/global-trauma-recovery-institute/

https://www.biblesociety.org.au/projects/trauma-support-ntd/ 

Review: Redeeming Power (The Gospel Coalition, Australia)

For gospel workers who have experienced mistreatment, abuse, or unfair dismissal head to the Gospel Workers Advocacy group for confidential care: gospelworkersadvocacy.org.au

For links to many more articles, videos, books and reviews this document is helpful: https://bit.ly/th-churchabuseresourcelist

Nina is a wife and mum passionate about working with and teaching children.  She and her husband Nick serve in their church as bible study leaders. They are also parents to their delightful young son, Thomas. Nina was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer in October 2020 aged 38, and since then has been on a journey healing and growing mentally, physically, and spiritually.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

@faith_love_and_breastcancer - Nina's health journey through instagram

SHOW SNIPPETS:

“If I didn't have my faith then I'm not sure how I would've gotten through that time.”

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Making Room for Her is available at all leading bookstores, including at The Wandering Bookseller with a 15% discount with the code LYDIA15. 

***

Barbara Reaoch, author of A Better Than Anything Christmas (2020), is the former director of the children’s division at Bible Study Fellowship International. Her home is in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with her husband, Ron. Prior to her role at BSF, Barbara and Ron lived in Cape Town, South Africa, to teach Bible Study Fellowship classes. They also worked with the Rafiki Foundation to train young women in job and life skills. You can connect with her at www.barbarareaoch.com.

Stacy Reaoch is a pastor’s wife, mother of four, and the author of Wilderness Wanderings: Finding Contentment in the Desert Times of Life. She has written for various ministries including Desiring God, The Gospel Coalition, and Revive Our Hearts. Stacy and her husband, Ben, live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with their children. You can find more about Stacy and her writings at www.stacyreaoch.com.

***

Karl Grice has been matching books with people – and people with books – since the turn of the century. He started The Wandering Bookseller to provide hand-picked bookstalls for Christian events across Australia. Karl also curates an indie bookshop in Katoomba, with a piano hidden upstairs, poetry readings and second-hand chairs. Karl and his wife Naomi live with their four children, a few chooks, a vegetable garden and, yes, even more books!"

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Review of Down But Not Out, Chris Cipollone - https://au.thegospelcoalition.org/book-review/review-down-not-out-by-chris-cipollone/
• Andrew Petersen - https://www.andrew-peterson.com/ (songwriter and author of The Wingfeather series)
• SD Smith - https://sdsmith.com/ (author of The Green Ember series)
• The Wandering Bookseller - https://www.wanderingbookseller.com.au/

• The Little Lost Bookshop - https://www.littlelostbookshop.com.au/

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.

.

The Lydia Project: Conversations with Christian Women is a podcast co-hosted by Tori Walker and Taryn Hayes. It features informal chats with Christian women around faith, life, ministry and the ways in which God is shaping their thinking and their lives. The views of TLP guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts.

Jan Wilson has been a Christian for about 35 years after discovering Jesus as an atheist in her mid-thirties. Jan has four adult children and 2 grandchildren. When she is not helping out with grandchildren, she enjoys having great theological chats with her husband, spending time with God, doing her best to keep fit, walking her dog or spending time with Christian sisters. She also likes to relax by reading mediocre novels, watching French films and AFL matches - sometimes while knitting and hoping she doesn't make too many mistakes!

Chrissy Vellacott found during year 10 - when she changed schools and was dealing with much uncertainty - that she could trust God, she could know Him, and she could let Him change her life. She enjoys one-to-one discipleship with women from her church, working in AV, and teaching flute. Chrissy and her husband, Andrew, look forward to welcoming their first child in a few months.

The episode that follows this one will be Tori and Taryn discussing the book Growing Together: Taking Mentoring from Small Talk and Prayer Requests by Melissa Kruger. Still available from The Wandering Bookseller with a 15% discount. Following that episode, we will chat with two women who have had a wonderful experience of one-to-one fellowship. Soon after that we will introduce our first book club book of the year with an interview with the author. 

If you would like to get cracking on reading our book club books for the year, here's the list:

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EPISODE NOTES:

Joanne Hobbs is the CEO of Teen Challenge Qld, a ministry helping young people from addiction to hope. Tori Walker chats with Jo about how she ended up in this position, and how God is at work through the ministry.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Teen Challenge Qld 

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Whether you are a new Christian, or have been for a while and feel in need of a refresher, "Need to Know” will give you the essentials—what you really need to know if you’re going to follow Jesus.

Host Tori Walker chats with Gary Millar about his work at the Queensland Theological College, as well as his most recent book, “Need to Know”.   This practical and easy-to-read book shows readers how letting the fundamental truths of the gospel take root in our hearts changes everything about the way we see God, ourselves and the world around us. He explores what this miraculous change on the inside looks like on the outside as we live our lives shaped around gospel priorities.

Packed full of warmth and wisdom, this book will set anyone up for a lifetime of living for Jesus. It's perfect for giving to new Christians and makes a great gift for baptisms or confirmations. Mentoring questions are included for each chapter, so it's also an ideal resource to use in one-to-one discipleship with younger believers.

“Need to Know” is available online or in bookstores worldwide. In Australia, a 15% discount is available for all Lydia Project Book Club books through The Wandering Bookseller. Simply use the discount code LYDIA15 at the checkout. 

***

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

The Wandering Bookseller: The Lydia Project Collection

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Brooke Prentis is CEO of Common Grace, a movement of people pursuing Jesus and justice.  Brooke is an Aboriginal Christian Leader who is a descendant of the Waka Waka peoples. Brooke is a writer, speaker, poet, theologian, community pastor, Chartered Accountant, and Company Director.

Brooke has appeared on numerous national TV and Radio programs including ABC's The Drum, NITV's The Point, ABC RN’s Soul Search, God Forbid, and the Religion & Ethics Report.  Brooke shares a message of Reconciliation as friendship across these lands now called Australia. @commongraceaus @brookeprentis.official

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Common Grace 

SHOW SNIPPETS:

"Just showing the reality of our warming world."

"Together we feel less tired and less alone and so I understand the reality, I can’t afford to be overwhelmed by injustice."

"What I pray is that non-indigenous Christians don’t get overwhelmed, because we actually need you to walk alongside us, to share that burden of injustice."

"It’s the Body of Christ."

"It’s knowing that God is up to something and I want to be part of that something."

"Build us up in our leadership and share that across these lands now called Australia."

"People don’t know."

"The call is still to listen, to learn, and to love."

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EPISODE NOTES:

What does it actually mean to disciple someone? What is ministry supervision? And why should every ministry have it? These are some of the questions that Sarah Balogh answers in her chat with Taryn today on The Lydia Project. Sarah has a psychology practice in the Blue Mountains in Sydney, which she loves, but she also loves discipling women, caring for people in ministry in her role as a ministry supervisor, enjoying her family and supporting her husband in his role as the CEO of the Gospel Coalition, Australia.

***

Sarah Balogh is a Christian, wife, mother, friend, psychologist, ministry supervisor and flower appreciator. She’s also a women’s chaplain at Moore College and loves being involved in her local church, Springwood Anglican. Sarah lives in the Blue Mountains, NSW with her husband, Akos and their three children. In the rare moments when she has time, Sarah likes to write. Many of her articles can be found at The Gospel Coalition, Australia. 

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Ministry Supervision - What It Is and Why Your Ministry Needs It

Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students (AFES)

Moore College

Dane Ortlund - Gentle and Lowly

Sarah Balogh.com - Ministry Supervision 

Dandelion and Orchid book 

Sensitivityresearch.com

Praying Life - Paul E Miller

SHOW SNIPPETS:

“Our house was always full of church, the bible and people.”

“Life was faith and faith was life.”

“As a young Christian, this was life, true life, if the gospel was true, which I believe it is, then He demanded my whole life.”

“I have a real heart for discipling women.” 

“In practical terms, we should always be looking out for someone to disciple.”

“Sometimes God is more interested in our holiness than our happiness.”

“Often there are gaps between what we say we believe and what we do. A ministry supervisor can help fill the gaps.”

“Some of our children by be like dandelions - they can grow anywhere, while others are like orchids - they need a little more care.”

One of my favourite sayings is “I can only do what I can only do. The rest goes to the keeper and that’s God!”

“We do life with and for others.”

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EPISODE NOTES:

Host Tori interviews Jo Gibbs on what the crosscultural life is like and how chronic fatigue affected that. Jo talks about the ministry roles that she has been in as well as how she came to understand who Christ is and what He had done for her.

***

Jo grew up in a non-Christian family but came to Christ while at university. Later on she felt challenged to go serve the Lord overseas and ended up living in a crowded city for 11 years before returning to Australia due to her husband’s health. She took up ministry roles that used her plethora of skills from working in different situations such as, community development, cross-cultural ministry, working with families, kids and youth, then care and discipleship ministry.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Anglican Deaconess Ministries

SHOW SNIPPETS:

"I felt like someone had given me some of the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle but without all of them and without the box with the lid that actually helps to put it together. That’s what it felt like."

"I was generally the one arguing with the Christian studies teacher, trying to pull out, what I thought were, apparent contradictions in the Bible or tough questions."

"I’d heard about the needs of the Muslim world but honestly at the time I felt really uncomfortable around Muslim women."

"I developed a love for Muslim women that went alongside that challenge that I’d heard."

"Great, huge needs."

"At one point I was a part of a women’s Bible study where the only person in the group who could read was the national leader."

"It (the Pentecostal church) often felt like it was, intentionally or unintentionally, focused on what I was doing to generate my Christian life rather than what Christ had done."

"I could see God taking me on this gentle process of different denominations."

"Rest in all that Christ has done and not what I generate in my Christian life."

"I think that remembering what God’s done in the past but also remembering who God is is such an important part of our lives." 

"So just trying to pull back, reset my priorities."

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EPISODE NOTES:

Linda Poole chats to Taryn about finding joy in Jesus and longing to be someone who chooses gratitude and thankfulness even when times are hard. Linda speaks about her years in cross-cultural mission where she and her family served as part of a hospital mission in South Sudan. She speaks of the transition back to Australia and the struggle that was. She also speaks to how God is growing her today in her ministry to her children, her church and as a facilitator for Pioneers, Australia.

***

Linda Poole is a wife, a mum and a passionate follower of Jesus. She loves Jesus, her family, mission, people, coffee and Tasmania. She is committed to playing her part in Jesus' global plan for the nations. At present, that includes ministry to her children, in her church – The Branch, Launceston – and as the Member Care and Development Facilitator for Pioneers, Australia. Linda and her husband, Graham, spent a number of years in South Sudan as part of a mission hospital team. Linda is also a contributor to the Australian Christian book, For The Joy, edited by Miriam Chan and Sophia Russell. (link For the Joy to the gospel coalition article - link below in the links section)

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Pioneers, Australia (mission organisation)

The Branch Church

For The Joy, edited by Miriam Chan and Sophia Russell

SHOW SNIPPETS:

“God is good and we are at His mercy; he is good and he is gracious.”

“There is a lot of inequality in our world. There is a lot of suffering and injustice, and I wrestle a lot with our role in it.”

“Saying yes to Jesus means saying no to things that are so much a part of their lives.”

“I have a really high value on inclusion.”

“We struggled with the “uh, what are we supposed to do here now?””

“I really wrestled with every dollar I spent.”

“How do I live here, knowing what I know about there?”

“Gratitude is something that I want to keep getting better at.”

“Because we had faced a lot of stuff together, that glued us together.”

“There was a lot of shared trauma and sadness, but also a lot of laughter and joy.”

“My biggest ministry is my kids.”

“There are just so many opportunities to serve the Lord. Let’s not get complacent.”

“As much as I am distractible, I love to pray with people and for people. Prayer changes things. What a privilege to speak to our Father.”

“God gives us all that we need to do what we need to do today.”

“I’m learning to choose thankfulness and gratitude … and I’m learning that a lot of that is choice.”

“He is the one who keeps us!”

“There is a King and Country song called I Choose Joy. And that is what I want to do. I want to choose joy.”

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"Sometimes we ask What is God's will for my life? when we should really be asking Who should I be? The Bible has an answer: Be like the very image of God."

Hosts, Tori Walker and Taryn Hayes chat about Jen Wilkin's book In His Image. Jen Wilkin is an American speaker, writer, and teacher of women's Bible studies with 20 years of experience in ministry. Her book, In His Image, explores ten characteristics of who God is - holy, loving, just, good, merciful, gracious, faithful, patient, truthful, and wise.

Tori and Taryn discuss the premise of In His Image, why they think it is a valuable book to read and share, and their big takeaways from some of the chapters.

To get your own copy of this book with a 15% discount, head to The Wandering Bookseller and use the code LYDIA15 at checkout.

***

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

The Wandering Bookseller: The Lydia Project Collection

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Jill McAlpine knows what deep emotional pain looks like - she has seen it in her practice as a Clinical Psychologist and she has felt it herself, acutely, through church-based ministry and the terminal illness diagnosis of her husband, Stephen. In this episode, Jill shares with Taryn her gratitude for the pain, hurt, sorrow and grief because of how God has shaped her and her husband through some of the more difficult moments in life and ministry. 

***

Jill belongs to God, first and foremost. She is grateful for his gift to her of her husband and best friend, Stephen. Together, they embrace the challenges of loving and parenting two children (an adult and a teenager) and they are looking forward to retirement together.

As a psychologist, Jill has been blessed to meet and work with people from all walks of life in a diversity of settings, from schools to prisons; around the world, including in the UK working with Muslim women in a refugee centre; and currently in her clinical psychology practice in Perth with women (and men) across all life stages and contexts.

As someone involved in church-based ministry – that has included a couple of church plants – Jill has been entrusted with an intimate awareness (personally and professionally) of the struggles and pastoral care needs of congregations, of those who lead them, and of their families. Jill also enjoys teaching in Pastoral Care at theological college to help equip the next generation of students to care well for others.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Providence Church

Handle With Care

Every Moment Holy

SHOW SNIPPETS:

“I’m a huge introvert and so for me it was quite a challenge to open myself up, so instantly, to people.”

“We were told that our parenting was not up to speed, we were told that I should not be working as a psychologist-because it’s not good for the family.”

“We were told that Stephen was not cut out for ministry or for leading a church.”

“We felt that at that moment we were so deconstructed, we had nowhere to go then to seek God out.”

“We soothed our way through our suffering, just praying.”

“Even though we thought that we had let them down, there was enough grace there to continue to love us.”

“The clutter was more my despair and my disbelief, I knew I couldn’t fix this. I was trying to work out ‘how do I manage this?’ And I realised that it was beyond me.”

 “Everything just did not make sense and we were completely vulnerable and exposed to God’s plan for us.”

“We had nothing. It was a very pivotal moment for us in our ministry.”

“We are thankful for the pain and the hurt, the sorrow, the grief, we are thankful for how God has shaped us through it.”

“My time is very much with people-and sometimes those contexts blur.”

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EPISODE NOTES:

Host Tori Walker chats with Marion Birchley about life and student work in PNG.

***

Marion lives and works with her husband Keith in Papua New Guinea. She has three adult children and one granddaughter. She enjoys serving and growing in her knowledge of God through involvement with different churches in children, youth and women's ministry.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

The Church Missionary Society (CMS)

SHOW SNIPPETS:

“It’s exciting to see how God can just continually grow us right throughout life.”

“Sometimes when you have very little or nothing, then there’s only one place to turn: that is to the Lord.”

“How much do we (in the West) really cry out to the Lord to help us through things?”

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EPISODE NOTES:

When Kate became serious about her Christian faith, she chose to explore mission work abroad. Little did she realise that a 5-month mission trip would turn into a lifelong ministry that involved a cross-cultural marriage, three children, and a venture into authoring books and supporting other Christian women in their writing. Grief, heartache, and much uncertainty are just some of the things that Kate shares with Taryn. Listen as they chat about her journey and God’s incredible compassion and care as Kate trusts Him and learns from those around her.

***

Kate Motaung is the author of A Place to Land: A Story of Longing and Belonging and Letters to Grief, and co-author of Influence: Building a Platform that Elevates Jesus (Not Me). She is the host of Five Minute Friday, an online community that encourages and equips Christian writers, and owner of Refine Services, a company that offers writing and editing services. Kate and her South African husband have three teenagers and call Michigan their home state. 

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Five Minute Friday 

Refine Services

Personal website

Kate’s Books:

31 Day Writing Prompt Journal

Influence

A Place to Land

SHOW SNIPPETS:

“When we do have conflict, we can go back to Scripture and agree that that is the basis - and that wins.” 

“I thought I was going for a five-month mission trip … I ended up living there for 10 years. I met my husband there and all three of our children were born there.”

“Scripture is the ultimate authority and truth and that is what brings us back together.” 

“It has been interesting with race relations in America becoming more heated.”

“It has been a blessing and opportunity for my husband to listen and educate others.”

“I have learned a lot from him: just watching him, listening to him, learning from him about how we an treat each other in a way that reflects that we are all made in the image of God.”

“I have also been passionate about supporting women of colour particularly in the writing and publishing sphere, because those are the circles I am often already in.”

“Wherever we are in the world, we can take comfort in knowing that this world is not our final home.”

“We want to be a city on the hill pointing people to Christ.”

“It is very tricky - whenever I post about myself or my work on social media it feels very much like “look at me, look at me”, yet at the same time we have been called to be obedient to use the gifts we have been given.”

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Host Tori Walker interviews Catherine Parks, who is one of the Contributors to the book “Beautifully Distinct”. Beautifully Distinct aims to help Christian women engage with our culture by being beautifully distinct. 

***

Catherine Parks grew up with a love for reading biographies. Now she is the author of Empowered, Strong and Real: The Surprising Secret to Deeper Relationships as well as a contributing author to the book, Beautifully Distinct. She lives in Nashville, with her husband, and two children, where she attends a church and helps to lead the worship there. 

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Wandering Bookseller: The Lydia Project Collection

Catherine's website

Paul Blart: Mall Cop

Psalm 42

SHOW SNIPPETS:

“What are the longings of the people around us?”

“In light of eternity, what does this matter?”

“That God was not casting me out, because I was struggling with faith and doubt in that moment was such an encouragement.”

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EPISODE NOTES:

Host Tori Walker spends a morning with Catriona Pine on her Brisbane balcony chatting candidly about her faith, her friends, her love of stories, and her work with kids with complex special needs. 

***

Catriona is a beautiful, warm individual who uses her gifts to love her family, her church family, and the kids she works with.  She works as a speech pathologist assisting kids with complex special needs to eat and communicate.  She lives in Brisbane and is a member of Living Church.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Wide Eyed Stories

SHOW SNIPPETS:

“You emotionally connect very well with stories.”

“I think it’s really important to make sure that that kid knows that you’re present and that you’re there.”

“These are beloved children.”

“Church has a lot of politics that I don’t want to get involved in and I think don’t want to mess relationships.”

“When you’re working with someone who’s, in the beginning, not giving a lot back because of a variety of reasons, turning up for them every week is really important.”

“The pressure to be a certain size is so prevalent.”

“Buy bigger jeans. I shouldn’t get sad, just buy bigger jeans.”

“I’m the biggest person in the class but I can do it.”

“Constant encouragement from everyone around you.”

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EPISODE NOTES:

Alison Eloff has worked in ministry with women for 35 years in various capacities, including church planting, student ministry, curacy and ministry to women at St James Church in Cape Town. In this interview, Alison chats to Taryn about how God brought her to faith at the tender age of 11, when a friend persistently shared gospel tracts with her, despite Alison’s lack of interest or any kind of family interest in Christian things. She shares about working through coming from a broken home, why she chooses to minister to women, and much more. Alison’s years in ministry enables her to share much of her wisdom in clear and enlightening ways.

***

Through the persistence of a friend, Alison eventually agreed to read the growing pile of gospel tracts she had shoved under bed. That decision opened her eyes to the gospel and brought Alison to a trusting faith in Jesus at the young age of 11. Since then, God has led her through a lifetime of serving Him in various ministry roles, including partnering with her husband Mervyn in ministry from Bible college and church planting in Cape Town, curacy at St Helen’s, London, to student and family ministry in Stellenbosch, theological training and student work at George Whitefield College in Muizenberg and then again to church ministry at St James Church, Kenilworth in Cape Town. Together, Alison and Mervyn are parents to their two, now adult, daughters. And while gardening and sewing are among her favourite activities, seeing the 'light go on' when women study the Bible has been among her favourite ministry experiences of the last 35 years in working with women. Alison says that she always finds the Lord to be the faithful rock He promises to be in His word and that she loves sharing this reality with women.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

St James Church Kenilworth

George Whitefield College

St Helen's, London

Christ Church, Stellenbosch

SHOW SNIPPETS:

“She said to me, do you know of the Jesus you are meant to be learning about at Sunday School? I had no idea what she was talking about. It was a totally foreign idea … then she started feeding me a series of booklets.”

“She gave me one a week and I dutifully took the booklet and stuck it in a tin under my bed. …  We eventually got to the end of the booklets and she asked me again “have you looked at the booklets”. I thought, the only way that I am going to get this woman off my back is if I actually read the booklets and then I can say in good conscience that I read them and give them back to her and that would then be the end of the story. And I read in them about the reality of the claims that God makes that he is actually King. He is the creator. He is the one who in authority. As an 11 year old, I have chose to live as though he has not existed and that in fact is treason and is deeply offensive to him and I need to do something about that and I thought, if he said it and he is God then I really am in big trouble if I don’t say something or do something about it.”

“I've got to make my peace with the fact that God will do what is right and He cares for them the way He cared for me and His plan for them may not have reached its completion yet.”

“Every place we have worked and lived we have just learned so much from the people we have been working with. And we keep learning. There is always more to learn.”

“Being in the ministry is an enormous privilege.”

“We are learning again that you’ve got to keep holding onto the basics.”

“Keeping the main thing the main thing is what we are learning again and again and again.” 

“We are learning how to do better, to be honest, and there are some real growing pains.”

“I think it all comes back to really embracing the reality:  if God is the creator and you look around the world at the extraordinary beauty and diversity - God got it right to have an extraordinary mix of everything … it’s beautiful and works so well.” 

“I think that as human beings if we keep acknowledging God as our creator - if we are in a relationship with Him - we shouldn’t be scared by other people’s diversity or their opinions. At the end of the day, we are all working on our relationship with Jesus and are we all doing what we can to be as fruitful as we can for Him … altogether that should be creating a beautiful thing for Jesus. Maybe it’s too simplistic but it is one of the best ways that I can make sense of what we need to do.”

“For me that has meant picking up all the balls that I used to hold (and doing things smarter in the Covid context).”

“It’s not even in the same room as my skill set, it’s in a whole other building!” 

“I think that is the privilege of being a part of God’s family - we do carry each other’s burdens.”

“I think we have not yet seen the kingdom stories that are going to come out of Covid.”

“We are both broken and sinful. The reality is our brokenness sometimes won’t be fixed. Ecclesiastes says that. So we limp along as broken people, but we are also sinful. God in his grace gives grace for one and deals with the sinfulness of the other.”

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EPISODE NOTES:

Host Tori Walker catches up with singer-songwriter Tenielle Neda about people who have encouraged her in her faith, her latest album “What is My Hope?”, and the real story behind making beautiful music videos.

***

Tenielle drives big trains!  She lives with her husband and two boys in the red sands of Karratha, WA.  She loves pointing people to Jesus whether in word or song. Tenielle is a singer-songwriter who writes devotional music with the aim to point people's hearts and minds to Jesus, to encourage and bear witness to the world of his saving grace.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Link Tree

Tenielle Neda's Music

SHOW SNIPPETS:

“I had a few key people in my life that really loved me, and took me under their wing and discipled me and were super patient with me.”

“After I became a Christian I just naturally was writing songs about that faith journey and my faith.”

“I got all these really encouraging messages from people saying how much the songs had ministered to them and pointed their hearts to Jesus.” 

“On this EP I really did contemplate a lot this idea of our hope in Christ and our future hope and that it’s secured because of the person and work of Jesus.”   

PRAYER FOR...

Where I live, there are very few Christians and I work in an entirely secular and male-dominated workforce. I find the workplace difficult at times, but I pray I can be a light in that place and I do see it as an opportunity for me to bear witness to Christ in a place that is at times hostile to that. I was also a "secular artist" signed to Universal Records before I became a Christian/Christian artist. So please pray for my journey with faith and music.

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EPISODE NOTES:

Positive peer pressure was a factor in Kim Bell’s coming to trust in Jesus for her salvation. Listen to Kim and Taryn chat about how Kim came to faith; her love for teaching children the Bible and how God has shaped and grown the ministry that brought her and her husband, Rory, to England where they produce both print and online Sunday School teaching materials.

***

Kim Bell started trusting Jesus for her salvation when she was a teenager. Her love for teaching the Bible began shortly afterwards when she embarked on a theology degree at George Whitefield Bible College. Through student placement, she found herself teaching the Bible to toddlers and fell in love with littlies and with sharing God’s Word. It is fitting then that Kim now assists her husband, Rory, who runs TnT Ministries - an organisation that produces excellent Sunday School teaching materials both in print and online. Kim and Rory and their three children, Emma, Aidan and Nathan, live in the UK and are part of the Cornerstone Church family in Kingston Upon Thames.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

George Whitefield Bible College

TnT Ministries

Mustard Seeds

SHOW SNIPPETS:

“I love the Bible and love children and thought why not focus on this (children’s work) as a career move?”

“I loved every aspect of it. I loved building relationships with the kids. I loved teaching them the Bible. I loved everything about it.”

“As we left, I said to Rory, wouldn’t it be fantastic if we could do this full time? … a number of years later, they took us out for a meal (and asked us to take over their ministry).”

“Within a week, all those obstacles were gone.”

“I was trying to hold it together, you can’t fall apart with three little kids.”

“If it wasn’t clear that the Lord had led  us here, I would definitely go home with you! … it was really hard!”

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EPISODE NOTES:

Host Tori Walker chats via Zoom with Jo van der Avoort about mothering and ministry in times of pandemic lockdowns and distancing. 

***

Jo moved to Durban, South Africa because of two men - Jesus and Ryan. Her studies are a heady mix of Medical Sciences, English Literature, Education, and Theology. She grew up taking the glittering beaches and waterways of Sydney for granted - though she’s very grateful that Durban also includes sea breezes. For the last 7 years she’s been figuring out how to live in a country where to be uni-lingual is unusual; how to be married; and how to treasure the cyclical and hidden task of parenting a three and a six year old. 

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Daily Prayer App - available via App Store of Google Play Store (orange with graphic symbol of sunrise)

Praying from the scriptures (praising God, confessing sin, thanking God and asking God):  from Prayer Chat Hebrews 1

Psalm 73 

SHOW SNIPPETS:

"The ministry I’m doing  is loving two small people, and doing whatever I can (and feeling very frail and human as i do it), to teach them about God and his world and what it looks like to live in it."

Regarding practical ministry during a pandemic: “Realising I’m not allowed to do any of those things, but I can pray for them, and I have to trust that that is the most meaningful thing I can do for them.”

"God is not a list of truths - he has called me into a relationship with him. And I’m actually allowed to relate to him as someone who meets me in the depths of my being rather than someone who gives me correct things to think about life and who I am."

Five Books to read along with Tori and Taryn at The Lydia Project: Conversations with Christian Women

• Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop
• Beautifully Distinct edited by Trillia Newbell
• In His Image by Jen Wilkin
• Growing Together by Melissa Kruger
• Need to Know by Gary Millar

Head to The Wandering Bookseller for a 15% discount on any of our book club books. 

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In the book, Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament, Mark explains how lament is how you live between the poles of a hard life and trusting God’s goodness.

Lament is how we bring our sorrow to God—but it is a neglected dimension of the Christian life for many Christians today. We need to recover the practice of honest spiritual struggle that gives us permission to vocalize our pain and wrestle with our sorrow. Lament avoids trite answers and quick solutions, progressively moving us toward deeper worship and trust.

Exploring how the Bible—through the psalms of lament and the book of Lamentations—gives voice to our pain, this book invites us to grieve, struggle, and tap into the rich reservoir of grace and mercy God offers in the darkest moments of our lives.

Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy is available online or in bookstores worldwide. In Australia, a 15% discount is available for all Lydia Project Book Club books through The Wandering Bookseller. Simply use the discount code LYDIA15 at the checkout. 

Bio:

Mark Vroegop is the lead pastor of College Park Church in Indianapolis and the author of Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament, the ECPA 2020 Christian Book of the Year, and Weep with Me: How Lament Opens a Door for Racial Reconciliation. He’s married to Sarah, and they have four children and a daughter-in-law. 

EPISODE NOTES:

Katie and her family have been living in Eastern Europe for nearly ten years as cross-cultural gospel workers.  In her chat with Tori Walker, she shares about life in a different culture, the different types of work that she and her husband have been involved in, as well as the ins and outs of being on a possibly extended home assignment.

***

Katie loves Jesus and loves walking with people through the ups and downs of life .  She has lived in a culture different to her own for over ten years, with the hope of sharing Jesus with the people of that culture. She and her husband have 2 girls.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

“None Greater: The undomesticated attributes of God” - by Matthew Barrett 

John chapter 15:1-4

SHOW SNIPPETS:

“When I did make that decision to turn back to Christ, I did want to be all in.”

“I had bit of an idea in my mind that in order to do mission you had to sort of be something or have certain type of skill or profession, which I don’t now believe necessarily to be the case.” 

“A lot of overseas workers find home assignment quite stressful.”  

Things to pray for Cross-Cultural Workers on (possibly Covid-related extended) Home Assignment 

• For the stress of home assignment to not be too great (stress from busyness, oddness, speaking etc) 
• For wisdom of how much to say to a particular group 
• That their specific and individual needs are met in home assignment (whether that be rest, spiritual encouragement, financial support)
• For good connection with supporters and with God

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If that is you, you're not alone. In fact, Tori found that she was needing just that little extra motivation to include more good Christian books in her reading this year. Books that can challenge us, grow us and point us to Christ. And so, The Lydia Project Book Club edition was born! 

In this episode, Tori and Taryn introduce the book club: where it began, what books are planned for the year, where to source them, how a Book Club podcast will look (spoiler alert: the first one is an author interview that Tori can't wait to share with us all on May 10th) and, most importantly, how YOU the listener can join along with us. 

Mentioned in the episode are our sponsors, The Wandering Bookseller. They have generously agreed to a special Lydia Project 15% discount on all 5 of the book club books! This is a fantastic savings! 

The books for this year include:

1. Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop - this one focuses on what Christian lament looks like. It's especially helpful for those who have experienced loss or pain of any kind as they seek God in the midst of heartache.
2. Beautifully Distinct edited by Trillia Newbell - featuring many well-respected thoughtful Christian women writers and teachers, Beautifully Distinct speaks to what it looks like to be in Christian community with one another
3. In His Image by Jen Wilkin - Jen explores 10 ways that God calls us to reflect on his character. It's deeply challenging and a wonderful way to consider how we are called to live like Christ.
4. Growing Together by Melissa Krueger - this book acts as a springboard for mentoring discussions between older and younger women, setting the biblical basis for mentoring from Titus 2. It includes a guide for women to use when meeting together.
5. Need to Know by Gary Millar - Whether you are a new Christian, need of a refresher, or have been around church for years but things have only just clicked into place for you, this inspiring and practical book will give you the essentials—what you really need to know if you’re going to follow Jesus.

All these books can be found at The Wandering Bookseller or any physical or online bookstore that stocks Christian books. If listening to books is more along the lines of what you enjoy doing, many of these books can be found on Audible or Scribd*.

Scribd is a subscription-based library of audiobooks, ebooks and much more. For a small monthly fee, subscribers have access to limitless audiobooks within their library. Use this (affiliate) link to try it out - the first month is free. 

EPISODE NOTES:

Not all cross-cultural workers can be where they want to be in this COVID-era.  Host Tori Walker chats with “Polly” about what it’s like living in limbo with her family, and what we can pray for her and other missionaries/cross-cultural workers like her at the moment.

***

Polly is a cross-cultural worker, who lives and works in the Silk Road. She is the wife to a teacher and a mother to two boys. One of her favourite things to do is to spend time walking in nature and/or to spend time with her family. At the moment, her favourite bible verses are Romans 8:1 and 2 Timothy 1:7. She says that they remind her of the freedom she has in Christ especially from her own fears and lies.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Bible Verses - Romans 8:1-2 

SHOW SNIPPETS:

“I think that the really big that happened during uni was a trust and a faith in the Bible and it’s reliability and that it’s something that I can stand on and something that I can really get to know  Jesus through.”

“Sometimes the M-word (missionary) carries a bit of baggage with it.”

“Do I want to willingly take my family into that?”

“It’s not so much what I’m doing as where do I belong?”

“I can let things be in my head quite nicely, but it doesn’t sink into my heart.” 

What can you pray for for cross-cultural workers who are not in their chosen country?

• For  Workers:
  • Wisdom, clarity and trust in the heightened level of vagueness about the future
  • Housing provision for the whole time back in home country
  • Finances and work while back in home country
  • Wisdom around who and how to spend time with
  • Thanking God for his faithfulness
• For our kids to feel settled
• For the people group that we are loving overseas - for them to cope with difficult restrictions and infections and that the seeds of conversations had in the past  will bear fruit
• For the organisations making big decisions at the moment around staff.   

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EPISODE NOTES:

Rebekah Hemelaar considered herself a Christian for most of her teens, but it was only when she was confronted with gospel questions -  while watching street evangelists strike up conversations with others - that she began to fully understand what Jesus did for her. Trusting in Jesus was her first step towards articulating the gospel well and sharing it with others. Today, Rebekah and her husband, Ryan, are a part of a gospel ministry team that focuses on sharing the good news of Jesus with people on the streets and, in the last year, online too. Ryan and Rebekah are a part of the Redlands Presbyterian Church family where Rebekah serves in youth and children’s ministry.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

NeedGod.net social media: 

Website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok, Youtube

SHOW SNIPPETS:

“I realised, 'wow I had been sinning against God, I haven’t been a Christian this whole time.' I haven’t been trusting in Jesus to pay for my sins.”

“From him sharing the Gospel with other people, I heard it and I was able to come to believe.”

“The gospel brings light to his Word.”

“It is really wonderful that through COVID we’ve been able to share the gospel online.”

“They truly love each other, it’s a true body of Christ feel in this one community … It is a beautiful thing.”

“We keep each other accountable as a team so that we can be best able to preach the gospel when we have that time dedicated to that.”

“We share each other's burdens.”

“You can be a fly on the wall, learning while listening in on gospel conversations.”

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EPISODE NOTES:

Marian Guthrie is both a mama to her three children,  and also a MAMA - a Mature Aged Ministry Apprentice.  In this conversation with host Tori Walker, Marian talks about what led her to being a MAMA and studying at Moore Theological College, the effects of feminism in her life, and ministry through COVID times.

***

I live in Sydney with my husband, Stephen, and have three adult children. Christ Church, Gladesville, has been my church for over thirty years and is where I'm currently working part-time as a Ministry Apprentice. I'm also a part-time student at Moore Theological College, enrolled in the Advanced Diploma of Bible, Mission and Ministry. Early morning walks are one of my favourite pastimes as well as pottering in the garden or reading a good novel. Since COVID I've also started jigsaw-puzzling and binge-watching. I enjoy catching up with women one to one, usually walking and talking, but I also enjoy gathering members of my church family to join us for breakfast before watching livestream church on Sunday mornings.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Katoomba Christian Conventions

Moore Theological College 

Marian’s TCGA articles

(book recommendation) Deeper Still by Linda Allcock

SHOW SNIPPETS:

“Maybe I’m just one of those stepping stones” (along the way to people coming to faith in Christ)

“I look back and I think, yep, God was at work even in those times before I became a Christian.”

“I think God's been doing a lot of work on me this year, in terms of the ways He has been teaching me.”

“I’ve had to learn (and still in the process of it) humility and being teachable.”

This episode also introduces a book club idea that we would love to share with you. Stay posted for more! 

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EPISODE NOTES:

Patricia Weerakoon is an evangelical Christian medical doctor from Sri Lanka. She is also an academic, sexologist and writer. She retired in 2012 after a career as the director of an internationally renowned graduate program in sexual health at the University of Sydney to pursue her passion for writing and public speaking. Her writing and speaking brings together her enthusiasm for sex and her love for the glory of God. Her non-fiction books are gold-standard guides for good sex for all ages. She also writes romantic fiction with a social conscience, bringing together her international experience in sexual health and her passion for her homeland of Sri Lanka.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Website: Patricia Weerakoon 

Non-Fiction:

Teen Sex by the book

Growing up by the book 

Birds and Bees by the book 

The Best Sex for Life

Talking Sex By the Book

Novels: Patricia’s novels are in the genre of “faith inspired fiction”

(i) The Other Sister (2014)

(ii) Empires Children (2015)

(iii) Snowy Summer (2018)

SHOW SNIPPETS:

“We worship a God who created sex and He made it good and like all good things it comes with a purpose and a place where it gives the most pleasure.”

“Sex is more then what the World says it is because it is a good thing for a good place, but it is also far less than the World says it is because it is not your identity.”

“We are not our sexuality.”

“We are all precious in the eyes of God”

“We all are sinful people with desires and feelings.”

“We can love everybody as fellow sinners.”

“The 'don’t do it’s' actually have a basis of goodness.”

“Be out and proud for Jesus.”

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EPISODE NOTES:

Alexa February grew up in Cape Town in South Africa where she still lives with her husband, Craig and their little baby boy, Caleb. Together they are a part of the St James Church, Kenilworth church family. Alexa has a background in education and received her Doctor of Education qualification in December 2020. She has a passion for education, dance and teenagers. Combining all three as a dance teacher of high schoolers means that she gets to translate her passion into her everyday work. Alexa’s story is not without much pain and hardship. Before Caleb, Alexa and her husband, Craig, suffered the tragic loss of their first two sons at birth. Yet, both Alexa and Craig attest to God’s goodness even in their loss and grief. God’s hand in Alexa’s life and her grieving process.

SHOW SNIPPETS:

“It felt like the bottom had fallen out of the earth. But whilst I felt bitterly sad, and shocked and traumatised, I also felt a tremendous sense of peace and very sure understanding that this was God’s plan for my life.”

“I was prepared to submit to God’s plan for my life, as difficult as it might be.”

“The whole journey taught me to rely on God fully and not on myself.”

“In the darkest times, I had a real sense of God pulling me towards himself … he was actively seeking me.”

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EPISODE NOTES:

***

Born in Germany, Christina grew up with Christian values, but lived a God-less life. The death of her father in 1996 started her search for the meaning of life and death. A divorce in 2001, and the still-birth of her baby in 2002 brought her to her knees, crying out to God. In His great mercy, God brought people across her path who began to share the gospel with her. Her newfound joy in Jesus drew her to YWAM and her journey found her in South Africa where she began to study theology through a reformed evangelical lens at George Whitefield College in Cape Town, South Africa, met and married her husband, Bruce and now, together they are adoptive parents to 14-year-old twin boys. Together they serve and are served in the Christ Church, Hermanus church family.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Arise - https://arisefamily.org/ 

Ywam - https://ywam.org/ 

Gwc - https://www.gwc.ac.za/ 

REACH SA - http://reachsa.org.za/ 

The Sandwich Guys, Hermanus - https://www.facebook.com/sandwichguyshermanus 

I am Second - https://www.iamsecond.com/ 

One for Israel - https://www.oneforisrael.org/

SHOW SNIPPETS:

"I saw this light and instantly my tears subsided, my fear was gone. I just had this overwhelming sense of peace and belonging."

"I really investigated hard to find answers and nothing could satisfy my thirst for this truth."

"Seeking truth, seeking answers to these big questions." 

"I knew my baby had died. It was such a desperate moment. I was completely empty. 11 June 2002, I delivered a dead baby. My life was shattered. "

"I went home without a baby. Such emptiness. Because all my hope was in this child." 

"My trust was in material things." 

"I cried out to God - I want to get to know you!"

"Share the hope that we have in Christ."

"When I was lying there waiting for the ambulance and the police, I just thought, you know Lord you have a plan because I’m still here."

"She taught me to not ask God why but to ask Him to teach me."

"Let’s be available."

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EPISODE NOTES:

Where do unbelievers get their greatest source of information on Christians and Christianity from?  What are the main issue blockers stopping unbelievers from investigating having a faith in Christ?  How do unbelievers view the person of Jesus Christ?  Host Tori Walker  talks with Sophie Renton from McRindle Research about the work she did on the “Faith and Belief in Australia” study and the impact she hopes it will have for Christians today.

***

Sophie Renton is a social researcher, trends analyst and Director of Research at the internationally recognised McCrindle. As an experienced researcher, Sophie understands how evidence-based insights can inform strategy and help organisations to thrive amidst change.

From her experience in leading the team at McCrindle, Sophie assists organisations by bringing a clearer picture to complex problems. Sophie is adept in sharing strategic insights that guide CEOs and executive teams in leading their organisations.

Beyond her commercial work Sophie is passionate about investing in Christian leaders, equipping them to understand the times so they can lead with wisdom and insight. Sophie was a youth pastor at Oxford Falls Grammar School for 7 and half years and now serves on the ministry team at C3 SYD Avalon on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

McCrindle -  McCrindle Faith and Belief Research

SHOW SNIPPETS:

“I remember feeling the most overwhelming joy and trust in God that I still cannot describe”

“In the census it’s one question.  Anyone with a faith knows that it’s a lot more than one question’s worth to explain that journey.”

“How do we stay true to what the truth is, but also present it in a way that draws people in, rather than puts walls up?” 

“One of the greatest attractors to investigating religion and spirituality is someone who is living out a genuine and authentic faith”

“We love to resource leaders, to help them make evidence-based decisions”  

“I think one of the challenges with Christians is that we can be very involved in our churches and almost get in a bubble from what reality is” 

(not Sophie saying this) “Negative feelings come from things that happen inside the church.  Maybe try to push the Jesus thing, rather than come to church to find out about Jesus.”  

“The same God of the mountain is the same God of the valley”

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Caroline has a delightful appreciation of all the ways that God is at work in this world, from his great act of salvation through Christ, through to the “ministry of presence” - just turning up!  In this conversation with host Tori Walker, Caroline shares about her time as a missionary in Germany, her life as a mum to four kids, and her approach to making the most of the situation that God has placed her in.

EPISODE NOTES:

Caroline lives in Sydney with her husband and four children. She is a member of St Thomas' Anglican church in North Sydney where her husband is an assistant minister.  Caroline delights in making the most of every opportunity to talk with people about Jesus. She also works as a chaplain at Moore theological college.

***

“At university I had studied theology… I knew a lot about Christianity, I knew a lot about  world religions,  but up until then I don’t think I had heard clearly who the person of Jesus was.”

“The principal said that 80% of people who went to Bible College ended up in ministry, and that had never even crossed my mind.”

"What are the circumstances that God has put me in right now?  Who are the people that God has given me?"

"Part of me wanted to have a formal ministry position so that I could tick things off and get that sense of achievement."

"Officially I had the title “missionary”, but that didn’t change things in many ways."

"Why has the Lord put me in this situation, and how can I use this?"

Even the ministry of presence, just turning up is an encouragement! 

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EPISODE NOTES

Libby Hanson is married to Gary. They have two adult daughters and one son, Scotty, who passed away of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in July 2019. For 33 years, Libby cared for Scotty 24/7 with the help of family members and carers.

She finds Exodus 17:12-14 particularly encouraging:  "When Moses arms grew tired, Aaron and Hur bought a stone for him to sit on, while they stood beside him and held up his arms, holding them steady until the sun went down. In this way Joshua totally defeated the Amalkites." 

Libby says, “These verses have encouraged me to get alongside people who are defeated or in battles too big for them to fight alone, supporting them practically and with much prayer, standing with them, when they are too tired to stand alone and to keep on praying when they have no words left to pray.”

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Scotty's Youtube video link : Focus on Ability "Maybe just a little".
• Everyday Evangelism: https://acornpress.net.au/publications/everyday-evangelism-students-manual/
• Scotty’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Scotty.hanson.nocturnal.ninja

SHOW SNIPPETS:

“The doctor said at the time, come back in 10 years time to get a wheelchair.”

“It got a bit scary for a while because we had to change ventilators and I was always responsible for his breathing and if I mucked up the taking the mask off and putting the mask onto another machine, it was like seconds he didn’t have. It was very frightening and I almost lost my nerve a bit. But he was very good and just said, “Mum, we can do this.”

“I heard something on the radio a long time ago about if we spend one minute for one person for one day a week, you know in years to come that is going to pay dividends. And I thought, I can do that! So that sort of started with a couple of friends whose children have not walked with the Lord. So that’s where I started - just picking one child one minute one week.”

“I just know how important in particular for grandparents to be praying for their grandkids.”

“I’m no great bible scholar, but I just love reading the Bible.”

“We have a cup of tea and a bikkie. And we will just start and read. And when the hour was up we would pray for each other and stop. The Bible came alive and just opened up for each other.”

“One time we decided to memorise Colossians.”

“The older you get the more time you realise you’re wasting.”

*** 

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The Lydia Project: Conversations with Christian Women is a podcast co-hosted by Tori Walker and Taryn Hayes. It features informal chats with Christian women around faith, life, ministry and the ways in which God is shaping their thinking and their lives. The views of our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast platform. 

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Kerryn is an ambassador for the following organisations:

Collective Shout: Collective Shout is a grassroots organisation that stands against sexploitation of women and children in the media. See Tori Walker's interview with Collective Shout's co-founder, Melinda Tankard-Reist in Episode 8 of The Lydia Project.

Lighthouse for the Community (Domestic Violence): Lighthouse exists to walk hand in hand with families who want to move forward from their domestic violence situation and experience.

Gidget Foundation: Gidget Foundation Australia is a not for profit organisation that provides programs to support the emotional wellbeing of expectant and new parents.

SHOW SNIPPETS:

“He said to my husband, ‘I think you might need to consider politics as your ministry.’”

“God is drawing me in that direction as well.”

“On the Monday, our daughter had been diagnosed with anorexia.”

 “What the porn industry says is empowerment is lies.”

“Boys are being sold a lie as well.”

“I remember thinking, I actually have to make a decision here.”

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EPISODE NOTES:

Samantha is based in Sydney, is a pastors wife, a mother of two and a ward clerk on a Mental Ward.  She also host a podcast called “SomeAnswers”, which are hour long interviews that explore the guests journey to faith and ends with the question ”Why the heck do you believe in Jesus?”

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Some Answers : Samantha's Podcast

Open Doors : Open Doors Donations

Ep 127 - Some Answers : Tori's Episode 

SHOW SNIPPETS:

“I remember saying to God:  I will stop drinking, but I need your help.”

“I’m an all in or all out kind of person.”

“Anger is my driver, and it’s something that I have to work on daily.”

“We are all horrible at times.”

“(in ministry) we are let in - which is both a privilege and a curse -   to people’s sins and struggles.”

“The more I talk about the anxiety and the dark times, the less hold it has over me.”

“I was trying to step in and be the saviour and the answer and the solution to everybody’s problems, and I don’t need to do that. ”

“It doesn’t make sense to try and cover up our struggles and our weaknesses because Christ came to die for us not because we have got it all sorted but because we are broken vessels.”

“While it’s wonderful to hear that people are listening (to Some Answers) what encourages me probably more is hearing people’s story of faith and how they keep persevering through the dark days because then it reminds me that I’m not an idiot.”

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EPISODE NOTES:

NOTE FROM SHOW HOST:

Many years ago, when I first met today’s guest, she said something that has stuck with me ever since. It was that the emergency room is no place to figure out one's theology. She said this when telling me about the traumatic event of losing her first husband to a sudden cardiac arrest at a very young age. In our chat today, Ann will tell us the story and what she meant when she said that. You will notice a few things in our chat today - one will be Ann’s beautiful Southern American accent. The other will be the not so beautiful audio glitches. As with many of our latest interviews, we have used Zoom and this time it was particularly glitchy. But, we’ve cleaned it up as best as possible and hopefully Ann’s stories and wisdom will be what you most remember of this delightful and encouraging conversation. 

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

A Sacred Sorrow - Michael Card

SHOW SNIPPETS:

“I’ve seen God heal and I’ve seen God not heal. I’ve seen it both ways. But it’s the same Lord. And His grace has been there.”

“I had nobody telling me that before God I needed to acknowledge my sin and bow before Him.”

“That’s really the one thing (the story of her husband’s death) that I’m always happy to do even though it’s very difficult.”

“He (her late husband) went to sleep and his heart stopped.”

“I remember thinking ‘Has God for a second taken His eyes away from us?’”

“I knew that God is sovereign and that He is in control.”

“He has an eternal perspective on goodness and I can only see the human side of it.”

“The emergency room is no place to figure out your theology.”

“If I would peg my Christian walk on my circumstances then I would have a rollercoaster of a life of faith.”

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EPISODE NOTES:

Chris O'Gorman grew up in Brisbane and trained as a Maths/Science teacher at the University of Queensland. After teaching for three years in the government system, she joined the staff of Scripture Union Queensland and worked as a Schools Ministry Worker, setting up and resourcing voluntary Christian groups in schools, running a vacation camping programme, and helping set up chaplaincy in government schools. 

After 12 years at SU Queensland, Chris went back teaching Maths, Science and Christian Education at Brisbane Boys’ College. She was also on the pastoral care team at BBC as a Head of House and remained at BBC for 11 years. In 2007, Chris was appointed as Senior Chaplain at Somerville House, where she is kept busy teaching Christian Education, taking Chapel Services and assembly devotions, pastoral care, and developing the Christian life of the school, amongst other things. 

Chris is passionate about helping people to connect more closely with Jesus Christ, and to understand God’s grace as expressed through Christ’s life, death and resurrection. Her life and ministry is driven by the motto “Know Jesus and make Him Known”.

Chris is a credentialed pastor in her denomination.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Scripture Union

Somerville House

SHOW SNIPPETS:

“I was nurtured very much by our Christian fellowship at school.”

“I want more of that.  That’s a great thing to do.  To talk about God and to talk about how the Christian faith is reasonable.” 

“Keith Drinkle’s vision was that every young person in Queensland would hear the gospel, and it’s a vision that he’s passed on to me.” 

“We can preach the gospel and teach the Bible and that’s really our focus.” (as a School Chaplain)

“Proclamation of the gospel is the heart of what we do.” (as a School Chaplain)  

“My goal is to see people come closer to God, wherever they are on the spectrum.” 

“I want to see kids come to know the Lord and grow in their faith and be replicating.” 

“I’ve been using Scripture Union notes for a very long time, of course.”

“When you’re a single person, it does force you to rely on God more too - it’s not always an easy thing, but it is a good thing.”

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EPISODE NOTES:

Barbara and her husband lived in Michigan before moving to Cape Town, South Africa, to teach Bible Study Fellowship classes. They also worked with the Rafiki Foundation to train young women in job and life skills. With her grandchildren far away, Barbara began to write Bible studies for them to bridge the distance.

After returning to the US, Barbara directed the Children’s Division of Bible Study Fellowship International. Barbara now lives in Minneapolis, MN, where she is learning to love snow again! She and her family are privileged to be a part of the wonderful body of believers at Bethlehem Baptist Church.

One of Barbara's favourite Bible passages is Acts 1:8. She says, “Because God has let me be part of His ministry to the ends of the earth."

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

A Better Than Anything Christmas" to be released 1 October 2020

A Jesus Christmas (book review)

Bible Study Fellowship

SHOW SNIPPETS:

"Living and teaching overseas I learned in a new way that God's Word can reach children in every situation. I've seen the power of God's Word help children around the world — from Africa to Asia, India to the Alps, poor or rich. Whatever the challenge - God has given parents the privilege and power to reach their children with the transforming truth of his Word."

On reading the Bible for herself for the first time: “I felt like I had been invited to a banquet with all sorts of delicious foods and I just wanted to eat it all up.”

“I knew I had been given a lot of food but I didn’t understand the nutrition of it very much. I didn’t know what I needed to stay healthy as a Christian.”

"I can still remember markers along the way that I would hear from people who were obviously Christian that sunk into my brain and eventually ended in my heart."

"I was pretty bent on living the way I wanted to live."

"When you give kids a big picture like that then they can understand the individual stories more clearly."

"We also talk about who Jesus is - why he is the tabernacle; why he is the bread. It helps kids to understand how the Old Testament connects with the New Testament."

"In my heart is a passion to make parents successful in the job that they have  … there’s nothing that gives me more pleasure than to equip parents in this task of discipling their children."

"A Better than Anything Christmas is a 25-day exploration about Jesus’ life. The Bible tells us that Christmas is all about the gifts that Jesus came to give to us."

"Statistically, most people who are in Christ, look back on a time between the ages of 10 and 12 in their childhood as a time when they came to embrace Christ as their saviour."

"I am asking God to teach me more and more what it means too abide in him and live in his presence every minute of everyday."

"I want my life to be him - I want him to be in me and through me. I don’t want to just know about it, I really want to live in him more completely so I’m still learning." 

"I call that reverse mentoring, because I learn so much from (younger) people … a lot of the passion (they) have in (their) walk."

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EPISODE NOTES:

In this episode, the main feature is from the GROW Women's Conference in Brisbane when Tori interviewed three Christian women about living their lives in the light of the gospel. Recorded live at the 2019 GROW Conference, this episode is shorter than most. However, keep listening, because after the GROW interview, Tori shares some exciting news about the podcast platform and she introduces listeners to Katie - The Lydia Project's very own podcast assistant who has been working hard behind the scenes helping to keep this podcast chugging along.

***

Kylie has four children in primary school and is a member of City North Baptist where she’s involved in Sunday school teaching. Her superpower of choice would be invisibility so that she could occasionally hide from her kids.

Val works in the One Williams street tower. She  goes to Central Church and her super power would be the power of high metabolism so she could eat whatever she liked and not have to work it off 

Dena has been a member of Grace Bible Church since it began. Her husband is the founding pastor and together they’ve been involved there. They have four adult children. If she could have a super power it would be the super fast running speed of Dash from The Incredibles so that she could dash all the way around the world seeing friends and family and be back in time for dinner.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

GROW Chats 2020: Short podcasts to fix your thoughts on Jesus.

SHOW SNIPPETS:

Kylie: “It’s an ongoing process. His word is still convicting and it still offers a lot of mercy and a lot of grace.”

Dena: “I’m thankful for the freedom that comes in Christ.”

Val: “I’m tempted at times to be lukewarm and ashamed of the gospel.”

Val: “Your workplace is sometimes your main ministry because you’re there all the time.”

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Claire Smith is a New Testament scholar, women’s Bible teacher, and the author of God’s Good Design: What the Bible really says about Men and Women. Listen as Claire talks to Tori Walker about these topics as well as the value of other aspects of ministry.

EPISODE NOTES

Claire Smith is married to Rob, and attends St Andrew’s Anglican Cathedral, Sydney. They have a married son. Claire is a New Testament scholar, women’s Bible teacher, and the author of God’s Good Design: What the Bible really says about Men and Women, 2nd ed. (Matthias Media, 2019), and contributor to the ESV Women’s Devotional Bible (Crossway, 2014) and Word-filled Women’s Ministry: Loving and Serving the Church (eds. Gloria Furman and Kathleen Nielson, Crossway, 2015). Claire serves on TGCA editorial panel, working to develop women writers and content.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Claire Smith Profile on The Gospel Coalition
• Equal but Different

SHOW SNIPPETS:

"I went home that night thinking “I can’t possibly become a Christian"."

"He stuck in there with me for six years, sharing the gospel with me as my life progressively fell apart."

"The whole subjective view of gender identity is entirely at odds with the embodied  view of personhood you see in Scripture."

"I do think committees are a form of ministry."

"The Gospel Coalition Australia is a way of helping those different gospel networks talk to one another and resources one another with articles, podcasts & resources….trying to  serve Christian people with good evangelical thought-provoking material that is going to help them."

"What we all want to be as Christian people is faithful servants of Christ - what better summation of our lives could there be than that we’ve poured ourselves out for Christ."

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Dr Carolyn Russell's expertise and experience in mental health care makes this episode especially informative and encouraging. Listen as she shares with Taryn Hayes about faith, family and her pathway into medicine and ministry.

EPISODE NOTES:

Dr Carolyn Russell is a medical doctor and qualified counsellor who spends much of her time either in counselling or in teaching others about mental health and counselling. Carolyn is married and has three children that are all grown up and independent. She recently became a grandmother and loves to spend her time sewing and kayaking or spending time with her granddaughter. Carolyn attends Mitchelton Presbyterian Church (MPC) and is a GP Counsellor and Relationship Therapist. She loves to watch people grow within themselves and as a result start to trust in Jesus.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Living Wholeness

Queensland Theological College

Foundations Counselling

SHOW SNIPPETS:

For the first time she put mercy and justice together for me, in God. And I was stunned. It’s not all about having fun or knowing this God who is a grandfather. I had to wrestle with the fact that God is a judge and I was a sinner.

A community mental health practice where we could be Christians not just in name but Christians in practice. Having a place where we could invite people who did have mental health struggles and who could not feel embarrassed to raise the fact that they wanted to trust God at the same time.

Our journey of transformation is one where we think we are less dented and we realise that we are more dented and damaged and that grace allows us and our relationships to function even though we are pretty bad at them …

The more flawed we are the more we know how wonderful it is what the Lord has done for us and that he wants to walk beside us.  Even though we are still flawed human beings, he gives us his presence. How remarkable is that?

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Host Tori Walker recently travelled to China and took the opportunity to catch up with Sally* about her life and work over the last 20 years in a large city in China.   Sally and her husband are involved in leadership development with a Christian organisation, and they have many opportunities to share their faith in Jesus and encourage Chinese Christians to grow in leading others to Christ and growing in maturity in Him.

EPISODE NOTES:

Sally Smith* lives and works in China as a life coach and a missionary. She works with her husband and has three teenage children. As a missionary, one of Sally’s favourite ministry experiences is doing small group bible studies with unbelievers. She says “I love to see them encounter Jesus in the Word.” Another one of her favourite things to do is to relax with a book in hand or to spend the day at a beach.

A Bible passage that Sally says inspires her to keep going and fix her eyes on Jesus is Hebrews 12:1-2:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

SHOW SNIPPETS:

"We will always be foreigners."

"If the government were to say you cannot share your faith, then I think that does directly contradict Scripture."

"And it just rips your heart out when people leave again."

"I think there are lots of blessings living the life that we do, for marriage and for family."

*not her real name

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Kim Gibson's journey with ovarian cancer has taught her many things about God and herself. Listen as she speaks with Taryn Hayes about her journey to faith, student ministry, cancer, books and much more.

EPISODE NOTES:

Kim Gibson grew up on a farm in country New South Wales. For the past eight years she has been working in university ministry with the Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students (AFES). At present and for the past four years, her work has been at the University of Queensland in Brisbane. Kim is married to Richard, Principal of Brisbane School of Theology and together they attend Moorooka Presbyterian Church. Kim has 3 adult step-children, 1 grandson, 4 nephews and 1 niece – all at the young age of almost 40. Kim’s journey includes a diagnosis of ovarian cancer 4 years ago as well as ongoing treatment. Kim also serves on the GROW Women’s Conference Committee and can be found giving book reviews over at the 2020 GROW Chats podcast.

From the host:

Kim Gibson is someone who has known pain and suffering intimately. In fact, even though she feels quite well now, she is still walking the road of cancer and has been for a few years. I think that one of the most striking parts of her testimony of walking this road is not that she has felt that she has suffered well, but rather that even while she has been in deepest despair, that God is still God and that is something to rejoice in. She tells a story in this episode of her husband’s wise words during a time of great pain. She says,

“One time really early on, I had complications with surgery. We (Richard and I) were reading through 2 Corinthians together, where Paul says, “praise be to the God of all comfort.”  And … I kind of whisper-yelled … “Where’s the comfort? I know that God doesn’t lie, but where is the comfort? I am not feeling it! How is this true?” And (my husband) said, “it’s a comfort that stands outside you and your circumstances. It’s not necessarily a comfort you can feel. But it is a comfort that at a real point in history, on a real hill, the son of God gave up his life for you so that you could be safe. And you might not be able to feel it right now, but it actually has to be a comfort that sits outside you and your feelings for it to be a real comfort.”

Kim says that it took some time for that to resonate deeply, but the truth of it has held her firmly during this difficult journey.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Full of Promise (Interactive Bible Study Series from Matthias Media) by Phil Campbell and Bryson Smith

Guidance and the Voice of God, by Phillip Jensen and Tony Payne 

Just Do Something, by Kevin de Young

Fearing God … so we don’t have to be afraid, David Mears

The Plausibility Problem: The Church and Same-Sex Attraction, Ed Shaw

A Little Book on the Christian Life, John Calvin (trans. Denlinger & Parsons)

2020 GROW Chats podcast.

SHOW SNIPPETS:

"I had this repeated experience from late primary school to uni … I would think, if I died right now, would God welcome me into heaven, or would he have to say that I’m sorry, but because of your sins I will have to turn you away? … It would end the same way … with me promising to try harder."

"All of a sudden, the penny dropped. Oh! It doesn’t depend on me! … Jesus is completely sufficient where I am insufficient! He was completely perfect where I am imperfect!"

"A staff worker opened up the book of Ephesians and said we are going to work our way through the book of Ephesians verse by verse. And I went, “You’re kidding me! I’ve never seen this done before! That makes so much sense!” I had never seen anyone teach through the Bible like that … it was like I had been starving my whole life and then someone finally fed me!"

"At the start of 2016, I found out that I had a pelvic mass…  I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Stage 3 (and) grade 3 cancer… It was aggressive."

"I was 35, I was in medical menopause, I was never going to be able to have children. And I was facing a cancer prognosis where only 40% of women with my diagnosis and my type of cancer are alive in 5 years time… The grief and the fear hit me like a truck."

"One time, really early on, I had complications with surgery. We (Richard and I) were reading through 2 Corinthians together, where Paul says, “praise be to the God of all comfort.”  And … I kind of whisper-yelled … “Where’s the comfort? I know that God doesn’t lie, but where is the comfort? I am not feeling it! How is this true?” And (my husband) said, “it’s a comfort that stands outside you and your circumstances. It’s not necessarily a comfort you can feel. But it is a comfort that at a real point in history, on a real hill, the son of God gave up his life for you so that you could be safe. And you might not be able to feel it right now, but it actually has to be a comfort that sits outside you and your feelings for it to be a real comfort.”

"When we fear God, it helps us grapple with our other fears."

"That’s how we want to read books anyway. Every Christian book you read is not the Bible. And even if it is your favourite author from your favourite publishing company, you still have to read it with discernment, and read it with wisdom, and read it comparing it to Scripture. So, yeah, you don’t have to  start burning books because there is one chapter in it that is not great. And you don’t have to believe that everything is perfect about the books that you do love."

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Host Tori Walker met with Sue Abbott while she travelled with her husband to run the Everyday Evangelism course in Brisbane. Tori and Sue chat about evangelism and how Sue is spending her retirement years. Listen in as Tori gleans some of Sue's wisdom gathered over many years of serving Jesus in different contexts.

EPISODE NOTES:

Sue Abbott is married to Stephen, and has three adult children.  She has happily supported her husband through his theological study and his work in Sydney Anglican Churches.  She delights in hospitality ministry, and is now travelling around Australia with Stephen in their retirement teaching the Everyday Evangelism.

One of Sue’s favourite Bible passages is Psalm 46:10 “Be Still and know that I am God.” She says, “It is a great reminder that I am not in control and that my striving or becoming anxious about something won’t change things. It’s a very great comfort to remember that God is the Lord of all and I can rest in Him in any circumstance. It’s when I’m “still” that I can get perspective and can be assured God will work out His purposes.”

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Life on the Wing – Ron Watts

Everyday Evangelism Manual

SHOW SNIPPETS:

On evangelism: “Going into your everyday world deliberately and looking for opportunities.”

On retirement/travelling for her husband’s ministry: “Okay, God. This is where I am, how do you want me to serve?”

On changing situations: “I’m not flexible, but I’m adaptable.”

“It doesn’t matter how fast we run or what we do, we can’t change the long term plan of God, nor is there any need to.”

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Voice work, a psychotic episode, MTS, biblical peacemaking - these are just a few of the topics discussed in episode 47. Jennifer Mary shares how the truth of God’s Word and promises brought her through some of the darkest times in her life and how she has the joy of sharing the truth with her family and through her ministry.

EPISODE NOTES:

According to Jennifer Mary, her earliest memories include spending countless hours speaking into a tape recorder for the sheer joy of hearing her own voice! It is no surprise that she now contributes towards the family’s income through her work as a voice actor.  Married with three kids, Jen is in the throes of life with a young family. In Jen’s case, that also includes homeschooling, working, and serving in ministry.  Jen’s favourite ministry experiences include deep conversations with her children, especially when they make Bible observations and connections. Jen also serves on the GROW Women’s Convention committee and in her church home, St Lucia Bible Church. 

One of Jen’s favourite Bible passages is Titus 3:5. She says, “At a time when I felt fruitless and empty to the point where I was questioning my Christian identity, this verse lifted me out of doubt and reminded me that God saved me based on his love and kindness, not my own good works (or lack of).”

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

GROW Chats 2020: Short podcasts to fix your thoughts on Jesus

Ken Sande: The Peacemaker

Christine Dillon: Telling the Gospel Through Story and the Grace series of novels

Keep Calm and Play Books podcast

Jennifer Mary Voice Artist Demos

SHOW SNIPPETS:

"Ken Sande’s book ‘The Peacemaker’ has been really helpful, and in particular the idea that the point of peacemaking is to glorify God.  I’ve found this especially comforting when the reality of achieving a reconciled relationship looks unattainable – you know, when everything humanly possible has been done towards restoration, yet things become worse than they were before."

"I’m the eldest of 3 children, I knew in theory that I was sinful, but I was just so used to being the good kid – I was blind to the self-righteousness in me and I felt approval or recognition was owed to me. Looking back, I see how God gave me the exact failures, humiliation and trials to free me from living under the power and domination of these struggles."

"During that time, I had an acute psychotic episode … there were ambulance and police involved. It was a hard time, I think the lead up to it was the hardest thing. I look back with such gratitude to that experience."

"Well, from the time I could talk I think I loved the idea of being recorded. My mum would put me in front of an old tape deck and I would yabber away until the tape ran out, just for the sheer joy of it. I didn’t know about voiceover as a job until much later in life."

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When Sophie De Witt first encountered the gospel of Jesus, she found it strange and unnerving. Despite her initial resistance to what she had deemed intellectually ridiculous - something that would have been reinforced in daily lectures by her uni professor, renowned atheist, Richard Dawkins - Sophie became less convinced of her own position as she encountered more evidence for the truth of the Bible. It was God working through friends and evangelists like Rico Tice and John Chapman that led her to finally put her trust in Jesus. Listen to her story here as she speaks to Taryn Hayes of how she has learned to cling to Christ more and more through many of life’s obstacles..

EPISODE NOTES

Like so many, Sophie De Witt finally committed her life to trusting Jesus after hearing a series of talks in the UK by the much-loved, Australian evangelist, Chappo. Today, she partners with her husband, Chris, in a number of gospel ways including raising their three children, Molly, Zach and JoJo, in South Africa. Together with others, Chris and Sophie are co-founders of Hope Training Course, Hope Central Church and of Grace Primary School, a school following a Charlotte Mason approach to education. Whilst facing health issues, ADD and an increasingly frustrating struggle with what she calls ‘Compulsive Comparison Syndrome’, Sophie undertook to find out what the Bible had to say about her struggle. Compared to Her (The Good Book Company) is the result of her research. She is also the author of a discipleship Bible-reading handbook called One to One: Discipleship Handbook (Authentic Media). On her days off, she loves going on family walks or sightseeing outings, reading and definitely also watching TV, ideally whilst eating chocolate!

This interview was recorded in early 2019.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Grace Primary School

Hope Central Church

Charlotte Mason

For the Children’s Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macauley

Prayer Mate App

Solid Joys App by John Piper

John Chapman (Chappo)

Sophie’s Books: Compared to Her & One to One Handbook

Grow Women’s Conference 2020 – Grow Chats

SHOW SNIPPETS:

"I’d never interrogated my own beliefs about spirituality or life. The more I did, I realised I had no evidence and no coherence in it. More and more, what I was reading in the Bible and (other) seemed coherent. But it meant a big lifestyle change and I wasn’t willing for that. So, what started off as intellectual ended up as being a kind of submission, trust issue. And then it was in my third year, we had a big mission there and it was headed up by none other than Chappo, John Chapman, from Australia…."

"Well, I think what’s encouraging to me, and especially when I talk to young people, and when we did student work, is that I was one of those students who ridiculed, was hostile, rejected, laughed, disagreed. And yet this Lord still got me! (I) encourage people just to persevere. And those are the very people you thank now and for eternity."

"Comparison is something that I struggled with generally … not growing up with a Christian framework."

"From her book, Compared to Her: “I am a recovering Compulsive Comparison Syndrome sufferer. It causes me to feel envy, despair, pride and superiority. It cuts away at my relationship with God, with my loved ones, and with myself. It has promised me contentment, and yet robbed me of it. And although I don’t know you at all, I’m fairly sure you have CCS, too. That’s not meant to sound rude. It’s just that I’ve rarely met a woman who doesn’t struggle with it.”

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As Mother’s Day was approaching this year, Taryn and I had the idea that we could ask our kids some questions about us as mothers and then have a brief chat about Mother’s Day, motherhood and a few associated topics.  As we were thinking and chatting about this, we kept deciding not to do it because it just felt a bit awkward to talk about our own roles as mothers and then ask our kids about it.  And then we decided to do it, because as podcast listeners we really enjoyed being able to get that behind-the-scenes, lighthearted look about people’s lives, and especially people who we knew a bit through listening to a podcast.  So with a sense of awkwardness, we did continue on.  We hope that you find it fun and enjoy listening.  We certainly found it really instructive, and learnt quite a bit along the way, including how we most embarrass our kids! 

On a more serious note, we do begin this episode with a brief discussion around how Mother’s Day began, what we value about it and our thoughts around the question of how to best care for others for whom Mother’s Day is an emotionally difficult day. We hope that you enjoy the episode and that Mother’s Day is a day when you are reminded of the blessing God gives the world in mothers.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Queensland Theological College

Foundations Counselling

SHOW SNIPPETS:

”I’ve had varying feelings about Mother’s Day over the years… how do we find the balance between honouring mums … and yet take into consideration those for whom Mother’s Day is hard.”

”What would your ideal Mother’s Day look like?"

”My mum was great at enthusing us about good things … I do find myself doing that with my kids.”

”If you could rewind and do things differently as a mum, what would they be?”

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In this special Mother’s Day episode, Taryn has the pleasure of interviewing Karola Williams and her 18-year-old daughter, Emmeline. They talk about how they became Christians, the importance of one-to-one discipleship, and how both Karola and Emmeline have grown in their understanding and love of Jesus. Hearing from Emmeline about some of her mum's habits that have left a profound impression on her is both inspiring and encouraging.

EPISODE NOTES

Christian families – worldwide – can look different, one from another – and that’s totally okay. And yet, there is a common mandate and that is for parents to raise their children in the knowledge and fear of the Lord, to share the gospel with them, and to teach them God’s Word. It’s a colossal task that is daunting and yet also a joy and a privilege. In this episode, we get to sneak a peek at what that has looked like in the Williams household by hearing from a mum, Karola, and one of her daughters, Emmeline. Why? Well, with Mother’s Day on the horizon, Tori and Taryn saw the opportunity to learn from others: not only how Jesus has rescued them, but also how they are passing the love and knowledge of God down to their own children. We personally love learning from other mums, but this episode allowed us a glimpse into the heart of a daughter who has learned from her mum. Perhaps the most striking thing is hearing how some of the most simple habits of this mum have left an enormous, gospel-sustaining impression on her daughter. 

***

About Karola and Emmeline Williams

Karola started life out in Namibia, but love and marriage brought her to the shores of Australia. She and her husband, David, and their three children, Emmeline, Charlotte and Elliot, settled in Brisbane eight years ago.  For many years, Karola worked as a goldsmith, but her commitments to her family changed her focus. Nowadays, Karola’s focus includes sharing her passion in one-to-one ministry. She serves together with her family at Christ Central in Eatons Hill, Brisbane.  

Emmeline is an 18-year-old nursing student. She is also a homeschool graduate, who went on to experience the YouthWork’s Year 13 programme in 2019. Emmeline serves in the music team and as a youth leader of year 7 girls at their family church, Christ Central in Eatons Hill, Brisbane.

Both Emmeline and Karola are passionate about the gospel, reading the Bible and great literature. Their shared favourite things include To Kill A Mockingbird and quiet spots to relax and think.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Jen Wilkin’s books available at: The Wandering Bookseller, Koorong, Amazon

Jack Klumpenhower: Show Them Jesus

Paul E Miller: The Praying Life

SHOW SNIPPETS:

”And I’m so amazed at this God that we serve and Jesus who we follow, or try to very feebly, who is so gracious and merciful to us and loving and kind and you know, a lifetime is not enough to, to know.”

”And my pastor just in his sermon explained the gospel and it just made so much sense. And I just remember sitting there thinking, ah, so that’s what Jesus was on about. That’s why you died. And yeah it definitely took a few years for it to sink in. But I think through especially youth ministry, and the way that God used people in my life and through his word. I think I was about 15 when I kind of realised that if all of this is true, it needs to change my life in some way or have an impact on my life.”

”I think when we first started going to this church, I kept hearing people talk about getting together and reading the Bible. And I couldn’t imagine what that looks like. So one day I asked this lady in our church, can you show me what that looks like? I need to see, you know, experience it. And she didn’t have the time to take on another thing. So she gave me this book, which is called Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin and it was such a life changing book for me because it shows you how to read the Bible, which so much of the Christian life is about it being modelled to others, isn’t it. Jesus walked with his disciples and made his disciples for three years and he calls us to do the same.”

”You have, in the last few years, really modelled the importance of reading the Bible with people and I think that’s really inspired me.”

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Karen Fowler talks to Tori Walker about deeply tragic and personal events, including a divorce and the death of her son. But hers is a story of hope. Her faith has given her strength to process and trust in God’s sovereign care. Karen will help you fall in love with her gorgeous kids as she talks about them. Listen as she shares the grief that she and her husband experienced, as well as the robust faith in God’s goodness that has continued to grow in them both.

EPISODE NOTES

Karen Fowler and her husband Ryan lost their beautiful baby boy in October 2018.  Strengthened by their trust in God’s goodness and sovereignty, they have responded to their grief with compassion and selflessness.  They have set up Rio’s Legacy, a charity which aims to see at least one hospice in every state of Australia, with the specific aim of supporting children with a terminal illness and their families.  Karen lives with her family in Sydney.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Rio’s Legacy – https://rioslegacy.org.au/

SHOW SNIPPETS:

"I was raised in a Christian family… I continued to go to church, didn’t really develop my relationship with God until probably late teens and then went to and fro from that."

"I’ve had definite moments where God’s touched me or spoken to me or revealed things to me. But I wouldn’t say that I suddenly became a Christian in a moment, it was just a gradual feel. My faith’s something that’s been refined and developed through life. I feel like I’ve grown into the Christian I am today.  I don’t feel like I woke up and suddenly it was that."

"He was seeing someone else and the marriage fell apart within months."

"I did learn though, but I’m forever appreciative for what I have, and sometimes I think if you don’t learn that way you don’t fully appreciate what you’ve got, and I’m continually like daily appreciative of how easy our relationship feels compared to being in a wrong relationship."

"When you can’t do anything for your child medically, all you want to do is make them not scared and help them feel comfortable and safe."

"God can bring him peace. God can bring us peace, even if the scenario is that he doesn’t make it through the night, God can just be. And surrendering everything in the moment to God is what we became dependent on doing."

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EPISODE NOTES:

Hayley has been a Christian for nearly 30 years. After graduating from George Whitefield College, she worked as a student worker at the University of Cape Town, and later as the women’s worker at St. James Church, Kenilworth in Cape Town, South Africa. She is married to Scott, a Sydney boy who is a fellow George Whitefield College graduate. Scott serves as the Associate Rector at St. James Church.

Scott and Hayley have been married for 19 years, and have two children: Benjamin, who is 14, and Jemma, who is 12. Hayley loves reading a good book, drinking great coffee, and teaching God’s Word to women.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Talks by Hayley 
• Hayley’s 3-part series: Wisdom in a World of Fools | 2015 REACH-SA Cape Town Convention

SHOW SNIPPETS:

"I viewed my own father quite differently at that point, realising that like me, he has a problem with sin and yes he had done wrong but he is blind by his sin and it doesn’t excuse his behaviour, but there is a sense in which I can’t stand in judgment of him. That is God’s work to do because he is blinded by sin like I was and needs a saviour just like I did."

"But there is a sense in which multi-generational meetings are just so helpful because you don’t just need the women who is  going through what you’re going through."

"I think for me, it’s the daily exercise of getting up and reminding myself that the gospel is true and that one day as God promises in his word, Jesus will come back. And I don’t know if that will be tomorrow or if that will be in 50 years time. But I do know that I’m called now to live in the light of that and to live as if it may be today, that I will meet Jesus. None of us really, we don’t know when we’ll meet Jesus, but we are called to live as if today will be the day."

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EPISODE NOTES:

Liz Preston and her husband Graham were planning to head overseas to be involved in mission work, but when that door closed, they became involved in supporting women facing unplanned pregnancies – a work that Liz has been doing since 1966.  Liz has contributed an enormous amount to this work through the Priceless Life Centre in Brisbane. 

How big an issue is abortion in our society?  Who does it affect and how do they deal with it?  Liz Preston has devoted her life’s work to thinking about this topic and helping women facing unplanned and crisis pregnancies.  In this episode, she talks with Tori Walker about how she and her husband got involved in this work, the type of counselling and support that Priceless House is involved in, and shares some of the stories of the men and women she has helped.

A note from Tori:

This episode is a bit of a difficult one because it covers a really tricky topic, and that’s the topic of abortion. We chatted to Robyn Bain about the issue in Episode 26, and we were really chatting a lot about the theology of abortion as well as her work in thinking through a practical response – really from a big picture perspective. In today’s episode, we talk with Liz Preston, who has been on the ground working for an organisation called Priceless Life, which is in Southeast Queensland. Liz has so much experience and so much warmth and I know that the people who are counselled by her or who are trained as counsellors with the organisation really benefit from her experience and her humility. It just comes out so much in how she talks about this issue and the kind of people that she loves as she shares the hope that they can have and the options that they have in the future with their unwanted pregnancy. I say that it’s a difficult topic because I know that some people may have been really closely affected by this issue. But there are words for you in this episode, so if you think you can handle it, I think it’s a good one to listen to. Liz talks about how she and her husband got involved in this work and how God was at work in closing a door to open up what has really becomes such an important work for them. She also talks about some of the barriers that people face when they do have an unexpected or unplanned pregnancy. And also the hope that she has both for people that she counsels but also for our society and for the work that she does.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Priceless House – www.pricelesshouse.org.au Circle of Security Course – www.parentingworkshop.com.au Pregnancy Help Australia Network – www.pregnancysupport.com.au

How big an issue is abortion in our society?  Who does it affect and how do they deal with it?  Liz Preston has devoted her life’s work to thinking about this topic and helping women facing unplanned and crisis pregnancies.  In this episode, she talks with Tori Walker about how she and her husband got involved in this work, the type of counselling and support that Priceless House is involved in, and shares some of the stories of the men and women she has helped.

SHOW SNIPPETS:

"(re: the issue of abortion) In a way, we’ve all become complicit and now we just don’t know what to do with it."

"We all have a sense deep down that there’s something rather unpleasant about abortion."

"We do know that people have been significantly helped by a phone conversation."

"They are not going to be willing to sort things through with someone they don’t think gets it."

"I don’t know anywhere else or anyone else where we can find such truth and love than in Jesus."

"We didn’t do a lot in some ways, but obviously our support at that time had meant a lot to her."

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EPISODE NOTES:

Karen Nelson is married to Hugo and together they have four children. Karen began her working life as a lawyer and lobbyist. Growing up in a marginalised community within the context of an Apartheid South Africa, Karen was determined to be self-sufficient and she was eager to contribute towards a changing nation. While her work challenged her, it also took her away from home enough to cause her to take pause and ask the tough questions that many mums find themselves facing. With much prayer, wise counsel and evaluation of her family’s own needs, Karen made the difficult choice to set her career aside for the sake of the health of her family. She says that God has used her children to empty, humble, shape and refine her.

Through them, I have seen the hidden places in my heart where I most need God to shine His light.

In time, Karen started to feel more and more burdened for the many young women living in marginalised communities around Cape Town. Her concerns actioned her and fellow founder of the ISeeU Trust, Haley, to begin their non-profit organisation. ISeeU works to up-skill teenage girls and provide them with opportunities to see themselves through the eyes of God: deeply loved by Him, with God-given potential and great value.

Karen finds Genesis 16:13 particularly comforting, especially in the light of the work she does with young women through the ISeeU Trust: “She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: ‘You are the God who sees me,’ for she said, ‘I have now seen the One who sees me.”

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• The ISeeU Trust: www.iseeu.org.za
• I See U – Facebook page
• Contact: info@iseeu,org.za

SHOW SNIPPETS

"I tend to be a control freak. I want to organise my life to the nth degree. And in that process, I often leave no space for God. It’s become very clear to me over the years that actually the best place for me to be, even in the midst of a storm, is his will for me at that point."

"By God’s grace, these girls will become role models in their families, in their communities. And my dream was actually that you’re starting a little revolution in that street, in that little block, in that rundown flat or apartment block with these girls becoming role models."

"One of the ways we can support them is just to say that you don’t have to make the perfect decision. You just have to keep moving. And the road is littered with detours. But those detours often are where you learn."

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EPISODE NOTES:

Hannah Begg is a young woman in her 20s. Until recently she worked as an occupational therapist in Brisbane. She now works and lives in the UK. While she grew up in a loving Christian home, she found herself grappling with the brokenness of the world. Her journey to having a real, honest relationship with God included many deep and confronting questions and struggles with what she believed to be true.

In her quest to reconcile the God she worshipped with the darkness of this world, Hannah found uni to be a healthy part of the journey, by mixing with people who challenged her thinking. It was during this time that the gospel ultimately profoundly answered her deepest questions and struggles with trusting God. 

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

This is Amazing Grace by Phil Whickham

SHOW SNIPPETS:

“I think I felt quite terrified that there was this darkness was in the world. I knew the world was broken, but I felt like I was saying to God, “Is it really this broken? Like, this is really bad?”

“I wasn’t sure if God could understand how I was feeling.”

“I was trying to reconcile the God that I knew with the darkness that I was confronted with. I needed to know if He was there as well.”

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EPISODE NOTES:

While Sue counts raising her children in Christ as her biggest ministry, she also serves her home church family, Tokai Community Church, in Cape Town, South Africa in various ways, including serving on the women’s ministry team, opening her home to bible study ministry, and closely loving and supporting a missionary family.  Sue is married to Kevin and they have three children, 17, 15 and 11 years old.

Education has been a big part of her working and home life, starting out with over a decade as a maths and English teacher and switching over to the role of a home-educating mum for the past 17 years. Books also form an integral part of her Christian walk and she takes courage from the stories of others who have faced trials of many kinds. Ultimately, however, Sue is grateful that it is the Word of God that forges her path and thinking.

After a year of great sadness, it is no surprise that one of her favourite verses is Philippians 4: 6 – 7:  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

BOOKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

In this episode, Sue mentions two books that have encouraged her in this year. Both detail the lives of extraordinary women serving Christ in extraordinary circumstances. Sue speaks of being encouraged by the work of God’s grace in their lives and their commitment to continue to serve Christ through great tragedy and heartache.

Daring to Hope, by Katie Davis Major

Joni and Ken, by Joni Erickson

At the end of this episode, there is mention that you can win a beautiful devotional book this Christmas called A Jesus Christmas, by Barbara Reaoch. You can read a review here on The Gospel Coalition, Australia.  Head to The Lydia Project’s Facebook page to find out how you can win. CONTEST CLOSED.

SHOW SNIPPETS:

"God has carried us through hard times … We still have a road to travel … I have moments of fear… But then you look back and you see where God has taken you and how he has helped with seemingly insurmountable problems all those years ago and you have to just trust that he has been faithful in the past and he will be faithful in the future – whether or not our prayers are answered the way we want them to be."

"We had a very tough year, and walking an elderly parent through death and bereavement has been a challenge. Just all the decisions and complexities and heartaches of that stage of life … no one really has any answers … that is a new phase of life for us."

"The best part has been working on a committee with other women who are passionate about where God has placed them, being involved in the lives of the women at our church."

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EPISODE NOTES:

Amanda Stoker didn’t start out her career as a lawyer with the view to become a Member of the Australian Parliament. Yet, it was with a growing concern for her country that brought Amanda to make the decision that sees her representing Queensland in the Australian Senate today.

Prior to her role in the Senate, Amanda spent many years serving as a lawyer in varying capacities, including serving as a Commonwealth prosecutor and as a judge’s associate in the Supreme Court of Queensland.

Amanda is married to Adam and together they have three daughters.

SHOW SNIPPETS:

"Freedom of speech matters because if we restrict the things we can speak about we are only a generation away from restricting our ability to think."

"Freedom of speech is absolutely core to future-proofing our country."

"Of course there are limits [to free speech]. The question for our time is where we draw that line."

 "Universities are supposed to be places where all ideas are in bounds and we can be the most creative with our thinking, and yet these are now places where some speakers are no longer welcome because their views challenge the post-modernist identity politics orthodoxy.  They are supposed to be the protectors of intellectual freedom and freedom of speech and [yet] they are abandoning the cause of standing up for people whose ideas may be a little different. This process takes away the resilience of current students … they become [our future leaders]."

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From miscarriage to mentorship: Kristie shares how losing her first child in miscarriage led her and her husband to the foot of the cross. Kristie's work in church ministry, alongside her husband, Thabiti, has equipped her with life experience and biblical knowledge that has her passionate about the Bible and passionate about mentoring. She is particularly encouraged when women mentor other women in a way that leads them to a deeper relationship with God and a better understanding of His word. This passion has also led her to publish a devotional on Psalm 119 written solely by women of colour. Listen here as Kristie shares her journey.

EPISODE NOTES:

Kristie Anyabwile remembers saying evening prayers every night by her bedside with her grandma. Her grandma was her first Christian influence, but it was only years later, as a newly-married woman suffering the trauma of a recent miscarriage, that Kristie came to truly understand who Jesus was. From the time she and her husband were first rocked by the gospel message they heard on television until this day, Kristie continues to live in the light of that same gospel. Three kids and a few moves later, Kristie’s ministry in the Lord revolves around her family; Anacostia River Church in southeast Washington where she disciples and teaches women in her church, and joyfully supports her husband of 28 years, Thabiti, as he pastors the church; and the work of the Charles Simeon Trust – an organisation that seeks to equip lay folk with Bible reading and teaching skills.  Close to her heart is the practice of women mentoring other women. In this interview, Kristie speaks about what that can look like.

Kristie also shares about the recently released devotional she was privileged to see through from conception to reality.  “His Testimonies, My Heritage: Women of Color on the Word of God is a collection of devotions by a diverse group of women of colour—African-Americans, Hispanic, Caribbean, and Asian women. Contributors include Kristie Anyabwile, Jackie Hill-Perry, Trillia Newbell, Elicia Horton, Christina Edmondson, Blair Linne, and more. It is a faithful exposition of Psalm 119 and incorporates each contributor’s cultural expression both within the teaching and as they bring the word of God to bear on their lives. Readers will be thrilled and encouraged by hearing God speak through his word as it is expounded by these faithful women teachers, and they will long for more.”*

ENDORSEMENTS:

His Testimonies, My Heritage: Women of Color on the Word of God

“A rich collection of wise, talented voices. My soul has been refreshed by this timely reminder of God’s kind and gracious provision for his people through his word. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book that so emphasized the sufficiency and relevancy of Scripture for today’s problems. – KATE MOTAUNG, Author, A Place to Land: A Story of Longing and Belonging; Co-Author, Influence

“His Testimonies My Heritage is an edifying book. What the essayists in this collection have in common are two things: they are all women of color, and they all write out of deep and moving experience of joyfully coming under the authority of holy Scripture.” – D.A. CARSON, President, The Gospel Coalition

“This book is like entering a type of class reunion, where the various shades of skin are beautifully enveloped in the exact same grace blanket. I feel comfortable and in very good company. Our Father doesn’t ignore our context or race-linked struggles when speaking to us about his testimonies, and he soothes us through each other. I invite you to join my sisters and be encouraged and uplifted by looking at his eternal truth through these eyes.” – AIXA DE LOPEZ, Author; Speaker; Board Member, Christian Alliance for Orphans

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• The Revenge of Conscience, by J. Budziszewski
• Anacostia River Church in Washington DC
• Charles Simeon Trust 
• His Testimonies, My Heritage: Women of Color on the Word of God, edited by Kristie Anyabwile

SHOW SNIPPETS:

"I guess part of it is just hoping that we would open our eyes a little bit more in our local context and see who God has placed right in front of us, and that we would take the steps and the initiative to learn from one another."

"I didn’t notice that there is so much that I learn from older women in my life by them just talking to me and telling me about their life."

"She was the kind of person who, just in normal conversation, was pouring out wisdom that she did not even recognise."

"All of us, in the body of Christ, can only (but) benefit when we learn from someone outside of our own culture."

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Why should Christians care about art? Does God care about art? How can art be used to express Christian truth to today's post-Christian Western society? Join Tori Walker in conversation with Jen Logan to hear her fascinating answers to these questions.

EPISODE NOTES:

Jen Logan came to Christ in her early 20s. She trained and worked in the area of social work in Australia before moving to England. There she studied at the London School of Theology and King’s College London. One of Jen’s main focuses this year is as director and conceptual and visual lead for Fer, an initiative that produces creative, theologically inspired projects that communicate explicitly or implicitly the Christian narrative and worldview through art and apply it deeply to the whole of life today. Jen lives in a hyper-local Christian community in the heart of London with her husband, David, and their two children: daughter, Aoife, and son, Tate.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Fer – “a collaborative project following the tradition of art used as a theological medium; as an instinctive mode for communicating the faith.”
• Anglican Deaconess Ministries – Jen received funding through ADM to further the work of the gospel through Fer. See this link for her interview with ADM.

SHOW SNIPPETS:

(Regarding the problem of evil) "… everything else did not feel like the solution was as weighty as the problem. Whatever the solution was, it seemed to me that it did need to come from outside of ourselves. I could not be the source of my own enlightenment."

"The beauty and wonder of the person of Christ is pretty hard to go past for anyone who has given him serious attention."

"If you go through the deep history of Christianity, art has always been such a key player in the communication and expression of the Christian Faith and theology."

"Even beyond the text of the Bible we see so much art involved. Beginning with creation … even in the description of the way God created is art in itself. It’s a poem of the act of creation."

"Ritual is an art form … the routine, the daily obedience of breaking bread … sometimes feels boring … but I find those things are more transformational for me than the big wow inspirational moment."

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Trauma, Counselling and Youth Ministry - Kerry explores how all three of these topics, centred around God's Word, have shaped her understanding of God and how we live our lives in response to Him. In this way, Kerry has found herself better equipped to teach the Bible, to counsel others and to serve in a youth ministry that builds deep relationships and teaches teens exegetic skills in reading and understanding the Bible.

EPISODE NOTES:

Kerry was born in Cape Town, South Africa to her parents, Rog and Les Palmer. They served in uni ministry at the University of Cape Town during her formative years. Kerry studied at George Whitefield Theological College in Cape Town during her first few years of marriage. After completing her studies, she worked in uni ministry while also serving alongside her husband, Craig, in his role as a pastor at St James, Kenilworth. Their focus was on youth and young adult ministry, with a particular emphasis on training others in Bible reading and teaching skills. Today, Kerry, Craig and their three children find themselves celebrating their 10th year at Westminster Presbyterian Church Bull Creek, in Perth, where Craig serves as lead pastor.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• No Guts, No Glory, by Ken Moser, Ed Vaughan and Al Stewart
• Inside Out, by Larry Crabb
• Healing the Wounded Heart, by Dan Allender

SHOW SNIPPETS:

"Terrorists came to our church that night with their AK47s and their bombs … By the time they left, there were 11 people dead and 50 people injured. That was a point where I thought I really needed to make sure that Christianity is true.  I didn’t understand. If God loves me and my church family, why he would let this happen? I started questioning if there even was a God."

"He asked us, “If you believe that God’s word is truly powerful, why are you entertaining teenagers? Why don’t you just let the lion out of its cage? Let the Bible do its work!”"

"Our youth ministry started to turn around when we started teaching teenagers the Bible – it was a remarkable thing to have Bible teaching front and centre."

"I’ve spoken to people over the years about the very real and awful things that have happened to them. But when I talk to them about their stories and I hit something particularly traumatic, I end up seeing something that happens over and over again. Their response to this deeply traumatic event is to minimise it in some way. “Yeah well, you know, other people have had worse things happen.” It is something quite jarring given what they’ve just told me."

"Human beings do not want to feel helpless in the face of radical evil. They want to be able to save themselves. If evil truly is as terrifying as what they’ve just experienced, they will feel helpless and vulnerable. They don’t want to feel like that because if they’re helpless and vulnerable they won’t be able to save themselves. I think our default setting is that we don’t want a Saviour. We want to save ourselves. So we tell ourselves a lie; a parallel story. We tell ourselves a different version of the events that took place so that we don’t have to be afraid or we don’t have to face how radically evil our experience is."

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EPISODE NOTES:

Taryn and her family moved to Brisbane, Australia from Cape Town, South Africa in 2017, due to her husband's job transfer. Taryn's day job consists of homeschooling their four kids and ferrying them to sports and activities, however she also makes time for small group church ministry, writing, reading, and connecting with people in various ways.

In 2019, Tori asked Taryn to join the The Lydia Project: Conversations with Christian Women podcast team. Eager to exercise her creative muscles, Taryn agreed to be involved in the background, but was soon roped into doing some interview work too. Reluctant at first, given her lack of interviewing experience or confidence, Taryn has come to love this part of the job for how it allows her to connect with others and hear, first hand, their stories of how they came to trust Jesus and how He is working in their lives. 

In her spare time, Taryn enjoys creating memorable moments for her family, writing for various online platforms including The Gospel Coalition, Australia and spending time with friends and family. She hopes to get to bigger writing projects in the future and continues to pray for opportunities to grow in her love and understanding of God's Word. 

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Home Church in Cape Town: St James Church, Kenilworth (Reformed Evangelical Anglican Church in South Africa)
• Home Church in Brisbane:  Mitchelton Presbyterian
• Taryn is the author of the gospel-highlighting novel, Seekers of the Lost Boy (Naledi, 2013) set in Apartheid South Africa

SHOW SNIPPETS:

"From that point onwards, I understood assurance in a growing sense."

"Here I am at 42, still so often on my knees saying,  “Oh,Lord, I am so glad that I don’t have to work out my salvation, and that you have saved me because I’m really bad at this obedience thing!”"

"We fell head over heels in love with each other, and everything that comes with, just you know, teenage romance: not thinking carefully about physical boundaries and getting embedded in that very deep, very intense relationship to the exclusion of many other relationships. So, a lot of lack of wisdom. But, God, in His incredible grace kept us, and six years after we met, we got married and we’ve been married for 20 years."

"Initially I thought homeschoolers were nuts! I thought they were crazy and felt so sorry for poor children who are homeschooled because I imagined that they would be stuck inside all day; they wouldn’t get to socialise; they would be socially awkward; they would grow up to be people who would have a very limited understanding of the world. Basically every stereotype many think people think about homeschoolers, I thought, with enormous amounts of judgement."

"My advice to new homeschoolers always is answer (critical questions) with oodles amounts of grace and admit that before we started homeschooling that these were my concerns too, but this is how we’ve solved it."

"It (homeschooling) does mean putting a lot of my passions on hold. I love to write. I have discovered, through having written my own book, that to do that requires enormous amounts of time because once I'm in the zone, that's all I want to do. I want to live, breathe, eat, sleep the book. I don't want to be a mum. I don't want to be a wife. I want to just write. And I know I can't repeat that until my kids are grown."

"The marketing is soul-sapping … you as an author have to self-promote. It’s putting yourself in a space that is not comfortable at all. I’m fearful, if I’m honest, to wade back into that world."

"I will never forget the look on Murray, my brother-in-law’s face when he came out to tell me… he looked ashen. I just knew that something was wrong."

"For a whole week we didn’t know and there was a possibility that it was cancer. Everyone was skirting around that without saying the C word. There was a lot of uncertainty and concern."

"It was a very very traumatic time. But it was a time where we sensed enormous amounts of peace as well. That sense of people’s prayers carrying us was felt, very supernaturally … although we did have fear and we did cry, sob, worry, undergirding that was a sense of the most enormous amounts of peace."

"ldquo;She on her own, as an 11-year-old, came to the conclusion, “why not me?"

"It’s one thing entertaining an idea, it’s another thing when it becomes something you have to make a decision about."

"Along with our move (to Australia) has been a lot of immigration guilt."

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EPISODE NOTES:

Kylie has served as pastor, leader and coach with many organisations. Kylie’s passion is to help Christian leaders take the next step.  She is a Professional Certified Coach and has a Cert IV in Business Coaching, a Diploma in Christian Leadership Coaching and she has studied Business at Monash University, Theology at ACOM and her Masters (in Church Practice) through Eastern College Australia. Kylie is married to Adam and has 2 children (Toby and Lily). They live in Melbourne, Australia.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Christian Coaching Institute: www.christiancoachinginstitute.com.au

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