Welcome to our first e-Newsletter! At last Information from Torchbearers Aussie for the 21 Century right in your email box! We know you get a lot of spam, so if you do not want to receive our updates please click the unsubscribe button at the bottom of the email. Happy reading !
PIONEERING WORK FOR CAPERNWRAY..........
I particularly enjoy serving the poor so we have worked with the Salvation Army a great deal on various Prac Weeks and in particular with the Oasis kids in Sydney and with Street Level Church.
This time we stayed for three days to help with their annual Red Shield Appeal, (our team raised over $10,000) and serve in their community. We then set out for Moree to help the Salvation Army as they serve the indigenous community. This was pioneering work for us. Here is a run down on the impact we had on the community: First up, their leader, Adrian Kistan, said that he would welcome return visits at any time and he would like to send his trainee leaders (16 years old at present) to study at Capernwray.
Out of the 70 kids who we ministered to and fed for five days between 4.00pm and 7.00pm 35 of them gave their lives to Jesus-in fact they even made a queue to do it!
Their Blue Room (larger than our Conference Hall) was painted and became their Yellow Room. Each of the five indigenous communities was visited by our door-knocking teams who offered to replace burnt out light bulbs or clean toilets. We gave away all our light bulbs, prayed with many people and led 13 year old Nicole to Christ. Our team grew in leaps and bounds as we stepped out in faith and completed the work God called us to do. We arrived back at school tired but full of joy and with so many more stories than the ones I've shared here. I am grateful to God and to my team that we were blessed to be a
blessing. STEVE WOODS
Port Macquarie Prac Week.....  Mostly involved with children, the 8 of them ran the Kid's Club programme on two Thursday afternoons and a Saturday night. They went door-knocking, led the two Sunday Services and presented two different programmes at 4 Primary Schools as well as 1 High School Scripture class. The Schools had organised for the whole school to attend with Years 1 - 3 (approx 150 at each presentation) followed by Years 4 - 6 (150 in attendance). They also went to a Nursing home, but with many of the residents having dementia, we're not sure how much actually was received.
The Students stepped up to the mark and organised the programmes themselves, rehearsed their individual parts and were praised by the teachers and Principals. They thoroughly enjoyed the week and for many it was a new experience to present a gospel programme in schools. At the second Kids Club, 3 of the children gave their life to the Lord. NEIL BERNARD
Nowra Prac Week.....
 Christie Sharman and Haldane took a team of 10 down the coast to Nowra to All Saints Anglican Church. All Saints is a large Church with 3 Services on a Sunday, a Community Support Ministry and is closely involved with SECET (Shoalhaven Employers of Christian Education Teachers) who employ seven Scriptures teachers.
So it was necessary to split into two teams as we had so many Scripture classes. All together we had 35 classes; two 50 min seminars for year 7-9 classes each with 200 students; 2 lunch-time Christian meetings; 3 Church Services and a service in a Retirement Home. It was a real joy to see the students take up the challenges which on many occasions saw resistance to the Gospel, and to also see the LORD overrule in many classes as the students listened to the Gospel being presented.
There were many who came back in the recesses and wanted to follow up on what they heard in class. It would have been easy for our students to repeat themselves, but it was great to see them constantly staying fresh in what they wanted to share.The week was a wonderful reminder of what we, as a Bible School, are really all about, and that is, preparing and equipping young people for their future ministry, whatever the LORD has in store for them.
Directors Report
 It is now a few weeks since we said 'goodbye' to the 33 students who were here for First Semester.
It's the first school where the boys well outnumbered the girls - 21 to 12. It was a real joy to see how quickly they settled into School life. One of the big surprises for me was their honesty and openness as they shared concerning why they had come to School. This generation is so different from earlier generations. They tell it as it is... very healthy.
On reflection, after over 40 years involvement with Capernwray Schools worldwide, I want to share with you two areas which both encourage and concern me about the School here at Wongabri.
I'm very encouraged by the high standard of teaching. Friends, we in Australia have one of the best Schools anywhere for a young Christian to attend to grow in a very real way, in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ: through having to prepare Bible Studies, Devotions to share with fellow students and staff, involvement locally in a variety of churches and a week of practical ministry. As you will see from the 'Prac Week' report, it was a personal joy for me to see the students stand up in a classroom and share the Gospel where the majority listening were not interested. Yet it was amazing to see what God did in the lives of our students, and through them, communicating to the students in class. On nearly every occasion you could have heard a pin drop!!!! It was a very special week to see firsthand how much they had grown in faith in their LORD. We can be very thankful to God for the high standard being maintained by the Principal of the School, Rev. Neil Bernard.
Also, there is SN@C (Sunday Night at Capernwray) where the students prepare and run a one hour programme for local young people from 8pm. The Conference Hall is very full and there are always new people coming. This ministry is overseen by Steve Woods, our Dean of Students, who also works with our students to develop their gifts through a vibrant musical training programme. Catch up with the latest news and the testimonies of some of the students on the upgraded website, www.torchbearers.com.au
However, we are concerned that so few Australians take the opportunity to come to Capernwray to be encouraged in their faith and to grow in their personal spiritual relationship with their Saviour. Is it because they don't KNOW what is available for them? This is where you can help. Please pray with us, for more Australian students and suggest that attending Bible School here would be a great 'next step' for some young (or not so young) Christian you know: taking advantage of the Austudy opportunity. I have been praying for more students and just the other day met a Christian couple who were strangers to me. During what turned out to be a long conversation, I asked whether they had ever thought of Bible School? It was amazing to see their faces as they looked at each other. I believe we will see them in School in the next year or so. Will you help in 'spreading the word', please? Point them to the website. Thanks.
In the last newsletter it was announced that the work of Capernwray would continue here at Wongabri. Though it was a difficult decision, it is very clear this is where the Ministry is to have its headquarters. So to the second area of concern: the urgent need to refurbish many areas of the property. I have just now finished showing a Canadian family around the property. Their daughter is a student this Semester. It is not easy to show guests some of the amenities as they are.
After much prayer over the months, I believe we need $100,000 in the next year to renovate the most needy areas: first in the Main House and then in the Conference Hall. Yes, it's a lot of money!!!!!! So will you pray with me and see what God will do... Are there 200 people who would prayerfully consider a gift of0 towards the project, or 1000 who would give $100 or.......?
Are you one of them?
Friends, this is a wonderful ministry and I'm passionate about this place being used by God, and seeing lives transformed by the Holy Spirit as people spend time in God's Word and there meet the Living Christ.
Wouldn't you like to be part of this Kingdom work investing in the lives of others?
Warmest blessing to you
Haldane & Thelma
 At the end of every semester we ask the students to write their reflections of their time at Bible School.
If I ever want to be encouraged I reach for these and read comments such as those from last semester: "God has worked in my life in ways I could not have
imagined"
"Capernwray has been one of the biggest blessings of my life"
"In my months at Capernwray I have grown more in my spiritual life than the rest of my life."
Of course, these are just a few sentences picked out from many, many statements I could have selected. At the end of every semester staff are fairly tired, for Bible School is similar to a Youth Camp except it's not for a weekend, but 38 weeks! Yet the change we see in student's lives is an enormous privilege and so
rewarding.
Committing to 5 or 11 months is a big step for some. That's why we offer a Taste & See option where a person can come and enjoy all the student does (without the homework) for one week for $120. I am positive there's someone you know of, maybe even yourself, who would benefit enormously from a week with us. Why not give it as a gift?
A week at Bible School fully paid for, their only cost would be to travel to Moss Vale. Our
lecturers usually come from around the world. Last semester those countries included Australia, India and U.S.A. with varied subjects including books of the Bible, doctrines and spiritual topics. Jump on our website for all the information you need. You or someone you know will be inspired, revived and refreshed.
Neil Bernard
Principal
Tech Update....
We have been struggling for a long time with our computer network......
This term saw the network upgraded. It connects all the the buildings on the property to a central location and a file server and backup unit installed for centralised processing.
 Each building now has access to the internet through indoor wireless and the students have access through an upgraded student hotspot.
The work was done by volunteers and the students laid the cable each workday. We would like to thank Brendon Waters for his expertise and the gift of all the cat 6 cable and conduit. The staff has increased there productivity due to less down time and are better able to do the job with new tools. Praise the Lord !!!
Website Upgrade
all the information you need to know about Capers is updated there every week................
Praise and Prayer
PRAISE THE LORD
-For the very fine group of students for the 2nd semester.
-For the way the new staff are settling into their new responsibilities.
-For the latest team member; Tim Haines, joining Natasha in the kitchen
-For the many volunteers involved here at the Centre.
PLEASE PRAY FOR
-The new group of students, in their studies, SN@C, their ministries in the churches.
-The last Semester students; as they return home, to family and friends, to churches, new people in Christ.
-A clear vision for the future of the Ministry here in Australia.
-The team; that everyday Christ will be first in our lives.
-For the financial viability of the Centre, as we upgrade the facilities on the property.
-For wisdom, as we look for cost saving products to reduce our 'running cost.
Whats Coming up
* Womens Refresh 2010....Sept 24- This year we are privileged to have Jill Briscoe with us, renowned author and international women's speaker. This will be a great opportunity for a refreshing weekend in the Word and with other women.
*Stuart Briscoe.... Will be ministering around the Southern Highlands.
Sat 25 Sept The Christian Centre Moss Vale 9.00am -Lunch $10.00 For all Christain Leaders. Sat 25th 5.00pm Youth Meet, Sun 26th Both Services at The Christian Centre.
*SN@C... Capernwray
students invite you to come on a Sunday night for the Word, Music and
hang out here at Capernwray. Dates: Aug 29th Sept 5,12,19
*Creation Science Conference ... will be announced shortly, this will be a great chance to challenge your heart and mind. More details to come.
*Summer Refresh 2011... 1st to 8th Jan. Next year we will have week of ministry
* Charles Price in Brisbane 2011.... Don't miss out on listening to Charles price in April...Write it in your diary today !
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