Recent articles from the Witness – the monthly magazine of the BUV

The Witness is a Victorian Baptist Churches Magazine that voices discussions of the life and culture of Baptist churches in Victoria.

The Witness maintains a partnership with the Victorian Baptist churches through the communication of local church news and stories which illuminate the positive, meaningful moments and events within the Baptist community in Victoria.

The Witness also threads together stories from the wider body of churches and global issues within Victoria and the international church. It is a vehicle that facilitates the Baptist Union of Victoria’s objectives to "share the love of Jesus with everyone".

Each edition of the Witness is themed, and the August edition is 'My Life, My World, My God - Youth Edition'. You can read snippets from a few sample articles below. For Witness subscription information, contact Rhonda Shaw on (03) 9880 6100 or rhonda.shaw@buv.com.au

1. "Being Discipled By The New Media Environment" by Mark Sayers:  IN this intriguing insight, Mark Sayers alls the new media environment that saturates the world of young people for what it is - a discipling influence - and a pervasive and damaging one at that. It is not so much 'isolated' incidences, specific shows, or celebrities but the overall culture of the new media environment - where marketing is King; consumerism is God; and managing your personal image the sum purpose and meaning in life.

2. "The Big Issues: When Life Gets Too Hard" by Keralie Smith:  We live in a world where anything good or real must be 'extreme', and anything worth giving our attention to has to be instantly satisfying. Our technology is constantly improving, able to do more things, more quickly; and we learn to be more demanding, ready for immediate results. Our teenagers crave constant amusement and because of their determination to make things larger than life, their emotional sense are often also heightened, switching between dramatic 'highs' and 'lows' in everyday life.

3. "Ordinand Series Part 2":  It is no small thing to step up to being responsible for the spiritual oversight of the believers. To guide and journey with them; to teach, train and rebuke; to build up and exhort; to be an example to the Body of Christ. In fact, it just might be the most important job/calling on earth... That's why we're briinging you this special series on the Ordinands for 2007. In this edition: Michael Skilbeck from Port Campbell Baptist Church and Stacey Aslangul from Westgate Baptist Church and Global Interaction.

4. "Reaching Youth Across Our Nation":  Despite each state's unique context and individual issues - a similar need exists Australia-wide: to reach young people with the transforming message of Jesus. In this story, discover how various Baptist Unions are doing just that, and join with them in prayer as they impact young lives for eternity.

THE FULL ARTICLES AND MUCH MORE ARE AVAILABLE IN THE AUGUST EDITION OF THE WITNESS!

In our third annual Witness Youth Edition we explore the hearts and minds of young Christians in our midst. From the schoolyard to the internet and beyond, young Baptists are shining the light for Jesus. By opening a window into their lives, their world and their faith, we hope to encourage them; to give them a voice and to be a community who will cheer them on. Hear their stories, help them in their struggles and be inspired by their walk with the Lord ... and don't forget to give this youth edition to your friends and the young people at your church!