Guest Speaker: Joel Oliver from Destiny Rescue
Joel works with Destiny Rescue, whose goal is to “rescue children from sexual exploitation and human trafficking and help them stay free”.
Here is a little more about the organisation. Destiny Rescue is a global Christian non-governmental organisation (NGO) that has restored hope to thousands of children enduring sexual exploitation and human trafficking through rescue operations and reintegration programming operated in regions throughout Africa, Asia and Latin America.
By building strong partnerships with government entities, law enforcement and like-minded organisations, we continue to expand our work and offer freedom to children in need across the globe.
We’re so grateful that thousands of survivors have bravely accepted that offer and are continuing their journey toward freedom.
Rescue alone doesn’t ensure freedom.
Post-rescue, a survivor’s next steps are determined based on his or her unique situation, including the vulnerabilities that led to exploitation and local legal procedure.
When a child enters our care, we carefully address each unique vulnerability that led to her exploitation.
Each survivor enrolled in our programming receives support to return to school or achieve financial independence. During their enrolment, children participate in dynamic trauma resilience training and hear the saving message of the gospel.
https://www.destinyrescue.org.au/
Take supportive action: https://www.destinyrescue.org.au/donate/
Guest Speaker: David Ratten (Churches of Christ, Community Mission Catalyst)
David brings a wealth of experience as a practitioner who can inspire, coach, and build energy and movement with leaders who are committed to the work of community engagement. He assists local churches and agencies to develop critical strength and capacity for effective benevolent programs.
Guest Speaker: Nickie Williams from St Kilda Gatehouse
Links to the two social media pages for St Kilda Gatehouse, Instagram and Facebook, are provided here.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stkildagatehouse
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StKildaGatehouse
Guest Speaker: Paul Moore
The following information is from https://churchesofchrist.org.au/friendsofdismas/
Dismas is the traditional name of the repentant thief on the cross next to Jesus mentioned in Luke 23: 40-43.
The mission of Friends of Dismas is to assist motivated adults on parole, ex-prisoners, and their family and friends, to grow in Christian faith, to transition successfully into society, and to live a crime free life.
Our informal church services are a safe place where people can fully participate but know they are not judged. Through mutual support and accountability, we work towards there being ‘No More Victims’.
Our weekly format includes sharing a simple meal together, getting to know each other, communion, bible study, and prayer.
Friends of Dismas was co-founded in 2012 by staff and volunteers from Prison Fellowship Victoria, Churches of Christ In Victoria and Tasmania, and Baptist Union of Victoria. Significant consultation with Corrections Victoria and Victoria Police means Friends of Dismas can offer a gathering where ex-offenders can meet, share a meal and fellowship together without breaking laws. We thank these organisations for their role in getting this program up and running, and for directing people who are in need or isolated to us for support. We also thank Friends of Dismas Canada for permission to use the name, logo and Dismas Prayer.
Please note that participants must be over 18 years of age.
Our Core Values
- We welcome and celebrate one another, regardless of religious or criminal convictions, knowing that we are all “offenders”.
- We encourage everyone to give of themselves in some way – cooking meals, setting and cleaning up, sharing our truth or reaching out to others.
- We are committed to paying our way by sharing the costs of food and hall hire and contributing financially to the ministry of Friends of Dismas.
- In the circle everyone is given the opportunity to speak or to pass.
- We will treat each other’s story with confidentiality and love. Each story is sacred.
- We are committed to being a safe and responsible fellowship with accountability to the community where our meetings are held.
- We are committed to ministering to each other as if they were Christ.
- We continue to offer a safe and welcoming environment to ex-prisoners, their families and volunteers.
Guest Speaker: Anne Spoelder
Anne Spoelder has been a minister with the Churches of Christ in Australia for many years, serving at One Community Church (formerly Blackburn Church of Christ), Box Hill Church of Christ and for the last 10 years at Southern Community Church in Cheltenham, the last five years at Southern Community Church as ministry team leader.
In Anne’s first 20 years of ministry at One Community were solely working with single adults and single parents.
Anne's journey as a single parent spans many years, a role that has given her firsthand knowledge of the challenges and triumphs that come with it. Her understanding is further deepened by the recent loss of her former husband, who was also the father of her child.
Anne recently retired from full-time paid ministry but is still active in people's lives at a pastoral level. She also loves the opportunity to connect with her customers at a personal level through a small business, Yo-Ko Original Boutique in Seaford, which she is now spending more time in.