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Report on CRE 2004, issued by Ramon Williams
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| WORLDWIDE PHOTOS Ltd The Religious Media Agency MEDIA RELEASE, 19 July 2004 CRE 2004 - MANY LANGUAGES AND RESOURCES IN ONE EXHIBITION This year's Christian Resources Exhibition, called CRE 2004, with the theme: "Many Cultures... One Creator; Many Languages... One Message; Many Resources... One Exhibition", was held at The Dome, Sydney Showground, Olympic Park, July 8-10. The Official Launch took place Thursday morning at 9.00am, with Denise Potter Coates, the Exhibition Organiser and Manager introducing the various personalities taking part. Robyn Green, a well-recognised, indigenous, singing artist from Darwin, sang several items with a large Aboriginal banner on the balcony above her. John Blacket, Director of Khesed Ministries, explained that the banner, measuring 3m x 9m, was painted in 1979 by missionary-linguist, Wilf Douglas for a concert Pastor Ron Williams held in the Perth Concert Hall. "It's based on Isaiah 9:2 'The people walking in darkness have seen a great light, on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned'," said Mr Blacket. Khesed Ministries also displayed the resources available for ministry by indigenous workers. Dr Omar Djoeandy, the National Director of SIM Australia presented the opening address and centred on the need to reach other cultures with the Gospel. "We have ethnic groups right here in Australia who need to be reached," said Dr Djoeandy, himself an Indonesian-born Chinese, who studied medicine in Australia. He then served in the Evangel Hospital in Jos, Nigeria, prior to his theological training at the Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology in Kenya. Stressing the need for support, Dr Djoeandy invited businessmen to "become involved with organisations reaching ethnic groups. Do Kingdom business with God! "Look beyond material success and your own comfort zone - connect with the groups and churches and fulfil His commission." To those displaying their resources, Dr Djoeandy pleaded: "Let's get over the competitive spirit and share resources. The Lord wants to do new things in Australia and it's up to us to ride the waves of opportunity." Following a musical presentation by a group of children, named "MaxiPraise", Dr Djoeandy prayed for the Christian Resources Exhibition 2004, the fourth to be held in Sydney and at 9.55am declared it officially opened, closing with the remark: "Thank you - go to it!" Ms Potter Coates said the highlight for her, during the following days, Thursday to Saturday, was the "positive atmosphere and networking amongst the participants and the older aged visitors, which indicated a desire by those who seriously wanted to know what resources are available." The multi-culture theme was evident right in the very entrance foyer. Posters portrayed a wide diversity of nationalities and the displays in the main exhibition area provided an indication of the multiplicity of resources available in numerous languages. Display stands, many decorated with a variety of national flags, provided a range of ornaments and decorations, created by Korean, Indonesian and other ethnic artisans. Director Kevin Engel commented how wonderful it was to see exhibitors from many ethnic groups who were displaying for the first time, alongside those who have attended previously. "In Christ we are all one and that is evident right here in this exhibition." Literature in a variety of languages was displayed to inform and encourage the 7,500 visitors to share God's word with neighbours and in outreach projects. Display areas varied from a whole block of display stalls to simple, one table-one divider screens. Larger, well-established organisations attracted just as many interested visitors as the smaller, equally efficient book distributor or publisher. Radio stations 2CH and FM103.2 indicated their availability to reach out over the airwaves while camping centres and sound systems provided different avenues of outreach. Ministries to children included Samaritan's Purse, Compassion and World Vision, just to name a few. The Bible Society and Adventist departments displayed their wares, a wide range of literature and resources available. Author Kel Richards made a personal appearance at the Bible Society stand and was available to autograph copies of his "Aussie Bible (well, most of it anyway)". Stage areas were better prepared than previous exhibitions, with suitable seating and sound systems. Here musicians and groups entertained onlookers while practical demonstrations also presented information, such as on what to do in case of a fire. Seminar subjects, presented by leading professionals in each category, ranged from computer software, power-point and multi-media presentations, reaching multi-cultural groups, ministering to young people and the use of music as a ministry tool. Although this was the fourth such Christian Resources Exhibition to be held in Sydney, it was certainly not expected to be the last! Demand is high for display space and a lot depends on expectations and work-related input to make organisations resources known. The organisers have introduced new, creative ideas and have benefited from previous years' experiences, so as to show the many resources available to churches. For further information contact Christian Resources Exhibition, a division of CMC Australasia Pty Ltd, PO Box 519, Belmont, Vic 3216; phone: +61-3-5241-3288; fax: +61-3-5241-3290; E-mail: denise@cmca.com.au; Website: www.creonline.com.au -------------------------------------------------------------------- photos available http://community.webshots.com/user/ramon_williams -------------------------------------------------------------------- Worldwide Photos Ltd-----<rlgmedia@ozemail.com.au> The Religious Media Agency - Ramon A. Williams PO Box 494 - Padstow NSW 2211 - AUSTRALIA phone: +61-2-9792-2393 - fax: +61-2-9792-2881 http://au.photos.yahoo.com/rlgmediaau http://community.webshots.com/user/ramon_williams ------------------------------------------------------------------- Telling others, what others are doing for the Lord. |
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