ATHEIST RECOMMENDS GOD:
(A powerful testimony of the impact of lives lived for Christ.)
"As an atheist, I truly believe Africa needs God. Missionaries, not just aid money, are the solution to Africa's biggest problem - the crushing passivity of the people's mindset."
What kind of atheist would write this?
Matthew Parris, Times writer, award winning author and former Member of Parliament, is not your typical atheist. It is unusual for an atheist to write favourably about faith. What led Parris to his surprising conclusion?
Parris grew up in Africa and returned recently to do a story on a development organization, 'Pump Aid' which helps to provide clean water to rural communities. The organization is secular, but several of its African representatives are devoted followers of Jesus. Their characters evoked memories for Parris: "Travelling in Malawi refreshed a belief I've been trying to banish all my life, but an observation I've been unable to avoid since my childhood. It confounds my ideological beliefs, refuses to fit my world view, and has embarrassed my growing belief that there is no God."
"I've become convinced of the enormous contribution that Christianity makes in Africa; sharply distinct from the work of secular and government organizations and international aid efforts. These alone will not do. Education and training alone will not do. Christianity changes people's hearts. It brings spiritual transformation. The rebirth is real. The change is good."
Parris' conclusion, based on observations across Africa, resonates with statements Jesus made; "Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!"
Parris emphasizes Christianity's impact on the individual.
"Christians are different," he observed."Their faith seems to liberate and relax them."
The Christian workers he met seemed to stand out for their honesty, diligence and optimism. He said that tribalism fosters an attitude of fear, whereas Christianity, he said, emphasized a direct, personal relationship with God which encourages individuality and that is why and how it liberates.
Lets think for a moment! Parris is arguing that Christianity engenders individuality and frees the mind? Is this the same Christianity that some criticize for breeding a 'herd-mentality' among undiscerning followers? Actually, it isn't. Parris describes a form of Christianity based on a personal relationship with God. He observes that such Christianity 'smashes through' the traditional collective mindset. No surprise! Jesus overturned temple tables and blasted religious leaders for supplanting God's ways with their own.
Criticisms of Christianity as 'mind-enslaving', 'heart-hardening', 'misguided-thinking' or misplaced-devotion', are swept away when Christ becomes personal to a believer. By the admission of a confirmed atheist, Christianity changes African hearts, lives and communities for the better.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We truly want to reach out;, not only to those who live around us here in Rockingham, Western Australia, but also, we hope to bring together with us many many new friends living in nations all over the world. No matter where you are; Australia, Asia, Europe, The Americas, or Africa:- Please, if you read our webpages, then do contact us. We'd love to hear from you. This is what Christianity is all about. Sharing with each other the Love of Christ.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We plan to keep you informed and absorbed with our news page and with our regular stories and chat. We invite you to click on our Bible Verses page where we pray you will find a personal word from the scriptures which will meet whatever need you may be experiencing. Maybe you are lonely, suffering, recently bereaved or losing hope. We pray you will find answers and a word of comfort and cheer. Do send us a message. We will reply promptly and offer our hand of sincere friendship.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We pray that as you join with us in this way, you will experience with us the blessings in your lives and homes, which come through a knowledge of our Saviour Jesus Christ.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We are a group of evangelical Christian folks who trust the Bible as the inspired Word of God for the world of today. We believe in salvation through the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the Cross, and commend Him to you in the prayer that you will come also with us to find in Him "Hope for your future, here and in eternity, and lasting inner peace to strengthen you through these troubled times.
Roy Anderson .. editor.

If you would like any more
information then please e-mail
Rockingham Church of Christ

ABOUT US

We invite you to click here to discover where, and when, you can find us.
See a map showing our street location.
Meet the team, and learn what our beliefs and aims are.

REGULAR ACTIVITIES

Click here to find out our church fellowship meeting times.
We have a wide variety of friendly and informal fellowship activities at Rockingham Church of Christ catering for all age groups, and interests.
You will receive a warm welcome at any of our venues.

NEWS PAGE

By clicking here you will be transported to our exciting "News & Events" page.
We encourage you to scroll through this page and take time to read what we have to show you. You will find that your patience will be rewarded.
This month's articles are:-
1.Pastor Nigel Merrick writes about the 30th Anniversary of Rockingham Church of Christ whic was celebrated on 3rd May.
2. OTHER NEWS IS TO BE ADDED SHORTLY

MESSAGE FROM A PASTOR

Pastor Nigel Merrick shares with us his testimony of the LORD's saving grace in his life.
Also you are introduced to our associate pastor Peter Moyle.

MAGAZINE

We call this 'page' our 'MAGAZINE'. This month Our articles and stories are:-
Brendan Van der Pols and his wife Michelle are members of Rockingham Church of Christ.They have 2 sons Shem and Silas.
This month you can read their story in our magazine page.(click here to enter)
Also, this month we include an article for boys and girls; a recipe for 'Mediterranean Vegetable Bake'; an article for computer buffs; and various scripture thoughts.

BIBLE VERSES

We here at Rockingham Church of Christ seriously believe that the Bible is God's only truly inspired written Word, and that it speaks personally to each individual who asks Him.
We invite you to log on to our Bible Verses page and pray that, as you do so, you will find there answers to your needs and comfort in any time of trouble you may be coming through.
Maybe you wil find you want some further explanation or help understanding something. Please log on to our Contact us page.

LINKS

We plan to build up, by adding on every month, "LINKS" to other websites we recommend.
We encourage you to click our links and so discover for yourself what we hope will prove to be a wealth of valuable information.
"LINKS" are:-
'Challenge Newspapers';
SIM:-HOPE for AIDS';
'Praise Kids'(lots of things for children's interest..including games etc.);

'Australian Christian Business Directory';
'Christian Jobs Australia';
'Genesis Aid'(working with families in need both here in Western Australia and in Africa, and in other parts of the world);
'Partners in Ministry'(who work with people adversly troubled by cultic practices and belief systems);
'Missionary Aviation Fellowship.'

By clicking here you will find yourself transported to our special page where you will be able to respond to us.
Every person no matter who or where in the world will receive a reply.
We want to hear from you.
We have a team of able Christian people ready to respond.
Maybe you need a friend to confide in!!
We look forward to God willing establish many deep friendships and point you to our precious Saviour (The Lord Jesus Christ; the King of Kings). Christian peoplehere are ready to answer your questions and help in whatever way we can.