I hope you’re well.  This newsletter describes forthcoming LifeMatters events here in Leeds and reports on the warm reception Mark had in Australia.  But we wanted to start by paying tribute to the man who prompted the birth of WYSOCS 25 years ago…

1. Tribute to John Stott

2. RealityBites in Australia

3. LifeMatters events this autumn

1. You may have heard about the death of John Stott nine days ago.  When this remarkable leader turned his energies to run the “Christian in the Modern World” course which established the London Institute (now LICC) in the mid 80s, Ruth Hanson and David Lyon asked if he would also set up something similar in the north of the country.  You can read what happened next in David Hanson’s tribute piece.

2. Mark came back from his trip to Darwin greatly encouraged.  Here’s a taste of the feedback he received from speaking at the Transforming Education conference:

“Mark Roques - entertaining story teller with fantastic teaching ideas.”

“And what an excellent session it was too … I loved your version of Bond's worldview! I was also impressed to hear you today say that you are unpacking some of these subversive questions with seventh graders. It gives me food for thought for my Year 7s.  Cheers, Mark - thanks for coming all this way to inspire us.”

“Simply brilliant – fire alarm evacuation and all. Thrilled you could come Down Under and share your love of storytelling.  Practical and inspiring with a healthy dose of humour!”

“Yes, it was fun meeting you and finding a healthy Aussie sense of humour trapped in the body of an Englishman.”

Comments like these give a flavour of the warm reception that greeted Mark as he shared ideas for bringing the excitement of a biblical worldview into the classroom and questioning secular attitudes to life.  They came from teachers and heads of Christian schools and colleges from all around Australia, who were joined by delegates from New Zealand, India, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa and elsewhere to make a gathering of at least 1,100.  Adding to this Mark’s reports of packed lecture rooms, informal discussions and impromptu meetings, we rejoice at how healthy the Christian education scene appears in this country of 23 million people.

Fire alarms notwithstanding, we know that Mark’s lively style of presentation reinforces his teaching.  There have already been hints that he may be invited to speak elsewhere in Australia, and there was also a plea for help in some African countries where the potential for culture and government to be transformed by the Gospel appears especially great.  We’re looking for the best ways to facilitate this, but an important challenge for WYSOCS is simply to maintain Mark’s employment so that he’s ready with new materials for future invitations.  We greatly appreciate the financial and prayer support that some of you give.

3. Advance notice for LifeMatters this autumn

Events being planned for the new academic year include:

Fri 30 September: An evening around the story of Richard Oastler (1789-1861): Leeds’ Christian social reformer who saw child labour largely outlawed in factories

October (date to be confirmed): Dr James Rusthoven on a “covenantal approach” to medical ethics

Sat 12 November (day conference): David Robertson and Mark Roques on fresh ways of speaking about Christianity to non-Christians

In concluding, please praise God with us for the advance of Christ’s Kingdom around the world and pray earnestly for the discipleship of coming generations.  And I wish you refreshment over the summer, by his grace.

Richard

Richard Gunton PhD, Development Officer

West Yorkshire School of Christian Studies  

http://www.wysocs.org.uk/

Outwood House, Leeds  LS18 4HR

WYSOCS is a Christian education centre exploring the power of faith in learning for every aspect of life.