She had promised to go where God called, and when the call to Vanuatu came, Margaret Watts packed up her little family and followed. Together with husband Horrie, the recipient of a citation from the Class of 1946 at Homecoming this year would serve in the Pacific for the next decade, raising the couple’s three children and nursing almost everyone else in the mission field.
Giver a friend of nonprofits
Friday, August 26, 2016Maximising the good of giving—it’s the motto of Calvin Edwards and Company and something Edwards himself has always taken seriously. Since graduating 40 years ago, the recipient of a citation from the Class of 1976 at Homecoming this year has devoted his career to giving—and helping others give—more effectively to nonprofit organisations.
My adventure in mission
Wednesday, August 24, 2016Though attending Avondale was a “family expectation,” Narece Thapa saw her education as training for mission and adventure. Both came soon after Thapa, the recipient of a citation from the Class of 1986 at Homecoming this year, graduated with a Bachelor of Education (English). She volunteered in Nepal and the experience would change her life.
The leader who’s growing a church
Monday, August 22, 2016He’s preached from Papua New Guinea to India to Russia, but like the One about whom he speaks, Pr Justin Lawman began his adult life as a tradie. Lawman, the recipient of a citation from the Class of 1996 at Homecoming this year, worked as the foreperson of a construction crew building stormwater and sewerage systems on the Sunshine Coast. Then, encouraged by his church minister, Lawman presented a sermon that would change his life’s focus.
The ministry of teaching 101
Friday, August 19, 2016The Young Alumnus of the Year for 2016 is developing an effective ministry in the schools in which he teaches. The ministry, a combination of sport, service and worship, “engages young people and helps them grow personally and spiritually,” says Christopher Starrett. He should know: it led to him making a decision for baptism while at Avondale College.
Musicianary’s call brings peace
Friday, August 19, 2016Monique Johnson is on the move. Growing up the daughter of teachers, Johnson lived in regional New South Wales, Papua New Guinea, Tasmania and New Zealand. Now in full-time music ministry with husband Eric, the Class of 2006 citation recipient at Homecoming this year continues to travel—performing in more than 300 churches in 11 countries since 2013.