Friday, July 03, 2009                
You are here :            News & Media   »   Media Releases

White Space (790px wide)

Media
  Releases

PRAYER AND SUPPORT FOR VICTORIA

Released: Wednesday, 11 February 2009

As Australians, it is impossible (and unthinkable) to ignore the tragedy that has so recently devastated the state of Victoria. The recent bushfires have claimed too many lives, and changed the face of some communities forever. Too many people have lost homes, and too many people are now facing the heartbreaking task of rebuilding their lives without loved ones. Our hearts and prayers are with all of those affected by these horrible fires.
 
In times like these, it is often easy to ask why things like this happen, and to look heavenward for answers. Too often we try to understand these tragic times, and turn to political statements and moral codes to help us grasp the depth of these situations. It breaks my heart to hear of people making broad, bold, and often very disillusioned statements equating such tragedies as ‘retribution from God’. 
 
The God I serve is a personal being who cares about our everyday lives, and whose heart breaks over these unfair and often unjust circumstances. I believe in a God who is full of mercy and grace, a compassionate Saviour who wants to build people’s lives for the better, feels the pain of loss as His own, and who cares deeply for those that are hurting, alone, widowed and orphaned.

Our days are filled with unpredictable circumstances, and it is at this time that we must quickly focus our attention to offering support and compassion, concentrating our efforts on the restoration of these great Australian communities and our neighbours in need.
 
Brian Houston
Senior Pastor, Hillsong Church &
National President: Australian Christian Churches

 

To make a donation to the ACC Victorian Bushfire Appeal, visit www.wr.acc.org.au 

 
Christmas message 2008

 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 2008 - BRIAN HOUSTON

Released: Wednesday, 17 December 2008

Two thousand years ago the angels heralded the birth of Jesus Christ as they sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men.” (Luke 2:14) History records these words, and yet the true message of Christmas is still perfectly relevant today.
 
Even so, you may find yourself asking…where is the peace and goodwill, this year? For many people this Christmas, the instability and uncertain condition of our world will move them towards their need for a Saviour. For many others, the realities of life will cause disillusionment, and bring people to question the very existence of God.
 
And yet I believe that the very story of Christmas is the answer. As I read the Christmas story over and over, I find myself amazed that God was willing to give up power and dignity, and be born amongst animals, noise, and simple conditions in order to express His love for us.
 
I often try to picture what the very first Christmas would have looked like. And can I tell you; the night that Jesus arrived in Bethlehem was no peaceful, silent night! In fact, the town of Bethlehem was facing a crisis of their own. In a city overrun with people, crowded streets, new rulers, and uncertain futures…a baby was born. And He looked nothing like a King. It was majesty in the midst of the everyday.
 
Christmas is a fantastic time of year, and yet this season can become overwhelming at times. The good news is that 2000 years ago, our God showed us His love by bringing peace in the midst of chaos. 
 
Friends, as tensions and financial pressures begin to rise around the globe, lets not forget that the birth of Christ came in the midst of chaos, but left us with a promise of hope for the future.
 
In a profound moment before He departed from this world Christ said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I now give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27) 
 
The peace of Christmas is not merely about the absence of conflict and pressures. Jesus was not born into a peaceful situation, and yet He IS peace. No matter what circumstances you face today, may you find hope and rest in the midst of uncertainty, and hold fast to the knowledge that Jesus himself left His peace with you.
 
May you and your family be blessed this Christmas Season.
 
Brian Houston
Senior Pastor – Hillsong Church &
National President – Assemblies of God in Australia / Australian Christian Churches

 
Media Release - Aid to China

AUSTRALIAN CHRISTIAN CHURCHES DIG DEEP FOR CHINA APPEAL 

Released: Monday, 28 May 2008

This month the people of China became victim to a devastating natural disaster, with an earthquake on May 12 measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale. The tragedy has claimed the lives of an estimated 40,000 people from the Sichuan province and more than 220,000 have been left injured.  

“With human tragedies seemingly dovetailing around the globe, I believe church leaders should call for assistance from their congregations to help bring aid to those affected by this catastrophe.” Brian Houston, National President of the Australian Christian Churches said.

The Australian Christian Churches have launched an emergency appeal requesting urgent donations from its more than 1100 churches. These funds will be dispersed through various aid agencies already at work in the disaster-affected areas. 

“Although the disaster may seem overwhelming we hope we can play even a small part in assisting the aid efforts in the Sichaun province,” Ps Houston said. 

“My understanding is that there are areas proving difficult to reach in the rescue effort, and we are praying for the workers as they tirelessly search for people still trapped under rubble.”  

“We are praying for miracles and for all those who have lost loved ones in this tragedy.”

To make a donation please visit www.wr.acc.org.au
Media Release - Aid to Burma

 AUSTRALIAN CHRISTIAN CHURCHES RALLY TO PROVIDE AID FOR BURMA

Released: Monday, 12 May 2008

 

Cyclone Nargis, which tore through Burma last week, has devastated the population, the official death toll now at 23,000 people, a figure the United Nation’s believes could actually be as high as 100,000 people.

“It is a shocking and devastating tragedy that we have not yet seen the full effect of,” Brian Houston, National President of the Australian Christian Churches and Senior Pastor of Hillsong Church said.

“Burma is on the brink of an even greater humanitarian disaster unless food, water and medical supplies are allowed to enter the country to feed and help the starving and the displaced,” he said.

“We are praying that the Burmese military junta will be moved by this human tragedy and open their borders to overseas aid and disaster relief workers to enter the country as quickly as possible.

“Our churches, like churches around the world, are praying and raising funds for those devastated by this natural disaster and for those who have lost loved ones. We are believing for miracles,” he said. “Raising funds is the easy part, getting the aid to those who desperately need it is going to be the biggest challenge.”

The Australian Christian Churches have launched an emergency appeal with the aim of raising $50,000 for short-term relief. Funds raised will go towards helping affected families and communities by meeting basic needs.

The Church in Australia can make a significant contribution to rebuilding the lives of the Burmese and are being encouraged to do whatever they can to help.

“It will take a long term commitment to the people of Burma to see them recover both psychically and emotionally from the destruction of Cyclone Nargis,” Ps Houston said.
Media Release - Easter Message 2008

EASTER MESSAGE 2008 – BRIAN HOUSTON

Released: Wednesday 19 March 2008

As a committed disciple of Jesus, the scene at the foot of the cross that first Good Friday must have been horrific. 

Their promised Saviour, Jesus Christ, hung battered, bruised and dying, and they were left despondent, disappointed and downtrodden by the events that unfolded that day. 

But the words uttered by Jesus with His dying breath, ‘It is finished’ were not those of a defeated man. They were words of triumph and victory because Jesus knew that Sunday was coming.

The pain and anguish He suffered on that dark and lonely Friday would be surpassed by the freedom and celebration that resurrection Sunday would bring for all of humanity.

Friday is only half of the Easter story, and I thank God that we have the privilege of seeing the powerful events of that day through the veil of God’s promise fulfilled on Easter Sunday. 

His was a selfless act. His blood spilled that each of us could know life, love, hope and freedom.

It’s both His sacrifice and supernatural resurrection that we remember and celebrate each Easter.

Wishing you and your family a truly wonderful Easter weekend.

Brian Houston
Senior Pastor – Hillsong Church &
National President – Assemblies of God in Australia / Australian Christian Churches

 
Media Release - Australia Says Sorry

AUSTRALIA SAYS SORRY - BRIAN HOUSTON

Released: Wednesday, 13th February 2008

The word "sorry" is a powerful word and one that today marked a significant moment in our nation¹s history.  I commend our Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, and his parliamentary colleagues, for their acknowledgement and awareness of the need for reconciliation amongst the people of Australia.

If today¹s apology is to become more than a gesture, I believe recognition of past wrong doing must be received with a spirit of forgiveness.  Forgiveness is a starting point for a new beginning and is an essential step in building our future together as a nation.

Reconciliation however is not reserved for the halls of parliament.  To be effective it must be embraced by the individual Australian and outworked in everyday life.  The scriptures tell us to "Pursue peace with all people" (Hebrews 12:14).  My hope is that as we do so, our resolve and vision as a nation will be unified and regenerated.

Brian Houston
Senior Pastor – Hillsong Church &
National President – Assemblies of God in Australia / Australian Christian Churches

 
Privacy Statement    |    Terms Of Use Copyright © 2005-2008 Australian Christian Churches