Fusion Conference held in the village
Between 16th – 24th of September Fusion held its National conference in Poatina, with over two hundred people taking time out from their work to gather together, share stories, enjoy fellowship and plan for the future.
People from as far away as UK, and Jamaica came to be part of the week. It was a significant time, as Fusion wrestled together to “find the mind of Christ,” acknowledging those who have put in many years of service. There was a positive response to a new leadership model and people committed themselves to supporting those taking on significant roles.
The children’s program for the week was wonderful and the kids had a fantastic time. The highlight was the Children’s Concert on the final night, and the special fellowship during the week was something many enjoyed.
Foundations – “I can change the world”
“A new way of living so that I can change the world.”
That was one comment from a young person who recently did Foundations in Poatina. The one-week course that looks at living with God, Others and themselves gave all who participated the challenge of being better equipped to find their place and making a difference in God’s Kingdom.
This course had that extra bit of energy this month, with a higher proportion of young people coming from Victoria and Tasmania.
Foundations is a course run by Fusion Australia and has been a key part of the training which is now run all over the world.
For more information about the course CLICK HERE and if you are interested in participating in the future, in your part of the world, check out the contacts: CLICK HERE FOR CONTACTS
Diploma Graduation – July 2011
On Sunday the 17th of July we enjoyed a very special Diploma in Youth and Community Work (Christian) graduation service, with a large crowd of Foundations participants, village residents, friends and family.
It is always a special service as we hear reflections from the students, and how their time of study, field work, growth and experiences have and an impact on their life.
“Going from homelessness to graduating my diploma is no small thing. it was only the Grace of God that could get me to this point in my life.” – Graduate
Gods blessings to you all as you enter the next part of your journey with God.
To become fully human “is not a question of following what everyone else does,
of conforming to social norms,
or of being admired and honored in a hierarchical society;
it is to become free to be more fully oneself,
to follow one’s deepest conscience,
to seek truth,
and to love people as they are.”
- Jean Vanier
Poatina digs deep to help flood affected families
(article taken from press release in local newspaper, February 2011)
Dick Adams, Federal Member for Lyons, and Kim Polley, Mayor of the Northern Midlands, were delighted today to receive donations from Rikk Rossler, spokes person from Poatina’s leadership team.
Mr Rossler presented two cheques totaling $2015 to Dick Adams. The first of $1209 for the Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal, and the second to go to the Victorian Flood appeal for $806.
Poatina is a small village on the edge of the Great Western Tiers in Northern Tasmania. The village incorporates a Fusion youth service.
“This is a very proud moment, to see such a small community dig so deep to help other families in need is heartwarming”, Dick Adams said.
Mr Adams said that he believed that this was in part as a result of the Mayor’s speech at the ‘Pass the Hat Around’ event held as part of the regular Poatina Australia Day Celebrations.
Mayor Polley, who spoke at the celebrations quoted from Henry Lawson story, “Send Round The Hat”.
“Australians know about hardship wherever they are, and know about the distress and heartbreak that comes from natural disasters in our land.”
“Tasmanians remember the help and generosity they experienced during the bushfires we have had over the years.
“It’s no surprise that this story has stirred those memories and those feelings of mateship and people have dug so deep.
“I will be taking this to Canberra with me to add to the fundraising from around the Nation and acknowledge the generosity of the people of Poatina and visitors on the day,” Mr Adams said.
Both Dick Adams and Mayor Polley thanked Rikk Rossler for organizing the events that allowed the fundraising to occur.
Media Contact: Dick Adams – 0418 132 828
Fusion International Representative Council meets in Poatina this week
Fusion’s International Representative Council has spent the last three days in its annual meeting in Poatina.
Over 40 reps from all over Australia and others from China, UK, Germany, South Africa, Canada, Nigeria and more have been part of this special time.
Wonderful stories of courage and commitment have been shared, and preparation for the next decade of work and direction has been an important part of their time together.
Pictured here is a gathering of some of those who have been part of the week.
