How many men face mental health challenges due to work or life stressors but feel unable to talk about them? Statistics show it is a lot more than we may even realise. Recently, Jo Chamberlain from Lutheran Media’s Messages of hope sat down with Chris Battistuzzi from Scripture Union and had a raw and honest conversation about the mental health challenges many men face today.

From working in ministry to wrestling with his own mental health, Chris shared the importance of talking and connecting with others. ‘You just feel so helpless. You feel that there is no way out, you feel like I am so totally stuck in this place,’ Chris says. His advice? ‘Don’t suffer in silence.’

Watch Jo’s conversation with Chris on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQ6Cd7y3ARc

Or find out more at www.messagesofhope.org.au/as-iron-sharpens-iron

Messages of hope share real stories of the challenges people face and the hope they have to get through the most difficult situations. Be inspired by more stories of hope and faith as people trust in God to provide, strengthen and care for people in need. Go to www.messagesofhope.org.au or follow Messages of hope on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Lutheran Media has been sharing messages of hope for 80 years in Australia and New Zealand. It exists solely from donations and sponsorships and needs your help to continue the legacy of hope. Your support can help us continue producing and sharing gospel resources that offer hope where it’s needed most. Every donation extends the reach of God’s love, helping people see that they are never alone.

Thank you so much for the donations this past month, all have been put to good use. As you may know, we currently have our winter appeal running. To find out more https://www.lutherancare.org.au/winter-appeal/

We are now offering Tax Help until the end of August in our Tanunda office on Thursday afternoons. Open to anyone in the community who is eligible.

Info here: https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/your-tax-return/help-and-support-to-lodge-your-tax-return/tax-help-program

Items needed for August:

Savoury Crackers/biscuits - Long Life Milk - Shampoo / Conditioners/ 2 in 1's - Washing Powder - Toothbrushes (single or double packs) - Dishwashing Detergent

Safe Church – Child Safe Information

#7 Our people understand child safety. Our pastor(s), other leaders, employees, and volunteers participate in regular training that provides them with an understanding of the fundamentals of child abuse, the importance of ethical conduct, how to respond to concerns, and how to prioritise child safety in a congregational context.

Who needs to do what sections of the Safe Church Training program?

A copy of the Safe Church Training model and details of who needs to complete each level, are attached and provided at www.lca.org.au/safechurchtraining/#required-training

Safety Management Online (SMO) is the Child Safe database for training records.

SBLC Child Safe/SMO Coordinators

Bethany/Tabor: Marilyn Mensforth - bethanytaborsccoord@gmail.com