CHRISTIAN OUTREACH CENTRE ELECTS OCEANIA CHAIRMAN
He is Ps Ross Abraham, former Queensland State Chairman for COC, and Lead Pastor for the Elevation multi-campus churches in Gold Coast, Tweed Heads and Townsville.
Ross and his wife Kathy both come originally from Townsville, moving to Brisbane in 1986. He joined COC’s Brisbane staff in 1988 as Youth Pastor.
Ross replaces Ps David McDonald, who had held the position of Australian National Chairman for 13 years.
COC’s Oceania region, with some 55,000 members, has 700 churches, four major schools, a State-accredited tertiary college, several child care centres and Bible and ministry schools and Global Care, a disaster relief agency with 4000 registered volunteers.
He said: “I take my new role very seriously indeed, and will dedicate my time and energy not just to building COC numerically and geographically, but even more importantly to develop stronger relationships between our churches and their local communities.
“It seems all we hear about in the news is conflict and trouble – the role of the church should be to bring harmony, and to play a positive role promoting peace and unity in our nations, cities and towns.
“Oceania is a big region, and I do not underestimate the challenges in terms of different cultures and traditions. But for me, it is more about what we are for, than what we are against.
“I believe our churches should be champions for righteousness across our great region, and I have set up core unifying values emphasising faith with stewardship, growing interpersonal relationships, winning souls, influencing communities and helping individuals to learn and be equipped for life.”
Christian Outreach Centre and its disaster recovery arm, Global Care, have been honoured publicly by the Governor-General, Prime Minister, Federal Opposition Leader and several State premiers:
- I am pleased to send my congratulations to Christian Outreach Centre … As you champion Christian values, your devotion inspires goodwill and provides a source of support to people in times of stress and difficulty. We saw this as your members gave assistance during the Queensland floods as Global Care volunteers … your engagement with the wider community is strengthened through the care and generosity of your congregations. You continue to champion fine values and educate our youth to be respected citizens – Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia
- Australia’s long Christian heritage stems from our earliest years as a nation … the dedicated charitable work of Christian Outreach Centre is an excellent example of this great Christian contribution to Australian society …This year I particularly commend the volunteers of Global Care, your disaster recovery arm … the Global Care motto “mates helping mates” is a marvellous illustration of the connection between Christian charity and the Australian way. – The Hon Julia Gillard MP, Prime Minister of Australia
- I am pleased to send my congratulations to Christian Outreach Centre … you have continued your mission to promote good values and engage with all members of our community. I also congratulate you for the work of Global Care …from the aftermath of the floods in Queensland to the Victorian bushfires, Global Care volunteers have been there to provide a helping hand to people and communities – The Hon Tony Abbott MHR, Leader of the Opposition
- In a world of constant change, it is reassuring to know that faith communities like Christian Outreach Centre are growing strong … your global network of churches administer an antidote for the mounting stresses and complexities of this modern age … I am proud that COC and your disaster relief arm Global Care started in Queensland, but even more proud that your ministry and charitable works now extend way beyond our State lines – The Hon Campbell Newman MP, Premier of Queensland.
For further information:
Conor Murphy email pa@elevationchurch.com.au
phone 07 5597 2955 mob 0402 862 048.
John Gagliardi email jgagliardi@coc.org.au
phone 07 3457 1079 mob 0430 739 112.
craigmanderson 
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