|PIC1|Chaired by Reverend the Hon. Dr Gordon Moyes AC MLC, the Luncheon was attended by members of the Parliamentary Christian Fellowship, church representatives and special guests.
The Guest Speaker was Anne Robinson BA LLB (Hons) FAICD who has been involved in the governance of not for profit organisations for some twenty five years. Presently, she chairs the Board of World Vision Australia and is a director of World Vision International, on top of her day job. From 2004 to 2007 she held the position of Moderator of the triennial World Vision International Council.
Personal reflections regarding the Prayer Fellowship, were shared by Hon David Clarke MLC, David Harris MP and Malcolm Kerr MP.
Bible Readings were presented by David Costa MP, Thomas George MP and Chris Hartcher MP.
Rev Dr Gordon Moyes explained something of the ministry of the Prayer Fellowship and of its concern and support when members of Parliament are facing difficult situations and events. Recently they held a special time of prayer for a member who, with his wife who is a Federal Member of Parliament, faced media and police scrutiny of a special occasion. Those who prayed for him and his wife were all members of opposition parties in the Parliament!
Rev Dr Gordon Moyes shared something of other Parliamentary Prayer breakfasts and dinners held in Australia and around the world. All indicate something of Christian commitment by those leading their countries.
During the Annual Luncheon 2008 in Macquarie Street, time was set aside for prayers at each table. All became praying and concerned Christians together, without social or religious status.
Anne Robinson then spoke on Human Trafficking and modern day forms of slavery that affects more than 27 million people, in Australia and overseas. Ms Robinson spoke on a new campaign by World Vision called "Don't Trade Lives".
"Don't Trade Lives is a new campaign by World Vision that aims to unite Australians against human trafficking and slavery. Human trafficking is a modern day slave trade. The buying and selling of people for exploitative labour is the third biggest crime in the world today behind drugs and arms."
She added that: "Every sector of Australian society can impact on human trafficking in our region. Join us in telling Australia 'Don't Trade Lives!' (see http://donttradelives.com.au )."
The Hon Marie Ficarra MLC presented a Vote of Thanks to Ms Anne Robinson for her presentation and then went on to thank the Rev Dr Gordon Moyes and the Rev Hon Fred Nile MLC for the leadership given to the Parliamentary Christian Fellowship.
Rev Fred Nile closed the meeting in prayer.