Each year the Australian and New Zealand statisticians collate the five sets of points from the panellists who mark the young writers in the Press Service International – Christian Today program and from those points the Best Article of each young writer is determined.
At the awards evening each year the Best Article of each young writer is announced along with a short description by their respective ‘Week Editors’ which is shown on the big screen and read out when the young writers comes to the front for their certificate.
2018 Best Articles
Bridget Brenton - Two State solution no solution at all
Bridget’s writing brings refreshingly different perspectives on issues of living the Christian life. She has a particular soft spot for people in the mission field and is a strong advocate for people of different cultures.
Laura Miles - Perspective
Laura's bright personality brings a delightful approach to her subject matter in which the reader eagerly engages. Laura has developed a sense to communicate keen insights and this has endeared her to a solid readership.
Peter Brookshaw - Sex is God’s idea
Peter is a gifted and published author, who ministers with the Salvation Army. His writing is accessible and humorous, while containing thought-provoking observations and spiritual nous. The personal nature of his work endears him to his readers and one always walks away challenged by his continual pursuit of holy living.
Melissa Ramoo - Placing my identity in a personality test
A new writer this year, Melissa has made her mark as a sensitive, deep thinker who constantly strives for excellence in her writing. Her profession as a physiotherapist places Melissa among a range of people whose experiences and reactions provide a rich resource for her writing. She suggests a new hashtag: #LetYourKingdomCome in response to abuse.
Joseph Kolapudi - Winning the Prize
Joseph is a traveller and his articles often take us through the streets of India to meet extraordinary people like artists, musicians, authors and preachers, along his travels. He uses the experiences of these people he meets as practical examples of the message he is communicating.
Cartia Moore - Ruth – a woman of faith
Cartia speaks from the heart to the youth of her generation. She is passionate about encouraging her peers to keep going in their faith, to push beyond their fears and to see how great our God is. She often speaks into the realms of university, endurance in the faith, and the healing power of the Holy Spirit.
Jesse Moore - A warning sign
Jesse has a strong voice for the young men in his generation, spurring on his readers to live out their faith in practical ways. He often writes about practising what we preach, reading the word and being true to our convictions, encouraging his readers to be courageous to step into the plan God has for us and to trust God to lead the way.
Caitlyn Furler - Learning the language
Caitlyn’s love of writing and people is evident in all her articles. She invites us to journey with her as she grapples with relying on God in her daily walk and her decision making, with wonderful testimonies of God’s provision even when that seemed unlikely.
Sam Gillespie - Online personalities and following Christ
Sam’s enigmatic smile and quiet (at least in my company) demeanour hide an active mind that thinks differently about issues. His writing often highlights a point of view that may not be conventional, and is thus interesting and worth considering.
Roydon Ng - For a better world
Roydon’s writing ranges across several topics, generally about finding truth, having good relationships with God and each other, and cultural identity. Being genuine is a key theme. If you have a moment, ask him about the Milkshake Duck!
Cheryl McGrath - Friendship, the least talked about relationship in the church
A very accomplished writer, Cheryl has started her own blog writing about, well, writing! – among other things. The written word is certainly Cheryl’s medium and one of her strengths is that she assiduously researches any topic.
Kristen Deng - He wants us – escaping the grip of the world
Kristen's writing inspires and invites readers into closer communion with God in the everyday. Easy to read and full of wisdom beyond her years, Kristen’s writing stems from honest observations from her life and her work as a family doctor. Kristen loves to incorporate scripture into her articles, leaving us with something to think about.
Hannah Edwards - Transparency made clear
Being a new writer this year, Hannah has firmly established herself as a competent and thought provoking writer. She has written about faith issues such as transparency, healing and feeling that your faith is too small. Hannah is also the founder of the online community Harvest Joy Women.
Fiona Mackenzie - Restoration in relationships
Fiona, is an excellent young writer. Fiona demonstrates insightful spiritual awareness and her articles continue to reflect deep and meaningful revelation into the heart of her readers. Fiona carefully crafts her words in that the reader has clarity.
Conor Ryan - Is the prophecy of Jordon Peterson a sign of spiritual awakening
Conor enjoys philosophical debate and thinking deeply about current world events and traditional Christian thinking. Among other things, Conor has written about Australian indigenous issues, asking significant questions which need to be considered.
Amy Manners - Road to Damascus
Amy is an exceptional young writer. Each one of her articles is a representation of this, and demonstrates deep thought and a keen spiritual awareness. Amy expresses herself carefully and carries with her chosen words a quiet authority.
Tomorrow the list continues.
Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He mentors young writers and has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children. Dr Tronson writes a daily article for Christian Today Australia (since 2008) and in November 2016 established Christian Today New Zealand.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at
http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html
Dr Mark Tronson - a 4 min video
Chairman – Well-Being Australia
Baptist Minister 45 years
- 1984 - Australian cricket team chaplain 17 years (Ret)
- 2001 - Life After Cricket (18 years Ret)
- 2009 - Olympic Ministry Medal – presented by Carl Lewis
- 2019 - The Gutenberg - (ARPA Christian Media premier award)
Gutenberg video - 2min 14sec
Married to Delma for 45 years with 4 children and 6 grand children
