Angkor Wat – A Message in Stone
In 1580, a Portuguese Capuchin friar, Antonio da Madalena, departed the renowned Alcobaça Monastery in central Portugal, embarking on an adventure that led him to Goa, India, where he established a library for his order. By 1586, after years of exploring Southeast Asia’s dense jungles, cultures, and religions, he stumbled upon the sprawling ruins of Angkor—a magnificent ancient metropolis of stone featuring moated cities, palaces, and the iconic Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument. The complex, built without mortar or machines, left Madalena pondering its origins: Alexander the Great, the lost tribes of Israel, or the local Khmer people. This awe-inspiring discovery invites us to explore the secrets of Angkor Wat and uncover an ancient message in stone that resonates even today.
Dr Graeme Clark – Sound from Silence
The multiple-channel Cochlear implant is a life-changing technology that was designed to restore hearing to profoundly deaf people. It was invented by an amazing Australian, Dr Graeme Clark, who regularly took time to pray and allow God to guide him.
Melbourne Cup – The Race That Stops a Nation
There’s probably not one single sporting event anywhere in the world that captures a whole nation like this one. On the first Tuesday in November every year in Melbourne, the best horses in the world gather to run the 3200m or 2 miles to win the coveted prize – The Melbourne Cup. It’s the richest two-mile race in the world. But it’s not just a horse race; it’s one of the greatest fashion events on the calendar. It is associated with the arrival of spring, and over 100,000 people are drawn to the carnival atmosphere of high fashion, glamour, garden parties, and the races. Join Gary Kent at the Flemington Racecourse and learn about one of the oldest and richest handicap races in horse racing, which captures the heart of the nation. We will also discover that each of us is caught up in a race, the race of life.
Franz Hasel – The Soldier Who Defied Hitler
In 1939, Franz Hasel, a 40-year-old pacifist, received a draft summons, leading him to serve as a Private in the Pioneer Company 699 of the German army. Despite donning the uniform, he opposed the Nazi regime and risked his life to warn villagers of impending danger from SS death squads. In a daring move, he even informed his sergeant that Hitler wouldn’t win the war during the advance into Russia. These actions amounted to treason, punishable by death, yet Hasel survived. His story unfolds as a testament to his defiance against societal norms and his belief in a higher law amidst the chaos of war.
Marie Durand – Imprisoned but Free
Marie Durand was 19 years old when she was imprisoned in the Tower of Constance in France. Her crime was having a brother who was a Protestant minister. She …
Walking With Reindeer
The Sami are known as the people ‘who walk with reindeer’, but they not only walk with reindeer, they also rest with them, and they bring us a reminder of an…
The Christmas Truce of 1914
World War I, often called the war to end all wars, began in 1914 after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, an event that ignited the already rising tensions among European nations. The war commenced in August with widespread enthusiasm, as young men rushed to enlist, believing they would return home by Christmas. However, by December, the optimism for a swift victory had vanished, replaced by the harsh reality of trench warfare. Millions of soldiers found themselves in muddy trenches, separated by a deadly no man’s land filled with barbed wire and the fallen. As the cold winter of 1914 settled over the Western Front and Christmas approached, the mood was sombre, with many experiencing their first Christmas away from home. The contrast between the season’s message of peace and the brutal daily realities of war was stark. Yet, on Christmas Day 1914, something extraordinary occurred—a moment of unexpected humanity as the guns fell silent. Join Gary Kent as we explore the trenches of the Western Front and uncover the story of this remarkable day.
Messiah – Handel’s Masterpiece
Music touches the soul, and one of the most famous musicians of all time was George Frideric Handel. He was a prolific writer of operas and oratorios. Handel’s Zadok the Priest has been performed at every British coronation since 1727. His orchestral works Water Music and Music for the Royal Fireworks are also incredibly popular and are often performed at the BBC Proms. But he is probably most famous for his Messiah, an oratorio that is staged all around the world during the Christmas season. The stirring music causes people to leap to their feet, inspired by the magnificent words and harmonies. Join Gary Kent as we find out more about George Frideric Handel and his music, which has changed the world.
Queen Elizabeth II – The Power Behind the Throne
In 2015 Queen Elizabeth II became the longest-reigning monarch in British history, exceeding the tenure of her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria. And then 7 years later in 2022, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated another milestone—a 70-year reign—a Platinum Jubilee. She was loved and admired by many and was the longest-reigning English monarch ever. She was an anchor for her nation and the Commonwealth. But did she have an anchor? Where did she get her direction, guidance, and inner peace from? The answer may surprise you and perhaps give us some guidance regarding an anchor for our lives. Find out more in our program: Queen Elizabeth II – The Power Behind the Throne.
Titanic – An Australian Love Story – Evelyn Marsden
Evelyn Marsden, the only Australian female survivor of the Titanic, was a dedicated nurse with a passion for adventure. After starting her career at Adelaide Hospital in 1907, she pursued her dream of exploring the world as a ship’s stewardess, traveling to Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean. On one voyage, Evelyn met Dr. William James, a White Star Line physician. The two quickly bonded and were thrilled to be assigned to the RMS Titanic in 1912. However, a last-minute roster change removed Dr. James from the ship—a twist of fate that saved his life. Discover the story of Evelyn, a survivor, adventurer, and part of a love story shaped by history’s most infamous voyage.
