Best Regional Publication –
GOLD - Aurora is an attractive publication, with very professional writing and layout. The advertising is also appealing adding to the quality of the publication. It should cater to a wide range of readers, with a range of subjects. There does seem to be a preference to a ‘puce – purple’ colour throughout the magazine which may not be universally appealing.
SILVER - The Willochran - Here we have a quality publication obviously produced with a restricted budget. It fulfils its purpose keeping the constituents of Willochra informed. It covers a wide range of interests and is initially attractive. The quality and use of photographs are especially appealing adding to the whole package. Long may it
Best New Writer
Gold
War Cry - NZ, Fiji, Tonga & Samoa
Jules Badger ponders the much-loved lyrics of Amazing Grace and reflects on her own experience of God’s unmerited favour.
In this well-structured essay, based on the lines of this famous hymn, Jules says she first witnessed grace inaction when her terminally ill father was radically converted shortly before his death.
This same grace also touched Badger’s life, enabling her to quit the binge-drinking and promiscuity in which she had tried to drown her grief. She too became a follower of Jesus. But can an emphasis on grace cause us to be irresponsible? Can we have too much of it?
Badger asks rhetorically. The answer is no. Grace is extravagant, immeasurable, generous, complete, and always needed. A beautiful essay on a timeless theme.
Silver
Australian Catholic
Is there such a thing as too much grace?’ by Jules Badger, ‘My mental health journey’ by Caitlin Humphrys.
Mental health conditions dogged Caitlin Humphrys’ life for two decades, causing her depression and anxiety from her teenage years. But through a tortuous journey involving hospitals, medications, psychiatrists, therapists and a supportive family, Caitlin found God to be sufficient.
She writes candidly of her ups and downs, and of the faith which has kept her going. That faith remains a crucial part of how she cares for her mental health today. This is an honest and fascinating story which may well bless readers who are experiencing similar struggles. Well done, Caitlin!‘
To read the Judges Comments - ARPA web site
https://www.arpa.news/awards2020
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 25 books, and enjoys writing. Dr Tronson writes a daily article for Christian Today Australia (since 2008) and in November 2016 established Christian Today New Zealand. Dr Mark Tronson’s Press Service International in 2019 was awarded ‘The Gutenberg’ - the Australasian Religious Press Association’s premier award. In September 2020 Summer Moore presented her commission portrait of Dr Mark Tronson holding the Gutenberg plaque. He and David Chang editor of Christian Today together bought the young writer ministry into fruition in 2009. In 2011 Mark established Laguna Quays Respite (Whitsundays) for missionary respite and replicated at Aldinga Beach 2016 (Adelaide) and Greens Beach Bass Straight (TAS). His ministry is honoured all these years by Christian philanthropist Mr Basil Sellers AM. He is married to Delma (44 years), with four adult married children and grand-children.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html
