TwentyFour7 Issue 18 by Carmel City Church

GROWING AND GOING

THE BENEFITS OF TRANSITION

FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE: >>VISION 2007 REVIEW >>VISION 2008 >>EXCEPTIONAL 08 – WOMEN’S CONFERENCE >>RECENT TEACHINGS >>PRAYER WORKS >>ST. REVOLUTION – YOUTH MINISTRY >>CARMEL BIBLE COLLEGE – VISION

SERVICES Sat 18.30HRS Sun 08.30HRS SuN 10.30HRS CONTACT CARMEL:CENTRE 817a Bath Road, Brislington, Bristol BS4 5NL T: (0117) 977 5533 F: (0117) 977 5678 W: www.carmelcentre.org

F O R

‘He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.’ Luke 9:2

EXECUTIVE EditorS: GERRI AND Michelle Di Somma, PRODUCED BY: WWW.CRE8ION.CO.UK Printers: Yeomans Press Bible quotations are from the New King James Version unless stated otherwise. Full

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WOMEN’S CONFERENCE

G DI SOMMA TEACHING

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M DI SOMMA TEACHING

PRAYER WORKS

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As we reach out further into the community we need to adjust to change, both individually and corporately. Pastor Gerri’s article highlights ‘The Benefits of Transition’ (8-10) and Michelle’s article (12-13) challenges us to consider whether we are ‘Aligning to Purpose’. We thank God for the faithful men and women who support us, pray for us, give us time and service in so many different ways. Whether you are part of this local church, or guests and visitors who have become our extended family, we want you to know you’re very precious to us. Without you, God’s purpose and vision for us here could not be fulfilled.

Gerri and Michelle Di Somma

A partner is a sharer, an associate, one who engages with another in business, one who plays on the same side as another.

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CARMEL: MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL

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APRIL sat 5 Baptism Mon 7 carmel: school closes Wed 16 CEO Workshop Sun 20 Divorce Care [13 Weekly Sessions] Fri 25 Prayer night Sat 26 Men’s Event

6.30pm UNTIL 21st 9.00am – 4.00pm 7.00pm 10.30pm – 3.30am 8.30am – 11.00am

MAY Mon 5 Bank Holiday Sat 10 Ladies’ Event 8.30am – 11.00am Sun 18 Basics 9.00am – 10.00am [10 Weekly Sessions] Fri 23 & Sat 24 Youth Conference Mon 26 Bank Holiday Tue 27 cbc Golf Day ThuRS 29 – Sat 01 Positioned for Blessing CARMEL: BIBLE COLLEGE

JUNE Sat 7 Promise of Purity Intro Party on broadway Launch of Kidz Club Sun 8 Baby Dedication Fri 13 – Sun 15 Men’s Conference Sat 21 Ladies’ Event Mon 23 cbc Open Day Sat 28 Celebrate the Nations

Account Details

South Africa Anchor Ministries International First National Bank, Cresta Branch Sort Code: Account No: 25-49-05 51440080590

carmel: ministries international is a registered charity (Charity No. 1094052) with Luke 9:2 as its mission statement. All finances sown go into the work of establishing God’s Kingdom through evangelism and preparing labourers for the harvest.

8.30am – 11am 9.15am – 12.30pm 6.30pm – 8.30pm

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MCDONALDS

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Should you wish to donate by Gift Aid please contact the church office.

10.30am service

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HONDA

STOCKWOOD

United Kingdom Allied Irish Carmel Christian Centre Sort Code: Account No: 23-85-85 00709260

9.00am – 10.30am 11.00am – 2.00pm

APPROX. 4 MILES TO BRISTOL CITY CENTRE

Partnership in sharing – The whole ministry of sharing is to give oneself in the areas of love, time, talents and finances.

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Partnership in caring – We are instructed to watch over and take care of the partners in our charge (Acts 20:28).

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Partnership in prayer – We believe it is vital for every partner to develop a strong personal prayer life, and to pray for the leadership for godly wisdom and direction from the Lord.

ISTO

Partnership is important – It releases power to get the job done. We can accomplish the Great Commission together in unity.

CBC: BIBLE COLLEGE

EUROPE

Our annual Empowered Women’s Conference in February (6-7) has already touched and changed many lives: we believe the forthcoming special conferences for Youth, for Valiant Men and for Leaders will also further inspire, impact and equip people for the ongoing work of the Gospel.

ST.REVOLUTION YOUTH

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We reflect on our history as a church, looking forward with anticipation to what God is doing in us and through us this year as we fulfil our God-given vision to, ‘Invade the Darkness and Establish the Light’. (4-5.) We’ve doubled our interviews now so you can read the exciting visions for carmel: youth and carmel: bible college. (14-15.)

All teachings in this edition are abridged. versions are available to order on CD or DVD.

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BRISLINGTON PARK & RIDE

TOWARDS BATH

from Bath Follow A4 towards Bristol, bypassing Keynsham, to the Park-andRide (on your left) on the outskirts of Bristol, just before traffic lights. At these lights proceed straight (in outside lane) for approx. 150 yards (McDonald’s on your right). HSBC Bank follows on your right. Immediately before the Bank, take the driveway along its right, between the buildings. carmel:centre is behind HSBC. from M4 J19 Proceed towards Bristol along M32 to J3. Leave M32 at J3 heading left onto dual carriageway, following signs for A4 and Bath. Approach next roundabout in left lane and continue to follow signs for A4 Bath, to traffic lights. Proceed straight on and over a high level bridge, descending to another roundabout. Proceed straight on, in right hand lane, to next roundabout. Leave this roundabout to the right with Sainsbury’s on your left. Keep in left hand lane and go straight on at next two sets of lights which come a short distance apart.

LATEST NEWS Messages from Davey Falcus and Jacob John’s recent visit available on CD and DVD from carmel: bookshop.

catch up on the latest happenings at carmel: by visiting our website www.carmelcentre.org or emailing us on info@carmelcentre.org

True Financial Freedom

Crown Financial Ministries

Crown Financial Ministries is an interdenominational ministry organisation which equips people worldwide to learn, apply and teach biblical financial principles so that true financial freedom is experienced. Since the introduction of Crown small study groups to carmel:, many people have discovered the importance of stewardship and learned how to handle their finances successfully. As a result of this life-changing course, individuals, couples and families are establishing financial independence for the first time, becoming free to serve God and help others. The course lasts for ten sessions and builds financially sound practice. For further information or to go on a Crown small group study course, please contact info@carmelcentre.org or ring 0117 977 5533.

PARTY on broadway– JUNE 7th

KIDZ KLUB Reaching into the community is a key part of the carmel: vision. With that in mind there will be a party from 11am to 2pm on June 7th in the shopping area at Filwood Broadway in Knowle West, Bristol. This will tie in with the official launch of our new Kidz Klub at Filwood Community Centre in the afternoon. In order to build up relationships with other churches in the area, carmel: is inviting them to partner in the event. It will be a big fun day. There will be various sporting events, games, a bouncy castle, face painting and many other entertaining activities. carmel: café, which is situated nearby, will be open to provide food and drinks for those who attend.

JACOB JOHN Rev Jacob John is founder and senior pastor of Acts 29, his church in Vancouver, Canada. He is part of the carmel: family and his visits never fail to inspire us. His ministry to us in February provided us with practical ways to identify our purpose and to check whether we are walking in it. His sound teaching was illustrated with humorous personal experiences as he encouraged us to remain consistent and to develop character through life’s struggles. The teaching concluded with the following advice: Don’t evaluate your future on where you are now. Destiny is greater than your present purpose, for it is usually beyond your imagination. Meet God’s expectations – not anyone else’s. Rev Jacob John is one of the speakers for the up and coming ‘The Born Identity’ Youth Conference, (back page).

FROM GANGSTER TO GOD As part of our Community Outreach programme, on Friday 1st February, carmel: was privileged to host Davey Falcus at the Filwood Community Centre, Knowle West, in an area of great spiritual and social need in Bristol.

FILWOOD

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FILWOOD

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7.00 - 8.30 PM

FOR MORE 0117 977 INFO PLEASE CONT 5533 WW ACT US W.CA

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From a very early age Davey Falcus lacked the support of an immediate family. At thirteen he was in care, went on to borstal and eventually landed in prison following an armed siege and dealing in heroin. In his twenties he became a member of the ‘Geordie Mafia’ in Newcastle. To escape this life, Davey tried spiritualism and many eastern religions, but, one day, picked up a Bible and started to read. As a result he had an encounter with God which radically changed his life, released him from drug addiction, alcohol dependency and brought peace into his life. Many people came forward for prayer that evening, and on the following evening at carmel: centre. 24:7

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VISION REVIEW 2007 AND 2008 Acts 6:7-8

VISION 2007 In March 1997 God revealed a 20 year, 4 phase Vision to mature His kingdom locally and set out a blueprint that will be taken out internationally through carmel: ministries international. In keeping with Habakkuk 2:2-3, this is written and referred to annually to monitor progress. THE IMPORTANCE OF VISION It is our responsibility to draw near to God to find out just what His vision is for us concerning our involvement in the community, city and nation. ‘If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble over themselves; but when they attend to what He reveals, they are most blessed.’ Proverbs 29:18 (The Message). THE OBJECTIVES OF CARMEL’S VISION These objectives may be summarised in the words of Luke 9:2, ‘He sent them to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.’ They include: >> Effecting spiritual change through evangelism, discipleship and pastoral care. >> Establishing campuses that can practically benefit the community through its care, projects and life skill programmes.

>> Demonstrating the presence and power of God in a tangible way to all who are searching for truth. BUILDING ON GOD’S WORD The Vision has been worked out step by step over the years by God giving us a mandate for each year. For example, we’ll go from 2005 to date: 2005: Believe God for the impossible and trust Him to the maximum This mandate was based on Isaiah 61:4, ‘And they shall rebuild the old ruins, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations.’ This resulted in a three point strategy involving re-establishing God’s blueprint, raising the church’s profile and challenging sin and injustice. 2006: Raising Generations This was based on Psalm 33:11, ‘The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations.’ We had to ‘Respect the standard of God’s truth and expect the standard of God’s blessing’. This resulted in RESPECT (Reaching Every Soul Proclaiming Eternal Christ-centred Truths) the strategy for Raising Generations.

2007: Multiply to Occupy Acts 6:7-8 inspired this mandate. ‘Then the Word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.’ This involved releasing gifts in the body and having greater influence that God’s name may be made great in the city.

2007 was an exciting year in which new things began and changes were made: >> The Youth launched their first Conference called ‘Mission Incredible’. >> carmel: music produced its first children’s album called ‘God is Good’. >> Crown Financial Ministries was officially launched.

GROWTH IN 2007 With hardly an exception, 2007 saw growth across all departments at carmel:. Also, overall church attendance increased by 7.3% and salvations and rededications grew by 18%, new partners increased by 60%.

>> ‘Celebrate the Nations’ was a wonderful celebration of colour, culture and gifting.

carmel: bible college grew by 17% and our Word in Season Ministry reached into 30 nations, touching a potential audience of thousands.

>> ‘Young at Heart’ was launched to honour the elderly. >> The Way of the Master’ became the official evangelistic training programme.

Men’s mentoring increased by 24% in attendance and Ladies by 33%. Home Groups experienced a 40% growth and a 78% growth in attendance.

>> Instead of Healing School we opened the Healing Rooms which are open every Sunday morning to minister to those that require healing and deliverance.

>> We opened café carmel: in Knowle West as a point of contact in the community.

‘The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.’ Isaiah 9:2. This with Matthew 5:14-16 inspired the mandate for 2008. We are to bring the light of Christ to illuminate the dark world so more people experience the reality of Jesus’ words ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life.’ John 8:12.

CENTRES OF INFLUENCE Other possibilities include starting a Family Transformation Centre in the local community to minister to people’s needs, as well as buying a property to house families who will minister into the community. Gathering the local leaders to strategize and pool resources to better influence local government and the community is also part of the plan.

‘Darkness’ in the Word often means ‘chaos’. ‘Light’, on the other hand, means ‘order’. This means bringing order to places where there is chaos, which can be seen in John 8:12, ‘Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light [order] of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness [chaos], but have the light [order] of life.”’

A MANDATE WITHOUT PEOPLE IS JUST A DREAM A prophetic word we received told us of changes to come. Here is an extract from what Rev Dennis Tinerino had for us this year:

SIX THINGS THAT LIGHT DOES FOR US >> Light by nature eliminates darkness. >> Light exposes the works of darkness. >> Light protects from the dangers of darkness. >> Light enlarges a person’s vision in darkness. >> Light warns of impending traps hidden by darkness. >> Light helps others find their way out of darkness. BRINGING LIGHT INTO THE DARKNESS We will explore a number of possibilities to fulfill this mandate. Among them, holding evangelistic crusades in community halls, schools and parks and offering courses that teach life skills, like debt management, etiquette and parenting. Also, helping people who have experienced broken relationships with ‘Divorce Care’, and in the event of the loss of a loved one, with ‘Grief Share’, courses tailor-made for such people. Also we are considering opening other Peachy after school clubs at various schools and encouraging children to attend the Saturday Kidz Klub event.

‘As I was seeking the Lord, at the end of 2007, I heard the Spirit of the Lord saying that the number eight (8) is symbolic of “New Beginning”. God is telling you today to get things in order, so He can give you a “New Beginning” in 2008. God’s remnant (cf. Jeremiah 3:14) will realise there is a paradigm shift in the spirit realm, to push back the powers of Satan, as new realms of glory will be released in the church and marketplace for those willing to contend for an outpouring of His Spirit. Matthew 11:12 says, “From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.” There will be such a hunger and thirst for people to gather 24/7 for prayer, praise and worship.’ (cf. Mark 11:17, John 4:23-24). CHALLENGE TO BEAR FRUIT We are to expect an increase of people, not just in terms of additions, but multiples to fulfill the mandate. We must be ready for this supernatural increase and encourage our friends and partners to involve themselves in specific ways to fulfill the Vision God has set before us. We praise God for His Word, for directing our paths, for providing the resources needed to fulfill the Vision. We praise Him for the privilege of bringing His gospel and kingdom principles into the community so people can be brought out of darkness into the light of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24:7 5

‘To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven:’ Ecclesiastes 3:1

Today we face many challenges, pressures and changes within a life that is often busy and demanding. Sometimes we feel unprepared for what confronts us as we go through the different seasons in life, but God tells us that everything has its time. And then a new season begins The Exceptional Women’s Conference at carmel: centre from Friday 29th February to Sunday 2nd March welcomed ladies from the Bristol area and many places beyond. It was encouraging that there was a 35% increase in delegates attending compared with the previous year.

EM P and then tragedy hit. Towards the end of 2005, they were driving down a road when a lorry lost control and hit them at speed head on. Ross died and Ylva began a season of almost unbearable pain spiritually, emotionally and physically, her body being severely damaged. To this day the children deeply miss their father.

At the opening, Michelle Di Somma greeted the Conference, She walked an extraordinarily painful road as she continued to lead Grace Fellowship. Yet she stood before the Conference, calling on them to make the most of their time together so elegant and upright, confident in her commission to teach the that they become empowered to be exceptional. Word. She had proved, and continues to prove, that by the grace of God you can successfully break through the most Seasons that grow a fruitful life terrible of seasons of your life. ‘God told me to look in the Bible concerning the four winds,’ Michelle Di Somma said as she opened the first session. A season of worship ‘They believed that when the winds changed it was the Every Conference session opened with worship led by Loulita beginning of a new season.’ The winds are also associated Di Somma and other members of the carmel: worship team. with bringing life: ‘… ‘Come from the four winds, O breath, The Saturday morning was no different… at first. Songs of and breathe on these slain, that they may live.’ praise and worship rang out, prophetic words were brought, Ezekiel 37:9 and then a tide of worship flowed through the auditorium After pointing out the spiritual significance of the four winds reaching into the depths of many people’s lives, stirring, in the Bible, Michelle focussed on the aspects of change healing, raising up, convicting and causing many to reach out that come with the winds. ‘When God’s wind blows you must to God with a passion. The whole morning became a glorious expect change, even if you can’t see what is happening. expression of lives entwined with God, celebrating the joy of Seasons come and go, but each one has a different effect.’ knowing Him. There was a mixed reaction when Michelle asked, ‘How many of you would be excited if you knew that the next season will be harder than the one you are in now?’ She pointed to Galatians 6:9 as a key: ‘And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.’ Knowing that God has a plan for each one of us, we must go through all these seasons if we are to live a fruitful life. Seasons of pain and grace The guest speaker on the Friday evening was Ylva Hunter who leads Grace Fellowship Family Church in Johannesburg, South Africa. Grace Fellowship was started in May of 1998 by Ross and Ylva Hunter and had been steadily growing, 6

Seasons of growing up Sally Quintanilla, who assists her husband John with leading Hebron Christian Faith Church in Coventry, brought the first of the two afternoon teaching sessions. ‘We live a life of seasons,’ she said, ‘but we often don’t help ourselves because we measure our value by looking at the things around us instead of at who we are in Christ. Everything around us is temporary. We must focus on what is eternal.’ Sally said that we must allow the Word of God into our lives so we can step into God’s plan and move from glory to glory. She continued to show how experiencing the seasons makes that possible, and how God wants us to live so that we ultimately experience the very best He has for us.

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Seasons of obedience, decisions and faith The second afternoon session was brought by Donna Howells. Donna and her husband Robbie are senior Pastors at Newport City Church, South Wales. Donna’s instinctive humour and direct style brought much laughter to the session. Donna looked at various aspects of Moses’ life with regard to obedience, decision making and faith. Reflecting on the time Moses spent with God on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:12-18), she commented on the importance of fasting in maturing our relationships with God. ‘We’re all called to make a difference in the world,’ she said. ‘Be godly in your behaviour, obey God’s Word and always act in faith.’ Seasons of Hope ‘The Season of Hope’ was Ylva Hunter’s subject on Saturday evening. ‘A hope filled season is an abundant season in God’s presence,’ she said. She called the ladies to take their eyes off their circumstances and put them on Jesus. ‘Hope means to anticipate with pleasure,’ she said. ‘If you don’t have hope, you will fear man rather than God.’ ‘Build a wall of hope around you,’ Ylva said. ‘If you’re not giving a reason for the hope that is in you, your wall is faulty, leaving you vulnerable.’ Your mind has to be reconciled to God. And this she more than demonstrated through her recent experience. The Season of Endurance Sunday morning of the Women’s Conference continued as part of the normal services. Michelle Di Somma focussed our attention on ‘The Season of Endurance’, with specific reference to Hebrews 12:1-2. She looked at how a marathon runner must be disciplined in order to finish the race. ‘Endurance is important for the runners; they lay aside everything that could hinder them; they equip themselves to run,’ she said.

Michelle’s message set out four points: First, don’t lose control. We lose control through doubt and letting hope fade. Second, don’t lose the plot. You must know the course and work out your purpose now, not wait for ‘something’ to happen. Third, don’t lose your peace. The Lord is with you, it is He who directs your steps. ‘…let the peace of God rule (be umpire) in your hearts…’ Colossians 3:15. And fourthly, don’t lose your focus. Keep your eyes on Jesus. You have what it takes to get through ‘Everything in your life until now has equipped you for what you’re going to have to go through,’ Ylva Hunter stated boldly as she opened her message. ‘You have what it takes to get through.’ Referring to Colossians 2:9-10 and how we are complete in Christ, she said that the word ‘complete’ in the text means that we are fully supplied, crammed full to the point of overflow. God gives us strength to meet our circumstances. We are being transformed into the image of God’s Son. ‘You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.’ 2 Timothy 2:3. Ylva encouraged us all to call out to God to teach us how to face the giants of life and exercise the authority we have in Christ. Seasons of the exceptional The reports and testimonies received from ladies who attended the Conference have proved that the Conference itself was an exceptional season, and many have been empowered for the seasons of their life. We thank God for a season that has brought forth so much fruit. The full messages of these Conference teachings are available on CD and DVD at carmel: bookshop. 24:7

One of the biggest problems in our society is the belief that money invested into a community changes people. Money makes little difference if hearts remain unchanged. The role of the church is to infiltrate the darkness in people’s hearts with the light of God’s love. It is the nature of God within that causes real and lasting change in individuals which in turn affects change in their community. A town in Sri Lanka has a zero crime rate because 90% of the town is born again and people care about everybody else. For the lost to make such a transition into the kingdom of God, the church must first make a recognisable transition into the community, influencing not only individuals but local Councils and Governments. In this respect the church currently has little significance. The only way for the church to become influential is to demonstrate the benefits of the Word of God to the community. When a church has only a handful of people but makes demands on Government to benefit the community, there is unlikely to be a positive response. When statistics show that a church has a network of hundreds or thousands of volunteers and can demonstrate their positive influence in various sectors of the community, the Government is more likely to respond favourably. We see then that the church needs to expand its influence and ensure that business makes room for the spiritual and the things of God. For many believers, this will require certain changes. The Oxford Dictionary defines ‘transition’ as, ‘The process of changing from one state or style etc. to another’. HOWEVER, PEOPLE RESIST CHANGE FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS:

>> God requires a continual process of growth Throughout the Bible we are encouraged to grow from faith to faith and from victory to victory. (See 1 John 5:4) God gives gifts to all believers to benefit others, but if they are not developed they will stagnate and eventually die. Change doesn’t just happen by itself – we have to look forward, anticipate, reach towards something continually. >> Keep busy till Jesus returns Even when a vision matures it is not the end of the journey and time to stop. Vision must continually expand to bring godly influence beyond our immediate neighbourhood and nation to Europe and the rest of the world. We are to keep busy in God’s kingdom till Jesus returns. Jesus said, ‘…Do business till I come.’ Luke 19:13. Both Kenneth Hagin and Smith Wigglesworth preached right up till they went to be with the Lord. >> Preparation precedes transition Joshua 1:2 reveals Joshua preparing for transition. God says, ‘Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them – the children of Israel.’ God wants to lead His people to a place of promise and provision to become more effective in establishing His Kingdom. >> Transition requires something to die and something new to start The first thing that God said to Joshua was that Moses was dead. In preparing for transition, there must come an end to something and the start of something new.

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Becoming familiar and comfortable with the way things are and how things are done.

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Feeling confident when they’ve got things right; they don’t want to disrupt what has been established, or to start something new.

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Questioning the need to change, to move, to grow, when everything is going well for them.

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Withdrawing, leaving churches rather than make changes. Some leave because a move would mean Many programmes adopted by churches today previously they would literally have to go the extra mile. worked but have lost their effectiveness. Their leaders Lacking motivation because they don’t recognise are not asking God for the strategy to help them move on the benefit of change, or see the bigger picture.

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WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT CHANGE: It is important for believers to know what God says about change:

God referred to Moses as His servant, revealing that He was pleased with Moses’ life and servanthood. He did not discard what Moses had done, but the way that Moses brought the Israelites to the banks of the Jordan would not be the way that God would transition them into the Promised Land.

GERRI DI SOMMA

THE BENEFITS OF TRANSITION by rev gerri di somma

to the next stage into the community. We should always evaluate and recognise what has been achieved and has served its purpose, while being prepared to move on. CHANGE SHOULD BE UNDERGIRDED BY 3 FACTORS: >>01 God’s Word When God requires transition, He instructs His people. He told Joshua to go over the Jordan. Whenever God instructs, we must obey as Joshua did, without question. >>02 God’s presence God told Joshua, ‘…I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you.’ Joshua 1:5. This still applies today. As we ‘arise and go’, stepping into transition in obedience, God empowers and brings change. Many of our congregation supported an evangelistic outreach, taking the church into a part of the community with a reputation for anti-social behaviour. But the people responded positively without threat towards people or cars. When you are on God’s mission, God is with you and He protects you. >>03 God’s timing As God was preparing Joshua for transition, He said, ‘Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go…’ What happened to Moses was in the past. God operates and instructs in the ‘now’ and our response should be in the ‘now’. If we miss God’s timing, we start decreasing, moving backwards. We must continually advance. The Word tells us, ‘…the kingdom of heaven suffers violence but the violent take it by force.’ Matthew 11:12. In order for transition to succeed as God intends, believers need to understand that God said it, God is participating and God is giving us the time. SMOOTHING THE PATH OF TRANSITION Church leaders must recognise the importance of helping their churches through the process of transition. There are two important key principles for all believers to understand:>

>>If we miss God’s timing, we start decreasing, moving backwards. We must continually advance.<<

>>01 Transition always brings benefits. >>02 Understanding the benefits brings encouragement in the process of transition. 9

GERRI DI SOMMA IN EVERY TRANSITION IN LIFE THERE ARE BENEFITS TO RECOGNISE: >>01 Transition secures our future We are saved from something to something else. Israel was saved from Egypt to Canaan. We are saved from darkness to light to secure our salvation and our future. Colossians 1:13. We constantly need to leave one state and enter another. If a baby remains in the womb instead of transitioning from that safe place to the next, the womb becomes a tomb. Many of the Israelites became captivated by the gods in Canaan. Instead of establishing God’s kingdom there, the very place that should have been their salvation became their tomb. If you live with unforgiveness and sin, you withhold salvation and blessing from others. Transition however secures a future. As you mature in God, you are saved from certain responsibilities and saved to greater influence. You are saved from compromise, mediocrity and stagnation, and saved to fruitfulness, multiplication and dominion – constantly growing and going. >>02 Transition releases greater provision but requires greater responsibility While the Israelites were in the wilderness, God provided them daily with food. However, once the transition into the Promised Land was complete, this stopped. The land was filled with an abundance of good food, but the people had to go and obtain it. The Israelites were no longer wanderers but were now settlers and land owners with the responsibilities associated with property. The same principle applies today. Settling and ownership demonstrate where we are, who we are and why we are here. The church within the community should therefore be a permanent fixture. Like a lighthouse, it should easily be seen where it can warn of danger and be found if help is needed. Increased responsibility demands closer intimacy with God so He can reveal His strategies to enable the building and equipping of a greater team to achieve His plans and purpose. >>03 Transition helps establish faith Joshua 3:11-17 recounts the transition of the Ark of the Covenant, carried through the River Jordan by God’s priests. God caused the waters of the Jordan to heap up so that ‘…all Israel crossed over on dry ground…’ Not only was faith immediately increased, but future generations were encouraged by this testimony. Faith pleases God. Hebrews 11:6. Transition is a work of faith; it helps strengthen and establish faith. We need faith, we need to understand why we believe and what we believe in order to demonstrate God’s wisdom, Word and power 10

to those who don’t know Him. When people can see God’s provision, it helps them make the transition of faith when we say, ‘You need Jesus.’ God wants to show that He is real and cares about practical needs. The more believers show evidence of God’s provision, the more powerful the witness. As faith is stretched through transition and we establish more and more for God, people see the church’s accomplishments. They notice our faith and know that we are here to make a difference in the community. >>04 Transition purges us from lack of courage When God wants to take us through transition to something beyond our ability and expertise, He has to demonstrate His power to purge us from doubt, unbelief and insecurity. The Priests had to step into the Jordan before God pushed back the waters. Verses 14 and 15. When four people carry something as precious as the Ark and one person steps forward, the others have to follow. They had to trust God and His protection and maintain focus and faithfulness to their calling. Note that God spoke personally to Joshua, who did not then consult a committee but addressed his leaders. God still chooses and speaks to leaders to lead His people and take the land for God’s cause and kingdom. Those who follow must do so in faith, not doubting or lacking in courage, but committed to the vision. >>05 Transition always brings new opportunities Transition into the Promised Land brought new opportunities. This is always God’s intention for us. It’s not a question of doing the old things better, but of doing a new thing in, for and through God. Israel built an altar to testify of God’s faithfulness in their transition. Joshua 4:1-3. One of the opportunities that transition provides as we ‘grow and go’ is the potential to become a greater voice of influence for God and godly principles. >>06 Transition secures an inheritance for those who follow The transition to the Promised Land, and all that was built and achieved there, secured a tangible and a spiritual inheritance for generations to follow. What the church today builds and achieves for itself and others in the transition from darkness to light will also secure an inheritance. It will be for our natural children and for the spiritual children that God is bringing and raising up within each local body of believers. God is the God of transition. The greatest transition anyone can make is to come out of darkness and move into the light. If you have already taken that step to be born again, now stretch your faith and do whatever it takes to help others make that transition so that they too can experience all God’s benefits. 24:7

carmel: healing rooms operate under the spiritual authority of Senior Pastor Gerri Di Somma, working with the Holy Spirit.

TESTIMONIES PRAYER WORKS

We follow the example of John G. Lake and his ‘healing technicians’ who, in the early nineteen hundreds, saw over 100,000 people healed, most of whom had been given up on by doctors. Lake believed, as we do, that healing is for everyone. When he sent out his teams to the sick, they were not allowed to return until the sick were healed.

So why carmel: healing rooms? Because people do not always understand the promises of God and how to appropriate them. Also, there can be blockages to healing. Nineteenth century evangelist Gordon Cove listed 32 blockages, but there are many more. We need to know and do what God requires of us. In many cases, the blockage may be small, but enough to hinder healing. The healing rooms operate on the basis of complete confidentiality for those willing to pursue their healing as part of their salvation. Many people have had good success, because God is faithful. Healing is not always instantaneous, but can be gradual as we allow the powerful Word of God to work in us. Sometimes it will be a test of our faith, but healing will come if we believe. Jesus the Healer is the same yesterday, today and forever! ROSE SKINNER While in our church service, I reached out to pick up my Bible and pain shot through my back as if the muscles were torn. I could hardly move. At the end, Pastor Gerri anointed me with oil and, with Pastor Michelle, prayed for me. He also asked me to move as much as possible and kept encouraging my faith as things improved. On the way home things got worse and I started to panic. I had to teach Pilates exercises the next day. However, my faith rose up as I remembered that I had believed and received my healing when I had been prayed for. So I continued confessing that I was healed and I tried to move as much as I could. The next day, I continued to believe that I

was healed and did not cancel the classes. I had four classes to do in a row and by the end of it I was able to move really well. The following day I had another class, and over the next few days, it was amazing, as I stood and believed, the pain continued to go. Now I’m pain free JONALAN VAUGHAN One Sunday I experienced considerable pain in my foot due to gout. This had happened many times over the past twenty years. My wife Caroline drove us to church because the pain was so bad. A long time ago the Lord had told me I would be healed of this condition, but every time it occurred it took days to clear. At carmel: I was reminded of James 5:14: ‘Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.’ Pastor Gerri prayed that I would be healed and that what triggered the condition would be revealed. At this point the pain was still there. Caroline drove home, but my truck broke down. After I got it going I drove it myself. Then as we were going along the M5 I felt something like a shudder start in my head and it moved down my back into my foot. The pain immediately left me and I was healed. 24:7

FOR MORE INFO ON HEALING ROOMS WWW.CARMELCENTRE.ORG To contact carmel: healing rooms, please phone 0117 977 5533. Why not consider joining the team?

It is always crucial for Christians, individually and as a body, to hear what God is saying and to obey Him. When the senior minister of any church reveals God’s heart for its local body for the year ahead, the church must be receptive to listen, accept and act in order to fulfil God’s vision.

BY MICHELLE DI SOMMA

Before each battle a military army takes up position ready for action. Each individual is on the alert, determined to move forward as a body to do whatever is necessary to secure victory. Success for believers depends on aligning thoughts and speech with what God and His Word says. The catalyst is faith, without which we just go through the motions, experiencing repeated defeat. Every 31st December I used to look back at my past failures, which depressed me and hindered my progress. Now I look back with excitement at what God has done and look forward with anticipation to what He is going to do.

victory – because He loves us so much. Our victory has already been accomplished but we need to learn how to step into it and to walk in it. The biggest challenge for many of us is that the words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts do not line up with God’s Word. Psalm 19:14. To gain victory, we must speak and think differently so we can face and confront things differently.

ROMANS 8:35 REVEALS THE BATTLES WE MAY CONFRONT IN DAILY LIFE:

People may survive war but they may not necessarily have won. The key is choosing to be a conqueror and not merely a survivor. God has ordained believers to live in victory, individually and as a body, but the ability to see victory is dependent on what we believe.

‘Tribulation’ – struggles, trials, suffering temptation or affliction.

To increase our understanding and belief concerning victory, let’s look at Romans 8:35: ‘Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or peril or sword? As it is written for your sake we are killed all the day long. We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.’

‘Persecution’ – being mocked, abused, ridiculed, shamed, mistreated, ignored and neglected.

General Dwight Eisenhower once said that there are no victories at discount prices. In other words, victory is costly. Christ paid the price of His own life so we can experience 12

‘Distress’ – anguish, trouble, strain, agony suffered to the point of not knowing which way to turn.

‘Famine’ – a lack of or no way to secure food. ‘Nakedness’ – stripped of all clothing, comfort and material possessions. ‘Peril’ – being exposed to or confronted with danger, to one’s body, mind, soul, property or loved ones. ‘The sword’ – refers to being killed or suffering martyrdom. It speaks about death.

MICHELLE DI SOMMA

These trials are common to mankind and you will experience some of them to certain degrees throughout life. They will not destroy you because the Word reveals, ‘Yet in all these things, we are more than conquerors...’ No matter what you face, you have a surpassing victory over all things in Christ. Nothing should overwhelm you because Christ causes you to rise above and conquer everything you face. BELIEVE GOD’S OPINION NOT MAN’S Many years ago before we started carmel: I went through a time of tribulation and persecution, of struggle and trial. I felt afflicted, shamed, mistreated and neglected when another Pastor’s wife criticised me. I had to learn not to allow those words to captivate and overwhelm me, not to meditate on them or speak them out but to move into victory. If I had remained captivated with man’s opinion of me instead of finding out and speaking out God’s opinion of me, I would never have moved forward to do what God required of me. I would have always believed, ‘I can’t.’ What are some of the things that you have faced or that you are facing now? Are you going to allow them to conquer and destroy you or are you going to rise up victorious? Declare 2 Corinthians chapter 2 verse 14, ‘Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ…’ Note that the Word says ‘Now…’ not tomorrow, God is always in the ‘now’, ready and willing to enable us to walk in victory. Choose now to be led in triumph in Christ. Do not be defeated by wrong thinking, wrong believing and wrong confession. MAKE GOD KNOWN The scripture in Corinthians continues that God ‘…through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.’ Everywhere you go, God wants you to diffuse the fragrance of His knowledge, to manifest, make visibly known by words, deeds or in any other way possible, His knowledge based upon truth. What fragrance are you diffusing? If you make known your life based upon your experience, it will be a stink not a fragrance that you manifest. However painful an experience may be, if you complain, gossip, criticise or speak negatively to others, you diffuse an attitude that stinks, when what people need is to hear the truth of God’s Word. We are often surprised when we don’t experience victory. Why, when we say and do all the wrong things, do we expect godly results?

DON’T FEED WHAT IS DEAD The Holy Spirit revealed to me that many of us experienced things long ago which are now dead, but which we keep trying to resurrect by talking and complaining about them. He said that when we do that, we feed something that’s dead. We would never go to a physical graveyard with bowls of food – but we do it in the spirit. What do you keep feeding that is already dead? Your failures, disappointments, hurts and circumstances are all subject to change, so stop feeding them and start declaring that God leads you to victory in Christ. ERSEVERE UNDER ENEMY ATTACK Early in our marriage, Pastor Gerri and I were struggling with our relationship and I had had enough. At the same time we were confronted with our daughter’s serious illness and on top of that, severe financial difficulties. Victory came, but it was not at a ‘discount price’. As soon as we came back to the Lord and God was restoring our relationship, another woman began flirting with my husband. When I confronted her she didn’t stop but said, ‘I can’t help it if I’m attracted to him.’ The problem was not my husband, but this woman’s persistence. When you start to see victory, don’t relax and sit back because that’s the very time the enemy will try to annihilate what God has done. I was a young Christian still ignorant in much of God’s ways and Word, but I asked Him what to do. He always brings the right thing at the right time to help. Somebody gave me a Norville Hayes tape which referred to how he brought victory into his daughter’s life. I followed his example. Each day, I declared, ‘Devil! You can’t have my husband! Heavenly Father, I thank You that he’s my husband and that he doesn’t belong to anybody else. Thank You for what You’ve restored.’ I persevered for eight months, declaring my victory daily without seeing any change. Then, suddenly, victory came. Whatever has happened to you in the past, don’t develop a defeated, victim mentality because it will keep you from fulfilling your purpose and destiny. Whenever you face trials and challenges in the future, whether it’s in your relationships, your finances, with your children or with your health, don’t give up before the victory comes. Make war with those circumstances, speak to them and command them to change in the name of Jesus. Declare that in all things you are more than a conqueror and that you walk in victory in Jesus. Ensure that the words of your mouth and the meditation of your heart are acceptable in God’s sight, aligning with what He has planned and purposed as you move forward from victory to victory. 24:7 13

ST. REVOLUTION

F O R

With the rest of the Di Somma family, Ralph Di Somma was part of the small congregation at the beginning of carmel: in 1996. Among his other responsibilities at carmel:, he leads the Youth Ministry with his wife Jo. Jo is part of the worship team and she also heads up the Human Resources Department at carmel:. Ralph: Sean Leask, who led the Youth before me, was clear that God wanted me to take this responsibility, but at first I kept running away from the challenge. It was at Youth camp last year that I fully realised it was God’s idea. Jo: I was relieved, because I already knew we were meant to be with the Youth. We ran a home group which was full of young people and had already built good relationships with them. Ralph: Sean has been an inspirational leader and presented us with a really good foundation to build on. There’s been a period of transition. We’ve now moved into the main church auditorium on Friday evenings and it is more like a Youth Church than a Youth event. We have structure, but we’re not stuck in our seats. The music’s different, as is the whole service compared to normal church meetings. Jo: Obviously I’m here to support Ralph; I don’t head a defined department in the Youth. But leading is about influence and I relate particularly well to the young ladies. We want their faith to be genuine, really understanding what we believe so they can adopt carmel:’s vision and know how we can practically contribute to its fulfilment. Ralph: We now call the Youth ‘Saint Revolution’, with good reason. God doesn’t call us to build monuments. He calls us to build momentum. It is for us to change our community and world. The youth are the best equipped to take Christ into their communities and influence them. And this is not a vain imagination; it’s a genuine belief that for this church to go forward it requires the Youth to step up and be agents for change.

FALL FOR ANYTHIN G ... There needs to be a revolution of hearts and minds and many leaders in the church ten years from now will come from the Youth. Jo: Parents with young children need to see the importance of investing time and resources in the Youth to help equip their children to be future leaders. Ralph: The church at large has forgotten the youth, and in the process of forgetting about the youth, the youth went and changed the world. So it’s important for carmel: partners to recognise what we are trying to achieve and to throw their support behind it. We need mature people, particularly men in their 20s, to come and mentor the younger guys and be there as a positive influence for them. Jo: Youth Conference this year is called ‘The Born Revolution’, which is a play on the film, ‘The Bourne Identity.’ We want the Youth to recognise that they have a spiritual identity and that God wants to speak to them through every situation. Ralph: What is the measure of success? You can’t fix numbers to it, but if we can bring a revolution of heart, a revival within the Youth, then to me that will be success. 24:7

CARMEL: BIBLE COLLEGE

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Sean: We need to build relationships with European churches so we can be a resource for them. We do have students from Europe, but there is room for much growth in this area.

One of the unique features of carmel: bible college is that we’re in the same environment as the rest of carmel: ministries international. This means that there are many facilities open to students in which they can increase their experience and mature and practice the very things they are taught.

As far as this country is concerned, we have many things in mind. The possibility, for instance, of producing modular courses so as to present more flexibility for those whose lifestyle prevents them taking a full time course. The idea of providing a Summer School is in mind, as well as whether we can provide quality distance learning courses.

Michelle: As the one responsible for the administration of the college, I was presented with a steep learning curve,

Michelle: I’m sure that in two or three years we’ll be looking back and praising God for the incredible things He has done. 24:7

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CARMEL: BIBLE COLLEGE

EUROPE

Michelle: Our Missions Department at carmel: sends out recorded messages to leaders in many other countries under the title ‘Word in Season’. As a result, carmel: is reaching countless numbers of people, both through the leaders and by the duplication of these recordings. Many have shown interest in coming to cbc.

MAKING C NNECTIONS

Sean: carmel: bible college was already on a strong footing, well established by Rev Sarah Stockinger, the previous Dean. So I understood that any changes needed were not because of what was wrong, but because there were things God wanted from me that would take the college to the next level.

We want other churches in Bristol to see us as a resource to the body at large, helping them in what God has called them to do. Some see this and often send students to us. In fact, one of our lecturers comes from another church in the City.

PE AR

Michelle: The college already has a track record of producing men and women of faith and of the Spirit and full of the Word. The Vision at carmel: for 2008 has encouraged us to look at things from various perspectives and not be confined to our present paradigms. So our overall vision for the college mirrors that.

Sean: We guard the lives of our students by the care we take over how and what they are taught. So, as a resource-rich church, we have many quality part-time lecturers, as well as those who are full-time; but our core of full-time staff needs to increase. CARM

It wasn’t long before I was teaching in carmel: bible college (cbc) as well as leading the Youth. Having been Student Director of cbc for a year, I recently became Dean and now have the overall responsibility for the college.

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CARMEL: MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL

Sean: While I WAS A student at Bible School in South Africa, the Lord told me that one day I would teach. This confounded me at first, but then the Lord spoke again and told me there would be a long period of preparation. In that period Michelle and I came to England and eventually arrived at carmel:.

AN INTERVIEW WITH SEAN & MICHELLE LEASK but my background in administration and finance is proving its worth. With growth in mind, a number of things are being changed and updated so that we are ready for the increase; and I’m also developing and expanding our team.

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FRIDAY 23.05.08 7:30 PM speaker: REV JACOB JOHN SATURDAY 24.05.08 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM registration 10:00 AM speaker REV GERRI DI SOMMA 11:00 AM speaker: REV SEAN LEASK 12:00 PM movie: BOURNE IDENTITY 2:00 PM speakers: ESTHER CLARKE JOANNA DI SOMMA DARRELL IRWIN RALPH DI SOMMA 4:00 PM movie: BOURNE SUPREMACY 6:30PM speaker: REV JACOB JOHN 9:00 PM movie: BOURNE ULTIMATUM

If undelivered please return to carmel: ministries international 817a bath road brislington bristol bs4 5nl

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