TwentyFour7 Issue 7 by Carmel City Church

ISSUE 007

published by carmel: ministries international

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KEEPING YOUR MIRACLE Protect what God has given you

abigwelcome The first weekend this year was our Vision Weekend and God called us to be in a place of expectation for expansion, believing Him for the impossible and trusting Him to the maximum. Already a number of very exciting things are happening here at carmel: as a result of putting this into practise. A year ago we were denied planning permission and were given notice to leave 817a Bath Road. However, on the 31th January 2005 we won our appeal and are now officially a Place of Worship in a commercial area. This positions us to purchase this building and we are very excited about this and give all glory to God for the victory He obtained for us. We look forward to Jesse Duplantis visiting us on the 19th March. The logistics of organising this event are enormous, but we have an amazing team who will handle all that is necessary to make sure we are prepared. We believe this year will be a defining year for us and thank God for the wonderful things He is doing in our midst. Enjoy the read.

Michelle Di Somma

>> ministries 11

latest news

Our focus on 2005 We will teach and train the Church on Kingdom Economics and to believe God for promotions with substantial financial rewards. We’ll encourage every partner to trust God and tithe and give, making best use of gift aid, with view to alleviating poverty in our community while preaching the Gospel. We will actively raise the profile of the Church in the city and speak out against immorality and injustice. We’ll engage with city officials on projects that affect us adversely and challenge unbiblical philosophies that diminish the authority of the Scriptures.

knowmore? If you want to know more, then you can request additional information by just filling in the details below. Alternatively you can check out all the very latest information on our websites. carmel: ministries international www.carmel-uk.org anchor bible training centre www.abtc-uk.org NEW! carmel:church church.carmel-uk.org NAME(S) INCLUDE TITLE MR/MRS/MISS/OTHER

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Our On Going Responsibility Phase One – of the Vision God gave us back in March 1997 was to Cover our City like a spiritual umbrella. This is what has been happening. Phase Two – Bless Our Neighbours. This involves setting up Outreach Centres within a fort-five minute drive of Bristol.

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These will be supported by people who are committed to the Vision of carmel: ministries international and who have the giftings to equip each Centre, resulting in continued and sustainable growth. Phase Three – Send to the Nation, and Phase Four – Church to the World are very much in place as we see signs indicating that these phases are not far away.

What To Expect in 2005 The Main meetings on Saturdays and Sundays will continue with all departments involved. Wednesday nights will be used to rebuild the Home Groups as the pastoral arm of the Church and mentoring groups will continue as the Church’s discipling arm. All other meetings and courses will continue as scheduled during the year, including ‘Living in the Word’ (which recommenced in February). We anticipate going to two Sunday morning services by mid-year. Sunday nights will be used to start Outreach Centres from April. Also we anticipate substantial growth in the Christian School and the Bible Training Centre. We aim to open a Debt Counselling Centre this year.

Our Mission Statement ‘He sent them to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick’ (Luke 9:2). 2005 is a crucial year for the next stage of the Vision. We are required to move up a stage and believe God for the impossible and trust Him for the maximum. God would not require this of us if it were not possible with His help. Believe with us and get involved. Make 2005 your year for new HIGHS.

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therace In the opening four verses of Hebrews 12 the writer tells us about the race of faith. This, and the verses that follow, refers to the discipline involved. It’s not just a short sprint or a school sports day sack race or a jog in the park, it’s more like a multi disciplined life long marathon. Where do we fit into this? Are we by-standers, rejects or non starters? Did we fall flat on our face as soon as we started? Are we really in the race at all, or are we skipping along among the tulips, as it were? In my past experience as a school athlete I knew what it was like to be discouraged and tired. And as a Christian I’ve known what it means to be down hearted and doubtful. However, the race has rewards, which are indescribable, even though it can be tough. So let’s take a closer look at the beginning of Hebrews 12.

‘Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God’ (Hebrews 12:2).

>>01 We are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses. Verse one refers to witnesses. Who are they? What are they? What did they go through? Why do they surround us? Hebrews 11 tells us about them. What an amazing assortment of heroes! They had one thing in common. They all were overcomers who ran the race and finished. They weren’t spectators, nor were they idling along. They ran with commitment, empowered by faith, with the conviction that God is faithful to His Word. They, as those who have run the race, surround us to encourage us to press on and not grow weary. My parents, who built a Bible School in Zambia from mud bricks and little or no money, were running a race. Our food came from the forest around us. The money for my school fees came miraculously. I’m still amazed at how it all became possible. But it was a race that had to be run. It was the life of faith. Our aim must be to win the race, and in order to do so we discipline ourselves to accomplish that goal, knowing that there is a reward for those who have kept the faith (1 Corinthians 9:24-26; 2 Timothy 4:7-8).

>>02 We are to off-load everything that might hinder our capacity to run well. ‘Let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us’ (Hebrews 12:1). The only weight an athlete wants is that which enables him, not hinders him. No surplus baggage. And sin is serious baggage in this race. There may even be things which in certain circumstances would be quite acceptable, but in this race they must be cast aside. Certain relationships, perhaps, or the busyness of our religious works. May be some dreams or desires are tugging you in a different direction? 6

I was once hunting in Zambia with my father and we shot a very big crocodile beside a river. It wasn’t long before the vultures were tearing it apart and stuffing themselves. They became very fat and heavy. An hour later I returned to take some pictures. As I approached they tried to fly away but couldn’t. They were too heavy. They flapped violently as they tried to fly. But as they ran they stretched their necks and vomited what they had eaten so they were light enough to take off. They had to lay aside some weight to run their race and escape! The shepherd boy David had to lay aside King Saul’s armour and use the ability God had given him in order to be assured of victory over Goliath. Soldiers who have fought in the African bush know that when they come under fire they have to lay aside their heavy packs so that they are mobile enough to defend themselves. Fear, envy, pride, jealousy, bitterness, unforgiveness – every facet and angle of sin causes us to stumble and must be off-loaded. Deal with sin quickly. Avoid sin always. Search your heart before God and run light and free.

guest teaching

Ken Suckling, who recently became Pastor Gerri’s Assistant, writes: I was born to missionary parents in the mining town of Luanshya in Zambia during 1947 among the Lunda and Luvale people near the source of the Zambezi river. My early days were full of mischief and fun, but from my parents it also was full of stories of God’s protection and provision for them and other family missionaries before them. As a young man I ventured out of this sheltered life into the world beyond and was drawn into it, becoming angry at God because my parents were poor, my sister blind and my brother was killed in a car. Some years later I married Claire and we had three wonderful children. During that time God got on my case. Through some painful experiences I had to reassess what was really important in life. My family suffered, but we came through because of God’s grace and favour. By the time we came to Bristol, I was ready, at last, to listen to God, ready to obey instead of argue. And today, seventeen months later, through God’s most amazing work in our lives, I have the privilege of assisting Pastor Gerri at carmel:

>>03 This race requires endurance. Verse one goes on to tell us that the race must be run with endurance. Why? Because this is the race of faith. Trusting God goes counter to everything the world offers and we have to apply ourselves to living by faith as a commitment and discipline that focuses on God alone. Mind science or wishful thinking won’t get us there. When mountaineers climb Mount Everest they have to be fit and trained for the task. Running the supernatural race, the life of faith, requires no less. James writes about the suffering and patience of the prophets and then writes, ‘Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord – that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful’ (James 5:11). Overcoming requires undergoing. There are no short cuts. We must die to self in order to live for God.

>>04 In this race we must look to Jesus. He is our finishing line. ‘Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God’ (Hebrews 12:2). The aim of the race is the finishing line. We set our minds on things above where Christ is. We focus on Jesus. It was ‘the joy that was set before Him’ that compelled Him to finish despite the pain. By focusing on the joyful prospect of what His race meant for you and me, He was able to endure the most horrific death and all the shame that was associated with it. Don’t you think the day He walked into Heaven leading a train of captives and jingling the keys of death and hell was not a joyful day? He is the object of our faith. Be encouraged. ‘Being confident of this very thing, that He who begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ’ (Philippians 1:6). 7

keepingyour miracle>>

the teaching by REV. GERRI DI SOMMA

Many times I have seen people receive a miracle into their lives, but somewhere along the way they were robbed of that miracle.

As I have thought about this, God has shown me that it’s one thing to receive a miracle and another to keep a miracle. With that in mind, let’s turn to Luke 1:39-56 where, from Mary’s experience, we can learn how to retain what God has given us. But first:

What is a miracle? The word ‘miracle’ comes from the Latin miraculum which is translated ‘an object of wonder’. It is an extraordinary and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is attributed to a divine agency. The key thing to remember about a miracle is this: a miracle is a miracle when it is conceived by faith, not when it manifests. So from conception it must be protected. From conception things can happen which will seek to abort the miracle so you lose what God has planned and purposed for your life. It’s important therefore that we look at how to keep your miracle.

Keeping your miracle? 01 Avoid all spiritually negative environments. Notice in Luke 1:26-38 that when Mary conceived as she received the Word, she quickly left what was, for her, a negative environment. There’s a underlying spiritual principle here, it’s this: you become like those you associate with. Paul writes to the Corinthians: ‘Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame’ (1 Corinthians 15:33-34). Don’t hang around people who do not believe that God heals, for instance. Avoid anything that hinders your walk with God and the work of God in you. Associate with people and circumstances which build you up not pull you down. So Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months. Then the evidence was clear and secure in her. You see, the Bible tells us that when the seed is sown the enemy comes immediately to try and take it away. For instance, you start believing your circumstances rather than God’s Word and walk by sight instead of faith. God always gives His solutions in seed form. You’ve got to protect it. When the Holy Ghost came upon Mary she conceived a seed. She had to protect that seed. Don’t let the enemy come and try to abort the seed that’s been planted in you.

02 Find people who will agree with you and encourage your faith. Mary immediately went to Elizabeth whose own miracle in her would be great encouragement. Get with people who can encourage your faith. It is amazing the number of people who receive God’s Word on something and then go and get different advice from the world. They are going to people who, in most cases, ‘do not have the knowledge of God’. Keep away from double-minded people. They are unstable in ‘all’ their ways. As James writes: ‘For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways’ (James 1:7-8). Run with people who speak faith like you. Look for people who will encourage and stimulate your faith. One reason Mary may have left her family is because family can be a problem. They often think they ‘know’ you, so they pour doubt upon the potential that’s in you, as they did with Jesus. While demanding your success they speak your failure.

03 Keep your eyes firmly fixed upon the Lord of Life. Jesus said: ‘”I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly”’ (John 10:10). Whatever Jesus touches always results in life. God does not put sickness on you or allow poverty into your life to teach you something. You need to understand that faith pleases God and He rewards that faith. ‘But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him’ (Hebrews 11:6). God rewards your faith.

teaching Look where Mary’s eyes were fixed. ‘”My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour”’ (Luke 1:46-47). To keep your miracle you need to keep your eyes on the One who gave it. Everything is subject to change, but God’s unchangeable. He is faithful. Don’t look at the symptoms, look toward God. The symptoms won’t support your faith, neither will your circumstances. God is the One who planted the seed and He watches over His Word to perform it, to nourish it, to encourage it.

04 Censor what comes out of your mouth; let it just be faith. Notice what came out of Mary’s mouth (Luke 1: 46-55). She wasn’t complaining about morning sickness or craving for a particular food. No; she declared God’s goodness and glory. The Bible says that death and life are in the power of the tongue. In Proverbs 18:20-21 is written: ‘A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth; from the produce of his lips he shall be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.’ People think that death and life are in the power of God alone. Here we are told they are in the power of your tongue. When people come to me and say such things as, “My child has been diagnosed with ‘whatever-it-is’,” I tell them to ignore the ‘whatever’ and declare what God says. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are a child of the most high God who has planned your life. The enemy has come to steal that seed, but you need to know, you have a hope and a destiny in God. Let life come out of your mouth. Don’t abort the things God has put in you and wants to do for you. And don’t allow other people’s mouths to speak doubt and death over your life. Don’t hang around your critics or those who don’t recognise your miracle. Be serious about the life of God in you. Recognise the joy and excitement that God has in you. The Bible says God twirls as in a dance when He hears the sound of His people’s praise (Zephaniah 3:17 lit). Rejoice in the abundance of life you have. He is the joy of my soul. He is the smile on my face. He is the laughter in my lungs. Hallelujah. Every day I wake up to another day of joy and victory.

teaching People’s mouths have aborted more miracles than the devil gets credit for. People blame the devil for all sorts of things when in reality they spoke death and denied themselves their miracle. Remember, Mary said: “Be it unto me according to your word,” not ‘my’ word. That would have got her into trouble. If you cannot speak out in line with the attributes of God, then help yourself by keeping quiet. ‘He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive’ (Proverbs 17:27-28). The devil cannot operate on your thoughts, but he can operate on your words. When a thought flashes through your mind, he cannot read your mind. That’s why the Bible says we are to take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5), because when you meditate on that thought it drops an inch or two to your mouth and can get you into trouble. Let life come out of your mouth. Our God is a restoring God, a healing God. When the enemy comes in like a flood, He is my standard, He is my protection. He is my joy in the morning. He lifted my feet out of the miry clay. He is the rock upon which I stand, He is my sure foundation. By the time you finish confessing such things there’s no room for any negativity or fear.

>>05 Humility is the attitude for keeping a miracle. Pride is a work of the flesh and will try to help the miracle along. Humility waits for God’s timing, however long it takes. Just because nothing appears to be happening, don’t try and work a plan with God. Don’t try and hurry things on. Everything must be in God’s time. In Galations 4:4 we read: ‘But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son.’ In the fullness of time the manifestation of your miracle will come. Don’t get into sin in the process of trying to help things on. Remember Ishmael? Abraham and Sarah tried to help God’s plan along. The result was a lot of long term problems that they would never have imagined. ‘”God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble”’ (James 4:6). Remain positive, remain confident, remain focussed, remain in an attitude that’s full of the wonder of the greatness of God. At the same time, remain humble.

Be it unto me according to your word and your timing. Luke 1:52-53 says it well. Note that it says ‘the rich He has sent away empty.’ Those who trust in their own resources or their own plan end up empty instead of seeing the manifestation of their miracle. Continually remind yourself of all that God has done, especially your salvation, the greatest miracle of your life. Having recreated your spirit, God Almighty dwells in you. He not only walks with you, but He abides in you, sustaining your life. Your past, with all its failure and shame, has been wiped away. God has forgotten your sin. There is nothing in the natural which compares with the miracle of your salvation, which transcends all natural or scientific laws. If you can’t rejoice in that, there is little else you can rejoice in.

>>TO SUMMARISE: >>01 Avoid all spiritually negative environments. >>02 Find people who will agree with you and encourage your faith. >>03 Keep your eyes firmly fixed upon the Lord of Life. >>04 Censor what comes out of your mouth; let it just be faith. >>05 Humility is the attitude for keeping a miracle.

mens advance

honorbound

the testimonies In November last year, fifty-two men met under the leadership of Pastor Gerri Di Somma at Burstone Manor outside the village of Bow near Crediton in Devon. This weekend marked the beginning of the Men’s Ministry we call ‘Valiant Men’. Though we did not know it at first, it could not have been a better weekend to begin such a vital ministry at carmel: Our theme at the Advance was ‘HONOR’, deliberately spelt the American way to emphasise the missing ‘u’ (meaning ‘you’) in the English spelling; “Where are you in all this?” ‘Honor’ is defined in the dictionary as ‘one’s sense of morality and justice; one’s good name and reputation’. It is also ‘to regard with deep respect; to confer a mark of distinction on; to confer distinction upon by being present at an event or with people’. Our time together took the form of lectures and discussion following the viewing of the film ‘The Last Samurai’ to illustrate the biblical principles that best define and describe ‘honor’. However, embracing it all was a level of praise and worship which seemed to explode from the strength of men bonded together. The Lord also ministered to us individually reaching into the depths of our hearts as only a true Father can His son. The weekend ended with a time which we can properly call a ‘rite of passage’ in which, among other things, we had communion, shared a common cup and single loaf and renewed our commitment to the Lord and His purposes through the Church.

I thought it would be a hot weekend chilling with fifty Christian men, something I’ve never done! From the start of the film on fri nite I could feel this group of men starting to bond … Each speaker was awesome and the Holy Spirit used each one of them in such a powerful way and I was blown away by these great men of God! I am so proud of them! I could have stayed a year with them! Once we started I started to feel and know that I was part of something very special, something I’ll never ever forget in my life! 4 real! … The guys started singing, dancing, stomping, it was great… I heard a loud bang! I say the Holy Spirit fell on us and broke the sound barrier. Boom! At this point I felt a release in the men and as they, say the rest is history. What a fantastic Holy Spirit party we had that night. The floor went like rubber, every man in there felt the Spirit moving over us. I will never forget the oneness, the love, the peace I felt that nite! No drink, no drugs, just the Holy Spirit! Wow! I’m a Jesus man and I don’t care what the world thinks any more. Bring it on Jesus! I’m more proud than ever of being a Christian, plus to know that at carmel: … there’s a crazy bunch of Christians with so much love! It’s great! I’m asking the Holy Spirit to start leading me and helping me to become a great man of God. David B Through the film God spoke to me about discipline and that it’s not possible to succeed or move on if you don’t have vision. The most beautiful presence of God was heavily evident when Pastor Gerri prayed blessing over all the men present. That was my time of brokenness. I was totally opened up and examined. God broke and healed me. I saw Jesus sitting with me in my chair! Never have I been so overwhelmed – God was there. I have become a confident decision maker, able to stand strong, motivated, unmoved and dedicated to God. Chris A (jnr)

The Tsunami turned paradise to hell in seconds. This diary follows...

operation:love+life Just hours after the tsunami devastated the coastline of so many countries around the Indian Ocean on Boxing Day last year, John Delaney, Director of Mission Link International based at carmel:, heard God’s call to go and use his experience to bring good news to the suffering people in the east of Sri Lanka.

Having been a paratrooper and having gained considerable experience leading rescue teams in the Rwanda genocide, he was in a good position to form a team for strategic work in the disaster zone. Within days, former Special Forces soldier Alex Lennox, Bible student Ian Woode – both partners at carmel: and David Jeal, Chaplain at a local Young Offenders Institute, were prepared to go with John. Many people at carmel: used their initiative and made contact with individuals and businesses that were generous in their response. carmel: paid for their flights and sent them on their way fully equipped and prepared. Saturday 8th January: Left Bristol at 15h30 for Heathrow. Delayed by major traffic hold up. Arrived at airport 19h30. Little time to get 200kg of donated equipment through customs and get 20h30 flight. Sunday 9th January: Arrived in Columbo, Sri Lanka. Checked into a hotel for a meal and a night’s sleep. Hired a vehicle for twenty-one days and stocked up with food and necessities. Hired two drivers, good interpreters. Monday, will leave for Galle in the south. From there we’ll work our way along the disaster trail. Concerned about cyclone due in the area, temperatures high, must acclimatize quickly. Tuesday 11th January: Very hot. Team well and in good spirits. Vehicle heavy, have 120 litres of water on board. Made good time. Passed train wrecked by the wave. Over 1,000 people died. The devastation is beyond words. Buildings and metal structures wrecked. Everywhere the smell of death. Hard to believe what we are seeing. People wandering traumatised, some trying to fix things.

and Dave made contact with some US soldiers. Prayed and ministered to them. John gave them his biography ‘Staying Alive; The Paratroopers Story’. Linked up with local pastor. Will work with Korean church in a small village. Local well unusable. Maybe bodies in it. Family living next to it think these may be their family. We will clear it, disinfect it and restart the system. People walking around in a daze with open wounds. We deal with minor injuries. Repairing a man’s house, gave him a tent for now. Thursday 13th January: Pump we purchased arrived. Works well. Go from village to village to make full use of it. Disinfect well. Use tablets to get rid of salt in water and purify it. Completed work on man’s house. Many boat wrecks along roads slowing traffic movement. At least 21 people missing in this village. Work gently with the people, they’re still traumatized. Can see it in their eyes. In evening spend time with the troops. Sunday 16th January: Now in Kalmuni, 2-day drive from Galle. Working in Amparm. Cleaned out eight wells in driving rain. John went to a meeting with other Relief Agencies. Lot of talking ‘assessing’ the situation. This is a badly hit area. A burnt-out site has been used for mass burial but monsoon rains have washed up bodies. Dogs are eating two bodies. 250 children from local school of 700 have died.

Monday 17th January: Pump broke down. Eventually got working again. Visited hospitals with foreign doctor. Said aid not enough and coming too late so people dying of trauma injuries. Shared God’s love with man who lost wife and four children. Our presence clearly helps many, bringing smiles Wednesday 12th January: Soaring temperatures make work hard but team doing well. Birds still singing. and laughter back into their lives, especially when coconut nearly hit Dave’s head. They say if coconut Beyond the devastation there’s beautiful tropical hits your head and you survive, you become a crazy countryside. We’re staying down south east. John

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man. Laughter is good medicine. Good news! Both our drivers have given their lives to Jesus! Tuesday 18th January: Team well. Heading for Batticaloa. After two hours drive find bridge across river swept away. Another two hours until we get to a ferry crossing. Long wait. Having crossed we’re in Tamil Tiger country. BBC Radio Bristol called us on a satellite link. David Jeal had three minutes to summarise our experience so far. Emotions starting to hit team at different intervals. Wednesday 19th January: Arrived in Batticaloa. Our rooms not too clean but thankfully dry. Went to a fishing village near by. Wiped out. Everything lost, ruined, washed away. Not even the trees have survived. Terrible. Went 3km inland and found refugee camp set up by locals. Sort out their water supply and clean a well. Met up with Southern Baptist relief workers. Thursday 20th January: Cleared more wells. Worked with a local pastor and spent time at an orphanage. Able to give a financial donation to meet their needs. Heading back towards Colombo. Roads not good and something not quite right with our tyres. Saw elephants and monkeys – uplifting sight. Hope to have a rest day tomorrow. Quite tired. Friday 21st January: Emotional strain of last two weeks is affecting us, not helped by difficulties on the journey and with the vehicle. Processing what we have witnessed is not easy. Must put reactions on hold. More work to do in Galle. More wells to clean. Gave support to another orphanage. Monday 24th January: Had a good weekend. David Jeal left for UK on Saturday. Korean Church is strong and we work well together. Trained church members in use of pump and basic sterilization techniques. We will leave pump with them.

Tuesday 25th January: Training went well. Spent time with district governor and cleared his well. Went to another village but so saturated we couldn’t clear their well. Very tired as we leave Galle. Our work is done there. Left pump, medical supplies and food with them Wednesday 26th January: Arrived in Numgumbo. Look forward to a period of rest before leaving for UK. So thankful for all the prayer supporters. Couldn’t have done all we have done without them. Been told that David Jeal will be interviewed on BBC Points West tonight at 18h30. It’s wonderful to see how God has led us. Thursday 27th January: Abel and Lora (the Dutch couple at the Galle church who took charge of the pump and the training once we left) emailed to say they’d found another village with 50 wells that need pumping. They moved to the area. Will return to Galle once job complete. Saturday 29th January: Fly back to UK. Longing to see Tara, my wife, and the children. Joy to be with the church at carmel: again. Following this mission, John is planning to buy land for an orphanage to house and care for 12 children and to send a container with equipment. Also he plans to form a Reaction Team which can be mobilized within 48 hours and sent wherever a disaster may occur. The plan covers a six-day stay so that they can save lives and provide much needed food and clothing within the area. Please help. www.missionlinkinternational.com

sofasogood Osien and Fatima Sibanda have two children, Ayanda and Lebo. Having been part of carmel: for more than three-and-a-half years, both have become key people in several departments of the Church. Recently they have become responsible for establishing Home Groups. In this twentyfour7 interview they share some of their insights on Home Groups. What experience have you had with home groups before now?

Does having home groups suggest that there is something missing in church life?

Osien: I’ve been involved with home groups since I was saved. About fifteen years ago I became an assistant home group leader. Eventually visited places where there were none and started some groups. Some of these became churches. It’s a good way to start churches.

Osien: If you only meet people once a Sunday, how do you socialize new people into the Church culture? After the service they’re off home. Then they have six other days to go back to their previous life style. In a Home Group there’s opportunity to apply what’s been said on Sunday and there’s a continuing welcome which establishes relationships.

You once said that a home group is not a monster. What did you mean by that? Osien: I said that because I have found that for some people home groups are an issue. They see a home group as an invasion on their time and lifestyle, as if a monster eating into their affairs. Or they look at negative Home Group experiences from the past as another monster they want nothing to do with. Some talk as if they have to have a special word from God before getting involved. But God has already spoken.

>> “Most miracles occured in houses, not in church” << 14

In Acts there are thirty-seven verses that refer to church activities in the home. The church grew there. Most miracles occurred in houses, not in church. Church majors on corporate celebration and the ministry of the Word. The Church itself is a large family, but there’s a limit to what family affairs can be dealt with there. Most giftings are exposed in Home Groups because that’s where people participate more. In church participation is limited. Home Groups are anything but monsters. There you are encouraged and built up.

Fatima: And that’s where the vision of the Church is imparted and put into effect. During the weekend services, for obvious reasons, individuals cannot put questions or expand things for their personal need. So while you are in a smaller group at home you impart exactly what the Church is about and touch people individually. How do you see the relationship between the home group and the community at large? Fatima: My community is where I live, and that’s where I live out my Christianity. So in that way I affect the community at large. It first starts by them knowing me, and I impart things of the Church, and from there I can say: Let’s go to Church. Home groups are a vital tool for growing the church. Also, whatever is happening in my community, I can then mobilize the people in my Home Group and say: This is what we are doing, we’re going to stop this or that from happening. We have a voice in our community, because you’re already a group, not just one person that can change little.

interview

The Church has mentor groups for both men and women. Do home groups make mentor groups unnecessary? Fatima: No, not at all. The mentoring groups are for making disciples so individuals can be effective wherever they are. It’s where I get discipled woman to woman and it is a place where I grow so that I can impart life to those who receive from me as a mentor. In this way the things I learn in the mentor group make me more effective in the Home Group. My mentoring group equips me as an individual. The men as individuals are also being equipped like this. Now in the home group you have the man who is equipped and the woman who is equipped, and the whole community is affected by that. It’s not a question of whether one or other is necessary. Both are essential. They support each other. The home group is more family orientated, that’s the family of God meeting together, and the mentor group is more about the individual, a place of accountability Osien: The Bible tells the older women to teach the younger woman how to love their husbands and how to raise their families. You can’t discuss certain topics, such as how a woman should handle her husband, in a home group because that’s a family including everybody. In a mentor group we can handle those things head on. That’s why it’s called a mentor group, and there are limited numbers of people in it so you can have that direct mentor experience. The fact that men are on their own and women on their own means we can be more open in the things that affect us. They are both necessary.

What do you see as the main benefits for those who are part of a home group? Fatima: You are being cared for and you are being impacted to impart to others if you are in a Home Group. Also, you are doing what the Lord told us to do. You cannot deliver everything you need to deliver in the Church in a congregational environment. The real needs of the people who you are to love and care for are in the homes. The benefit is that the vision the Church has been given is then brought to where it should go, to the people. Also the Home Group helps people feel accepted and that they belong. Osien: And the other thing is, the body is made up of many people and we are told that we are given gifts, various gifts in the body, the Church. The place where most of these gifts are best identified, promoted and allowed to function is the Home Group.

>> “Homegroups are a vital tool for growing the church” <<

Think of this, if you have fifteen Home Groups in an area, it means you have fifteen leaders taking care of them – already the gifts are being utilized – rather than on a Sunday when it’s usually the Pastor ministering. This also means that a significant amount of the load the leaders of the Church carry is now shared by others, leaving the Church leaders with the opportunity to expand and develop into the other areas the Lord has placed before the Church.

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