TwentyFour7 Issue 9

ISSUE 009

published by carmel: ministries international

thepowerof

THE 3RD DAY PERSPECTIVE Get to know the Reality of Faith

welcome>>

carmel:

“They sent them to preach the kingdom of God and heal the sick” Luke 9:2

‘The Reality of Faith’ has not stopped at Pastor Gerri’s teaching but has been experienced in so many ways in our church and family lives this summer! We had the first Graduation of aila: (anchor international leadership academy), expanded carmel:school and started carmel:pre-school! We have seen such growth within carmel:centre that we have had to sub-divide to make more space!

We continue to make positive progress with regards purchasing our building and we are trusting God for final completion! We have been so blessed by all the support, both spiritual and practical, that has made this a reality.

Our grandson, Max, continues to grow from strength to strength, demonstrating God’s miracle power! We praise God for His faithfulness!

Read the articles, testimonies and interviews and see what God has done, especially in the young people! Check what it takes to be a successful leader in God’s business!

And finally, allow the Word of God to speak truth to your spirit as you discover ’The Reality of Faith’ in and for your life…

Michelle Di Somma

>> testimonies 11

c:view latest news 4-5 feature

events

teaching 6-7

conference 12

13

8-10 interview 14-15

carmel: twentyfour 7 is published by carmel: ministries international. Reproduction of this publication in part or whole is prohibited.

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carmel:twentyfour7>>

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For comments and suggestions for the next twentyfour7 please email us on 24-7@carmel-uk.org

Editor:

Michelle Di Somma

Associate Editors:

Julian Clarke Lyn Birdsall

Copywriters:

Julian Clarke Lyn Birdsall Margaret Stoltz

Design/Art Direction:

cre8ION

Photography:

cre8ION, Halo Studios

All quotations from the Bible are from the New King James Version unless stated otherwise.

contents

churchservices Saturday night Sunday morning

forthcomingevents

For a full list of carmel: events see our website www.carmel-uk.org

event

date

Promise of Purity abtc:/aila: Half-Term

Sat

8th

October

Mon Fri Mon Tue

24th 28th 24th 01st

– October October – November

carmel:school Half-Term aGODthing! Conference

time

Tue 25th October Wed 26th October Thur 27th October

Graduates’ Gathering Worship Celebration Morning Service Releasing the Power Firework Night Empowered Women's Breakfast carmel:partners meeting Valiant Men’s Advance Positioned for Blessing Joint Breakfast carmel:school Christmas break Offices closed Christmas services

Fri

28th October

Sat

29th October

Sun 30th October

7.30pm 9.30am – 12.30pm 7.30pm 9.30am – 12.30pm 7.30pm 9.30am – 12.30pm 7.30pm 9.30am – 1.00pm 6.30pm 10.30am 6.30pm 7.30pm

Sat Wed Fri Sun Thu Fri Sat Sat Thu Tue Fri Wed Sat Sun Sat

05th November 09th November 11th November 13th November 24th November 25th November 26th November 10th December 22nd December – 10th January 23th December – 04th January 24th December 25th December 31st December

8.30am 7.00pm 6.30pm 2.00pm 6.15pm – 10.00pm 6.30pm – 10.00pm 9.30am – 5.00pm 8.30am

Partnership is important – It releases power to get the job done.

We can accomplish the Great Commission together in unity.

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.

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

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

817a Bath Road, Brislington, Bristol BS4 5NL

contactus

04th November

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

churchoffice

9.30am – 4.00pm

Fri

becomingapartner

6.30pm 10.30am

6.30pm 9.00am – 10.00am 6.30pm

Account Details United Kingdom CAF Bank Ltd Carmel Christian Centre Sort Code: Account No: 40–52–40 00012792 Should you wish to donate by Gift Aid please contact the church office.

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.

Tel: Fax: Email: Web:

(0117) 977 5533 (0117) 977 5678 info@carmel-uk.org www.carmel-uk.org

howtofindus

Directions from Bath: Follow A4 Bath Road towards Bristol, past Keynsham to the Park and Ride on the left hand side. At the traffic lights go straight ahead past McDonalds on your right and turn right into the forecourt of HSBC bank. We’re just behind.

Directions from the M4: Take Junction 19 into Bristol on the M32. Take Junction 3, the A4 Link Road, and follow the signs for Bath. Pass Sainsbury’s on your left and at the traffic lights (Burger King will be on your right) continue straight on towards Bath. Follow the road up the hill and continue down the other side. You should see a petrol station at the bottom. Continue following the road round to the right and up the hill under a bridge. You will come to a retail complex (JJB Sports) on your right hand side and a Jaguar garage on the left. Keep going past this and turn left into HSBC bank forecourt and we’re just behind it.

Directions from Bristol City Centre: Follow Temple Way towards Temple Meads Railway Station passing it on the left. Follow the A4 Bath Road passing a Kwik Fit garage on the left. At traffic lights with HTV Studios on the right and Burger King on the left follow the road round to the right uphill and continue down the other side. You should see a petrol station at the bottom then shops on the left. Continue up the hill under a bridge. You will come to a retail complex (JJB Sports) on your right hand side and a Jaguar garage on the left.

Keep going past this and turn left into HSBC bank forecourt and we’re just behind it.

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Since our last issue much has been happening in carmel: ministries international. c:view covers a few of the highlights from what has been an awesome summer for us all.

If you want more information on any of the following articles you can contact carmel: on 0117 977 5533 or alternatively email us at info@carmel-uk.org

>>location: carmel:centre >>when: 7th July 2004

The Christian Association of Independent Ministers (Christian Aim International) held it’s annual conference at carmel:centre where Rev. Gerri Di Somma, Pastor Chris Lodewyk and Nick Holmes were the speakers. Here are a few of the highlights.

Aim provides a forum for independent church ministers and leaders to receive fellowship and support from one another to become even more effective in their calling as leaders. Together, their strength gives a voice – the voice of God – in the church and in the nation. Aim has legal status and Rev. Gerri Di Somma is its Chairperson.

Hatred, how to comply with the requirements of the Charities Commission and how to recognise and develop essential leadership characteristics. (see page 12) In short, delegates were encouraged and exhorted to “do business” where God has placed them, maximising what He has given them, knowing that if they mind God’s business, He’ll mind theirs.

In June carmel: hosted an Aim Convention. Topics included important issues such as the implications for Christians of the Bill, Incitement to Religious

If you are an independent minister and want to know more, check out the Aim website – www.christianaim.org

a carmel:missions initiative

T H E W O R D T O T H E N AT I O N S

Don’t miss out! Whether relaxing with a coffee, driving the car or taking time out in the office. Let the word propel you to new heights!

Monthly messages – fresh manna, on either audiotape or CD, delivered to your doorstep!

To sign up for the ‘Word in Season’ club, please register by contacting us on 0117 977 5533 and ask for carmel:missions

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latest news

th e

Get Sported gets down with it The sports field of one of Bristol’s largest secular schools became a mission field for The Wash, carmel:youth, as they teamed with World Sports Ministries to bring Jesus into centre play in the lives of local children, through sports.

More than 30 Christian workers from Britain and abroad helped coach, referee, oversee competitive games and teach the Bible. On the final evening, a local MacDonalds provided discount meals for Get Sported participants, family and friends.

Afterwards, carmel:church hosted an awards ceremony. carmel:worship team rocked, a professional coach testified of God’s power; there was a rap performance and the Word of God was preached.

Each participant received a certificate, and the winning team medals and a trophy. But the best prize of all was received by 26 young people and 8 adults; they received Christ as their Saviour. A new season in their lives has started!

Empowered Women’s Advance 2005, at Sidholme Hotel, Christian Holidays Guild Beautiful gardens surrounding a comfortable hotel, excellent service, delicious food and glorious weather all satisfied the body and soul of 98 ladies from the ‘Empowered Women’, carmel:ladies ministry on a weekend away from responsibilities and distractions of normal life!

Anointed ministry, led by Michelle Di Somma, the spiritual mother of Empowered Women, spoke to the Spirit within, encouraging and exhorting “to stir up love and good works” Hebrews 10:23-25.

Vivid illustrations demonstrated the Word of God and the importance of leaving the past behind, not stagnating but maturing in spirituality, free to love and reach out to others with God’s love, goodness, healing and shelter.

The Holy Spirit ministered, released, refreshed and restored. It was indeed an ‘Advance’ into God’s Kingdom for the Empowered Women of carmel:

A farmer’s field in Ross-on-Wye was transformed through prayer, faith and activity, into a camp site for 63 carmel:youth – ‘The Wash’ – becoming known as “Wash-on-Wye”. As everyone mucked in, everyone grew, relationally as well as spiritually and had great fun in the process!.

The Lord moved powerfully amid the daily activities and in the evening rallies. The presence of God grew more and more tangible, culminating with a mighty outpouring and no-one remained unchanged.

That week the youth chose life, getting on the right track to be consumed by the Spirit of the Living God, laying aside dreams that were not of God, picking up and enlarging those that were. Weights of their past were discarded to run unencumbered into the future.

God is using the youth of today – the leaders of tomorrow – right now. The vision to spread the message of our God to our community, our city, our country and finally Europe and the world is gathering pace – be part of it.

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The ninth Graduation Service took place on Saturday 9th July at which Anchor Bible Training Centre (ABTC) graduated thirty-one First Year students with a ‘Certificate of Merit’ and seventeen Second Year students with a ‘Diploma in Ministerial Training’. Also ten students from the Charter Class of Anchor International Leadership Academy graduated and were presented with a ‘Diploma of Distinction’.

acutabove

From new graduation gowns to aila: and having broken the 300 barrier of students graduating, made no.9 very special...

This ceremony, which marked the culmination of so much life changing experience in so many committed men and women of God, was held in the main auditorium at carmel:centre.

An array of over thirty national flags representing the countries from which current and past students have come presented a colourful backcloth in the crowded auditorium where family and friends added their enthusiastic support, rightly applauding the achievements of such fine students, each of whom has qualified with the life skills necessary to make a difference in their sphere of influence.

Guest speaker, Rev. Reb Bradley (see opposite) ministered to the students and challenged them to continually obey God’s call, obedience being the true nature of Christian success. He encouraged them to take further steps of faith and realise the potential God had placed in each one of them, making God and His glory their aim.

We give God all the glory for the amazing work He has done in the students’ lives and look forward to receiving the next intake of students this September.

We continue to trust God to lead, direct and guide us as abtc: fulfils its role in the vision of carmel:centre – to preach the kingdom of God and heal the sick, making disciples of all men.

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events

>>

Taken from the teaching of Rev. Reb Bradley’s address to the class of 2005

You’ve studied, you’ve taken notes and you’ve turned in reports. Now I’m going to share a few things I wish someone had told me years ago, some secrets of a successful ministry.

I once planted a church in Sacramento, northern California. Even though we were only about thirty people meeting in our house, Pastor Richard Wurmbrandt ministered – a man tortured for fourteen years in communist prisons in Romania because he was a pastor. His wife, who herself spent three years in prison for her faith in Christ, asked me how the church plant was going. I replied, ‘I believe I’m in obedience to the Lord to be here, so I anticipate the church will be a success.’ To my surprise she rebuked me. ‘Obedience is the highest success,’ she said.

Hearing that changed my life. I had thought my obedience would lead to success. However, she had learned the lesson: ‘Your calling is to obedience. That’s what glorifies God.’ Obedience is success for the Christian.

It’s critical that we understand this – that we cannot measure the success of effort because often we cannot know the result. Paul says, in 1 Corinthians 3 verses 6 and 7, where he talks about our responsibility: ‘One man sows, another man waters.’ But who gives the increase? God. Paul’s speaking about obedience. Do what you’re called to do and let God bear the fruit. When you do what you’re called to do, rejoice! You’ve done something powerful. You’ve obeyed God. If we don’t understand this and we don’t see fruit, we may think that we’ve failed or that God has failed us. The evil one would love that. But understand, whether you see results in your ministry or not, if you have obeyed God, the Kingdom is advancing in the

invisible realm anyway. The gates of hell are being prevailed against. Obedience to our calling is our highest success.

My second point is related. You’ve been equipped – that’s good - we all want a fruitful ministry and know it’s God who bears the fruit. So, what is it then we can do that will make a difference? We must know that it is God who qualifies a person for the ministry, not a piece of paper. You can have your paper and still not be qualified, or gifted.

The Bible tells us that Paul told Timothy, ‘… stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands’ 2 Timothy 1:6. That means the gift was an impartation of grace, something God had to give. Do you work for gifts? If so, it’s not a gift, but a reward. No, God gives gifts freely.

Now, if we want to be used by God, it is our humble submission to Him, rooted in our faith towards Him, that God will capitalise on to bear fruit.

Despite John the Baptist’s power preaching, he understood, ‘He must increase, but I must decrease’ John 3:30. It’s never going to be about us; it’s always about Him. I’ll finish by telling you a story. A young student out of Bible school was given his first pulpit, as guest speaker. He confidently walked up to the pulpit and proceeded to preach his best sermon from Bible school. But somehow he began to lose it and fumbled his way to the end, whereupon he humbly shuffled down from the pulpit.

>> ‘Your calling is to obedience.

That’s what glorifies God.’ Obedience is success for the Christian. <<

Later, at the door, people graciously thanked him – but one little old lady wasn’t so gracious. She looked him in the eye and said, ‘Sonny, if you had walked up to that pulpit the way you walked down, you would have walked down from the pulpit the way you walked up.’

>> abtc:’s graduation ceremony brings families, friends, and many churches together. Whichever way you look at it, the graduation ceremony is huge!

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This teaching is an abridged part of a series entitled ‘3rd Day Perspective’ by Gerri Di Somma, available to order from the BIG bookshop.

Nothing is by chance or accident but by divine appointment. The boundaries of our habitation and the circumstances of our lives are so that we may search for and find God, Acts 17:26,27, and in Him ‘to live and move and have our being’ Acts 17:28.

To demonstrate how to do this, God reveals a three day pattern throughout the Bible: >>

Abraham’s ultimate test Genesis 22:1-5

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God’s major appearance to all Israel Exodus 19:9-11

>>

Esther finding the King’s favour Esther 5:1-2

>>

Jesus begins His miraculous ministry John 2:1-11

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Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection Matthew 16:21 Acts 10:38-41

This pattern reveals a key truth: “Come, and let us return to the Lord; for He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up. After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up, that we may live in His sight.” Hosea 6:1-3. God wants us to live a resurrected life, which I refer to as the 3rd day perspective.

3 steps lead to resurrected life: >>01 Death to the old nature >>02 Burial of the old life

the reality

of faith

Learn to live the resurrected life through the 3RD DAY PERSPECTIVE 8

>>03 Resurrection into destiny and God’s glory It is a process of continuous growth. When you are in day 1 or 2 in any situation, take Paul’s advice, “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings being conformed to His death, if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.” Philippians 3:10-12 We now apply this to faith.

teaching

The Reality of Faith The Oxford Dictionary defines ‘reality’ as: >>01 The state of things as they actually exist as opposed to an idealistic or notional idea of them >>02 A thing that is actually seen or experienced >>03 The quality of being lifelike >>04 The state or quality of having existence or substance >>05 Existence that is absolute, self-sufficient or objective and not subject to human decisions or conventions.

The Bible defines faith as: ‘… faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.’ Hebrews 11:1. “Faith is” – it exists!

Faith has substance – knowing who God is.

Faith has evidence – knowing what God has done and what He has promised.

The substance and evidence of faith is the reality of who God is and Jesus is our example of reality. After His resurrection, He could pass through walls, but things could not pass through Him if He didn’t permit it. Jesus is more real than the wall He passed through! We often wrongly think that the physical realm is greater than the spiritual realm but the natural realm exists in the spiritual realm.

If the spiritual realm were removed, there would

be no natural realm! “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth.” The Spirit of God said “Let there be…”

Genesis 1 and the natural came into being.

When faith words speak, things happen.

Faith is a spiritual principle more real than the natural realm in which we live.

The principles of faith are taught but the spirit of faith is caught. Beware operating faith based on “positive thinking”. Without the Spirit to empower, individuals merely change themselves, never the circumstances.

Principles direct but the Spirit empowers – from Logos to Rhema. Jesus Himself only changed things around Him when the Spirit worked through Him. “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed of the devil for God was with Him” Acts 10:38.

Faith is knowing God – who He is, what He has done and what He has promised.

Faith is believing His Word and that it applies personally. Many have faith for others, but not for themselves, believing they are unworthy.

Faith is acting on God’s Word James 1:22.

Faith produces desired results. Many Christians’ ‘faith’ is not faith as the Bible defines it, having the semblance of faith but not the desired results that only faith can produce.

>>Faith has evidence – knowing what God has done and what He has promised.<<

DAY 1 FAITH – IMITATING FAITH OR PRESUMPTION ‘Presumption’ means, ‘To take for granted, to suppose to be true without positive evidence.

To be arrogant, insolent and over-confident.’

Oxford Dictionary.

Psalms 19:12-14 refers to “presumptuous sins”, warning us against allowing them to rule our lives.

The key is to keep our hearts pure and ensure that what comes out of our mouths is in line with the Word of God. The principle of faith is that you must confess from your mouth what you believe in your heart. Many Christians speak faith words without really believing them. Others reveal what is in their hearts by the words they speak – if, after laying on of hands and prayer for healing they say they “hope” God will heal them – they are not in faith.

Imitating the principle of faith is called presumption. Applying the principle without the One who empowers the principle achieves nothing! When Moses acted in faith, the Red Sea parted and the Israelites passed through safely, while the pursuing Egyptians, presuming they could follow, were drowned.

Hebrews 11:29.

Imitating faith – operates on the methodology of others without the convictions they hold.

In a church operating in 3rd day faith, the illustrations and experience ministered will demonstrate the principle of faith but should never replace the spirit of faith. We may see miracles but we should never copy someone else’s demonstration of faith and expect the same results!

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teaching Imitating faith – operates on the methodology but not on the Spirit.

Jesus always operated on the Spirit, achieving the results He did because He never healed the same way twice! The method says “Lay hands on the sick and they will recover” With conviction and belief in your heart, when you apply the method there will be an impartation of Spirit power that will heal. Mark 11:22-24.

Imitating faith – lacks authority. In Acts 19:11 God worked “unusual miracles” through His disciples and disease and evil spirits departed. Wanting the same

results, some Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus… saying, “We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches…” They had no relationship with Jesus nor did they have God’s authority.

Imitating faith – wounds. Acts 19:11 continues, telling us how evil spirits answered the Jewish chief priest, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know but who are you? Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leapt upon them, overpowered them, prevailed against them so that they fled out of the house naked and wounded”.

DAY 2 FAITH – IRRESPONSIBLE FAITH Irresponsible faith – ‘lacking in good sense and judgement, being silly and unwise.’

Oxford Dictionary. It understands the principles, the power, recognises what God can do, reads the Word of God, but operates thoughtlessly or selfishly. You can’t defy the law of gravity if you jump off a building; literally move a mountain into the sea, Mark 11:24; overeat and cast out the calories… Nature follows creation’s pattern and faith operates within these boundaries unless God intervenes. The extension of God’s Kingdom must always override personal gratification.

Irresponsible faith – bargains with God. For God to bless us we must follow His principles.

You might ask God to provide you with money to benefit the church, when in reality you aim to benefit yourself the most! God is not deceived – you will reap as you sow! Galations 6:7-8

Irresponsible faith – leads to irresponsible actions. Before the political change in Africa, a Bible College student faced a menacing group of protestors brandishing machetes.

He froze, but asked the Lord what to do.

“Fear nothing – keep walking” Jesus replied.

As he obeyed, the group opened like the Red Sea, closing behind him when he was through safely! Without God’s command, to have kept walking would have been irresponsible.

Irresponsible faith – keeps others from God. Imitating faith, using faith irresponsibly then saying that faith doesn’t work maligns God’s reputation and that of people of inspired faith.

It thus keeps the unsaved or immature Christians from the Source of life, prosperity and protection, from fulfilling God’s plans and purposes for their lives.

DAY 3 FAITH – INSPIRED FAITH THAT WORKS Knows God intimately, knows His principles, has a word from the Lord and acts on His express instructions. Our ‘instant’ society expects immediate results, even in spiritual matters. When my wife and I were new Christians, we once tried to win money from machines, repeating “In the name of Jesus!” until all our money was gone! We concluded that “Faith doesn’t work!” We applied the principle, but were silly and unwise, and had no word from the Lord!

Inspired faith – waits patiently for desired results.

“By faith Noah…prepared an Ark for the saving of his household…” Hebrews 11:7 which happened 120 years later! If we need to see something before believing, or wonder if it’s worked – it’s not faith.

When God gives His word, we must wait for the season before trying to walk in it.

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Inspired faith – knows God’s known and unknown will, and operates in both realms.

The known will of God – what He has done, established, commanded and what He has promised, and which is unchanging Proverbs 19:21.

Obeying His commands in faith produces what He has provided eg tithing, healing, protection, forgiveness, feeding the poor etc. Psalm 41:1-3, Mark 11:25-26 The unknown will of God is His specific plan and purpose for your life personally – what career, who to marry, what church to belong to etc.

Proverbs 19:21, 16:9 With inspired faith, a word from God and obedience, in due season God brings His plans and purposes to pass, making those things reality.

Know who God is, what He has done and what He has promised; seek His plans for you; push beyond day 1 and day 2 faith; live and move and have your being in Him in day 3, resurrected, inspired, empowering faith, pleasing God and producing results. Know the reality of faith in your life!

testimonies

prayerworks

These following testimonies really do speak of the goodness of God and proves that prayer really does work My sister Meg collapsed into a coma. It was 2000; Meg was 41, married with 2 young children, born again with everything to live for.

In hospital, I couldn’t recognize her lifeless body, tubes and wires protruding from her shaven head.

The Lord said, “She will not die, but live and declare My works.” Psalm 118:7 3 weeks later she emerged alive though frail and confused. Despite her brain haemorrhage the Lord said He gave her “a sound mind” 2 Tim 1:7 - judgement, disciplined thought patterns, able to understand and make right decisions. I continued to speak life over her, Proverbs 18:21. Slowly she relearned how to speak, eat, wash, dress and walk.

Today, Meg is full of life! She is in a great Church, her daughter is saved, her husband has a better job and they have a beautiful home.

Meg had a blind spot. Her brain had adapted to compensate but DVLA rules prevented her driving.

In answer to prayer, the DVLA changed their national rules! carmel:healing school prayed for victory; Meg passed the on-road safety assessment and her licence was reinstated! For God, nothing is impossible! Luke 1:37.

Annie Walker England

I didn’t think I was clever because my GCSE results were very average and I wasn’t advised to do A-levels. So I went out and got a job. But later on I decided to do a Sports Science with Psychology degree and was surprised to get a place at the University of Gloucester – particularly since my application was late.

People thought it would be too hard for me, but I knew something of God’s ability and the power of words. So I regularly prayed and confessed my success and worked hard. Even though I was working at Bristol City Football part time, in the last year I decided, because God is excellent, I would confess a first.

And, to the surprise of doubters, in 2005 I got my first degree. Praise the Lord!

Damian Hodge (Married to Emma) England I had been tithing for about two years and nothing was happening.

Everyone else was getting pay rises and I wasn’t getting anything, so I was a bit down about it.

One Sunday, Pastor Gerri talked about tithing. It was then that I realised my attitude was wrong. He said God checks your heart, and I knew my heart wasn’t right. As soon as I got my heart right things started to happen.

A couple of weeks later I went to work and at our pay review I was given a £1,000 pay rise as well as a £1,000 bonus. Also, I was promoted to second in charge of my team. Not bad for being in the job for only eighteen months. I praise God that His principles always work, and this is how they worked for me at the time.

Emma Hodge (Married to Damian) England

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feature

aiminghigh

Rev. Gerri Di Somma took us to another level during this year’s AIM Conference 2005

To run God’s “business” well, Luke 19:13, church leaders must be “of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom” Acts 6:3, who give direction, influence and inspire, create followers, grow themselves and their departments – from faith to faith and victory to victory.

There are 9 essential characteristics for success – shown as wheels within the wheel that creates forward direction. ‘Vision’ is central, with everything else revolving around it. Characteristics 1, 2, 3 and 4 are core; 5, 6,7 and 8 bring balance. Those opposite each other balance that particular characteristic.

Vision – ability to create and pursue a future vision, a preferred future, promoting desire to move towards it. Vision is revealed and directed by the Spirit, I Corinthians 2:9,10, and is always the starting point.

Focus – ability to organize self and others, achieve goals effectively eg Nehemiah. Check your mission statement to remind you of God’s original blueprint!

Don’t be distracted by “good works” programmes!

Faith – capacity to make risk decisions when confronted with the uncertainty of change eg Abraham Hebrews 11:10. Focusing on your calling, knowing God’s leading, minimises risk because faith is present. Faith balances focus and vision and faith pleases God. Hebrews 11:6.

Energy – capacity to act vigourously and decisively; drive to achieve, get the job done John 17:4. Many Christian leaders have vision, are focused, but run out of energy, moving away instead of pushing through. Hard work, discouragement, criticism or circumstances may sap energy, preventing fulfilling God’s plans and quench creativity.

CONFERENCE SPEAKERS

Top: Rev. Gerri Di Somma Middle: Pastor Chris Lodewyk Bottom: Nick Holmes

Creativity – ability to generate ideas, find creative solutions, promote innovation. Possibility thinkers find new ways to progress, have a “Can do” attitude, Philippians 4:13, constantly assess everything they do, overlooking nothing to improve and achieve excellence in self and others. If they don’t know how to do something they find someone who does!

Empathy – ability to be sensitive to other’s needs, exercising social and interpersonal skills in a variety of situations. This enables the unsaved to want to return when they come to church 1Cor 10:32,33. Your team represents you – you are measured by your weakest member so teach people skills and fit people where they can best use them.

Influence – ability to communicate, persuade others to give time and talent Matthew 4:19, influence people to focus and run with the vision so it does not die, releasing and empowering people to influence others.

Endurance – capacity to sustain effort over time, keep focused on key issues without being distracted. When you’ve achieved the energy factor, you need endurance – it’s a journey not a destination!

Most leaders are managers, taking care of visions – few are visionaries whose visions extend beyond their lifetime. When Pastors die without endurance in raising up the next generation to run with their vision, churches close…

Stability – ability to maintain emotional stability and resilience. Focusing on individuals’ inner life, maturity of beliefs, values and attitudes, enabling them to cope with stress, pressure, criticism and adversity; with ambitious people who think they can do your job better, people who don’t want you to succeed, who speak against you. Successful leaders don’t need others to validate them, are secure in their call, persevering no matter what Philippians 4:11-13.

Aim for God’s and your “business” to go from mediocrity to extraordinary, from failure to victory!

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The lowdown on this years line-up for ‘aGODthing!’ 2005 With the line-up for this year’s ‘aGODthing!’ conference finally confirmed we thought we’d whet your appetite for what promises to be our biggest event in carmel:’s history.

From old friends like Pastor Eddie O’Neil to our very own Rev. Gerri Di Somma we reveal what makes these firebrands qualify to set us alight.

>>01 PASTOR EDDIE O’NEIL Vision for ‘a GOD thing!’ and beyond Comes with a Pastor’s heart, strong ministry as apostle and prophet, visionary insight, a bold, energetic, humourous, dynamic gift to the body of Christ, a spiritual father-figure.

To proclaim and manifest God’s ways of living from the source of the Christ-life within; to restore and establish biblical values; to see the Kingdom of God established in the individual, the home, the congregation and the community; to expose and activate the next generation of church leaders to God’s purposes; to impart and release gifting for the body of Christ to fulfill their calling and destiny.

About him Married, three children, two grandchildren, lives in South Africa.

Founder and Senior Pastor of Kingdom Ministries of Christ, Welkom, Free State, South Africa. The church’s first meeting was in a mine complex; thanks to God’s provision, the church now has its own purpose built building with a Christian school on its own land. They operate community homes and programmes helping the underprivileged, including abandoned children and those with HIV.

>>02 JACOB JOHN Vision for ‘a GOD thing!’ and beyond Passion for the Lord and the Word; excellent in-depth inspired teaching injected with humour; sensitivity to the Spirit; passionate pursuit of Jesus.

To see lives changed through Jesus; to stay on the cutting edge of God’s move, building altars not pitching tents; to welcome the Holy Spirit and His gifts in the church; to see God raise and restore the five-fold offices to build and equip the body of Christ to become Christ-like and do the work of ministry.

About him Born and raised in India, lived in Bahrain, now in Vancouver, single and happy!

Delivered from certain death through miraculous life-changing intervention; gifted by God to teach, train, equip; is patient, powerful, inspirational.

Has led worship, ministered to youth from non-Christian backgrounds in a predominantly Muslim country and served in the local church.

Has a ministry called Acts 29 in Vancouver, Canada and is Pastor of Worship and Evangelism at Immanuel Church. >>03 REV. GERRI DI SOMMA Vision for ‘a GOD thing!’ and beyond The Conference host! Gifted teacher with passion for the Word; a father and pastor’s heart; humour and joy; a visionary.

To establish excellence throughout God’s house and business; to see God’s people released and equipped in their calling and destiny; to bring in and save the lost, set captives free, heal the sick; to encourage Christian maturity and fulfill God’s plans and purposes for peoples’ lives.

About him Born in South Africa, father Italian; married, four children, two grandchildren; a rock ‘n’roll rebel before he was saved!

Graduated from Rhema Bible Training Centre, South Africa, where he lectured and Pastored the Church and College, later becoming Director of Faculty, also Director of Christian Mens’ Network.

Called to Bristol, UK, founder and Senior Pastor of carmel:ministries international, founder, Director and Lecturer of Anchor Bible Training Centre, founder and Governor of carmel:christian school.

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unitednations

With the launch of our new worship album twentyfour7 managed to get a few interviews with it’s key performers.

Here’s what they had to say...

The concept Nine musicians and more than 30 vocalists made up the team which produced the ‘a GOD thing!’ album. We had to face many challenges and the whole production was covered with prayer and needed considerable dedication from all involved.

There were times when we wondered if the album would ever be finished, but we rejoice that God has been faithful to His word as we obeyed His instruction to produce the album. We asked some of the worship team how this album was ‘a GOD thing!’

Any time you record an album, there will be challenges, especially working with people who volunteer their time amidst all their other commitments. They sacrificed a lot to be involved and because of their dedication to pray and walk with me on this journey, we successfully reached the end goal. To me, it’s all about team work!

As a worship team, our focus is serving the vision of the church and our priority is to lead worship whenever we are required to, recording an album is always just a bonus!

We chose ‘a GOD thing!’ as the title of our album because that’s what our annual conference is called and last year, Pastor Gerri asked us to write a song for it.

The conference and song was a huge success and we’ll be launching the album at this year’s conference in October – another reason it’s ‘a GOD thing!’

I am trusting God to take the album to the four corners of the earth and I know it will impact those who listen to it by drawing them closer to Jesus. The whole emphasis of the album is that Jesus is our everything – whatever we need, He is the answer. >>Loulita Di Somma Worship Team Leader, Songwriter 14

interview

The musicians Before the album was recorded we spent many months in preparation, not just of the songs but also of ourselves as musicians and people. We had to be ready in ourselves as well as musicians when it came to the recording. As the whole album concept grew, I grew as a person. So it was as much a spiritual experience as a musical one; a truly God thing. >>Sylvana Di Somma: drummer, musical director, songwriter, vocalist Many of the songs even now speak to me personally; in fact all of the songs do, not just because the music is good – and that’s a great part about them – but it wouldn’t be the same if the words in these songs were not life changing words as well.

I’m convinced that the people who listen to the album will be ministered to by the spirit of it.

The worship will give something very positive to those who listen. It will help them draw near to God. >>Chris Ashley: lead guitar, vocalist ‘Excellence’ is a carmel: watchword, and that is reflected in this album. It also challenges us as individuals and as a team, that we honour God by the excellence of our lives in terms of who we are and what we do.

And listening to the album now it is complete has made the whole experience most rewarding. I think it’s fantastic. I’m sure anyone listening to it will be greatly rewarded by the experience. >>Nathan Logan: keyboards, worship leader, vocalist ‘You restore my soul’ is a good example of a song which was the result of interplay between Sylvana and me as musicians. Once again I was musing on the guitar, developing a sound which was alive in me and Sylvana heard it and it triggered things in her. We started humming it together and the words grew out of that.

Being involved in this album has been an amazing experience. The whole dynamic of the album has been...well, the only way I think I can express it is simply to say, it has been powerful; everything about it.

It’s a team experience. It’s been ‘a God thing’ all the way. >>Esther Clarke: lead acoustic guitar, songwriter, worship leader, vocalist

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