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UNASHAMEDLY ALL ABOUT JESUS CLOUD FESTIVAL SET TO ROCK THE HOPE PROJECT RESOURCING CHURCHES ACROSS NZ GRIM FUTURE FOR THEOLOGICAL STUDY
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Bicentennial Special 1814-2014
Issue NINETEEN | DECEMBER 2014
04 Canterbury Churches Celebrate Bicentenary 06 Significant Celebrations Mark New Zealand’s Gospel Bicentenary 08 A History: Many ‘Firsts’ at the Birthplace of our Nation 10 Spreading the Message of Hope
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12 Unashamedly all about Jesus 14 What is the Future for Theological Education? 15 Local News 16 Shine TV programme guide 18 Christian Life Classifieds
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Bicentennial Special 1814-2014
Canterbury Churches
CELEBRATE BICENTENARY
Te Raranga network administrator, ANITA VOISEY tells MARIE ANTICICH about Festival 200: The Invitation, the recent Canterbury combined churches’ event.
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anterbury churches celebrated the 200th anniversary of the Gospel’s arrival in New Zealand at Festival 200: The Invitation at Horncastle Arena on Sunday, December 7. Thousands gathered at the arena (formerly called CBS Canterbury Arena) in Addington in the heart of Christchurch for the bicentennial celebration. “Churches from around the region gathered to tell stories of our history, unity and growth,” reports Te Raranga network administrator, Anita Voisey who liaised with churches to arrange the event. “We called it The Invitation because Samuel Marsden came to New Zealand at the invitation of Ruatara to preach the Gospel – it was a clear invitation - and the gospel message itself is an invitation to life in Christ.” Festival 200: The Invitation was collaborative work across the denominations in consultation with Ngai Tahu iwi members, and a leading local kappa haka group, Ngā Manu a Tāne performed a haka based on John chapter one. “We wanted something incarnate and authentic,” says Anita, “and so we celebrated the Gospel story by way of kapa haka, song, dance, prayer and story.” Te Raranga co-leader and Northcity pastor, Donald Scott is conscious of the bi-cultural partnership denoted by the 200th anniversary. “The Gospel bicentenary challenges us to look beyond our own past and consider how we are growing together – what does this weaving together, this raranga of the Gospel story look like for us here in Christchurch in 2014 and beyond?” he said. “Since the earthquakes churches in Canterbury have been working together at a whole new level,” says Ken Shelley, pastor of King’s Church and Te Raranga coleader. “It’s a privilege to watch this spirit of unity and co-operation unfold.” “Lots of exciting activity began happening between the churches after the quakes,” says Anita who moved from Auckland to Christchurch to get involved. “By the end of 2012 we had a name for what was happening – Te Raranga - which isn’t so much an organisation but a kaupapa or ethos. Raranga is the
Maori word for weaving with each strand holding to its separate integrity but being part of the whole, and where the churches intersect perhaps God is working something stronger in all of us. “The Gospel tells the 2000-year old story, the bicentennial tells our 200-year old story and at The Invitation we talked our own heritage – ‘What is the Gospel story in Canterbury?’ “We told stories of the coming of the Gospel, and of the last three or four years in Christchurch and of God’s faithfulness in the midst of our hardship. We’re looking into the future – we’re rebuilding a city – and asking ‘How does the church respond to that?’ “We also told stories about amazing community initiatives happening across the city saying, ‘Here are some ways you can consider serving.’ “For example the Christchurch Community Response is a church-based initiative that has door-knocked over 26,000 homes since the earthquakes saying, ‘How are you doing? Are you okay?’ They find people struggling with all sorts of issues, and local churches are able to offer wrap-around services in the midst of a difficult time.” Te Raranaga has a number of initiatives, including the Churches’ Forum with representatives from Anglican, Presbyterian, Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, Pentecostal and Independent churches feeding information back to their own denominations. “Our leadership is very much a relational dynamic where those involved defer to each other,” says Anita “and over a period of time a fantastic trust has built up between us.”. Leaders include Donald Scott (Northcity) Ken Shelley (King’s Church) John Day (Anglican Diocese) and Alan Aitken (Brethren.) Te Raranga has three guiding principles – working together, loving our neighbour and telling the story: “It’s important to be constantly refreshing our language and asking ‘What is the story of the Gospel?’” she says. The ‘Telling the Story’ initiative has seen faith stories from across the Canterbury region being recorded on video and put on Te Raranga’s website. These include interviews with Max Palmer who shares the New Life
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Church story, Jack Stuart telling the Christchurch Chinese Church story and Murray Robertson sharing the Spreydon Baptist story (now called Southwest Baptist Church.) “Lots of groups have been operating across the city and it would be wonderful if the wider church knew about this and prayed, because this is how we need to rebuild the city,” says Anita. “We need to do it together.”
From top: Two hundred church leaders gather for prayer at a Te Raranga-organised at the Anglican Transitional Cathedral (Cardboard Cathedral); Anita Voisey learning the Canterbury Anglican story from local historian Bruce Beckett
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Bicentennial Special 1814-2014
Significant Celebrations Mark New Zealand’s
GOSPEL BICENTENARY During Christmas week two major events will be held in the historic Bay of Islands to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the first Gospel message preached on New Zealand. SAMUEL MARSDEN PREACHED THE FIRST recorded Gospel message in New Zealand at Rangihoua in 1814, and the first European settlement was established by the Church Missionary Society under the protection of at the invitation of Maori. Two centuries later these formative events will be celebrated with an Anglican-led ecumenical service at 11am on Christmas Day (Thursday December 25) at Rangihoua in the Bay of Islands. The service is being organised by the 2014 Ecumenical Planning Group. On Sunday, December 21 the tall ship, R.Tucker Thompson ship will sail into the bay carrying nearly 50 descendants of New Zealand’s first missionary and settler families, and church and mission representatives. Descendants of the Kendall and King missionary families and the Hansen settler family will disembark on the beach where their ancestors landed on Christmas Day 1814. (Members of the Hall family are unable to attend.) “We’ll be calling the ship the Active on the day because that’s the name of the brigantine our
6 | Christian Life Issue Nineteen December 2014
ancestors originally arrived on,” says Rev Amanda Neill, of Christchurch who is organising a reunion of missionary families at Paihia during Christmas week. “It will be the first time in 200 years that so many descendants of New Zealand’s first missionary families have met together,” she adds, “and we’re all delighted that the 21st century Rev Samuel Marsden from England is coming to the reunion with his family.” Other passengers on board will include Glyn Carpenter, national director of the New Zealand Christian Network who co-authored the Bicentennial Statement, part of which will be read during the service. Also on board will be Rev Pane Kawhia, Church Missionary Society representative, a descendant of chief Hongi Hika, Millie Harris-Webb, Wayne and Caryl Freeman from Wycliffe New Zealand Bible translators, and Maori descendants of Nga Puhi chief, Ruatara. The tangata whenua (people of the land) will also be present. On Sunday December 21, Rangihoua Heritage Park will be opened by the Governor General,
Bicentennial Special 1814-2014
“The Bicentenary year has given us an opportunity to reflect on our Christian beginnings which were formative in the shaping and development of our nation” Sir Jerry Mateparae at a civic ceremony which will begin with a powhiri at 10am. The park features the new rammed earth building called Rore Kahu (Soaring Eagle) at the entrance and information panels along the pilgrim’s pathway leading to the Cross. The heritage park opening is being jointly organised by Marsden Cross Trust Board, the Anglican Church, Ngati Torehina and the Department of Conservation. Bi-Centennial Happenings Around the Nation “The Bicentenary year has given us an opportunity to reflect on our Christian beginnings which were formative in the shaping and development of our nation,” says New Zealand Christian Network national director, Glyn Carpenter. The Bicentennial Statement has been sent to more than 30,000 people via Facebook, inviting them to sign and register their support, and the bi-lingual English and Maori version is now available for viewing and signing on the NZCN website. Many and various events, projects and conferences have taken place up and down the country, including The Hope Project Roadshow which toured New Zealand for five months earlier this year. Rev Stuart Lange, who is also a historian, produced the Te Rongopai (the good news) DVD which has been screened at many church services and home group meetings, telling the story of Christianity in New Zealand, among both Maori and non-Maori. Te Rongopai is also the name of a book containing papers written by a large contingent of historians who gathered for an Australasian history symposium in the
Bay of Islands in 2012. Several conferences have been held in the Bay of Islands, including last month’s Baptist Gathering and the Church Missionary Society’s bi-cultural ‘Our Story: Aotearoa’ hui in October, and many groups have made a pilgrimage to nearby Rangihoua. Evangelists and short-term mission teams from other nations have come to help spread the gospel including a Kenyan youth band and twelve ‘reverse-mission’ evangelists from Kenya, hosted by the Church Missionary Society. Mark Grace from Tertiary Students Christian Fellowship, who is of Te Arawa and Ngai Tahu descent, has spoken to churches across the country about the Gospel’s impact on our nation, and the role it played in fostering peace between Maori and Pakeha. On November 27, 350-400 ordained pastors, priests, ministers and vicars gathered for a combined worship service at the Anglican Cathedral in Parnell in Auckland. Speakers at the service included the Catholic Bishop of Auckland Pat Dunn, Anglican Maori Bishop for Tai Tokerau, Rev Te Kitohi Pikaahu and Peter Mortlock from City Impact Church, with prayers from other church leaders. On Christmas Day churches from the Taranaki-New Plymouth minister’s association will invite people in the region to come and hear a message based on a reconstruction of Marsden’s sermon 200 years ago, produced by Australian historian and former missionary, Rev David Pettett. Summarising the common themes Marsden used when he preached from Luke 2:10 on Christmas Day
1814, Pettett says he is likely to have made the following points: • The birth of Christ is the most important event the world has ever seen, and is good tidings of great joy for all people. • This event has been long and anxiously expected by the faithful, and those who are awaiting a temporal messiah will be disappointed because this Messiah brings spiritual blessings • This event has been announced with great rejoicing by the angels of heaven who have declared a Saviour for mankind. • The Messiah was not born in a palace, but a stable, making him accessible to all people. • Jesus is the superior Saviour because he defeats the Evil One and saves people from Hell. • Now is the time to follow this Saviour because you may not be alive next Christmas.
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Bicentennial Special 1814-2014
A History: Many ‘Firsts’ at the
BIRTHPLACE OF OUR NATION
This original painting by NZ artist, Paula Novak hangs in the foyer of Carey Bible College in Auckland.It is reminiscent of Hobson’s speech made to each of the Maori chiefs as they signed the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840: “He iwi tahi tatau. We two peoples together make a great nation.”
O
n Christmas Day, 1814, the Rev Samuel Marsden preached the first Christian message at Rangihoua, and many other ‘firsts’ occurred there, notably the first planned European settlement in New Zealand at the invitation of Maori and under Maori protection. The first formal transfer of Maori land took place at Rangihoua, the first European houses and first school were built there, the first pastoral farm with sheep and cattle was established, and it was one of the earliest trading posts. The first recorded birth of a Pakeha child, Thomas King also took place there but, sadly, he died at age four. Although there had been sporadic contact between Maori and European since the 17th century – mainly whalers and sealers – the Christmas Day service in 1814 and subsequent missionary settlement marked the first joint effort of the Maori and Pakeha at living and working together. This came about through Marsden’s friendship with Nga Puhi Chief Ruatara whom Marsden first met when the young chief and his uncle, Te Pahi, a senior rangatira from the Bay of Islands, were visiting Sydney. English-born, Marsden had emigrated to Australia to become an Anglican prison chaplain in New South Wales, encouraged by his friend, British MP and social reformer, William Wilberforce. Marsden also became a magistrate and earned a reputation as ‘the flogging parson’ due to his harsh treatment of convicts. Sympathetic to the (inter-denominational) London
Missionary Society’s pioneering work in the Pacific, he tried unsuccessfully to reach Aborigines. He was impressed with Maori who came across to NSW and desired to start a missionary work in New Zealand. On a visit to England in 1808, Marsden recommended the Church Missionary Society recruit lay preachers with practical knowledge to teach the natives ‘industrious and moral habits’ and skills, such as carpentry, blacksmithing, and twine spinning with flax, ‘to open a way for the introduction of the Gospel.’ As a result carpenter William Hall and rope maker John King sailed to Australia with Marsden on his return trip on the convict ship, Ann. They were later joined by Thomas Kendall, a school-master. During the journey back to Australia Marsden found the destitute and desperately ill Ruatara. The young chief had worked on whaling and sealing ships off the coast of New Zealand, before sailing to England to meet King George III but had been ill-treated and left aboard the Ann, bound for the NSW prison colony. After nursing Ruatara back to health, Marsden invited him to stay on his farm at Parramatta where he studied farming and agriculture. As a result of their friendship, Ruatara extended an invitation for Marsden to come to New Zealand, but these plans were delayed by the burning and sacking of the Boyd by Maori in the Whangaroa Harbour in December, 1809, resulting in the death of about 70 Europeans. Bible & Treaty author, Keith Newman says a great
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Two hundred years ago two diverse cultures came together at Rangihoua in the historic Bay of Islands. The events that followed are seminal in the founding of our nation. By MARIE ANTICICH
misunderstanding followed when Te Pahi and many of his tribe were killed when drunken whalers blamed him for the carnage at Whangaroa and bombarded his island village. Te Pahi, friend of NSW Governor Gidley King and Samuel Marsden, was the first to invite a mission presence in New Zealand. The actual perpetrator the Boyd incident was another chief named Te Puhi. This held back the missionary endeavour for four years with ships’ captains reluctant to visit New Zealand leaving the first CMS artisan missionaries working in Australia. When Ruatara tried to return to New Zealand, he again encountered ill-treatment by sailors, but eventually arrived home in 1812 and regaled his people with stories of his adventures. They were dubious about wheat-growing until he was able to grind the grains into flour to make bread. After receiving permission to go to New Zealand from New South Wales Governor, Lachlan Macquarie in 1814, Marsden purchased the 100 ton brigantine Active. In August, 1814 Hall and Kendall sailed to the Bay of Islands on an initial visit; they received a warm welcome and held a church service on board with Maori in attendance. They sailed back to Port Jackson with Ruatara, Nga Puhi war leader Hongi Hika and Korokoro of Ngare Raumati on board and studied skills like writing, black-
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Bicentennial Special 1814-2014
Bible Society
HONOURS BICENTENARY In 1835 William Colenso printed the FIRST SCRIPTURES IN MAORI and, remarkably, the whole New Testament was published by 1837. The Scriptures became a KEY FACTOR IN THE MAORI’S RESPONSE to the Gospel during the 1830s...
smithing, carpentry, spinning, weaving, brick making, and European gardening and farming methods, and met Governor Macquarie. In November, 1814 Marsden sailed to New Zealand with the Maori chiefs, missionary families, servants, crew and livestock. After a hazardous voyage across the Tasman, the Active anchored at Hohi (Oihi) just east of Ruatara’s pa at Rangihoua on December 22. Ruatara hoisted the British flag on his hilltop pa and made preparations for the Christmas day service by fencing off an area of land, setting up a pulpit and arranging upturned waka as pews for the Europeans. A crowd of about 400 Maori and Pakeha gathered for the Christmas Day service. Marsden began with the singing of Psalm 100, ‘O be joyful in the Lord all ye lands’ and took his text from Luke 2:10, Behold I bring you tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. He led the singing of ‘All people that on earth do dwell. Sadly, Ruatara died soon after Marsden returned to Parramatta. The missionary families stayed on and lived together in a flax hut with a mud floor, with nine children, and cooked on an outside fire. Later the number of children grew considerably. On Monday, August 12, 1816, Thomas Kendall opened the first school in New Zealand with 33 Maori and European pupils present, but the school ultimately failed due to lack of food for the pupils. Four years passed before Marsden’s next visit during which time the missionaries struggled to survive on infertile south-facing land and were often short of food and supplies. These were hard and difficult times. In 1814 Rangihoua had a population of around 1,000 but 100 years later the site was deserted, according to a NZ Herald report. A second mission station was established at Kerikeri in 1819. The Methodists arrived in 1822 and set up the Wesleyan mission station in Kaeo near the Whangaroa Harbour, and in 1823, the Rev Henry Williams, the newly arrived head of the CMS mission, established the mission station at Paihia In 1835 William Colenso printed the first Scriptures in Maori and, remarkably, the whole New Testament was published by 1837. The Scriptures became a key factor in the Maori’s response to the Gospel during the 1830s, and in the following decades the message spread throughout New Zealand as part of a literacy revolution, with Maori initially taking it to their own people. James Busby was appointed British resident in 1833 and settled at Waitangi where the Treaty House and flagstaff now stand. In 1840, Maori, encouraged by the missionaries, signed the Treaty of Waitangi because it promised Queen Victoria would protect them from the ongoing anarchy of sailors and traders, and ensure their lands weren’t acquired illegally by speculators like the New Zealand Company. Newman says the Treaty, considered a spiritual covenant of trust by many of the original signatories, promised “exclusive and undisturbed possession of their lands, estates, fisheries and forests as long as they desired.” If they sold the land, it had to be through the Crown at agreed prices. “Maori were promised equal rights alongside British citizens and believed this was the beginning of a mutually beneficial relationship that would see them prosper as a people,” says Newman. “Unfortunately the humanitarian Christians who had helped broker the Treaty were soon gone from the Colonial Office and Treaty promises were overlooked as shiploads of colonists arrived and the demand for land escalated rapidly, undermining the best intentions of the missionaries who were committed to spreading the good news among Maori.” In 1907 the Marsden Cross was unveiled at Rangihoua by the Governor General, Lord Plunket, and in 1930 the site became a scenic reserve. Two centuries have passed since those momentous days when Europeans first came to New Zealand at the invitation of Maori and it’s not without a firm basis that the historic Bay of Islands site has been called ‘the cradle of our nation.’
“The Bible played a significant part in the foundations of our nation,” says Bible Society Programme Director, Stephen Opie who is based at Bible House in Wellington, The first Bible portions in Maori to be printed in New Zealand were completed by William Colenso on a little Stanhope press at the Church Missionary Society settlement in Paihia, Bay of Islands in 1835. Bible Society has been officially working in New Zealand since 1846, and was active before that. “We’ve produced a range of bicentennial resources designed to encourage churches to continue the Bible’s journey in Aotearoa,” says Mr Opie. Last July Bible Month focused on the Bible’s early journey in New Zealand and the society produced a short film called Nga Timatanga/Beginnings which was shot on location at the Marsden Cross of Islands with a young Wellingtonian, Janielee (15) as presenter. DVD of the film were sent to more than 1,000churches during Bible Month, and funds raised during that campaign helped to produce more than 10,000 specially designed youth and childrens’ bibles to be distributed through Girls’ Brigade, Every Boy’s and Girl’s Rally and Scripture Union in 2105. “Our biggest opportunity today is to help the youth of New Zealand engage with the Bible,” Mr Opie remarks. The society also freely distributes Bibles in prisons and hospitals and distributed more than 58,000 Bibles and New Testaments in New Zealand in 2013. Two new Maori translations of the Gospel of Luke (the book from which Samuel Marsden preached 200 years ago) will soon be printed in a ‘triglot’ publication containing three translations of Luke. These will include the current Māori text which was first published in 1952. Maori Bible readers will be invited to compare and contrast the different styles and provide feedback for a full new Bible translation in contemporary Maori which is expected to take fifteen years. A range of Christmas cards raise funds for Bible distribution and more than 8,000 packs of these were sold last year. Especially popular was the colourful commemorative card from Leonard C. Mitchell’s painting of Marsden’s first sermon which sold out within weeks, necessitating a second print run, and the card is in demand again this year. By Marie Anticich
www.intermission.ac.nz www.mychristiandaily.com | 9
The Hope Project
Spreading the Message of Hope DAVE MANN tells MARIE ANTICICH about future plans for the Hope Project which has been partnering with New Zealand churches to initiate conversations about faith.
“It
The Hope Project team members displaying Hope for All booklets, from left Sharyn Weeks, Naomi Cowland, Beau Spicer (at rear) and project co-ordinators, Dave and Heather Mann.
’s been quite a year,” says Hope Project founder and co-ordinator, Dave Mann (41) who has overseen a plethora of events, meetings and campaigns during the 1814-2014 Bicentennial year. Dave and his wife Heather and their four small sons spent five months – from April to August – travelling around New Zealand in a 30-foot caravan with the Hope Project Roadshow. “We visited 70 towns and cities and ran Engage conferences in ten centres,” reports Dave who has toured New Zealand three times in the past three years gaining support for the project. “We’ve been inspiring churches with stories about early New Zealand history and introducing our equipping resources to help people engage in conversations about faith in a natural and non-threatening way,” says the Tauranga-based evangelist and former pastor. The Hope Project’s equipping resources promote a gentle conversational approach to evangelism, and are freely available online and provide videos for personal or home group use and sermon notes and outlines. “Our resources have helped pastors prepare more than 50,000 New Zealand church-goers engage in conversations,” says Dave. The Hope Project now has about 430 partnering churches and aims to have 500 partnering churches in 2015, and 1,000 in 2016. Its three brands include the Church Resourcing website (AllTogether. co.nz) The Conversationwebsite (HopeProject.co.nz) and the Gospel and Discipleship website (10DayChallenge.co.nz) “From an outreach point of view the bicentennial year has provided a grand platform to open a conversation about our Christian heritage and the benefits Christianity has brought to our lives and culture,” says Dave. “New Zealand’s history has often been presented with a two dimensional way – the settlers who came for land and a better life, and the Maori who were victims of colonisation. When you add the third dimension– the missionaries who brought the Gospel to New Zealand and advocated for Maori – the story becomes truly dynamic. “And people will quickly warm to a message of hope and encouragement,” he says, citing1 Peter 3: 15-16, Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. Dave finds he evangelises better if he doesn’t try to: “I just engage people in conversation and get to know them by asking questions. I’m passionate about spiritual things and so this naturally comes up in conversation, just as I’d talk about cars if I was passionate about motor racing.” New Zealand is a post-Christian nation and there is considerable scepticism among churched and unchurched people about confrontational or emotional evangelism, he said, and so this approach no longer suits our culture. “Our recent media campaign was an unprecedented effort to initiate and feed a conversation about the Christian faith enabled by and utilising modern media,” he continues. “The Hope Project also provides a number of online resources which share the Gospel, answer questions about faith. We’ve also provided a wealth of notes for group studies, sermons and children’s programmes and scores of testimonies from people who have found salvation in Jesus Christ”. Phase 1 of the project was completed s in October with a multi-faceted media campaign through television and radio advertising, and the nationwide distribution of ‘Hope for All’ booklets. Phase II is planned to take place in April 2015. “Next year we want to take the conversation to the next level by communicating positive Gospel stories from early New Zealand history and modern-day Christianity,” says Dave. “We won’t be doing the Road Show as we’ve got heaps of media resources to produce – television advertising, booklet and website material. The first project taught us a few things – the level of engagement with web media has been less than expected. Like any conversation, there has to be trust before people open up and we’ve realised we need to put even more effort into bridging this gap online.” Phase III will lead up to Easter 2016 with a specific multi-media project inviting people to attend an Easter service at a local church. This year Dave also produced a series of five children’s books called The Chronicles of Paki telling stories of early heroes of faith, published by The Big Book Publishing Company.
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Signature Ring/email Tony Plews: 021 683 393, tony@ldl.org.nz for more information.
www.mychristiandaily.com | 11
UNASHAMEDLY ALL ABOUT JESUS With the doors on Parachute firmly closed, a young visionary wanted New Zealand to continue to join together and celebrate Christian music. We welcome Cloud Festival this January, and with some of the biggest names hitting our shores, this is one event you do not want to miss...
AN ALL-NEW FESTIVAL HAS EMERGED FOR NEW ZEALANDERS THIS SUMMER. Cloud Festival will be held on Saturday 24 January 2015 at QBE Stadium in Albany, Auckland. Hot off the heels of two sold-out Worship Experience events, which featured Hillsong Young & Free, Lecrae and Rapture Ruckus, Cloud Festival is looking to be one of the biggest things in Auckland’s Summer line-up. Unashamedly All About Jesus, Cloud Festival is expecting an attendance of 12,000 people, all gathering for a day of music, fun, entertainment and a ton of inspiration. THE LINE UP Cloud Festival will see 31 artists and guests take the stage in its jam-packed programme, covering a wide range of genres and tastes. Whether it’s hiphop artists Andy Mineo, Tedashii and Rapture Ruckus, something a little heavier like Sleeping Giant, or worship outfits like Leeland and Newsboys, Cloud Festival has you covered. With three stages across the site, as well as The Box Seat space for seminars and Q&As, there won’t be a dull moment throughout the day! As well as music, Cloud Festival will bring some of the most in-demand speakers to Auckland. Hillsong leader Ps Brian Houston will be joining Hillsong Young & Free for a special Worship Experience on Mainstage. As one of the most passionate leaders within the local church, Ps Brian will be a highlight for many. Another featured speaker is Ms. Sarah Jakes. Sarah is daughter to one of today’s most recognised leaders, Bishop T. D. Jakes. This is Sarah’s first time to New Zealand and she is excited to share her incredible story of grace and forgiveness. Earlier this year saw the release of her second book, Lost and Found. Pregnant at 13, a mother at age 14, working in a strip bar at age 19, married and divorced all before the age of 25; Sarah’s journey of the consequences of bad decisions and how to rebuild will inspire all who hear. Rounding off the speaking line-up is Todd White, known for his passionate desire to see the Christian lifestyle be one of love and influence. This year saw the release of the documentary, Holy Spirit, which featured Todd’s travels around the
THE INSPIRATIONAL NZ MEMOIR EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT
Janet didn’t have a plan for her life, but sitting in Mt Eden prison on charges including guns, drugs, counterfeiting and kidnapping was a little disappointing! P–addiction. Grief. Adultery. Evil. Brokenness. Her life was a psychotic hybrid of Breaking Bad and Paranormal Activity. Without divine intervention, things just weren’t going to end well. Pull back the spiritual curtain; have a look at the black doors her choices opened, and meet the only one who could close them.
Visit us to find your local Christian bookshop or the places to buy online.
www.cba.net.nz
12 | Christian Life Issue Nineteen December 2014
GREAT
GIFT
I D E A
Event
Cloud Festival will also see 19 local acts taking the stage, supporting the homegrown talent and ADDING THAT DISTINCTIVE KIWI FLAVOUR into the mix. This page, clockwise from top: Todd White; Newsboys; Leeland; Hillsong Young & Free; Opposite page: Rapture Ruckus
world preaching and trusting the Holy Spirit. Todd currently works with the likes of Lenny Kravitz, Bill Johnson, Brian ‘Head’ Welch from Korn, Reinhaard Bonnke and many others. In addition to the 12 international artists and guests, Cloud Festival will also see 19 local acts taking the stage, supporting the homegrown talent and adding that distinctive Kiwi flavour into the mix. With such a range of world-class acts, it’s guaranteed to be a day full of inspiration and entertainment. BEYOND FESTIVAL While the stage is set for an incredible, it doesn’t just stop there. Cloud Festival is passionate about missions & evangelism, and is partnering with a range of causes to bring change and influence lives well beyond a oneday festival. Over the course of the day, Cloud Festival will focus on seeing 300 children living in impoverish
nations, sponsored through partnership with TEAR Fund New Zealand. They have also partnered with Love This City, a onenight event which sees a large group of people ‘loving on the city’. This includes random acts of kindness, feeding the homeless, distributing meals and hampers, hospital visits, street ministry and more. Last August saw the first Love This City event take place, with nearly 400 volunteers taking to the streets of Auckland to serve their city. Love This City will launch in 2015 with its March event, and plans to see an even greater group of people mobilised to love their city in a range of tangible ways. In collaboration with Break Free Missions, Cloud Festival will also be profiling eight mission trips that churches can consider partnering with in 2015. Covering South America, Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands, this partnership helps bridge the gap between churches and international missions, providing an opportunity for the
two to connect. Between all causes and organisations, there is a shared belief that we’re all a part of a grand story playing out across the world, each with our own part to play. Cloud Festival believes these partnerships will help guide people in how they can play their role in following the Great Commission and living unashamedly all about Jesus. JUST THE BEGINNING The good news is it doesn’t just end with a once-off festival; on top of other events throughout the year, Cloud Festival is set to continue in Auckland, as well as starting in Sydney and Hong Kong within the next five years. At the start of what looks to be a significant range of events, this is one festival you will be able to proudly say that you were there from the very beginning. Summer will never be the same again!
Summer camps
2014/15
Book Now! www.sunz.org.nz
supakidz camps email: kidzcamps@sunz.org.nz phone: 09 379 9363 youth camps email: camps@sunz.org.nz phone: 0800 782 267
www.mychristiandaily.com | 13
What is the Future for Theological Education? Dr Rod Thompson, national principal and CEO of Laidlaw College expresses his concern at the government’s recent decision to cut funding for programmes in Christian ministry, theology and Biblical studies. Dr Rod Thompson, Laidlaw College’s national principal and CEO
I
n September, the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) announced reductions in 2015 government funding for programmes in Biblical studies, Christian ministry, theology – and hairdressing. There is no guarantee that further funding cuts will not follow in years to come. What does theology have in common with hairdressing? TEC’s answer, conveyed to us at a recent meeting in Wellington, is that qualifications in theology and hairdressing do not lead to high paying employment outcomes. These qualifications are not considered priority areas in the same way as engineering, information technology and business studies. They do not meet industry needs, we were told. Studying the Bible is for special interest, they said. It is not skill acquisition – studying the Bible is for personal enrichment, not for high wage employment. The churches should pay if they want people to study theology or Christian ministry, they said. For the government, it seems that a ‘good’ society is measured in terms of employment statistics and financial income, and that human identity is realised through individual work and people’s well-being is secured by good wages. Truth, goodness and beauty – three abiding faces of culture – are reduced to the interests of ‘economism’, that is, the idolatry of economic wealth as the purpose of life. We beg to differ. As Christians we value employment. People need to work. We also value economic prosperity as one measure of well-being – people should prosper economically. But it’s not the only measure – the purpose of human life can’t be understood only in terms of employment, just as human satisfaction can’t be measured merely in terms of wages. And social goods must be understood as more than economic. We believe that a truly good society values justice, love and compassion, its wealth is measured in terms of good character, faithful relationships, families at peace and neighbourhoods in which violence and abuse have been abolished.
We cannot consider skills ‘good’ unless they are embedded in virtuous human lives – lives of integrity and courage and care and hope. This is what theology is all about. It is about the passionate love of God, our neighbour and God’s world. It is about the selfless life and love of Jesus which changes everything in terms of measuring and embracing truth, goodness and beauty. If we have no biblical studies and theology, if we have no biblical scholars and theologians , we will more quickly become a self-possessed, impoverished and mean society. If our church communities are not shaped by deep theological reflection and biblical engagement, and by leaders whose preaching, teaching and pastoral ministries are forged from the disciplines of theological study, then incisive Christian witness will all too quickly be lost in compromise and shallowness. Moreover, it is imperative that those shaped by deep theological reflection and action continue to bear witness to the gospel in the marketplace of dialogue and debate in the arenas of politics and business, education and media. It is imperative that intelligent and courageous Christian voices are among those charting the course of the nation and its institutions. It is also crucial that biblical, Christ-centred perspectives be represented through research and publications at the highest level. We need biblical studies and theological education more than ever before. We need Christian leaders whose minds and hearts have been shaped by profound biblical reflection and the capacity to think and act from the gospel and the Scriptures in relationship with all things. The churches, this nation, the Asia-Pacific
region and the nations of the world need rigorous, Christ-centred, transformational biblical studies and theological education more than ever before. The question is, who will pay? Who will meet the cost of theological education? Laidlaw College, in partnership with colleges that share a commitment to the practice of tertiary education shaped by the gospel of Jesus Christ, will continue in dialogue with government agencies such as TEC, contending for the significance of theological education. We will remind the government of the vital work of Christian agencies and ministries, of the invaluable contribution of the volunteer sector more widely to the well-being of our society and of the purpose of education in forming our humanness, not simply preparing us for employment. We will argue that a society without robust theological education is an impoverished society. This will be an ongoing conversation which may or may not bear fruit in the long term. However, at present it seems unlikely that the New Zealand government, shaped by increasingly secular values, will deviate from its current trajectory. Right now it is vital that the future of theological education in New Zealand is secured by committed and imaginative leaders who work co-operatively and diligently as agents of the kingdom of God. It is also critical that church communities and Christians throughout the nation join in conversation and planning with Bible colleges with the aim of generating fresh income streams to undergird faithful, gospel-shaped theological education for generations to come.
DON’T WATCH THE HOBBIT GO ON YOUR OWN EPIC JOURNEY Instead of just watching the new Hobbit movie, YWAM Matamata is giving people the opportunity to experience their own journey in Middle Earth. The new Epic Journey Discipleship Training School (DTS) will utilize its unique location near the Hobbiton movie set and Kaimai ranges for this 20-week school using the out-of-doors and stories related to journeying to help people grow closer in their relationship with God. The lecture phase will incorporate experiential learning, adventure activities and tramps to teach what Christian discipleship and knowing God is about. The aim is for students to learn to recognize God’s voice, uncover their calling and gain a greater heart for missions. The second phase of the school students participate in an outreach with potential locations including the South Pacific, Asia and New Zealand. Course start dates for 2015 are 9 February and 27 July. shekinahtravelz.org
14 | Christian Life Issue Nineteen December 2014
For more information CONTACT Robb & Heather Elmatti via email epicjourneydts@gmail.com or VISIT www.epicjourneydts.com
Local News
SUMMER BIBLE SCHOOL
For over a dozen years, Jubilee Resources International hosts Summer Schools each January. The speakers are practical Bible teachers. Sandra Sellmer-Kersten (pictured above left) was trained in Elijah House (USA), serving under Dr. John and Paula Sandford. Sandra had two sobering visions of waves of brown water. Then Hurricane Katrina hit America. Devastation followed. In the second vision she heard, “There is a wave of trauma coming to the world that is bigger than the tsunami, bigger than Katrina; the Church must
be prepared to help!” Sandra has equipped Christians across all denominations since. Mark (pictured above right) & Miriam Holloway, After believing in a God who seldom speaks, Mark’s life goes down the plughole. Terrified, he screams out to God. To his amazement God speaks back. In the #1 Christian Bestseller The Freedom Diaries, Mark tells how he discovers, completely by accident, how to have a back and forth conversation with God. Thousands of others hear what Mark is doing and try it themselves. And they don’t have to be perfect! Details on www.jubileeresources.org
WELLINGTON CHURCHES SHARE Two Wellington churches worked together to stage a ‘Christmas in Bethlehem’ presentation for their local community in early December. “We needed 100 volunteers to transform our church building into a into a Bethlehem village scene and we were blown away when the Olive Tree Church down the road offered to help,” says Pastor, Steve Worsley of Petone Baptist Church. “It’s been great working together with another church for the sake of the community. We’ve been teaming up with Olive Tree for Alpha and recovery courses and youth group – where we’re strong in something they’ve joined with us and where they’re strong we’ve joined them.” ‘Christmas in Bethlehem’ includes a live donkey and a manger where kids can get their photo taken with Mary and Joseph, and shepherds, wise men, rabbis and an inn keeper walk around interacting
with people. His church has staged the Christmas event – which events attracts more than 1,000 visitors a year – for the last nine years, and teams of volunteers put up the exterior nativity scene lighting and gazebos and interior decorations. “The village scene appeals equally to churched and non-churched people and people often express their amazement at how much work has gone into the presentation. “We’re committed to holding this event annually because it allows families to experience the real Christmas story first-hand – they see the secular version on television advertising and in shopping malls,” says Pastor Worsley. Baptist will also hold a ‘Carols by Glowsticks’ service on Sunday, December 14.
SU Cycle Tours Return Development of ‘Nga Haerenga - The New Zealand Cycle Trail’ has prompted the return of Scripture Union cycle camps. The new network of off-road trails and well-managed roads will provide suitable journey elements for youth cycle adventures. ‘Nga Haerenga’ means ‘the journeys’, in both physical and spiritual senses, and that is just what SU’s South Island Camps Facilitator Ben Necklen plans for a new generation of SU cycle tours. The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is
the setting for a pilot cycle tour in January. The cyclists and support crew will camp out each night on a 5-day journey through the scenic McKenzie Country between Tekapo and Omarama. Plans are under way for another cycle tour as part of the 2015 SU Spring Camp programme, and Ben hopes that cycle tours will once again become a regular fixture for SU campers.
www.mychristiandaily.com | 15
Programme Guide 11th Dec 2014 - 11th Jan 2015 SUNDAY 6:00
Living Truth: Charles Price
6:30 7:00 7:30
Superbook / What’s C in the Bible? (14 Dec) The Lads
WEDNESDAY
Life Questions: Jeff Vines
P Hearts Wide Open P
Quick Study: Ron Hembree
D
Unlocking the Bible: Leading the Way: P P David Pawson Michael Youssef
Answers with Bayless Conley
P
C
Veggie Tales Impact for Life: Peter & Bev Mortlock
In Touch: Charles Stanley
9:30
10:30
C
Connection Point: P Reuben Munn
9:00
10:00
TUESDAY
Go Frills / Buzz and Adventures from Go Frills / Buzz and C C C Poppy (14 Dec) the Book of Virtues Poppy (16 Dec)
8:00 8:30
P
MONDAY
Life Questions: Jeff Vines Word For You: Terry & Jayne Culkin
D P
Adventures from C the Book of Virtues Word For You: P P Terry & Jayne Culkin
C
P
Beyond Adventure D / Catalyst (15 Dec) Life Questions: Jeff Vines
Superbook / What’s C in the Bible? (16 Dec)
P
Living Truth: Charles Price
THURSDAY
C
Veggie Tales
FRIDAY
Unlocking the Bible: P David Pawson Derek Prince
P
Superbook / What’s C in the Bible? (11 Dec)
Running With Fire: Tak Bhana
P
Connection Point: Superbook / What’s P C 8:30 Reuben Munn in the Bible? (13 Dec)
Building a Difference
D
Life Questions: Jeff Vines
P
Give Me An Answer
D
Turning Point: P P Dr David Jeremiah
Conversations in the Holy Land
D
Leading the Way: D Michael Youssef
Little Film, Big Heart
P
Answers with Bayless Conley
P
Your Best Life: Phil Pringle
D
N
Building a Difference
D
Facing the Canon / H20: Journey of D Faith (19 Dec)
Impact for Life: Peter & Bev Mortlock
P
Word For You: Terry & Jayne Culkin
P
LIFE TV: Paul de Jong
P
Running With Fire: Tak Bhana
P
Connection Point: P Reuben Munn
Enjoying Everyday Life with Joyce Meyer (Mon - Fri)
D
Precious Memories: M Hearts Wide Open D Bill Gaither
P
Living Truth: Charles Price
P
6:00
Running with Fire: Tak Bhana
P
6:30
Hearts Wide Open D
7:00
Blessing, Curse or Coincidence?
D
7:30
Songs of Praise
M
Precious Memories: M Bill Gaither
P
Go Frills / Buzz and C Poppy (15 Dec) Superbook / What’s C in the Bible? (15 Dec) Scaly Adventures
C
The DRIVE tv
Y
Ultimate Choice
Y
Music Videos
D
Life Questions: Jeff Vines
Building a Difference
D
The Christmas Experience
D
Music Videos
Veggie Tales
FEATURES
C
C
Life fm Presents
Y
Little Film, Big Heart
D
Veggie Tales Ultimate Choice The DRIVE tv
C Y Y
Answers with Bayless Conley
P
D
The Lads
C
Adventures from C the Book of Virtues
Go Frills / Buzz and C Poppy (11 Dec)
C
P
Precious Memories: M Bill Gaither
Off the Streets
N
D
D
Give Me An Answer: D Hearts Wide Open D Cliffe Knechtle
D Doco/Drama
16 | Christian Life Issue Nineteen December 2014
Building a Difference
Veggie Tales
D D
C
Life fm Presents
Y
Life fm Presents
Y
Building a Difference
D
Joni and Friends
D
Your Best Life: Phil Pringle
P
Brian Houston @ Hillsong TV
P
N
Leading the Way: D P Michael Youssef
P Preaching C Children M Music
Karl Faase
The 700 Club (Mon - Fri) D
Joni and Friends
D
The Relate Show: D John & Helen Burns
Building a Difference
D
Give Me An Answer: D Cliffe Knechtle Building a Difference
D
Towards Belief: Karl Faase
D
Lakewood Church: Joel Osteen
P
Christian World News
N
Off the Streets
D
LIFE TV: Paul de Jong
P
Running With Fire: Tak Bhana
P
P
Joni and Friends
D
Building a Difference
D
N News
American Bible Challenge
The Mark Gungor Show
E Entertainment
Little Film, Big Heart
Y Youth
Life fm Presents
Y 10:00
11:00
American Bible Challenge
E
The Exchange
D Noon
Joni and Friends
D 12:30
The Christmas Experience Facing the Canon / H20: Journey of Faith (20 Dec)
11:30
D 2:00 D 2:30
Off the Streets
D 3:00
Building a Difference
D 3:30
Towards Belief: Karl Faase
Joni and Friends
D 4:00 D 4:30
The Relate Show: D 5:00 John & Helen Burns Give Me An Answer: D 5:30 Cliffe Knechtle American Bible Challenge
E
6:00 6:30
Beyond Adventure / D 7:00 Catalyst (13 Dec) 7:30 8:00
FEATURES
See adjacent for detail.
8:30 9:00
FEATURES
See adjacent for detail.
Little Film, Big Heart
Building a Difference
D 9:30
Joni and Friends
D 10:00
Off the Streets
D 10:30
Give Me An Answer: D D 11:00 Cliffe Knechtle
E Facing the Canon / H20: Journey of D Faith (19 Dec) D
10:30
E
N
Answers with Bayless Conley
9:30
The Relate Show: D 1:30 John & Helen Burns
Little Film, Big Heart
Superbook / What’s C in the Bible? (11 Dec)
Towards Belief:
9:00
P
P
Facing the Canon / H20: Journey of D Faith (16 Dec)
Hearts Wide Open D Hearts Wide Open D
Brian Houston @ Hillsong TV
Destined to Reign with Joseph Prince (Mon - Fri)
Off the Streets
Y
Beyond Adventure / D 1:00 Catalyst (13 Dec)
D
Beyond Adventure D / Catalyst (10 Dec)
Ultimate Choice
N
The Christmas Experience
The 700 Club (Mon - Fri) Music Videos
KEY
Lakewood Church: P Joel Osteen Adventures from C the Book of Virtues
Impact for Life: Word For You: P P Peter & Bev Mortlock Terry & Jayne Culkin
FEATURES
See adjacent for detail.
Facing the Canon Give Me An Answer: D / H20: Journey of D Cliffe Knechtle Faith (17 Dec)
C
C
Joni and Friends
Hour of Power: Bobby Schuller
D
Go Frills / Buzz and Poppy (16 Dec)
Christian World News See adjacent for detail.
11:00
Midnight
D
P Hearts Wide Open D
9:30
11:30
Building a Difference
Give Me An Answer: Precious Memories: D M Cliffe Knechtle Bill Gaither
2:30
10:30
P
The 700 Club (Mon - Fri)
P
D
Christian World News
Hearts Wide Open D
10:00
The Christmas Experience
D
2:00
9:00
D
The Christmas Experience
Off the Streets
Turning Point: Dr David Jeremiah
Off the Streets
D
See adjacent for detail.
8:30
P
Music Videos
FEATURES
1:30
8:00
Hour of Power: Bobby Schuller
C 7:30
P Hearts Wide Open D
Quick Study: Ron Hembree
5:30
C
P
11:30
5:00
Go Frills / Buzz and Poppy (12 Dec)
C 7:00
Veggie Tales
LIFE TV: Paul de Jong
D
4:30
C
Superbook / What’s Adventures from C C 8:00 in the Bible? (12 Dec) the Book of Virtues
Joni and Friends
In Touch: Charles Stanley
The Lads
C
D
4:00
Go Frills / Buzz and C 6:30 Poppy (13 Dec)
The Lads
Blessing, Curse or Coincidence?
3:30
P
6:00
C
D
Hour of Power: Bobby Schuller
Quick Study: Ron Hembree
P
Go Frills / Buzz and Poppy (10 Dec)
Off the Streets
3:00
Leading the Way: Michael Youssef
C
M Hearts Wide Open D
1:00
P
Adventures from the Book of Virtues
Songs of Praise
12:30
Brian Houston @ Hillsong TV
C
11:00
Noon
SATURDAY
Beyond Adventure D / Catalyst (12 Dec)
Towards Belief: Karl Faase
Blessing, Curse or Coincidence?
Details correct at time of printing
• Programme change from date shown
D 11:30 D
Midnight
Shine TV FEATURES
11th Dec 2014 - 11th Jan 2015
Details correct at time of printing. Not all features for this period are highlighted: for up-to-date 24-hour listings and programme information go to www.shinetv.co.nz.
Christmas Grace (running time: 90 min) Two rival toy store owners have competed for business over several Christmas seasons. God is working in both their lives. Wed 24 Dec @ 8.30pm Thu 25 Dec @ 2pm Christmas Oranges (running time: 90 min) Rose, an orphan, teaches the meaning of hope to all around her. A poignant story based on a classic tale. Thu 25 Dec @ 11.30am & 10.30pm
The Journey to Christmas Explore Jesus’ birth through five modern-day explorers - a messianic Jew, a First Nations woman, a poet, a Christian radio personality and an agnostic lawyer - as they journey through the Holy Land to discover the true meaning of Christmas. Thu 11 Dec Fri 12 Dec Sat 13 Dec Thu 18 Dec Fri 19 Dec Sat 20 Dec
7.30pm 7.30pm 11am & 6pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 11am & 6pm
Episode 1 Episode 2 Episode 1 & 2 Episode 3 Episode 4 Episode 3 & 4
Christmas With a Capital C (running time: 90 min) The town of Trapper Falls, Alaska is thrown into an uproar as the mayor and his high school rival bitterly dispute the town’s nativity celebrations. Sat 13 Dec @ 7.30pm Sun 14 Dec @ 12pm & 9.30pm The Love Comes Softly Series (run time: 90 min) The saga of the Davis family as they find love and build strong families on the American prairies. Inspired by the series from Janette Oke. Love’s Unfolding Dream Mon 15 Dec @ 8.30pm Love’s Christmas Journey (1) Mon 22 Dec @ 7pm Love’s Christmas Journey (2) Mon 22 Dec @ 8.30pm The Christmas Experience (running time: 90 min) Kyle Idleman examines the Christmas story in detail, emphasising how God chose each individual in the story for a specific purpose. Fri 19 Dec @ 8.30pm The Christmas Bunny (running time: 90 min) A lonely foster child finds a lost, injured rabbit in the woods on Christmas Eve. She takes it to ‘The Bunny Lady’ who runs a shelter behind her Michigan farmhouse. Sat 20 Dec @ 7.30pm Sun 21 Dec @ 12pm & 9.30pm Three Fathers of Christmas (running time: 60 min) Keith Garner takes a look at the three fathers of Christmas and how our understanding of them forms our understanding of Christmas today. Sat 20 Dec @ 7.30pm
The Heart of Christmas (running time: 90 min) The Locke’s are devastated when their young son, Dax, has cancer. They give Dax one last Christmas, even if it is in October. Thu 25 Dec @ 7.30pm Embraceable (running time: 60 min) An look at people with Williams Syndrome whose overly-social personalities often mask some of the challenges of the disorder. Sat 27 Dec @ 7.30pm Sun 28 Dec @ 12pm & 9.30pm David Brainerd (running time: 60 min) The visionary 18th Century missionary whose efforts led to spiritual revival amongst NativeAmerican tribes & inspired many after him. Sat 27 Dec @ 8.30pm Sun 28 Dec @ 1pm & 10.30pm The Frank Jenner Question (running time: 60 min) Simply asking a question about eternity, Frank Jenner lead many to faith in Jesus in wartime Sydney. The soul winning sailor is estimated to have witnessed to 100,000 people. Wed 31 Dec @ 10.30pm The Sea Inbetween (running time: 60 min) Josh Garrels and Mason Jar Music present a 21st Century vision for the future of distributed media: a full audio-visual album. Wed 31 Dec @11.30pm No Greater Love (running time: 120 min) At her greatest moment of weakness, Heather abandons her life-long sweetheart Jeff and their young son. 10 years later they meet again and must wrestle with forgiveness to move on. Sat 3 Jan @ 7.30pm Sun 4 Jan @ 12pm & 9.30pm Amazing Grace (running time: 120 min) A rising young star in 18th Century politics, William Wilberforce takes on the world’s most powerful men in his campaign against the horrors of the slave trade. Starring Ioan Gruffudd, Benedict Cumberbatch & Albert Finney. Sat 10 Jan @ 7.30pm Sun 11 Jan @ 12pm & 9.30pm
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www.mychristiandaily.com | 17
Classifieds... brought to you by My Christian Daily Jobs www.mychristiandaily.com/jobs POSITION VACANT
EVENTS
Ministry / Serving Opportunity
Summer Schools - January 2015
Liberty Down Under Wellington: Fri. 9th & Sat. 10th Jan. Christchurch: Mon. 12th & Tues.13th Jan.
Couple required to serve as Assistant Managers at the Manna Healing Centre, ten minutes west of New Plymouth at Oakura. We are looking for a married couple who feel called to bring hope and joy to the guests. This position is not suitable for a family with young children. An allowance plus accommodation and food is provided.
Auckland: Fri. 16th & Sat.17th Jan. Speaker: Sandra Sellmer-Kersten Prayer Minister, Elijah House; Healing Trauma & Shame & Restoring Honour & Identity Speakers: Mark & Miriam Holloway #1 Best-Selling Author of The Freedom Diaries. How to Converse with God, and the Implications Hosted by Jubilee Resources Intl. Inc. PO Box 36-044, Wellington Mail Centre 5045
Please contact the Chairman Russell Martin on 06 753 3467 or email rj.mo.martin@gmail.com Further info at www.mannahealing.co.nz
Phone: 04-939-1910 Fax: 04-939-1911 Email: registrations@jubileeresources.org www.jubileeresources.org (+ Door registrations on the day)
Early Bird Registrations close Wed. 24th December, 2014
RESOURCES
Eduard Klassen Tour of New Zealand 2015
BAYLYS BEACH HOLIDAY PARK
February 6th to March 9th Auckland to Invercargill For dates and venues contact Colin and Jean Sampson P.O.Box 5131 Westown New Plymouth 4343 Phone 06 751-0633 or colinsam24@gmail.com www.eduardklassen.com
24 Seaview Rd, Baylys Beach, Dargaville, New Zealand ph 09 439 6349 0800 229 597 motorcamp@baylysbeach.co.nz www.baylysbeach.co.nz
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Take the first step in creating your quantum leap from problem sexuality, addiction or abuse by calling STEPS!
Need an evangelistic speaker? Assist Ministries is your answer Our staff would consider it a privilege to preach the gospel for you at your outreach. Matthew Grant • John Jones Shirley Jones • Quentin Copland Contact us today to discuss your next event via phone 03 547 2566 or email
JJ.assist@slingshot.co.nz
We are delighted to be partnering with the Christian bookshops of NZ to make Christian Life absolutely FREE of charge each month. That’s right, it won’t cost you a cent to read each edition! To pick up your copy each month FIND A CHRISTIAN STORE NEAR YOU: Visit www.cba.net.nz or www.manna.co.nz.
18 | Christian Life Issue Nineteen December 2014
RESOURCES
VISIT THE CHURCH OF CHRIST BOOKSHOP FOR ALL YOUR CHRISTIAN NEEDS See our huge range of:
• INSPIRATIONAL BOOKS • GIFTWARE • CD’S • DVD’S
BIBLE SPECIALS Check out our large range of new Bibles
Make the gospel bicentenary known this Christmas
Stories of NZ heroes in the 1800s Gift to schools, 8+ children & grandchildren
$64.90
PER VALUE PACK OF 5 Church of Christ Bookshop 361 Mt Albert Rd, Mt Roskill, Auckland, NZ Free Phone 0508 620-500 Open Mon - Fri 9:00am - 5:30pm Sat 10:00am -2:00pm | www.churchofchristbookshop.co.nz
GAY AND HURTING?
If this is your experience, take heart. Over the last 50 years many people in similar life-walks to your own have been helped while participating in totally confidential Christian support groups. Exodus Ministries has such groups operating in several centres in N.Z. This support has resulted in a majority of participants being helped in personal growth away from samesex-attraction struggles and gay porn attraction.While the rate of growth varies, for a significant number it has been such that they have married and raised families. Exodus Ministries Ph: 09 268 0346 | exodusnz@maxnet.co.nz PO Box 175, Takinini, 2245
Purchase online - Free shipping NZ wide Cheque: 41 Otumoetai Rd, Tauranga 3110
www.bigbookpublishing.co.nz
Totara Springs Christian Centre is one of the largest centre’s of its kind in New Zealand and is a venue for school camps, church retreats, business conferences, sporting and artistic events, holiday camps and weddings. We are situated in a beautiful setting, nestled at the foot of the Kaimai mountain ranges just outside Matamata. There are 90 plus acres of parklike grounds with accommodation for 420 people in fully serviced motels, 3 lodge complexes and 18 cabins. All our camps are fully catered by our resident catering team www.totarasprings.org.nz or bookings@totarasprings.org.nz or phone 07-8884700
Peter Snell Youth Village is situated on 27 acres of native bush and parkland about 45 minutes north of Downtown Auckland. With amazing sea and island views towards Waiwera and the Mahurangi. In recent years the facilities have been updated to meet the needs and comfort of the many school and community groups that take advantage of this beautiful site. Excellent catering and friendly hosts enable guests to focus entirely on getting the most out of their stay. Onsite activities include an initiative course, burma trail, horizontal bungy, water slide and trampolines, as well as an abseiling tower. Kayaking and sailing is also available but needs to be booked with an outside provider. The beach track gives access to a rocky shore as well as a sandy beach for beach games and swimming if desired.
www.psyv.org.nz
You’ve written a book. You have the platform to promote it. Now what? Ark House is one of Australia and New Zealand’s leading Christian book publishers. We can help you get published. For more information visit www.arkhousepress.com/new-author www.mychristiandaily.com | 19
Take the
Right Steps to Ending
H
WH E
AC
N S I ’T A E F I BE L N
problem sexuality
The STEPS programme is a professional and comprehensive approach for individuals struggling with issues of problematic sexuality, addiction and abuse. CrossRoads Counselling Centre The STEPS Programme Tamaki Family Health Centre 2 Clifton Court Panmure, Auckland
David and Jean Moore
Phone: (09) 527 1777 Email: info@steps.org.nz
Celebrating twenty five years of counselling practice and proud recipients of the ‘2014 Unsung Heroes Award’ for services to marriage and family. STEPS Advert 2.indd 1
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