Christian Life issue 22 April 15 by Initiate Media

APRIL 2015 • Issue TWENTY-TWO • www.mychristiandaily.com

We will remember them.

ANZAC SPECIAL: WE WILL REMEMBER THEM • THE MAN WITH THE DONKEY MARKETING THE GOSPEL • TWICE UPON A LIFETIME & MORE!

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Issue TWENTY-TWO | APRIL 2015

03 ANZAC SPECIAL: We Will Remember Them 07 ANZAC SPECIAL: The Man With The Donkey 09 Media Savvy: Marketing the Gospel 10 Twice Upon A Lifetime

12 Negotiating Change 13 Local News 16 Shine TV programme guide 18 Christian Life Classifieds

COVER: A group of unidentified Australian and New Zealand soldiers in a front line trench on the Gallipoli Peninsula. Standing in the narrow confines of a trench passage, with sandbags at the parapet above them, several of the men are smoking pipes and cigarettes. Image courtesy of the Australian War Memorial.

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ANZAC Special

ANZACS: WE WILL REMEMBER THEM On ANZAC Day New Zealanders will commemorate the centenary of landing of troops in Gallipoli on April 25, 1915. Historian, PROFESSOR PAUL MOON talks to MARIE ANTICICH about the impact of this battle and the First World War on New Zealand.

ne hundred years have passed since and Australians and New Zealanders landed on the beach on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey. Over the previous eight months, tens of thousands of troops had rallied to serve King and country, and join Great Britain in what had quickly escalated into the First World War, and Gallipoli was their first major conflict. About 104,000 New Zealanders served overseas during the course of the war, and almost all were men. Approximately 18, 800 died and a further 40,000 were wounded. “At this time New Zealand’s population had just nudged past the one million mark, meaning that roughly one in five of all men left the country,” says Professor Moon who is Professor of History at the Auckland University of Technology. “Initially, there was a sense of jubilation when war was declared. The New Zealand public — like people in most parts of the Empire – saw the outbreak of the war as cause for celebration. One reason for this was New Zealand’s strong connection with England, and the other was due to a popular belief that wars were somehow character- building for young men.

Landing troops at Gaba Tepe Dardanelles

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ANZAC Special

“There was a belief in 1914 that the war was a bit of an ‘adventure for the boys’ and that ‘the troops will be home by Christmas.’” “These attitudes were based on the previous generation’s experiences of relatively short-lived wars. They expected a short burst of fighting in Europe, and it would all be over. No-one had any conception of the scale of this war, with trench warfare, gas poisoning and the industrial scale of the killing – few had seen tanks. “King George V’s message declaring war on Germany was read from the steps of New Zealand’s Parliament at 3pm on August 5 1914 to 15,000 Wellingtonians who had squeezed into the parliamentary grounds. The crowd cheered when the New Zealand Governor, the Earl of Liverpool promised that New Zealand was ‘prepared to make any sacrifice to maintain her heritage and her birthright.’ “The spontaneous surge of public support for the impending conflict was immediate, and following the declaration of war, few challenged the fixed belief in the rightness of the cause,” says Professor Moon who has written several books on New Zealand history. “In Christchurch, a long procession of fighting-aged men paraded through the streets, singing patriotic British and French songs. Jubilation was not limited just to the capital: there was a similar scene in Wanganui, only with a band accompanying the crowd, and with hoarse cheers frequently raised for the King and for France. Dunedin’s cinemas had an enforced pause in their screenings as audiences rose and broke into the national anthem when it was announced that the British were mobilising troops. “The Canterbury Automobile Association recommended its members place their vehicles at the government’s disposal for the forthcoming war effort, and all sorts of offers of assistance were made to the government by individuals and community groups.” Professor Moon said that WW1 World War I came at the tail-end of the nineteenth century style of diplomacy: “There was such an entanglement of finely balanced and interwoven alliances that even now, 100 years later, it is

Clockwise from top: Landing troops at Gaba Tepe, Gallipoli (Anzac Cove) 25 April 1915. Courtesy of Archives New Zealand; A group of New Zealand Army chaplains Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association New Zealand official negatives, World War 1914-1918. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. ; New Zealand Historian, Professor Paul Moon

4 | Christian Life Issue Twenty Two April 2015

hard to agree on the precise causes of the war. “Every country was strengthening itself by signing a series of alliances to fortify its own position. This was prompted by fear and the need to organise ostensibly defensive power blocs. As a result, when one little thing happened – the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand following years of Austro-Hungarian aggression against Serbia – war erupted and quickly escalated out of all proportion.” Churches Object However support was not unanimous. In a rare show of inter-denominational unity, delegates from the Church of England, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Congregational, Salvation Army, Church of Christ and the Society of Friends, formed a Peace Committee. “This committee was founded on the principle that war ‘as a means of settling disputes between nations is utterly opposed to the mind of Christ,’” says Professor Moon who attends Massey Presbyterian Church. “The committee urged ‘All men of goodwill to take a definite stand against war, and so to use their influence with the people and Government of this Dominion that our country shall play its part in bringing about good and friendly relations among the nations.’ The committee issued a statement condemning the conflict on the grounds ‘that the war system and the Gospel of Christ are diametrically and irreconcilably opposed.’” He points out that the Military Service Act allowed individuals to object to serving in the armed forces if they believed that such involvement was military service was ‘contrary to divine revelation,’ or if they objected on grounds of conscience. Most fell into the category of conscientious objectors, the best known of these being Archie Baxter (father of New Zealand poet James K. Baxter) who was tortured for his beliefs. “The fact that World War I was so far away, with complex motives, alliances and loyalties, may have contributed to the higher number of conscientious objectors during WWI, as they felt the war wasn’t directly affecting the safety of New Zealand. “But most people thought, ‘We’re part of the British Empire – and so we should be fighting for country and Empire’ The British monarchy and Anglican Church supported the cause, although within the church there was a range of views.” “Disillusionment set in with the publication of casualty lists and as news of the failure of the Gallipoli campaign began to filter through. Understandably enlistments began to drop off, and conscription was instituted in 1916. “The tens of thousands of deaths were unprecedented for a country the size of New Zealand, and many other countries suffered huge losses – civilians often died of starvation after being forced off their land or were killed by shells or poisonous gas, which doesn’t discriminate between soldiers and civilians. Nothing in history compared with it.” Hellish Conflict “Many of those who did join up were to experience conflict of hellish dimensions. For reasons still under dispute, the intricate plans for the assault were tossed into confusion at the last moment, with some of the troops landing on the wrong sections of beach, and parties of soldiers separating or mistakenly mixing with others. What made this disarray lead to such lethal consequences, though, was the strong position of the Turks. “One private described how on April 25, even as the soldiers gathered on the beach before dawn and prepared their packs and bayonets, ‘All the time the machine gun on the cliff above us had been pouring out a hail of bullets into the landing parties.’ As other troops continued to land shortly after sunrise, they were having to scramble for shelter over their dead and wounded colleagues. And it was like this throughout the day.” A particularly poignant war record is that of Premier Richard Seddon’s three son. His eldest son, Richard survived the Boer War but was killed in France in 1918. His second son Thomas was one decorated for bravery and became a Member of Parliament. His youngest son, Stuart was so traumatised by the war that he spent the rest of his life in psychiatric care. Why is it important that we remember the fallen? “Defeat casts a longer shadow than victory and reminds us of grief and tragedy. Young people are unlikely to have known anyone who fought in WWI, think about what it must have been like, and often become quite emotional,” Professor Moon observes. “In the years following Gallipoli, there was no national revelry over the major battles of the war, as had happened in England in the nineteenth century after the Napoleonic wars. Instead, New Zealanders chose to recall the

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ANZAC Special

At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.

Left: An Anzac Day service at the Cenotaph in the Auckland Domain Great War by erecting memorials – about 450 in all – in districts where local soldiers had left to join the fighting, and not returned. Many of these monuments to the dead were inlaid with the words of Laurence Binyon’s poem ‘For the Fallen:’ At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. The First World War lasted for four years and so numerous commemorations will be held between 2014 and 2018. These include Armistice Day (November 11, 1918) and peace celebrations on July 2019 will commemorate the soldiers’ return home. Other commemorations will include the Battle for Chunuk Bair (August 8, 2015); the Battle of the Somme,

France (September 15, 2016); the Battle of Messines, Belgium (June 7, 2017); the Battle of Passchendaele, Belgium (October 12 2017); the Battle of Beersheba, Israel (October 31, 2017), and the liberation of Le Quesnoy in France (November 4, 2018.) Many Australians and New Zealanders will travel to Gallipoli to attend ANZAC memorial services which include a joint Dawn Service at the Anzac commemorative site, followed by an Australian memorial service at Lone Pine and a New Zealand memorial service at Chunuk Bair. Events and exhibitions around New Zealand will include the New Zealand Dance Company’s Australasian tour with a tribute called ‘Rotunda.’ New Plymouth is staging a ‘Bringing It Home: Taranaki and WW1 Exhibition’ and ‘Camp Gallipoli’ will

be held at Ellerslie Racecourse in Auckland. The 1914 departure of the Otago Infantry Battalion will be re-enacted in Dunedin, and the Toitu Settlers Museum will stage exhibitions between 2015 and 2018. Wellington will hold an Anzac eve street parade, and a light and sound show called ‘WW1 Remembered’ will be staged at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. Te Hokowhitu a Tu will mark the departure of the Maori war contingent, and in London descendants of Anzac soldiers are invited to a special commemorative service. The Returned Services Association is selling commemorative WW100 lapel pins and WW1 Anzac biscuit tins, and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand is issuing a legal tender coloured 50 cent coin.

WAR IN IRAQ As New Zealand commemorates the centenary of the landing Anzac soldiers at Gallipolli, a team of New Zealand Defence Force personnel is being deployed to Iraq. New Zealand Christian Network national director, Glyn Carpenter is asking New Zealanders to pray for the safety of the troops being sent to Iraq. “People have different views on whether troops should be sent or not. It was a difficult decision and we are praying for our Prime Minister and government.

“Most of us can do little or nothing about what will happen in Iraq, but we can and should pray, and ask God to keep our troops safe. Even though they’re not supposed to be in a combat role, it doesn’t mean this couldn’t happen. “We ask people also to pray earnestly for a speedy end to this conflict with Islamic State and to the horrific killings and terror attacks we see reported regularly through our news media. We pray for the safety of those who are working to bring this about.”

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ANZAC Special

The Man With The Donkey In the lead-up to the Gallipoli commemorations, the little-known story of the dramatic salvation of World War I hero, DICK HENDERSON has come to light. Here MARIE ANTICICH records the Kiwi soldier’s testimony.

he famous painting of Private Dick Henderson carrying a wounded man on a donkey has become one of the most recognised symbols of Gallipoli. But what isn’t so well-known is that in civilian life, Dick gave his life to Jesus Christ at the Church of Christ in Mt Roskill, Auckland. Dick recorded his testimony before he died, and the voice-over recording was played at his funeral at the Church of Christ in November, 1958. The Auckland Star reported that the church was packed to capacity, and the service was conducted by Pastor F. Wilson. The chief mourners were Mr Henderson’s wife and three children. The tape containing Dick’s testimony has been transferred onto CD and is stored in the Church of Christ archives. A church elder and lay preacher, John Speedy sent me a copy of the CD from which I have transcribed Dick’s testimony (below.) “I remember seeing Mr Henderson at church when I was a young man,” John recalls. “He was a WW1 veteran with a severe cough from being gassed in France, and he

was blind and wore dark glasses. “I want people to know that this man got saved,” says John who recently paid tribute to Dick in a sermon he preached based on 2 Corinthians 5:17 If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation. “This was certainly true of Mr Henderson.” A Pen Portrait Private Richard Alexander (Dick) Henderson was born in Waihi on August 26, 1985. He was a trainee teacher at Mt Roskill (later renamed Three Kings) School when he enlisted with the NZ Expeditionary Force on August 10, 1914. He gave his birth date as 1893 to make himself eligible for the enlistment age of 21, and went to Gallipoli as a medic with the Field Ambulance of the New Zealand Medical Corps. Days after landing at Anzac Cove, Dick saw the Australian stretcher bearer, John Simpson Kirkpatrick carrying wounded men on a donkey. Weeks later Simpson was killed by machine gun fire, and Dick continued the

Dick Henderson is depicted in Moore-Jones’ renowned painting, ‘The Man with The Donkey,’ with Murphy the donkey wearing a Red Cross band around its muzzle. The water-colour painting has overtones of the Good Samaritan carrying a wounded man on a donkey. Credit: Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington.

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ANZAC Special

But now, since I live a life in which sin has been forgiven through my faith in Jesus, I know beyond all doubt that when this life ceases, I will immediately pass into eternal life.

Church of Christ Pastor Paul Humphries (left) and John Speedy holding the CD and cover. Pastor Humphries visited Dick Henderson in hospital the night before he died and remembers Dick saying, “I’m going home” meaning “I’m going to heaven when I pass on.”

work, using Simpson’s donkey, Murphy. Years later, in a 1950 newspaper interview, he told a reporter: “There was nothing really heroic about the work Kirkpatrick and I did with that donkey. It was easier carrying a wounded man on a donkey than it was on a stretcher or on one’s shoulders.” Nevertheless, Dick became a legend for his bravery in going beyond the call of duty in carrying wounded men from the front line. Surviving Gallipoli, he went on to the Battle of the Somme in France and received the Military Medal for rescuing wounded men from the battlefield under heavy shellfire. Exposed to mustard gas at Passchendaele, he was repatriated to New Zealand with badly damaged lungs just before the war ended in 1918. He resumed teaching until he went blind and was forced to retire. As a result he began frequenting hotel bars and became an alcoholic, until he received salvation in Jesus Christ. Dick died at Greenlane Hospital on November 14, 1958, at age 63. After the war, Sapper Horace Moore-Jones was shown a photograph of Henderson, taken at Anzac Cove in 1915 by Sergeant James G. Jackson, and based the water-colour painting on it. Moore-Jones believed the man in the photograph to be the Australian stretcher-bearer, Simpson and titled the painting accordingly. The legend about Simpson and Murphy grew, until Dick Henderson eventually revealed that he was the man in the painting, saying: “I never really worried about the legend, but I’m getting old now and I would like the full story told before I die.” Dick’s work in Gallipoli has also been immortalised in a bronze statue outside the National War Memorial Museum in Wellington, and in a Returned Services Association statuette which is awarded annually to a person or group showing ‘the Anzac spirit’ of comradeship, compassion, courage and commitment. The Transcript of Dick Henderson’s Testimony “As you listen to my story you will see how completely God fulfils His promises. The life I have lived has been wide and varied, bringing me into contact with people of every class, and possibly therefore, some of the main events of my life may prove of interest to listeners. Having been a blacksmith, an engineer, and having

8 | Christian Life Issue Twenty Two April 2015

worked underground and been an assayer in gold mines, I finally became a teacher. While still 18 years of age, I entered camp – the main body at Potters Paddock, now the Auckland Trotting course at Epsom. I served on Gallipoli from the landing to the evacuation, and there, on account of my work in carrying wounded from the front-line trenches to the beaches on the donkey Murphy, I became perhaps one of the bestknown figures there. Through the world-famous painting, ‘The Man with the Donkey’ by the soldier-artist, Sapper Moore-Jones, I became perhaps the best-known character of the Gallipoli campaign. Following Gallipoli, I went to France where I served for two years. Being seriously gassed at Passchendele late in 1917, I was invalided home early in 1918, and returned to my work as a teacher which I continued until just over 20 years ago, when owing to my war disability being progressive, I had to retire as I was now rendered unfit for any further work. Not only were my chest and heart affected, but my sight also began to fail. I had been totally blind for nearly three months when first gassed, but the vision returned and remained good for ten years or more. Now however, the sight failed rapidly and by 1940 I was almost totally blind. Having no way of employing my time, I began to frequent the hotels more and more, with the result that I became a chain smoker and a confirmed alcoholic. Almost every day I spent from soon after opening time till late in the afternoon in the bar, not even leaving for lunch. I drank of at least two gallons of beer and a quart bottle of highly fortified wine daily. So you can see how low I had sunk in sin. Just over three years ago, I was invited to attend a service and a film at the Church of Christ New Zealand, Mt Roskill. Here I heard the gospel message in such a way that I accepted Jesus as my Saviour. From that moment such a peace came into my life that it has to be experienced to be fully understood. Whereas in my former life, I was constantly short of money, and it was only with difficulty that I met my obligations, today I own a nice car, each month I improve my home,

and my life is filled with a contentment, a peace and joy of life that far transcends anything I had previously experienced. Whereas previously, I was unable to go out of a night, now my wife, my son and I go out together at least four evenings every week. Before, I led a selfish life leaving my wife and family at home lonely. Now we go everywhere together with the result that we have become real companions and there is a genuine bond of love between us. God has lifted all my vicious habits from me, and today my life is filled with utter contentment. As a digger in WW1, I have done my 30 miles a day over the burning sands of Egypt, carrying full kit. While in France, I have trekked up to 25 miles a day in full marching order which means carrying a load of about a hundredweight. Add to this, the trench life lived amidst mud, filth and constant death, and you can understand how we became hardened and callous. Having only one division at the front – about 8,000 men – and suffering on an average over 4,000 men killed in action or dying from sickness every year, it meant that one in two gave his life each year. On many occasions, with a joke and a smile, I have looked death squarely in the face. Yes, I’ve been decorated for bravery, but let me tell you this, this apparent fearlessness is only on the surface. It is easy to be without fear in your mind and actions, but deep inside there is not mere fear but absolute terror, and well might this be so. For though we can control our fear and trembling, and keep a rapidly thinking brain and clear mind – for acute danger either paralyses or quickens the thinking powers – in our soul and in our heart we know that death spells a lost eternity, even though we are not consciously aware of the fact. During comparatively recent years, owing to my war disability, I have upon many occasions been at death’s door, and while at such times I have looked upon death as a means of escape from pain and suffering, fear has always filled the heart. But now, since I live a life in which sin has been forgiven through my faith in Jesus, I know beyond all doubt that when this life ceases, I will immediately pass into eternal life. When once you accept salvation through our Lord and Saviour Jesus, every trace of fear and doubt is gone forever. This I have proved, for although since leading the Christian life I have upon occasion been desperately ill, never has trace of fear entered me. You see listeners, I have lived the worldly life to the full. I have also lived the Christian life, and I find that there is neither pleasure, peace nor contentment in any life lived outside of Jesus. How I wish that you listeners could understand the wonderful change that has taken place in my life. Whereas my previous life was restless, uncertain and devoid of any solid satisfaction, today it is filled with an utter contentment, peace and joy of life. Add to this present-day security, the hope and certainty of eternal life lived under divinely blissful conditions, then perhaps you can understand what it is I wish you each one of you to have. Remember, God is faithful and just to forgive them that confess their sins to Him. 1 John1:9 Will you now, in the quiet of your own home, just ask Jesus to forgive you your sins and to take over your life? Do this, and you will feel the power of God come in. God bless you all.”

Outreach

MEDIA SAVVY: MARKETING THE GOSPEL The Hope Project is launching the second phase of campaign promoting the gospel message through television advertisements, letterbox drops and social media sites. DAVE MANN talks to MARIE ANTICICH about using modern media to spread the message. Watch out for Dave Mann’s face on all the main TV channels from April 29 when he will be fronting the Hope Project’s next round of advertising on secular television. “We’re about to launch another significant media campaign that’s going to engage more New Zealanders with the gospel message than ever before,” says the Hope Project’s founder and co-ordinator. “What we’re doing is far more extensive and wide-reaching that most could imagine – we’re intentionally and strategically engaging with non-churched people. This campaign will undoubtedly initiate conversations about spiritual things, and so we’re encouraging churches to prepare their members to engage in and initiate conversations at every opportunity.” Last October the with the Hope Project ran a $1 million advertising and marketing campaign on television, radio, newspapers and social media, and distributed booklets to letterboxes nationwide. “The feedback has been encouraging but it’s difficult to measure results in a campaign like this,” says the trained pastor and an experienced evangelist. “However last year more than 1.4 million homes had an opportunity to hear and understand the Christian message, and we worked with pastors who helped prepare 50,000 church people to engage in spiritual conversations. “Last year we did a two-week media blitz, but this year we’re taking a more targeted and strategic approach and spreading our marketing over three months. This, coupled with a six-month social media campaign, will allow conversations about the gospel message to be more ongoing.” The Tauranga-based father of four has spent the last three years travelling around New Zealand, building relationships with churches, and encouraging Christians to share the gospel with fellow New Zealanders. New Zealand is now a multi-religious society and

so we need to learn how to engage people in a twoway conversation about spiritual things, said Dave who is encouraged to see many churches using the project’s online equipping videos to help church members learn how to engage in spiritual conversations. “It’s important to be respectful and not preach at people. They’ll say stuff you don’t agree with, but if you affirm their interest in spirituality, and get the conversation going, you can talk about almost anything,” he said. The project’s first round of television advertisements in April will promote the distribution of a second booklet called ‘Hope for All – The Hidden Power’ about how we can trust the Bible message to be reliable. The booklet will be delivered to more than 1.35 million letterboxes in May, as was the ‘Hope for All’ booklet last year. In May and June, a second and third round of advertisements will encourage viewers to access the project’s social media sites. Media Smart “Social media is a very effective way to engage with people,” he asserts. “Online, you can directly communicate with an audience of 930,000 people by sending an advertisement directly to their Facebook page, and so we’ve engaged a social media company get the best advice for our online activity. “General advertising takes more of a ‘splatter’ approach – it’s not money wasted because it establishes credibility and brand presence – but for best results you’ve got to balance general advertising with other strategies. “It’s about using old and new methods – booklets, television, advertising and social media – there are a growing number of poly-media users – they use iPads, television and mobile phones. There is no question that Kiwis are interested in spirituality: “Last year’s top on Who is ....? google

search’ was Who is Jesus? and statistics show that more than one third of Facebook users consider Jesus to be someone they’re interested in. “When we first started online we had a higher content of Christianity, but we’ve learned to get the conversation going first. People need to feel safe – they don’t want to feel trapped – and if we give them good quality media, trust develops and they will return to our material.” Responses to online videos about Christian values show that secular-minded Kiwis were willing to engage with the idea of hope. Says Dave: “Hope is one of our guiding principles, as found in 1 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.

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Marriage

Twice Upon a Lifetime Liz and Ruki Watene have been married twice – to each other. They tell Marie Anticich about their inspiring story of marriage restoration and the Covenant Keepers conference in Wellington on ANZAC weekend.

fter seven years apart – including separation and divorce – Ruki and Liz Watene were remarried in 2000. They were first married in Sydney in 1998, and have two children, Breyan (23) from the first part of their marriage and Raphaella (8) from the second part. After living in Australia for 25 years, they moved to Christchurch last year to support Liz’s elderly parents. Today the Watenes are national directors of Covenant Keepers Australasia, an international ministry which supports people standing for the restoration of their marriage and family, and they will give their testimony of a healed marriage at the Covenant Keeper’s conference at El Rancho in Waikanae, Wellington from April 24-26. “We’re passionate about seeing God restore marriages,” says Liz. “After walking through the pain of divorce, I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. Isaiah 61 speaks of comforting those who mourn and exchanging beauty for ashes – that’s why we call our story ‘God’s Story of Restoration.’ They encourage spouses going through troubles not to give up, but to seek the Lord’s vision for their marriage: “Marriage is designed to represent God’s unconditional love for us, no matter what we have done.” Ruki and Liz were keen Christians when they first met and were married within two years. Four years later their marriage broke up when Ruki took offence at something that happened in church. Deciding he was ‘out’ on God, he walked out on his church, faith, marriage and family. It was the start of a ‘humungous’ journey for Liz who was 26 and found herself bringing up a baby in Sydney, alone. “I sought the Lord’s heartbeat for my marriage and realised it is a lifelong covenant, and He wanted me to ‘stand’ – to work and pray for restoration of my marriage – and remain faithful to my husband. “It was often a lonely road, and many people didn’t understand. But I came to a place of forgiving Ruki and praying for the restoration of his relationship with the Lord.” Seven years later, Ruki had a ‘Damascus Road’ experience, and came home. Much repentance, healing and forgiveness ensued on both sides. “Our second wedding service was packed out – two thirds of the congregation were unchurched friends who were intrigued to see a loving Father bringing a marriage

10 | Christian Life Issue Twenty Two April 2015

back together,” Liz recalls. “But to me, the miracle was seeing two whole people becoming one, rather than two broken people trying to make a whole. Before you can truly love someone else, you need to be centred in God and know who you are in Him.” Their Journey Liz and Ruki’s story began on April 30, 1987, the day Liz arrived in Sydney. “I’d just completed a four-year typography apprenticeship in Christchurch and flown to Sydney for an extended holiday. My girlfriend had told me about the Pentecostal church she attended. ‘You have to meet this guy Ruki,” she wrote. ‘He has such zeal and passion for God.’” Liz’s girlfriend picked her up at the airport and took her straight around to the flat where Ruki lived: “Ruki and I discovered that we were both 20 years old, and the third of four children.” Throwing themselves in church and youth activities, Liz and her friend went on street outreaches with Ruki and a group called the ‘Commandos.’ “We’d pass out drinks from a van and tell people about Jesus, and on weekends we’d sometimes drive to a country town, perform street dramas sing and share our testimonies.” When a Bible study course Liz had enrolled for in Christchurch was cancelled, she decided to stay on in Sydney: “Besides, Ruki and I had fallen in love and believed we’d be married some day.” After they’d been ‘going out’ for three months, Ruki asked Liz for a break so he could to seek God about their relationship. “I threw a tantrum and refused,” says Liz. “Looking back, I realise that was essentially control and manipulation. Later I found that robbing Ruki of his free will that day had caused a major crack in the foundations of our relationship.” A Rough Journey “My father left home when I was seven years old,” says Ruki who grew up in Whangarei. “For many years Dad’s leaving was an unfathomable mystery to me, and it wasn’t until later on in my own journey that I realised there’s never one reason you leave home, but many.” After his parent’s divorce went through, a new step-father moved in. This caused much pain and devastation in the family and Ruki was beaten and verbally abused. At

14 he left home and joined his uncle’s shearing gang. Ruki worked hard and was on his way to becoming one of New Zealand’s top young shearers when his abusive childhood began to catch up with him. This manifested itself in a destructive lifestyle. At 18, Ruki decided to make a fresh start and join his mother who was living in Sydney. “The day before I left New Zealand I had a ‘divine appointment – I met Jesus at a street outreach in Aotea Square, Auckland,” he recounts. “When I arrived in Sydney I felt led to attend a Pentecostal church and I was baptised in water and the Holy Spirit.” Musically gifted, he sang and played the guitar. On his 21st birthday, Ruki rang his father in New Zealand. “I’d often spoken to Dad about my faith, but that was to be our last conversation, as Dad died suddenly soon afterwards.” Heartbroken, Ruki tried to fill the gap with God and other things. Liz’s Story “I grew up in a Christian family in Christchurch – my parents were God-fearing believers who took me to a traditional church. I went to Sunday school and Christian holiday camps but I didn’t meet Jesus personally until I was 13 years old.” Her salvation was prompted by several near-death experiences: “Firstly, my younger brother fell down an icy mountain slope and nearly died. Then he had a serious bike accident, and I was nearly run over by a huge grader when I was crossing the road.” Liz’s eldest brother also met Jesus at that time, and so they went to a Pentecostal church together. There Liz was water baptised and received the Holy Spirit. She joined in youth group activities, but like many teenagers, she struggled with insecurity. “Even though I knew my parents loved me, and the Lord loved me, I hadn’t yet found my true identity in Him,” she observes. “I was plagued by bulimia and suicidal thoughts, and addicted to romantic fiction. Later I learned to take these issues to the Lord and let Him deal with them at the cross.” Marriage Ruki and Liz were married in December, 1988, after a year-long engagement. At that time Ruki was involved with ‘Youth Alive,’ a large youth organisation, and went to Tasmania and helped launch the ministry in Hongkong.

Although my soul and flesh cried out for companionship, for someone to share the daily load of living on this planet, something deep within stopped me from having another relationship. Two years after they were married their son, Breyan was born. Liz took maternity leave and then returned to work, while Ruki looked after the baby and studied at Bible college, and they were also live-in house parents at a women’s refuge. “We were facing decisions about whether Ruki should continue his studies or return to New Zealand and help plant a church, and what we would live on.” Pressures intensified, and after an offence occurred at church, Ruki left in February, 1993. “I was so shocked and devastated I could hardly breathe,” Liz remembers “but I still hoped my husband would come home. The built-in wardrobe in our bedroom became my prayer closet, and there among my husband’s clothes, I wept in anguish like the psalmist, I am weary with my sighing. Every night I make my bed swim, I dissolve my couch with my tears. My eyes have wasted away with grief. Psalm 6: 6.” Two weeks later Ruki rang her at work. “I can’t recall much of the conversation, but I remember looking out my office window at the beautiful view across Sydney Harbour and ships and wharves and people walking about, and the pain and confusion I felt. “Ruki told me he’d moved to another state and, although he still wanted to be involved with our son, he wasn’t coming back.” Liz was forced to resign from her job, apply for social welfare and find a flat. Friends helped her move and a workmate lent her the$500 bond money. Six weeks later Ruki came to Sydney on a visit. “We were driving along in a small car I’d borrowed when he told me he was involved with someone else. He said he loved her and had committed himself to her forever. “I screamed: ‘No!’ feeling as if my insides were being ripped out. Later, when I learned more about God’s one-flesh marriage covenant, I understood why I’d felt so torn apart.” In hindsight, Liz realised they had drifted apart emotionally and seldom talked about real issues. “Also, our past brokenness and insecurities had never been properly dealt with, even though we thought they had.” She started a prayer journal and wrote: “I’m numb, Lord. I’ve lost part of me. Ruki was my best friend and the father of our son. Lord, You know what’s in my heart – let the grief flow so I can make it through. You are my husband now, and the lover of my soul. “A day may come when you ask me to give Ruki a second chance. That’s what Your love is about. When that time comes, please give me the grace and strength to believe and trust in You – not in him. Keep my attitude right and don’t let anger rule my life.’ “Although my soul and flesh cried out for companionship, for someone to share the daily load of living on this planet, something deep within stopped me from having another relationship. “People told me I was crazy. They said I should let my marriage go and ‘Move on’ but I knew God was calling me to remain faithful to our marriage covenant, and so I began to ‘Move forward’ to that goal.” Searching the Scriptures to find God’s heart for marriage, she read in Malachi 2:16 that God hates divorce. In Matthew 19, Jesus told the Pharisees that divorce is due to people’s hardness of heart, and wasn’t His intention from the beginning. Four years later Liz’s world was rocked again when Ruki pressed for a divorce. “I caught a bus to the court house and watched the registrar whip through five decree nisis (divorces) in 20 minutes. “It was one of my lowest points,” she recalls. “A hatred of divorce overwhelmed me and I decided to continue with my stand in the hope it would stop divorce going down to the next generation of my family. I also began to pray genuinely for Ruki’s partner’s salvation.” Together Again Today Liz and Ruki compare their journey to the parable of the prodigal son: “We call it ‘The Tale of Two Brothers,’ because neither of them understood their true identity as sons of the Father. “Like the younger brother, Ruki left home and like the older brother, I remained in the Father’s house. But we both needed to find that place of ‘sonship’ before our marriage could be restored. “Transitioning into sonship takes you into the Father’s heart, and into a place of maturity where you can love others unconditionally. The Lord gave me many promises from His word and often assured me, “When the time is right, I’ll put such a desire in Ruki’s heart he can do nothing but come home.” Ruki’s ‘Damascus Road’ experience occurred in 1997, while he was playing a round of golf.

“I felt God tell me I was ‘playing on the wrong course’ and that He couldn’t truly bless me because of my lifestyle,” he says. “The Holy Spirit hit me and I fell to my knees and wept. It was that powerful, I felt compelled to obey.” Although still in love with his partner, in obedience to God, Ruki began planning his journey home. Just after Christmas 1998, he set off on his motorbike on the 900 km journey home. He had two near accidents – one when the chain came off at high speed and the other in the middle of the night when the chain finally snapped. Abandoning his motorbike, he began hitching. He was picked up at 3am by a truckie who ‘happened’ to have just reconciled with his wife. They drove through the night and the truckie dropped Ruki off near Liz’s street. “We had a lot to handle when Ruki came home,” says Liz. “We’d been apart a long time and he’d been ‘wallowing in the pigsty.’ But it wasn’t my place to pretty him up or make him smell nice – my role was to keep standing in the gap for restoration. We knew it had to be God’s doing this time around, not ours. “ They have now been remarried for fifteen years. “We’ve learned that God doesn’t care how long it takes, but His timing is perfect. We’ve learned to forgive quickly and we often recall our wedding vows: for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death us do part. We’re still learning to keep our hearts centred on God and to let Him be sovereign, rather than trying to be the Holy Spirit in each other’s lives.” Deliverance and personal ministry has brought newfound confidence and security in God. At the Covenant Keepers conference, Ruki and Liz will minister to people who desire to see their marriage restored. “Our vision scripture is 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort who comforts us in all our afflictions so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Let’s take it to the next level...

...because an extraordinary conversation has begun! The Hope Project has been a hugely visible outreach on behalf of Christian churches throughout New Zealand. Feedback from Christians and non-Christians alike has been significant . With your help we’ve started an extraordinary conversation. It happens again this April/May 2015, and then for a final time at Easter 2016. Let’s make the most of it!

PROJECT INFO

CURRENT NEEDS

When: Mid April to early May, 2015.

Prayer: Please pray. You can subscribe for prayer updates at: AllTogether.co.nz.

What: The gospel to every home in NZ (the 2nd of 3 efforts to engage a conversation). How: Targeted TV ads, a new booklet, three websites, social media interaction — and you.

Giving: Donate at: AllTogether.co.nz/donate. Every 60 cents gets the gospel to another home. As at 1st March 2015, $340,000 more is needed for Phase II. Bank Account: 02-0466-0307987-001 Preparation: Get equipped to engage the conversation using the online videos at: AllTogether.co.nz/equipping-videos

Partner your Church: Go to AllTogether.co.nz/partnership

You can also help take booklets to people at the doors of houses with ‘no circulars’ signs on their letterboxes.

Hope Project: PO Box 6078, Brookfield, Tauranga 3146

www.mychristiandaily.com | 11

Change

NEGOTIATING CHANGE DR CATHY HINE stepped down from her role as Interserve International’s Director of Ministries late last year to focus on research, writing and advocacy for women living in Islamic contexts. Cathy has been with Interserve for more than 25 years, serving in Asia and the Middle East primarily in women’s ministry and in key leadership roles. As well as having qualifications in Islamics, Cathy has recently completed her PhD, which is titled, ‘Untying the Hard Knot of Her Subjugation: Women Activists Negotiating Change in Pakistan’.

or me, commitment to God’s heart for the nations was part of becoming a Christian. I had been brought up in a Christian family in Australia where mission workers were often passing through, and my parents had always maintained a commitment in giving to, and praying for, the work of missions. After two years of Bible College I headed out with OM, and served first in Ireland then among Asians in Britain. After that I went to Pakistan, with a conviction that my life was to be given to working among women in the Muslim world. While in Pakistan I met Interserve pioneers, Vivienne Stacey and Carol Walker, both of whom encouraged me in my pursuit of this ministry. I was impressed that Interserve was committed to women being involved directly in ministry to women in the Muslim world, as there was much talk in those days that women should not be out there. In 1987, after joining Interserve, I went to Pakistan to work at Kinnaird College for Women in Lahore. I initially worked in the hostels at Kinnaird, then took on overall responsibility for the running of them. The hostels provided a unique opportunity to experience daily life with girls who came from all over Pakistan, and to share their joys, their pains, and their challenges. It was a steep learning curve for me, especially when it came to trying to understand many of the rules these girls lived by, and how the cultural implications of behaviour set the standard for acceptable behaviour. I had many opportunities to pray with and for the girls in the hostels, to tell them stories that gave hope or challenged perceptions – to be light and salt. This contact with the girls often provided an open door into the lives of their families as well. The girls I got to know the most were those who got into trouble regularly, and some of the closest friends I made while at Kinnaird were the family of one of the naughtiest girls. As the girls and I would talk about matters of faith, I would be alarmed by the untruths and strange ideas that they had been taught about Christianity. And I also came to the conviction that those of us who work long-term in the Muslim world have a responsibility to understand Islam in more depth than what is often taught in Bible colleges. So in 1993 I attended a secular institution, Exeter University, in England and did a degree in Arabic and Islamic Studies. After completing the degree I wanted to consolidate my Arabic while continuing to serve, and so went to Egypt where I had the privilege of working for three years with the Coptic Orthodox Church. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn of my own faith in a different expression, and my spirituality was deeply influenced by the Orthodox Church. The work I was involved in included fund raising for micro-enterprise projects, development work and Christian witness in an extremely deprived area of Egypt. I also helped to start a retreat and ministry centre for both Egyptian and non-Egyptian believers to take time away from everything and to just be with God. In 2001 I returned to Pakistan and spent nearly four years there involved in starting two projects as part of Kinnaird College. The first, the Programme for Women’s Improvement was a continuing education programme of short courses aimed at upskilling women to give them more choices in life. The second was the establishment of a Centre for Continuing Education, as part of the post graduate department. Both of these programmes

12 | Christian Life Issue Twenty Two April 2015

were about enabling women to grow and develop and providing for their needs in ways they could respond to. In May 2006 I became part of the International Leadership Team of Interserve. My role of Regional Director for the Arab World enabled me to combine my heart for Muslim women and leadership that supports the growth of what God has called us as a fellowship to do. I was particularly excited by the development of partnerships between Interserve and local churches in Africa and the Middle East, where we provided training, connections and resources to enable these churches to send mission workers themselves into Asia and the Arab world. As Interserve sought to develop its ministry capacity and capabilities, I moved into a role as Director of Ministries in January 2012. The role provided support to the regional leadership, cast vision for missiological responses to mission critical issues, and worked to develop and empower Interserve workers in line with strategic vision. I concluded my time as Director of Ministries in November 2014. In 2004 I started a PhD (‘Untying the Hard Knot of Her Subjugation: Women Activists Negotiating Change in Pakistan’) that provided an opportunity for me to explore issues that enable transformation and those that hinder. While working in my other roles I had often wondered how I would end up putting that study to use, then in May 2014 God spoke to me from Exodus 3 about women who live in Islamic contexts: “Cathy, I have heard their cry, I know the burden they are under. I want to bring them out from under that burden, and I am sending you.” I am responding to this fresh call from God back

to my heart passion, and am exploring new ways of engaging in ministry among women living under Islam. I have already seeded the exploration of a network of women practitioners and scholars who engage in mission, Islam and women, with a colloquium to be held in September 2015 called ‘When Women Speak …’. It will address the question of how Christian women can contribute to more balanced missiological engagements with women who live under Islam. At the same time, I am also exploring new ways of engaging as a Christian with Muslim women’s desires for change, bringing together my passions for research and writing with activism and advocacy, and seeking to empower women in Asia and the Arab world to develop contextual theological responses to the challenges women face in living under Islam.

Cathy is the keynote speaker at the Interserve Day event, 2 May, at Glen Innes, Auckland: all are welcome to attend. Cathy will also share at public meetings in Auckland, Gordonton and Wellington – please see the Interserve website (www.interserve. org.nz) for more details.

Local News

Children’s Ministry with a purpose By Hilary Hague

Hilary Hague speaking at the WAY2GO Children’s Ministry Conference.

f you’re out walking in the Whanganui National Park and you walk far enough, you will stumble across a bizarre bridge in the middle of nowhere. The people who built it did a good job. But there is no road on either side, and no signs of people or homes. There’s nothing. The bridge was built in 1936 to access land for soldiers returning from World War I. But after it was built, the settlers discovered that the land on the other side was no good. They gave up and left and in time the land reverted to bush, obliterating all signs of habitation except for the bridge, which is now very aptly called The Bridge to Nowhere. “What does this have to do with children’s ministry?” I hear you asking. Well, children’s ministry conversations often centre on our programmes. We look for the latest curriculums and our discussions and meetings are about content. Now of course we want to have good programmes and do them well. Our children are worth that. But if that is all we are thinking

about, then we are like the people who built The Bridge to Nowhere. If we are so busy concentrating on our programmes that we forget why we are doing them, then, in the same way as the bridge went nowhere, our programmes will do the same. Instead, we need to start by asking God what he wants for our children. Then we need to ask ourselves, “What will help faith grow, in this way, in our children?” And then, after we have done that, let’s look at the programme and ask ourselves, “Will it take us where we want to go?”

Hilary is the Leader of the children and families team at Scripture Union. She will be at the WAY2GO children’s ministry conferences which are being held in Auckland, Wellington and Invercargill this year.

Christian Writers Unite For over 30 years, NZ Christian Writers has united a nationwide collective of authors, editors, and writers throughout New Zealand. They offer inspiring workshops, writers retreats, plus fellowship with other Christian Writers to encourage, inspire, and up-skill people in their writing. NZ Christian Writers cultivate, encourage, and inspire a vibrant community of Christian Writers throughout New Zealand. Their mission is simply connecting Christian Writers in New Zealand. NZ Christian Writers (previously known as The New Zealand Christian Writers Guild) has recently rebranded for 2015 with a refreshed logo and new web-

site to engage many new members. They aim to link Christian Writers and provide them with fellowship and teaching. If you are a Christian Writer living in New Zealand, NZ Christian Writers invites you to join their nationwide collective. To join this fast-growing collective of Christian Writers, just download and complete their new Membership Form PDF at: www.nzchristianwriters.org

LIFE Conference 2015:

Details of Master Class Speakers

A distinctive component of LIFE Conference each year is the focused Master Classes. Here, over two days of a chosen Master Class, two topics are covered that provide Biblical wisdom and practical guidance for individuals, local churches and ministries. The seven, specially-crafted Master Classes are taught by leaders in their field and champions of the faith. This year, an impressive line-up of guest speakers and LIFE pastors will be teaching and bringing insight. In summary, some of these will be: Ps Paul & Maree de Jong, and Ps Phil Pringle in the Senior Pastors and Executive Team Master Class; Ps Sy Rogers and Ps Steve Kennedy in Personal Development; Ps Chad Veach and Ps Luke de Jong in Youth Pastors and Leaders; Ps Tommy Barnett and Ps Craig Clark in Community; Ps Darlene Zschech (pictured above) in Creative; Ps Dave Wakerly and Ps Sharon Foreman in Kids Pastors and Leaders; Mark Powell and Joel Holm in Business. For full details or to register visit www.lifeconference.co.nz

www.mychristiandaily.com | 13

Local News

The Vanuatu Disaster and Mission: A Servant Approach Missionary Ventures NZ Director, Andrew Marriott, talks with Christian Life.

anuatu is very much in the news right now after Super-cyclone Pam. Tell us about the appeal you have launched and how MV is helping the people. “When we first heard that super-cyclone Pam was likely to hit Vanuatu we knew from previous experience in Haiti, The Philippines and other nations, that the devastation would be widespread, with major loss of life. We also know that other, larger agencies are better equipped as first-responders. So, while we are able to raise funds through our appeal we don’t send in personnel or teams straight away, especially if they may become a burden on an already overstretched infrastructure. We always work in close partnership with key indigenous Christian leaders who have influence in their communities and can mobilise others to respond swiftly where the needs are greatest. Even though many of our co-workers lost their own homes, as is the case in the Vanuatu disaster, they still seek out those with the most urgent need and respond as best they can. We can send emergency funds that can be used to purchase locally available food, water and other essential items. These items were distributed in parts of Efate Island, and other nearby islands such as Pele and Nguna by our partners even before the government and other agencies were able to get through. As this time, we’re still assessing the longer-term needs in some of the more remote areas and discussing with partner organisations in New Zealand on how we can best pool our resources and implement an effective response for at least some of the most affected communities. We are taking a large team to Vanuatu in July to commence construction of a feeding centre that we have been planning for some time.” How was MV able to help in the Philippines and Haiti? “Well, again, as we have accountable ministry partnerships and processes already in place we are able to assist even the larger agencies do their work more effectively. For example, following the major earthquake that struck Haiti in 2010 our Field Co-ordinators helped the US Marines to co-ordinate the distribution of food through our feeding centres. After Super-typhoon Yolanda hit the Philippines in 2013, our Field workers helped to co-ordinate the relief effort on behalf of other

organisations through their strong church networks and relationships with the government. Through our partnership with the Christian Motorcyclists Association, teams of pastors were able to visit leaders in some of the most devastated areas such as Leyte to encourage them and distribute funds to purchase food and essential supplies.” Not too many people have heard of Missionary Ventures? “That’s right. We opened our New Zealand office just over 8 years ago, but we were founded in 1983 so MV has been operating internationally for 32 years now. It would take a long time to tell you everything we do around the world, as the work is so varied – for example with Bible schools, community development programmes, medical teams, feeding centres, schools, leaders conferences and much more. Our mission is to ‘empower, equip and encourage national believers to impact the nations with God’s love’. Missionary Ventures is a servant missions organisation so we take the time to build relationships with Christian leaders through our full-time cross-cultural workers (Field Coordinators). In this way we can understand the real needs of the national believers and partner with them strategically to see their God-given vision fulfilled.”

Andrew and Margaret Marriott

Missionary Ventures New Zealand is a registered charitable trust and part of Missionary Ventures International – a non-denominational Christian missions organisation serving in more than 70 countries and with offices in Canada, USA, Nicaragua, Great Britain, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

How can people get involved? “I usually advise people to get involved first by praying … not only for us at MVNZ, but for a people group, or for people affected by a disaster such as in Vanuatu, or to ask God how He would have them respond to a world that is crying out for hope and a Saviour. Through prayer, people will develop a passion for something and it’s our job at MVNZ to connect them with the most appropriate means of seeing that passion bear fruit. This may involve giving to support a missionary or project, or joining a short-term mission, or perhaps to becoming a longer-term mission worker. There are plenty of opportunities to serve, and we’re always glad to come alongside anyone who has a heart for mission – to pray and seek God together for His Kingdom purpose to be fulfilled in us – and through us!”

Much of the work is pioneered by MV’s Field Coordinators, long-term missionaries who form key relationships, develop outreach plans, host MV’s short-term teams, oversee projects and ensure that donated funds are used effectively and with integrity. Missionary Ventures also has strategic partnerships with indigenous Christian leaders and organisations and aims to support and encourage them in reaching their own nation or region. MVNZ is planning more short-term opportunities for 2015 and beyond – including Borneo, Indonesia, PNG, Vanuatu and other nations – with the New Zealand teams working alongside indigenous team members and leaders. www.mvnz.org (MVNZ) www.mvi.org (MV International)

Bible Still Comforts Troops

he waterproofness of Bible Society New Zealand’s specially produced WW1 commemorative New Testament was put to the test at the newly opened Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington. The new 100 per cent waterproof edition was tested by Principal Defence Chaplain, Chaplain Class One, Lance Lukin and BSNZ’s digital communications specialist, and Army Second Lieutenant, Claire Debrois who is a (part-time) army reserve. The New Testaments, 1,500 of them, will be given to the New Zealand Defence Force at an official ceremony next month. Printed in America on plastic pages, this edition is tear-resistant and 25 per cent lighter than previous waterproof bibles, making it even more practical for those on deployment. Features include a cover photo of Kiwi troops in a trench in France, Army, Navy and Air Force prayers, wartime photos from Alexander Turnbull Library archives,

and the story of Chaplain-Major William Grant, the first New Zealand chaplain to lose his life in WWI. This edition also contains Psalms and Proverbs. Chaplain Lukin said: “The reality is we put our people’s lives at risk. So when people are facing their mortality they start to question what life is about and they’re looking for strength to get through these situations. It’s the comfort the Bible brings, and its words, that people draw on in dark times. Our Defence Force men and women face an enormous amount of pressure.” Describing the commemorative edition as “absolutely fantastic,” he said, “....in reality there won’t be enough Bibles to keep up with demand.” In the foreword, Defence Force Chief, Lieutenant General Tim Keating wrote: “This commemorative edition of the New Testament reminds us of this sacrifice made by New Zealanders 100 years ago, and of the book that brought so many of them peace and comfort as they fought.”

Army Second Lieutenant, Claire Debrois and Principal Defence Chaplain, Lance Lukin pour water over Bible Society New Zealand’s WWI commemorative New Testament to test its waterproofness, at Wellington’s new Pukeahu National War Memorial

14 | Christian Life Issue Twenty Two April 2015

Local News

‘KIWI’ FLAVOUR TO GOSPEL Three Christian organisations have worked together to produce 7,500 copies of Kiwi-designed imprint of Luke’s gospel in time for Easter. This project results from a partnership between Tertiary Students Christian Fellowship, Scripture Union and the Church Missionary Society. The compact 146-page book is sprinkled with New Zealand snapshots and proverbs, and includes the story of Tarore, a young Maori girl who was murdered in the early nineteenth century, but whose life and copy of the Gospel of Luke brought peace and reconciliation. “We’re hoping that churches and groups will purchase these booklets and distribute

them freely,” says Nigel Pollock who is national director of Tertiary Students Christian Fellowship. “The booklet has a distinctly Kiwi flavour with explanatory notes to make it accessible to people without a Christian background. “We want to see Christians around the country share the ‘good news of great joy’ with students, friends, team mates and colleagues through the distribution of this little book.” The Governor General, Sir Jerry Mateparae received one of the first copies of the new gospel at the civic ceremony of the Bicentennial event in the Bay of Islands last December. Above: The Governor General, Sir Jerry Mateparae (left) receives a copy of the Luke gospel from Mark Grace, TSCF’s head of ministry development; Inset: The new imprint of Luke’s gospel

Activate: Love In 2014 teams from YWAM Tauranga travelled across New Zealand, simply to get an idea of what God is doing. We went to 12 different cities and a number of small towns meeting with churches of all different types. On our journey we heard two common things God was saying to his people and doing in this land; Unity and Outreach. As a response to what God is saying to His people in this nation we are putting on Activate: Love – a gathering in Tauranga followed by teams

travelling nationwide for two months. It is a time where different parts of the body of Christ, different generations and nationalities will put aside their differences and come together in unity, for worship, prayer and practical training unto teams doing outreach all over the land to lovingly serve churches and to partner with what God is already doing. For more info visit www.activatenz.org.nz

The Lifewalk Trust is celebrating 25 years of providing Chaplaincy service to New Zealand State Schools this year, and demand for the service is as strong as ever. “Demand for our volunteer chaplains exceeds supply at the moment,” National Lifewalk Director Karen Murray says. “We have schools waiting for chaplains, waiting for that special person who will walk alongside the students and staff at school and be a practical illustration of Jesus’ love and care.” Lifewalk currently oversees 200 chaplains in New Zealand state schools, from pre-schools through to secondary schools. Karen says many schools see their chaplain as a way to support the spiritual health, or taha wairua, of their students. “We want all children in New Zealand to be able to enjoy optimal well-being or ‘hauora’. In order for our children to thrive, we need to acknowledge and care for their physical, mental and emotional, social, and spiritual health. “A Lifewalk chaplain is a Christian who offers pastoral care and kindness to all members of the school community, under direction and guidance from the school. They are first and foremost great listeners, showing care and empathy to a wide range of people. “Our schools are often telling us how much they value having a consistent, caring adult available for their students. Becoming a Lifewalk chaplain is a great way to serve your local school.” Visit www.lifewalk.org.nz for more information.

our mission: to empower, equip and encourage national believers to impact the nations with God’s love

missionary motivate teams ventures nz apply now to serve with us in 2015 for more info about our strategic overseas partnerships & opportunities, and how you can be personally involved, visit www.mvnz.org or call 09 889 2642 VANUATU To donate to our Vanuatu appeal by Credit Card or bank transfer APPEAL click on ‘Giving’ - Thank you!

png - thailand - the philippines - tonga - vanuatu - vietnam

25 YEARS OF SCHOOL CHAPLAINCY

fiji -india - indonesia - japan - malaysia - marshall islands - myanmar

short-term teams - community development

mission internships - long-term assignments

www.mychristiandaily.com | 15

PROGRAMME GUIDE May 2015

Details correct at time of printing. (Dates in italics indicate programme change during the month) For up-to-date 24-hour listings and programme information go to shinetv.co.nz

SUNDAY 6:00 6:30 7:00

Lakewood Church: Joel Osteen

MONDAY P

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Unlocking the Bible: David Pawson

Leading the Way: Michael Youssef

The Catholic Guy: Bruce Downs

Derek Prince

Hope Centre: Wayne Alcorn

Jovis Bon-Hovis and the Creation Crew

6:00

Joni and Friends

Hearts Wide Open

Give Me An Answer: Cliffe Knechtle

Rhema Worship

Your Best Life: Phil Pringle

Buzz and Poppy

6:30

Jovis Bon-Hovis and the Creation Crew

From Aardvaark to Zucchini

Veggie Tales

Adventures in Booga Booga Land

Scaly Adventures

Go Frills

7:00

Paul the Little Missionary

Go Frills

Fifty the Tractor

Jovis Bon-Hovis and the Creation Crew

Buzz and Poppy

Veggie Tales

7:30

Hour of Power: Robert Schuller

8:00

Connection Point: Reuben Munn

Go Frills

Jovis Bon-Hovis and the Creation Crew

From Aardvaark to Zucchini

Paul the Little Missionary

The Lads TV

Fifty the Tractor

8:00

8:30

Running with Fire: Tak Bhana

Impact for Life: Peter & Bev Mortlock

Word For You: Terry & Jayne Calkin

LIFE TV: Paul de Jong

Running with Fire: Tak Bhana

Connection Point: Reuben Munn

RocKids TV

8:30

In Touch: Charles Stanley

Paul the Little Missionary

9:00

The Lads TV

9:30

Word For You: Terry & Jayne Calkin

Songs of Praise

Turning Point: Dr David Jeremiah

LIFE TV: Paul de Jong

7:30

9:00 9:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 Noon 12:30 1:00 1:30

The Bible Series 3 May: Solomon 10 May: Esther 17 May: Jeremiah 24 May: Jesus 31 May: Jesus

4:00 4:30 5:00 5:30 6:00

Precious Memories

Turning Point: Dr David Jeremiah Joni and Friends

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Answers with Bayless Conley

Leading the Way: Michael Youssef

Brian Houston @ Hillsong TV

10:00 N

Full Circle (Mon-Fri)

Enjoying Everyday Life with Joyce Meyer (Mon-Fri)

Sue Thomas: FB Eye

Christian World News D

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Living Truth: Charles Price

The 700 Club (Tue-Fri)

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Give Me An Answer: Cliffe Knechtle

The Exchange

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Ask Chris / Kiwis Can Fly (13 May)

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The American Bible Challenge

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Y 10:30

11:00

Hearts Wide Open

D 11:30

Noon

12:30

FEATURE:

Living Truth: Charles Price

Go Frills

Veggie Tales

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Fifty the Tractor

Life fm Presents

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In Touch: Charles Stanley

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The Restoration Road

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Turning Point: Dr David Jeremiah

The Lads TV

7:00

Precious Memories

Planetshakers TV

Live from Studio B

Hour of Power: Robert Schuller

7:30

Songs of Praise

What’s on Shine

Sue Thomas: FB Eye

8:00

Christian World News

Ask Chris / Kiwis Can Fly (12 May)

2:00 2:30 3:00

Buzz and Poppy

RocKids TV

Leading the Way: Michael Youssef

4:00

From Aardvaark to Zucchini

Adventures in Booga Booga Land

The Lads TV

The Catholic Guy: Bruce Downs

4:30

Life fm Presents

Jeni: Extraordinary / TV4DADS (22 May)

5:00

Basic / Ed’s Story

5:30

Lakewood Church: Joel Osteen

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Word For You: Terry & Jayne Calkin

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