Christian Life ISSUE 50 October 2017

OCTOBER 2017 • Issue FIFT Y • www.christianlife.co.nz

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: • Mobilising Africans to do Mission • COLLEGE SPECIAL: Time to start thinking about study in 2018 • Seven Deadly Statements of Church Membership • How to stop a young person self harming • Local News and more...

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY NZ CHRISTIAN BOOKSELLERS ASSOCIATION AND MANNA CHRISTIAN BOOKSTORES

Low-cost rates to reprint your existing Christian book — and help for new authors to self-publish!

Ready to publish?

With his beloved wife Penny alongside him, Dennis undertakes adventure after adventure… including delivering a young Arab boy home through the dangerous West Bank, returning in the dead of night!

He travelled to many countries including Africa and America to do God’s bidding, was called to oversee a vital ministry and pastor a local church.

We advise new Christian authors how to self-publish on a limited budget and how to distribute your book in New Zealand and overseas.

Small Beginnings takes you on an exciting journey of discovery that you will never be truly rejected when you know God and have faith in His love.

ISBN 978-0-473-40820-6

“I just had to keep reading to find out what would be happening next...”

Trish Nicholls, Israel Focus Group

9 780473

408206

DENNIS R. MCLEOD

The author knows how it feels to be rejected and forgotten, but he didn’t let his tough start in life dictate his future. This hard-to-put-down true story shows how God called a young man and directed his paths.

SMALL BEGINNINGS

Small Beginnings shows Already published? how a life can be turned

around andyour fulfilled… we (if • We can revamp bookifcover stop and listen to what God necessary) to attract more readers. has planned for us.

Howthe did alowest young childpossible who suffered verbal • Secure reprint abuse and rejection become a soldier in the a top teacher at technical trade school, prices.army, a missionary to Israel and Africa and then the director of Christian Friends of Israel • Arrange forZealand? your book to be made in New available in 39,000 outlets via printon-demand paperback and eBook.

wildsidepublishing.com

SMALL

BEGINNINGS The remarkable true story of a boy overcoming rejection, to a man on a mission caring for children on the West Bank and serving God in Israel, Africa and New Zealand

Contents...

WSP designed a new cover to portray more of the story inside. The updated book is available in 39,000 outlets worldwide, at a fraction of the price that a traditional publisher would have charged.

03. The Seven Deadly Statements Of Church Members 04. Delivered from a Spirit of Fear 06. Tania Butler: True Courage. Unshakeable Faith.

-Dennis R McLeod

08. What Do You Do To Support A Young Person

DENNIS R. MCLEOD

WSP

Call us for a friendly chat.

Ray Curle p: 09 4392 713 or 027 254 6778 e: ray@thewildside.net

OCTOBER 2017

Who Is Self-Harming?

10. Stopping Child Abuse Here on Our Doorstep

Wild Side PUBLISHING wildsidepublishing.com

11. COVER: Why are we mobilising Africans to do mission?

12. Local News

Are you a

13. Amazing Grace

Christian Writer?

14. Impact! Willow Creek Global Summits 16. College Special: Looking to Study in 2018?

18. No To Suicide, But Yes To Assisted Suicide?

20. Shine TV programme guide 22. Christian Life Classifieds

www.nzchristianwriters.org NEXT ISSUE OUT November 2017

Publisher Matthew Danswan Advertising Manager Ray Curle Art Director Nicole Danswan P 09 281 4896 E advertise@initiatemedia.net Correspondence Accounts Elizabeth Yeo PO Box 318 334, West Harbour, Auckland 0661

Booking deadline: 27 October Art deadline: 31 October Distribution: 6 November DISPLAY & CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

Ray Curle 09 281 4896 | advertise@initiatemedia.net

FOR KIDS:

Manna is celebrating kids!

20% off kid's books, bibles, DVDs and Novelties!

No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part, without prior written permission. Opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily reflect those of the staff.

All attempts are made to verify advertising material, and no responsibility is taken for misleading or erroneous material. © Copyright 2017. www.initiatemedia.net

FOR YOU:

NEW! FROM THE PASSION BIBLE TRANSLATION NEW TESTAMENT WITH PSALMS, PROVERBS & SONG OF SONGS

$75

$75

$75

$75

$40

Ivory

$40

Floral

$40

Black

Red

Purple

Pink

Slate

IMITATION LEATHER

IMITATION LEATHER

IMITATION LEATHER

IMITATION LEATHER

HARDCOVER

HARDCOVER

HARDCOVER

9781424555291

9781424555697

9781424555314

9781424555321

9781424555642

9781424555857

9781424555864

The Passion Bible introductory prices are current until 31st December 2017. 20% off Kids Books, Bibles, Dvds & Novelties sale finishes on 29th October 2017.

FREEPHONE 0508 4 MANNA or SHOP ONLINE WWW.MANNA.CO.NZ

2 | Christian Life Issue Fifty October 2017

Shop code: CL Charities No. CC36864

CHURCH CULTURE

The Seven Deadly Statements Of Church Members W

ords have meaning. And if church members start articulating words consistently, those words begin to reflect the priorities and passions of the church.

I wrote a little book (I Will) on statements church members make that can move a church toward Great Commission and Great Commandment greatness. But there are some sentences that can prove harmful, even deadly, to a congregation. Here are seven of the most deadly statements: 1. “I like our church just the way it is.” When you begin to hear this statement expressed among church members, you can be certain there is no Great Commission heartbeat. We should never want our church to stay just like it is; we should be constantly seeking to reach new people with the gospel.

2. “My pastor doesn’t visit me enough.” There are so many things wrong with this statement. First, it reflects a ministry where there is expectation that the pastor is to do most of the ministry, instead of equipping others to do the work of ministry. Second, it reflects a dependence and self-cen-

tered ministry on the part of church members.

3. “I always vote ‘no’ just to keep the leadership in check.”

This person is the disrupter I described in an earlier post. He or she really wants the focus on self. Attention seeking and self-focus are characteristics of this person. They are toxic to churches.

4. “I just can’t worship with our style of music.” The worship wars aren’t over. These church members could never be missionaries because their indigenous people group probably wouldn’t be singing hymns from the hymnals. There is no sense of worship with these church members; they are all about their own preferences and desires.

5. “People know where our church is if they want to come.”

This statement reflects deadly ecclesiology and deadly missiology. It assumes that the church is a place; and it assumes that the Great Commission is, “Y’all come.”

6. “I love you pastor, but . . .”

This statement reflects a church member who is both deceitful and deadly.

Image Frank McKenna

He or she tells leaders they love them, but puts a metaphorical knife in their backs at the first opportunity. These members tear churches apart.

7. “I pay my tithes here, so I deserve . . .” This church member sees his or her offerings as conditional.

So, in a real sense, they aren’t offerings as much as they are country club dues.

They will continue to pay their way as long as they get their way.

To be clear, most church members do not make these statements nor do they reflect these attitudes. But healthier church members should and must

speak up when they hear other members making such destructive statements.

Otherwise, the naysayers, cartels, critics, and bullies will have their way in the church. And the church will soon cease being the church.

This article was originally published at ThomRainer.com Thom S. Rainer serves as president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources. Among his greatest joys are his family: his wife Nellie Jo; three sons, Sam, Art, and Jess; and seven grandchildren. Dr. Rainer can be found on Twitter @ThomRainer and at facebook.com/Thom.S.Rainer

Th u

rs d

O

DEEPEN YOUR FAITH, PURSUE YOUR CALLING

ay 2

PE

6

N

N

IG

O ct ob

er

H

|7

T!

pm

Laidlaw College offers quality qualifications in primary school teaching, counselling, theology, ministry and mission.

Campuses in Henderson, Manukau and Christchurch with flexible and distance options.

Study full-time or part-time.

www.laidlaw.ac.nz | info@laidlaw.ac.nz | 0800 999 777

Check out our new site at www.christianlife.co.nz | 3

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

Delivered from a Spirit of Fear

Clockwise from top left: Just married: Pat and Cyril Cooper on their wedding day in 1951; Pat Cooper in her younger days; Pat Cooper with her grandson Ben Cooper, his wife Julia, and her greatgrandchildren, Jared and Danielle.

A woman healed of a crippling mental illness tells her story in conjunction Mental Health Awareness Week (October 9-15) and World Mental Health Day (October 10.)

Marie Anticich reports.

P

at Cooper lay curled up in a foetal position in a hospital ward awaiting a lobotomy.

The young wife and mother had been admitted to Oakley Hospital in Auckland with a nervous breakdown.

Doctors tried electric shock treatment, deep narcosis therapy, medication and hypnosis, but nothing worked.

The next step was an operation to remove the right lobe of her brain.

A minister visited her in hospital: ‘It’s as if you’ve got a devil in you,’ he said.

This confirmed Pat’s worst fears.

“When he left I chain-smoked,” she says. “I was beside myself.”

Three psychologists had to agree to a lobotomy. While awaiting their decision, Pat was sent to Auckland

Hospital and taken off all medication to assess her true condition. Addicted to prescription drugs, she had such severe withdrawal symptoms she wanted to die. A female patient held her hand during the day to ensure she didn’t harm herself and a special nurse sat with her through the night.

Pat was re-medicated and sent home to await psychologist’s decision: “I’d heard of someone becoming a vegetable after having a lobotomy and I suffered weeks of anxiety,” she recalls.

One day the phone rang. It was the wife of her husband’s work colleague.

This woman had never met Pat, but felt prompted to ring her.

“Have you asked Jesus into your life?’ the woman asked.

“I go to church,” Pat said defensively.

“There’s a difference between knowing about God and knowing Him personally,” the woman said. “Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart. He wants to come in.”

Terrified of the impending lobotomy, Pat decided to pray.

“I knelt by my bed and said, ‘Jesus, my heart is yours. Please come in.’ An enormous weight lifted off me and all the fear left me instantly. Fear had forced itself on me but Jesus waited until I invited him into my life. He filled my heart with His wondrous love there was no room left for fear.”

Pat picked up the threads of her life and continued attending her local traditional church. However a friend encouraged her to make a week-day appointment to see Pastor Rob Wheeler at Auckland Christian Fellowship.

There a team prayed for her. “They said, ‘It’s a battle for your mind’ and gave me a verse from 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power, and of love and of a sound mind. I recited that verse over and over.”

Later, Pat was praying and found herself speaking in a strange tongue.

“I thought only ‘nutters’ spoke in tongues but I went to a meeting at the Pentecostal church and realised I’d been filled with the Holy Spirit.” Her traditional church frowned on such practices and so she went to Pastor Wheeler’s church to receive more teaching.

For thirteen years Pat ran her own dress shop in Mt Albert. When depression tried to come back she’d quote scripture verses. A favourite verse is Luke 10:19: Behold, I give you authority to trample on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

What do you want New Zealand to look like?

ABORTION? Do we want more or less?

The current average in NZ*: 10 classrooms of children per week killed.

EUTHANASIA in the Netherlands with “safeguards” in place.* 61% of cases without patient’s consent. Do we want that?

An 18-year-old with depression getting ASSISTED SUICIDE? Is that helping?

4 | Christian Life Issue Fifty October 2017

“My husband Cyril supported me through all my trials,” she says “but I prayed for nine years before he became a Christian. He was a wonderful man who gave his all to Christ. A year after Cyril’s conversion we felt led to give up our jobs, sell our home and serve the Lord voluntarily. Cyril said those were the best years of his life,” Pat remarks.

For the next five years they worked as live-in cooks at Hebron Bible College in Mt Albert. When the bible college closed, they were at a loose end and spent six months touring Australia in a campervan. On their return they heard of a staffing shortage at Parklands Christian Camp at Snells Beach, north of Auckland, and volunteered their services as livein cooks.

Over the next five years they fed thousands of campers at school and church camps. Pat did all the baking for morning and afternoon teas and suppers: “One weekend I baked for 400 people and ended up in tears – it was too much,” she relates.

By the time he was 72, Cyril had developed chronic emphysema and so they bought a home in Warkworth which they called their ‘Cottage of Content,’ and Pat nursed Cyril until he died in 2001.

A former Presbyterian church elder, Pat continued working parttime until she was 80, caring for elderly folks in their homes. In 2005 she married a family friend and widower, Graham Jenkins. The retired farmer and former RNZAF pilot died in 2011.

Today Pat is a vibrant 87-year-old who leads a busy church and social life and enjoys keeping up with her six grand-children and seven greatgrandchildren.

Support Voice for Life in their fight for the voiceless

voiceforlife.org.nz

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

Beginnings Pat Cooper was born in Birmingham, England in 1930, with a crippled leg and foot.

“My mother took me to the children’s hospital and had to listen to me scream as doctors put me in irons.”

The treatment was successful and Pat went on to become a professional dancer.

Fear entered her when she was a little girl: “I was fearful of everything, especially witches – I developed a rash after seeing the witch in the Snow White movie,” she recalls.

She lived through WWII bombings: “We’d sleep in our clothes and run to the air raid shelter when the sirens went off. It was a miracle we survived – my aunt and two cousins in the next suburb died when their house was bombed.”

During the war her father, who owned an engineering company, helped Sir Frank Whittle build the jet aeroplane engine. In the weekends her father did comedy routines in workingmen’s clubs, and included Pat in his act from age five. Billed as ‘Baby Pat from Brum’ she would dance and sing for the working men. My father was so proud of me. I’d vomit with fear and he’d give me an aniseed lolly to settle my stomach.”

Afraid of failing her school exams, Pat had a nervous breakdown at age thirteen. She left school and worked as an office errand girl and in various other jobs. When she was 17 her old dancing teacher recruited her for his company of professional chorus girls.

“We had lots of fun,” she relates.

“Backstage conditions were terrible in those days but one theatre had a cafeteria under the stage and we’d eat faggots (like haggis) and mushy peas.”

After a year her father decided that being a chorus girl was no life for a young lady and sent her back to office work.

At 19 Pat met Cyril, a thirty-yearold coal merchant, at an afternoon tea dance at a Butlins Holiday Camp in Skegness, Lincolnshire.

She contracted tuberculosis soon afterwards and was confined to bed for six months, but Cyril continued to court her.

They were married in Birmingham in 1951 and, for the next 15 years lived with Cyril’s parents. When his father died they moved a detached house and his mother lived in a bed-sit in their front room.

“We had a good marriage,” says Pat “but fear took the joy out of my life – I’d even worry about what might happen next year.”

When Cyril was diagnosed with emphysema caused by coal dust, doctors advised him to move to a better climate and so in 1996 they emigrated to New Zealand. They bought a house in Auckland, Cyril got a job as an accounts clerk at UEB Industries and they settled their two older children into school.

In 1997 Pat had a nervous breakdown and was admitted to hospital.

“The psychiatrist said he’d never met anyone so full of false guilt,” she observes.

“I also struggled with pride, jealously and resentment which is a killer.”

She underwent electric shock treatment and deep narcosis therapy with a drug called paraldehyde which was supposed to change her thought patterns, but just knocked her out for 10 days at a time. Then she had a divine encounter with God. “Fifty years ago I asked Jesus into my heart and He filled the God-shaped vacuum inside me,” Pat Cooper recounts. “I had wandered through life feeling lonely even though I was surrounded by family and friends.

But Jesus turned my life around – His perfect love casts out fear.”

FIVE WAYS TO WELL-BEING ‘Nature is Key’ is the theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week run by the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, a charity that works towards creating a society free from discrimination where all people can flourish and enjoy positive mental health and wellbeing.

The MHF’s ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ are simple ways to improve your mental health: 1. CONNECT: Develop your relationships with friends, family, colleagues and neighbours as these connections support you and enrich your life.

2. BE ACTIVE: Physical activity helps you to feel good so find something that you enjoy and suits your ability.

3. TAKE NOTICE: Be aware of the world around you and see the beauty in nature and every-day things.

Reflecting on them helps you to appreciate what matters to you.

4. LEARN: Try something new, rediscover an old interest or take on a new responsibility or challenge - learning makes you more confident and it can be fun.

5. GIVE: Helping others, and sharing your skills and resources, promote a sense of purpose that can increase your sense of self-worth.

You are invited to bring a friend to the 16th Annual Jubilee Resources International

Summer Schools - January 2018

Liberty Down Under Main tHeMeS

Special GueSt SpeakerS

praying the prodigals Home; Mornings With the Holy Spirit; Did the Spirit of God Say that? 27 keys to Judging prophecy; Breakthrough! Developing Faith to work Miracles; recognising & Dealing with the Jezebel Spirit; Name Covenants & Fulfilling your Destiny; threshold covenants!

Wellington

Friday 12th & Saturday 13th Jan. Maungaraki Baptist Church, 164 Dowse Drive, Lower Hutt

Jennifer leclaire

anne Hamilton

Florida, USA

Brisbane, Australia

christchurch

Monday 15th & tuesday 16th Jan. Avonhead Baptist Church 102 Avonhead Road, Christchurch

auckland

Friday 19th & Saturday 20th Jan. Eastgate Christian Centre, 5 Ben Lomond Cres, Pakuranga

9:30am to 5:30pm daily

On-line registrations: www.jubileeresources.org

Jubilee Resources International Inc.

email: registrations@jubileeresources.org

phone: +64-4-939-1910

facebook.com/jubileeresources

Info about our guests & accommodation available on web Summer School page

CL SS 18 advert.indd 1

18/09/17 9:44 AM Early Bird Registration received no later than Friday 22nd December,Check 2017 out our new site at www.christianlife.co.nz |5

PROFILE

TANIA BUTLER TRUE COURAGE. UNSHAKEABLE FAITH.

By Janet Balcombe

W

Clockwise from top left: Justin and Tania Butler; Christopher Michael Creen; Tania in front of one of her paintings; Tania’s children (from the left): Stephanie, Abbey, Simeon and Konnor. Stephanie and Simeon are Chris’ children, and Abbey and Konnor are from Tania’s second marriage with Andrew (which didn’t survive Thomas’ death); Tania and Chris’ children (from the left), Thomas with Johanna holding baby Simeon and little Stephanie; Chris’ Bravery Award from NZ Police.

6 | Christian Life Issue Fifty October 2017

hen I saw the movie RESOLVE recently, I was forever touched by the unadulterated bravery, of the Crean family from Taranaki. Chris Crean had the courage to take a stand against gang violence in his community and paid the price. I had no idea that I would be able to connect with his courageous widow and hear her story, of the most incredible faith and courage, under the worst circumstances imaginable. Meet Tania Butler, a true hero.

Tania’s smiley face and crystal clear blue eyes don’t speak of the deep pain she’s walked through in her life.

They speak of a woman, who knows that she can face anything life throws at her, with her God. I have much to learn from her. Her early years in Taranaki, were filled with fun and the laughter of friends and family. However, the hole left in her heart, by her father’s absence, was deep, after her parents’ divorce. When Tania was aged 8, her mum met a man, who they hoped would be the dad they longed for, but who turned out to be a monster. The next 4 years were filled with horror. They witnessed their beloved mother being beaten and raped by this man in drunken rages. Until one-day, Tania’s mum rose up, with the courage of a lioness defending her cubs and broke free of him.

Faced with extreme financial hardship after the relationship ended, her mum was lured into the sex industry, for survival. Tania knew that her mum loved her, and there was always food

on the table, but it was heartbreaking for Tania, to see the change in her mother. She endured years of being taunted and hit by kids at college, who called her mum a ‘whore and a prostitute’. Her grades nose-dived, as she hung out with a more accepting crowd and smoked dope, to cope. At 16 years of age, Tania was in full-on identity crisis, looking everywhere and anywhere to fit in; including the Rastafarians, the heavy metalers, and the Hare Krishnas. She was depressed and had lost the will to live. She desperately needed love and an escape, from her life of misery.

Then Tania met ‘Julie Angel’, or so she was called. The kids on the street, walked in the back door of her florist shop, made hot drinks and read little booklets about God. They listened to Julie, as she told them about Jesus and a salvation that was free, if we chose Him. Tania hadn’t met a Christian before, or heard of Jesus, like this. She thought He was just a statue at church, of a man who had lived long ago. Yet now, when she watched the movie Jesus of Nazareth, she cried and found herself drawn to Him. One night in 1986, Tania and a friend took heaps of LSD. Tania overdosed and thought she was going to die, vomiting and convulsing on a bed. A Christian doctor cancelled the ambulance that was coming to take her to the mental hospital, and, (in his words) she narrowly escaped, being ‘turned into a cabbage.’ When she recovered, Julie Angel invited her to a movie,

PROFILE

at the local AOG church called My Friends Are Dying, by Ray Comfort.

Afterwards, as Tania prayed and gave her life to Jesus, healing tears poured from her eyes and she felt so clean, so free, and full of love. She just couldn’t stop smiling. She had finally found the love, of her heavenly Father that she so desperately needed.

Just after turning 17, Tania met her future husband, Christopher Michael Crean. Chris loved Jesus and told everyone about Him. He was known for his deep belly laugh and loud “Hallelujahs” and “Amen brother”. They were so in love and married a year later and had their first child. Years later, while Tania was expecting her fourth child, Chris witnessed a brutal attack on their street, between rival gang members. He stood as a Crown witness, feeling strongly that someone had to stand up, for the children who couldn’t play safely in their own street. He was brutally murdered for his stand, which ripped out the heart of this beautiful family. Chris became a catalyst for change to New Zealand law, allowing for video evidence in court and better witness protection. Chris’ stand, and the resulting prosecutions, weakened

the presence of Black Power in the Screentime Productions approached area for many years, after three-quar- Tania, to make the movie Resolve, the ters of their members were convict- story of Chris’s stand. They worked ed, or turned against their own. Sig- with her, to ensure a truthful account nificantly, Black Power President, for the sake of her children, to honour Tama (Arthur) Garlick, turned to the her late husband’s memory. His death Crown, after being so gutted that the impacted many; some strangers and some closer than hit on Chris her own hearthad been orbeat. Her son, dered, even if Not only had she lost her Thomas never he was holding husband and children’s got over seeing his daughter. his father, bleedHis testimony father, she had lost her ing at the bottom did irreparable damage to ‘home’. The kids had endured of the stairs. He took his life ten Hawera Black terrible and prolonged years after his Power.

Taabuse at school and in the dad died. Their nia accepted a post-humous community, for the stand eldest daughter, Johanna nevbravery award their Dad had made. er got over losfrom the New ing her dad and Plymouth Pothen, her brothlice, on behalf er, and took her life, at the end of 2016. of Chris.

Tania’s heart has been torn, by Her world turned upside down the night of his death. Not only had she more grief than most can even imaglost her husband and children’s fa- ine, her life shattered by so much tragther, she had lost her ‘home’. The kids edy. Yet, when I asked her, if she had had endured terrible and prolonged ever been through a crisis of trust in abuse at school and in the communi- God, she said definitively, “No. Nevty, for the stand their Dad had made. er. I’m not that person. Sorry.” Well,

that’s the most encouraging thing I’ve ever heard. Next time I’m whingeing about some dumb thing, I’ll just remember Tania, pull my big-girl pants up high, and trust God. Chris, Tania, and her family, show us what it means to stand up for what is right, no matter what the cost. They embody what ‘Taranaki hardcore’ truly means; staying faithful to God and moving forward, against all odds.

Tania is now happily remarried to an awesome man, Justin, and loves her work, as a registered nurse caring for people.

“I have hope, knowing my God is with me. He carries me through the storms, my peace in the cyclone, my joy in the calm, and my consolation when the tears fall; I know He collects them all. Without Him, I am nothing, but with Him, I can overcome everything.”

Psalm 37:4 (NIV) Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Check out our new site at www.christianlife.co.nz | 7

PARENTING

What Do You Do To Support A Young Person Who Is Self-Harming?

By Michelle Mitchell

I

saw cuts on her leg and she told me she had fallen over on sharp grass during PE. I actually believed her at the time. I didn’t think about it anymore until I saw cuts on her arm.

That is when it clicked. That was at least 2 years ago now.

Given current national statistics, we can safely assume there are very few young people who haven’t known someone who has deliberately injured themselves by cutting, self-battery, overdosing or intentionally participating in risky behaviour. In 2015 the Australian Child and Adolescent Survey reported that approximately 10% of 12 – 17 year olds have self-harmed, with 8% self-harming within the last 12 months and 60% more than four times in that period.

Despite how widespread self-harm is and how normalised it has become in youth culture, I firmly believe that God has a plan to use this generation’s challenges to reveal Himself to them.

And although it breaks my heart to see young people struggling in this way, I also know that we cannot underestimate how He may use self-harm for His glory. If you are a parent whose child is self-harming, know that selfharm is not in the too hard basket for God. He has got this generation in His hands and is deeply connected to their needs.

On the whole self-harm is very challenging for parents to understand.

Many parents secretly find themselves thinking, “They are just ruining their body”, “They need to toughen up”, “Everyone has issues”, or “They just want attention”. If you are a parent

who just doesn’t “get it”, be assured that you are not alone. The issue of self-harm conjures up frustration in many adults and the default reaction is often shaming, blaming and criticising because we don’t know how else to handle it. It takes time, deliberate effort, insight from above and often professional support to understand self-harm. Adults who “get it” have usually made a concerted effort to do so.

Over the past 15 years I have repeatedly heard young people express either a cry of pain or a cry for help through self-harming behaviour.

Both cries are valid requests for specific support. I have not always found self-harm to be linked to suicidal thoughts, but research does indicate that those who self-harm are at higher risk of suicidal idealisation. I have always found the reasons for selfharm wide and variety and very difficult for young people to express. Initial conversations are often crowded by secrecy and shame. For these reason, any response to self-harm has to be approached with genuine empathy, patience and care rather than condemnation.

Parent are often the last ones to find out about self-harm and may be faced with a well-developed problem by the time they have the opportunity to intervene. Some of the first signs of self-harm include knowledge of others who are self-harming, unexplained marks on the body, wearing long sleeves that are never removed, difficulty expressing emotions, changes in behaviour, downward spiral, secre-

8 | Christian Life Issue Fifty October 2017

tive behaviour, extended time alone, missing items that could be used for cutting (sharpeners, blades, scissors, safety pins, razors, led in pencils and signs of depression (withdrawn, sad, negative, lack of resilience and hope).

God wants to get in the middle of young people’s deepest emotions and provide real answers through His transforming power. I have more often seen this discovery happen through the support of a third party, such as

a psychologist, counsellor, mentor of youth worker, and I encourage every adult to keep their eyes open to how they can make a difference in young lives. It is often through long term relationships that real change happens.

Although self-harm gives young people a euphoric sense of control like few other coping strategies there is hope. The opposite of self-harm and it’s only antidote is self-care. People who self-harm have forgotten how to

Women of Courage Conference 24 – 26 May 2018

Parent are often the last ones to find out about self-harm and may be faced with a well-developed problem by the time they have the opportunity to intervene.

care for themselves as God intended them to, and often need a renewed sense of purpose and hope in their lives in order to rediscover it. I personally encourage all young people who are self-harming to find at least three strategies to help navigate them through times of intense emotions.

Each of these strategies below are great alternatives to selfharm and replace the “pain + self-harm = temporary relief” cycle with “pain + self-care = long term relief”. They can be used preventatively by young people at any time they feel the urge to self-harm.

Social Strategies: Talk to a friend Help someone else Go to a public place

Fun Strategies: Watch a DVD Listen to music Play with a pet

Physical Strategies: Go to the gym Punch a punching bag Walk or ride a bike

Creative Strategies: Write a letter Do some art Make a compilation

Constructive Strategies: Do homework Clean room Organise wardrobe

Spiritual Strategies: Phone a mentor Read the bible Listen to worship music Pray with someone you trust

Comfort Strategies: Cuddle a toy Take a shower Wear your PJs

Michelle Mitchell is the founder and CEO of Youth Excel, a charity which helps young people make positive life choices during difficult times. As a national speaker, Michelle has a unique ability to transfer years of knowledge and experience to people of all ages and professions. Her latest book Parenting Teenage Girls in the Age of a New Normal published by Ark House Press is out now and available globally. For more information visit www.michellemitchell.org.

Y

our host, Anne King (pictured) and her daughter Sarah, run this conference to inspire and encourage women from all denominations, to step into the calling God has for their lives, with NO FEAR. “A Call To Courage” starts at 7pm, on 24th May. The Keynote speakers carry a dynamic prophetic and apostolic flavour, so expect the unexpected! We have Royree Jensen, Lesley Taylor, John Bridge and Joan Hunter (her parents were Charles & Frances Hunter). We are excited to have Joan with us, from USA. Worship Leader, Deanne Moren is from Royree Jensen’s Church, in Brisbane. Deanne and the NZ female band members get together, to create a freedom to praise and worship Jesus with you. Although aimed at uplifting women, men are welcome to register. Full conference earlybird price is $99 until 31st March 2018.

Register online: www.womenofcourage.nz or phone 0800 432 484.

for CHURCHES | GROUPS | FAMILIES

BECOMTE! A HOS

11th to 12th November

Get in touch for your FREE RESOURCE PACK for Orphan Weekend. small groups or in Church, and other helpful materials for running your own Orphan Weekend event.

EMAIL FREE PHONE Resource Packs are limited, so get in quick!

THE ABANDONED RESCUED

A KIWI INITIATIVE OF

one child at a time

ORPHANWEEKEND.ORG.NZ

Check out our new site at www.christianlife.co.nz | 9

HOPE

Stopping Child Abuse Here on Our Doorstep D

espite the obvious beauty of our natural surroundings here, in Aotearoa New Zealand, there is, sadly, an ugly, dark side to our beautiful country. The inexcusable and unacceptable rise in child abuse and neglect makes for grim reading. We can’t show you their faces, we can’t tell you their stories, but we can tell you that it is happening in our back yard – in your back yard. Child abuse is a sad reality, for an average of 1 in 4 children, here on our doorstep.

The fact that New Zealand’s rate of juvenile deaths by maltreatment, is now one of the highest in the OECD, and in 1 in 4 families’ children are exposed to violence, with 20% experiencing physical, emotional or sexual abuse or neglect, is a sad indictment on us all. These unseen, silent, voiceless and vulnerable children are just too many. Despite continuing investment in education campaigns, community social services and improved reporting by the public, we’re not seeing a turn in the tide. And without help and intervention, hurting children will become hurting adults, and hurting adults create more hurting children. We must break the cycle, and we can, together.

If we continue to do what we’ve always done, we’ll continue to see the same results. At Homes of Hope we’ve been working hard, to provide an alternative way of caring, for precious abused and hurting children.

God breathed life into this ministry in 2002, and since then we have cared for almost 200 children, and journeyed to find the best model, within which to provide care, protection, healing and restoration in loving and nurturing homes, for as long as the children need them. It’s what happens to children whilst in care that Homes of Hope believes is a pivotal key to prevention. In the traumatic times, when children have lost everything, the first

two important things Homes of Hope provides is a stable home for as long as they need one, and their brothers and sisters with them. Given that 26% of children placed into foster care will be moved more than three times in one year, this is significant. There’s no moving about from place to place with Homes of Hope. And siblings aren’t separated.

Here at Homes of Hope we are also committed to seeing each child living a fulfilled life, so therapeutic supports form a unique approach in caring for these children. We provide Child Centred Play Therapy to help the children heal. Young children can’t always express their emotions or experiences verbally - a three-year old, for example, wouldn’t be able to tell you about the sexual abuse they have experienced. But they can express things through play. Play is a child’s natural language.

Many of the children who come to Homes of Hope have seen and experienced terrible things. It breaks my heart to think about what they have gone through. They desperately need the lasting support that play therapy

10 | Christian Life Issue Fifty October 2017

can give them.

Like Joe*, who struggled to show any emotion or empathy, having experienced significant neglect and observed frequent domestic violence episodes. After completing his child-centred play therapy process, he not only showed empathy, but his ability to positively socialise and engage positively with others was significantly improved. Amazingly, it’s been over a year since he undertook his therapy and these positive be-

haviours have continued and he is going from strength to strength.

When a child has experienced great trauma, they need the opportunity to process what has happened to them, to learn that it is not their fault and how to ‘make sense’ of it all.

Without this kind of support, it can affect them for the rest of their lives.

Children have an amazing capacity to heal when they have the opportunity to find their inner strength and resilience. Play therapy and prayer can help to do this.

Finally, and importantly, creating a strong, supportive community for each child; building strong relationships around them helps to provide stability, longevity and time to heal and grow in confidence and thrive, ultimately, to become great New Zealanders. This community support also ensures great practical support for our house parents and foster carers, which is so important to prevent burn-out and to ensure safe, quality and consistent care.

Many wonderful things happen here at Homes of Hope. The most important of these, is that precious young lives are changed for good and our community becomes a better place.

We are planning to open more homes so that we can help more children. But to do this, we need your help. If you want to be part of our Homes of Hope family, committed to helping in a practical way, please consider donating a small amount each month to help us – so we can keep on helping more precious children in need, right here.

Donations can be made via our website: www.homesofhope.org.nz.

You can email us at info@homesofhope.org.nz, find out more about us on www.facebook/homesofhopenz or give us a call (07) 578-9826.

MISSIONS

Why are we mobilising Africans to do mission?

A

frica Inland Mission (AIM) is an evangelical Christian mission agency, dedicated to the establishment of Christ-centred churches, among all African peoples.

‘From everywhere to everywhere’.

The African Church; growing, vibrant and confident in the Gospel, has tremendous untapped potential, to reach this beautiful continent and beyond.

David, a Kenyan pastor with the Africa Inland Church, serving among the nomadic Rendille people recently said, “It was so difficult for me to turn down many other offers to serve in ‘greener’ pastures, but God has placed in my heart, a passion to reach these people with the love of our Master.

Nomads won’t come to us. We must go to them. The person who wants to reach nomads must, to some degree, become a nomad himself. That is why God has called me – I was born a nomad.”

Africa Inland Mission is privileged to serve alongside pastors, like David. There is a great need, to equip African church leaders, preachers and evangelists, just like David, so that they can serve their churches well and be a part of reaching the unreached, through Biblical teaching and Christlike discipleship.

AIM missionary, Tony Swanson lives in Morogoro, Tanzania and is AIM’s African Mobilisation Consultant. He writes, “One of the major challenges for the 21st century, is to see the growing church in Africa fulfil its responsibility, of taking the gospel to the remaining unreached peoples of Africa and beyond.

So how do we go about it? AIM has traditionally been effective in sending overseas personnel for church planting and pastoral ministry. But, whilst our African partner churches have

grown locally among their own people groups, they have not readily adopted the missionary vision, to go ‘to the ends of the earth’.

With the number of Christians on the continent increasing daily, there is a move of God’s Spirit, to envision this part of the body, to take up the baton and go. The AIM Mobilisation Hub is our organisation’s response to this move. It is based on a partnership model, providing services that will help facilitate the mobilisation of African missionaries. The Hub is run by a virtual team, seeking to take into account the many areas of mobilisation that are not yet being addressed.”

To find out more about the AIM African Mobilisation Hub visit: www.aimint.org/amc Meeting Mobilising Challenges One of these key issues is the need to mobilise the whole African church to mission, rather than just scattered individuals. So, we are looking to support our church partners, helping them to build that vision into their ministries, as well as developing structures that mean they can send and support missionaries.

For this to work effectively, we realise that we need to broaden our horizons and develop our mobilising efforts, through partnerships and networks, rather than through a single organisational structure. This will mean that AIM doesn’t necessarily have to do the training, sending or receiving of missionaries. Instead, we can connect potential missionaries with our partners. This approach means that we can better meet people’s needs and incorporate them, at any stage of the mobilisation process. A further barrier to cross-cultural mission for the African church has traditionally, been

the cost.

Raising support can be challenging for African missionaries. Therefore, the Hub is designed to be cheaper than the traditional mission agency approach, with individuals and churches working out what reasonable support rates look like, without being burdened by large administrative fees.

Without a traditional mission agency approach, it also means that English is not necessarily a requirement – opening up more opportunities, for more people from different backgrounds, to get involved in mission!

How Could You Help?

AIM has set up the ‘Advance Training Fund’, to help train and mobilise African Bible teachers and church leaders.

This project provides partial scholarships, of up to $US1, 000, to African Christian workers undertaking advanced or postgraduate training. AIM and our partner churches have identified these workers, as potential leaders. This helps fulfil AIM’s Vision2020, of training 4,000 church leaders, in the five years to 2020.

Studies are often in the Bible or theological streams.

Scholarships are paid direct to the learning institution. Students contribute by raising the balance of funds required.

If you would like to give towards this fund, please visit our website: www.aimint.org/au/give or call us on 02 4322 4777

Everyone has

REGISTER AT ONE OF 8 NEW ZEALAND HOST SITES

Waitara

Tauranga

$60

Christchurch

Palmerston North

$90

North Shore

Hamilton

Pakuranga

Porirua, Wellington

Friday/Saturday 6-7 October Thursday/Friday 12-13 October Thursday/Friday 26-27 October Friday 27 October

Friday 27 October

Friday/Saturday 10-11 November

Thursday/Friday 16-17 November

INFLUENCE.

student rate earlybird till one month prior to event —save $20

Thursday/Friday 16-17 November

Visit www.willowcreek.org.nz/gls-2017 Check out our new site at www.christianlife.co.nz | 11

LOCAL NEWS

The Blood of the Martyrs

Liberty Down Under

By Dave Cowie

I

stood, looking quietly at the scene around me. I was acutely aware, that I was observing something deeply significant, in the history of missions, across the South Pacific. For over twenty-five years, Youth With a Mission’s medical ships, under the ministry of Marine Reach, had covered hundreds of thousands of miles, visiting 18 island nations, from Pitcairn Island to the Philippines. What made this moment so significant was the fact that over the years, we had followed the routes of John Williams, the famous seafaring missionary, and I was now standing on the exact spot where he died.

At least, that was what the local Chief told me.

Like John Williams, I had just sailed into Dillon’s Bay, on the island of Erromanga in Vanuatu, on our newest mission medical ship, the M/V Pacific Hope. John had arrived almost 178 years earlier, on the missionary ship, the SS Camden.

Along with his missionary assistant, James Harris and some crew members, he ventured ashore with the expectancy of bringing life and hope to a desperately needy nation. I glanced up at the cliffs located just a few hundred meters away across the bay. I recalled accounts by successive missionaries, who followed John Williams, telling stories of the hundreds of women who threw themselves

off those cliffs, rather than live in a society where women were of less value than a pig. Cannibalism was a regular means of sustenance. One missionary recalled the story of a group of men on one island walking through a village. They enquired of the chief where they could find food. The Chief casually pointed to one of his daughters and she was clubbed to death and eaten.

John and James had come ashore in a small boat, just as we had done that morning, but their reception was less friendly.

Incensed by the brutality they had endured, from the foreign traders looking for sandalwood, the locals attacked the two men.

James headed for the waves, but didn’t make it. John tried to cross the shallow river entering the bay, but was caught by the pursuing warriors and clubbed to death right where I stood (photo). The “blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church” certainly became true in Vanuatu, formally known as the New Hebrides. In the following years over 40 missionaries from England, Samoa, Fiji and Rarotonga gave their lives, trying to take the Gospel to the nation.

I became acutely aware, once again, that our journey over the last 25 years has been successful because of men, like John Williams, who went before us. Over half a million men,

women and children have been treated by medical teams from our ships. Over a million have received a clear gospel message, with countless numbers coming to Christ. As I looked to my left, I saw our second boat coming ashore with our medical teams. This scene had been repeated hundreds of times over the years, in those hundreds of small forgotten islands’ villages across the South Pacific.

A chapter in missions closed that day, 178 years ago. While John’s wife and sons continued on their missionary work, with great courage and bravery, the SS Camden never again returned to Vanuatu. In October our own ship, The M/V Pacific Hope after 25 years of involvement in this nation, will sail for a new challenge in the Caribbean. But our work will continue in Vanuatu, with the construction of our new Regional Training and Medical Centre; a center staffed by a new generation of young missionaries from across the Pacific, who are building on the efforts of those who died so many years ago, to bring life and hope to a nation in pain.

For more info see www.marinereach.com and www.mrmdts.org/

Jennifer LeClaire

E

very January, for the past 16 years, Jubilee Resources has hosted various speakers and ministries from around the world. We bring people with a “NOW” word, for Kiwi and Aussie Christians. As a consequence, many testimonies have been reported of spiritual, emotional, financial and relational healings.

Jennifer LeClaire is senior editor of Charisma, and brings her blend of news savvy and prophetic and charismatic perspectives. Jennifer is a prolific author, who has written over 25 books.

Jennifer is the director of Awakening House of Prayer, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Her media ministry has nearly 500,000 followers on social media. Jennifer has a powerful testimony of God’s power, to set the captives free and claim beauty for ashes.

Anne Hamilton Anne’s mum says she was born asking, ‘Why?’ ‘Why did that person get healed, but not that one?’ Anne is the world’s foremost expert on name covenants. She is also an expert on threshold covenants and how these defile people’s lives, so instead of the miracle breakthrough, there’s nothing but constriction and wasting. For over 30 years, Anne was a teacher of mathematics, with great training in the art of pattern recognition - the basis of the Hebrew understanding of prophecy. She is trained in Elijah House prayer ministry, and also is a multi-award-winning author of eleven books. She still hasn’t given up asking, ‘Why?’ Details on ‘Events’ page of www.jubileeresources.org.

JONATHAN LAMB

KESWICK

Minister - at - large, Keswick Ministeries, United Kingdom

89TH SUMMER CONVENTION

ROTORUA - NEW ZEALAND

ADRIAN RUSSELL Senior Minister, Northmead Anglican Churches, Sydney

PROGRAMMES FOR: Adults, Young Adults, Youth & Kids

Drive In

27TH DEC - 2ND JAN 2017

2018

12 | Christian Life Issue Fifty October 2017

(casual attendance)

Self Catering (camping)

0210421205 keswicksummerconvention.co.nz

FOR MORE INFO & TO REGISTER:

Keswick Summer Convention

Fully Catered Accommodation

CHRISTIAN LIVING

Amazing Grace

By Tak Bhana

I

t’s easy to fear the future. What about tomorrow? What will become of our children, our health, our memory, our marriage, our money? What will tomorrow be like? Scary!

But the Bible says, “…Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof”. In other words, there’s enough trouble in this sin-cursed world today without us borrowing any more from the future.

In fact, right now you may well be facing very challenging situations; even severe trials and you need a miracle. And as if the difficulties weren’t bad enough, they’re often aggravated exponentially by the pain of low self-esteem, insecurity, rejection, and all kinds of abusive and dysfunctional upbringings. Life on planet earth can be tough.

Is there hope? Absolutely! Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with hope.”

The biblical definition of hope is: ‘a steady confident expectation of good’.

Is that for real? Yes, with God in our lives, we can have that confident expectation of good, despite our past and present pain and struggles. We must not base our future reality on our past, but on the truth of God’s word. Let’s believe Psalm 23:6 – “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”

In Romans 5:17, we read about how we will “reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.” Despite all our challenges, by faith, we can reign in life through the abundance of God’s amazing grace.

The Apostle Paul, who wrote Romans, had it tougher than most. In chapter eight, he gives a brief bio of hardships, severe persecution, various dangers, famine, and nakedness.

He says, “For your sake we face death all day long.” That would be a hyper stressful life. Then, in Romans 8:37 he says, “yet in all these things we are more than conquerors.” If that was me, I think I would have quit. Paul was not superman; he was human, with fears and doubts like us. So how did he do it?

Well, actually he didn’t, and we can’t either. The key that made Paul more than a conqueror was God’s amazing grace, and it will be exactly the same for us.

How can we define grace? It’s the supernatural ability of God to be victorious in every situation; His supernatural power that enables us to be who He has created us to be; and to do what He has called us to do.

Paul couldn’t stop talking about God’s grace. About two thirds of his writings are taken up with this theme,

and his letters open and close with grace.

I can testify that there have been times when I felt I couldn’t cope, or needed to do things that were beyond my ability, but when I cried out to God for His grace, He came through and helped me. Grace is real, it’s supernatural, it’s powerful, and we receive it by faith.

Ephesians 4:7 reminds us, that that God has given each of us all the grace we’ll ever need.

Once, I had someone crying over the phone; they were really struggling, saying things like, I’m done, I’m ready to give up. As I prayed with them, God gave me 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for you.” How true that was; this person came through with flying colors, by God’s grace. It can be same for you, in every trial.

1 Peter 4:10 speaks of the “manifold grace of God.”Manifold means ‘many coloured’. There’s a specific ‘colour’ of grace to perfectly match every need.

God also provides us with the grace, or supernatural enabling, to do his will, or to minister effectively in our area of calling - 2 Corinthians 9:8.

I know two people who stutter terribly, and yet God called them to be speakers. By the grace of God they are both gifted and fluent public speakers.

God can do anything.

God’s grace also enables us to overcome sin and live a victorious Christian life; it can radically transform the most sinful, ungodly person - 2 Timothy 4:7).

In the end, it’s grace that will get us over the finish line. Too many Christians don’t finish well, or quit too soon. Don’t give up, no matter how hard it gets, grace will keep us to the end.

Brian Bailey, a prophet we knew, who has since passed on, related a vision he had of Jesus. All Jesus said for the whole five days was grace, grace, grace. The clear message was that the Christian life, from start to finish, is lived by the grace of God. By grace we are saved, kept, we serve, we overcome sin, and we finish our race.

Now we need to ask, how do we appropriate this amazing grace? By faith! We must believe God’s Word; believe that grace is powerful, sufficient, and available, for every need or situation.

Then we must come boldly (Hebrews 4:15-16). To come boldly, means without reservation, but with frankness. We can do that because we’re approaching a throne of grace, not of judgment.

We need to come to God humbly.

James 4:6 tells us “God opposes proud but gives grace to humble.”

In some situations, we need to shout grace, and declare grace (Zechariah 4:67).

Grace can be imparted to us through God’s word (Acts 20:32).

A woman attended a concert by the great pianist, Paderewski. She got tickets for herself and her little boy near the front. She got chatting, and it was only when the lights came on at 8 pm, that she was horrified to see her son seated at the piano on the stage, playing ‘twinkle twinkle little star’.

Before she could move Paderewski walked over and whispered to the boy, “keep playing”, then he leaned over and with his left hand, began to play the base parts, then reached his right arm around the boy and began to play one of his

pieces. Together the master and novice played, the crowd was mesmerised.

That’s our lives – unpolished and inadequate but the master whispers, “keep going”, and then he surrounds us with His grace and enables us to perform beyond our abilities.

Tak Bhana is the Senior Pastor of Church Unlimited. He has a radio and television program called Running with Fire, which broadcasts in New Zealand and other nations.

His church also produces a magazine with the same name which is distributed in 70 countries, and he has written a book titled “Wired for the Supernatural”.

TOO MANY OF OUR PRECIOUS

NZ CHILDREN ARE EXPERIENCING

ABUSE AND NEGLECT

We care for them in their time of need.

We keep siblings together, ensure they are not moved too often, and provide deep, restorative loving supports for their healing and recovery.

We need your help to help them. Please join us today by committing to a small regular or one-off donation.

You can do this online at homesofhope.org.nz, on HomesofHopeNZ or call us on

(07) 578 9826

Check out our new site at www.christianlife.co.nz | 13

CONFERENCE

Impact! Willow Creek Global Summits

By Alan Vink

SHERYL SANDBERG

I

ANDY STANLEY

mpact! That’s the best single word verb I can come up with. So much so, that I got up and stayed awake the entire time, from 1.30am to 9.00am, on two successive days, four weeks ago, to watch the Global Leadership Summit, live (at Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago) via a very good satellite feed. As always, a faculty of fantastic speakers from the Church, NGO, Business, Academic and Research sectors, who delivered high impact talks that will have enough content to last a year or more, of excellent leadership development.

BILL HYBELS

MARCUS BUCKINGHAM

BRYAN STEVENSON

JULIET FUNT

It is also interesting to note that the Willow Creek Association office, in America, tell me that they have had the strongest feedback in many years.

As is the case every year, different speakers impact people differently.

There is no right or wrong. For me, the top three were Bryan Stevenson, Andy Stanley and Sheryl Sandberg.

The next three were Juliet Funt, Gary Haugen, and Marcus Buckingham.

officer at Facebook, overseeing the company’s business operations. Prior to Facebook, she was vice president of Global Online Sales and Operations at Google and chief of staff for the United States Treasury Department.

Sandberg is the best-selling author of Lean In. Her 2017 release, Option B, is an inspiring and practical book about finding resilience and moving forward, after life’s inevitable setbacks.

SHERYL SANDBERG Chief Operating Officer, Facebook Sheryl Sandberg is chief operating

•

•

•

•

IMMACULÉE ILIBAGIZA

Hire big, means to hire people with unbelievable skills and hire people that you want on your team, before you need them on the team.

I started asking how much resilience do I have – but the better question is, how do I build more resilience in my life?

We’ve heard of PTSD, but not Post Traumatic Growth.

ANDY STANLEY Leadership Author; Communicator; Pastor Andy Stanley founded North Point

When you’re offered a seat on the rocket ship, you don’t ask what seat, you just get on the ship.

FULL-TIME HEAD CHEF

N a t i o n s

Micamp Trust are a group of 3 Christian Camps in the central North Island.

The camps are in separate spectacular locations — Kakahi, Whakamaru and Waitetoko on the side of Lake Taupo. We have a dedicated staff team and are committed to using Christian Camping as a tool for influencing people for the Kingdom of God.

BLESS ISRAEL

We are looking for an experienced and qualified Head Chef to join our exceptional team. Someone who is vision focused and has a strong sense of calling to what God is doing in their life. They need to understand that working at camp is a ministry and not just a job. The applicant will be a lead team player, supportive and enthusiastic and will have appropriate industry qualifications and experience. Key requirements are: • • • • • • • • •

From the e n d s of the e a r t h to I s r a e l

Across the Na,on & Around the World

Planning menus, estimating food and labour costs within a budget.

Oversee and supervise all kitchen staff and volunteers.

Purchasing and receiving quality produce.

Flair for creating tasty and attractive dishes.

Establish and maintain a Food Safety Management Plan.

Ability to plan, prepare and serve specialty diets.

Understanding of OSH and Food Safety practices.

Well-organised multi-tasker.

A team player, reliable, pro-active excellent communication skills both verbal and written.

Christians joining in love and unity

R e l e a s i n g an o f f e r i n g of p r a i s e

In order to do this, they need to be warm and friendly and able to assist people in the many and varied requests that they may have.

Blessing Israel

The successful applicant will at times be required to help in other areas around the camp. If you think you might be this person and are interested in this position, please contact Ted Muir, Camp Manager manager@micamp.co.nz

Sunday 29 April, 2018 7-­‐9 pm

14 | Christian Life Issue Fifty October 2017

N

From the rising of the sun, to it’s going down the name of the Lord is to be praised. Psalm 113:3 I will bless those that bless you… Genesis 12:3

E

W

Z

E

A

L

A

N

D

CONFERENCE

Ministries (NPM) more than 20 years ago. Today, NPM is comprised of six churches in the Atlanta area and a network of 30 churches around the globe, collectively serving nearly 70,000 people weekly. Recently, Outreach Magazine identified Stanley as one of the Top 10 ‘Most Influential Pastors in America’. The author of more than 20 books, he is passionate about serving both church and organizational leaders.

• Listen to outsiders.

• Outsiders aren’t bound by our assumptions.

• Close-minded leader’s close minds.

• Be a student, not a critic.

Here are the Bios of another five of the speakers we will be showing here in New Zealand, at all eight of our venues.

BILL HYBELS Founder & Senior Pastor, Willow Creek Community Church Bill Hybels is senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church, a church of more than 25,000 people, across eight Chicago-area congregations. He founded The Global Leadership Summit, with a commitment to develop

and mentor leaders worldwide; now impacting 400,000+ leaders in 128+ countries. Hybels is the best-selling author of more than 20 books, including his video curriculum, Leading From Here to There: 5 Essential Skills.

MARCUS BUCKINGHAM Best-selling Author; Founder, The Marcus Buckingham Company Marcus Buckingham, world’s leading authority on strengths, performance and engagement, founded The Marcus Buckingham Company, following 30 years at Gallup. He is the best-selling author of multiple books, including Now, Discover Your Strengths.

A Summit favorite, Buckingham will challenge everyone to rethink their vital leadership function of performance management—based on his latest multi-year research, recently featured in Harvard Business Review.

BRYAN STEVENSON Founder & Executive Director, Equal Justice Initiative Bryan Stevenson, a highly acclaimed activist and lawyer, has dedicated his career to helping the poor, the incar-

cerated and the condemned, through his leadership of the Equal Justice Initiative. He has successfully argued several cases in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, and his TED talk has more than three million views. The best-selling author of Just Mercy, Stevenson was named on Fortune’s 2016 World’s Greatest Leaders list.

JULIET FUNT CEO, Whitespace at Work Juliet Funt, a recognized consultant and speaker, founded Whitespace at Work, with the mission to unearth the potential of companies, by unburdening their talent. A warrior against reactive busyness, Funt teaches a streamlined method for personal process improvement that reduces complexity in the workplace. Teams that incorporate Whitespace mindsets and skill-sets increase creativity and engagement, reclaim lost capacity and execute at their finest.

IMMACULÉE ILIBAGIZA Advocate for Peace and Forgiveness; Best-selling Author Immaculée Ilibagiza is a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide that took the lives of nearly one million Tutsi,

including her entire family except for one brother. She survived by huddling silently with seven other women, in a 3-by-4-foot bathroom, for 91 days.

Today, Immaculée is regarded as one of the world’s leading speakers on faith, hope and forgiveness. Ilibagiza works for peace, through the United Nations and is the author of multiple books, including her best-selling Left to Tell.

And there is so much more world class teaching that has made me think and has definitely inspired me and I know it will do the same for you.

Finally. This event emanates from a big stage, in a big church, in a big country. I fully acknowledge that.

The truth is this, only such a church like this, could pull an event like this off (some of the speaker contracts are mind boggling) and most of the talks have universal application. If, by chance they don’t, the talk will always be incredibly interesting.

So as always, I hope to see you at the Summit. www.willowcreek.org.nz for more details.

SMALL GROUP TOURS CAPE REINGA » STEWART ISLAND

DISCOVER NEW ZEALAND'S CHRISTIAN HERITAGE 5-day small group driver-escorted tour: Join me on an in-depth look at New Zealand's early Maori, European, and Christian heritage including Kauri Museum and forest, Dargaville, Hokianga, Rawene, Mangungu and Waimate North Mission Stations, Keri Keri, Marsden Cross, Cape Reinga, Bay of Islands cruise, Russell Tour, oldest church in New Zealand, Pompallier House guided tour, Kawakawa including Hundertwasser toilets and Bay of Islands Vintage Rail ride, Ruapekapeka Pa battle site, Kawiti Glow Worm Caves, Whangarei, Claphams Clocks DEPART: Auckland 4 Dec ($1,490), 6 Feb, 6 Mar ($1,590)

BEST OF NORTHLAND 1,2,3,5-day tours DEPART: Auckland every Mon & Wed 20 Nov ‒ 28 Mar

ALSO: COROMANDEL AND EAST CAPE Feb 19, Mar 19 HOBBITON AND WAITOMO daily except Sundays SOUTH ISLAND 3, 8, 10 day tours weekly

DISCOVER YOUR WORLD IN 2018

Escorted small group tours: CENTRAL ASIA by private train Mar 27 - Apr 13 ISRAEL 13 days Apr 15 - 2 FRENCH POLYNESIA CRUISE Jul 09 - 21 ROME PLUS HOLYLAND CRUISE Sep 25 - Oct 16 PRAGUE + 14 night CRUISE BUDAPEST TO AMSTERDAM Oct 16 - Nov 05 BOOK NOW P: 0800 309 196 or 021 174 9588 E: steve@newzealandtours.co.nz newzealandtours.co.nz connoisseurholidays.co.nz Check out our new site at www.christianlife.co.nz | 15

COLLEGE SPECIAL

Looking to study in 2018?

Carey - The Priority of Preaching If the church in Aotearoa is to participate effectively in the mission of God it needs to prioritise its preaching. That’s the conviction of Dr John Tucker, Carey Baptist College’s newly nominated principal.

Dr Tucker, who has been a lawyer and a pastor, currently teaches preaching and history at Carey in Penrose, Auckland. He also directs the Carey School of Preaching, which

aims to equip preachers across New Zealand through seminars, mentoring groups, and resources.

“The church,” John says, “depends on God’s word for its life and mission.

You see this in Scripture. God’s word is living and active. When God speaks, something happens. As Darrell Johnson says, God’s word doesn’t just inform, it performs, it transforms.”

“You also see this through history.

Periods of decline in the church can usually be traced to a decay in preaching. On the other hand, the great revivals in Christian history usually grew out of the work of preachers who faithfully integrated Scripture and culture, word and world.”

It’s this integration of Scripture, culture, and practice that goes right to the heart of Carey’s approach to theological training. “At Carey,” says Dr

Tucker, “the goal is not just information, but integration – and transformation – for the sake of participation in the mission of God.” For more information visit carey.ac.nz or Ph: 09 525 4017

New Theology papers available through the Uni of Otago early in 2018 The Department of Theology and Religion, at the University of Otago in conjunction with the University’s Bioethics Centre, is offering an inter-disciplinary paper on Bioethics and Christian Theology. The course is offered in Summer School from 8 January - 16 February 2018 and can be taken on Campus or via Distance Learning.

It offers the opportunity to discuss a range of bioethical issues from

the standpoint of Christian Theology.

Topics covered will include Euthanasia, Sanctity of Life, Abortion, IVF and Genetics, Suffering and Health, Beneficence and Duty of Care and Dementia.

An Intensive Course, entitled Church in Mission: Theology in Changing Cultures will be offered in Dunedin, with a video link to Auckland over the week of 22-26 January.

This is a Semester 1 paper, with as-

sessment during the Semester, but all the teaching is in the block course in January.

Taught by Rev Dr Doug Gay, of the University of Glasgow, and Rev Dr Steve Taylor, of the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership; the paper will bring together perspectives of global and local theology, contemporary cultures and study of the church in a critical and constructive dialogue.

For more information on these and other papers, please see our website at: otago.ac.nz/ theology / phone: 03 479 8901 / email: theology@otago.ac.nz

Laidlaw - Preparing Christians to serve for 95 years Laidlaw College has been preparing New Zealand Christians for participation in God’s purposes for the church and the world since 1922. Starting with ten students, Laidlaw College is now New Zealand’s largest interdenominational Christian College, offering tertiary qualifications in theology and biblical studies, mission, ministry, counselling and teacher education. Campuses are located in Auckland (Henderson and Manukau) and Christchurch, as well as distance learning opportunities. Study path-

ways take students from certificate level right through to doctoral studies.

Our programmes bridge the gap between faithful reflection on God and a deep engagement with the world.

Graduates of Laidlaw College are teaching in New Zealand primary schools and employed as professional counsellors in a variety of roles and settings including educational, family, health, chaplaincy, church and private practice. They are involved in pastoral ministries, leading churches, engaged in mission or development work; or

Attempt great “Expect great things from God.

for God” in —William Carey, 1761-1884

pursuing careers within the public and private sectors, providing leadership within their spheres of influence.

Laidlaw College is committed to seeing our students flourish academically, socially and through encounter with God and others in an intercultural College that reflects and celebrates the cultural diversity of Aoteroa New Zealand!

Whether you have a particular vocational dream in mind, or simply want to go deeper into God’s Word, we would love the opportunity to hear

things

2018.

your story and talk about ways that Laidlaw could better equip you.

For more information visit www.laidlaw.ac.nz or 0800 999 777

Carey this year has not just taught me how to ‘read’ the Bible, but how to own what I believe and dig into the freshness of His presence.

MITCHELL YOUNGS Carey Student

Study God’s Word and become better equipped to serve Him in your workplace, church, and mission field.

Applied Theology Inter-cultural Mission Pastoral Leadership Youth Pastoral Leadership

Children & Family Leadership Intermission Youth Gap Year Ethnic Ministry Leadership

Full-time, part-time, distance and block course options available.

16 | Christian Life Issue Fifty October 2017

0800 773 776

carey.ac.nz

THINKING ABOUT STUDYING IN 2018?

Faith Bible College Preparing workers for revival ministry Birthed out of the Charismatic revival in the late 60s, Faith Bible College has been preparing Christian leaders and workers for revival ministry worldwide. It all began in 1968, during the annual conventions held in the old Tauranga Town Hall. That year, Pastor Derek Prince was the convention speaker. After he had finished preaching one night, he ushered Ps Des Short to the microphone and instructed him

to share the vision God had laid on Des and Carley’s heart. Faith Bible College was established the following year, through the generous donations of believers, who caught the vision for a non-denominational Charismatic training school.

FBC celebrates her 50th anniversary next year and has seen nearly 4000 men and women trained for the ministry. Faith offers the New Zealand

Certificate of Christian Ministry and the New Zealand Diploma in Christian Studies. Both courses are NZQA accredited. Situated in a lush and serene campus in sunny Tauranga, it is an ideal environment for students to focus on seeking God through prayer, the study of His Word, and the ministry of the Spirit.

Faith Bible College also hosts YWAM Bethlehem and the Tauranga

House of Prayer, who are based on our campus. Together, the three ministries provide an environment saturated with Spirit filled hunger for more of God. For more information go to www.fbc.ac.nz or contact us at 07 5442463.

Training for Evangelism Training is always beneficial, regardless of what we are doing. That is why the Allblacks & any good sports teams practice continually. We, as Christians, need to practice our evangelism regularly and also take training where needed or possible, so we are more prepared and skilled to do our work for the Lord.

College of Evangelism provides that, for people desiring to share their

faith with others, with certainty. This is a 12 month course which is internet based, so that most of it is done from your home, with 3 block courses of 4-day duration.

Subjects such as; Apologetics, Cults, Religions, Occult and the Gospel, & Cross-cultural Evangelism, help to understand & formulate your responses to people’s questions. Then subjects like; Books

of Colossians, Galatians & Romans, give a good understanding of the gospel and what it is and isn’t.

The more practical subjects like; Personal Evangelism and Disciple-making, Children and Youth, Evangelistic Equipment, Homiletics, & other subjects, equip and help you in your work for the Lord, where ever He has put you.

Applications are now open for 2018, which starts March 2nd – 5th Contact John Jones or Lew Meyer: JJ.assist@slingshot. co.nz

Pathways: Fusing theological study with practical ministry At Pathways College, our mission is to disciple people in the local church, through excellent academics, ministry and mentoring. We are committed, to fusing theological study, with practical ministry, in order to help our students to develop confident, living faith that pleases God in the real world.

We offer a range of study options: - Our two full-time Internship programmes enable students to

-

-

spend a year serving in practical ministry, while also engaging in theological study.

School of Worship Leading is a one year, part-time course, designed to take people with great hearts and musical ability and mould them into fully competent worship leaders.

Our Online Courses give people who normally would not be able

-

-

to devote an entire year to study, the opportunity to do theological study wherever they’d like.

We also offer a Pastoral Leadership training programme, for students in Open Brethren churches. The Pastoral Leadership programme is offered in partnership, with Carey Baptist College.

In early 2018, we will be launch-

ing a brand-new initiative, Pathways College On Demand, a subscription scheme to make our online courses even more accessible to church groups.

For more information, visit www.pathways.ac.nz

Eastwest College - Equipping You to Share God’s Story We aim to equip Christians for cross-cultural ministries, whether at home or overseas. We are the only college, in Aotearoa-New Zealand, with this as the defining focus of our training. We offer one- and two-year Diplomas (NZQA Levels 5 and 6) in Intercultural Studies.

Our convictions: - living in a multi-cultural community is a ‘second-to-none’ prepa-

- - - -

ration for cross-cultural ministry; training must be holistic - equipping heads, hearts and hands because mission is; our training is to enable workers not only to survive in tough places, but to thrive; cross-cultural workers need a solid Bible foundation for life at the ‘coal face’ of ministry; missions are best taught by those

with real-life stories to tell: our staff team are practitioners, with years of ministry experience in Asia, Europe and Africa.

Of our almost four hundred graduates since 1996, 75% have gone on to ministry, in over 40 countries around the world.

With our newly revised programme, starting in February 2018, we look forward to equipping more workers,

to share God’s story.

For more information: 21 College Drive, RD1, Taupiri 3791 www.eastwest.ac.nz / office@ eastwest.ac.nz

FEED HUNGRY SOULS In the prisons, in orphanages, on the streets, in poor rural villages and towns, Eastern European people starved under Soviet Communism of the Good News that Jesus changes lives forever, are crying out. A window of opportunity to reach them is open.

YOU CAN DO SOMETHING!

• $10 will put a Bible in the hands of an adult or child.

• $20 will feed a homeless person for a week and ensure they hear that God loves them.

• $20 will provide personal hygiene items to a prisoner abandoned by family, lonely and desperate for hope.

DON'T WAIT. ACT NOW. LIVES AND SOULS DEPEND ON IT.

Get online or phone now and start changing a life: 0800 469 269 mwb.org.nz/ACTNOW

Helping to change lives in Albania, BosniaHerzegovina, Bulgaria, Moldova, Romania and Ukraine Reg. Charity No. CC37218

Check out our new site at www.christianlife.co.nz | 17

FAMILY FIRST

No To Suicide, But Yes To Assisted Suicide?

By Bob McCoskrie

I

n a recent exchange with Family First, Nitschke tweeted; ‘Suicide is a fundamental human right - one that society has no moral right to interfere with’.

I find that attitude highly disturbing.

In 2014, euthanasia advocate, Dr Philip Nitschke came under fire from two Australian suicide prevention organisations, Beyond Blue and the Black Dog Institute, after his involvement in the suicide of a physically healthy 45-year-old Australian man. In 2009, a Wellington woman ended her life with Nembutal, after receiving advice on how to obtain it from Dr Nitschke. She was a lifemember of EXIT and was suffering from depression, but was physically fit and not suffering a terminal illness.

Many people believe that the

promotion of assisted suicide is a message that will be heard, not just by those with a terminal illness, but also by anyone tempted to think he or she can no longer cope with their suffering – whatever the nature of that suffering.

And this appears to be the theme of a recent Facebook post by National MP Simon O’Connor – even if it was clumsily expressed.

Yet another MP, Chester Borrows was even blunter recently. “We have a horrific record on suicide and I think it sends a message that sometimes it is okay to top yourself. And I disagree with that.”

An analysis of the 21,000+ submissions to the Select Committee, considering euthanasia over the past 12 months, found that almost a quarter of submissions opposing euthanasia, were concerned about mixed messages being sent about suicide to the young and disabled.

You don’t discourage suicide by assisting suicide.

There is a ‘social contagion’ aspect to suicide – assisted or non-assisted – and we need more discussion about suicide prevention, not euthanasia.

Laws permitting assisted suicide send a societal message that, under especially difficult circumstances,

some lives are judged to be not worth living — and that suicide is a reasonable or appropriate way out of dealing with suffering.

The Scottish Parliament pondered this issue, when considering the introduction of an assisted suicide bill in 2015 and said: “The Committee is concerned that this has the potential not only to undermine the general suicide prevention message by softening cultural perceptions of suicide at the perimeters, but also to communicate an offensive message to certain members of our community (many of whom may be particularly vulnerable) that society would regard it as ‘reasonable’, rather than tragic, if they wished to end their lives.”

Protracted discussion and the promotion of assisted suicide / euthanasia and related cases will – even unintentionally - undermine the suicide prevention message and goals in the following ways: •

•

•

legalised assisted suicide can imply that the promotion of mental health and wellbeing for people in pain is futile or counterproductive, and that suicide is their best outcome it would normalise positive portrayals of suicide in the public domain. People contemplating suicide may justify doing it, based on positive stories and arguments they have heard about assisted suicide it would ignore the possible

PATHWAYS COLLEGE

harmful effects on families / whanau The World Health Organization notes the scholarly research on the imitative nature of suicide: “Systematic reviews of these (50) studies have consistently drawn the same conclusion: media reporting of suicide can lead to imitative suicidal behaviours.… Particular subgroups in the population (e.g., young people, people suffering from depression) may be especially vulnerable to engaging in imitative suicidal behaviours.”

It can feed into people’s fears about dying, fears which are well dealt with through the sort of holistic care provided by palliative care David Seymour’s bill proposes assisted suicide for someone with a “grievous and irremediable medical condition”.

If you have ever struggled with mental illness, that definition absolutely fits – at the time.

A New Zealand Medical Journal report by New Zealand suicide researchers, Annette Beautrais and David Fergusson, say reporting on suicide, in any way, puts vulnerable people at risk.

It’s time to focus on providing the very best palliative care and support for vulnerable people – whether they are at the end of their life, or momentarily wishing they were at the end of their life.

Robert Salamanca wanted to commit suicide after being diagnosed

INTERNSHIPS

If you want to love God and serve Him well, you need to keep theology and action together. Without deep Bible knowledge, ministry becomes shallow and secular. Meanwhile, without loving action, theology becomes stagnant and irrelevant. But, if you can fuse theology and action together in the same experience, you have something powerful and life-changing: a confident, living faith that pleases God in the real world.

At Pathways College, we are deeply passionate about keeping theology and action together, so this kind of fusion is what we offer in our two full-time internship diplomas. Our students grow in their knowledge of God and the Bible through week-long block courses six times a year, while also serving practically as interns in church and para-church ministry contexts all over New Zealand.

“ 18 | Christian Life Issue Fifty October 2017

Pathways has been amazing in so many ways. Not only have I become more confident in ministry, but I have discovered a love of theological study and really deepened the foundations of my faith, through both practical and academic challenges.” – Jessica (Diploma of Ministry Leadership, 2016) For more information or to apply, go to www.pathways.ac.nz

HOT TOPIC

with Lou Gehrig’s disease. This was when Jack Kevorkian was – with too much media acclaim - helping people with disabilities and terminal conditions kill themselves.

Eventually, he admitted, “I came out of the fog,” so happy to be alive.

Bob spent his final years watching his children grow, investing successfully online to help his family financially, and collecting art. Before he died, Bob wrote a column for the San Francisco Chronicle, titled “I Don’t Want a Choice to Die”: “Reporting in the media too often makes us feel like token presences, burdens who are better off dead . . . Many pro-euthanasia groups “showcase” people with ALS. They portray us as feeble, unintelligible and dying by slow suffocation. This is absolutely false, and I protest their efforts vehemently. By receiving proper medical care, a terminally ill person can pass away peacefully, pain-free and with dignity. We are not people just waiting for someone to help us end our misery, but to the contrary, we are people reaching out to love . . . to be loved . . . wanting to feel life at its best. Too many people have accepted the presumption that an extermination of some human lives can be just… Where has our sense of community gone? True, terminal illness is frightening, but the majority of us, overpower the symptoms and are great contributors to life.”

Suicide. Assisted suicide. We can live without them.

Bob McCoskrie is the National Director of Family First NZ. Visit www. familyfirst.org.nz for more information on how you can become involved.

Family Change Starts with the Father

A

man’s dignity and sense of worth are connected to his ability to work and provide for his wife and family. Take away paid work and add the pressure of a young family, and a man can quickly spiral down into despair and depression, alcoholism and family violence. It’s a common enough story in New Zealand, but even more so in Eastern Europe.

Here is a remarkable story of change. For years, Ion*, living in poor, rural Romania, had been weighed down by the burden of raising a family. The more he struggled, the more he drank.

“I was here, but I was never here,” he says. “I would even drink during the nights, and I always had a bottle under my bed. When I woke up, I would drink. I hated everyone. I turned my neighbours into my enemies, and my children would run and hide from me. Everywhere I looked I felt people were judging me, making me feel guilty.”

Mission Without Borders’ local support worker, Ilie Constantin, heard of the family’s plight and began easing Ion’s financial burdens through monthly food and hygiene parcels and supplying the family with clothes, shoes, and new furniture. His children were also invited on their first ever holiday at MWB Summer Camp, but during camp, one of Ion’s daughters wanted to go home because she was worried for her mother’s safety, if she was left alone with her father.

Ion’s drinking and violence continued, until one particular evening. He had been drinking and needed to pay off his debts, to buy more alcohol. He believed his wife had hidden his money. “When I got there the father was livid, and he was cursing and yelling,” Ilie, recounts.

“Going into the house, I asked the children to go to another room and for the parents to sit down. Then I started calmly to tell them about how Jesus can change lives. At one point, the father leapt to his feet and grabbed an electrical wire from the ceiling and threatened to electrocute his wife. After some more outbursts, he finally calmed down and allowed me to pray for him. As soon as we had finished, he grabbed his wine bottle and rushed outside.

I followed him and watched as he poured the contents of the bottle on the ground and swore to never drink again.”

Three months later, Ion telephoned Ilie, saying that he wanted to start coming to church. “He just

Ion and son – family life restored

needed God,” Ilie says. “He’s now part of a fellowship group, where he feels accepted and loved. Three years have passed and he is a different man. He is not drinking, and he has finished building a home for his family, which he couldn’t do when all his money was going on alcohol.”

And his family is together. “I have hope for the future,” Ion says, “and I feel it every day now.”

Mission Without Borders works in six countries in Eastern Europe: mwb.org.nz. *Name changed

Will you help to put Jesus in the hands of 1.4 million Kiwis at Easter 2018?

Have you noticed how Jesus’ name is hardly mentioned in public media at Easter anymore?

While the Christian message of hope is unchanging, the beliefs of our society are now continuously changing, and the messages of media feed them. In such a society, maintaining a visible presence is important because ‘out of sight’ equals ‘out of mind’.

To preserve an awareness of Jesus at Easter it is proposed that the Hope Project be run every year. This would bring esteem to the name of Jesus, and if we work together is very achievable.

In 2014-2016 the first three national media efforts saw many lives being dramatically changed, and churches and individuals helped to engage conversations.

Please participate in this very worthy effort now by going to: AllTogether.co.nz/donate

For more, please visit: AllTogether.co.nz/hopeproject

Check out our new site at www.christianlife.co.nz | 19

Programme Guide

Watch Shine on Freeview 25 / SKY 201 Online shinetv.co.nz

NOVEMBER 2017

Details correct at the time of printing.

For up-to-date 24-hour listings and programme information go to shinetv.co.nz

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Living Truth: Charles Price

P

Lakewood Church: Joel Osteen

P

Hour of Power: Bobby Schuller

P

8:00

Harvest TV Rotorua: Dave and Jill Moore

8:30

5:00 6:00

In Touch: Charles Stanley

TUESDAY P

Living Truth: Charles Price

WEDNESDAY P

THURSDAY

Turning Point: Dr David Jeremiah

P

Lakewood Church: Joel Osteen

FRIDAY P

SATURDAY

Hour of Power: Bobby Schuller

Quick Study with Ron Hembree (Mon-Fri)

P

Life Questions / Kingdom Connection

P

5:00

P

Hillsong Kids: Cubbyhouse

C

6:00

Unlocking the Bible: David Pawson

P

Leading the Way: Michael Youssef

P

Kingdom Connection: Jentezen Franklin

P

Derek Prince

P

Harvest TV Rotorua: Dave and Jill Moore

P

Superbook

C

6:30

Hillsong Kids: Cubbyhouse

C

Capt’n Chuckleberry

C

Superbook

C

Hillsong Kids: Cubbyhouse

C

Superbook

C

Capt’n Chuckleberry

C

7:00

Veggie Tales

C

Friends and Heroes

C

Veggie Tales

C

Capt’n Chuckleberry

C

Veggie Tales

C

Pahapahooey Island

C

7:30

P

Theo: Teaching God’s Word

C

Hillsong Kids: A Big Life

C

Blello TV

C

Super Simple Science Stuff

C

Hillsong Kids: A Big Life

C

Children’s Heroes of the Bible

C

8:00

Running with Fire: Tak Bhana

P

Impact for Life: Peter & Bev Mortlock

P

Word For You: Terry & Jayne Calkin

P

Life TV: Paul de Jong

P

Running with Fire: Tak Bhana

P

Life Questions: Jeff Vines

P

Super Simple Science Stuff

C

8:30

In Touch: Charles Stanley

P

Scaly Adventures

C

9:00

P

P

Hillsong Kids: A Big Life

C

9:30

Word For You: Terry & Jayne Calkin

P

10:30

Songs of Praise

M

11:00 11:30

Turning Point: Dr David Jeremiah

P

Noon

Life TV: Paul de Jong

P

6:30 7:00 7:30

9:00 9:30 10:00

12:30

100 Huntley Street

D

13:00

The Restoration Road

D

13:30

Give Me An Answer

D

15:00

FEATURE:

P

The Restoration Road

D

The Exchange

D

Be Amazing

D

Leon Fontaine

P

Answers with Bayless Conley

Full Circle (Tue-Thu)

Roots and Reflections Signed, Sealed, Delivered Double episodes

D

D

(Season 1)

D D

In Touch: Charles Stanley

P

Hillsong Kids: Cubbyhouse

C

Veggie Tales

C

Drive Thru History: America

D

Jeni: Hometown Harvest

D

FEATURE:

LivingTruth: Charles Price

D

WW1 Military Chaplains

D

D

Joni & Friends

NEW SERIES (16 Nov)

Live from Studio B

D

12:30

Global Leadership Summit 2016

D

Go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

13:00

NEW SERIES

C

Capt’n Chuckleberry

C

Superbook

C

Leading the Way: Michael Youssef

P 16:00

Hillsong Kids: A Big Life

C

Veggie Tales

C

Super Simple Science Stuff

C

Veggie Tales

C

Jerusalem Dateline

N 16:30

M

Studio 5

D 17:00

D

Creation Magazine Live

D 17:30

N

Lakewood Church: Joel Osteen

D

Impact for Life: Peter & Bev Mortlock

P

Word For You: Terry & Jayne Calkin

P

LIFE TV: Paul de Jong

19:30

Songs of Praise

M

Drive Thru History: America

D

Christian World News

N

Ties That Bind /

Jeni: Hometown Harvest

D

Full Circle (Tue-Thu)

D

Be Amazing

For the Life of the World

D

WW1 Military Chaplains

D

FEATURE:

Bulloch Family Ranch

P

NEW SERIES (15 Nov)

Go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

Jerusalem Dateline

N

Studio 5

D

Go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

19:30

Live from Studio B

D

For the Lost

D

Brought to you by

20:00

Global Leadership Summit 2016

D

Ties That Bind /

D

FEATURE:

Go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

TV4Dads: Michigan Man Camp

D

Joni & Friends

D

22:30

Impact for Life

P

Bobby Schuller

P

Leon Fontaine

P

23:00

The Catholic Guy

P

Enjoying Everyday Life with Joyce Meyer (Mon-Fri)

P

23:30

The Exchange

D

Destined to Reign with Joseph Prince (Mon-Fri)

P

Midnight

Harvest TV Rotorua: Dave & Jill Moore

P

00:30am

Roots and Reflections

D

1 am

Songs of Praise

M

1:30am

The Restoration Road

D

The Catholic Guy: Bruce Downs

P

Derek Prince

P

P

Hillsong TV

Harvest TV Rotorua: Dave & Jill Moore

P

Living Truth: Charles Price

P

Turning Point: Dr David Jeremiah

P

Lakewood Church: Joel Osteen

P

Hour of Power: Bobby Schuller

Drive Thru History: America

D 21:00

Planetshakers TV

D 21:30

Global Leadership Summit 2016

D

Worship by Hillsong

M

P

LIFE TV: Paul de Jong

P

P

Creation Magazine Live

P

Lakewood Church: Joel Osteen

P

Quick Study with Ron Hembree (Mon-Fri)

Overnight until 4:30am - Shine Worship (Sun-Sat)

2 am 4:30am

P

NEW SERIES (16 Nov)

Give Me An Answer

Give Me an Answer

P

Bobby Schuller

P

Leon Fontaine

P

Bayless Conley

A Shine viewer says...

‘Since Shine has been on Freeview I have been watching. I’m enjoying the

shows, movies, sermons, different church services, histories and testimonies.

I am learning a great deal and it strengthens my walk with Christ.’ - Priscilla

20 | Christian Life Issue Fifty October 2017

P

Leading the Way

19:00

FAMILY FEATURE:

20:30

D

Leading the Way: Michael Youssef

18:30

P

Bulloch Family Ranch P

18:00

Life Questions: Jeff Vines

What Do You See?

Bayless Conley

P

P

D

FEATURE:

Go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

15:30

Running with Fire: Tak Bhana

22:00

In Touch: Charles Stanley

15:00

Pahapahooey Island

Jesus the Game Changer

P

14:30

C

19:00

Unlocking the Bible: David Pawson

14:00

D

The 700 Club (Mon-Fri)

Go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

13:30

Go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

Ties That Bind

D

FEATURE:

Friends and Heroes

D

D

Noon

P

N

Facing the Canon

N

Hour of Power: Bobby Schuller

Jerusalem Dateline

21:30

Jerusalem Dateline D

P

18:30

21:00

D 11:30

Lakewood Church: Joel Osteen

D

FEATURE:

Studio 5

P

Shine Worship (Mon-Fri) Be Amazing

11:00

D

P

Joni & Friends

D

Be Amazing

Y 10:30

Turning Point: Dr David Jeremiah

18:00

(Season 1)

Ties That Bind / Bulloch Family Ranch

10:00

Life FM Presents

P

17:30

20:30

Brian Houston @ Hillsong TV

N

FEATURE:

Go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

P

Signed, Sealed, Delivered Double episodes

N

For the Life of the World

Turning Point: Dr David Jeremiah

20:00

P

D

FEATURE:

Go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail TV4Dads: Michigan Man Camp

Christian World News

P

17:00

Leading the Way: Michael Youssef

The 700 Club (Tue-Fri)

Living Truth: Charles Price

16:30

P

Enjoying Everyday Life with Joyce Meyer (Mon-Fri)

What Do You See?

Go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

15:30 16:00

Bobby Schuller

Facing the Canon

14:00 14:30

Destined to Reign with Joseph Prince (Mon-Fri)

22:30

Hillsong TV

P

100 Huntley St

23:00 23:30 Midnight

D 00:30am P M

P

22:00

1 am 1:30am

2 am

P 4:30am

P

Preaching

C

Children

M

Music

N

News

Y

Youth

D

Doco / Drama

SHIN E FEATURES OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2017

NEW SERIES

BULLOCH FAMILY RANCH

STARTS 15 NOV

Meet real-life Julie and Rusty Bulloch, a fun-loving, working class couple who devotes their time and resources to helping others. Julie and Rusty are the proud parents of 25 teenagers, providing them with a home and love that helps them to flourish.

Wednesdays 7.30pm

Thursdays 12pm & 9.30pm (rpt) Fridays 2pm (rpt)

Shine has more great feature series this October and November (for a more detailed programme guide, go to shinetv.co.nz)

JESUS THE GAME CHANGER

The life and teaching of Jesus changed the world. Karl Faase travels to the USA, UK, Australia, Singapore and India interviewing over 30 authors, speakers and modern day game changers. (Starts 5 Nov) Sundays 7pm Mondays 12pm (rpt)

JENI: HOMETOWN HARVEST

In this new series, Jeni Molitor is joined by close friends and family. She’s cooking up some of her favourite foods and welcomes you to join her.

Mondays 8pm Tuesdays 12.30pm (rpt)

Details up to date at time of printing.

For a full and up-to-date 24-hour programme: shinetv.co.nz

FACING THE CANON

Evangelist and teacher J John interviews a remarkable collection of activists, politicians, theologians and eccentrics. All have one thing in common - the transforming presence of Christ in their lives. (Starts 5 Nov) Sundays 9.30pm Mondays 2pm (rpt)

WW1 MILITARY CHAPLAINS

A four-part series looking at the courage and conviction of military chaplains in the Great War. Highlights the dedicated work of the YMCA, Salvation Army & others. (Starts 7 Nov) Tuesdays 8.30pm Wednesdays 1pm (rpt)

To watch Shine

Freeview 25 Sky 201 or online at shinetv.co.nz

DRIVE THRU HISTORY: AMERICA

Join Dave Stotts on an adventure through early American history as he tells the stories of the people, places, and events that led to the founding of the United States of America.

Mondays 7.30pm Tuesdays 12pm (rpt)

GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2016

Hear inspiring messages from this leadership conference, from successful leaders Bill Hybels, Wilfredo DeJesus, Bishop TD Jakes & more.

Thursdays 8.30pm Fridays 1pm (rpt) Saturdays 10pm (rpt)

shinetv.co.nz twitter.com/shinetv facebook.com/shinetv.nz

Check out our new site at www.christianlife.co.nz | 21

Classifieds...

brought to you by My Christian Daily Jobs www.mychristiandaily.com/jobs

P O S I T I O N S VAC A N T

FUNDRAISING

DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

Titoki Christian Healing Centre

Auckland-based. Full-time.

Join a small NZ support team committed to seeing Jesus change lives in Eastern Europe through the Gospel and practical help.

You will bring:

Seeking Live-In Community Leaders and Team Members Titoki Christian Healing Centre in Whakatane is seeking an individual or couple to lead a team of five staff. Titoki offers a peaceful place for rest and respite, spiritual formation events, retreats and cross-cultural missionary debriefing.

• • • •

Ministry, chaplaincy, spiritual direction or counselling experience is preferred along with experience in community living and maintaining a harmonious team.

To complete the team, we are also seeking staff to provide hospitality and care for our guests and/or to manage our property/grounds. All team members live onsite with house, utilities and food provided in lieu of salary.

2-5 years’ experience in fundraising, marketing or sales; a relevant tertiary or other qualification; excellent spoken and written English; experience in: integrated marketing campaigns using social media; organising events; use of a donor/CRM database; confident engagement with supporters and volunteers.

Review the Position Description on mwb.org.nz/vacancies, then email your letter of application and CV to nzadmin@mwbi.org by 31 October 2017

Visit WWW.titoki.org.nz for details

e: info@titokihealingcentre.co.nz p: 07 308 6503

www.titoki.org.nz

EVENTS

Royree Jensen AUSTRALIA

Lesley Taylor NZ

John Bridge INDIA

Joan Hunter USA

Earlybird

$99 till

31 March

FIND A CHRISTIAN BUSINESS

2018

Celebrate 150 years of ChristianWitness by planning a heritage holiday...

SEE what the churches are UP TO!

For events check out thamesheritage.co.nz/goldfields or thamesinfo.co.nz

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

Join the world’s largest Christian Home Swap Community List your home for only $22.45 then holiday for FREE anywhere in the world! www.christianhomeswap.com 22 | Christian Life Issue Fifty October 2017

Classifieds...

brought to you by My Christian Daily Jobs www.mychristiandaily.com/jobs

FIND A CHRISTIAN BUSINESS

Come away...

to a place of peace, a place of renewal.

His House is a fully catered retreat centre in a tranquil country setting, only 40 minutes north of Auckland. hishouse.co.nz

RESOURCES

BOOKS ON A MiSSiON TO KiDS

* BUiLDING FAiTH AND CONFiDENCE High-octane : rip-roaring : faith filled : Kiwi Kids stories for children 7—14yrs “great story couldn't put it down ...gripping adventures keeping you on the edge of your seat. “My grandson is a different boy since he read your book.. Thank you.”

Hosted by Soraya & Stephen Green

From your local Christian Bookstore … or

Phone 09 425 0042 or 021 227 5086 or email sorayaathishouse@gmail.com

Do you need an evangelist or evangelism training OAC has evangelists throughout New Zealand Call 0800467 735 or visit oac.org.nz

WARKWORTH: Heartbeat Christian Store 60 Queen Street Ph.09 425 9559 AUCKLAND: Bamboo Resource Centre 591 Dominion Rd Balmoral Ph.09 630 5997 www.bamboo.co.nz Children’s Bible Ministries 9 Walters Rd Mount Eden Ph.09 630 5271 www.shop.cbm.org.nz Christian Resource Centre WARKWORTH 9 Ellis Ave Heartbeat Christian Store 60 Queen St, Ph 09 425 9559 Mount Roskill AUCKLAND Auckland 1041 Adventist Book Centre Ph.09 377 4059 743 Great South Rd, Manukau www.christianresources.co.nz Ph 09 262 5643 adventistbooks.org.nz Church Stores Bamboo Resource Centre 8b Roberts Road 591 Dominion Rd, Balmoral Ellerslie Ph 09 630 5997 Auckland bamboo.co.nz PH.09 525 1380 Children’s Bible Ministries 9 Walters Rd, Mt Eden www.churchstores.co.nz

Ph 09 630 5271 shop.cbm.org.nz Christian Resource Centre 9 Ellis Ave, Mt Roskill Ph 09 377 4059 christianresources.co.nz

www.kiwibooks.org

a published author, Ark House Press

Phone: (07) 560-3465

GAY AND HURTING?

From your Word document to being is here to help you bring your dream to life. We specialise in working with

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 same-sex-attraction struggles and gay porn attraction.

Exodus Ministries Ph: 09 268 0346 exodusnz@maxnet.co.nz / PO Box 175, Takinini, 2245 www.gaytoexgay.org.nz

authors to not only publish their book but also handle all forms of layout, cover design and global distribution.

Contact us today arkhousepress.com to see how easy it is to get your book published.

ARK

house

Family Life Catholic Gifts 569 Richardson Road Mt Albert Ph.09 629 0820 www.catholicgifts.co.nz The Square Gift Store St Patrick's Square 43 Wyndham Street Ph.09 365 1693 www.thesquaregiftstore.co.nz St Joseph’s Centre Gift Shop 1 Fred Thomas Drive Takapuna Ph.09 489 5613 Ext 2 www.stjosephscentre.co.nz THAMES: The Square Gift Store Thames Christian St Patrick’s Sq, 43 Wyndham St Ph 09 365 1693 Bookshop thesquaregiftstore.co.nz 732 Pollen St Church Stores NZ Ph. 07 868 9115 8 Robert St, Ellerslie HAMILTON: Ph 09 525 1380 churchstores.co.nz Living Word Bookcentre Family Life Catholic Gifts 634 Victoria St 569 Richardson Rd, Mt Albert Ph.07 839 5607 Ph 09 629 0820 www.livingword.net.nz catholicgifts.co.nz

St Joseph’s Centre Gifts Thomas Dr, Takapuna 1PhFred 09 489 5613 Ext 2 stjosephscentre.co.nz

THAMES Thames Christian Bookshop 732 Pollen St, Ph 07 868 9115

TAURANGA: Sonshine Bookcentre 84 First Avenue Ph.07 578 8477 www.sonshine.co.nz Sunrise Books Shop 16 Cherrywood Court Ph.07 576 1092 ROTORUA: Sonshine Bookcentre 1129 Eruera St Ph.07 349 1661 www.sonshine.co.nz NEW PLYMOUTH: Good News Centre 581 Devon Street East Ph.06 758 4912 HAMILTON LEVIN: Living Word Bookcentre 634 Victoria St, Ph 07 839 5607 Beacon Christian Book livingword.net.nz Shop TAURANGA 198A Oxford Street Sonshine Bookcentre Ph.06 368 7683 84 First Ave, Ph 07 578 8477 sonshine.co.nz WELLINGTON: Sunrise Books Scripture Union NZ Shop Cherrywood PO Box 16, 760, WellingtonCourt 6140 Ph 07 576 1092 9A Oxford Terrace, Mt Cook, ROTORUA Wellington Sonshine Bookcentre Phone: 04 385 0485 1129 Eruera St, Ph 07 349 1661 sonshine.co.nz Web: www.sunz.org.nz NEW PLYMOUTH Good News Centre 581 Devon St East Ph 06 758 4912

CHRISTCHURCH: Catholic Shop 373 Manchester Street Christchurch Ph.03 366 2853 Christian Superstore 370 Colombo Street Sydenham Ph. 03 366 1917 Toll Free. 0800 88 88 99 www.christiansuperstore.co.nz Epic Christian Books & Gifts 3/1 Waterman Place Ferrymead Ph.03 352 9568 www.epicbooks.co.nz New Millennium Books LEVIN 22 Grampian Street Beacon Christian Book Shop 198A Oxford St, Ph 06 368 7683 Casebrook CHRISTCHURCH Ph.03 359 1310 Catholic Shop www.newmillenniumbooks.co.nz 373 Manchester St TIMARU: Ph 03 366 2853 Christian Superstore Christian Superstore 370 Colombo St, Sydenham 102 Stafford Street Ph 03 366 1917 or 0800 88 88 99 Ph.03 688 3431 christiansuperstore.co.nz www.christiansuperstore.co.nz Epic Christian Books & Gifts 3/1 Waterman Place Ferrymead, Ph 03 352 9568 epicbooks.co.nz New Millennium Books 22 Grampian St, Casebrook Ph 03 359 1310 newmillenniumbooks.co.nz

OAMARU: North Otago Christian Bookstore 27 Thames Street Ph.03 434 9025 DUNEDIN: Full of Grace Moran Building 8 Octagon Ph.03 477 6342 MOSGIEL: Mosgiel Christian Bookshop 137 Gordon Road Ph.03 489 4953 FIJI: Cascade Bookshop 8 Sterling Place TIMARU Lami Superstore Christian 102 Fiji Stafford St, Ph 03 688 3431 christiansuperstore.co.nz Ph. 0067 9330 5565 OAMARU Nth Otago Christian Bookstore 27 Thames St, Ph 03 434 9025 DUNEDIN Full of Grace Moran Building, 8 The Octagon Ph 03 477 6342 MOSGIEL Mosgiel Christian Bookshop 137 Gordon Rd, Ph 03 489 4953 FIJI Cascade Bookshop 8 Sterling Place, Lami Ph 0067 9330 5565

Check out our new site at www.christianlife.co.nz | 23

Online Evangelism Course Diploma of Ministry in Evangelism < 1 year programme New Intake 2nd March 2018 The College of Evangelism is an interdenominational facility training pastors, evangelists, elders, and leaders.

You will be encouraged to minister with a desire and ability to lead so that evangelism takes its rightful place in the church of the future.

What Do I Do? Fill application on our website

www.collegeofevangelism.org.nz or write to College of Evangelism PO Box 848, Nelson 7040

First year courses involves:

email JJ.assist@slinghot.co.nz

• • • •

or phone 03 547 2566 or 027 446 7735

Weekly downloaded lectures.

Three 4-day block courses.

Mentoring meetings fortnightly Reading and assignments.

Cost is $1,200+GST per year (inc. lectures, accommodation and tuition for block courses) Applications are now being received.

Course includes:

Mission in Old and New Testaments,, the Gospel in Romans, Galatians and Ephesians, Apologetics, Cults, Religions and the Occult, Bible Interpretation, Becoming a great preacher, personal evangelism, children’s evangelism, Cross-cultural evangelism, being an effective evangelistic pastor and more.

Who are we?

The College of Evangelism is an initiative of a network of ministries, pastors and leaders in New Zealand.