Christian Life issue 39_ October 16 by Initiate Media

OCTOBER 2016 • Issue THIRTY-NINE • www.mychristiandaily.co.nz

IMPACTING YOUTH

FAMILY FIRST

CHRISTIAN LIVING

Changing the Game – 24-7 Youth Work

Young Girls Deserve A Parental Notification Law

Time Is Your Most Valuable Asset

page 06

page 08

page 14

“They ran to the scene to be met with hysteria and panic. Four men were struggling to lift the dead weight of Atalifo up the driveway. Atalifo was gone. Rachel would know - she’s a nurse. He had a gash to the bone along the entire length of his forearm but no bleeding, cold clammy skin, no pulse, pupils unresponsive, broken ribs and a head injury. Rachel grabbed his head, called the team to pray like they’d never prayed before, and spoke life into Atalifo’s dead body.” Raised From The Dead page 06

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IN THIS ISSUE

Contents...

OCTOBER 2016

03. Changing the Game – 24-7 Youth Work 06. COVER: Raised From The Dead 08. Young Girls Deserve A

Parental Notification Law

10. Local News 12. College Special

14. Time is your most valuable asset

16. Shine TV programme guide 18. Christian Life Classifieds

NEXT ISSUE OUT November 2016 Publisher Matthew Danswan

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IMPACTING YOUTH

Changing the Game – 24-7 Youth Work Christchurch-based JAY GELDARD talks to MARIE ANTICICH about the 24-7 YouthWork network which is changing the lives of students in schools throughout New Zealand. THE 24-7 YOUTHWORK NETWORK sends 175 youth workers into 74 schools around the country each week to work with intermediate and secondary students. “We’re seeing lives changed and communities restored,” says national network co-ordinator, Jay Geldard (36) who is passionate about seeing youth workers work in schools for the good of young people. “We’re local Christians doing presence-based youth work in the community

A youth workers chats with a group of students

under the rules of the local school,” says the father of three and former youth worker. “Schools like us because we go through the front door and ask ‘How can we best support you?’ The key is issue is ‘What does the school need?’” Youth workers go into schools for ten hours a week, often at lunchtimes, and serve wherever most needed – as sports coaches, camp leaders, mentors, cultural groups leaders.

Data collected from the youth workers’ diary system shows that 324,459 youth engaged with 175 youth workers, including 36,669 ‘one-on-ones’ in 74 schools supported by 100 churches throughout New Zealand. Half the youth workers are church youth pastors and about 40 per cent are students – teachers, lawyers, outdoor education specialists – doing youth work while completing their degree. All belong to a local church and act as a

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IMPACTING YOUTH

Jay Geldard

“The results were phenomenal. We discovered two key things. 24-7 was really impacting Maori and Pacific Island kids, and the longer youth workers were in schools the bigger their impact on young people. This was a game-changer.” link between the school, church and local community. They don’t preach, evangelise or pressure kids to become Christians, but work with all students, regardless of their background, beliefs and personal choices. “In 2014 we went on a journey to find if what we’re doing in schools is actually working,” says Jay “and so we commissioned an

independent survey of 1,300 students in 51 schools. “The results were phenomenal. We discovered two key things. 24-7 was really impacting Maori and Pacific Island kids, and the longer youth workers were in schools the bigger their impact on young people. This was a game-changer.” The ground-breaking research showed that 24-7 helps students do better at school academically and socially, helps at-risk students, increases self-esteem, reduces truancy and visits to school counselling services and raises school spirit and student participation. The results of a 2015 survey of 180 school principals, teachers and guidance counsellors were even better. “Staff were almost unanimously in favour of having 24-7 in their school – you can read their comments on our website. Research shows that 24-7 is working and no-one can argue with that. No-one had measured presence-based youth work before and so our evidence-based research is something we’re quite proud of internationally. Research and qualifications are the network’s two biggest safeguards. All the youth workers are qualified: some do an internship with training provider Praxis and others

4 | Christian Life Issue Thirty-Nine October 2016

work with Parents Inc’s youth education division Attitude and teach life skills to help teens make life-enhancing choices. “We’re not a structured institution – we only have four national staff,” says Jay. “We provide the framework, support and training. Churches employ youth workers and usually provide 25 percent of wages and the rest comes from schools and community group. Support in Canterbury comes from the City Council, Lions, Rotary and local businesses.” In June, Jay and Alan Aitken (24-7’s management adviser) met with Prime Minister John Key who proposed a model of what government could do. “The New Zealand Government is currently piloting a 24-7 support programme at three schools, in Ashburton, Christchurch and Nelson,” says Jay. “I’m encouraged the government sees the benefit of what we’re doing and wants to get behind it. Mr Key has also offered to auction himself for a round of golf at our fundraising dinner in November.” Profile Growing up in a Christian family, Jay is the youngest of three boys and attended Middleton Grange School. He did a ‘gap’ year before going to university; “But it wasn’t for me and I quit after two years. A short term mission trip to Taiwan gave me a different perspective – it’s good to see God moving in other countries– and I came home and started a new chapter.” He did a three-year youth track diploma at Laidlaw College’s Christchurch campus then cross-credited to Carey College to do a degree in applied theology by distance learning. An opportunity came up to do an internship at Hornby High School with Hornby (now Hope) Presbyterian’s 24-7 team. “At first I wasn’t sure about being a youth worker in schools, but I fell in love with the holistic approach to supporting young people. I loved doing life with young people from all walks of life – giving a cup to the

thirsty, feeding the hungry – and they really needed it. My heart was broken for these kids who just wanted to belong and were looking for positive role models. “Teen years can be some of the toughest, and a good role model can help young people transition well into adulthood, and change the tone of the school,” he observes. “When you get to know kid’s names and hear their stories and struggles, you get to speak into their lives. There’s no agenda – you’re just a friend who becomes part of their world.” Working alongside families, he connected bored kids with local sports clubs, cultural groups and a faith-based youth community. “We changed from being a ‘youth group’ to a ‘youth community ’– theoretically that meant kids could be themselves and belong without believing. “Our goal is for young people from an atheist or Buddhist background to feel they belong. First and foremost they want to belong and so they’ll join a gang or youth community. “24-7’s philosophy is the whole gospel. At one end of the spectrum is the good news – at church we hear the gospel – and at the other end is good works, ‘feed the hungry, love thy neighbor,’ and that’s us.” Youth workers don’t just focus on troubled kids but work alongside ordinary and at-risk students. “It’s a myth that kids who aren’t showing at-risk behaviour are automatically fine,” says Jay. “Young people wrestle with all kinds of internalised pressures and problems – you don’t have to be naughty or bad to benefit from a youth worker’s involvement.” Being local and staying committed is the key. Youth workers commit to serving for three to five years, and give up career and travel plans. “It’s not a parttime job, it’s a lifestyle. They’re not doing it for the money– it’s a calling on the heart to serve students and the local school. Youth workers run into young people at the local shops, DVD store and sports club. It’s a real in and out of school relationship – and that’s where the name 24/7 comes from.”

IMPACTING YOUTH

Youth Worker, Wiremu Kingi plays basketball with a studen at Cashmere High School

“It’s our gift to the school,” says Mahurangi Presbyterian manager Roger McKay whose church provides two youth workers for Mahurangi College in Warkworth. “We work and partnership with the local school and serve and encourage its values.” A Brief History The 24-7 YW movement emerged

in the nineties from Spreydon Baptist’s burgeoning youth arm. Duane Major and other youth leaders became involved with local schools and in 1997 the Spreydon Youth Community Trust (SYC) was established to formalise the work. The movement spread across Christchurch, and in 2000 SYC called the initiative 24-7 YouthWork to reflect its wider involve-

ment with young people in a local community setting. Whangaparaoa College was the first North Island school to catch the vision, in 2006, followed by Whangarei Girls’ High School. A website was created in 2007 and a logo depicting young people at the centre of their four worlds – family/whanau, school, work/ training and peers and community. In 2008 Christchurch City Council donated three years of funding for a Capacity Building Project which included the production of training manuals for youth workers, management and team leaders. Duane Major stepped down in 2010 and Luke Hill and Jay Geldard became joint national co-ordinators. In 2012 24-7 re-

launched its website with a resource library and e-news, and Jay became sole national co-ordinator. Today Duane is chairman of the board of 24-7 and continues to work with young people at South West Baptist Church. Last year he and his brother-inlaw raised $2 million in a GiveA-Little campaign and bought Awaroa Beach in Abel Tasman Park near Nelson for the New Zealand public. What’s ahead for 24-7 YouthWork? “We just want to continue being faithful and doing a good job,” says Jay Geldard. “Our ethos is that if you’re good, the next school will want come on board. There are 700 high schools and colleges in New Zealand, but we just want do well with what we have in our hands.”

C O MNAF N

REAL STRENGTH REAL HEART -

MAN Conf is our annual men’s conference here at LIFE and this year we’re opening it to all men – so everyone is welcome. MAN Conf is born out of my desire to see men live strong lives, filled with hope and free from issues that often distract us from God’s best for our lives. Joining me as speakers this year are Ps Mike Kai from Hawaii and Ps Sy Rogers. I believe we are in for one amazing God liberating time, regardless of age, life stage or circumstance. As always, this year we will be having lots of fun, connection and a time for God to change, strengthen and liberate our hearts. MAN Conf includes supper on Friday night, morning tea and lunch on Saturday. Register now and I look forward to seeing you there! Paul de Jong

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TRUE STORY

Atalifo lives to hug another day

Atalifo glad to be alive

RAISED FROM THE DEAD JANET BALCOMBE CATCHES UP WITH RACHEL FROM YWAM ZION

t’s not every day you pray for a man who has been dead for over an hour and see him come back to life! Amazingly it’s become normal Christianity for this woman with an extraordinary faith in God. I can’t tell you Rachel’s personal story yet (which is amazing), but in the meantime I have to tell you about how God used the YWAM team she was co-leading with Quinn to bring Rotuman man, Atalifo back from the dead in June 2016. YWAM Zion (Paparoa) Ministry Leader, Beryl Henwood introduced me to Rachel at the monthly Northland Leaders Gathering in Moerewa, who briefly shared at the meeting about the incredible experience her outreach team had recently in Fiji. The team had been planning to sail to Rotuma (three days sail away) where Beryl’s father comes from, but the trip kept being cancelled for one reason after another. Finally they were on their way – only to be sent home yet again! Rachel called an emergency worship session to break the heaviness, but it was really hard going. “To say that our worship was ‘lame’ would be an understatement; but pushing through the atmosphere of defeat, we came to a place of genuine adoration of our God, who

6 | Christian Life Issue Thirty-Nine October 2016

is more than worthy to be praised regardless of our circumstances,” says Rachel. After worshipping for over an hour they had broken through to a beautiful anointing. Suddenly the mother of their host family burst into the room looking stricken, crying out that her adopted son from Rotuma, Atalifo, had fallen off a wall and was badly hurt – or worse. They ran to the scene to be met with hysteria and panic. Four men were struggling to lift the dead weight of Atalifo up the driveway. Atalifo was gone. Rachel would know - she’s a nurse. He had a gash to the bone along the entire length of his forearm but no bleeding, cold clammy skin, no pulse, pupils unresponsive, broken ribs and a head injury. Rachel grabbed his head, called the team to pray like they’d never prayed before, and spoke life into Atalifo’s dead body. He began to make a faint gurgling sound. Rachel realised his injuries were problematic, so they began to pray for healing of his head and chest injuries shortly before he was tossed into the back of a car and rushed to hospital. Upon arrival at the hospital, the YWAM team found Atalifo pushed behind a curtain at the back of the emergency room as emergency was suddenly filling up with living patients. The team continued to pray for Atalifo until they were asked to leave as the place had become too crowded. They continued to pray, believing that it was not a coincidence that their trip had been delayed, and that God was going to do the impossible. Then it happened. Atalifo suddenly woke up and with eyes wide and colour returning to his cheeks, he said, “Why are you all worried about me? You’ll never believe what I saw!” The emergency department went into overdrive, and doctors and nurses pushed the team out of the way to get to Atalifo. At the same time another flood of patients came in one after the other. In the midst of the chaos the team got to work praying for everyone as they came in and watched them leave, completely healed. They witnessed

miracle after miracle and the emergency department was empty in a matter of hours. With no-one left to pray for, they returned to Atalifo to find staff putting two tiny stitches in his arm after having had a battery of tests and scans. What had been a gigantic gash to the bone in his forearm was almost completely healed. Rachel believes if they’d waited a little longer the two stitches would not have been needed. Five hours after Atalifo had died the team was walking alongside him with not one broken bone, not one bruise, no evidence of head injury, and totally pain free – a walking, talking miracle. Sitting around in awe of God and His great mercy later that evening, Atalifo shared his side of the story with the team… “I was sitting on the wall and I heard a thump. I thought a coconut had fallen. I looked down and saw myself lying down the bank over the drain. I wasn’t moving. But I was still on the wall. I could see the house. I could see the team in the back room worshipping. The presence of God looked like rainbows through the room. I saw Mum in the house, and then I saw the team come running. I saw the boys shaking me and trying to carry me up the bank. I tried to touch myself, to tell everyone I was here, but I couldn’t. I saw the team praying in tongues and I could understand what they were saying in my Rotuman language. I saw them carrying me to the car. As I was being pulled away from my body, I saw a wall of black coming across from my left side, and a wall of white coming across from the right. As they were about to meet in the middle of my vision I heard a voice like thunder speak through my entire body. Then a bright light, brighter than a thousand suns shone into me and I woke up in the hospital.” The smile on Atalifo’s face as he told of what he saw was just as powerful as his story. Rachel is under no illusion that if the team had stayed in their attitude of defeat and disappointment, there would have been a totally different outcome when called to pray for Atalifo. Atalifo is the second person Rachel has seen God raise from the dead. Rachel was nursing in Christchurch in a temporary ward set up after the 2011 earthquakes. As she was doing her rounds at 1am her patient asked to go to the toilet. As Rachel helped her from her bed the lady collapsed. Rachel lifted her back onto the bed but the lady was passing in and out of consciousness and struggling to breathe. Rachel ran to the nurse’s station to alert the only other nurse on duty. The nurse ran to attend the lady while Rachel got Nebulisers, an Oxygen mask and medications when the emergency alarm began to ring. Rachel ran to the room to find the nurse giving the lady CPR and yelling to get the doctor. Rachel tried to call the doctor, but the phone died. Rachel took over

TRUE STORY

“I rebuke that! We have the power of life and death in our tongues and right now you are talking death over her...”

Atalifo (centre) with some of the team in the hospital (Rachel second from right)

CPR as the nurse was exhausted and the lady wasn’t responding – she had died. The lady was grey, her tongue pushed forward, she had no pulse and was not breathing. The nurse ran down the three floors to get the doctor. Rachel put her hand on the lady’s chest and a hand on her heart and began to pray. Suddenly the lady’s eyelids fluttered so Rachel’s prayers intensified as other patients watched. Suddenly Rachel felt a thud from under her hand from the lady’s heart, and then the lady gasped and sat bolt upright in bed. Rachel start-

ed laughing hysterically just as the doctor and nurse entered the room. The patient still looked like death, grey and frozen, but sitting up and breathing very slowly. The doctor was mortified at Rachel’s laughter and ordered her to leave the room. The doctor called an Ambulance to take the patient to ICU at the main hospital in town and Rachel never got to speak to her. The doctor (who was very high up) said the lady would die on the way to the hospital, that she had had a respiratory arrest followed by a cardio arrest (death)

and would have another one on the way. Rachel rebuked him outright then and there in front of the patients and the other nurse, “I rebuke that! We have the power of life and death in our tongues and right now you are talking death over her. She is not only going to make it to hospital, but she is going to be completely well, will not have to be in ICU, will not have anything else wrong with her, and she will be discharged!” The doctor was furious and stormed out. The next night the doctor was waiting for Rachel to start her shift and she thought she’d lost her job for sure. He called her over and said, “Don’t laugh, in fact don’t say anything,” and held his hand up to her face. He said, “I don’t know what happened last night but it must have been a miracle. Your patient made it to the hospital better than when she left here.

She did not need ICU and after multiple tests was discharged this morning completely well, and not suffering from anything that she originally came in with!” Rachel smiled and said, “Praise the Lord.” The doctor left and Rachel never saw him or the lady again. The charge nurse told Rachel that the doctor had given her the freedom to pray over the patients in the ward from then on, and a hospital aid recommitted her life to the Lord as a result of the miracle. After all, Jesus did say, “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in Me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” John 14:12 Business as usual for YWAM Zion, visit ywamzion.org.nz

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FAMILY FIRST

YOUNG GIRLS DESERVE A PARENTAL NOTIFICATION LAW A SELECT COMMITTEE CONSIDERING laws around parental notification have rejected a call for parents to be notified when their teenage daughter is pregnant. The law currently means that while a parent has to sign a letter to give permission for their daughter to go on a school trip to the zoo or to play in the netball team or have Panadol, they can be totally excluded from any knowledge regarding that same child being put on the pill or having an abortion. Ironically, if there is a complication from the abortion, the parent’s consent is then required for further treatment. As ex-President of the USA Bill Clinton said – governments don’t raise children, parents do. If parents don’t know, they can’t care. The select committee was also completely wrong to say that only 10 girls per year fail to tell their parents. This data is simply not collected. In fact, the Family Planning Association previously admitted that potentially 1,000 young teenage girls have been taken for an abortion without

their parents’ knowledge since 2004, when a previous attempt to change the law was rejected by Parliament. Family First has been contacted by a number of families who have been adversely impacted by the law. Concern has also been expressed by health professionals, teachers, and social workers. I find it incredible that on an issue so relevant and concerning to parents as this one, the Select Committee sought evidence from medical professional, counsellors, privacy groups, and those with vested interests (Family Planning) – but not from a single group representing the sector of society so affected by this legislation – namely, parents. The issue is parental notification, but they chose to exclude the voice of parents. Family First is calling for the law to be amended to allow for parental notification in all cases of medical advice, prescriptions and procedures unless it can be proved to a Family Court that it would place the child at extreme risk. This is an important and compulsory clause. As part of their decision making on this issue, we attempted to highlight research relating to the impact of parental notification laws: 1. THE EFFECT OF PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT LAWS ON YOUTH SUICIDE A 2012 study by Joseph Sabia and Daniel Rees, researchers from San Diego State University and the University of Colorado, Denver, found that States that have parental notification laws also see a drop in the suicide rate of girls ages 15 through 17. The researchers conclude that “the adoption

8 | Christian Life Issue Thirty-Nine October 2016

of a parental involvement law is associated with an 11%-21% decrease in the number of 15- through 17-year-old females who commit suicide.” 2. ABORTION ACCESS AND RISKY SEX AMONG TEENS: PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT LAWS AND SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES According to this 2006 study, abortion notification and consent laws actually reduce risky sexual behavior among teenagers. The finding is the result of data collected from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and examined by Jonathan Klick, Florida State University College of Law professor, and Thomas Stratmann, economics professor at George Mason University. They discovered that teen gonorrhea rates decreased by an average of 20 percent among Hispanic girls and by an average of 12 percent among white girls in states where consent laws were practiced. Therefore, the laws function as an incentive for girls to engage in less risky sex activities since they do not want to face their parents with news of a pregnancy or plans for an abortion. 3. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT REDUCES ABORTION RATES FOR MINORS BY 15% A 2011 study by Michael New, Ph.D., an assistant professor of political science at the University of Alabama, entitled “Analyzing the Effect of Anti-Abortion U.S. State Legislation in the Post-Casey Era” says that parental involvement laws were found to reduce in-state abortion rates for minors by approximately 15 percent.

“Legislation mandating or encouraging parental involvement in decisions related to a minor’s pregnancy protects adolescents during a very vulnerable time in their lives. SOCIETY RECOGNIZES THIS NEED, and often requires and encourages parents to be a positive resource for their adolescents in matters of health, and other issues of consequence.”

4. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT AND CONSENT FOR A MINOR’S ABORTION The American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds) is a national organization of pediatricians and other healthcare professionals dedicated to the health and well-being of children. Their 2016 paper on parental notification covered some key points: • Neuroscience research notes that the area of the brain involved in critical thinking and decision-making does not reach full maturity until the early to mid-twenties • Abortion should be treated as any other medical / surgical procedure • Pregnant adolescents benefit from

parental involvement • Parental involvement protects an adolescent from sexual abuse • Parental involvement does not cause a delay in obtaining abortions for those who choose this option • Parental involvement does not contribute to family violence • Parental involvement encourages the correct view of family • Parental involvement laws benefit the adolescent, the family, and society • Abortion has long-term consequences for the adolescent They conclude: “Adolescents need the advice and involvement of their parents. As more is learned about the immaturity of the adolescent brain, especially in the development of the decision-making frontal lobes, it is obvious that parents should be allowed to guide their teens in all medical decisions, including decisions regarding pregnancy.

Legislation mandating or encouraging parental involvement in decisions related to a minor’s pregnancy protects adolescents during a very vulnerable time in their lives. Society recognizes this need, and often requires and encourages parents to be a positive resource for their adolescents in matters of health, and other issues of consequence. Therefore, excluding them from a minor’s decision about abortion cannot be justified.” It is disappointing that the politicians have chosen to keep parents in the dark. Young teenage girls deserve better.

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

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LOCAL NEWS

Conference for Children’s Pastors and Leaders ‘Churches Education Commission’ is holding a conference this year to “Educate, Equip and Inspire” all children’s pastors, leaders and anyone interested in children’s ministry! Inspirational speakers include the likes of Sy Rogers, Dave Goodwin, Marshall Gray, Stephanie Sewell and Richard Black. The workshops held will include ‘Pastoral care for Families’, ‘Leadership, influence and prayer’, ‘Helping those who help children’ and ‘Bringing learning theory into Kids Ministry’. You will be equipped with tools to make an impact on your ministry and community. As 2 Thessalonians 2:17 states: “Put a

fresh heart in you, invigorate your work, enliven your speech. The ‘INVIG’ conference will be held at ‘Life Church Central’ - Mt Eden on the 15th October, 2016 - from 9:30am to 3:30pm, for the cost of $50. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be equipped to make an impact on your ministry!

To ensure a space, make your booking at www.invig.org.nz.

29 November, 6pm-9.30pm Book now!

Rhema Media Inc CEO, Mike Brewer, steps down Mike Brewer, CEO of Rhema Media is stepping down from full time involvement with the ministry, effective from the 14th October 2016. Board Chairman, Bruce Anderson says “It is with a mixture of sadness and gratitude that we announce Mike Brewer’s departure as CEO of Rhema Media. In the four years Mike has been CEO he has had a critical role in expanding Rhema Media’s reach across New Zealand with 30 new FM frequencies made operational from Kaitaia to Southland. He oversaw a major rebranding of the organisation and refreshing of its brands along with significant upgrades in equipment and technology systems. He leaves the organisation in good stead and we thank Mike for his passion and contribution to this media ministry.” Commenting on his departure, Mike Brewer says “I have so enjoyed being part of this very special ministry. It has been a privilege to work with such a fantastic group of people who have a great heart for the mission. It will be sad to leave but I feel strongly that it is time for someone else to step into the leadership role and take the organisation to the next level. With the team’s passion and dedication to this

media ministry I know it will continue to have a great impact in people’s lives across New Zealand.” In the interim, while the Rhema Media board commences a search for a new leader for the ministry, the current Executive team led by Andrew Fraser, GM Operations, will provide stable and effective leadership. Ensuring that major initiatives like launching Shine onto Freeview HD, making operational the last of the recently acquired FM frequencies and executing the respective promotional plans will be delivered seamlessly. Bruce adds “Again we thank Mike for his four years of dedication and enthusiasm as CEO and wish him well in his next endeavour. Rhema Media is well positioned and we are committed to being effective in the mission of ‘Connecting Kiwis to Christ through media.”

For further information contact: Bruce Anderson Board Chairman Rhema Media Board.chairperson@ rhemamedia.co.nz +64 9 307 1251

About Rhema Media Broadcasting three radio networks, a television station and publishing two quarterly devotional publications called The Word For Today and Word For You Today, Rhema Media has a cumulative audience/readership of 327,000* making it New Zealand’s largest Christian media network. Rhema Media aspires to entertain and inform through all its broadcasts, however its primary intention is to see lives changed. As a result it plays music that is uplifting, programmes that reinforce sound family values and discusses all relevant issues. The group is named after its flagship radio network, Rhema For more information please visit: www.rhemamedia.co.nz www.rhema.co.nz www.lifefm.co.nz www.star.net.nz www.shinetv.co.nz * Source: Nielsen CMI Q2 2015 – Q1 2016

10 | Christian Life Issue Thirty-Nine October 2016

LOCAL NEWS

Images clockwise from top left: First day of school; Children get their books; A child gets her new school book; Sue cuts the ribbon

Orphans Aid International: FACING NEW CHALLENGES FOR CHANGE

THE OPENING OF A brand new school on the Indian border marks the beginning of a completely new set of challenges for the Orphans Aid International team. CEO Sue van Schreven has just returned from checking on this project, as well as projects in Uganda and Nepal, and says

she feels heartened by the quality of their workers on the ground, their compassion, and the lengths they go to for their own people. “India is our largest project, both in terms of the geographical area being covered and the numbers of children being helped. We have been running slum schools with our local partners for a number of years. However, this is the charity’s first permanent school building and it will ultimately be able to cater for around 200 children - a much higher number than our other schools can manage. It will also become the first Kiwi funded Indian-Bhutanese education centre, able to cater for vocational and adult training further down the track.” On the first day of school Sue could see the fear in many of the children’s faces, so she talked to them through a translator about what might happen at school, how they could learn to read and write, and how this would help them when they get older. “It was really neat when they were handed their books, pencil and eraser, as many were simply fascinated by them. At lunch time I noticed one little girl who clearly didn’t want to part with her new possessions, even to eat or play.” With the school building complete and some great teachers in place, the enrolments are coming in thicker and faster than the team can cope. “The school build has been completed, but we still have an awful lot to do and I am not quite sure where the money is going to come from. For example, it’s a very wet region and the concrete absorbs a lot of the moisture, so if we don’t seal the walls proper-

ly all this water is going to seep through and not only wreck any furniture and resources inside but also make the children and staff very sick.” On top of the painting, the whole school needs furniture and resources, the kitchen needs items such as a fridge, cooking equipment and pots, and the charity needs to meet local regulations by installing security cameras throughout the building. “We’ve addressed the urgent safety areas, such as the roof which is now blocked off to prevent children climbing on it and falling off. But there’s a massive open sewer in front of the school, and the children have to walk over a plank to get there, so we really need to make that safer.” Sue says the team is enrolling children slowly because they have to assess each child’s family situation to ensure they get the neediest in the community. “The children we are helping aren’t going to school because they’ve got no clothes, no money, and many of them do not even have identity papers, which also prevents them from enrolling. A lot of them live in dwellings that we would consider garden sheds, only without the concrete base. They have mats on the floor and the whole family lives in this one tiny little space.” During Sue’s visit to Nepal, just over the border, she was able to check on the building progress in the village the charity has pledged to rebuild. “We need to have a very longterm view when it comes to our involvement in Nepal, because getting supplies to the village is arguably the hardest part of the project. However, I am pleased

to see there were a lot of families that remained dry during the rainy season thanks to Orphans Aid International supporters who have so generously given to this project.” Sue also connected with some of her Nepalese suppliers to see how they and their families were going. “It was quite sobering to see the devastation, hear the anguish of people that we have known for quite some time, and try to understand the pain that they have been through.” However, a positive result of the trip to Nepal is finding some new lines of products to bring into the charity’s shops in time for Christmas. “This fundraising effort will help the Nepali people as much as it helps Orphans Aid International.” The charity has also sourced a number of new items from Uganda that will arrive in time for Christmas, the proceeds of which will in turn help Ugandan women care for their families. During the month of October, Orphans Aid International is running its ‘Challenge for Change’ campaign to encourage people to run creative fundraising challenges that help children who live in hardship every day. “By joining the Challenge for Change campaign you are reaching out for the children and spreading the word of hope in your communities. Join the team, sponsor a Challenger and be a part of our worldwide mission for change!” The momentum continues through to the weekend of 11-13 November when the charity holds its 3rd annual Orphan Weekend, to acknowledge those who care for abandoned and vulnerable children. This is both an educational weekend and a fundraising initiative, as the charity offers a free resource pack, tailored to your event.

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COLLEGE SPECIAL

The Pros And Cons Of Distance Education

MAKING DECISIONS ABOUT college is no light matter. Your choices will have a tremendous impact on your future. This isn’t meant to scare anyone, but it’s true. Of course, there are more options to choose from these days when it comes to attending college. This article focuses specifically on the option of distance learning vs. classroom learning. Many individuals have completed their degrees online and loved it. Others have attempted distance learning only to find that it wasn’t right for them. Below is a list of some of the pros and cons of distance learning. You’ll want to consider them

before deciding to attend college on campus or online. Pros 1. Flexibility: one of the reasons going to school is a problem for many folks is because they don’t have the time and ability to attend classes. Although you do have assignment deadlines to meet, distance learning allows you to have more control over your schedule. 2. Saves money: with the price of gas these days online education is looking even more appealing. Not everyone has the option of living on campus, and commuting can really hurt your pocket. Distance learning can be a smart money

saving alternative. 3. Self Discipline: it’s true that distance learning is difficult if you aren’t self motivated, but it does offer another advantage. The self discipline you’ll learn from online college is invaluable. Many employers actually prefer hiring individuals that have completed their degrees and training online because it demonstrates their ability to stay on task and work independently. 4. Work and Family: If you’d like to get your degree or brush up on some of your skills, but don’t have the time because of work and family duties, distance learning could be a wonderful opportunity. Yes, it still requires time and dedication, but when you don’t have to get in the car and drive to a class every other night, the idea of college seems a lot more appealing. Distance learning is a great option for parents and the employed. Cons 1. Self Motivation: if you aren’t self motivated, distance learning is probably not for you. Although your instructor’s will provide you with a course syllabus and most likely an assignment schedule, you don’t have the structured atmosphere of the classroom to keep you on task. Missing deadlines and having poor grades can cause you to lose financial assistance. 2. Needing Assistance: if you are taking distance learning courses through a local college

12 | Christian Life Issue Thirty-Nine October 2016

they do sometimes offer tutoring services. However, many of these services are conducted online. Online learning can be very discouraging when you aren’t able to get the one on one help you need. Before beginning a distance learning course, consider how well you are able to grasp the subjects you will be studying. If it is something that you really struggle with, taking a class on campus is more beneficial. 3. Social Interaction: Attending college on campus provides the benefit of social interaction with other students. Although you may have access to classmates emails, or be involved in discussion forums while doing distance learning, developing friendships and socializing is difficult. If you’d like to get to know other students, distance learning may not be the best choice. 4. Distractions: this is one of the biggest disadvantages of online education. There are often so many distractions at home that studying and completing assignments is nearly impossible. If your home environment is not adequate for study, you may want to consider attending college on campus. By accurately assessing your needs, abilities, and circumstances and keeping these things in mind while you consider an education through distance learning, you’ll be able to make an informed and wise decision.

COLLEGE SPECIAL

Why Should I Consider Going To A Bible College? W

hat are the benefits or advantages to going to a Bible college? Does a Bible college environment offer more opportunities and rewards than a secular college? These questions can best be answered with another question. Which institution provides the more effective tool for being a servant of Christ? One of the key advantages of a Bible college education lies in the fact that the graduates are more mature and experienced. The time spent pursuing their education not only enables them to grow in knowledge and wisdom, but in maturity. This will have a critical impact on their future ministry. Additionally, the individual pursuing the ministry as a career may discover that becoming a pastor or pulpit minister isn’t for him after all. Second, and more obviously, a Bible college education forces students to delve more deeply into God’s Word and the study of theology. Their experience in the classroom exposes them to more and diverse insights and ideas that they otherwise may not have ever known. Correspondingly, it enables them to further develop for themselves their own positions regarding certain key doctrines of faith. This will prepare them to better confront controversial issues such as baptism, predestination, suffering, evolution, and the like. By becoming more steeped in the Word and more assured of their beliefs, the students’ faith and commitment are strengthened. In other words, students become more confident of their faith, enabling them to better deal with the sometimes difficult issues they will invariably face in the church. Third, in many Bible colleges, students become familiar with others outside their particular faith or denomination. This allows the students to see those ideas and beliefs that differ from theirs and provides a whole new perspective. Such experiences will enable the students to better adapt to relating with those of various religious communities. Bible colleges also offer advantages to those who may not be considering a career in the ministry, but want to become more knowledgeable of the Scriptures as well as their particular faith. Some Bible college students enroll simply to learn more about how to better incorporate their faith into their workplace, especially those pursuing careers as counselors or teachers. Then again, many students attend Bible colleges to learn more about the Bible itself. Last, but not least, Bible colleges

provide a great environment to learn. Though Bible colleges teach subjects such as theology and church history, as well as the Bible itself, they provide the students with the skills to dig into certain dimensions of spiritual growth and development that may be unknown to them. Such an educational experience and environment provides the student with the opportunities to realize a whole new and greater perception of the things of God. This, in turn, enables the student to develop new sense of growth and maturity not only personally and socially but, more importantly, spiritually.

By becoming more steeped in the Word and more assured of their beliefs, the students’ faith and commitment are strengthened. In other words, students become more confident of their faith, enabling them to better deal with the sometimes dif ficult issues they will invariably face in the church.

Alaphacrucis College Alphacrucis College offers a range of courses from Level 4 to post – graduate level. With exceptional tutors who create a positive learning environment, Alphacrucis will equip you for effective leadership, ministry and chaplaincy from a Pentecostal perspective. More than just receiving knowledge, we want to see our students equipped, inspired and transformed. Phone: 09 580 1500 Email: registrar@acnz.ac.nz Website: www.acnz.ac.nz Carey Carey provides rigorous theological education and pastoral leadership training to Christians wanting to make a difference and follow God’s call on their lives. We offer a range of NZQA approved qualifications at undergraduate level, as well as a range of training options for those called to train and equip themselves in leadership for mission and ministry. Website: www.carey.ac.nz

Faith Bible College Faith Bible College has been preparing servant leaders for the end time global harvest who manifest the character of Christ and Minister in the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. Faith combines strong biblical teaching from world renown Christian leaders, with relevant practical training. Phone: 07 544 2463 Email: admin@fbc.ac.nz Web: www.fbc.ac.nz Laidlaw College Laidlaw College is an evangelical, tertiary institution offering qualifications from certificate to doctoral level, in the areas of theology and biblical studies, mission, ministry, counselling and teacher education. Campuses at Henderson, Manukau and Christchurch, with distance learning opportunities. Phone: 0800 999 777 Email: info@laidlaw.ac.nz Website: www.laidlaw.ac.nz

University of Otago Explore faith, yourself and the world…you can study Theology and Religion through Otago University by distance learning, wherever you are in New Zealand. Find out more about what we offer by contacting us at: Phone: 03 479 8639 Email: theology@otago.ac.nz Website: www.otago.ac.nz/theology

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Time is your most valuable asset BY TAK BHANA

REMEMBER THE OLD SONG – “If I only had time... so much to do if I only had time”. We have time, 24 hours each day, same as everyone else. Imagine you had an account into which the bank deposited $86,400 every morning and all you had to do was spend it. You’d spend to the end! Why waste it? That is exactly what God does for us every day. He gives us 86,400 seconds, and says, “use it wisely”. By bed time any that is unused is lost. Bill Keane said, “Yesterday’s the past, tomorrow’s the future, but today’s a gift. That’s why it’s called the present.” We need to be responsible stewards of God’s gift of time. One of my better habits in terms of using time is that I pray

as I drive. I was doing this some time ago when I had an unusual encounter with God, in which he said, “I want you to be accountable to me for your time”, and there in his presence it was clear that He wanted me to be accountable for each hour. When God speaks He convicts but never condemns, but this time I felt grief over the loss of wasted time that could never to be recovered. Benjamin Franklin said, “Life’s tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late.” Isn’t that the truth! Ephesians 5:15-16. (NIV) Be very careful, then, how you live— not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity,

14 | Christian Life Issue Thirty-Nine October 2016

because the days are evil. The word translated “opportunity” there means time, an appointed season, or lifetime. Our lifetime then is our appointed season, our opportunity to live for God and serve Him in time, so let’s be wise and make the most of it. In life, especially while we’re young, it’s easy to feel like we have all the time in the world in which to establish a devotional life, tithe, serve God and so on. So these things go on hold until we’ve finished our studies; paid off the mortgage; travelled; established our career; got married; lost weight; got the kids off our hands; only to find we’ve left it all too late. In the NKJV of Ephesians

5:15-16 we see the phrase, “redeeming the time”. Redeem means, buy back, ransom, or rescue from loss. When it comes to time we can’t buy back wasted hours, days, months, or years, so we’re looking at rescuing from loss the remainder of our lives. Living carefully and making the most of every opportunity means planning, prioritising, and budgeting our time. That’s a world away from carelessly squandering hours on screen time, or scurrying from one thing to another, fretting, “I’m running out of time.” One day we will run out of time. That will be the moment we die and pass into eternity, and then we will have to give an account of how we have used the gift of time we’ve been allot-

CHRISTIAN LIVING

ted. Henry David Thoreau made a profound statement, “You cannot kill time without injuring eternity.” As I consider the issue of time and how can we use it wisely, the one thought that stands out is how the Bible emphasises the brevity and the fragility of life.

In Psalm 90:12 the psalmist prays, Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Firstly the words, “teach us”, tell us that managing our time is a skill that can be learned, and secondly we see that it’s up to us. God lets us choose how we

They say successful people don’t have more time than others, they just make better choices around how they use their time. If our time’s getting away on us we need to take a good look at what’s eating into it? Living with eternity in view really helps us to make the most of life in the realm of time. The Bible describes this life in very transient terms. A mere handbreadth, a breath (Psalm 39:4 – 5); a passing breeze that doesn’t return (Psalm 78:39); a mist that appears and then vanishes (James 4:14); a shadow (1 Chronicles 29:15); and a flower that soon withers and dies (1 Peter 1:24).

live, though he clearly wants us to live with the understanding of our limited time span. Numbering our days is a key to using time wisely and well. People number most things but it’s difficult to number our days. It’s true that life is brief, even the young and healthy can’t be sure of having a long life, but it’s human nature not to live in that reality. We get tricked because life sometimes feels long. We must

trust God’s word, believe that life is short, and seek him to live as he wants us to, and of course God schedules in time for rest, fun, and relaxation, and I’m not talking about being a workaholic. They say successful people don’t have more time than others, they just make better choices around how they use their time. If our time’s getting away on us we need to take a good look at what’s eating into it? Where are the leaks, what are the big budget time-wasters? I’m limited not just with time here, but with the number of words, so I’ll get right to the point, maybe we’re wasting time lying in bed instead of getting up early to pray and read our Bibles! Maybe we’re wasting time by not dealing with personal or relationship issues? Sure, it takes time to sort out marriage problems, for example, but ultimately it saves time because we won’t waste hours, days, whatever, on miscommunications,

hurts, and so on. How true is the old saying, “procrastination is the thief of time”. Why is time our most valuable asset? We only have one shot at life, there is no second chance. Alan Lakein, a well-known author on the subject of personal time management, says, “Time equals life, therefore, waste your time and waste of your life, or master your time and master your life”. Let’s not fritter our time away or waste it, but use it to live for God.

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”.

Theology. Applied. Know God in a deeper and more personal way while engaging in robust theological study. Applied Theology Pastoral Leadership Youth Pastoral Leadership Missions Internships Children & Family Intermission Full-time, part-time, distance and block course options available.

0800 773 776

carey.ac.nz

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Carey. 90 years of training and producing leaders for ministry and mission.

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PROGRAMME GUIDE November 2016

Details up to date at time of printing. For up-to-date 24-hour programme information go to shinetv.co.nz

SUNDAY 5:00 6:00

Living Truth: Charles Price

MONDAY P

Lakewood Church: Joel Osteen

Hour of Power: Robert Schuller

8:00

Harvest TV Rotorua: Dave and Jill Moore

8:30

In Touch: Charles Stanley

TUESDAY P

Living Truth: Charles Price

WEDNESDAY P

Turning Point: Dr David Jeremiah

shineplus.co.nz

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Lakewood Church: Joel Osteen

Hour of Power: Robert Schuller

Kingdom Connection: Jentezen Franklin

5:00

Larry Boy (12 Nov)

6:00

Quick Study with Ron Hembree (Mon-Fri) P

Leading the Way: Michael Youssef

Kingdom Connection: Jentezen Franklin

Derek Prince

Harvest TV Rotorua: Dave and Jill Moore

Superbook

6:30

AND Blello.tv

Zip & Mac

Torchlighters

Superbook

Larry Boy (10 Nov)

Paul the Little Missionary

3-2-1 Penguins!

7:00

Veggie Tales

Friends and Heroes

Veggie Tales

Superbook

Veggie Tales

7:30

Theo: Teaching God’s Word

Larry Boy (8 Nov)

Zip & Mac (9 Nov)

Fifty the Tractor

From Aardvark to Zucchini

The Lads TV

8:00

Running with Fire: Tak Bhana

Impact for Life: Peter & Bev Mortlock

Word For You: Terry & Jayne Calkin

LIFE TV: Paul de Jong

Running with Fire: Tak Bhana

Life Questions: Jeff Vines

Fifty the Tractor

8:30

In Touch: Charles Stanley

Paul, Little Missionary

9:00

Kingdom Connection: Jentezen Franklin

Hillsong Kids

9:30

Word For You: Terry & Jayne Calkin

Colour in Your Life

Songs of Praise

The Exchange

Turning Point: Dr David Jeremiah

Noon

LIFE TV: Paul de Jong

Precious Memories

100 Huntley St

Christian World News

Coop Dreams

12:30

Monumental

Creation Magazine Live

The Revolutionary Life

Jesus the Game Changer /

Everytown Downunder

6:30 7:00 7:30

9:00 9:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30

SERIES

The Restoration Road

13:30

Give Me An Answer

14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00

FEATURE:

Leon Fontaine

Answers with Bayless Conley

Enjoying Everyday Life with Joyce Meyer (Mon-Fri)

Masterstroke SERIES

See adjacent or go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

See adjacent or go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail In Touch: Charles Stanley

Living Truth: Charles Price

Turning Point: Dr David Jeremiah

For the Life of the World SERIES Love, Sex, War SERIES

LivingTruth: Charles Price

Veggie Tales

Friends and Heroes

Theo: Teaching God’s Word

Larry Boy (8 Nov)

The Restoration Road

From Aardvark to Zucchini

Colour in Your Life

P 16:30

Rhema Worship (Mon-Fri)

Studio 5 SERIES

D 17:00

Full Circle (Mon-Fri)

Creation Magazine Live

D 17:30

The 700 Club (Mon-Fri)

Lakewood Church: Joel Osteen

Coop Dreams

The Revolutionary Life

Jesus the Game Changer /

Everytown Downunder

(15 Nov)

23:00

The Catholic Guy

23:30

The Exchange

Midnight

Harvest TV Rotorua: Dave & Jill Moore

00:30am

Precious Memories

1 am

Songs of Praise

1:30am

Colour in Your Life

Unlocking the Bible: David Pawson

Leon Fontaine

Running with Fire: Tak Bhana

Footprints of

D Hope, Faces of NZ SERIES

The Find: India

SERIES (10 Nov)

Life Questions: Jeff Vines

Studio 5 SERIES

Jeni: Seeking the Extraordinary

FEATURE:

See adjacent or go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

FEATURE:

See adjacent or go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

19:30

Brought to you by

20:00

Bayless Conley

Give Me An Answer

Hillsong TV

21:00

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

See adjacent or go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

(ends 5 Nov) /

Global Leadership Summit

Destined to Reign with Joseph Prince (Mon-Fri)

The Mark Gungor Show

LIFE TV: Paul de Jong

Creation Magazine Live

Lakewood Church: Joel Osteen

The Catholic Guy: Bruce Downs

Derek Prince

Harvest TV Rotorua: Dave & Jill Moore

Turning Point: Dr David Jeremiah

Lakewood Church: Joel Osteen

Hour of Power: Robert Schuller

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

22:30

Preaching

N News

C Children E

M Music

Entertainment

23:00 23:30 Midnight

D 00:30am P M

21:30 22:00

Enjoying Everyday Life with Joyce Meyer (Mon-Fri)

18:30

20:30

“As a new Christian one of the things I was looking for when watching TV was less violence, less sex, less lies... I find myself watching less mainstream TV now because Shine keeps me in touch with the Word of God and I see also how Christians walk in Christ every day.”

16 | Christian Life Issue Thirty-Nine October 2016

See adjacent or go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

18:00

19:00

FAMILY FEATURE:

Living Truth: Charles Price

A Shine viewer says...

(starts 10pm, 12 Nov)

Leading the Way: Michael Youssef

2 am