Christian Life issue_29_November 2015

Please take this copy of Christian Life

NOVEMBER 2015 • Issue TWENTY-NINE • www.mychristiandaily.co.nz

CHRISTIAN RETAIL

CHRISTIAN SCHOOLING

FAMILY FIRST

Keeping Our Stores Open

Is It An Unreal Bubble?

Anti-Smacking & Child Abuse

page 05

page 10

page 16

‘To whom much is given, much is required” (Luke 12:48). God doesn’t give your calling and talents to make you more important, richer or better than others. He gives us talents to use for His glory and kingdom,” Bernadette Soares On Wings Like Eagles page 3

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IN THIS ISSUE

Issue TWENTY-NINE | NOV 2015

03 On Wings Like Eagles 05 Keeping Christian Bookstores Open 07 ‘Pop Up’ Store Thrives in South Auckland 08 Times Are A-Changing 09 Relationships

03

10 Do Christian schools Remove Children From

The Real World?

12 Shine TV programme guide 14 Local News 16 Anti-Smacking Law: A Failed Attempt To Tackle

Child Abuse

17 Christian Life Classifieds 19 Five Bad Reasons To Leave Church

10

05 Cover image: Bernadette Soares

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INSPIRING STORY

On Wings Like Eagles JANET BALCOMBE chats with the ever inspirational BERNADETTE SOARES

W

e met at a conference where Bernadette was doing what she does in her ‘spare’ time – encouraging and empowering others to soar.

Once past the striking beauty, you can’t help notice the unapologetic success of this serial entrepreneur and think, “It’s probably always been easy for her.” She owns four Australasian women’s beauty brands, has a great faith and a stunning family. But you would be very wrong.

“God knew what my challenges in life would be and He needed to ground me in faith, perseverance, fortitude and grace,” says Bernadette. She was a natural over-achiever and sports-woman at a national level (she hates me saying

Bernadette at work in the Brand Value office

that). Growing up in Bombay, India, the traditional religion in which she grew up had weekly confession. At 7 or 8 years old Bernadette had to borrow sins from sisters and brothers just to look like a repentant sinner. As a teenager she knew that something was missing and there had to be more to faith in God. Yearning for excitement, her entrepreneurial spirit was taking flight and she needed this to translate to her faith. At 15, Bernadette met a group of missionaries at college and began attending bible classes. When they shared the gospel and asked if she wanted to accept this living, active and alive faith in Jesus, she couldn’t get born-again quickly enough.

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INSPIRING STORY

Bernadette rushed home to share the good news with her supportive family only to find they were horrified to hear of her new faith in Jesus. She was forbidden to see her new friends and told she could pack up and leave home if she didn’t obey. There was no social welfare system in India at that time. The missionaries told her she was welcome to go back to America with them. Her heart was in terrible turmoil. She didn’t know that God directs and speaks to us until she heard God clearly say she should stay home and respect her parents, and that what God had put in her heart would never be taken away from her. She was forbidden to share her faith and it was kept as a shameful family secret. Thus began three long years of isolation from other believers, but she read her bible and trusted God to fill her, lead and guide her, which He did. God gave her

strength to face the family who believed she had been brainwashed, but they could see her determination to live out her faith. Her mother cried for her and Bernadette was told that if her fathers’ pre-existing heart condition caused any problems it would be her fault.

This intense time leaning on God alone as a baby Christian she recognises it as her training ground for life, and particularly business. It strengthened her to keep believing when others didn’t see the vision or end result. At 18, Bernadette met her future husband, Clyde, who became a Christian shortly after they met. Clyde and Bernadette moved to New Zealand and now have three passionate and talented kids, Gideon (22), Gaby (20) and Reuben (16). As a little girl Bernadette always knew she was called to business and was reared on stories of her entrepreneurial grandmother

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4 | Christian Life Issue Twenty-Nine November 2015

Clockwise from top left: The Soares family (from left), Reuben, Clyde, Bernadette, Gideon and Gaby; Bernadette on the podium, first in 100m sprint; Inset: Bernadette (front right) and siblings in Bombay, India

who was tough, honest and fair. After a few years in business, things got tough. She was a wife and mother to two teenagers and one pre-teen and had been challenged a few times by other women (mostly) if God had really called her into business. To this point she had just followed her heart and natural abilities. Feeling a little jaded, she took a weeks retreat to really seek God for direction. Continue in business, or walk away?

Pastors Graham and Shona were at Titoki House at that time. Bernadette hadn’t told anyone what she was seeking God for, but in her very first session God told Shona to “anoint her for business”. God is no time-waster and got down to business straight away, leaving the remaining five days for Bernadette to be enriched, invigorated and spiritually grounded with her feet firmly in the business arena. From one product and one brand God did amazing things multiplying what she gave Him. She had started in 2002 with a recipe from her mother-inlaw for a hair removal product that she cooked on her stove-top and sold from her door. Today she owns 4 beauty brands with over 100 products under the Brand Value umbrella www.brandvalue.co.nz. Core business is selling directly to spas and salons. God has taken her humble beginnings and developed some award-winning products that have succeeded beyond all expectations.

“My favourite scripture is, ‘To whom much is given, much is required” (Luke 12:48). God doesn’t give your calling and talents to make you more important, richer or better than others. He gives us talents to use for His glory and kingdom,” says Bernadette.

After a speaking engagement in Kawerau, Bernadette set up the charity ‘Let Your Light Shine’, whose vision is to empower individuals to realise their God-given dreams. She is putting her Economics and Commerce background into good effect and learning how small towns can grow to be economical and financial hubs using their natural resources. Bernadette means business. In less than a year God has helped her to open doors in Kawerau and she is actively working with the other Churches, KEA (Kawerau Economic Agency) and Kawerau District Council towards the economic wellbeing of the region.

Clyde, a successful businessman in his own right, also finds time to work with the high school kids in Kawerau teaching them Maths and Science.

The vision for ‘Let Your Light Shine’ is to become a model for economic, financial and spiritual growth for other small towns across New Zealand, many of which have been abandoned by big business and central government but not forgotten by God. The website shine-nz.org has more information on the work they do in the Kawerau region to identify viable ideas and grow them into tangible businesses. You can contact Bernadette via the website if you would like to get involved in the ministry or to get Bernadette to speak at your Church or Organisation.

CHRISTIAN RETAILING

RUSSELL DUNN, General Manager of Manna Christian Stores talks to MARIE ANTICICH about his passion for the ministry of Christian bookshops.

Keeping Christian Bookstores Open General Manager of Manna, Russell Dunn

“I

t’s important that we keep Christian bookstores open,” says Russell Dunn who is a trustee of the charitable trust that oversees fifteen Manna bookstores around the country, including the two recently acquired Life bookstores in Albany and Botany Downs.

Russell has been selling Christian books – and rescuing Christian bookstores – since his father started the charitable trust more than 40 years ago when the Presbyterian Bookroom in Invercargill was closing down.

Today Manna’s head office and its subsidiary wholesale division, Soul Distributors are located in Manukau,

Auckland.

“We’ve seen the impact Christian stores have on the community outside of the product we sell that encourages and resources people,” says the Auckland-based father of four.

“Each shop is a ministry in itself, and we’ve seen many people come into the shops for prayer and encouragement, and we’ve seen some saved.”

However these are challenging days, particularly in Christian retail and many individual bookstores and chains in Australia and elsewhere have closed down.

“Closing down is the easy option,

as the risks are high. Our challenge is how to find a sustainable model that will allow bookshops to remain open. People fail to realise that we’re a charitable organisation which can receive tax deductible donations – it’s been through the generosity of some that this ministry has been able to continue.”

Christian bookstores touch and change people’s lives, he said, and this needs to be recognised by people who could support them, but buy from overseas companies on the internet.

“If Christian bookstores go, it will leave a huge gap – and it’s the same

for any of the Christian Booksellers’ Association stores,” says the former CBA president and secretary. “Many churches are closed on weekdays and so where will people go if bookstores in local communities close down? “ Russell doesn’t see other Christian bookstores as competition: “The main issue is how can we get people to prioritise buying a Bible or a devotional book over spending $40 on take-away food, rather than investing money in the spiritual growth of family or friends who may not be able to obtain resources for themselves.

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CHRISTIAN RETAILING

“When you look at books that don’t sell – prayer, family devotions and children’s Bibles – you wonder what’s going to happen to the next generation. Are children being taught to pray and read the Bible?

Are they being brought up on Christian principles?

infrastructure costs, overheads and wages. “We may have more buying power but smaller shops can travel lighter – we’ve got to sell 100 books, not just two,” he adds.

In September Manna hired movie theatres in Napier, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill and screened The War Room, a movie about the power of intercessory prayer, “We got behind the movie because we saw it as a ministry,” says Russell. “How else would those regions have seen it? The testimonies of peoples’ lives being changed and challenging are so encouraging.”

Back-Story It all began in the early 70’s when the charitable trust, Southland Christian Bookcentre was formed in Invercargill to take over the stock and assets of the Presbyterian Bookroom which was closing down.

“As a family we’d always loved Christian books and we were concerned to have an ongoing Christian bookshop in the area,” Russell recalls. “Originally I wasn’t directly involved. I went off to Bible College of New Zealand (now Laidlaw College) in Auckland – and my sister managed the shop for some years.”

At Bible College he met his wife Robyn – “It was bridal college that year” – and they now have eight grandchildren who all live in the South Island.

“I was going to be a minister but got turned down, and my sister applied to be a missionary in Mauritius and was accepted. So we swapped roles and I managed the shop. Prior to that I’d actually trained as a radio technician and worked mainly in marine electronics on fishing boats and launches in Bluff, Riverton and Manapouri.”

After some years of managing the Invercargill store, the trust was challenged to have an outward focus. So when the owners of stores in Dunedin, Balcutha and Gore were looking at closing down, the trust took them over, he recounts. Dunedin was

the first store to use the Manna name.

“We were quite happy running stores in the southern part of New Zealand, but God had different plans,” he reflects. “Over the last 20 years this has seen us taking over stores previously owned by Scripture Union, Storehouse, GPH and other independent owners and with the two recent acquisitions, we now have 15 stores.”

The Manna store in Greenlane Auckland will be closed on Christmas Eve and demolished for redevelopment of the site, and a couple of years ago the trust closed stores in Porirua and Wellington.

Most Manna stores employ full-time managers and paid staff, but the Gore, Nelson and Hawkes Bay stores shops are run by half-time managers and the rest of the time by volunteers: “Without the dedication and commitment of voluntary staff there would be no stores in these areas.

“The main pressures we’re facing – outside of sales –are high rents and salaries, and this puts pressure on the profitability of the ministry.”

Would charging GST on internet sales help?

“Absolutely. Most times GST is only difference between our prices and online book sales, but when is this going to happen? Logistically I think it’s too hard to enforce.”

Book prices have come down in recent years due to lower exchange rates and the challenge of online sales. For example Rick Warren’s The Purpose-Driven Life went down from $29.99 to $19.99 – but exchange rates and ever-increasing publishing prices are gradually pushing retail prices up again.

What about competition from digital readers?

“Some genres such as fiction have gone more digital than others, and now Bible college students can rent reference books online books for a semester.

“The Bible has held its sales ratio – probably not study Bibles and childrens’ Bibles – but generally across the translations. People often buy Bibles as gifts to help others and they’re available in a much wider range than previously.

“When you look at books that don’t sell – prayer, family devotions and children’s Bibles – you wonder what’s going to happen to the next generation.

Are children being taught to pray and read the Bible? Are they being brought up on Christian principles?

“People aren’t really reading and studying their Bibles or dialoguing with the world, and the impact of that is worrying. Revival only comes when people really get into the Word. We order and catalogue books that can really impact peoples’ lives, but we can’t tell them what to ‘eat.’ There doesn’t appear to be a hunger for truth.”

“At both a board level and staff level, we’ve spent many hours discussing and praying to know what the shape of Manna is going forward. God has entrusted this ministry to us for this season and as stewards we realise the impact on an area if a store closes.

“However we need a sustainable model for going forward. We have great product and resources that can change people’s lives, but we don’t want to just have everything ‘nice’ in our stores and wait for people to come in.

“Our staff own a vision of the impact the stores have through the products we sell and the ministry they provide in their area.

Says Russell Dunn, “We want to engage with the community and get these resources outside our walls with a message that really matters. Our prayer is that God may continue to use Christian bookstores to catalyst change in people’s lives in New Zealand in the future.”

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CHRISTIAN RETAILING

‘Pop Up’ Store Thrives in South Auckland SANDY GALLEN talks to Marie Anticich about New Zealand’s first permanent Christian ‘pop-up’ store.

A

modern-day success story in the annals of Christian bookshops is a ‘pop up’ store which operates three days a week in church halls in the Franklin District, south of Auckland.

Epic Christian Books ‘pops up’ every Monday at St Andrews Anglican church hall in Pukekohe, on Wednesdays at First Church (Presbyterian) in Papakura , and at the St Andrews Centre (combined) church hall in Waiuku on Fridays, and sometimes at conferences and other Christian events.

EPiC is an acronym for Empowering Persecuted Christians and is a ministry arm of Voice of the Martyrs New Zealand, which helps persecuted Christians in restricted nations.

Sandy Gallen has been co-director of the New Zealand branch of Voice of the Martyrs for the last ten years with her husband Graham.

The Christchurch-based husband and wife team often travel to restricted countrie, and visit the families of Christians who have been imprisoned for their faith. They have four adult children and Graham is a former fireman.

“We find that operating a Christian bookstore is a way of standing in fellowship with our persecuted family overseas, as well as serving our local community,” says Sandy. “Running a ‘pop-up’ store is hard work and involves about three hours a day of setting up and packing up and storing stock.

“We couldn’t do it without Fran Monaghan, our amazing Voice of the Martyrs worker from Manurewa. She is passionate about serving others and helping persecuted Christians, and we’re always thankful for volunteers to help set up trestle tables and load and unload goods from her car.”

Shop Local Originally the ‘pop up’ store was a Christian bookstore run by local churches in Pukekohe. After about eight years of operation, it was taken over by Sonshine books, but was closed on December 31, 2012.

“When we heard the Christian bookstore in Pukekohe was closing, we thought, ‘How sad and what a loss to the community,” says Sandy, and VOM decided to reopen the store three months later.

After extensive repainting and refurbishment, the bookstore reopened in March 2013 and local churches were very supportive.

Soon afterwards Epic opened a small boutique store in Ferrymead, Christchurch, and its warehouse is in the same premises.

Sadly, due to high operating costs – mainly rent – the Pukekohe store was closed on December 24, 2014. A few months later the idea of running a ‘pop-up’ shop was mooted, and in February 2015 Epic began opening three days a week in church halls.

“The Lord closed one door and opened another one,” Fran Monaghan observes, “and there’s been lots of prayer.”

Right from the start, Epic set up an online store, and this is going well.

“However we find that many people prefer personal service and enjoy the experience of browsing, touching and examining books and gifts before buying,” says Sandy Gallen.

She said people enjoy popping into their local church hall for fellowship while selecting Christian books, Sunday school supplies, cards, bibles, music, movies and gifts.

Persecuted Christians The New Zealand branch of Voice of the Martyrs was started in 1969, following a visit by Romanian pastor Richard Wurmbrand, and has now been faithfully serving persecuted Christians for more than 45 years.

Pastor Wurmbrand’s 14-year internment in a communist prison in Romania is graphically described in his book Tortured for Christ. His inspiration to help, love and encourage other persecuted Christians came from Hebrews 13:3: Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.

To this end, VOM provides Bibles, Christian literature, biblical and leadership training, ministry equipment, medical aid, safe houses and practical relief such as food, clothing, blankets, shelter and legal assistance for persecuted Christians in many nations.

‘Pop up’ store in a church hall in Pukekohe

“Here in NZ we enjoy the freedom of having shops that sell bibles and books,” says Sandy ‘but in nations where christianity is restricted, people can go to prison for this.

“All bookstore purchases go to help our work with persecuted Christians and this makes for a beautiful partnership between VOM and the local body of Christ. Every time a customer buys a Bible – online or instore – the profit is used to buy a bible for a persecuted Christian.

“We believe our business model is a win-win situation,” says Sandy Gallen.

“Epic provides valuable resources for New Zealand churches and individuals, and supports our Christian brothers and sisters overseas who are suffering for their faith in Christ.”

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CHRISTIAN RETAILING

Times Are A-Changing Diversif ication is a key to the success of Christian bookstores says the president of the Christian Booksellers’ Association, REV DR SANDY HAVERFIELD. He talks to MARIE ANTICICH about new trends in Christian retailing.

T

imes are challenging, but Sandy believes diversifying will help Christian bookstores remain open.

“Progress for Christian bookstores has been quite challenging in the last few years and so we’re likely to see stores looking at other ways of covering their business overheads,” says the newly elected president of the Christian Booksellers’ Association of New Zealand.

The Auckland-based speaker and lecturer heads up an international ministry called Gateway Ministries, and also wholesales Christian gifts and products through Gateway Initiatives.

Sandy said some Christian bookstores have already diversified, and store in Blenheim supplies wool and knitting accessories as well as selling Christian products. Many bookshops stores have set up not-for-profit charitable trusts and are staffed by volunteers from local churches. Others are run by churches who desire to serve the wider Christian community, not just their own congregation.

“I’ve seen similar diversity internationally,” says Sandy. “A centrally located Christian bookshop in Jakarta, Indonesia is now running a café and people meet for coffee or lunch and buy Christian resources. We now use the term ‘Christian resources’ because it better describes the wide range of products now available at Christian bookstores,” he adds.

A passion to ensure Christian resources are available to local communities is a key factor in keeping bookstores open, he said. “It’s this passion that makes Christian bookstores different to other retail stores, and keeps them going even if there isn’t much profit.”

In earlier times there were more Christian bookstores, but many have closed down for economic reasons, including increased competition from international online stores.

“But internet sales can’t replace personal service and the range of quality goods available at Christian bookstores, he maintains. “I believe that competition from online sales actually gives Christian stores the opportunity to really prove their worth. Customers can ring or come into a store, look at products and talk to friendly and knowledgeable staff who can often help source items that aren’t readily available.

“The most successful bookstores are those which offer great customer service and a good range of Bibles, teaching resources, books, music, DVDs, cards and gifts,” he asserts.

In Indonesia recently, Sandy observed an interesting trend: “There’s been a 25 per cent increase in the sale of Christian books this year. Remarkably, most of the purchasers are in their twenties and thirties – and we thought this age group would only be buying e-resources, not opting for hard copy books.”

Says CBA secretary Karen Lark, of Warkworth: “The hardest thing in Christian retailing is competing with online buying from overseas internet companies. But I think people still want to come into a bookshop and have that personal contact, and Christian stores can often offer a wider range of goods

Sandy Haverfield on an overseas preaching assignment

than websites.

“People are realising the value of actually touching something before you buy it – and with online buying you have to pay for shipping costs, wait for it to arrive, and the product isn’t always as good as it looks in the picture.”

CBA is comprised of 23 independent member bookstores around New Zealand, and its annual trade show and convention allows wholesalers and retailers to connect at one venue. The trade show is usually held in Auckland in August. A spin-off of this is a Mini Trade Show in the South Island, and the next mini show will be held in Christchurch in March 2016.

“The Christian Booksellers’ Association isn’t just about buying and selling books,” says Karen Lark. “It’s about fellowship and a shared vision and getting the Word out there. Getting the Word out there is our ultimate goal.”

Personal Profile A passion for ministry to unreached people came early in Sandy Haverfield’s Christian walk, and has taken him to some interesting places, including the interior jungle areas of Borneo where he found an openness to the Gospel.

In Trinidad and Tobago recently, he discovered that although 30 per cent of the population is Hindu, there are only a couple of Hindi-speaking pastors: “There are big holes and major opportunities for mission all around the world,” observes Sandy who studied at Faith Bible College in Tauranga.

In 1998 he founded Gateway Ministries and now travels the world preaching and speaking at Bible schools and mission conferences. Nine years ago he set up another arm to the ministry to supply Chris-

8 | Christian Life Issue Twenty-Nine November 2015

tian bookstores with imported products.

“We began by bringing gifts home for people and soon realised we’d need more than one suitcase,” he recounts. “While I was ministering in Asia an opportunity came to source a range of quality Christian gifts at reasonable prices, and so we set up Gateway Initiatives which has been helpful in supporting ministry in poor countries like Myanmar which are becoming more accessible to the Gospel.”

Sandy is also an international co-ordinator for Global Mission International, a network of ministers who work together to promote evangelism and to resource field missionaries involved in community development projects.

Last month he was a keynote speaker at a Global Mission conference in Den Haag in the Netherlands, where one of the main issues under discussion was how the church can best help the huge number of refugees pouring into Europe daily, mainly by providing humanitarian help such as food and shelter.

Says Sandy Haverfield: “As I lead the Christian Booksellers’ Association, I am doing my upmost to apply what I’ve learned in growing and developing ministry, to growing and developing bookstores to serve the Christian community in New Zealand.”

CHRISTIAN LIVING

Relationships TAK BHANA discusses the keys to having healthy, long-lasting relationships.

Y

ou don’t need me to tell you that the ability to get on with other people is arguably the greatest skill we can possess; or that Jesus places loving others right at the top of His list of what it takes to be a mature Christian; and likewise you probably don’t need me to tell you that all of the above is, “easier said than done”.

Now let me give you some excellent advice from the world’s foremost expert in the field of human relationships. If you follow this I promise it will transform the way you get on with others. Our expert says, “In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” AKA the golden rule, and of course our expert is Jesus. (Matthew 7:12) How do we want to be treated? Generally with respect, with honesty and truth, we want to be encouraged rather than put down, we don’t want to be bossed or bullied, we want to be loved, and we want to be heard!

But how do we treat others? Notice that Jesus didn’t say, treat people with the same respect with which they treat you, He didn’t say love them if they love you, not at all, He put the responsibility firmly on us when He said, “whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them”.

We all need others to lift us up and spur us on, to literally put courage into us, as we go through the trials and difficulties of this life. We want that, so if we apply the golden rule then we have to learn to encourage others.

One way of doing this is to notice what people do well and tell them about it. It’s not always easy to see the good in others, sometimes we have to search really hard, but if we work at it and try to build up our friends, our husbands and wives, and our children, we can encourage them, we too will be encouraged as we focus on the good, and our relationships will improve.

We want to feel significant I read about an old man who had lived in the same big city for his whole life until he got to the age of 91. Then he packed up and moved to a small town.

Someone asked, “why did you do that at 91 yeards

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old”? He replied. “If I dropped dead in that city everyone would just step over my body and carry on, but if I drop dead in this small town everyone will still step over my body, but, as they do they’ll say, “there’s old Tom Clark””!

We all need to feel important or that we make a difference. It’s like a craving to be appreciated, and it’s so strong we see an old man who couldn’t face dying where nobody knew who he was.

A lot of people seem to be most appreciated at their own funeral, but it’s too bit late then. We must learn to give others the gift of significance now.

We want others to forgive us There’s a Bible story about a servant who was in debt to his master but he couldn’t repay. Graciously the master let him off his massive debt. Then this servant went out and found another servant who owed him a small amount and grabbed him round the throat, saying, “you’ll pay”.

We don’t want anyone choking us around the neck, making us pay dearly for past offences for years or decades afterwards. We want gracious and full forgiveness, well, we must offer the same, and when we are the offender let’s be quick to put things right with a full acknowledgement and a humble and heartfelt apology.

We want to be understood Steven Covey, a well-known writer, tells of a time he was on a train when a man boarded with his children. The children’s behaviour was very annoying to the other passengers, but when Covey found out that the man’s wife had just died and the family were on their way home from the hospital, his whole attitude instantly and utterly changed. Understanding makes such a difference.

We want to be heard Understanding others, and taking a genuine interest in them (Philippians 2:4), comes down to good listening. There is a reason why we have two ears and one mouth.

In his book, Love Beyond Reason, John Ortberg

writes about a couple sitting at the breakfast table.

The husband is engrossed in the newspaper while the wife is pouring her heart out to him. She’s frustrated because he’s not paying attention and finally she says, “you’re not listening.” He gives his usual answer, “I can repeat every word,” which he proceeds to do, word for word. Is she happy? No! She doesn’t want him to replay her words, she could speak into a tape recorder if that’s all she wanted.

She wants him to be fully present, not half there, to put down the paper, look her in the eye, and really listen.

Being a good listener is hard work. We must stop talking, concentrate, pay attention, exercise patience, and make every effort to understand. Some of the ‘don’ts’ - don’t get defensive, don’t interrupt, don’t judge, don’t give advice, and don’t try to fix the problem, just listen.

We want unconditional love God loves us unconditionally and accepts us as we are. Yes, He wants us to grow and become more like Jesus but that doesn’t change the fact that He loves us as is.

We don’t have to change for God to love us, but when we understand His unconditional love for us we do change. His love transforms us and our unconditional love can transform others.

Conclusion Let’s ask ourselves, “How do I treat my friends, husband or wife, children, work mates, boss, or parents?

And as we look at how we treat them then ask ourselves - “Is that how I want them to treat me”?

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”.

WWW.MRMDTS.ORG FACEBOOK.COM/MARINEREACHTRAINING

go deeper

discipleship training school SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR KIWIS

16 JAN - 10 JUN 2016 18 JUL - 02 DEC 2016 08 OCT - 03 MAR 2017

EMAIL: DTS@MARINEREACH.COM SKYPE: MRMDTS PHONE: 07 579 9178

www.mychristiandaily.co.nz | 9

CHRISTIAN SCHOOLING

Do Christian schools REMOVE CHILDREN from the REAL WORLD? S

ome parents feel Christian schools place children in an artificial hothouse. They claim children are not well prepared to live in a society where most people are non-Christian.

The Bible says of Jesus… “For by Him all things were created, things in Heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:16-17 We believe life is not an accident or coincidence. As Christians we understand we are created in God’s image. Any education system which ignores God and Jesus also denies the Bible’s claims of reality. In its place another view of reality is presented.

Christian parents partnering with Christian teachers can help children discover and understand the truth about the world around them. Rather than removing children from the real world Christian schools help them see it clearly. The very first sentence of the Bible is “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

Genesis 1:1 That God is the Creator is a basic belief for Christians. What we believe about God, Jesus Christ and the origins of life do influence how we act on a daily basis. These beliefs will also have a dramatic impact on how a school conducts itself. The beliefs of school leaders determine what priorities are set, what is important and therefore what should be measured and reported on.

“L.A.C. House’ is the name given to the boarding establishment at Longburn Adventist College. It caters for a diverse range of secondary students from New Zealand and around the Pacific. The aim of L.A.C. House is to nurture students through their secondary schooling in a Christian environment where faith, respect and service for others are encouraged.

L.A.C. House offers students an environment where personal development is encouraged, academic excellence expected and Christian values are intentionally taught.”

Set in the rural Manawatu, five kilometres from Palmerston North,

Quality Caring Christian Education with the world at your doorstep!

Study and live with our Co-Ed. family from throughout New Zealand and across the Pacific.

Longburn Adventist College is a state integrated high school that has provided education to the Christian community in the Manawatu since 1908.

“We have travelled near and far, to become the family that we are”.

Shekyna, Y12, Porirua

lac.school.nz

Web: Phone: 06 354 1059 10 | Christian Life Issue Twenty-Nine November 2015

L.A.C. House, 100 Walkers Road, Longburn, Palmerston North

Email: info@lac.school.nz

CHRISTIAN SCHOOLING

Secular education believes history and the world around us can be understood without reference to God or the Bible. By leaving these out curriculums don’t become neutral but essentially anti-God. Families are the first place children learn about the world around them. Schools then help children understand more about the world. In the early years families and schools can be likened to providing a hothouse environment for children. Consider the purpose of a hothouse or glass house. It is to nurture plants while they are young. A hothouse provides an environment where the conditions, watering and nutrition can be better managed. The hothouse is designed to grow healthier plants faster. When removed from the hothouse these plants are better able to thrive in all environments.

In the home parents can help control what is taught, how much and by whom. The home and family life gives a child a framework of reality. Parents naturally want to protect, nurture, feed and strengthen their children. Over time parents expose their children to more age appropriate ideas and experiences. In the same way Christian schools seek to work with parents as an extension of the family home. Rather than providing a different, or even inconsistent, environment Christian schools aim to reinforce what is taught at home. It is up to parents to decide which hothouse environment they desire for their children outside of the home. Do we believe this is God’s world? If so a supportive hothouse environment where God and Jesus Christ are seen as relevant to daily life can help prepare a child for

This article was provided by www.WhyChristianSchools.com.au.

Hear parents and teachers answer common questions about Christian education.

Pukekohe Christian School has seen the Lord work in wonderful ways in the past 2 years bringing our roll to over 200 students for 2016. This growth means we are brimming with exciting clubs and activities that help students to glorify God in many ways. The Environmental group, Prayer club, Heart of Worship band, Choir, Chess, Robotics, School Magazine, Netball, Soccer and Basketball teams, the list is never ending! Students from Years 4-10 have camps during this term where they can experience God’s world first hand. The beginning of 2016 will see another new classroom opening as we continue to expand subject choices.

For more info visit: www.pcschool.co.nz

the realities of life “We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of His body, the church.” Ephesians 4:15

Pukekohe Christian School Christian-based education for Year 1-13 students Pukekohe Christian School teaches the internationally acclaimed Cambridge system, well-known for its high standards.

Students of all academic abilities are welcomed and nurtured within the family atmosphere of the school nestled in rural Buckland, Pukekohe.

Pukekohe Christian School celebrates and encourages success in all areas. We aim to produce young men and women with strong Christian values and a life-long love of learning.

82 Yates Rd, Pukekohe 2677 P. 09 238 6449 E. inquiries@pcschool.co.nz www.pcschool.co.nz

www.mychristiandaily.co.nz | 11

PROGRAMME GUIDE December 2015

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

SUNDAY 6:00 6:30 7:00

Lakewood Church: Joel Osteen

P

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Unlocking the Bible: David Pawson

P

Leading the Way: Michael Youssef

P

The Catholic Guy: Bruce Downs

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

P

Derek Prince

P

Hope Centre: Wayne Alcorn

P

Jovis Bon-Hovis and the Creation Crew

C

6:00

Joni and Friends

D

The Exchange with Ed Stetzer

D

Give Me An Answer: Cliffe Knechtle

D

Renewal TV: Symon Drake

P

Your Best Life: Phil Pringle

P

Adventures in Booga Booga Land

C

6:30

Jovis Bon-Hovis and the Creation Crew

C

Scaly Adventures

C

What’s in the Bible?

C

Bed Bug Bible Gang

C

What’s in the Bible?

C

Bed Bug Bible Gang

C

7:00

Spoon TV

C

Bed Bug Bible Gang

C

Superbook

C

Jovis Bon-Hovis and the Creation Crew

C

Adventures in Booga Booga Land

C

What’s in the Bible?

C

7:30

Hour of Power: Robert Schuller

P

8:00

Harvest TV Rotorua

P

Bed Bug Bible Gang

C

Jovis Bon-Hovis and the Creation Crew

C

Scaly Adventures

C

Spoon TV

C

The Lads TV

C

Superbook

C

8:00

8:30

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

Harvest TV Rotorua

P

3-2-1 Penguins!

C

8:30

In Touch: Charles Stanley

P

Spoon TV

C

9:00

P

P

The Lads TV

C

9:30

Word For You: Terry & Jayne Calkin

P

Songs of Praise

M

Turning Point: Dr David Jeremiah

P

LIFE TV: Paul de Jong

P

7:30

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

3:00

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

Give Me An Answer: Cliffe Knechtle

D

P

Precious Memories

M D

The Exchange

D

Answers with Bayless Conley

P

Leading the Way: Michael Youssef

Brian Houston @ Hillsong TV

P

10:00

The 700 Club (Tue-Fri)

N

Full Circle (Mon-Fri)

D

Enjoying Everyday Life with Joyce Meyer (Mon-Fri)

P

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

Life fm Presents

Y 10:30

11:00

The Exchange

D 11:30

Christian World News

N

Noon

The Revolutionary Life

D

12:30

D

FEATURE:

FEATURE:

See adjacent for details

1:00

FEATURE:

See adjacent for details

FEATURE:

See adjacent for details

FEATURE:

FEATURE:

See adjacent for details

1:30

FEATURE:

See adjacent for details

The Restoration Road

D

Everytown Downunder

D

Living Truth: Charles Price

P

Turning Point: Dr David Jeremiah

P

2:00 2:30

See adjacent for details

Living Truth: Charles Price

P

Turning Point: Dr David Jeremiah

P

Joni and Friends

Brought to you by

In Touch: Charles Stanley

P

Bed Bug Bible Gang

C

What’s in the Bible?

C

The Lads TV

Spoon TV

C

Superbook

C

Scaly Adventures

Lakewood Church: Joel Osteen

P

C

Adventures in Booga Booga Land

C

Bed Bug Bible Gang

3:00

Hour of Power: Robert Schuller

P

C

3-2-1 Penguins!

C

Leading the Way: Michael Youssef

P

4:00

C

The Lads TV

C

The Catholic Guy: Bruce Downs

P

4:30

Rhema Worship (Mon-Fri)

M

100 Huntley St

D

5:00

Full Circle (Mon-Fri)

D

Creation Magazine Live

D

5:30

The 700 Club (Mon-Fri)

N

Lakewood Church: Joel Osteen

P

3:30

D

Exchange Ed Stetzer

7:00

Precious Memories

M

7:30

Songs of Praise

M

D

Impact for Life: Peter & Bev Mortlock

SUNDAY FEATURE:

P

What’s on Shine

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

8:00

9:00

HarvestLite (Highlights from the Harvest Show)

See adjacent for details

6:30

8:30

D

See adjacent for details

3:30 4:00

Give Me An Answer: Cliffe Knechtle

Creation Magazine Live

FEATURE:

2:00 2:30

Destined to Reign with Joseph Prince (Mon-Fri)

D

MONDAY FEATURE:

See adjacent for details

Word For You: Terry & Jayne Calkin

P

Christian World News The Revolutionary Life

Running with Fire: Tak Bhana

Harvest TV Rotorua

P

N

100 Huntley St

D

D

Jeni: Seeking the Extraordinary

D

P

MID WEEK FEATURE:

TUESDAY FEATURE:

See adjacent for details

LIFE TV: Paul de Jong

FRIDAY FEATURE:

See adjacent for details

See adjacent for details

9:30 10:00

Brian Houston @ Hillsong TV

P

The Restoration Road

D

Everytown Downunder

D

10:30

Your Best Life: Phil Pringle

P

Give Me An Answer: Cliffe Knechtle

D

The Exchange

D

11:00

The Catholic Guy: Bruce Downs

P

11:30

The Exchange

D

Midnight

Hope Centre: Wayne Alcorn

P

Unlocking the Bible: David Pawson

P

Answers with Bayless Conley

P

Your Best Life: Phil Pringle

A Shine viewer says...

“I’ve found that when God is speaking to me about something, I have turned on Shine and He will confirm to me what He’s saying through the programme. It’s been a case of watching the right thing at the right time...a word in season.”

12 | Christian Life Issue Twenty-Nine November 2015

Derek Prince

P

8:00

D

9:30

Brian Houston @ Hillsong TV

P

Hope Centre: Wayne Alcorn

P 10:30

P

P

Preaching

N News

9:00

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

D 10:00

P

P

7:30

Brought to you by

Joni and Friends

Destined to Reign with Joseph Prince (Mon-Fri) The Catholic Guy: Bruce Downs

See adjacent for details

D

P

P

7:00

SATURDAY FAMILY FEATURE:

Beyond Adventure

Enjoying Everyday Life with Joyce Meyer (Mon-Fri)

Leading the Way: Michael Youssef

6:30

8:30

THURSDAY FEATURE:

See adjacent for details

See adjacent for details

P

6:00

Renewal TV: Symon Drake

C Children E

P

E

LIFE TV: Paul de Jong

P

M Music

Entertainment

11:00

The Mark Gungor Show

11:30 Midnight

D Doco/Drama

Y Youth

SH IN E FEATURES December 2015

The Christmas Candle In the village of Gladbury, legend has it that every 25 years an angel visits the candlemaker and touches a single candle. Whoever lights this candle receives a miracle on Christmas Eve. But in 1890, at the dawn of the electric age, this legend may be ending. Featuring Susan Boyle

Sat 19 @ 7pm; Sun 20 @ 2pm Christmas Eve @ 8.35pm Running the Rift (2014) (100 min) Experience the incredible scenery of East Africa, and be moved by powerful stories of hope and transformation.

Tue 1 @ 8.30pm; Wed 2 @ 1pm

Proof Through the Night (2011) (56 min) The story of Francis Scott Key, who wrote ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’, America’s national anthem.

Sun 6 @ 9pm; Mon 7 @ 2pm

Journey to Christmas (2011) (60 min) Follow the journey of five diverse people as they experience the Holy Land for the first time. Their goal? To see if there is more to Christmas than what we typically experience in the Western World.

Wed 2 @ 7.30pm; Thu 3 @ 12pm Wed 9 @ 7.30pm; Thu 10 @ 12pm Wed 16 @ 7.30pm; Thu 17 @ 12pm Wed 23 @ 7.30pm; Thu 24 @ 12pm

Home Run Showdown (2012) (90 min) Two Little League teams feed off the two coaches’ sibling rivalry and do battle in the outfield of the home-run derby.

Mon 7 @ 8.30pm; Tue 8 @ 1pm

Set Apart (2009) (97 min) Four troubled city kids get a shot at redemption when a pastor invites them to his country ranch and offers them a chance to put their lives in perspective.

Wed 2 @ 8.30pm; Thu 3 @ 1pm

The Line: Poverty in America (2014) (45 min) One in four children in America is below the poverty line. What is poverty? What defines ‘the line’ and how can the church and community make a difference?

Tue 8 @ 8.30pm; Wed 9 @ 1pm Helping Hands (2013) (30 min) Anyone with a pair of hands can use them to help another human being in need.

Tue 8 @ 9.30pm; Wed 9 @ 2pm

Goal of the Century (2013) (45 min) September 28, 2012 marked the 40th anniversary of arguably the greatest sporting moment in Canadian history.

Thu 3 @ 7.30pm; Fri 4 @ 12pm

Diamond Dog Caper (2008) (111 min) A courageous boy battles a gang of bumbling thieves to rescue a dog carrying a fortune in stolen diamonds.

Wed 9 @ 8.30pm; Thu 10 @ 1pm

Undaunted (2011) (70 min) The true story of how Josh McDowell set out to prove Jesus never existed - but ended up face to face with God. Thu 3 @ 8.30pm; Fri 4 @ 1pm

Remembering 59 (2009) (60 min) Over 106 days, in 1959, an estimated three million people attended Billy Graham crusades across Australia & New Zealand.

Thu 10 @ 7.30pm; Fri 11 @ 12pm

Abel’s Field (2012) (104 min) Abel, the solitary grounds keeper of a high school football field, becomes the unlikely mentor for a struggling teen.

Fri 4 @ 8.30pm; Sat 5 @ 12pm Saving Westbrook High (2013) (85 min) Can Elijah Bennett rally everyone to keep their beloved school from closing?

Sat 5 @ 2pm From the Rough (2013) (90 min) Catana Sharks overcame great odds and prejudice to guide a rag-tag group of golfers to a record championship season.

Sat 5 @ 7pm; Sun 6 @ 2pm Mon 28 @ 8.30pm; Tue 29 @ 1pm Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Pilot (90 min) A group of postal detectives tracks down people who never received their post.

They deliver mail that saves lives, reunites old loves & changes futures.

Sat 5 @ 9pm A History of Christian Music: The Music (2010) (53 min) Explores how liturgy and music have enriched the celebration of God’s story throughout centuries of Christianity.

Sun 6 @ 12.30pm John Wesley: The Man & His Mission (2012) (55 min) Keith Garner visits various locations to discover the impact of the work of John Wesley, 200 years after his death.

Sun 6 @ 8.05pm; Mon 7 @ 1pm

The Nutcracker (2012) (72 min) Delight in the beauty and elegance of this timeless ballet, showcasing the National Ballet of Cuba and featuring the Canadian Ballet Youth Ensemble.

Sun 13 @ 8.05pm; Mon 14 @ 1pm Love’s Christmas Journey (2011) (85 min) From the Love Comes Slowly series: Through love, faith and forgiveness, a family reunion will become a very real Christmas miracle.

Part 1: Mon 14 @ 8.30pm; Tue 15 @ 1pm Part 2: Tue 15 @8.30pm; Wed 16 @ 1pm Silver Bells (2013) (90 min) Bruce is sentenced to community service, collecting for the Salvation Army during the holidays. Will something as simple as ringing a bell transform his life?

Wed 16 @ 8.30pm; Thu 17 @ 1pm Stagecoach Santa (2011) (60 min) After a mysterious stagecoach rider visits on Christmas eve, John must believe that his troubles are temporary, and miracles can happen.

Thu 17 @ 7.30pm; Fri 18 @ 12pm

Horses of McBride (2012) (90 min) A true story of a community pulling together to rescue two horses trapped in the Rockies in Christmas 2008.

Wed 23 @ 8.30pm; Thu 24 @ 1pm The Ride: A Christmas Eve Parable (2012) (33 min) The lives of a bored, disengaged taxi driver and a troubled passenger are changed forever in a Christmas Eve ride.

Thu 24 @ 7.30pm; Fri 25 @ 12pm Christmas Oranges (2013) (100 min) Share a slice of Christmas sweetened with friendship in this poignant Christmas story based on a classic holiday tale.

Christmas Day @ 8pm; Sat 26 @ 12pm Ring the Bell (2011) (96 min) When high-powered sports agent Rob Decker arrives looking for his next major league prospect, he finds more than he bargained for at the Cooke Boys Ranch.

Sat 26 @ 2pm Mercy Rule (2014) (117 min) When the game is on the line, you want people you can count on, in baseball and in life. There is no quit in family.

Sat 26 @ 7pm; Sun 27 @ 2pm

A Golden Christmas (2009) (85 min) Jessica returns home for Christmas. When she hears that the house she grew up in has been sold to a stranger, she looks for The Painting (2001) (100 min) In the midst of racial tension in 1960s ways to buy it back.

America, a white boy and a black girl fall Thu 17 @ 8.30pm; Fri 18 @ 1pm in love. A story of a father’s love, sacrifice Corrie Ten Boom (2010) (58 min) and acceptance.

Christmas Grace (2013) (90 min) The story of one courageous woman’s Two rival toy store owners compete for Sun 27 @ 8.05pm; Mon 28 @ 1pm triumph over Nazi imprisonment. business over several Christmas seasons.

Thu 10 @ 8.30pm; Fri 11 @ 1pm But, God is at work in the lives of both men. NZ Hospital Chaplaincy (2009) (45 min) A look at the history and vital role of Fri 18 @ 8.30pm; Sat 19 @ 12pm Robber of the Cruel Streets (2006) (59 min) chaplaincy in NZ, with an interview with George Muller, a German playboy, found Camp Harlow (2014) (85 min) the film’s producer, hospital chaplain Christ and gave his life to rescue orphans Alex tries to shut out the world until she Rev. Barbara Walker. from the wretched street life of so many forms an unlikely friendship with a horse Tue 29 @ 8.30pm; Wed 30 @ 1pm children in 19th Century England. at summer camp.

Thu 10 @ 9.30pm; Fri 11 @ 2pm Jock Troup and the Fishermen’s Sat 19 @ 2pm Revival (2011) (48 min) Sironia (2011) (105 min) The story of of barrel maker Jock Troup, Silent Night (2013) (95 min) A singer-songwriter beat up by the L.A. The true story behind the most popular known as the ‘Revival Man’ and the music machine moves his family to Sironia, Christmas carol of all time, Silent Night. remarkable ‘fishermen’s revival’ of 1921.

Texas, where he learns what he loved Sun 20 @ 8.05pm; Mon 21 @ 1pm Tue 29 @ 9.30pm; Wed 30 @ 2pm about music and Molly in the first place.

Fri 11 @ 8.30pm; Sat 12 @ 12pm Tomorrow Comes (2014) (45 min) Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Christmas Sons of missionaries tragically killed in (2013) (90 min) The Perfect Game (2009) (120 min) With guidance from a mysterious post Mexico in the 1950s hold a reunion to A rag tag gang of boys from a rural area office volunteer, the Postables discover celebrate the rich legacy of their parents. of Monterey, Mexico have a dream of they’ve been a part of more than one Wed 30 @ 7.30pm; Thu 31 @ 1pm playing Little League Baseball in America. miracle on this Christmas Eve. Sat 12 @ 2pm Catching Hearts (2010) (75 min) Mon 21 @ 7.30pm; Tue 22 @ 1pm Professor Mark Gavin makes his living Sat 26 @ 9.10pm Finding Normal (2013) (90 min) by disproving the existence of God. But Sentenced to serve three days community Christmas with the Annie Moses Band what happens when extraordinary life service as the doctor in the town of Normal, (2014) (60 min) events shake his faith in atheism?

Lisa has her world turned upside down.

This live concert includes classic Christmas Wed 30 @ 8.30pm; Thu 31 @ 2pm Sat 12 @ 7pm; Sun 13 @ 2pm songs as God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, NEW YEAR’S EVE Movie Marathon and When the Christmas Baby Cries.

A History of Christian Music: Keep watching Shine or visit shinetv.co.nz Mon 21 @ 9.30pm The Embrace (2010) (53 min) to find out more detail.

Explores the inward worship practices The Christmas Experience (2012) (90 min) of prayer and contemplation and the Kyle Idleman emphasises how God chose outward acts of worship found in service each individual in the Christmas story for Details correct at time of printing. and ministry. a specific purpose.

For up-to-date 24-hour listings and programme Sun 13 @ 12.30pm Tue 22 @ 8.30pm; Wed 23 @ 1pm information go to shinetv.co.nz

www.mychristiandaily.co.nz | 13

LOCAL NEWS

Unity in Kawerau brings God’s blessings C

o senior Pastors of Kawerau House of Hope [AOG] for the last 25 years Paul & Sharon Heke love what they see happening in the Kawerau community. We have always believed that as churches we are here in our community to complement each other not to compete. In many areas Christians work together touching the whole town.

Kawerau Ministers Association or KMA Food Bank is a good example. It works with key social service agencies in the community like Budget service. Most churches contribute either food or dollars and all come together to assist for the annual Food Bank drive. Police, Fire-Brigade, Ambulance, Youth Groups, Air Training Corps, Scouts and other volunteers gather to go out collecting. (Kawerau’s next drive is on the 1st December).

Veggie gardens at House of Hope are also

a community affair as various groups contribute workers or assistance. Produce goes to food parcels or towards the Community lunch on a Friday at House of Hope. Bella’s fried bread is “World Famous” in Kawerau!! Someone donated $20 for just 2 pieces so they could try them recently. From the elderly to lonely people turn up for fellowship and kai.

St Margaret’s Anglican church is involved with the healthy homes projects and all sorts of things are happening from cooking lessons to learning how to change a tap washer. Our town of Kawerau has officially changed from a dying one to one of growth. Some recent initiatives have young people actually getting work in this area instead of heading out of town.

God’s love and unity of spirit is flowing in our town ...thank your for your prayers and praise the Lord!

A Nurse For The Ni-Vans

Mel T hacker

W

ith a rush of excitement at hearing the news that the M/V Pacific Hope, Marine Reach’s new ship, had arrived in Vila Harbour, I raced into town heading for the wharf.

As I drove up and over the hill, I looked down from the top, and there she lay. Her white hull shining in the early morning sun silouetted against the calmness of a tranquil blue sea.

Words simply cannot describe the wave of emotion that swept over me, just knowing that she was finally here, in nation that so desperately needed her services.

It had been two years since Marine Reach – Youth With a Mission had brought the ship in Japan, sailed it to New Zealand and started the massive job of striping and refitting the vessel from a commercial fishing vessel to a medical mercy ship with an on board medical clinic, a conference room and a berth capacity for 60 people.

We sailed late on the Sunday afternoon travelling over night and arriving in Lamumba Bay just thirteen hours sailing north of Port Vila. All 51 medical staff, ships crew and volunteers got shuttled on the ship’s rubber inflatables to the beach where we were greeted by a crowd of excited locals. They welcomed us with flower necklaces and songs. Then it was “all aboard” a massive trailer hauled by a tractor through the cocoa plantations and jungle to the Lambumbu Station.

During the following 10 days we saw 1696 patients.

KOINONIA KIWISAVER SCHEME

The ethical KiwiSaver scheme for Christians

Over the entire four month outreach period our medical teams saw over 5000 patients in Samoa, Fiji and Vanautu. Dozens of stories could be told of the men, women and children who received both physical and spiritual care throughout the tour.

On one occasion, it was the last day of a dental outreach and the team were praying that the most needy patients would make it to the clinic.

The last patient of the day was Sarah who along with her mother, squeezed into the last inflatable going to the ship. Sarah was 8 years old and her mother had paid a “small fortune” to charter a boat for the five hour trip in the hope that her daughter would be seen by the ship’s dentists. On board, Sarah’s mother told her story. For two years she watched her daughter cry herself to sleep at night in agony.

Without being able to do anything, she also cried each night praying the God would interve. Sarah had a tooth so rotten it had completely eroded out the inside of the tooth and created a huge abscess that was working its way through her jaw and out of her chin!

It was exactly the kind of patient the team had prayed for that morning.

They removed what was left of the tooth and gave Sarah antibiotics which

If your provider’s KiwiSaver scheme doesn’t fit, you can easily transfer to Koinonia.

14 | Christian Life Issue Twenty-Nine November 2015

would heal the abscess and relieve the pain and suffering. A mother’s daily prayers had been answered and her daughter could now live without pain. Compassion brings hope and hope brings faith. Sarah represents thousands of children who have no access to healthcare in Vanautu.

As the drought continued its strangle hold on the nation, the M/V Pacific Hope made and delivered 30,000 liters of fresh water to isolated island community who had very little drinking water available. Bathing and cooking is being done with salt water causing some serious health problems.

Over the four month deployment in Fiji and Vanuatu over 5000 patients received medical care and thousands more were touched by the ships community development programmes and education programmes both ashore and on board the vessel. Many came to a new relationship in Christ as a result as a result of the ships visit.

The M/V Pacific Hope returned to New Zealand on October the 29th for “dry-docking” and resupply before returning to Vanuatu at the end of the cyclone season in April 2016.

Mel Tusker Marine Reach YWAM

www.koinonia.org.nz 0508 738 473 | info@koinonia.org.nz Contact us for the eligibility conditions and a copy of the Investment Statement Administered by The New Zealand Anglican Church Pension Board

BUSINESS

Thinking Big In Kawerau

BY BERNADETTE SOARES

T

hinking big does not come easy to most of us and in a nutshell, thinking big is to think like God. God’s thoughts are bigger than big. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts,” He said in Isaiah 55.9 Finding out what God thinks and what our natural gifts and talents are is a step in the right direction. Thinking big is not something usually attributed to a small town like Kawerau, but there are some amazing big thinkers there with big visions making a positive impact in their lives and lives around them.

Through Kawerau Community Church a group of like-minded businesses who meet monthly have been mentored though ‘Let Your Light Shine Charitable Trust’ run by myself, and my team. They have been though the programme, ‘Being Mentored By a Millionaire’ by Steven Scott.

In this series, Steve Scott mentors listeners in the skills and techniques that harness the power of Solomon’s teachings and incorporate them into their business and personal pursuits.

He reveals the devastating traps Solomon warns us about that can rob us of our success, our families and financial security. Applying the rare insights shared in this rich program, their lives have changed for the better.

Solomon assures us that whatever we may achieve by ourselves, with the right partner we’ll achieve a level of success that is wildly better.

This is happening in conjunction with Helen Stewart, Executive Director of the Kawerau Enterprise Agency (KEA), which is all about growing a vibrant Kawerau. KEA’s goal is to add value to projects to realise their potential, and Helen has budgeted $5,000 towards this project.

The following criteria were set for the businesses: 1) A self-sustainable idea. A combination of people, product or service, tech or design 2) A sustainable, growing market 3) The first version of the product or service is already tested for validity of idea. They are already past the product/service testing phase and are now building up the branding and marketing base 4) Able to demonstrate their idea is

gaining traction 5) Commitment to the programme.

It is not just the course materials but also the sharing of ideas within the group to help each other on their journey 6) Living in Kawerau and bordering regions. They will be benefiting the community and businesses in Kawerau through trade and commerce The five businesses awarded $1,000 seed capital each:

Jan and Mark Kingi – Suit Yourself Jan began with the garment altering business A Stitch in Time. She still runs this business that also provides potential customers for her new Suit Yourself venture custom making suits for men and women. Jan and Mark are responsible business people who are also ecommerce capable. They have well spotted an opportunity to get into the professional suit market and this business is exciting with potential throughout NZ and possibly Australia.

Jan is the prime driver in the business and we have been working together to expand her customer base and will use the money for marketing to promote her websites mensuityourself. com and ladiesuityourself.weebly. com. Jan’s email is janiskingi@ gmail.com

Jared Lynn - Examboost Jared is 35 and has taught secondary History, Tourism and Social Studies at Opotiki College for almost nine years. Examboost is a smartphone app for students to test their curriculum knowledge in preparation for NCEA exams. The app will provide students with links to information on the

Internet that can direct them to further learning if they have weak areas. It will also provide other exam revision aids such as revision strategies and past exams.

Jared is already in the trial phase of the NCEA Revision Software and the results are extremely encouraging.

The money goes into development work and cash in the bank. Jared has considerable teaching experience and a passion and drive to take his teaching capabilities to the next level. Jared’s email: examboostnz@gmail.com and website examboost.co.nz

Greg Taylor – Garden Guru Greg has a specialised gardening service catering for clients who desire an organic approach to their garden and who wish to keep poultry. He is a keen vegetable and fruit grower and his plants need a site that is well prepared and catered for throughout the season.

Greg is also helping Let Your Light Shine Charitable Trust towards other green projects in Kawerau, namely the House of Hope Community Gardens.

Greg is helping design these gardens and will be project managing the reorganisation and rebuild of these gardens for better efficiency. He is very knowledgeable in his field and has considerable experience gardening across various roles and cities throughout New Zealand. Greg will use the seed fund for brochures and other point of sale material, and toward his time spent on other gardening projects across Kawerau.

Greg’s email is taylorgreg38@gmail. com

specialising in families, children and couples. Dolly is undertaking online courses and is being mentored by a photographer from Auckland through the business mentorship programme.

Dolly has chosen this field as she is a naturally talented photographer with an eye for detail and design ability.

Dolly has challenges with a growing family but she is coming along well with confidence and business ability.

We approached Harvey Norman (Manukau, Auckland) for help with her photographic equipment at cost price.

They agreed to sell her over $2,000 worth of gear for $1,200, so Dolly’s seed fund goes toward this. Dolly’s email is dollypryor32@gmail.com and website dollysphotography. weebly.com

Rangipaea Paul (Paea) Enliven Beauty Sales Consultant Paea has a passion for beauty products and services and is training as an Enliven Beauty consultant and beauty therapist. I have set Paea up with Brand Value’s two brands Natural Glow and bodEze, and within the last 2 months she has sold over $500 worth of product. She makes a 30% margin and is being funded by Brand Value for stock. Paea will be setting up a Beauty Salon in Te Teko offering, sugaring, massage, facials and makeup services.

The $1,000 seed fund will be used to purchase stock so she has product on hand to increase sales turnover as she grows her customer base. She will also use the money to set up the salon with equipment. With limited prior business experience Paea has been growing well and is very committed to the programme. Her selling ability and enthusiasm is very impressive.

Paea’s email is paeamp@gmail.com Editors Note: A fantastic model for other small towns in New Zealand to follow perhaps?

Dolly Pryor – Dolly’s Photography Dolly has a passion for photography and is training as a freelance photographer

www.mychristiandaily.co.nz | 15

FAMILY FIRST

ANTI-SMACKING LAW: A Failed Attempt To Tackle Child Abuse

T

he law to ban smacking in 2007 was motivated by a commendable desire to reduce child abuse – a desire we all share. But kiwi parents knew that it would do more harm than good, would have no effect on child abuse rates, and would criminalise good parents raising great kids – and they were right on all three counts.

Recorded offences by police for assaults on children have almost doubled in the past five years, and cases of substantiated abuse or neglect found by

serious enough to warrant charges being laid. The report also referred to an increase in false allegations of assault. This may come from neighbours or even the children themselves.

Let’s be quite clear. Child abuse is unacceptable.

We must take pro-active action and tackle head-on the difficult issues of family breakdown, drug and alcohol abuse, violence in our media, mental illness, and other key factors identified by the various UNICEF, CYF’s, and Children’s Commissioner’s reports. Ironically, of the five countries with the lowest child abuse death rates in the UNICEF report, four allowed smacking.

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

olds thought that parents had the right to use even ‘grounding’ in 2000.

And contrary to claims made, appropriate smacking does not damage children or teach them to be violent.

A 2007 Otago University study found that children who were smacked in a reasonable way had similar or slightly better outcomes in terms of aggression, substance abuse, adult convictions and school achievement than those who were not smacked at all. And a study by the Christchurch School of Medicine found there was no difference in outcomes between no smacking and moderate physical punishment. They said, ‘It is misleading to

... in the journal Parenting: Science and Practice in 2013, found the effects of discipline - such as verbal threats or smacking - are offset by the child’s feeling of being loved. The researchers said being punished is UNLIKELY TO RESULT IN ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR FURTHER DOWN THE LINE, as long as the child believes their punishment is coming from “a good place.

Child Youth and Family rose by 41% over the same period. The rate of child abuse deaths have stayed at the same rate as it was before the anti-smacking law was passed.

A Referendum in 2009 found 87% opposition to the smacking ban, but the results were ignored by the National-led government, who had previously lobbied strongly against the bill while in Opposition.

Eight years on from the ban, opposition remains as strong as ever.

A 2013 survey of 1,000 New Zealanders found that two out of three respondents said they would flout the law and smack their child to correct their behaviour if they thought it was reasonable to do so.

Mothers and younger parents were more likely to have smacked.

The law is held in contempt by New Zealanders.

The ban has targeted good parents, rather than the rotten parents who are abusing their children physically, emotionally and verbally, and has wasted valuable time and resources of the police and social agencies.

Another survey in 2011 found that almost a third of parents of younger children say that their children have threatened to report them if they were smacked. And almost one in four of parents of younger children say that they have less confidence when dealing with unacceptable behaviour from their children since the anti-smacking law was passed.

A recent review of police activity shows that almost 600 kiwi families have had a police investigation for allegations of smacking or minor acts of physical discipline yet only 9% of them were

acknowledges the important role of parents in raising a child with appropriate direction, guidance, and correction. It recognises the right, and duty, of parents to provide direction and guidance in a manner consistent with the evolving capacities of the child.

This is what opponents to smacking won’t acknowledge. The capacity of a child is very different to the capacity of an adult. That’s why we have laws protecting children from sexual involvement and exploitation, driving vehicles, voting, drinking alcohol, the ability to enter in to certain contracts, watching violent and sexually explicit movies etc.

That’s why we need to train and correct children in a way that is different to how we deal with adults.

Despite what anti-smacking advocates and politicians told us, good parents have been treated as criminals under the law. In fact, a very recent legal opinion from a leading public law firm in NZ said that statements made by politicians to the effect that the anti-smacking law does not criminalise good parents for lightly smacking their children are inconsistent with the legal effect of the law and the application of the law in practice.

Sweden was the first country to ban smacking in 1979. What does this Swedish utopia look like? According to a recent study published in the International Journal of Criminology and Sociology, since smacking was banned in 1979, criminal records show that there have been 22 times as many cases of physical child abuse and 24 times as many assaults by minors against minors. The ability of parents to enforce appropriate discipline continued to erode until only 31% of 10- to 12-year-

16 | Christian Life Issue Twenty-Nine November 2015

imply that occasional or mild physical punishment has long term adverse consequences’.

A study of teenagers by a team from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, and published in the journal Parenting: Science and Practice in 2013, found the effects of discipline such as verbal threats or smacking - are offset by the child’s feeling of being loved. The researchers said being punished is unlikely to result in antisocial behaviour further down the line, as long as the child believes their punishment is coming from “a good place”.

Here’s the key point. It’s not the technique that the parent uses to correct their child that’s necessarily the problem – it’s the way it’s used.

We definitely need to send a strong message that violence and child abuse is unacceptable.

But in our attempts to send a clear message, we should not end up treating good parents as criminals under the law. That is an unacceptable burden to great mums and dads who should be supported, not prosecuted or even investigated.

The anti-smacking law runs counter to scientific evidence, the problems with similar bans overseas, and the wisdom and experience of previous generations.

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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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.

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Totara Springs Christian Centre is one of the largest centre’s of its kind in New Zealand and is a venue for school camps, church retreats, business conferences, sporting and artistic events, holiday camps and weddings. We are situated in a beautiful setting, nestled at the foot of the Kaimai mountain ranges just outside Matamata. There are 90 plus acres of parklike grounds with accommodation for 420 people in fully serviced motels, 3 lodge complexes and 18 cabins. All our camps are fully catered by our resident catering team www.totarasprings.org.nz or bookings@totarasprings.org.nz or phone 07-8884700

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SPIRITUAL GROWTH

FIVE BAD REASONS TO LEAVE A CHURCH

L

et’s be honest, while there are some good reasons for leaving a church, there are a lot more bad ones.

As a pastor, I hear some of them every now and again. Here are five really bad reasons to leave a Church: 1. “I’m not being fed” As a pastor with a teaching gift I take my job of feeding God’s people VERY seriously. But there are also lots of other things vying for my time: managing staff, meeting needs, putting out fires and developing leaders – all while overseeing the overall vision and direction of the church. Years ago a man in our church had a vision. He saw adults sitting in baby highchairs with a dummy in their mouth. God showed him that many Christians are like that – big babies who still cry every time they want someone else to feed them.

To leave a church because you’re not getting “enough” is a cop out.

Your primary call in the church is to contribute, not just to consume. As a Christian, you shouldn’t require spoon-feeding for the rest of your life.

Eventually you need to learn how to feed yourself so that, in time, you can actually feed others. Remember, your call is not just to be a disciple but also to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20)

2. “It’s getting too big” I can appreciate the sense of loss that accompanies growth. When Bayside Church began 22 years ago we were a small band of Christians who could all fit into one living room. It feels very different now that we are a large church spread across multiple services & sites. There are moments when I miss the intimacy and simplicity of those early days. But remaining small is a sad and unbiblical goal.

When churches are faithful to the Great Commission, lives will be changed and people will be added to their number. Growth is inevitable for faithful and healthy churches. If you have a problem with big churches, you really wouldn’t have liked the first church, and you definitely won’t like heaven. Instead of seeing size as a negative, learn to appreciate all the variety and influence that a big church can achieve.

3. “I don’t agree with everything that is being preached” Guess what? Neither do I and I’m the pastor. As such I fully reserve the right to disagree with myself. And every now and then I do exactly that, because I’m learning, growing & asking questions, and my hope is that you

are doing the same. I trust the pulpit at Bayside Church to our team members & visiting ministries and I don’t always agree with everything that is said or the way they say it but, unless it is rank heresy, I just let it slide because we’re all learning and growing together.

Chances are you are not going to agree with everything that is preached anywhere. We need to learn to disagree on secondary issues.

4. “My Needs Aren’t Being Met” People who use this as an excuse to leave a church have bought into the lie that, when it comes to church, it’s really all about “me.” Here’s the problem: the Church actually isn’t about you. It’s about Jesus. It’s His Church.

He came for it. He died for it. He redeemed it. He continues to build it.

And one day, He’ll come back for it.

It’s His. This is the same Jesus who came to seek and to save the lost and then commissioned his Church to go and do the same. The Church doesn’t just exist to meet your needs. You are a part of the Church that exists to meet the needs of the others. Put away the shopping trolley and pick up a shovel!

New Millennium Books

Based on an article written by Aaron Loy in Relevant Magazine. Rob Buckingham is the Senior Minister of Bayside Church, Melbourne Australia. www.baysidechurch.com.au

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New Millennium Books opened in 1999 in the Bishopdale Mall, NE Christchurch and moved to Grampian St, Casebrook in 2003.

We have been serving Oamaru and surrounding districts for 39 years.

We stock a good range of Bibles and books, as well as music and movies. We also have a great range of gifts and greeting cards.

Our food area covers canned lines from Vegie Delights, Braggs Liquid Aminos, Molasses and various TVP.

Now after display changes and the help of many voluntary helpers and managers we have a shop catering to wide a cross-section of our community.

Freeview Firstlight and 3ABN TV channels create a demand for many books and DVDs. Current titles can be hired economically from our Book Rental section. While we stock many products from the main Adventist publishing houses, Review & Herald, Pacific Press, Autumn House and Signs Publishing, we also cater for main-line denominations.

We encourage you to visit our local Christian bookstore and are delighted to help you select that special gift. Come and see our beautiful cards, books, bibles, CDs, DVDs, gifts and much more.

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5. Unresolved Conflict This is the number one reason people leave a church and of course wherever you find imperfect people you will find conflict. The Church is one big family full of characters and misfits. Sometimes sisters argue and brothers fight.

But despite it all, family is supposed to be the place where you stick together even when it’s hard – especially when it’s hard.

Paul addressed a lot of church conflict in his letters. Nowhere do we hear him encouraging believers to bail on one another or move on down the road to a different church where it’ll be easier. Instead, much of his letters are his encouraging and coaching these ragamuffin communities in how to do this very hard and messy thing together.

One of the key aspects of the gospel is forgiveness and reconciliation.

How will we ever demonstrate these things to the world if we don’t practice them ourselves?

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GIFTS www.mychristiandaily.co.nz | 19

You are invited to bring a friend to the 14th Annual Jubilee Resources International

Summer Schools - January 2016

Jubilee Resources International Inc.

Liberty Down Under Our special guests are:

Main Themes: Setting up Christian Ministry Triage; Dealing with Hurts and Brokenness; Letting God Heal You! Liberating Your Finances Walking in the Grace of God! Dr. Jerry & Dr. Sherill Piscopo

Is Heaven Worth Aiming For? Wellington

Senior Pastors, Evangel Churches, Roseville, Michigan USA

Christchurch

8 - 9 January

Friday & Saturday 9:30am to 5:00pm Venue: Maungaraki Baptist Church, 164 Dowse Drive, Lower Hutt

Auckland

11 - 12 January 2016

15 - 16 January 2016

Monday & Tuesday 9:30am to 5:00pm Venue: Avonhead Baptist Church 102 Avonhead Road

Friday & Saturday 9:30am to 5:00pm Venue: Eastgate Christian Centre 5 Ben Lomond Cres, Pakuranga

Early Bird Registration received no later than Thursday 24th December, 2015

The Piscopos might be unknown to you, but they aren’t to us. We’ve seen their generosity, their equipping and releasing with accountability, as they themselves choose to be accountable. Their people show a maturity seldom seen in most Christian congregations. Over 200 local Detroit churches send their ministry teams to them to be trained. They are safe!

These are special and gifted people. Pastors, authors, and Bible teachers, Dr’s Jerry and Sherill pastor 3 churches in the Detroit metro area. Five nights each week they can be heard on Detroit’s Christian radio station with a programme called “Restoration Now”. This is broadcast on Christian radio stations throughout the U.S.A. They also host a local television broadcast.

Together they are the founders of Evangel Association of Churches and Ministries (EACM) and oversee 1,500 churches, & ministries in the U.S.A., plus many overseas. Drs. Jerry and Sherill have appeared on the 700 Club and ministered widely with expertise in the areas of finance & administration, spiritual warfare, prayer, holiness, and healing the brokenhearted.They have

Registration Form: Liberty Down Under 2016!

also ministered extensively in the area of Inner Healing and Deliverance, and co-authored the book, “Spiritual Warfare: A Comprehensive Guide To Personal Healing And Deliverance”. They are Founders & Chancellors of Destiny Schools of Ministry, (State-licensed and Accredited Bible Colleges) with over 770 students and almost 40 extension campuses. Dr. Sherill is president of Destiny Christian University. As an accomplished dancer, she ministers in dance, & teaches worship-dance. Dr. Jerry is the Founder/Overseer of the International Association of Chaplains (IAC) and Overseer of the First Responders Chaplains (FRC), two united corps of over 444 chaplains in the United States.

Jubilee Resources (established in NZ in 1992) has been training people and bringing experts so The Great Commission and effective discipleship and ministry can occur. Dr. Selwyn Stevens and the board of Jubilee Resources International invite you to participate in our 14th Annual Summer Schools. Discover how to glorify Jesus Christ, and to be healed so you can be fruitful for His Kingdom! You can also learn how to help others get healed and whole. Let’s not forget the great worship and fellowship times. Many attending make long-lasting friendships through meeting folks at these life-changing events. Make sure you don’t miss them in New Zealand in January 2016. Be blessed and a blessing!

Details: www.jubileeresources.org

✄

On Sid Roth’s recent TV programme, John Remirez said, “The church is teaching us how to be happy, but they aren’t teaching us how to be free!”

It’s time to learn to be free.

(Please print clearly - photocopies welcome too.)

I/we will be attending the summer school at: (please tick the one you will attend)

Wellington Fri 8th & Sat 9th Jan. Registration Fee Schedule: Single Late Registration Early Bird

$75 $59

Christchurch Mon 11th & Tues 12th Jan Married Couple Unwaged/Student $130 $105

$57 $48

(Please print) Name: ______________________________________________________________________

Auckland Fri 15th & Sat 16th Jan. (Early Bird means we receive your registration with payment in full by Thursday 24th December, 2015) Registration fees are a suggested minimum donation to cover the costs of bringing our guests, plus the usual costs of running such conferences. Registration fees are transferable but not refundable. Some may be unable to pay the full amount. So that we share each other’s burdens, some may want to add extra to cover the shortfall. It is more important people attend, yet we still have expenses to cover. A freewill offering will be taken as a gift for the speakers. Resource tables, with EFTPOS,Visa & MasterCard available at all venues.

Address:_____________________________________________________________________ Town/City & Postcode:___________________________________________________________ Email:_______________________________________________________________________

Direct Credit: A/C name: Jubilee Resources Intl. Inc. Bank & Branch: Westpac, Petone. A/C #: 030543-0216553-00 Please ensure your name & initials are shown - Email advice requested.

Phone:_________________________________

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Please make cheques payable to: “Jubilee Resources Intl. Inc.” (receipts will be issued)

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