Please take this copy of Christian Life
SEPTEMBER 2015 • Issue TWENTY-SEVEN • www.mychristiandaily.co.nz “I told the pastor I wanted to resign and he put every imaginable pressure on me to stay. I remember backing out of the room, running down an alleyway and taking off in my little VW bug, feeling I’d escaped with my life.” DAVID DISHROON page 18
• ANITA MARY’S TESTIMONY • WIRED FOR THE SUPERNATURAL • TEENS & ABORTIONS, WHY PARENTS NEED TO BE INVOLVED • LOCAL NEWS • PLUS LOADS MORE PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CBA AND MANNA CHRISTIAN BOOKSTORES
Issue TWENTY-SEVEN | SEPT 2015
03 Anita Mary 06 Wired For The Supernatural 08 George Bryant: Writing The Good Write 10 Israel and the Re-think on what God is doing 12 Encouraging Men to ‘Go’
03
14 Shine TV programme guide 16 Local News 18 A Testimony to God’s Saving Grace 20 Parents Have A Right To Know, And Care 21 Christian Life Classifieds
20
12 Cover image: David and Linda Dishroon
NEXT ISSUE OUT October 2015 Booking deadline: 25 September Art deadline: 29 September Distribution: 5 October
ADS FROM ONLY $80!
DISPLAY & CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Ray Curle 09 281 4896 advertise@initiatemedia.net
Publisher Matthew Danswan
Correspondence PO Box 318 334, West Harbour, Auckland 0661
Art Director Nicole Danswan
No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part, without prior written permission. Opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily reflect those of the staff.
Accounts Elizabeth Yeo Advertising Manager Ray Curle P 09 281 4896 E ray.curle@initiatemedia.net
e u g o l a t a C g n i Spr t Now! Ou NEW!
Offers valid until 31st October 2015 or while stocks last. Range will vary between stores. For bulk pricing email sales@manna.co.nz
13 Stores Nationwide Freephone:
0508 4 MANNA
www.manna.co.nz 2 | Christian Life Issue Twenty-Seven September 2015
© Copyright 2015. www.initiatemedia.net www.mychristiandaily.com
25
$
NEW! NEW!
1399
NEW!
6499
check out our range of War room resources for you, your church or small group War Room Church Campaign Kit 9781430043225 $64.99 War Room Leader Kit/Dvd Study 9781430040361 $49.99 Work Book 9781430040354 $13.99 Fervent: A Woman’s Guide to Serious... Prayer 9781433688676 $29.99 Now $25.00 The Battle Plan for Prayer 9781433688669 $29.99 Now $25.00 The Battle Plan Prayer Journal (DUE OCT) 9780805489477 $22.99 Now $20 War Room: The Novel 9781496407283 $26.99 Now $22.00 War Room: The Soundtrack 106213 $19.99 Now $15.00
All attempts are made to verify advertising material, and no responsibility is taken for misleading or erroneous material.
NEW!
NEW!
4999 NEW!
NEW!
15
$
$
22
Inspiring Story
~ Anita Mary ~ JANET BALCOMBE RE-CONNECTS WITH HARDCORE OVERCOMER, ARTIST AND AUTHOR — ANITA MARY
O
ur universes collided ‘back in the day’ in central Auckland, although we were in different scenes — Anita in hardcore punk, me in the biker crowd. You could call this a full-circle moment. Anita has been in dark places but was always one of God’s kids behind enemy lines. Growing up in Shirley, Christchurch in the late 60’s, Anita’s only constant was change. After a tumultuous first four years of life, the fighting finally stopped when Anita’s Dad left for good. As a youngster she went to an after-school Christian group called ‘the Sunshine Club’ run by Ray Comfort and his wife. Anita learned about a guy called Jesus and that he was some kind of ‘bridge’ thing — she didn’t know what would happen if she gave her heart to him, but she did, and everyone clapped. She never understood why. When she went home, life continued as before. A nightmare of childhood sexual abuse and 18 schools later, Anita ran away from home at 15 to be ‘free’. What she found, however, was everything but freedom. On the streets of Auckland and Wellington a classic tragedy played out; self-hatred, suicide attempts, abortions, clinical depression and many other mental illness diagnosis, drug-addiction, promiscuity, prostitution. Through it all she expressed herself by writing and drawing her thoughts, dreams and visions. In the late 80’s Anita immersed herself in the New Plymouth
! ow
rN
te
gis
Re
WELLINGTON 11-12 September Lane Park, 16 Lane Street Upper Hutt
AUCKLAND 2-3 October
Victory Convention Centre 98 Beaumont St, Freemans Bay
www.mychristiandaily.co.nz | 3
Inspiring story
Clockwise from top left: Anita, 14 years old; The Sunshine Club run by evangelist Ray Comfort and his wife, 1973 in Christchurch (Anita last girl on the right); Anita and husband Brad in her studio at home; Anita’s accident documented in her “Mess” book
Hardcore Scene. Her nickname ‘Looney On A Wheel’ encapsulated her non-stop craving for affection, attention and addictive substances. In 1990 an accident left her encased in the car, broken but alive; but by the time they cut her out she had been dead from between 6 to 8 minutes. With severe brain injuries, temporary paralysis on one side and a stroke on the other, she was in a coma for 15 days. Against all odds Anita learned to walk, talk and write all over again. In spite of a deep resentment for God for allowing certain things to happen to her, His hand on her life was evident. One day at a psychic reading the medium laid her hands on her and recoiled in horror. “I’m not reading you! You’re upside down! In her search for belonging and purpose it wasn’t long before Anita’s world closed in on her again. After several drug treatment programmes she found herself pregnant once more. Her miracle son was born. Alone, with deep dissatisfaction in her heart, she spiraled down again and was put on Methadone and other prescription meds. In 2000 she met a guy, David. He kept mentioning this Jesus guy. “I had a bizarre feeling, it was so scary — like someone had blown a hole in my chest and was pouring cold wind into my heart and over my head. It was intense.” She went to church with David and gave her life to Jesus Christ after being ‘kicked out of the chair by something’
when the altar-call was made. She was baptised, came off Methadone and other drugs and found the hole in her heart was finally filled. In 2002 Anita married Brad and a whole new chapter began. She struggles with pain as a result of the accident and joined The Auckland Regional Pain Service (TARPS). Anita still uses art to document her journey through hell to wholeness and beyond. Art therapist Janet Mcleod saw Anita’s talent and took her to the Toi Ora Artists Collective in 2011 where she is a current board member. With three solo exhibitions and many group exhibitions under her belt, Anita sells her paintings and cards and in Papakura where she lives with her husband and son and they attend Life Church Central in Auckland. Anita is finishing her memoir ‘Blood on the Mirror’ which is set for release in 2016 with the help of her ‘Give a little’ project. Her journey from the streets, overcoming mental illness and addiction to freedom in Christ includes art to illustrate the chapters of her life. Anita captures images on canvas that inspire others to see their value. Today, because of her relationship with Jesus and the restoration in her life, Anita is a bridge for those who’ve gone where she has been. “LOVE was the most difficult choice for me to make — but once I had exhausted all other options, my hurt becomes HOPE.” Anita is used to being misunderstood. As a child,
things just used to go wrong when she wanted them to go right. As an adult and a heavily tattooed Christian woman she is no stranger to whispers and judgment. But Anita doesn’t judge those who judge her, instead chooses to bless them. Anita is no longer a Looney On A Wheel, but a princess of the King and a Life Of Absolute Wonder for such a time as this. “My life is no longer my own. The life I have lived allows me to empathise with those battling injustice, lies and searching for meaning.”
Anita is showcasing her story with her three art testimonies, ‘Mess, Press & Bless’ at the NZ Independent Book Festival at the North Shore Event Centre, October 3-4. You can find Anita Mary on Facebook and get behind her book project on givealittle.co.nz/project/anitamarysbook
A World of Christian Product TAURANGA 84 First Ave Ph (07) 578 8477 ROTORUA 1129 Eruera St Ph (07) 349 1661
New Zealand’s Christian Heritage Col Stringer
Switch on Your Brain Dr Caroline Leaf
4 | Christian Life Issue Twenty-Seven September 2015
Freedom Diaries Mark Holloway
Jesus Calling
Devotions for EveryDay by Sarah Young
NATIONWIDE DELIVERY
Mention this ad & receive $1 postage anywhere in New Zealand!
Paipera Tapu Maori Bible
WITH PAUL DE JONG
VIEW ONLINE AT LIFETV.CO
www.mychristiandaily.co.nz | 5
Overcoming
WIRED FOR THE
Supernatural H
ave you ever seen video clips of penguins or seals in Antarctica? On land their movements are slow and clumsy but once they hit the water they dart around with amazing grace and speed. We would say that when they’re in water they’re “in their element”. Do you know the element human beings take, like a duck (or a penguin or a seal) to water? It’s the supernatural, you could say its mankind’s natural realm, we’re wired for it. The human heart craves for the supernatural. The fact that unbelievers desire the miraculous is evident from the number of blockbuster movies, books, and so on, that involve the supernatural. Christians should be “in our element”, moving in the supernatural. In the great commission Jesus gave to the church in Mark 16:15-18 we see promise of supernatural power to all believers. It includes driving out demons and seeing the sick healed. A man called Boris, a senior lieutenant of police in Ukraine, grew up as a strict atheist then in 1996 he became a Christian. He’d always been healthy, but on the 17th July 1988, he suddenly found himself unable to move and then he lost consciousness. He was taken to hospital where he remained in a coma for several days. He was diagnosed with a 95% haemorrhage to the brain. After reviewing the test results the doctors said he was clinically dead. When his wife got this news she contacted their pastor and asked him, and others to pray. The doctors fought for his life for a further two hours, but with no success. Meanwhile Boris was somewhere else. He said, “I saw everything like I was looking from above and suddenly I was in heaven. I saw a fantastic light and a huge city, like a cube. Jesus met me and said, “You have a wife and 3 children, return to them, it is not yet time for you to be here”. I instantly returned to my body, which, by that time was being taken to the mortuary. My wife stood beside the stretcher, crying. I sat up and the staff were so shocked they fell on the floor, then they screamed and ran in all directions”. Over the next two weeks Boris was examined by 15 medical committees. The doctors who diagnosed him and declared him dead couldn’t deny he’d been raised from the dead. They told him to keep it quiet, warning him that people would think he was crazy if he said what had happened, however they all decided to follow Jesus.
Faith Jesus said if we can get an amount the size of a tiny mustard seed of real faith then nothing will be impossible for us. We must also deal with the unbelief. Matthew 13:58 “And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.” Such is the power of unbelief that even Jesus was limited by it. George Mueller told how a godly missionary poured out to him his deep concern for his six sons. He’d prayed for them for many years but not one was saved. Mueller said, “Continue to pray for your sons, (now here are the key words) but expect an answer to your prayers and you will have to praise God”. The missionary did as Mueller said, he kept praying with the added ingredient of expecting God to answer. Within two months five of his sons were saved and the sixth one looked like he was getting there.
Jesus said, “all things are possible only believe.” There’s a world of difference between “praying” and, “praying and believing.” One gets answers the other doesn’t. Tapping into God’s power is more than just praying; it’s also believing God and fully expecting answers. God’s word The bible is the single greatest key to increasing our faith for the supernatural. Faith comes from hearing God’s word. Romans 10:17. “So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” I love the way Derek Prince puts the emphasis on the words, “faith comes”, he says “if we lack faith, don’t worry, it’s coming, it’s on the way”. Meditating in God’s word will hasten the process. Step out of the boat Peter had to step out of the boat before he walked on water and we also have to take risks . One simple way we can step out is to pray for the sick. All we have to do is make ourselves available and pray the prayer of faith. If we pray for enough people someone will eventually get healed and we will be launched on our great adventure of faith. We must know and use the authority God has given to us As we grown in revelation of the authority Jesus has given us over the works of Satan we will increasingly become people of the supernatural. Once when Smith Wigglesworth was waiting for a train he saw a lady coming out of her apartment followed by her dog. She told the dog he couldn’t come, but he just rubbed affectionately against her ankle. Then she said,
6 | Christian Life Issue Twenty-Seven September 2015
“Dear you have to go back” to which the dog rubbed up against her even more. Then the train pulled up and the woman stamped her foot and firmly said, “Get”, and the dog took off. Smith Wigglesworth said we must deal with devil like that, we must put our foot down and speak as though we really believe what the Bible says about our authority. Luke 10:19 “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy.” In Conclusion We are wired for the supernatural. Let us cry out like Elisha did, “Where is the God of Elijah?” And let us discover, like Elisha did, that He’s right here with us and we too can be used by Him to be conduits of His power to people He loves. 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”.
HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER GRADUATES STUDY AT BTI ECE, TEACHING, COUNSELLING & SOCIAL WORK NEW - Master of Professional Practice
GREAT PLACE, GREAT PEOPLE,
GREAT JOB OUTCOMES
APPLY NOW FOR 2016
www.bti.ac.nz www.mychristiandaily.co.nz | 7
George Bryant: WRITING THE GOOD WRITE BY JULIE BELDING
T
hese days you’ll usually find author/publisher George Bryant (pictured left) at his second office, the Bethlehem Coffee Club in Tauranga – researching, writing, and publishing a book. A free mug of coffee awaits the frequent would-be authors who drop in for advice and support. “The noise doesn’t worry me,” he says. In fact the bustle of the busy café actually inspires him. He says a coffee shop, with all its interactions, is a microcosm of the world. That’s why he calls it his “coffice.” Displayed near the entrance to the café are a number of his books, including the latest, Making a Real Difference: Christian Movers and Shakers which was launched recently in Tauranga, Auckland, Whangarei and Christchurch. George always has a strong motivation for writing a book, and it was the results of the 2013 Census that inspired him to produce Making a Difference. He’d been astonished to find that the number of Christians in the population had decreased to 42.5 percent (it had once been 90 percent) and those declaring they had no religion had increased by 26 percent. So George decided to “show them.” He would do some research into how Christians had made a positive difference to our nation since its foundation and that without that influence New Zealand society would be much the poorer. He chose twenty-two movers and shakers who happened to be Christians, and travelled
8 | Christian Life Issue Twenty-Seven September 2015
Evangelism
Most Christian writers simply write for Christian readers. That’s relatively easy, but I try to reach secular people as well, without all the pious language.”
around the country to interview them and write up their stories. He talked, for example, to principal Youth Court judge Andrew Becroft, racing driver Inky Tulloch, journalist Rob Harley, parenting gurus Ian and Mary Grant, prison reformer Kim Workman, Auckland City Missioner Dame Diane Robertson, and high school principal Roger Moses. There were many others. In his book he showed why and how they were making a real difference among the poor, with at-risk youth, in housing, the media, education, health, parenting, business... right across the community. The public reaction to Making a Real Difference (published by DayStar Books) has been heartwarming. George thought it was one of the best tomes he’d ever done. Over the years his themes have included the widening gap between rich and poor, the future of New Zealand, the Church, politics, education, social services, the secularisation of society, stories of overcomers, unresolved
social issues, Jesus’ teachings about how to live, and healing. He’s also written an autobiography. George was a secondary school principal in Whangarei for fifteen years. He is an ordained minister, and now serves as an honorary assistant to the Rev Jim Wallace in Tauranga. He is a Justice of the Peace, an active Rotarian, has been a city councillor, and has chaired many social organisations. Plus he’s often in demand as a public speaker. One wonders how George finds time to write, but Making a Difference was his seventeenth book. He said there was a subtle evangelistic component to his work. He thought of it as a kind of “apologetic for the Christian faith, in story form.” “I write from a Christian worldview in such a way that both non-Christians as well as Christians will be blessed,” he explained. “Most Christian writers simply write for Christian readers. That’s relatively easy, but I try to reach secular people as well, without all the pious language.” Now that his latest book is on the market people have
been asking him, What next? Just last week a well-known Tauranga Christian was overheard asking George in his “coffice” if he would write his biography. Given his mission to “inform, inspire and challenge,” it would surprise no one if George said yes.
To purchase ‘Making a Real Difference’ or to contact George Bryant, email him on george@daystarbooks.org.
Phone us on 0800 469 269 Email nzadmin@mwbi.org Go to mwb.org.nz or fill in and return this coupon below
Please send me details of a family in:
Ukraine Moldova
Romania Albania
Bulgaria Bosnia
Name Postal Address
Postcode Phone(
)
Email Complete and send (no stamp needed) to: Freepost Authority Number 229442 Mission Without Borders PO Box 56264, Dominion Rd Auckland 1446
www.mychristiandaily.co.nz | 9
ISRAEL – A TOPIC TO BE CONSIDERED, PARTICULARLY IN THESE PERILOUS TIMES. JIM DOUGLASS, BIBLE SCHOLAR AND LECTURER, WRITES ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE HOLY LAND TODAY AND WHAT IT MEANS TO GOD’S PEOPLE.
I
ISRAEL and the Re-think on what God is doing
srael (as the land, the nation, the history and the purpose) is also God’s focus on what He is doing in history. The story of redemption begins with the call of Abraham and God’s promise to Abraham of descendants and a land. God establishes the historical base of the Fathers including, Isaac, Jacob and his 12 sons. After his all-night struggle with the Angel of God, Jacob is blessed by being renamed ‘Israel’. ‘Israel’ means ‘he contends with God’ and as a term has had a variety of uses. At first it was the new name for Jacob; then it became the name of his descendants ‘the sons of Israel’ and of the Hebrew nation. It then was used of the ten northern tribes after the revolt of Jeroboam. It was then used of the southern tribes (Judah and Benjamin) when the northern tribes disappeared under the Assyrians. It was then used for the modern state of Israel and finally (as I will argue) Israel is the olive tree through which God releases His covenant promises (which He made to Israel) to the whole world by faith in Messiah. The formation of modern Israel was an immediate event, a nation formed in a day, 15 May 1948 (Isaiah 66:8). This sets in motion a sequence of Bib-
bibles. books. music. dvds. gifts
find your local
CHRISTIAN BOOKSHOP 10 | Christian Life Issue Twenty-Seven September 2015
WARKWORTH: Heartbeat Christian Store 60 Queen St, Ph 09 425 9559 AUCKLAND: Lifestore Albany Unit L, Courtside, 75 Corinthian Drive, Albany, Ph 09 443 7928 St Joseph’s Centre Gift Shop 1 Fred Thomas Drive, Ph: 09 489 5613 Children’s Bible Ministries 9 Walters Road, Ph: 09 377 4059 Bamboo Resource Centre 591 Dominion Rod, Balmoral, Ph: 09 630 5997 Lifestore Elim 159 Botany Road, Howick, Ph: 09 538 0374 Church of Christ Bookshop 361 Mt Albert Road, Mt Albert, Ph: 09 620 5008 Adventist Book Centre 743 Great South Road, Manukau, Ph: 09 262 5643 Epic Christian Books & Gifts 1091 Ferry Rd, Ferrymead Ph: 03 3529 568 The Square Gift Store
St Patrick’s Square 43 Wyndham Street Auckland, Ph: 09 365 1693 THAMES: Thames Christian Bookshop 732 Pollen Street, Ph: 07 868 9115 HAMILTON: Living Word Bookcentre 634 Victoria St, Ph: 07 839 5607 TAURANGA: Sonshine Bookcentre 84 1st Avenue, Ph: 07 578 8477 Sunrise Books Shop 16 Cherrywood Court, Ph: 07 576 1092 ROTURUA: Sonshine Bookcentre 1129 Eruera St, Ph: 07 349 1661 HASTINGS: Pleroma Christian Supplies 38 Higginson St, Otane Ph: 06 856 8378 NEW PLYMOUTH: Good News Centre 581 Devon St East, Ph: 06 758 4912 LEVIN: Beacon Christian Bookshop 198A Oxford St, Ph: 06 368 7683
BLEHEIM: Christian Books & Music Centre 14 Maxwell Rd, Ph: 03 578 5382 CHRISTCHURCH: Christian Superstore 370 Colombo St, Sydenham, Ph: 03 366 1917 New Millennium Books 22 Grampian St, Casebrook Ph: 03 359 1310 Catholic Shop 79 Forfar St, St Albans, Ph: 03 366 2853 TIMARU: Christian Superstore 102 Stafford St, Ph: 03 688 3431 OAMARU: North Otago Christian Bookstore 27 Thames St, Ph: 03 434 9025 DUNEDIN: Catholic Centre Shop Moran Building 8 Octagon, Ph: 03 477 6342 MOSGIEL: Mosgiel Christian Bookshop 135A Gordon Rd, Ph: 03 489 4953
www.cba.net.nz
World watch
This is God’s consummation of human and earthly history: we are now in the End-Times. Our times are being soaked with eschatological significance (and fire) if the blandishments of our religion do not blind us to what God is doing.
lical events. This is God’s consummation of human and earthly history: we are now in the End-Times. Our times are being soaked with eschatological significance (and fire) if the blandishments of our religion do not blind us to what God is doing. Christianity and Judaism are two systems of religion both derived from revelation given through Israel. Religion is man-made; revelation is God-made. A religion (faithful to its revelation base) is a man-devised way of preserving the revelation by its liturgies, architectures, language, theologies and song. This is a culture and it is fine if it keeps the believer in the fold. But religions develop their own human momentum, hierarchies and investments, which become inertial when the revelation moves on. God is moving in history to confirm His Word. Judaism is based on the truth of the application of the Law and on the desire for a Messiah. Christianity is based on the truth of the Gospel and on the naming of the Messiah (Jesus of Nazareth). Unfortunately, Christianity as the dominant culture has grievously mishandled and misread the significance of the Jews. The Church has arrogated to itself the promises made to Israel and despised the Jews in the process. Of this we must repent. Jews and Christians worship the same God based on the same Biblical origins. The revelation is moving on in the sense that history is dragging us out of our religious torpor. Religions can remain static with the intention of preserving their spiritual deposit. This in itself is not wrong but it can suffer from increasing irrelevance and loss of human appetite for it.
People will just walk away. Israel (as I am using the term) invokes the prophetic. We have to be prepared to move with the divine action as it is focussed through history in Israel. The Jews (the ‘sons of Israel’) are the chosen people of God whether they like it or not. God’s covenant with Israel will stand whether Israel has been faithful or not. God reveals Himself in the history of His dealings with Israel and by the truth of His Messiah. Israel (as holding the covenant promises of God) is intended to be light to the nations (Isaiah 49:6). Based upon the promises to Abraham (the father of faith Romans 4:11), Israel is the olive tree (Romans 11:17) from which some Jews have been removed because of unbelief. But those who believe are re-grafted in by believing (Romans 11:23). Christians (gentiles – a wild olive tree) are grafted in by believing and become partakers of the root and fatness of the olive tree. Some Christians believe that the church has taken over from Israel. Israel has failed, rejected their Messiah and the church redeems the situation for revelation and faith. The church (as the Body of Christ) is the witness to Messiah to the nations. Jesus wept over Jerusalem for she knew not the time of her visitation (Luke 19:41-44). But the promises are made to Israel not to the church (Romans 9:4). They are only made available to us through the Jewish Messiah who is God’s promise to Israel (Luke 2:25-32). The Jews may have rejected their Messiah (as prophesised, see Isaiah 53) but the intention of God is to redeem Israel (Romans 11:26).
The point about this is not that Christians become Jews: that is just swapping one religion for another. Believers are not grafted into Judaism; they are grafted into Israel, which is the vehicle of God’s revelation and purpose in history. God, by events, is awakening both Jew and Christian to what He is about to do through Israel according to His Holy Scriptures. So we have the theory of salvation meeting the events of history. God is getting our attention. There are always different interpretations of events and what is supposed to be happening. To say God works in history always has rival interpretations but the guarantee is the fulfilment of prophecy. God tells His prophets what He is doing (Amos 3:7). The decline of religion in the West is matched by the activation of prophetic events (that is, events with God significance). This is unchurching the believer to release the prophet. In my opinion, the student of the Bible sees apocalyptic energies at work in the heightened hostilities in the Middle East. We are being made to look at Jerusalem whether we want to or not. Israel (the land) is morphing into Israel, the visible purpose of God.
Jim Douglass www.arrowchristianlearning.com
Come in and browse our comprehensive collection of inspirational, spiritual and informative books, DVD’s, devotionals, Bibles, calendars and gifts. Plus a huge selection of Christian music. 361 MT ALBERT RD (CORNER DOMINION & MT ALBERT RD) | BOOKS.CCNZ.ORG.NZ | (09) 620 5008 | OPEN 9AM–5.30PM MON TO FRI & 10AM–2PM SAT www.mychristiandaily.co.nz | 11
More than three thousand men, youth and boys are expected to attend the 22nd annual Promise Keepers men’s events being held in the three main centres. MARIE ANTICICH reports...
P
K events are designed by men for men and focus on issues of character, integrity and manhood, and help men find a future and a destiny. This year’s theme, ‘Go where you’ve never gone before’ is based on Isaiah 40:31: Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength; they will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary. “We’re telling men, ‘No matter what spiritual milestones you’ve laid in your life you can always go further,’” says Auckland-based PK national director, Paul Subritzky who introduced PK to New Zealand 22 years ago. “Abraham, the father of faith, had to leave his country to enter God’s promises for his life, and Joshua took courage to go where he’d never gone before to receive amazing promises from God.
“Most of our speakers have had to ‘Go.’ Daniel Walker of Nvader left his comfort zone in New Zealand to go and rescue victims of international sex trafficking. David Dishroon was called to leave Arizona and go to New Zealand at the ends of the earth. The first PK men’s event was launched last month at the La Vida Centre, in Riccarton, Christchurch, from August 21 -22. The second event is at Lane Park in Upper Hutt, Wellington from September 11-12. The third event will be held at Victory Convention Centre, Freeman’s Bay in Auckland from October 2-3. “No matter where you are in your life’s journey, you can respond to the call to ‘Go,’ Paul tells men. “But it’s not about going in your own strength, and this is where revelation comes in. We need to find out what God is doing
and join in with him. Everyone is called to be active and glorify God with their fruit, but there is no template and will be different for each man.” Promise Keepers is calling men to act courageously in their workplace, church and community, and encouraging them to honour their wives and become role models for their children so as to leave a legacy for the coming generations. “God meets with men powerfully when they take time out to seek him with like-minded men, and we can receive his anointing and power to go where we’ve never gone before. This means leaving our ‘baggage’ behind and breaking any bondages and barriers holding us back. “In the busyness of life we need to make priorities and consider where we’re going to ensure we’re focusing
maf.org.nz
Mission: flying hope and healing to isolated communities around the world Aviation: 136 aircraft, 2500 airstrips, over 30 countries worldwide Fellowship: partnering with 1500 aid agencies and Christian organisations 12 | Christian Life Issue Twenty-Seven September 2015
"It takes time for people's
CHARACTER TO EMERGE and to lay building blocks and a solid foundation that facilitates explosion and growth.”
on things that really matter. What we focus on today determines our legacy for tomorrow and need wisdom from God and the experiences of godly men to make the right choices.” What pressures do men face today? “Men’s faith is under attack daily and they face pressures in family life, finances, health and the workplace. Many men are connected to technology but disconnected from their relationship with God, their wife and friends. “Many are living a ‘virtual’ life through social media gaming and pornography sites, and real-life relationships are lacking. In life, and especially on social media, men can portray a false image, like an iceberg, with more serious issues hidden underneath.” Speakers at this year’s events include Andrew Stroud, family man and nine times New Zealand superbike winner, and Owen Pomana who has journeyed from prison and addiction to faith and freedom Tony Crawford, former Life Church worship leader, brings a new dimension to worship, and a woman, Nikki Bray is the first ever woman speaker and will present a woman’s perspective on marriage and family. A successful PK offshoot in the Samoan Tama Tane Malosi (Mighty Men of Valour) event and 450 Samoan men attended the fourth annual event in Manukau in June. Travelling Team “Most spiritual growth occurs in men’s group,” says Paul Subritzky who has travelled around the country and met one-on-one with 300 pastors and men’s ministry leaders so far this year. Travelling with him are PK Men’s Ministry co-ordinator Paul Monahan, Peter Goulter who was miraculously healed from cancer, local PK representatives and Gary Colville who is senior pastor of Hosanna Church, Porirua. “We meet with pastors and leaders at the local McDonalds, learn about their men’s
ministry and help create pathways for growth,” says Paul. “Ninety percent of effective men’s ministries are pastor-supported and so it’s crucial for pastors to stay connected with their men and get them actively involved in the church.” Men’s ministries vary, and some are doing exceptionally well having taken time to get the right men involved and create structure and vision. “The secret is not to hurry,” says Paul. “It takes time for people’s character to emerge and to lay building blocks and a solid foundation that facilitates explosion and growth.” PK resources for men’s groups include the monthly WiseChoices newsletter and DVD, the Men of Integrity devotional and a newly launched study guide called God’s Awesome Power This colourful booklet contains 40 devotional studies written by 18 Kiwi men, including some by the late Dr Mike Gorrie. “Our vision is to see ordinary guys transformed into extraordinary men. We’re encouraging men to come out of isolation and get connected with a men’s group,” says Paul Subritzky who has himself been connected with a men’s group for the past 22 years.
get away to
GET TOGETHER Every couple needs a getaway! It’s one of the things that keeps a marriage healthy. You’ll renew the joy of being with one another in a non-threatening setting of humour and relaxation. Your marriage deserves it!
weekend to
remember marri ag e get awa y s
18-20 September 2015 the Waipuna Hotel Auckland
0800 800 680 • www.familylife.org.nz
www.mychristiandaily.co.nz | 13
PROGRAMME GUIDE
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
September / October 2015 SUNDAY 6:00 6:30 7:00
Lakewood Church: Joel Osteen
MONDAY P
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Unlocking the Bible: David Pawson
P
Leading the Way: Michael Youssef
P
The Catholic Guy: Bruce Downs
P
Derek Prince
P
Hope Centre: Wayne Alcorn
P
Jovis Bon-Hovis and the Creation Crew
C
6:00
Joni and Friends
D
Hearts Wide Open
D
Give Me An Answer: Cliffe Knechtle
D
Christian 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
Friends and Heroes
C
What’s in the Bible?
C
Friends and Heroes
C
7:00
Pahappahooey Island
C
Friends and Heroes
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
Friends and Heroes
C
Jovis Bon-Hovis and the Creation Crew
C
Scaly Adventures
C
Pahappahooey Island
C
OKTV
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
Pahappahooey Island
C
9:00
P
P
OKTV
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
The Visual Bible: Acts (Pt 4) (Sep 6) / Great Souls
4:00 4:30 5:00 5:30 6:00
For the Life of the World
D
HarvestLite (Highlights from the Harvest Show)
P
Precious Memories
M D
The Exchange
D
P
FEATURE:
Give Me An Answer: Cliffe Knechtle
D
Living Truth: Charles Price
P
Turning Point: Dr David Jeremiah
P
Joni and Friends
Brought to you by
Brian Houston @ Hillsong TV
P
10:00 N
D
Enjoying Everyday Life with Joyce Meyer (Mon-Fri)
P
Sue Thomas: FB Eye
Christian World News
N
Kiwis Can Fly
D
D
See adjacent for details
P
Friends and Heroes
C
What’s in the Bible?
Pahappahooey Island
C
Superbook
Turning Point: Dr David Jeremiah
P
C
OKTV
C
Scaly Adventures
7:00
Precious Memories
M
7:30
Songs of Praise
M D
Impact for Life: Peter & Bev Mortlock
P
What’s on Shine
Sue Thomas: FB Eye
D
See adjacent for details
1:00
10:00
Brian Houston @ Hillsong TV
P
The Restoration Road
D
10:30
Your Best Life: Phil Pringle
P
Give Me An Answer: Cliffe Knechtle
D
For the Life of the World
D
Live at Psalter Studios
M
Hour of Power: Robert Schuller
P
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
3:00
Leading the Way: Michael Youssef
P
4:00
C
Friends and Heroes
C
OKTV
C
The Catholic Guy: Bruce Downs
P
4:30
Rhema Worship (Mon-Fri)
M
TV4DADS
D
5:00
Full Circle (Mon-Fri)
D
Creation Magazine
D
5:30
The 700 Club (Mon-Fri)
N
Lakewood Church: Joel Osteen
P
N
Kiwis Can Fly
D
3:30
LIFE TV: Paul de Jong
P
Answers with Bayless Conley
P
Harvest TV Rotorua
P
Live at Psalter Studios
M
TV4DADS
D
THURSDAY FEATURE:
P
See adjacent for details
“What a great channel to bring God closer through my day.”
See adjacent for details
7:30
Brought to you by
8:00
9:00 D
For the Life of the World
D
TheDRIVEtv / Beauty & the Beast (10 Sep)
D
Beyond Adventure
D
Joni and Friends
D 10:00
Your Best Life: Phil Pringle
P
Brian Houston @ Hillsong TV
P
Hope Centre: Wayne Alcorn
P 10:30
P
P
7:00
SATURDAY FAMILY FEATURE:
Sue Thomas: FB Eye
Destined to Reign with Joseph Prince (Mon-Fri) The Catholic Guy: Bruce Downs
6:30
8:30
P
P
6:00
FRIDAY FEATURE:
See adjacent for details
See adjacent for details
D
Running with Fire: Tak Bhana
Enjoying Everyday Life with Joyce Meyer (Mon-Fri)
14 | Christian Life Issue Twenty-Seven September 2015
2:30
C
Christian World News
A Shine viewer says...
2:00
3-2-1 Penguins!
P
Leading the Way: Michael Youssef
See adjacent for details
C
Word For You: Terry & Jayne Calkin
The Exchange
1:30
FEATURE:
Adventures in Booga Booga Land
See adjacent for details
9:30
Noon
D
C
TUESDAY FEATURE:
See adjacent for details
D 11:30
P
WEDNESDAY FEATURE:
MONDAY FEATURE:
Hearts Wide Open
Lakewood Church: Joel Osteen
8:30
SUNDAY FEATURE:
11:00
FEATURE:
FEATURE:
Living Truth: Charles Price
P
Y 10:30
See adjacent for details
See adjacent for details
D
Life fm Presents
12:30
FEATURE:
The Restoration Road In Touch: Charles Stanley
TheDRIVEtv / Beauty & the Beast (11 Sep)
D D
Not a Fan
Leading the Way: Michael Youssef
Full Circle (Mon-Fri)
See adjacent for details
FEATURE:
See adjacent for details
Hearts Wide Open
9:00
Answers with Bayless Conley
The 700 Club (Tue-Fri)
FEATURE:
See adjacent for details
6:30
8:00
D
(from 13 Sep)
3:00 3:30
Give Me An Answer: Cliffe Knechtle
Creation Magazine
2:00 2:30
Destined to Reign with Joseph Prince (Mon-Fri)
Derek Prince
P
P
Christian Renewal TV: Symon Drake
Preaching
N News
C Children E
P
11:00
The Mark Gungor Show
E
LIFE TV: Paul de Jong
P
M Music
Entertainment
9:30
11:30 Midnight
D Doco/Drama
Y Youth
SH IN E FE A TU RES September / October 2015 To watch Shine
Freeview Satellite 25 Sky 201 or online at shinetv.co.nz
shinetv.co.nz twitter.com/shinetv facebook.com/shinetv.nz Places in the Heart (1984) (105 min) A young widow must endure hardship to save her cotton farm. With Sally Field. Mon 7 Sep @ 8.30pm; Tue 8 Sep @ 1pm
The Ultimate Life (2013) (105 min) Jason discovers his late grandfather’s journal and is transported back to Red Stevens’ incredible world. Fri 18 Sep @ 8pm; Sat 19 Sep @ 12pm
Tomorrow Comes (2014) (45 min) The family of Mexican missionaries in the Ring the Bell (2013) (96 min) 1950’s celebrate their parents’ legacy. A big-city sports agent is stranded in a Tue 8 Sep @ 8.30pm; Wed 9 Sep @ 1pm small town where the simplicity of life is in contrast to his own fast-paced life. The Line (2014) (45 min) Sat 19 Sep @ 7pm; Sun 20 @ Sep 1.50pm About 50 million people in the USA live below the poverty line. How can the Two Hats (2011) (86 min) church make a difference? In 1998, the Wells family left their home Tue 8 Sep @ 9.30pm; Wed 9 Sep @ 2pm in Idaho for the jungles of PNG. Sun 20 Sep @ 8.05pm; Mon 21 Sep @ 1pm Love’s Resounding Courage (2011) (85 min) In the early American West, a husband Cutback (2011) (87 min) faces trials raising his young daughter Luke’s dreams of being a pro surfer are after his wife’s unexpected death. thrown when tragedy strikes. Wed 9 Sep @ 7.30pm; Thu 10 Sep @ 12pm Mon 21 Sep @ 8.30pm; Tue 22 Sep @ 1pm Breaking the Press (2010) (90 min) A modern take of the Prodigal Son story: a self-centred basketball star is forgiven after he betrays his family and team. Wed 9 Sep @ 9pm; Thu 10 Sep @ 1.30pm Science and Faith (2013) (60 min) Can science and religion coexist? There are those who ask the “what, how, and when”, and those who ask “why?” Thu 10 Sep @ 8.30pm; Fri 11 Sep @ 1pm
Franz Jagerstatter (2009) (30 min) Set in 1938, the story of an ordinary man who did an extraordinary act. Tue 22 Sep @ 9pm; Wed 23 Sep @ 1.30pm Unlimited (2014) (90 min) A genius on the run from a Mexican cartel hides while he uncovers the secret to a device that provides unlimited energy. Wed 23 Sep @ 7.30pm; Thu 24 Sep @ 12pm
The 5th Quarter (2010) (94 min) Driven by tragedy, Jon Abbate helps lead his team to their most successful season. Fri 11 Sep @ 8pm; Sat 12 Sep @ 12pm
The Current (2014) (90 min) Jake’s life is full of loneliness and chores after his family moves to Minnesota. Then Jake meets Peter. Wed 23 Sep @ 9.10pm; Thu 24 Sep @ 1.40pm
Me Again (2012) (90 min) A disenchanted man wants a different life. Be careful what you pray for! Sat 12 Sep @ 7pm; Sun 13 Sep @ 2pm
the iHeart Revolution (2009) (110 min) Hillsong United travels six continents with this music project, showing the love of God. Thu 24 Sep @ 8pm; Fri 25 Sep @ 12.30pm
Amazing Love (2012) (80 min) When a confrontation occurs at a youth camp, the leader shares the story of the Old Testament prophet Hosea. Sun 13 Sep @ 8.05pm; Mon 14 Sep @ 1pm
Saving God (2008) (100 min) Rev Armstrong Cane returns to his old neighbourhood. He must deal with his own past before helping others. Fri 25 Sep @ 8pm; Sat 26 Sep @ 12pm
Amish Grace (2010) (85 min) A gunman kills five Amish schoolgirls. A testament to the power of forgiveness. Mon 14 Sep @ 8.30pm; Tue 15 Sep @ 1pm
Heaven is Waiting (2011) (86 min) When widower Ned’s daughter Liz visits from college, his world is turned upside down. A story of finding love... again. Sat 26 Sep @ 7pm; Sun 27 Sep @ 2pm
58: The Film (2011) (80 min) Confront extreme poverty and meet Billy: The Early Years (2008) (87 min) those who do the True Fast of Isaiah 58. Young Billy Graham makes a decision Tue 15 Sep @ 8.30pm; Wed 16 Sep @ 1pm that launched his evangelistic career. Sun 27 Sep @ 8pm; Mon 28 Sep @ 1pm Love’s Unending Legacy (2007) (84 min) Missie adopts a 14-year-old girl, but From the Rough (2013) (90 min) the girl comes with more than she A true golfing story: Coach Catana Starks bargained for. triumphs against overwhelming odds. Wed 16 Sep @ 7.30pm; Thu 17 Sep @ 1pm Mon 28 Sep @ 8.30pm; Tue 29 Sep @ 1pm Hope for Hurting Hearts (2013) (75 min) How Greg Laurie, Jeremy Camp and Nick Vujicic dealt with times of trial. Wed 16 Sep @ 9pm; Thu 17 Sep @ 1.30pm
Hope in Rwanda (2009) (90 min) Six Rugby League stars in Rwanda ask: “Is there more to life than football?” Tue 29 Sep @ 8.45pm; Wed 30 Sep @ 1.15pm
Beyond Empires (2013) (70 min) India celebrates 300 years since the first missionary came to their country. Thu 17 Sep @ 8pm; Fri 18 @ Sep 12.30pm
Trinity Goodheart (2001) (90 min) 12-year old Trinity teaches her disjointed family love and forgiveness. Wed 30 Sep @ 7.30pm; Thu 1 Oct @ 12pm
How Ridiculous (2014) (60 min) Four guys from Perth with 3.5 million YouTube hits: all for Compassion. Thu 1 Oct @ 7.30pm; Fri 2 Oct @ 12pm
King’s Faith (2013) (110 min) 18-year-old Brendan King’s new-found faith & future are threatened by his past. Fri 16 Oct @ 8.30pm; Sat 17 Oct @ 12.30pm
Forever Strong (2008) (105 min) A troubled rugby player learns what it takes to be a champion, on & off the field. Fri 2 Oct @ 8.30pm; Sat 3 Oct @ 12.30pm
Little Red Wagon (2012) (104 min) An 8-year-old boy dedicates his life to homeless children after a hurricane. Sat 17 Oct @ 7pm; Sun 18 Oct @ 2pm
This is Our Time (2013) (105 min) Will five graduates have courage to fulfill their calling regardless of what comes? Sat 3 Oct @ 7pm; Sun 4 Oct @ 2pm
God’s Country (2012) (86 min) Nothing will stand in the way of Meghan getting what she needs to further her career. Not even GOD? Sun 11 Oct @ 8pm; Mon 12 Oct @ 1pm
Dawn Anna (2005) (84 min) A true story of a woman who triumphed The Mark II (2013) (90 min) over huge medical odds and tragedy. Chad Turner is being hunted by a team Sun 4 Oct @ 8pm; Mon 5 Oct @ 1pm of mercenaries and has to outrun and outlast the forces against him. Heart of a Hero (2011) (108 min) Mon 19 Oct @ 8.30pm; Tue 20 Oct @ 1pm An 11-year-old boy confronts his pain and stays committed to what he holds dear. Touched by Grace (2014) (95 min) Mon 5 Oct @ 8.30pm; Tue 6 Oct @ 1pm A popular girl befriends a girl with Down Syndrome. Inspired by real Burning Questions (2014) (60 min) bullying events. Explores a wide range of “life’s big Wed 21 Oct @ 8.30pm; Thu 22 Oct @ 1pm questions”. From Ravi Zacharias Ministries. Tuesdays @ 8pm; Wednesdays @ 1pm The Sea in Between (2013) (80 min) Josh Garrels & Mason Jar Music present 1000 to 1 (2014) (90 min) a full audio-visual album. Cory suffers a stroke, but he perseveres Thu 22 Oct @ 7.30pm; Fri 23 Oct @ 12pm to find new meaning in his life. Wed 7 Oct @ 8.30pm; Thu 8 Oct @ 1pm Mission Air (2014) (90 min) The most recent mission trip to Mexico What God Hath Wrought (2012) (105 min) puts Diane and her son, Michael, face The story of Calvary Chapel and the to face with banditos. Jesus Movement, tracing its impact on Fri 23 Oct @ 8.30pm; Sat 24 Oct @ 12.30pm modern day Christianity. Thu 8 Oct @ 7.30pm; Fri 9 Oct @ 12pm By God’s Grace (2014) (90 min) A young man full of anger is shown a The Umbrella (2014) (93 min) new perspective on life by his little sister. What if an umbrella could do more than Sat 24 Oct @ 7pm; Sun 25 Oct @ 2pm just protect its user from mere sun or rain? What if it could protect its user from pain? Smitty (2012) (90 min) Fri 9 Oct @ 8.30pm; Sat 10 Oct @ 12.30pm Ben learns the importance of friendship and family from a lovable dog. The Derby Stallion (2005) (100 min) Sun 25 Oct @ 8pm; Mon 26 Oct @ 1pm 15-year-old Patrick meets a horse trainer who convinces him to try the Derby Cup. Revelation Road (2014) (90 min) Sat 10 Oct @ 7pm; Sun 11 Oct @ 2pm Is this the Rapture? Josh’s only goal is to get home to his family - a dangerous Candle in the Dark (1998) (90 min) journey to the very centre of his soul. The story of William Carey shows how a Mon 26 Oct @ 8.30pm; Tue 27 Oct @ 1pm life dedicated and obedient to God’s calling can make a difference in the world. Grace of God (2014) (90 min) Sun 11 Oct @ 8pm; Mon 12 Oct @ 1pm $30,000 has been stolen from a church and it is an inside job. A story of grace. The Mark (2012) (90 min) Wed 28 Oct @ 8.30pm; Thu 29 Oct @ 1pm Chad Turner must keep an implanted biometric computer chip from falling A Beautiful Exchange (2010) (60 min) into the wrong hands. Hillsong LIVE’s 19th recording: songs of Mon 12 Oct @ 8.30pm; Tue 13 Oct @ 1pm hope, reconciliation and praise. Thu 29 Oct @ 7.30pm; Fri 30 Oct @ 12pm The Perfect Wave (2014) (90 min) Ian McCormack dies and is given a Taken by Grace (2013) (90 min) choice to stay in Heaven or return to Lucas carjacks a young Christian couple and forces them into his plot to spread the word of God. Wed 14 Oct @ 8.30pm; Thu 15 Oct @ 1pm assassinate the killer of his son. Fri 30 Oct @ 8.30pm; Sat 31 Oct @ 12.30pm Jesus Culture: Unstoppable Love (2014) The most recent offering from Jesus Fielder’s Choice (2005) (81 min) Culture brings with it the unstoppable Phillip Fielder unexpectedly learns the love of God that is stirring in our hearts. responsibilities of being a father. Thu 15 Oct @ 7.30pm; Fri 16 Oct @ 12pm Sat 31 Oct @ 7pm; Sun 1 Nov @ 2pm
www.mychristiandaily.co.nz | 15
Local News
Prayer for Syria
Mission Aviation Fellowship:
FOR LIFE
FLYING
For millions of people living in remote places around the world, even a small accident or minor sickness can leave them isolated from the help they need. A young girl on an isolated island spills boiling water on herself. It starts to become infected. A hospital ship is visiting the island, but her parents are poor and have no way to get her to the ship. MAF flies both mother and daughter there, and today she is in full recovery. In Timor-Leste, Adriano, a poor farmer, was losing his sight. A visiting Australian eye-care team could treat him—but it would take them sixteen hours to drive in and out on rough, rutted roads. MAF flew the team in, and now Adriano is able to provide for his family and be a community leader in his village. MAF partners with hundreds of aid agencies and Christian organizations to bring God’s love to remote communities. Go to maf.org.nz to find out more
Before crowds began protesting in the streets, bringing the so-called ‘Arab Spring’ to Syria, Open Doors had been working in the country for several years supporting the church. It is this work in the past that has given us the opportunity to remain on the ground and serving now. Now we see Syria in the grips of a crisis. Two days ago a young boy of 3 drowned off the coast of Turkey. The boy’s name was Aylan and his image has been seen on social media and the news by millions. Last night the boy’s father Abdullah spoke out about the situation in an interview with Reuters. “I was holding my wife’s hand. My children slipped away from my hands. We tried to hold on to the boat,” he said in the statement, “Everyone was screaming in pitch darkness. I couldn’t make my voice heard to my wife and kids.” Like 4 million other Syrians, this family fled Syria and the conflict that is now in its 5th year. While the number of people fleeing the country is huge, greater still is the number of those displaced inside the country, now numbering over 7 million. Open Doors is committed to working in Syria through the local church, reaching out to the community. In the beginning, it was mainly the churches in Damascus and Aleppo that were confronted with an influx of people fleeing the violence from the city of Homs. Later, the conflict spread to a broader area of Syria and churches all over the country started to help the people in need. • • •
Pray for Abudullah Kurdi, who regardless of his religion, has lost his 2 sons and wife and is suffering with this. Pray for Syrian peoples fleeing the country, pray they would find safety and find shelter. Pray for Syria, pray for a path to peace to become present and for an end to the violence.
For more information on Open Doors, to give or to get involved visit www.opendoors.org.nz
19 – 26 SEPTEMBER 2015
BE A CHANGE MAKER!
ORPHANSAIDINTERNATIONAL.ORG/C4C 16 | Christian Life Issue Twenty-Seven September 2015
Challenge 4 Change
A
re you a changemaker looking for a challenge? Orphans Aid International is looking for people who can think of creative ways to meet the challenge of raising at least $500 each during our new Challenge 4 Change event, which is running during September. Challenge 4 Change offers a wonderful opportunity for individuals, families, friends or team mates to chal-
lenge themselves while raising essential funds to help us continue to meet the needs of our constantly expanding projects. These include increasing our capacity to house and care for abandoned children in Romania and Russia, developing new medical and feeding programmes in India, building a new school in Bhutan, and rebuilding a village
in Nepal. The potential challenge possibilities are endless – organise a bakeathon, go without technology, or set a physical goal such as walking or running a certain distance. Sign up and follow our progress on Givealittle: www.orphansaidinternational.org/C4C
J
esus said we would find Him amongst the least, the lost and the last. At World Vision we take Him literally. So we go to the poor and oppressed. We serve the broken and the lonely. And as we do, we find God at work among the most vulnerable, those with the greatest needs. We believe together we can change the world and it starts with your church taking on one of the greatest needs of our day.
Contact one of World Vision’s Church Relationship Managers at church@worldvision.org.nz and 0800 800 776 or www.worldvision.org.nz www.mychristiandaily.co.nz | 17
A Testimony to God’s Saving Grace “It’s a miracle I’m in ministry,” says Tauranga pastor DAVID DISHROON who recounts his powerful and redemptive story to MARIE ANTICICH. David is a keynote speaker at the current Promise Keepers men’s events.
M
ore than 25 years ago David and Linda Dishroon (pictured above) and their two sons felt God’s call to leave America and come to New Zealand. Originally from Scottsdale, Arizona, David overcame a severely dysfunctional family background to become an ordained pastor. The Dishroons first came to New Zealand in 1979 and studied at Faith Bible College in Tauranga as newlyweds. They came back in 1983 to work on staff for two years before returning to America to minister. “When I was 33 I heard the Lord whisper to my heart, ‘I’m bringing a move of my Spirit to New Zealand and I want you to be there,’” David recalls. “Our church in Arizona paid for tickets for all four of us – Jonathan was eight and Andrew was four and a half – and we landed in New Zealand in January 1991 with our suitcases, $500 and a word from God.’” They were revivalists and planned to travel around New Zealand ‘lighting fires, but within a year a door opened at Tauranga South Baptist where he had preached as a relieving pastor. “We thought we’d maybe do two years of pastoring, but the Lord had other ideas,” says David who has now been co-pastoring the church with Linda for nearly 25 years. “The church has been on a massive journey with two major overhauls and transitioned from being a Baptist church, to the Tauranga Worship Centre, and it is now called Changepoint.” Both their sons, Jonathan (32) and Andrew (29) and their wives Alissa and Amy, are on the pastoral team. “We didn’t set out to make our sons pastors,” says David who has four grandchildren. “We just parented them, took a vital interest in their lives through the years and tried to instill in them a love for God and His people. Our boys have always been faithful to the local church, even when they lived away from home.” The Pentecostal church has a 600-700- strong congregation of all ages and ethnicities, twelve staff and three Sunday services at Ohauti (including an evening youth service) and a late Sunday afternoon service at a satellite church in Papamoa. “We focus on worship, the presence of God and life-change,” says David. “We believe life-change is paramount and so our teaching has a high degree of challenge – we’re endeavouring to grow disciples and journey them to maturity in Christ. We’re enjoying a fruifulness that I think comes only by a ‘long obedience in the right direction.’” A Pen Portrait David was born into a family with Christian roots, Nazarene on his father’s side and Southern Baptist on his mother’s side. “After the war my father would have nothing to do
with church, but my mother took us church most Sundays and often led the hymn singing. But our home was not a healthy environment. In the American south it was common to go to church on Sunday and indulge superstitious and pagan customs during the week. “My father was a broken angry man and a violent alcoholic. He grew up without a father and served as an ammunitions driver in WWII and saw lots of carnage. Then he went through Depression in the dustbowl of Texas, as portrayed in John Steinbeck’s book and movie The Grapes of Wrath. “Because of what happened in our family, my three sisters and I have all suffered mental and emotional scars and have blanked most of it out. My sister remembers my mother raging and shaking me when I was two years old until I went limp, and Mum saying, ‘Oh God. O God. Intervene. I’m so sorry!’ Somehow I survived.” At age three David was sexually abused by his father’s best friend, and his father regularly beat him “My sister remembers there being other children in the family. A child called Larry was born before me. Suspicious but unverifiable circumstances surround his death. My sister went through a process of healing and restoration of memories then went to see our mother in a nursing facility. Mum’s words were, ‘It’s all true. And then some....’ “Our mother loved God but was deeply conflicted – things we take for granted today like psychology and counselling weren’t available in the 60s and 70s. Mum was a naive little Southern girl who had herself been raped, and moved from Lousianna to Texas and met my Dad.” At age nine David received Jesus Christ as his personal saviour at a Nazarene holiday programme in Albaquerque, New Mexico. The family moved to Arizona and some respite from fear and violence came when their father went away on business trips. At eleven David was water baptised at a Nazarene church, befriended the pastor’s son and sang in the church choir. “When I was twelve I discovered I was pretty good at sports, especially basketball,” says David who was six foot tall at thirteen. “I was the same height as my father and so I eyeballed him and said, ‘You’ll never lay hands on me again.’ Hatred for him filled my heart.” David received the baptism of the Holy Spirit at sixteen and – despite being mixed up himself – led the school Christian club, pastored school-mates and led worship in church. Graduating from high school, he met Linda and they became great friends: “Linda comes from a wonderful Christian family who helped bring healing to my broken inner world,” he affirms. During a Bill Gothard youth conflict seminar he
18 | Christian Life Issue Twenty-Seven September 2015
heard the Lord whisper, ‘What your father did to you is wrong. But your attitude towards him is equally wrong.’ I hurried to home before he got drunk and said, ‘Please forgive me. I’ve hated you.’ “Dad turned to me with tears in his eyes and said, ‘David, you’re not the one who needs forgiveness. I’m the one. I’m sorry.’ That was a turning point. We just forgave each other. If I hadn’t done that I wouldn’t be a pastor today.” David then went through a church split. “I told the pastor I wanted to resign and he put every imaginable pressure on me to stay. I remember backing out of the room, running down an alley-way and taking off in my little VW bug, feeling I’d escaped with my life.” He felt impressed to go to Linda’s church but she was busy in her final year of high school, so he hung out with her dad, mowing his yard and eating with them. David and Linda were married on October 15, 1977, aged 20 and 19 respectively. “Although I was making lots of money in real estate, we felt called to Bible college. We were praying at a mission camp in California and felt led to talk to Des Short, a speaker from New Zealand. Des invited us to study at Faith Bible College in Tauranga which ran short-term, intensive courses with a missions focus – just what were looking for. So in January, 1979 we sold our brand new home, cars and furniture and became students. “It was the height of the charismatic movement and New Zealand was leading the world. We had great teachers, students like Paul de Jong and Peter Robertson who have become world influencers, and super-natural things happened. One day the Holy Spirit came into our classroom and mowed down all 75 of us. The teacher said, ‘Our father...’ and we all fell as if someone had hit us behind the knees. “At Bible college we learned that our life is not our own, and we felt called to return to our sending church, the People’s Church of Scottsdale, Arizona and submit to the pastors and serve in whatever capacity. “We put our hands to the plough but it was hard doing things we didn’t necessarily want to do – we were thrown into children’s ministry with no training. After six months I was so discouraged and felt a failure. I went to the altar and my father-in-law put his big old hand on me and said, ‘Lord help this young man.’ Then the education director called me into her office and said, ‘You’re discouraged and feel like quitting. I want to encourage you... you’re going to grow into a godly pastor.’ That helped us through the difficulties.” After five years of leading worship and ministering to youth, children and young adults at Scottsdale, David took up an appointment as youth pastor in Tulsa, Oklahoma and had a travelling ministry. “We returned to Phoenix when our first son was born
Profile
and asked God for direction. I was fasting and praying when the phone rang – it was Des Short saying, ‘We want you on staff in New Zealand.’ The NZ government reluctantly gave us a visa and we worked at Faith until our two-year visa ran out.” Back in Phoenix, they helped plant a church called Celebration of Hope and went through some difficult years. To keep food on the table, David worked part-time selling cars, and although they lead many people to the Lord, ultimately the church didn’t survive. “But that experience grew us and reactivated our leadership, preaching and teaching gifts,” David reflects. In her mid-40s David’s mother had an undiagnosed stroke which slurred her speech and people thought she was mentally ill. Later she was admitted to a top woman’s hospital, very ill. “Two doctors, one a lovely Christian lady said, ‘Your mother is going to die within a year and there’s nothing medical science can do.’ ‘Why?’ we asked. “She has a broken heart,” they said. ‘She’s been slowly killed by words. The perpetrator has to be stopped for her to live.’ “Life and death is in the power of the tongue and Dad’s mouth was brutal. So we had a family conference and confronted Dad for the first time. I said, ‘Dad, You’re an alcoholic and you are no longer head of this family. You’ve caused this woman – your wife and our mother – to suffer hugely.’ “After 40 years of drinking Dad went cold turkey. He
developed an ulcer but refused to take his medicine and haemorrhaged internally until sister forced him into hospital where he had a heart attack. He actually died, but a Jewish doctor managed to bring him back. “We got an apartment for Mum and said, ‘You can stay with Dad or leave. You can choose.’ But she said to him, ‘I’ve prayed for your salvation and I’m not going to leave you.’ Mum’s love and forgiveness was massive. “Dad lived for another two years with congestive heart failure and came to Christ during one of his numerous hospital admissions. A Nazarene pastor visited him every week until he died. Mum lived for twelve years after him and died at age 70.” Back to NZ When Phoenix church plant closed, David and Linda went to another church to ‘convalesce.” The pastor prophesied over us, ‘The Lord said, ‘I’ve taken down the tombstone. You’re going back to the nations so make your plans.’ In 1991 they felt led to return to New Zealand for the third time, and became senior pastors at Tauranga South Baptist. This ‘bapticostal’ church had some historical issues, one being its relationship to the Baptist Union. “Linda had a vision of a large battered umbrella, half in and half out, and we felt the Lord saying, ‘The church needs to decide if it’s in or out.’ I was afraid of going through that process, but finally the Lord gave me a bigger picture,” says David. “I did my utmost not to impose my views to the church and said, ‘The Lord wants us to discern our conviction. If it’s to be a Baptist church, let’s be the best. If not, let’s become that. We’re in between and we’re not bear-
ing fruit that is honouring God.’” In 1997, after seven months of prayer, the church voted overwhelmingly in favour of ceding from the Baptist Union. “We went through a long process – with great leadership from the Union – and became Tauranga Worship Centre while still technically a Baptist church. In 2000 Baptist officials blessed and released us – we’re not anti-Baptist and we didn’t tear the fabric of the body of Christ. “The church then went through a transitional phase and a major crisis precipitated a name change and so we became Changepoint in 2008. It has proven to be an outstanding name for us as we emphasise ‘life change from the inside out.’ “Linda and I often pinch ourselves because church feels like family. We have a good representation of age groups, and ten of our staff are under 30 so we’re endeavouring to prepare the ground and pass the baton onto the next generation. “My journey has taught me to forgive, to endeavour to walk humbly and be faithful to be who God has made him to be: “I’ve learned to leave what I’m not to Him and just be my best authentic self. I’m now 58 years old, have survived a heart attack, battle with Type 2 diabetes and sometimes wrestle the old depression routine. “But I have no complaints and I’m pursuing the Lord strongly, believing for healing and endeavouring to oversee the church God has given me to serve in a country I’ve come to call home. We cannot thank God enough for his goodness to us and I’m deeply grateful and humbled that he has put his hand on me – I can’t claim it’s been my ingenuity. I have a wonderful wife and children and a church congregation that has weathered many storms and kept going. Trust is really all a pastor has – you can have all the talent in the world – but you need the trust of the congregation, and we value and treasure that.” Linda has the last word. “I’m used to, you needed to have survived a tough background or an addiction to have a testimony. But I’ve come to realise that my life is a testimony is to the saving keeping power of Christ.”
EVOLUTION’S Achilles’ Heels
15 Ph.D. scientists explain evolution’s fatal flaws—in areas claimed to be its greatest strengths
This award-winning production demolishes the basis of the secular belief system underpinning modern culture—evolutionary naturalism. Coupled with the Biblical command to reach the lost with the Bible’s Good News, Evolution’s Achilles’ Heels is a comprehensive outreach tool like no other, suitable for both personal outreach and group discussion. Available as DVD...................$25 Book .............. $18 Combo pack (book + DVD) ............ $36
+$6 p&p Also available as Blu-ray, e-book & digital download
To order ph (09) 537–4818 or order online at
CREATION.com/eah www.mychristiandaily.co.nz | 19
Family First
A
PARENTS HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW, AND CARE
Laidlaw College, envisioning
a world shaped by love compelled & informed by the Gospel We seek to graduate people of character and integrity as they become teachers, counsellors, pastors, theologians and leaders for churches, missions and society more widely. Study in Henderson, Manukau, Christchurch or by distance learning.
Full-time and part-time options available.
Go to www.laidlaw.ac.nz to find out about our Open Nights in October!
laidlaw.ac.nz | info@laidlaw.ac.nz | 0800 999 777
campaign has been launched seeking changes to the ‘parental notification’ law when a teenage daughter becomes pregnant. Dubbed “Hillary’s Law”, it is based on the experience of a Stratford mum Hillary Kieft which no other parent should have to experience. Her 15 year old daughter was sneaked off for an abortion by the community health nurse and with the permission of the school. Hillary was never informed. Their daughter changed after that event and their life as a family was turned upside down. She subsequently tried to take her own life. It was then that their daughter told her parents why the health nurse had brought her home a year ago. The nurse had not taken her to a counselling appointment as stated; instead she picked their daughter up from school and took her to an abortion clinic. According to the Care of Children Act 2004, a girl of any age can give consent to an abortion and that consent operates as if it were given by her parents. Therefore, her parents need never know that their daughter is having such a procedure. It is the only medical procedure where the parents can be ‘kept in the dark’. That 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 wear non-uniform shoes or have Panadol, they can be totally excluded from any knowledge regarding that same child being put on the pill or having an abortion. The ability and choice for parents to help their child face a hugely traumatic period and decision and provide follow-up care can be totally discounted. It begs the question - what is so unique about abortion procedures which allows for the prohibition of parental consent? Ironically, if there is a complication from the abortion, the parent’s consent is then required for further treatment. A recent research paper argued that most female adolescents only start to acquire sufficient autonomous capacity from the age of 14 years and as such the legislative wording of the current law is problematic and arguably careless. The Family Planning Association has admitted that up to 1,000 young teenage girls have been taken for an abortion without their parents’ knowledge since 2004, when a change to the law was rejected by Parliament. The admission was made by the Family Planning Chief Executive Jackie Edmond in an interview with Paul Henry recently. She cited a study that suggested that around 25% of schoolgirls who have had an abortion in New Zealand don’t tell their parents they have had one. Yes there are some exceptional circumstances where the welfare of the child may be at risk if the parents are informed – but these are the exception and provisions can allow for placing the protection of the child as the priority. But the default setting should be the informing of parents. As Hillary quite correctly argues, “Society, the law and government agencies expect parents to take responsibilities for the behaviours of their children. We do this across government agencies such as health, education, welfare, and justice, yet when it comes to abortion, parents can be locked out of the process and still be left to clean up the mess left behind. Frequently they only get to hear of the procedure when they are dealing with a distraught child who is displaying psychological trauma and acting out in anti-social behaviours such as self-harm or abusive and disorderly or criminal behaviours. My experience is not the only one of its kind that has happened. I am being contacted by more and more families who have experienced similar circumstances.” I too have 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. The current law is out of step with the views of New Zealanders. A 2010 independent poll of 1,000 people by Curia Market Research found that four out of five people supported parental notification laws. In a similar independent poll in 2012, teenagers (aged 15-21) were asked “Provided it won’t put the girl in physical danger, should parents be told if their school-age daughter is pregnant and considering getting an abortion?” Almost 2 out of 3 young respondents thought the parents should be told. 34% disagreed. More young men than women agreed, but both had majority agreement. It is significant that even young people can see the importance of having parents informed and involved, even when they know that those same parents will be rightly disappointed and upset. This is a very strong response from young people, and is a rebuke to the politicians in 2004 that chose to exclude parents from this process when debating the provision in the Care of Children Bill We’re 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. Politicians concerned about the welfare of young teenagers in a vulnerable and difficult situation should support family involvement. Bob McCoskrie is the National Director of Family First NZ. Visit www.familyfirst.org.nz for more information on how you can become involved.
20 | Christian Life Issue Twenty-Seven September 2015
Classifieds...
brought to you by My Christian Daily Jobs www.mychristiandaily.com/jobs
EVENTS
FIND A CHRISTIAN BUSINESS
FOR ALL YOUR A U D I O V I SFOR U ALL A YOUR L N E VISUAL E D NEEDS S AUDIO P h o t o s a n d S l i d e s s c a n Photos n e d and t o Slides P h oscanned t o F to i l Photo e s aFiles n dand D DVD VD • A u d i o C a s s e t t e Ta p e s Audio a n dCassette V i n Tapes y l Rand e cVinyl o r dRecords s t o toCCD D • 8 m m & 1 6 m m F i l m a8mm n d &V16mm i d e oFilmTa p Video e s tTapes o DtoVDVD D • and V i d e o g r a p h y a n d Videography P h o t o g and r a pPhotography hy
WOMeN’s RetReats
Phone 0800 324 538
PHONE: 0800 324 538 www.EagleTV.co.nz w w w . E a g l e T V. c o . n z
Our purpose is to see women freed from wounding and brokenness through God's restoring power
RetReat dates September 18 – 20 October 9 – 11 November 20 – 22
4:30pm Friday till 1pm Sunday Limited to 8 women per retreat
We have a new venue for our retreats set in a quiet country location in Drury, South Auckland. The home is aptly called Kaianga Aroha (House of Love) which offers luxurious accommodation and beautiful views.
Ph. Chris Amies 09 298 6437 email chris@restorenz.org 354 Macwhinney Drive Drury www.restorenz.org
To pick up your copy each month find a Christian store near you: Visit www.cba.net.nz or www.manna.co.nz www.mychristiandaily.co.nz | 21
Classifieds...
brought to you by My Christian Daily Jobs www.mychristiandaily.com/jobs
POSITIONS VACANT OFFICE MANAGER/SUPPORT PERSON We are seeking a candidate who has exceptional relational skills, a high level of expertise in office management and capability in personal support services.
RESOURCES
Are you a Christian Writer?
There are three key areas of operation: •
• •
-‐Administration co-‐ordination including handling financial inputs and records, Web site Management, e-‐mail, and the rostering of volunteers. -‐General Office duties and P.A. to the Senior Pastor. -‐Liaison for and driving of funding applications and income generating opportunities. An appropriate remuneration package will be negotiated. All enquiries to Pastor Rob -‐ rob@westgatebaptist.org.nz Please submit a letter of application and your C.V. th Applications close on September 30 2015
www.nzchristianwriters.org
CBM Bookshop
Ready...
Your specialist bookshop for children’s books, CD’s, DVD’s, bibles, small gifts and curriculum for children’s church/Sunday School
GO!
CD’s
Set
So ng s Aw esome for s 5-7 yea r old
5271 Ph (09)630bm.org.nz email: shop@c Symonds Street PO Box 8774 Mt Eden 9 Walters Rd
Bookshop:
.nz
www.cbm.org
Updated Ready
SECOND HAND CHRISTIAN BOOKS
Set Go Cover
Final.indd
CBM
childrens bible
ministries 28/07/2015
4:08:06 p.m.
1
Let us help you with all your children’s ministry needs!
NZs largest stock of used Christian books
Curriculum
All your old favourites & out of print books 50,000 titles on our website catalogue
Ages 3 to
www.christianvaluebooks.co.nz
Year
A Part
Curriculum
1
All you need, to grow your Christian Faith and share the gospel w w w.living word.net.nz LIVING WORD 634 Victoria Street, Hamilton P 07 839 5607 shopatlivingword@gmail.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5pm
9 Walters Rd Mt. Eden Auckland Ph: (09) 630 5271 Post: PO Box 8774, Symonds St, Auckland 1150 Email: shop@cbm.org.nz Shop Online 24/7 @ www.shop.cbm.org.nz
6
Year A Part 2
2015 Newspaper advert.indd 1
BIBLES • BOOKS • MUSIC • DVDS • GIFTS • CARDS
CBM BOOKSHOP
24/08/2015 3:25:50 p.m.
Need an evangelist OAC has evangelists in Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay, Manawatu, Nelson, Christchurch and Dunedin Call 0800gospel or tania@oac.org.nz
Peter Snell Youth Village is situated on 27 acres of native bush and parkland about 45 minutes north of Downtown Auckland. With amazing sea and island views towards Waiwera and the Mahurangi. In recent years the facilities have been updated to meet the needs and comfort of the many school and community groups that take advantage of this beautiful site. Excellent catering and friendly hosts enable guests to focus entirely on getting the most out of their stay. Onsite activities include an initiative course, burma trail, horizontal bungy, water slide and trampolines, as well as an abseiling tower. Kayaking and sailing is also available but needs to be booked with an outside provider. The beach track gives access to a rocky shore as well as a sandy beach for beach games and swimming if desired.
www.psyv.org.nz
22 | Christian Life Issue Twenty-Seven September 2015
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
Classifieds...
brought to you by My Christian Daily Jobs www.mychristiandaily.com/jobs RESOURCES
Equipping and mobilising Christians of all ages to share their faith naturally, accurately and clearly
All-age evangelism training in churches Nationwide workshops • Small & large groups by request
Evangelism Explosion
Call now 09 573 5787 eeoffice@xtra.co.nz
Ministries NZ www.ee.org.nz
are Christians making
any difference? Read how a judge, racing driver, scientist, educationist and many others are working out their faith in NZ society Another inspiring book from leading Christian author George Bryant
$27.99 from info@daystarbooks.org or Christian and independent bookshops
NEW RELEASE The Elephant in the Room
by Dave Mann, initiator of the Hope Project, NZ
buy online at
Evangelism has fallen into the ‘too hard basket’ in many New Zealand churches − and few seem interested in discussing it. It’s the elephant in the room! How are we to get it back out? This book provides real solutions for church leaders and thinkers. While there are no ‘quick fixes’, if we are interested, Dave writes to show us how change is possible.
$20 incl GST & Postage in NZ
www.BigBookPublishing.co.nz
I believe pastors and churches throughout the country will one day thank God for the day this book came into their hands.
From your Word document to being a published author, Ark House Press is here to help you bring your dream to life. We specialise in working with authors to not only publish their book but also handle all forms of layout, cover design and distribution. Contact us today on 09 281 3796 to see how easy it is to get your book published.
www.arkhousepress.com
ARK
house
Tony Collis, Pastor (Hope Centre, Levin)
www.mychristiandaily.co.nz | 23
Hear inspiring stories from practitioners and reflect on what works. Fun, creative exercises that will gather and crystallise the wisdom in the room.
Challenging sessions by a foremost thinker/leader in this arena, David Hanna. The Bright Spots Summit is our flagship event, held only once every two years. We gather leaders from the frontline of community engagement for a weekend of networking, inspiration and problem-solving. It’s a place to dream together, a place where new ministries are born. Our theme this year is ‘Inside Out’ based on Matt. 13:33. What critical things which if done well could transform our whole community? We’ll be gathering the wisdom in the room to discover how to multiply our kingdom impact! All work and no play would be very dull so there’ll be time in the schedule to have a soak at the nearby spa or ride the luge!
Earlybird rate applies to registrations with payment received before 25 September.
SPE T ES
AK E R DA VID
N HA
NA
David is a fourth generation Pakeha. He and Bronwen have four children. David was raised in the Methodist tradition and worked as the Methodist National Youth Director in the 1980’s. Since then he has been a policy manager in Central Government, a consultant on positive child/youth development, and is now the director of Wesley Community Action and National Manager for Inspiring Communities, delivering services to people experiencing hardship. David is passionate about living his faith in a way that supports wholeness and justice for all people. Out of this passion he has led the development of NZ’s Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy, been employed by the World Bank in Eastern Europe, and worked with the Mongrel Mob and Black Power to run development programmes. For full information, price options and to register go to:
www.loveyourneighbour.nz/brightspots
GU