Today Issue 22
MAY–August 2012 | INCORPORATING PRAYER TRACK
Overcoming The Monster Within Brian Greenaway’s compelling true story page 6
The Thriving Church Prayer and fasting in the Philippines page 26
Pilgrim Hall An exciting step of faith for CWR page 4
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Contents Regulars News in Brief Prayer Track Revival Review Revival Now New Resources Diary Highlights
3 13 21 26 28 32
Features Pilgrim Hall The Monster Within Pastoral Care There Are No Strong People With Women in Mind Torch Trust
4 6 10 22 25 31
Information Order Form Becoming a Partner Leaving a Legacy
29 31 31
Who We Are: CWR is committed to world revival. Founded as a Christian ministry in 1965 by Selwyn Hughes, we have grown into an international publishing and training organisation which seeks to enable people to apply God’s Word to their everyday lives and relationships. CWR Today, CWR’s newsletter, is published three times a year. Its purpose is to encourage effective prayer and regular Bible reading, and to represent all aspects of CWR’s national and international ministry. This is a free title, however recipients are invited to make a small contribution each year. Concept development, editing, design and production by CWR. Associate contributors: John Peters and Eddie Tait. Copyright © CWR 2012. Printed in England by Linney Print. Please feel free to reproduce any of the content in your own church newsletters, magazines and websites.
CWR, Waverley Abbey House, Waverley Lane, Farnham, Surrey GU9 8EP, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1252 784700 Email: mail@cwr.org.uk www.cwr.org.uk
Mick Brooks Chief Executive of CWR
Editorial A huge THANK YOU to all of you who responded to our urgent appeal on the cover sheet of the last CWR Today: your prayers and generosity mean that we have been able to step through the door God opened and now begin a whole new phase of CWR’s ministry. Like the small boy who offered his loaves and fishes, I truly believe that your investment and God’s multiplication will result in the touching of thousands – who will themselves become godly influences in their everyday lives and relationships. As we begin to prepare for the next phase of this project, raising further funding and validating new courses, please continue to remember us in your prayers. We look forward to welcoming you at Pilgrim Hall in the not too distant future! Whilst wrestling with some of the issues around Pilgrim Hall I came across a scripture that had previously escaped me; please pray with us that it will be God’s plans and purposes that will prevail, for He is indeed the builder and architect of all: ‘For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything’ (Heb. 3:4).
CWR is a Registered Charity – No. 294387 and a Limited Registered Company – No. 1990308 FSC Mixed Sources SA-COC-1502 © 1996 FSC A.C. PAGE 2
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NEWS IN BRIEF Celebrating 25 Years at Waverley A significant year for CWR, 2012 marks the 25th anniversary of the opening of Waverley Abbey House. Founded in 1965 by the late Rev Dr Selwyn Hughes, CWR purchased WAH in 1987 and a new, longterm vision for the ministry began to unfold. Twenty-five years has seen elements of that vision realised – the current team and CWR Partners are excited to see where God will lead them next. Join us for a celebratory cream tea at WAH on Saturday 8 September. For more details see: www.cwr.org.uk/25years
Dynamic New Publications at CRE From 8–11 May, CWR will be present at the ever-popular Christian Resources Exhibition (CRE) held at Sandown Park, Esher. You will find CWR at our usual stand, T22, so come along and discover more about our latest resources available to inspire you, your church and others. Brian Greenaway, Jeff Lucas, Michael Baughen and David Winter will also be running special seminars, revealing the stories behind their books: The Monster Within, There Are No Strong People, The One Big Question and The Highway Code for Retirement. Why not join us?
A New Shape for Children’s Library Books CWR’s A New Shape by Anna Payne has been shortlisted for the Children’s category, Speaking Volumes 2012 Ultimate Christian Library Book award. The award ceremony will take place on 9 May, 11.30am at CRE, Sandown and will be presented by David Winter, a regular contributor to Radio 4’s ‘Thought for the day’. Complimentary tickets are available to anyone who votes so join with us and support getting Christian books into the hands of children across the UK. To place your vote, visit: www.christianbookawards.org
The Big Jubilee Lunch – make a date The Queen is inviting the nation to join the Big Jubilee Lunch on Sunday, 3 June. Millions of people will eat together with neighbours and friends as part of the official Diamond Jubilee celebrations marking the Queen’s 60 years of service. A specially written Grace – a prayer of thanks – starts the lunch. Churches have a key role at the heart of their communities to make this happen. For free resources, which your church can use to work with others to stage a Big Jubilee Lunch in your neighborhood, visit: www.hopetogether.org.uk
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Pilgrim Hall – a step of faith
T
his year, CWR celebrates its 25th anniversary of the opening of Waverley Abbey House. A popular venue, situated in idyllic surroundings, it has become the hub of our ongoing ministry working to apply God’s Word to everyday life and relationships through our dual focus on publishing and training. Waverley has also played a crucial part in a vision fundamental to CWR. The hope of CWR’s founders, Selwyn Hughes and Trevor Partridge, was to establish a place providing higher education for key influencers in society, both nationally and internationally – lawyers and politicians, educators, health professionals, those in the media, captains
of industry etc – equipping them to be godly influences in the workplace. Passionate about delivering training to this end, CWR was delighted in 2010 to receive full university validation for its BA (Hons) in Counselling. However, the strong uptake for this course made the need for increased space urgent. Extensions at Waverley were not possible due to planning and time restrictions but, in 2011, an unexpected opportunity arose concerning Pilgrim Hall in East Sussex. Set in 12 acres of land, with bed space for 110 as well as conference and teaching facilities, it seemed tailor-made for the needs of CWR. Following consultation and fund-raising with our Partners, it was with excitement in January 2012 that the Board unanimously agreed to proceed. Reflecting upon the decision, Mick Brooks (CE) expressed his gratitude for the many donations received: ‘One of the first things that drew me to working with CWR’s founders was their vision for a Christian university. Over the years we have made faltering steps, but more recently have been gaining momentum. I am continually amazed and humbled by the generosity of all those who have partnered with us on this journey. ‘
waverley abbey house
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There remains much to do however. Thanks to a combination of donations and loans, CWR now has sufficient funds to cover the first two instalments of the £3 million required to complete the project. With the next instalment due in September 2012, it is a step of faith but, as Mick explains, ‘it will enable new professionally validated courses, such as teacher education and other vocational qualifications offered with strong biblical foundations’. With such possibilities on the horizon, this 25th anniversary is highly significant for CWR – marking a year in which, God willing, Waverley will become the hub from which Christian campuses can be established in the UK and beyond.
PILGRIM HALL
If you would like to join CWR in prayer, contribute financially or find out the latest developments on Pilgrim Hall, please visit: www.cwr.org.uk/pilgrim PAGE 5
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The Monster Within Notorious for his aggressive lifestyle before coming to know Christ whilst serving time in Dartmoor prison, Brian Greenaway is perhaps best known for his book Hell’s Angel. Writing now after 32 years of prison experience on the other side of the bars, he gets gritty and personal in his new book The Monster Within – the compelling true story of how he turned from a ‘monster’ to a ‘missionary’.
CWR Today caught up with Brian to ask him about the book, his experiences behind bars and latterly as a prison chaplain … CWR Today: In your book, you describe a childhood characterised by rejection. Before you were imprisoned, what was your experience, if any, of God? Brian: When I was young I remember laying down in a field, looking up at the stars. I said to myself: There’s got to be a God, but I knew I wasn’t good enough for Him. It was like I thought: I know who I am and what I am and I’m nothing. God wouldn’t care about me. What have I ever done to deserve even one thing from Him? I’d never been told anything positive about myself, not ever. CWR Today: You actually became a Christian whilst serving time as an inmate of Dartmoor prison. What changed for you once you knew Jesus?
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The monster within is something in all of us Brian: It was a total change. Because I did my bird (serving time) hard, everyone knew I was a really angry person, so the difference was totally different, totally reborn, a new person! I couldn’t talk about anything else and I think I became about as popular as AIDS. I remember the very first morning when I was unlocked, I ran round to the cell next door and said: ‘Hey man, Jesus loves you. Jesus is cool!’ He looked at me like I had cracked it. There were a lot of drugs, especially LSD, in prison at the time so that that was the reception I got for a while and then guys suddenly started noticing that I really was different. CWR Today: After you’d completed your sentence, you spent some years getting back into real life. Later, you returned to prisons – this time working on the other side of the bars. From your experiences, would you say that there is a particular receptivity to God in prisons? Brian: It’s hard for me to say anything else because prison is my turf but what I would say is, when we, as human beings, get to the bottom which often is prison, it’s then that we’re able to think. What prison does for someone is to give them time to ask questions like: ‘Is this what my life is going to be all about?’ ‘Do I want my life to be like this?’ That’s why I believe prison is a fantastic time for God to get through to people. Continued over >> PAGE 7
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Like this one time when I was prison chaplain, I visited High Down prison. I asked to see a monster who’s just 20. He was on a dirty protest – smearing excrement and weeing all over his cell. So I went in and told him who I was and what I was and said: ‘Tell you what, I’ll bring in a copy of my book Hell’s Angel if you’re good.’ He said: ‘OK, I will be.’ So I went in the following week. He was off the block and on an ordinary wing. Then I saw him again, a week later and he said: ‘I want to change my life. I can’t handle this any more.’ And God said to me: ‘This is it Brian, go for it.’ So I looked at the guy and said: ‘OK, well you’ve read about me. You know that what God has done in my life, He can do for you. I know you’re a crazy guy and there’s a monster inside you but God can deal with all that.’ CWR Today: How fantastic to partner with God like that! Is that the main message of your book? Do you believe ‘the monster within’ is applicable to all of us? Brian: The Bible says: ‘If anyone is in Christ, he’s a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come’, but I still struggle with that. I know God wants a relationship with me personally. He’s never ever walked away from me, never given up on me but I still have the capacity to be a monster. We all do.
What prison does for someone is to give them time to ask questions
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The monster within is something in all of us. It might not come out as an angry seething thing; it might be manipulative, gossiping, knocking someone verbally. What I’m trying to say is that we’re all sinners. We may have different grades but God doesn’t. Sin is sin is sin. Just because you’re a Christian, it doesn’t mean you have to put on a front. You’ve got to be who you are. This was me [indicating his tattoos] – all this rubbish but that guy is still there and it’s only by God’s grace that He doesn’t come out. I have spent nearly 33 years in Christian work and met so many people who hurt but pretend that they’re OK. So this book is about healing for wounded people; I’m writing it for them. We’ve got to be real with one another and stop being religious in the Church. Sometimes healing takes a long time and that’s OK. When I was writing the book and talking about my dad, it was really tough as if I was still reliving the confusion and hurt and rejection over and over again. So what I’m screaming at in my book is this: ‘Please don’t give up on people or yourself.’ God is calling us to be a loving, listening Church. He fills us with His love. Let’s give it away ...
The Monster Within book and DVD will be available June 2012.
The Monster Within £8.99 Also available in ebook/kindle formats
The Monster Within DVD £10.99 including VAT
Order using the form or online at www.cwr.org.uk All prices exclude p&p
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Pastoral Care – Living ou
P
astoral care is fundamental to church health. It is not simply about helping those with problems, vital though that is. Biblical pastoral care has a big vision – to help the Church grow to maturity in Christ; to see the whole of life in the light of its growth in Christ; and to respond to life’s issues accordingly. Our new day-release course ‘Developing Pastoral Care’ has been specifically designed to help those in pastoral leadership and care play their part in this bigger vision. Led by Philip Greenslade and Andy Peck, with input from the wider CWR tutor team, it aims to build both biblical understanding and practice. Such a course has long been on Philip Greenslade’s heart: ‘The course reflects my deeply felt desire to integrate the dynamics of the gospel with the disciplines of care and counselling,’ he explains. ‘It aims to develop the skills and deepen the understanding of pastoral care by: • Asking ‘why do we do pastoral care?’ as well as ‘how do we do pastoral care?’ • Connecting pastoral care consistently with the big story of God’s salvation in Christ so that pastoral care is seen primarily as God’s work before it is ours
• Seeing pastoral care not merely as crisis-care for problem situations but as helping to release the gifts and human potential of every believer • Appreciating that pastoral care is meant to contribute to the Church’s task of growing faithful disciples of Jesus’. The Scripture reflections, drawn from Paul’s ‘Letter to the Ephesians’ which preface each day, seek to reaffirm Christian identity (Ephesians 1–3) and Christian vocation (Ephesians 4–6). From this reflection spring the topics or issues we explore at greater depth during the day including lack of self-worth, legalism, fatherhood, gifts and growth, bereavement, forgiveness and reconciliation, sexuality and much more. In addition, we offer two other pastoral care courses based on this same big vision of pastoral care: You could attend our one-week training course ‘Woman to Woman’, designed to encourage and equip women working with women or drawn to this possibility. Alternatively, we also offer a one-week course ‘Pastoral Care in the Local Church’, aimed at enlarging your vision of the Church’s calling to pastoral care and helping to develop your caring skills.
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ng out the Biblical Vision ‘This course has inspired, motivated, equipped, empowered me, given me tools to live more intentionally for the Lord and fanned into flame a passion for Him. It has released a freedom to be me.’ Woman to Woman
Why not enrol for one of these courses, or encourage others in your church to do so? Be inspired, equipped and empowered – as others have before you – to play your part in God’s purposes. Future Events: •P art 1 ‘Developing Christian Identity’ from Thurs 18 October •P art 2 ‘Developing Christian Vocation’ early 2013 • ‘Woman to Woman’ Mon–Fri 16–20 July • ‘Pastoral Care in the Local Church’ early 2013
‘Excellent course – Phil’s teaching is incredible.’ Developing Pastoral Care
‘A course for any woman with a heart to come alongside other women.’ Woman to Woman
For full details of the courses above/to book, visit www.cwr.org.uk or call +44 (0)1252 784719 PAGE 11
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The Changing Face of Caring and Counselling Profiling Jennifer Jones
Passionate about pastoral care, Jennifer is a valued member of the CWR team and has a key role to play in our ministry. Here, she explains what her job entails as operator of our confidential phone service.
It is now over twenty years since I joined the staff at CWR and for about fifteen of those, I have operated the Advice and Counselling Referrals Service. The CWR Ministry has always received enquiries from those seeking help with difficulties either for themselves or for those they love. Life’s journey is never easy and we all encounter pain along the way. Every call received is different. If you were to ask me what it is that I like about my job, I would have to reply, ‘the variety of calls’ – even though some of them are very sad! Many callers are involved in pastorally caring for others, but suddenly feel overwhelmed and appreciate knowing that they can call CWR. It is good to talk and I am always amazed at the wonderful
work being done across the UK by unsung home group leaders and pastoral workers. Our free confidential telephone service can be a lifeline when you are trying to support a friend or family member or someone in your church. Where possible, I also help those seeking counselling to find a Waverley-trained counsellor in their local area. Please do pray for these counsellors – they are contributing to Selwyn Hughes’ vision that CWR was established in order to help those converted to Christianity to be armed against being overwhelmed by their problems. If you would like to talk to me, please ring: 01344 893197 (Mon, Wed and Fri: 11am – 4pm).
REVIVAL NEWS BRAZIL: Over 100 mayors have handed the keys of their city to Jesus. One such place is Corn˙elio Procópio, west of Sao Paulo. Since the keys were handed over in January 2010 considerable improvement in the city has been evident: Church growth, political and economic stability, and decrease in crime. Source: Joel News
NIGERIA: Half a million people attended a Christ for All Nations week of what evangelist Daniel Kolenda likes to call ‘Holy Spirit evangelism’ in Agbani with many of them receiving Jesus as Saviour and Lord amidst scenes of massive joy and gratitude. A local chief brought his witchcraft shrine which had been in his family for generations, broke it and burned it in a heap of other idols, fetishes, charms, amulets and juju. Source: CfAN
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REVIVAL REVIEW
Revival: Challenging Questions Dear Reader, This article comes with a gentle request that you will not simply read it (which I appreciate very much), but that you would send me your views (signed or anonymous), which could then be reflected in a possible ‘Readers Forum’ at some future date. So here goes. Revival is an aspiration, serious and challenging. Significant sections of the Church are looking forward – with varying degrees of confidence – to a Holy Spirit-directed revival that will be both national and global. Such an expectation, or is it longing (?), is entirely laudable, but it is also appropriate to ask several searching questions.
1. Do we really believe that God can do it again? Presumably because God is faithful in His character, unchanging in His power and true to His promises, the answer is unequivocally ‘yes’. But what is your personal response: Is it faith-filled or disillusioned because of deferred hopes and disappointments (Prov. 13:12)?
2. Do we accept that God is sovereign in all aspects of revival? Such a response implies that we are prepared to accept whatever God sends in an outpouring. John Arnott’s words in the recently published book, God Unannounced (CWR), are pertinent: ‘we need to let God move in His own way and not quench His work when He does’.
3. Are we prepared to shoulder the burden of believing prayer?
God comes from heaven to work in extraordinary ways, He places the burden of revival in the hearts of people. [Such] men and women are drawn to prayer and understand its power and potential’. With these words Selwyn highlights a fundamental principle that resonates throughout the whole of revival history. Will you, I wonder, be one of those intercessors?
4. How should we respond if revival does not come in our life-time? The inescapable truth is that Britain in 2012 is not experiencing revival. In spite of many prophecies referring to the imminence of revival, the reality is that a powerful manifestation of the Holy Spirit in dramatic power is not, as yet, consistently apparent in Britain. So what should we do? Dr Jim Packer, in Keep In Step With The Spirit, suggests preaching and teaching God’s truth (that is, Bible truth, gospel truth), preparing Christ’s way (by removing habitual sins from our lives), and praying for the Spirit’s outpouring. Rightly, he says ‘we need not expect to receive unless we ask’. Undeniably true. I am very much looking forward to your reflections on these challenging, vitally important questions. John Peters To contact John Peters with your response, please write to: jprevival@cwr.org.uk
Selwyn Hughes once wrote, ‘Before PAGE 21
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There Are No St International author, speaker and broadcaster, Jeff Lucas has many strings to his bow but his passion is to draw others into a radical relationship with Jesus Christ. In this, his latest book, Jeff pulls no punches in asking difficult questions of life and sometimes, supplying surprising answers.
We tend to believe the myth that there are good people, and bad people – whereas we are all a mixture of both
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No Strong People M
arch saw the release of a brand new book by Jeff Lucas, There Are No Strong People, in which Jeff asks whether it is possible to be hugely blessed by God – and still make a mess of your life. Described by David Coffey as ‘Riveting stuff’ and by John Glass as ‘Vivid, stark, and challenging’, this provocative, breathtakingly honest book, based on the story of the Bible’s infamous character, Samson, explores some vital principles for living life well. A book about a man, but written for both women and men, There Are No Strong People asks: What is it we all really crave? Do good people do bad things? What do we do when we’re disappointed? Are there clear steps towards success – and disaster? Why is unresolved anger so destructive? This is a book that asks its readers to think, re-evaluate and dig deeper. Anyone who chooses to take up this challenge won’t be disappointed ... When asked why he penned this unique book, Jeff described how he came to the conclusion that the blessing of God is not enough to guarantee that we’ll do well at living. ‘We can so easily squander God-given
opportunities and blessings by making poor choices. But then that led me to ask – why do good people sometimes make such a mess of things? Samson, often written off as an epic ‘bad boy’, provides some answers to that key question. Tut-tutting about failure is not enough; we must ask – why do we fail? And I came to the conclusion that we tend to believe the myth that there are good people, and bad people – whereas we are all a mixture of both.’ The book, although delving deeply into the background of Samson’s life, is not a Bible study in the usual sense. It’s more a series of reflections based around his journey. Jeff reveals Samson to be a truly fascinating character, and his story is loaded with earthy details that are not for the squeamish; the reader will see him in a new light, but the book is not intended to sit in the usual genre of biblical study books. Although still very much conversational in its writing style, this is somewhat of a departure from Jeff’s usual approach, as he explores a new voice that uses both conversation and prose. Continued over >>
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Having spent many months probing the Bible text and getting into the heart of the man, Jeff speaks of how his heart breaks for Samson, having come to see him as more than just a testosterone-charged buffoon who lived for the next dalliance. ‘I believe that he was a bewildered, lonely man, who didn’t grow up in a happy home, and who was further alienated, strangely, by a call from God that clashed with his character and, when he chose badly, created real inner turmoil. I also think that he has so much to teach us; living for the moment, as he often did, is a temptation that we all face. It’s tough to stay focused on what matters, on what’s eternal. I’d love to meet Samson one day for a chat!’ Through writing this book, Jeff has come to see that we all, every one of us, have potential to live beautifully or badly, and that yesterday’s successes don’t guarantee anything today. He encourages us to take hold of the fact that good character can be destroyed in a moment – so we need to live diligently and carefully. But, as Jeff acknowledges, ‘God is incredibly gracious, and patient, and is eager to help, cleanse and forgive us, and will be faithful to us all the way’.
‘This powerful, prophetic, perceptive and provocative book should be a bestseller. It reads like a Grisham novel – a real page turner.’ Lyndon Bowring ‘I like Jeff Lucas and I like this book – it makes the story of Samson relevant and inspirational for a new generation.’ Pete Grieg I have always loved Jeff Lucas’s balanced, realistic and honest approach to Christianity and humanity. This book is no exception! Fiona Castle
There Are No Strong People £9.99 Also available in ebook/kindle formats
Order using the form or online at www.cwr.org.uk All prices exclude p&p
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With Women in Mind ... In the late 1980s, when Waverley Abbey House first opened, Jeannette Barwick shared with Selwyn Hughes a vision she had of teaching events and seminars tailored especially for women – to equip, enable and encourage. That vision was the birth of what is today a thriving women’s ministry. What began with a few day events has become an annual programme of weekend and oneweek long courses held in the beautiful surroundings of Waverley. And, for those who cannot venture this far, we also offer regional days across the UK. The ministry has also generated a wealth of book titles, group resources and the ever-popular daily Bible-reading notes, Inspiring Women Every Day which today serves approximately 35,000 women across the globe. Our work with women attracts women from all walks of life. Coordinated by Lynn Penson, the Women’s Ministry Team includes Beverley Shepherd, Ros Derges, Lynette Brooks and Jeannette – with guest speakers to date including
Fiona Castle, Michele and Abby Guinness, Liz Babbs, Elaine Storkey and others. So, if you have never experienced a Woman at Waverley event, why not consider one of the following ... ?
Dates for your diary: Woman to Woman Training Course Mon–Fri 16–20 July Women’s Weekend: In His Presence – Fri–Sun 28–30 September Woman’s Autumn Day – Tues 16 October Comments written by previous attendees include: ‘I leave here a different person from the one that came.’
‘It is always a real blessing to come to Waverley. The teaching is superb and God speaks to me without fail.’ ‘An oasis of peace and calm.’
For full details of the courses above/to book, visit www.cwr.org.uk or call +44 (0)1252 784719
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REVIVAL NOW
Fasting and Prayer – the Key for Victory
V
ictory Christian Fellowship is one of the fastest growing Christian movements in the Philippines. Known for various life-changing programmes focusing on young people, Victory has seen its membership grow to over 50,000 after establishing its first centre in Manila, the capital, 25 years ago. Non-denominational evangelical, it is a founding member of the Every Nation Churches and Ministries, a worldwide movement of fellowships. The national and international emphasis of its ministry is in its mission statement: ‘to honour God and advance His kingdom through church planting, campus ministries and world missions’. A key to this growth for the movement lies in how Victory started 2012.
A new year – dedicated to God On 6 January a week of prayer and fasting was held to seek spiritual breakthroughs on academic campuses and in various communities throughout the country. This event was held simultaneously in the major provinces and cities of the Philippines. Pastor Ado Bernado, one of the key leaders of the movement, said the fasting was not just ‘a humbling of ourselves or denying the desires of our flesh before God’ but to ‘help us grow and increase our faith in Christ’.
During the event a young lady in Zamboanga City also testified how she was completely healed of cancer during last year’s prayer and fasting week. She was now completely well and working for a popular local TV station. Personal faith goals, family, school/career and ministry in the Church were the four areas concentrated on during the event.
The thriving Church of the Philippines Victory is not the only growing Christian movement in the Philippines – it is something experienced by nearly all evangelical denominations, especially the Pentecostals. Although the rate of church planting has slowed since the surge in the 1980s, numerous large churches and megachurches have emerged. A mushrooming of ministries and ways of sharing the gospel is enabling churches to reach people from the many and diverse cultures.
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... over 500,000 Filipino Christians have been trained to be kingdom of God ambassadors A hallmark of the Church in the Philippines in recent years is increased unity. The Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches helps develop common goals for ministry with some 70 denominations, 150 independent fellowships and 170 mission agencies and para-church groups. Another significant coordinating movement is Philippines for Jesus, a network of Pentecostal and charismatic churches. God is working significantly in Manila. With 11 million people living in the central area and a further nine million in the outer areas, it is reckoned that 15 million of them are linked to a gospel-proclaiming church.
A heart for world mission The Church in the Philippines has a zeal for mission. Churches support well over 3,000 cross-cultural missionaries, while over 500,000 Filipino Christians have been trained to be kingdom of God ambassadors where they work all over the world. Sources: ASSIST News Service; Operation World
REVIVAL NEWS HAITI: In July 2000 Terry Snow, leader of Youth With A Mission Haiti, was arrested with a colleague and thrown into prison in St Marc. ‘After God did a miracle’ and they were released from their awful tiny cell, they returned to the prison to bring about transformation – practical and spiritual. December 11 2011 was a great day for St Marc prison: 67 of the 302 prisoners were baptised! Source: YWAM Haiti
SAMOA: God is at work in the Independent State of Samoa, formerly Western Samoa, a group of nine volcanic Pacific islands and home to the world’s second largest Polynesian group, the Maori people. In towns and villages people are experiencing the life-changing power of the gospel. Thousands have given their lives to Christ after receiving Bible literature, churches have grown and Christ Group fellowships for new converts have been established. Source: Every Home for Christ
CHINA: The Church is growing so rapidly that even secular news agencies, including the BBC, are finding it a subject worth reporting. It is impossible to say how many Christians there are in China today but a conservative figure is 60 million. There are more Chinese at church on a Sunday than in the whole of Europe and converts range from peasants in remote villages to the sophisticated young middle class in the booming cities. Source: AsiaLink
ROMANIA: A series of missions by the Luis Palau Association in Satu Mare, a town on the border with Hungary, has seen many people hungry for God receive His Son as their Saviour. During one recent mission 227 people out of 700 who attended a meeting (32%) responded to the gospel. Source: www.palau.ro PAGE 27
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New Resources from CWR A Year at St Cliff’s (Derek the Cleric)
Topz Secret Stories
By Andy Robb From the much-loved children’s author of the Professor Bumblebrain and 50 Weirdest Bible Stories series comes a new book written for adults. Under the comical pseudonym of Derek the Cleric, Andy Robb combines blog entries, cartoons, musings and sayings following the calendar year of a bumbling clergyman at the fictional St Cliff’s. The result is highly entertaining and insightful. Only £7.99 (softback) – available mid-May 2012
By Alexa Tewkesbury Topz books are full of fun as they help young people discover things about themselves and God. They hit the balance between humour, relevance and spiritual insight as they bring the well-loved Topz Gang characters to life for 7- to 11-year-olds. Alexa’s new series introduces the rival Dixons Gang who present both problems and opportunities to the Topz Gang. Only £6.50 each (softback)
Mettle Guide to Starting University By Simeon Whiting In association with YFC This 28-day guide is aimed at helping young people find biblical guidance and wisdom to start the adventure of university life. Topics covered include ‘Mates’, ‘Faith’, ‘Lifestyle’ and ‘Use your head’ with practical tips from current and past students. Only £5.99 (softback/ebook/kindle) – available May 2012
Woman to Woman Written by a variety of women from many walks of life, this book will help women all around the world to be equipped to lead, help and minister to other women. Based on the popular CWR course which has been run at Waverley Abbey House and overseas by the Women at Waverley team, this book will challenge and refresh. Only £12.99 (softback/ebook/kindle) – available May 2012 Order using the form or online at www.cwr.org.uk All prices exclude p&p PAGE 28
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OrderForm your details Name: CWR ID No. (if known): Address: Postcode: Telephone No. (for queries): Email:
RESOURCES — I wish to order the following QTY
title The Monster Within (available June) The Monster Within DVD (available June) God Unannounced There Are No Strong People Topz Secret Stories – Dixons’ Den Topz Secret Stories – Dixons and the Wolf Mettle Guide to Starting University Woman to Woman A Year at St Cliff’s (Derek the Cleric)
PRICE
TOTAL
£8.99 £10.99 £7.99 £9.99 £6.50 £6.50 £5.99 £12.99 £7.99
UK P&P: Up to £24.99 = £2.99; £25.00 and over = FREE Elsewhere P&P: Up to £10 = £4.95; £10.01–£50 = £6.95; £50.01–£99.99 = £10.00; £100 and over = £30.00 Total Resources plus P&P Please allow 14 days for delivery
Subscriptions:
price quoted includes UK delivery Please circle issue you would like subscription to commence from:
JAN/FEB MAY/JUN SEP/OCT
MAR/APR JUL/AUG NOV/DEC
gift to cwr
Every Day with Jesus (1yr, 6 issues) Large Print Every Day with Jesus (1yr, 6 issues) Inspiring Women Every Day (1yr, 6 issues) Life Every Day (Jeff Lucas) (1yr, 6 issues) Cover to Cover Every Day (1yr, 6 issues) Mettle (1yr, 3 issues) YP’s (1yr, 6 issues) Topz (1yr, 6 issues)
£15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £13.80 £15.50 £15.50
total subscriptions
Without your generous gifts many of the things you’ve read about would not be possible
Please send me an acknowledgement of my gift My contribution to the costs of CWR Today
GRAND TOTAL I am a UK taxpayer and want CWR to reclaim the tax on all my donations for the four years prior to this year and on all donations I make from the date of this Gift Aid declaration until further notice.* Taxpayer’s Full Name (in BLOCK CAPITALS) Signature
Date
*I understand I must pay an amount of Income/Capital Gains Tax at least equal to the tax the charity reclaims in the tax year.
PAYMENT DETAILS I enclose a cheque / PO made payable to CWR for the amount of : Please charge my credit/debit card. CARD NUMBER
£ EXPIRES END SECURITY CODE
Signature ORDER FORM CONTINUED OVER >>
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INFORMATION Please send me more information on (tick box or boxes): Box 1: Details of the following courses/events (please specify)
Box 2: Becoming a CWR Partner Box 3: Including CWR in my will FREE Legacy Information Pack FREE Making a Will DVD/VHS
(tick as appropriate)
Please do not send me any more information and take my name off the CWR Today mailing list. I would like to receive CWR Today regularly by post. Please add my details to the CWR Today mailing list. Please tick box if you would like to receive our email newsletters giving you the latest information on our: Resources and Publications Training and Events
Please ensure you have filled in your details overleaf, and send the completed form to: CWR, FREEPOST GI 1004, PO Box 230, Farnham, Surrey GU9 8BR, UK If you use a stamp it would help in defraying costs PAGE 30
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Torch Trust – Support For The Sight Loss Journey In the UK, over 100 people a day are told they are losing their sight – the number living with blindness or partial sight is growing dramatically as our population ages. There’s never been a greater need for companionship and support on that journey into the growing darkness. Torch Trust is a Christian organisation which has been working with blind and partially sighted people for over 52 years. It’s an innovative charity pursuing the aim of enabling people with sight loss to discover Christian faith and lead fulfilling lives.
The provision of accessible literature has always been a significant part of what Torch does. The literature team produces seven different magazines for blind and partially sighted adults and children which go out to readers in 100 countries. They also provide the Bible, Bible study material and devotional publications. What’s more, they run the largest Christian postallending library in Europe – all free to registered blind and partially sighted people. Well over 100 new Christian titles are added to the Torch Library every year.
Torch Trust partners with many Christian publishers, including CWR. Every Day With Jesus in audio format is very popular, going out regularly to blind subscribers on cassette and DAISY (a CD machine with extra features suitable for blind people) or streamable from the Torch website; and Torch are currently piloting this daily devotional on USB sticks. CWR titles also feature in the Torch lending library, in braille, giant print and audio, including several from the Cover to Cover range.
Becoming a Partner
Legacies
If you share the same values as CWR – the supremacy of Christ, the authority of Scripture and a commitment to excellence in everything, to name just a few – and you would like to play a significant part both prayerfully and financially in helping Christians around the world to grow in Christ, you might like to become a CWR Partner, receiving a regular letter. If so, please do get in touch with our Partnership Co-ordinator, Robin Pickford.
Have you considered including CWR in your will or estate? This can be a good way to invest spiritually in future generations.
Tick BOX 2 on order form or phone Robin Pickford on +44 (0)1252 784707
Tick BOX 3 on order form or phone Robin Pickford on +44 (0)1252 784707
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CWR diary highlights BIBLE DISCOVERY Bible Discovery Evening Classes – Exile and Coming Home (five Tuesday evenings)
Developing an Integrative Christian Approach to Counselling Mon–Thurs 6–9 August
Insight into Stress
LEADERSHIP Summer Evenings for Home Groups
Wed 13 and 27 June (FREE events)
1–29 May
Sat 11 August
Preaching with Colour
Discovering More About God’s Story
LIFE & DISCIPLESHIP
Leading Yourself – Church Leaders’ Forum
Thurs 10 May (Part 1)
Christ Empowered Living
Tues 11 September (Part 2)
Wed 2 May
Bible Discovery Weekend – ‘Nothing Can Stop the Gospel’
The One Big Question: The God of Love in a World of Suffering
Fri–Sun 22–24 June
Refreshing Your View of the Bible
Guest Speaker – Michael Baughen
Thurs 14 June
Thurs 5 July
Mentoring Others Tues 10 July
Small Group Leaders’ Evening Wed 11 July
Wed 6 June
Managing Your Time
WOMEN AT WAVERLEY
PASTORAL CARE AND COUNSELLING
Caring God’s Way
’Woman to Woman’ training course
Sat 23 June
Mon–Fri 16–20 July
Helping Families Heal
Marriage on Track
FOR TEACHERS
Money Matters
Education: A Christian Undertaking
Mon–Fri 23–27 July
Mon 21 May
Introduction to Biblical Care and Counselling Mon–Fri 28 May – 1 June or 13–17 August
Insight into Eating Disorders Sat 30 June
Insight into Self-harm
Thurs 7 June
Fri–Sun 29 June – 1 July Sat 14 July
Growing as They Grow Sat 21 July
Living Singly as God Intended
Wed 27 June
Effective RE Teaching – Equipping the Non-specialist Wed 4 July
Sat 18 August
Sat 14 July
Unless otherwise stated, all the events above are to take place at Waverley Abbey House, Farnham, Surrey, UK.
For full details visit www.cwr.org.uk or call +44 (0)1252 784719
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