Burning Issues - Origins

Page 1

BURNING flame ISSUES OCT 2012

international

PLUS ALL THE NEWS, UPDATES, REPORTS AND FEATURES YOU NEED


Life. Change. Hope.

Radio and media, bringing hope to the hard-to-reach peoples of the world. Please join us in prayer and ďƒžnancial support. www.feba.org.uk Facebook: FebaUK Twitter: @lifechangehope Phone: 01903 237281

Free video clips on USB Just email your name and address to:

info@feba.org.uk


flame international

BURNING ISSUES JUN 2012

Cover Image: Going back to the place where something begins. Jan Ransom tells us about Flame’s beginnings and Peter Grant encourages us to stay on course Designed and edited by spreadcommunications.co.uk

PLUS ALL THE NEWS, UPDATES, REPORTS AND FEATURES YOU NEED

CONTENTS 10.2012

04

Origins: Jan Ransom takes us back to our roots

08

Passing It On - now it’s your turn

11

Prayer Diary

15

3 Questions - Elisabeth Moksnes

16

Guest Writer: Peter Grant

20

Flame’s Summer of Fun!

18

Letters, News & Reviews

Flame International is a Christian ministry with a passion to reach out with God’s love to broken and hurting people, particularly those in the poorest countries of the world, and to see nations healed and walking in forgiveness and reconciliation. Through healing conferences, trauma workshops and prayer ministry, we equip and train leaders in the church, the military and in the wider society, to impact their communities.

PO BOX 424, Aldershot, GU11 9ER Tel: 01252 336509 www.flameinternational.org office@flameinternational.org Registered Charity Number 1096374

OPENING REMARKS

Well, what a summer we’ve had. First we had the tour with Brother Yun across the country to see him speak, pray and minister into many lives with such an incredible response. We’re grateful to those who came to see us and for your generosity. We’ve had many testimonies since the tour, sharing some of the impact and fruitfulness of our times together. Thank you to all those that helped on the tour in so many ways. Then it was off to New Wine! That was so much fun, with stands at both sites for the first time as well as seminars from Jan on Forgiveness and Healing The Land. It was great to meet so many of you and to make new friends. We hope you find Burning Issues inspiring and encouraging, and that the Lord continues to call you to greatness and to his mission field. Then there were the Olympics and Paralympics! And then Andy Murray!!!

UPCOMING EVENTS

10/11 Training Day - St. Paul’s Church, Camberley, Surrey 9.30am - 4pm 15-17 Feb 2013 10th Anniversary Supporters’ Weekend, Ashburnham Place, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 9NF

IN THE NEXT ISSUE

CELEBRATION! As Flame reaches its 10th Anniversary in 2013, we take time out to praise God for all his goodness. We choose to stir our hearts to worship in the great times and in the tough times, and to celebrate a decade of ministry to the broken-hearted children of God. www.flameinternational.org

10.2012Burning Issues

3


origins: taking the narrow

4

Burning Issues10.2012

www.flameinternational.org


“It’s been nearly ten years of learning to walk along narrow and treacherous paths.” Jan Ransom takes time to look back on a journey, walked with God, into the broken hearts of thousands suffering the effects of violence and war.

and healing and we know that this teaching is multiplied as testimony is given. Our very first mission trip, ten years ago, was just as Flame International was being birthed. Maggie Liggins and I were in Sarawak and after a miraculous journey, which gave us seats on an already ‘fully booked’ nine-seater aircraft, As I reflect on all the Lord has done since the head man of the village came to the Flame was birthed, I just want to celebrate conference and humbled himself to be prayed and “rejoice in the Lord always, and I say it for. The Holy Spirit moved around the room again: Rejoice!” The countries that we have and as we prayed people’s backs, knees, and ministered in, from Sarawak and Brunei in eyesight were healed. We saw the manifest Borneo to Sierra Leone, Burundi, Rwanda, glory of Jesus that day. After the conference Northern Uganda, South Sudan, Kenya, two people reported they had seen flames the Democratic Republic of Congo and the coming from the tops of the heads of those Republic of Congo in Africa, then across China being prayed for and ‘Flame International’ into the West Bank and finally Armenia - we came fully into being. Since then we have have gone to places we never imagined doors taken teams of radical Christians to minister would open. Yet the verse which was given to the nations. to us on our first mission trip to Borneo was When we started we thought the ministry Revelation 3:7: “These are the was to women and undertook words of him who is holy and “What he opens no women’s ministry but when true, who holds the key of one can shut, and we were holding our first David. What he opens no one what he shuts no conference in Sierra Leone can shut, and what he shuts no with 250 war widows, the one can open.” one can open.” And what doors chaplains said, “Why are the the Lord has opened for us! We have to pinch men not hearing this teaching? Please return ourselves sometimes to believe it’s real. to minister to the men.” A year later we came Flame International has a ministry that brings back to minister to a conference with over healing to the broken hearted, we see enormous 200 leaders from the church, the military, the pain in people that have been traumatised by police and government ministers. We saw the war, genocide and oppression. strategic opportunity to minister to leaders We minister mainly to those and see the work multiplied through them. We who live in poverty yet we have now minister mostly to leaders but we never had audiences with Queens, forget the women who are most important Presidents and Prime Ministers; and influential in those societies. Generals and Brigadiers in the military and a good number of Anglican Archbishops and Since the Lord called us into Africa we have Bishops across Africa. It’s not that we need seen countless miracles of healing. What is their favour but when we get their approval exciting is that the ministry continues even and spiritual authority to work in their nation when we are not there. We recently received it gives accountability, credibility and authority a testimony from a conference in Kajo Keji, to the ministry. South Sudan. The Flame teams were all in the We have seen so many miracles of forgiveness UK but the conference was attended by many

path

www.flameinternational.org

10.2012Burning Issues

5


that we’d trained. “The good Lord had been and ground has been fertile which had not so gracious with us in Liwolo convention,” previously been so. We take every opportunity reported Reverend Joseph. “The presence to help people to bring healing to their land. of God was felt and his glory overshadowed This is a ministry of extraordinary importance his people. We estimated 3-4 thousands but to every nation. practically we have 7,242 more than the number we had last year in Kiri. Hundreds of We are keen to develop a ministry to grow people had physical healing, people came out young pioneers and so we are taking young openly to forgive their enemies including the people aged 18-30 to war-torn countries to paramount chief of Liwolo. Thousands were experience the healing ministry. They also take broken throughout the convention - tears creative gifting and teach sport to the youth of could not cease from their eyes from section to the country. We have had two such missions section and we witnessed people delivered and and seek to grow this ministry so that we have healed from trauma, and evil spirits. Liwolo, people envisioned to carry the baton forward. in the history of our nation in their quest for As a ministry we are growing and working liberty, had been a battlefield and a major alongside church leaders in the nations that training field for soldiers. Also in I have mentioned. Some of “This is the the first war of 1956-1972 and our work is with underground fruit of Flame of 1983-2005, the community churches in the persecuted witnessed a lot of mob justice, International’s church that we cannot even ministry” rape and witchcraft. After the speak about, but we see now lesson of cleansing the land, the that the Lord has been blessing church and the government took responsibility our ministry in an extraordinary way. by confessing sins that were committed on the However as a ministry we have been coming land and cleanse the land by marching through under attack and 2012 has been a year of the land, which had been a battle point where brokenness for some of our trustees and 250 people perished. People of Liwolo are very people that work on our mission team. The happy, hopes are raised that good things are ministry is costly to us and we have had to lean going to come out.” on the Lord in a deeper way in our personal walk. Isaiah 50:10-11 is helpful as we are This is the fruit of Flame International’s ministry! being reminded to trust in God and not take matters into our own hands >>> The work of Flame has seen extraordinary miracles of healing, forgiveness and In Flame International we have the privilege of reconciliation, but one of our passions is to working in the resurrection power of the Lord teach into healing the land and as a result we Jesus Christ whilst having to remain at the foot have seen miracles on the land where rain has of his cross in our daily lives. It is an exciting, come when there was drought, floods have if sometimes painful, walk but one those receded which were devastating the land, connected with the ministry are asked to take. 6

Burning Issues10.2012

www.flameinternational.org


ORIGINS: TAKING THE NARROW PATH

“

Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the word of his servant? Let the one who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the LORD and rely on their God. But now, all you who light fires and provide yourselves with flaming torches, go, walk in the light of your fires and of the torches you have set ablaze. This is what you shall receive from my hand: you will lie down in torment. Isaiah 50:10-11

www.flameinternational.org

�

10.2012Burning Issues

7


PASSING IT ON

BRINGI Flame International’s vision, to pass on Jesus’ mission of hope, reconciliation and healing to thousands, extends beyond the conferences, workshops and schools run in post-conflict areas such as South Sudan, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Rwanda. It extends into one of the hardest to reach communities we face today - our own people right here in the UK. Flame’s mission volunteers are delighted to see the emotional, physical and spiritual healing the Lord Jesus brings as they share his love with conference and workshop delegates who are hurting and broken. They recognise they are part of something much more profound; the Lord Jesus is restoring individuals, communities and nations - and they often return home to weep for their own families, friends and neighbours who are also in pain and need God’s restoring touch. In response to this heart cry, Flame are now available to equip your church ministry team in the UK - with the teaching and tools that have enabled the remarkable transformations that we have seen in the lives of some of the

world’s most traumatised people - for use on the mission field and in your own community. The causes of people’s wounds and hurts in the UK may be different from those in war torn areas but the painful effects are often similar. We see a growing number of people around us dealing with the rejection that comes from the absence of a parent; some lack confidence following a traumatic incident long after the physical wounds have healed and many carry around the suppressed needs of broken hearts, wounded spirits and grief. The same biblical truths that we teach around the world can be applied to bring Jesus’ healing to hurting people in this country and envision them to pass on what they have learnt to others. If you have a passion and a vision to see those who are wounded and hurting healed and released in Jesus name, then this is for you. When overseas Flame uses a tried and tested model, including healing conferences, Bible-based teaching modules and prayer ministry workshops. We cover topics such as

“...to preach the good news to the poor, to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind and to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour...” Luke 4 18-19

8

Burning Issues10.2012

www.flameinternational.org


GING IT HOME forgiveness, reconciliation, healing the human spirit, freedom from fear and healing the land. These have equipped local church leaders with the knowledge and skills to pass on what they have learnt to their struggling communities.

Flame is now offering to run one-day healing conferences in your church where people can experience the love of Jesus through biblical teaching and healing prayer. These events will also provide basic training for those who want to come on Flame mission trips and a foundation for your own church healing ministry. If you and your church are interested in hosting a healing conference then please contact the Flame International office (details on pg3).

Our Area Representatives are happy to come and speak to churches and small groups about Flame’s work. Contact the office if you would like to invite us to an event.

NEXT TRAINING EVENT >>>>>>

DOES THE LAND SPEAK TODAY? Saturday 10th November 2012 10am-4pm St. Paul’s Church, Camberley, Surrey, GU15 2AD

www.flameinternational.org

Suitable for those who are new to Flame’s teaching and those who are already familiar with the topics.

10.2012Burning Issues

9


PHOTOFEATURE

Secondary school pupils in Nzara, South Sudan happily take part in an exercise of forgiveness when Flame’s Generation Y team pay them a visit with drama and teaching. 10

Burning Issues10.2012

www.flameinternational.org


Prayer

Diary October 2012 - January 2013

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful Colossians 4:2

www.flameinternational.org

10.2012Burning Issues

11


Thank you for supporting us in prayer. Please feel free to remove this guide if you’d like to place it in your Bible. 07 Oct: Give thanks for the Gen Y team and the great opportunity to minister to the youth in Kajo Keji. Pray for refreshment and restoration and for the youth in Kajo Keji to hold onto the hope that is theirs in Christ Jesus. Give thanks for the WES Healing the Land conference. Pray for Bishop Samuel and fruit that lasts. Pray for Nick Shenow (Trustee) and Sarah May who get married on 13 October. 14 Oct: Pray for Jan, Val, Rosemary and Pauline in Burundi as they prepare for the school to start on Monday, for the students who have been selected to attend, and for us all to prepare our hearts to receive the fullness of God. Pray for a release of funds from the Barnabas Fund to assist the work in DR Congo. 21 Oct: Pray for the Burundi team and students to rest today before going into the second week of the school; for unity in the team and with the students and for protection against sickness for them and their families. Pray for a good meeting with Archbishop Bernard as the way ahead is discussed. 28 Oct: Pray for restoration for the team returning from Burundi. Pray that we will know God’s will and purpose for future ministry in Burundi - how and where he wants Flame to work. 12

Burning Issues10.2012

www.flameinternational.org

04 Nov: For Bishop Sylvestre and Bukavu Diocese, DR Congo as the people continue to suffer deep wounds from the fighting. Pray for peace in the region and God’s protection over them. Pray for a productive Flame training day on Saturday 10 Nov at St Paul’s Church, Camberley. 11 Nov: For the Armed Forces on this Remembrance Day; particularly for those on operations and their families back home. 18 Nov: For our contacts in the Far East and the opportunity to extend our ministry in the region. Please hold our Chinese partners in prayer as they progress God’s work in South Sudan. Pray for a small team who will be visiting China from 21 Nov – 5 Dec that they will be protected and make good relationships. 25 Nov: As action is taken to follow-up New Wine contacts, pray for fruit and for Brenda as she encourages the Area Reps and builds relationships with churches and organisations. Pray for invitations from churches to run Mission Training Days. 02 Dec: For the Trustees and their families, Mark, Maggie, Richard, Jeremy, Nick, Val, Anne and Jan, particularly Anne Horrobin and Rosie Leakey, as they recover from heart issues.


PRAYER DIARY: OCT 2012 - JAN 2013

09 Dec: For the Trustee meeting on Friday. Ask for wisdom and discernment as decisions are made, and for wise stewardship of all that God gives to us, particularly as we discuss new ways of fundraising. 16 Dec: Pray for partnerships with business and Charitable Trusts as Paul pursues suitable contacts. Give thanks for the partnerships we already enjoy as we are enabled to serve those in great need overseas. 23 Dec: Give thanks for Valerie Thomas who has given faithful and valuable service to Flame and seen us through the early years. Pray she will be enriched in her ministry. Pray for our pastors, Ken and Jean; for our co-workers, Les, Brenda, Joy, Natalie, Gareth, Simon, Paul, and all our valued supporters who pray, donate and participate.

13 Jan: For Armenia and our contacts in the churches, and the opportunity to return. Pray for the situation in Israel and for the opportunity to visit this year. 20 Jan: For the Supporters Weekend at Ashburnham Place 15-17 Feb. This is our 10th Anniversary celebration. Pray for the preparations and for all the places to be filled. Pray for Canon David Hughes, our speaker for the weekend. 27 Jan: As we approach our 10th Anniversary, give thanks for God’s goodness and faithfulness to us. He has taken us to new heights, new depths, and shown us amazing grace and love. Pray we remain open to his call upon this ministry.

30 Dec: Pray for the President of Burundi, Pierre Nkurunziza, as he lifts the name of Jesus over Burundi at his bi-annual celebration of thanksgiving. Pray for an opportunity to teach on Healing the Land and to work with the military. 06 Jan: Pray for the missions this year as we wait on God for direction. We are seeking the Lord’s priority for new work in South Sudan. Pray for stability in eastern DR Congo and a confidence that enables ourselves and others to resume the work. www.flameinternational.org

10.2012Burning Issues

13


Prayer Diary Notes:

ce spa r s i h ou se t thing s u ua se d any o a y e l e r P v and eco t gi to r r migh r us - o us he ay fo on t Fat pr it you e pass ffice! o s plea at the 14

Burning Issues10.2012

www.flameinternational.org

Q


Q& A

THREE QUESTIONS... Can you tell us about your vision, and subsequent passion, for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)? Six years ago I was in my apartment reading an article about the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was about the war and about the lack of information about the conflict. I did not know much about the situation and I was surprised and also ashamed that I had not heard about it before. I started to cry and I couldn`t stop. I think God put some of his love and passion for the people of Congo inside my heart that day and it is still there. I felt that I needed to pray for my sisters and brothers and I also had to kneel down and pray to God for forgiveness because I had forgotten them.

We asked ELISABETH MOKSNES how she came to dedicate herself to intercede for the people of one of the world’s most violent countries.

Elisabeth lives in Oslo, Norway where she teaches 9-year old children. She is a member of her local Vineyard church, plays the piano and the guitar and loves to sing.

What have you done to support the people of DRC? I started to pray for DRC six years ago and also collected money for a refugee camp. One day I felt that God was calling me to fast and pray for the Congo one day every week - it’s been six years now. I have also been so privileged to go on two mission trips with Flame International. It has been such a joy to meet some of my sisters and brothers, to see them, talk with them and see what God is doing in their lives. God gave me a song for DRC that is about his love for them and that there is a new season of hope. So you think there is a hopeful future for the people of DRC? Oh yes, there is a future for the people of DRC. There has been, and still is, so much darkness in that country. But Jesus is our hope and our light. And I think God is longing for the people of DRC to know that they are loved and that they will be set free, that they are not forgotten by God and that there is healing for his people. Nothing is impossible for God and we can boldly pray for our sisters and brothers in DRC and believe that he will hear our prayers and answer them. www.flameinternational.org

10.2012Burning Issues

15


GUEST WRITER: PETER GRANT

Ma aC di 16

Burning Issues10.2012

www.flameinternational.org


aintaining Christian istinctive In this article, guest author, Peter Grant from Restored, reflects on the priorities of a Christian organisation and why it is so difficult to maintain a Christian distinctive.

A wave of Western Christian missionaries followed William Carey’s lead in the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. They were holistic in their outlook. Missionaries built schools, developed businesses, supported hospitals and transformed communities. At the centre of their work, however, was the proclamation of the gospel, and a passion to see people converted to Christ, saved from hell and discipled to be lifelong followers of Jesus.

Turning the clock forward to the second half of the twentieth century, we see a global explosion of development and humanitarian work which continues to this day. Christians were prominent in this movement, but many churches in the West had lost their confidence in the power of the gospel. Much of the good work was done by Christians, but ceased to be distinctively Christian in its approach, or to have a significant spiritual dimension. www.flameinternational.org

10.2012Burning Issues

17


Many organisations that started with a strong Christian ethos have become more secular over time. Why is it so hard to maintain a Christian distinctive? The answers are many and include: • The spiritual battle which rages, whether we acknowledge it or not. • The pressures to conform to the values of society around us. • The constraints sometimes imposed by seeking additional funds from secular sources. • Laws that make it hard to employ Christian staff. • The loss of spiritual focus that can follow the death or retirement of a founder. More recently, agencies such as Tearfund have sought to redress the balance by developing the idea of “integral mission” that focuses on both spiritual and physical transformation, built around the role of the local church. Tearfund has traditionally valued both professional excellence and spiritual passion. It is possible, but it is hard. If we look at the spending of Western Christians on overseas work, it is very strongly focussed on poverty reduction, often through development agencies, and the support of international staff, many of whom work primarily in technical or developmental roles. Many of these individuals are also involved in church planting and discipleship,

but this is often not their main focus. As Christians, our unique message is Jesus. He is able to save individuals, to turn their lives around and to bring reconciliation to communities. Many good things follow when individuals and communities turn to Christ, in terms of education and development, but if we concentrate on the latter, and lose our focus on Jesus, then we cease to be distinctively Christian. At Restored, we believe that the gospel and the example of Jesus are central to ending violence against women. Flame’s focus on prayer, evangelism, reconciliation and spiritual warfare are at the core of the gospel and mirror Jesus’ own ministry. I am not opposed to Christians undertaking development work, indeed much of my life has been spent doing just that, but as Christian organisations we need to be in that challenging place where we are unashamed of Christ, his gospel and his ways of working. I believe that there is a strong case for rebalancing the way Christians give financially towards those approaches which are distinctively Christian, and which will not be funded from any other sources. Flame International’s focus on Jesus is precious. How will you maintain this spiritual passion into the future? The answers are the basic ones we know from our own Christian lives – staying close to God, not getting proud, relying on prayer, working on the basis of faith and obedience, being open to his guidance

“As Christians, our unique message is Jesus.”

18

Burning Issues10.2012

www.flameinternational.org


GUEST WRITER: PETER GRANT

and ensuring that people involved with the organisation, from trustees to volunteers and including the next generation of leaders, share this commitment to Jesus. It may also mean looking increasingly to leadership from developing nations, where churches are enduring persecution and have not lost their passion for Christ. God will use those who are faithful to him and not ashamed of the gospel. Let’s ensure we are counted among that number.

“My prayer is that Flame will be burning just as brightly for Jesus in the years to come as it is now, and that no-one will ever be able to say that you have lost your Christian distinctive.”

Peter Grant is the co-founder and Co-Director of Restored, an international Christian alliance working to transform relationships and end violence against women. Flame International is a founder member of Restored. Peter is married to Stella and they are both members of Streatham Baptist Church in South London. Peter is a former International Director, both for the Department for International Development in the UK Government, and of Tearfund, a UK-based Christian development agency. Peter’s life was turned upside down in 2008 by the testimony of a female survivor of sexual violence. He believes that God’s heart is broken by violence against women and that the gospel and the model of Jesus are the answer. You can find out more about Restored at: www.restoredrelationships.org www.flameinternational.org

10.2012Burning Issues

19


FLAME’S SUMMER OF FUN: stands & seminars “Flame International stood out yet again in The Marketplace, New Wine’s resource exhibition area, at our Summer Conference. Their stand at our Shepton Mallet event invited delegates to sit in a canoe and take part in a Wii rowing game as their team called people to “pull for us this year”. At our Newark conference, delegates had the chance to test their reflexes in a hand/eye reaction game that was a conversation starter on the subject of the shocking condition lives are left in following conflict in a nation. Many people took part and it was a really colourful as well as thought provoking addition to The Marketplace. They’ve got some excellent marketing brains at work at Flame. Great stuff!” - Jeremy, New Wine Team

20

Burning Issues10.2012

www.flameinternational.org


s at NEW WINE AND on tour WITH BROTHER YUN “I was really blessed by Brother Yun’s ministry but also really impressed with Flame International’s and your personal ministry through that. We really appreciated your vision and leadership among the people of Africa and many others. It was a great pleasure and an immense blessing to have you with us. I hope that we can do that again some other time. The Holy Spirit’s presence was so evident throughout, especially at the end when people came forward to be filled, re-filled, blessed or to receive Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. May the Lord continue to bless you and fill your lives with his joy.” - Rev Emilian Cirtina, Lancaster Baptist Church

www.flameinternational.org

10.2012Burning Issues

21


LETTERS to Flame... Dear Flame, I’m not sure why I cried like I did last Sunday night when Brother Yun came to Sheffield, but I felt complete love and reassurance and I was kneeling down. Though I have known that God loves people and am happy to tell other people that he does, I didn’t believe that it really applied to me. Over the last few years I felt that I had been getting words from God that he had ‘something special’ planned, and that my life would be different and unique but I felt confusion as I didn’t know how that fitted in with the A level choices I was making or the GCSEs I was taking. On Sunday night God confirmed to me that he completely loves me. I also felt strong pins and needles in my legs as I was praying specifically for guidance on my future. I also felt like God was telling me, “You won’t be happy, and you won’t fulfil my purpose for you if you stay where you are. You need to get up and walk.” I feel that, especially after hearing about the work of Flame International and Back to Jerusalem, God has really called me to international mission. Though this doesn’t make A-level choices any easier, it means that what happens after that is safely in God’s hands! :) Becky, Sheffield

Dear Becky, thank you so much for your message. It’s wonderful to see how God is working in your life and we pray that he continues to make your path clear as you consider his call to international mission. In fact, we know a great short-term mission organisation that would be delighted to talk to you about coming on a trip!!! We’ll send you a signed copy of Brother Yun’s latest book to inspire and encourage you. Flame International 22

Burning Issues10.2012

www.flameinternational.org

Send your letter to us at the office by post or on email and we’ll send a small gift to the writer of our ‘star letter’.

Dear Flame, my two sons and I visited your stand at New Wine in the summer and we loved it. Not only were the people who manned the stand lovely, but your canoe/Wii boat game was a huge hit with my boys who insisted on going back to it every day! It meant that I got to chat with your team a little bit more each day and find out about your amazing work. Brilliant idea to have the Wii game - if you hadn’t it would have been yet another stall that we’d have drifted by. Susannah, Surrey Dear Flame, thanks Jan for your excellent talk on the cost of forgiveness at New Wine North on Sunday 29 July. It was funny, deep and incredibly moving at the same time. Thanks again. Simon Dear Flame, ever since reading your last news email, part of a poem has been going round in my head called The Congo by Vachel Lindsay. Reading the whole poem now, a long one, seems to indicate that this came about through the prayers of folk miles away, and it concludes with “Mumbo Jumbo is dead in the jungle” and is a lovely picture of a redeemed nation. Then I saw the Congo creeping through the black Cutting through the jungle with a golden track And the grey sky opened like a new rent veil And showed the apostles in the coats of mail. In bright white steel they were seated round And their fire eyes watched where the Congo wound. And the twelve apostles from their thrones on high Thrilled all the forest with their heavenly cry “Mumbo Jumbo will die in the jungle; Never again will he hoo-doo you, Never again will he hoo-doo you.”

It has been so persistently in my mind that I felt I must send it to you, as a bit of hope. Alexine


TH NOVEMBER THE LAND SPEAK TODAY?2AD 10 0am - 4.00pm TRAINING DAY - DOESMB 9.3 15 GU REY ST PAULS CHURCH, CA ERLEY, SUR NEWS & REVIEWS

The Nearly Perfect Crime-Francis MacNutt (Chosen Books) On entering the pastoral ministry, Francis MacNutt faced people who, though Christians and having received years of psychiatric help, pastoral care and psychotherapy, were no more than clinging to life. “I continued to wonder how all this fit into Christianity. Were there vast numbers of people...who were doomed to live their lives in quiet desperation...were we simply destined to be chaplains to the well adjusted?” So began a journey through baptism in the Spirit, into the Spiritual gifts and a broad healing ministry. On the way he examined why the church had let go of the ministry of healing which had been standard fare until the conversion of Constantine. He writes of the changes respectability brought to the church, of the accelerated decline in the healing ministry caused by the theology of such church notables as Augustine, Calvin and John Nelson Darby. Church is what he describes as “the nearly perfect crime”. But only nearly perfect. He writes also of its recovery, largely as a result of the Pentecostal movement of latter years, and states his deep belief that healing, as a gift of the Spirit, is intricately connected with God’s purposes for his children and with the filling of the Holy Spirit. Flame mission teams regularly see healing of all kinds but to many of us they are exceedingly rare and we wonder why. We need to hear what Dr MacNutt has to say. He sums it up in this, “We are now able to help those very people we once thought were nearly hopeless. Through prayer, real miracles of healing take place-physical healings and, above all, spiritual and psychological.” Jonathan Liggins

~Than

k You~ A huge than k you to all those who helped us on the Brother Yu n tour and at New Wine. It was great to see Flame out and abou t in such an amazing way and touching so many lives .

AIL: : ON EM le mirac

First oung y seven accepted e l p eir peo nto th i s u s Je o in Kaj lives ! y oda Keji t the Lord! e Prais

SCAn me with your smart >>> phone QR reader

Burning Issues is available to view, download or print online. Send the link to your family and friends! Join us on Facebook while you’re at it!

flame international

BURNING ISSUES JUN 2012

A BIG SHOUT OUT to Nissa & Heather for raising over £200 for Flame at New Wine with their 10-hour sponsored arm-link!!! Thank you. PLUS ALL THE NEWS, UPDATES, REPORTS AND FEATURES YOU NEED

15-17 February 2013 flame international

! nd ke e e W ’ rs e rt o p p u S ry a rs e 10th Anniv

“Enlarge the Place of Your Tent” To celebrate Flame International’s 10th Anniversary, you are invited to attend a special supporters’ weekend at Ashburnham Place, East Sussex.

We’re excited to have Canon David Hughes as our resident bible teacher who, with expert knowledge and heaps of humour, will challenge us on how we go forward and how we can continue to grow. Come and celebrate all the Lord has achieved through 10 years of ministry to war-torn and oppressed countries.

BOOK NOW!!! see flyer or online for details>>>> www.flameinternational.org

10.2012Burning Issues

23


                                     

    

    







 




Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.