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RELATIONAL
LEADERSHIP PRAYER ...
CREATIVE IDEAS
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CAPTIVATING PHOTOGRAPHER KERI SHAY SHARES HER STORY
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review
esion Prayer e n i ss sK t i o mm C n t o re a
y i c s of G Arem am Dyn
livipeture A h t i Fahythms of Scr R
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by Janet Munn and Stephen Court
by Lucille L. Turfrey
Army on its Knees is a Holy Spirit-inspired book from beginning to end! it is very useful for personal development and equally as useful in a small group setting. Written with passion, you cannot help but catch the urging and focus of the writers to engage with God. throughout the book there is a persistent plea to seek God’s face, and although Army on its Knees is particularly focused towards the Salvation Army it is equally relevant to any church seeking spiritual renewal.
the book is a fine collection of lyric poetry or song-poems compiled for use in personal devotions or as part of public worship.
A highlight is the final chapter, ‘the place where God dwells: a house of prayer for all nations’. this chapter explores God’s dwelling place and brought fresh understanding of God’s Word to me. throughout the book there are many ‘how to’ pray explanations which are very clearly set out, all firmly based on Scripture, and there is a beautiful blend of ancient and modern writings, bringing variety and depth.
the poems are born from personal experience and divine inspiration, many of which have been composed in the writer’s prayer room and used for worship during the course of her extensive ministry. Her appointment as training principal in russia was the catalyst for much of the poetry contained in faith Alive. Each poem has a lyrical quality and strong rhythmic pattern, meaning they have a dual function and can either be read or sung. A useful index of metrical data is provided which helps in the selection of suitable Salvation Army tunes for accompaniment. the poems are drawn from Scripture, linked to the Salvation Army soldiers’ Articles of faith, and cover a broad range of topics. this poetry is suitable for use in a number of different settings – from small informal house-groups to larger congregations in more formal settings. in addition to this, the song-poems can be used for times of reflection and to enhance worship.
Even the appendix makes good reading as the General’s invitation to the Worldwide Prayer meeting joins with the plea of the book itself. this book is inspirational and compels the reader to invest time and energy to join an Army on its Knees.
faith Alive is a well-designed resource and a must for every bookshelf.
Major Julie Forrest
Major Sandra Welch
PErSoNAL ASSiStANt to WorLd PrESidENt of WomEN’S miNiStriES iNtErNAtioNAL HEAdQUArtErS
Editor – The Officer iNtErNAtioNAL HEAdQUArtErS
www.amazon.co.uk ihq-editorial@salvationarmy.org or your nearest Salvation Army Supplies or Trade
2 Revive
Salvo Publishing - National Editorial Department Australia Southern Territory www.salvationarmy.com.au/supplies
22 FEAtuRES 05 Captivating Images
18
PHotoGrAPHEr KEri SHAy SHArES HEr Story
11 Prayer and Fasting BiBLE StUdy
REAL LIFE
revive@salvationarmy.org
APRIL-JUNE 2012
15 Totally Available my Story
CREAtIvE PRAYER IDEAS 19 Tortilla Memory 20 More Than Gold Prayer 21 Standing at the Door
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22 Come and See
In EvERY ISSuE
CoLumnS
02 Book Review
10 The Relational Leader
04 Editorial
LEAdErSHiP
18 The Prayer House
17 Deepening our Spiritual Life
23 Coming events/iQuote
SPiritUAL LifE
15 23
All Bible quotations throughout this edition of revive are from the New international Version 2011 unless stated otherwise tm - the message, GW - God’s Word, NASB - New American Standard Bible, NKSV - New King James Version, KJV - King James Version, GNB - Good News Bible, NLt - New Living translation
Front cover: Photo of child in Southern India taken by Keri Shay Back cover: 1 Thessalonians 5:17 in English and Korean, illustration by Berni Georges
A RESOURCE MAGAZINE FOR WOMEN IN MINISTRY AND MISSION Publisher: Commissioner Sue Swanson, World President of Women’s Ministries Communications Secretary, Editor-in-Chief, Literary Secretary, IHQ: Lieut-Colonel Laurie Robertson Editor: Lieut-Colonel Simone Robertson Designer: Berni Georges © Linda Bond, General of The Salvation Army, 2012 Founders of the Salvation Army: William and Catherine Booth Printed in the UK by Lamport Gilbert Printers Ltd
CONTACT eMAiL ADDReSS: revive@salvationarmy.org
tHE SALvAtIon ARmY international Headquarters 101 Queen Victoria Street London eC4V 4eH United Kingdom
Articles on any subject of interest to women in ministry are welcomed by the editor. to send an article, write to revive@salvationarmy.org Subscription details at: http://sar.my/revsubu (revive subscription UK) http://sar.my/revsubo (revive subscription overseas)
Revive 3
editorial
relationally speaking Lieut-Colonel Simone Robertson
‘A
re you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly’ (Matthew 11:28-30 TM). I maintain a close relationship with God by doing my best to live out what is outlined in the Scripture above. My approach is summed up in the words, ‘…Walk with me and work with me… keep company with me…’. Staying connected to God, no matter what is happening in my life, is simply to be in a love relationship with him. I know God loves me, and my response is to love him in return through the way I live my life, which also involves much listening and talking to him.
RN A ‘LE 4 Revive
EDITOR
Daily there are people I pray for, not in the form of a structured, written down list, but God brings to my mind people for whom I have the privilege of being an intercessor. I love lifting people before the throne of grace in prayer. When Laurie (my husband) and I lead meetings I often prepare a little gift to give everyone present which reinforces the theme of the meeting. As I prepare the gifts I pray for all who will be receiving them. Since being in London I travel on the train to and from the office. I often use this
’ FORCED RHYTHMS OF GRACE E UN H T
time to read the Bible on my iPod and it is amazing how many times a particular verse has been just what was needed for myself or to pass on to a colleague. For me the best and most logical way to live out the international Vision Plan One Army mission priorities – ‘We will deepen our spiritual life and unite in prayer’ – is to connect with God relationally through praying with others and by continually communicating with him. As you join me in reading this edition of Revive I pray you will become absorbed in the many stories of women who live out their relationship with God. May you be challenged by the Bible study resource – ‘Prayer and Fasting’ – and enjoy the captivating images taken by photographer Keri Shay of her journey with God, as well as her honest answers to some personal questions that she shares with us in the feature article. There are also four pages of ‘creative prayer ideas’ that you can use personally or in a group. Additionally our two columnists challenge us to be ‘relational leaders’ and to ‘deepen our spiritual life’. I pray we live out the Scripture ‘Never stop praying’ (1 Thessalonians 5:17 GW). Let’s do this together! Joyfully serving Jesus
feature
CAPTIVATING
IMAGES
‘While visiting Faisalabad, Pakistan, I photographed a mother and child programme run by The Salvation Army. I noticed the light coming in from the door, so I tried to catch it in this photo. This mother was very kind and gentle and I could tell that she was concerned about getting the best care for her child.’
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‘This photo was taken at a dynamic Home League meeting in Hyderabad, Pakistan.’
KEri SHAy is the winner of the international Headquarters All the World Photographic Competition 2011. She is a freelance photographer living in Seoul, Korea, but originally from Chicago, illinois, USA. When did you realise you had a passion for photography and how have you developed your expertise in this field? KS I took a photography class in high school and the first picture I ever took in that class was of a wall. It wasn’t very captivating! But it means a lot to me as I look back now and see where God has taken this gift. As my interest grew, I discovered that the only way to get better
was to just keep snapping photos. It’s not like I just picked up a camera and was able to take professional images. I studied photography in college and invested in many different trips in order to pursue this passion. I went to Haiti, as a freshman in college, to photograph a Salvation Army children’s home that needed photos for sponsorship. This trip really changed my CoNtiNUEd oN PAGE 8
Revive 5
feature
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‘I was part of a team from USA Central Territory visiting corps, hospitals, children’s homes and tsunami relief villages in Southern India. This girl with flowers in her hair was dressed up for a welcome dance. When I see this photo I am reminded of how beautiful Indian culture is, but more than that, this photo serves as a milestone in my journey as a photographer. This inspired me to really develop myself as a portrait photographer and continue to attempt to tell a story through the portrait I was taking. It's a blessing to look back and see how much the Lord has taught me!’
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‘These photos were taken in Islamabad, Pakistan. Right next to a wealthy area in Islamabad, is a community called France Colony. This is a very poor area, as shown in the photos, and it is made up of Christians. The Salvation Army is in this community and I was able to photograph the corps and some programmes that take place there. I felt so safe here amongst believers. Maybe to the world this area would be considered one of the most undesirable places to live, yet the people have a hope in Jesus Christ that this world can't offer or compare to. These photos remind me of James 2:5 "Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?" I was so blessed to have visited that place and was encouraged in my faith by the richness in Christ the people possess.’
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‘My time in Korea is precious to me because God has repeatedly shown his faithfulness through various experiences and relationships. The woman in this photo is a dear friend of mine who I captured on her wedding day. This image is much more than a wedding portrait, but a testimony of God’s faithfulness and love during my time in Korea.’
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‘This photo is special to me because it reminds me of an incredible worship service I was part of in Pakistan. I took it at a corps outside of Lahore on a Sunday morning, when the Pakistan Territorial Commander, Colonel Robert Ward, was visiting for the worship service. The girl in this photo welcomed us – along with many others – with songs, dances and flowers. I wanted to capture her beauty and sincerity – I think it comes out in her eyes.’
‘I have developed an interest in food photography. I have appreciated the opportunities God has given me to photograph food because I have been able to grow as an artist – it is actually quite difficult and I wouldn't say I'm well trained in the field! I appreciate the challenge it brings and I know that the knowledge I gain will spill over into other areas of my photography. If you're trying to grow as a photographer, I would suggest trying to photograph food, you'll be stretched as an artist!’ Revive 7
feature ‘The Territorial Headquarters in Pakistan is an amazing place that immediately felt like home to me! It’s a community of people living and working for God’s kingdom. Along with various officers and staff living on the compound are these children who live at the girls’ home there. I was able to take this photo of them having fun together as they arrived home from school. As you can see they have the joy of the Lord in their hearts!’
CoNtiNUEd from PAGE 5
life and gave me a vision for what God wanted me to do with my photos. I want to show others God’s heart through his people and that’s why I mostly concentrate on portraits. He’s given me a passion for his people. Do you have a purpose in taking photos? If so, what is it, and how do you try to achieve it? KS Hopefully the photos I take have more meaning than just good lighting or composition. I truly want to share people’s stories and heart with others. When I’m shooting a project or person I try to first understand my surroundings or subject in order to best capture what is going on. Whether it’s a school or someone specifically, I try to take time to get to know what I’m photographing. How does photography enhance your relationship with God? KS Photography, for me, is one way I can worship God. He has given me an opportunity to serve him through this medium and I take the responsibility very seriously. Through various photography focused projects and trips I have been on I have seen myself grow in my relationship with the Lord. He’s been with me every step of the way and that intimacy felt with him through those experiences is a treasure for me. God deserves the highest praise and I hope that the photos I take bring all the glory to him.
What kinds of comments do people give you regarding your photographs? KS Recently I was told, ‘Your ability to capture a deeper sense of people in your photo portraits, makes us feel connected to the faces and souls of folks from around the world.’ I often receive comments like this and it confirms that I’m where I’m supposed to be on this photography journey. People often express to me that they are blessed to connect with their brothers and sisters in Christ around the world through the different photographs.
obstacle trying to maintain a job for my livelihood and then go on photography assignments. That might seem like a Sunday school answer, but it really has been God and his assurance that have helped me overcome these stumbling blocks. When the world has told me to refocus my goals for photography instead of using them to further his Kingdom, the Lord assured me that the path I’m pursuing does bear fruit. I know that the most important thing in my life is staying connected to Jesus and staying on his path for me.
Have there been any times when you have felt afraid? If so, when, where and why? If not, why not? KS After the earthquake in Japan, I was asked to travel to Sendai with a Salvation Army team from Korea to photograph the relief effort. I think that was the only time I’ve ever felt afraid, just because of the radiation concern. But there is a test that you take for radiation at the airport when entering Korea, so that gave me more peace of mind after I got the all clear.
Do you have any advice for people wanting to use photographs in spreading the message of Jesus in printed formats, on websites and in social media? If so what is it? KS Remember who you’re doing it for! It’s a temptation to find your identity in the art you put out there, but as Christians we know where it all comes from. I would say it’s important to keep up with your medium and not to settle for how you’ve always produced art. Study your field and keep practising it so you can use it to serve God better. Instead of feeling discouraged that there will always be people better than you at photography or design, be encouraged and grow yourself as an artist. We know God deserves our best, so commit what you do to the Lord and pursue excellence in that given area.
What have been the obstacles you have had to overcome to achieve your goals? KS Photography is not the easiest field to enter because it is extremely competitive and requires patience as you try to improve yourself as an artist, and get your work. There’s really no money involved in the work I try to do with photography, so it has been an
‘I TRY TO FIRST UNDERSTAND MY SUBJECT IN ORDER TO BEST CAPTURE WHAT IS GOING ON’ 8 Revive
Imagine you were given permission to place a photograph anywhere in the world - what would the photo be, where would you put it and why? KS I would really love to put a joyful picture of Pakistan in the White House!
feature
‘This photo of a village child was taken in northern Vietnam when I was on a trek with a friend. Some women and children from the local area travelled with us, but I remember this girl in particular as she stayed near me for the majority of the trek. She was a blessing!’
travelling to a new country and seeing The Salvation Army uniform and suddenly you feel at home! We know that what makes us ‘One Army’ is our dedication to the gospel and the hope we have in Christ. We serve as one global Army, serving God and his people. I have had the opportunity of seeing Salvationists around the world, though their nationality may be different, their heart and mission are one. Our immovable stance in Christ is what makes us One Army.
After everything that has taken place this past year and the relationship the USA has with Pakistan, I feel the picture would serve as a reminder that the country isn’t the dark, scary place it’s so often viewed as. There are vibrant people there doing incredible things and there’s much to be learned from them. That would be really cool! What has been the most exciting experience you have had while photographing? KS One of the most exciting experiences I’ve ever had photographing was in Pakistan. The experience as a whole was a tremendous blessing and such a gift. It was a whirlwind trip! Some highlights included worship services, meeting Sally Ann women, visiting a tent community, witnessing community outreach programmes and even a home league
meeting held on a rooftop in Islamabad – Pakistan is pretty exciting! How can photography be used in a corps/church to encourage people or to make them feel welcome and part of the place? KS I would invest more in using professional photos in things like blogs or promotional videos. Those are examples of the language our generation speaks and responds to. Photography is a great way to not only tell a story, but to make a connection to others or a cause that sometimes words can’t even describe. Find out who at your corps has an interest in photography and get them to start photographing your ministries. From your experiences, what are the elements that make us One Army? KS There really isn’t anything like
How can photographs be used as resources for mission? KS Photographs have the power to evoke powerful emotions inside me, drawing me close to God. Photography is one way of showing God’s global Church and connecting fellow believers. Our mission as Christ-followers is to love God above all else and make disciples of all nations. We know and have seen how photography can be used to further God’s Kingdom. Let’s continue to incorporate photos into various missions projects in order to spread his truth to the world. Is there anything else you would like to share with Revive readers? KS I just want to encourage them to pursue their relationship with Jesus above all else. If we are keeping him as our focus and hope, our dreams and desires will be in-line with his. God has gifted us with various abilities that he wants to see us use for him. All glory and honour to him!
Keri’s current website is: www.kerishayphotography.com
Revive 9
leadership
‘WE DON’T LOVE FROM A DISTANCE. WE DON’T LOVE AT ARMS-LENGTH’
the
relational Leader
I
n the USA, we have a few traditional social customs where mums and dads are the main perpetrators. Because I am not a sociologist, I’m not sure why we take the time and effort to do this. But my husband and I are as guilty as the majority of American parents in this indulgence. For instance, when a child loses a tooth, he places it under his pillow and the tooth fairy comes in the middle of the night and takes the tooth away, leaving a small amount of money in its place. At Easter, in addition to our celebration of the resurrection of our Lord, it is the Easter bunny who makes an invisible visit, hiding sweets and small gifts the children must hunt for. Santa Claus comes out of his faraway home only once a year. No one ever sees
10 Revive
him do his work, but on Christmas morning, mum and dad sit by while junior is thrilled with the gifts brought to him – not by his loving parents, but by a person he does not know and will never meet. These become almost a tongue-in-cheek anti-leadership model – the tooth fairy replaces a child’s tooth with a coin, the Easter bunny demands children hunt for the little trinkets he brings, Santa only brings gifts to children who have been nice rather than naughty. When you think about it, it makes no sense at all! Unfortunately, some leaders lead in this way. Responsible for a group of people, they resist forming relationships, only occasionally coming from their faraway ‘homes’ to bestow gifts on those who have earned them. Or, they make demands in exchange for coins and require followers to hunt for the favour. As Christ-follower leaders, our foundation for relational leadership is found in the words of Jesus in the Gospel of John 13:35 ‘By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’ The New Testament Church God intended to partner with in his great plan for redeeming the world had one distinguishing mark – the mark of love that comes from humanity being united by its union with a Holy God, profoundly committed to one another because the one they have committed their lives to is a God who defines himself as love! These are people – leaders of the first century and Church whose identity in the world was found in their relationships; fellowship, sharing, actively living out agape love. We don’t love from a distance. We don’t love at arm’slength. Consequently, we don’t lead from a distance or at arm’s-length. What is the lesson for us, relational leader? We can’t be the leaders God intends if we withhold our presence from those we serve. Love demands we be in relationship with the God of love and with one another – united in worship, fellowship, service and prayer.
Columnist for 2012 Lieut-Colonel Susan Bukiewicz diViSioNAL dirECtor for WomEN’S miNiStriES, mEtroPoLitAN diViSioN USA CENtrAL tErritory
bible study
Prayer and
P R AY E R A N D fA S T I N G
Fasting
o t s ad
L
g n i s o L e
is intrinsically a link between fasting and hypocrisy. A classic case of throwing out the baby with the bathwater! READ MATTHEW 9:14-15
When Jesus is asked why his disciples feast while the Pharisees fast, he It is a powerful spiritual replies that you don’t fast while discipline, yet Satan has you’re with the bridegroom for a warped our understanding of it pre-wedding celebration. Satan so much that many Christians distorts this teaching, too, causing don’t practise it. How did this many Christians to assume: ‘Well, happen? Like so many of the Jesus is still with us and he hasn’t enemy’s schemes, it began actually married “the bride” yet, so I with a distortion READ guess fasting isn’t necessary!’ However, of Scripture. MATTHEW 6:18 verse 15 states clearly that Jesus would be The Bible instructs ‘taken away’ from the disciples, after us not to make a big deal of which they would fast. If we forget verse fasting. It is properly done so discreetly 15, we remove a potent spiritual weapon that others don’t even know about it. from our arsenal and leave ourselves more Satan has exaggerated this counsel into a vulnerable to temptation. command never to talk about fasting. As a Many giants of the Christian faith were result, even devout Christians hear so little devoted to fasting. Yet even their example about fasting that they assume it is has perversely been used to dissuade irrelevant or obsolete. believers from fasting. There is the READ MATTHEW 6:16 argument from modesty: ‘Who am I to Here, Jesus tells us not to look sombre reach for such heights?’ Or the argument while fasting, ‘as the hypocrites do’. Most from fear: ‘What if it’s too hard? What if Christians rightly recoil as soon as they striving to be better prompts a spiritual hear someone say ‘hypocrite’, so attack?’ Too often, this kind of thinking determined are they not to be associated leads Christians to settle for less than God with this ugly word. Unfortunately, Satan intends for them. has used this impulse as a way to frighten
FASTING is a puzzle.
people away from fasting, as though there
As well as asking how Satan deceives us
Lieut-Colonel Janet Munn
in this way. It’s also worth asking why he deceives us in this way. Our answer: fasting, when wielded by a godly warrior, is a supernaturally powerful weapon.
THE LORD’S EXPECTATIONS In the Old Testament, fasting is often a pre-requisite for revival. READ JOEL 2:15 – GOD’S CHALLENGE READ JOEL 2:28 – GOD’S PROMISE
What do you think is the connection between fasting and Holy Spirit outpouring? How often do we choose self-indulgence and fleshly satisfaction over self-denial and spiritual vitality? In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught his disciples how to pray and fast. It was his expectation that they would do both. READ MATTHEW 6:5, 16-17
What should our expectation be? Remember Jesus’ words: ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself’ (Matthew 16:24).
JESUS OUR MODEL Jesus is truly and properly God. He is our Redeemer and Saviour. However, he is also truly and properly human. The signs and wonders he displayed, the purity he exhibited, the compassion and mercy he demonstrated – all of these are possible for us as well. Revive 11
bible study
Prayer and
Fasting
P R AY E R A N D fA S T I N G
READ JOHN 20:21 NASB
He is the example for us - not only to imitate, but surpass. READ JOHN 14:12 NASB =How
can this be?
=How
can we do ‘greater’ things than Christ did?
=What
does it mean to be ‘sent’ by Jesus?
In The Hidden Power of Prayer and Fasting1, Mahesh Chavda likens our task to that of a gymnast. Just as gymnasts must master elementary moves, such as the forward roll, before they can master more advanced ones, so we must practise the ‘first works’ of Jesus before we can accomplish the ‘greater’ works he promised. READ LUKE 4:1-2, 36
Before commencing his public ministry, Jesus went into the wilderness to fast for 40 days. It was thus after fasting that Jesus began ministering with ‘authority and power’. If fasting was a key to Jesus’ effectiveness, it must be so for his disciples. Fasting and prayer are the ‘first works’ we must perform if we want to do the greater works to which Christ calls us.
AUTHORITY VS. POWER READ MATTHEW 17:14-21
The Gospel of Matthew tells us of the disciples’ inability to free a boy from demonic torment. After driving out the demon himself, Jesus rebuked his disciples for their ineffectiveness. He expected them to perform miracles; after all, he had given them the authority to do so (Matthew 10:1). However, only those who have been spiritually and physically disciplined through prayer and fasting can exercise such authority. As believers, we will face challenges and confront evils that can only be overcome in this way. We therefore neglect the ‘fasted life’ to our own detriment. 1
THE PURPOSE OF FASTING
BENEFITS OF FASTING
Fasting has often been one means of ‘selfdenial’. It is a voluntary practice whereby we lay down certain privileges and deny or delay our appetites. Short of physical death, fasting is one way to relinquish aspects of life such as food, comfort, appetites and indulgences.
=Through fasting we humble ourselves. We know that God gives grace and favour to the humble. James 4:10
Today most societies in the West are prone to overeating. It might even be said of us what Paul said of the ‘enemies of the cross of Christ. Their god is their stomach’ (Philippians 3:18-19). In such a context, fasting is a radical practice. Through fasting we affirm that we do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. By fasting we declare that our hunger for God is greater than our hunger for our next meal. God does not change and cannot be manipulated. Our fasting does not persuade him to do something against his will. We are the ones changed through
‘Our fasting does not persuade God to do something against his will. We are the ones changed through fasting’ fasting. The psalmist David wrote that he humbled himself with fasting (Psalm 35:13). When we are aware of someone in trouble, we can enter into fasting and prayer for them, setting aside our appetites and physical comfort for the sake of that person. Fasting helps us redirect our energies toward God, toward the Scriptures and toward intercession. It is one way to deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Jesus (Matthew 16:24).
mahesh Chavda, The hidden Power of Prayer and fasting, destiny image, Shippensburg, PA, 1998.
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=Fasting
gives us power over temptation.
Luke 4 =Fasting and praying gives us a clearer understanding of God’s will. Acts 13:1-3, 14:23 =What would happen if we fasted when approaching important decisions?
PIONEERS OF PRAYER AND FASTING =Queen
Esther – Esther 9:29-32 Called her people to enter a corporate fast for their deliverance. =John
the Baptist – Mark 1:1-8 Lived perhaps the ultimate ‘fasted lifestyle’. =Cornelius – Acts 10:30-33 NKJV God spoke to him about visiting Peter, an encounter that led to a pivotal new understanding of the gospel’s universality. =Daniel – Daniel chapter 9 As a gesture of both personal and collective repentance =Jesus
– Luke 4:1-2 Began his public ministry immediately after a fast. The church fathers Polycarp and Tertullian fasted. So did Martin Luther, John Calvin and John Knox. John Wesley was so committed to fasting that he would not approve candidates for ministry who did not fast twice a week! How would that policy affect leader recruitment today? Whenever he felt that his spiritual strength was waning, Charles Finney would immediately enter a three-day fast. After a fast, Finney would be so filled with the Holy Spirit that people felt an overwhelming sense of conviction at the mere sight of him.
bible study
P R AY E R A N D fA S T I N G
Prayer and
Fasting
Jonathan Edwards and Charles Haddon Spurgeon fasted in order to be more effective in the pulpit. Surely a worthwhile investment!
WHICH FAST? There are many ways to fast. Some fasts are routine, others are extraordinary or ‘occasional’. God may call you to refrain from something harmless simply in order to re-establish your priorities, or to abstain from harmful practices. In Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough: A 2 Guide to Nine Biblical Fasts , Elmer Towns catalogues the various fasts described in the Bible. These include:
‘refreshing’ fast, or a long-term season of fasting, such as over the 40 days of Lent? God may be calling you to a lifestyle of continuous abstention from something. Fasting is one of the best ways to reestablish – in your spirit and in your habits – God as the foremost passion of your life. No matter how innocuous it may seem, anything that crowds out God should cede way to him through fasting.
FASTING AS A CALL TO VOLUNTARY WEAKNESS Fasting embodies the paradoxes of God’s kingdom. Look at its manifestations:
Losing leads to finding
‘Samuel fast’ – a way of seeking the Lord’s guidance (1 Samuel chapter 7)
Matthew 10:39
=The
2 Corinthians 4:11 Romans 4:25 and 5:10 1 John 3:14
=The
‘Ezra fast’ – a way of seeking his protection (Ezra 8:21-22) =The ‘Elijah fast’ – individuals crying out to God in times of trouble (1 Kings 19:2-8) =The
‘Disciples’ fast’ – a way of developing the spiritual authority to heal and cast out demons (Matthew 17:21 NASB [this verse is not in all translations]) =The
‘Saint Paul fast’ – for individual spiritual insight (Acts chapter 27) =The
‘Daniel fast’ – for physical health and strength (Daniel 1:8-16) =The ‘Esther fast’ – a fast for deliverance (Esther 4:16)
‘WHEN YOU FAST…’ Which type of fast does God desire for you? Are you called to enter a short-term
Dying leads to living
Giving leads to receiving Luke 6:38 Colossians 3:22-24 Matthew 10:8
Humility leads to exaltation James 4:10 1 Peter 5:6
Involuntary weakness arises from persecution, calamity and demonic attacks. Fasting is a form of voluntary weakness: its purpose is for God’s power to be perfected in us. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
DISCIPLINE THE APPETITES, NOURISH THE SPIRIT Why fast? Traditional fasting: physical nourishment is sacrificed for spiritual nourishment. Prayer: time is sacrificed for communion with God. Giving: resources are sacrificed for others. Silence: pride is sacrificed for spiritual attentiveness. You are not your own; you were bought at a high price. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. You belong to God. He wants your spirit fed as well as your body. We often forget that when our physical appetites are not in sync with the Holy Spirit, our spiritual capacity is diminished. What are you doing to nourish your spirit?
Weakness leads to strength
In the desert, the Israelites put their appetite for food and drink before everything else – even freedom.
2 Corinthians 12:9
Numbers 11:4-6
Fasting is about God’s strength revealed in our weakness. It is about denying oneself for the glory of Christ – and for the benefit of others.
The Psalmist tells us that God granted their desire, but at a steep cost.
2 Corinthians 12:15 This is a kingdom principle. There are two kinds of weakness: involuntary and voluntary.
Your stomach is a false god and will leave you unsatisfied. Dethrone it…through fasting!
2 Elmer towns, fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough: A Guide to Nine Biblical fasts, regal Books Publications, Ventura, CA, 1996.
Psalm 106:15
Revive 13
bible study
1
P R AY E R A N D fA S T I N G
Prayer
Why not try each of these seven fasts this year?
Synopsis of Scriptural Fasts To avert calamity: = 1 Samuel 7:6 = Jonah 3:3-5 = Joel 1:14
and
Fasting
2 To experience the power of God in personal ministry: = Jesus = Elijah (1 Kings 19) = Martin Luther, John Wesley = and Charles Finney
3 For revival: = John the Baptist (Matthew 11:18) = Anna (Luke 2:37) = Apostle Paul (Acts 13:2-3) = Joel 1:14 and 2:15ff = Matthew 6:16-17
4 As an expression of sorrow or mourning: = David’s sorrow = (Psalm 69:10) = Saul and Jonathan = (2 Samuel 1:12) = Abner (2 Samuel 3:35) = David’s infant son = (2 Samuel 12:16-23)
5 Over the sin of a nation or city: = 1 Samuel 7:6 = Nehemiah 9 = Jonah 3:5
6 Preparation for a divine assignment: = Nehemiah 1:4 = Ezra 8:21 = Daniel 10:2-3 = Acts 13:1-2 = Acts 14:23
7 The ‘bridegroom fast’: Matthew 9:15
this Bible study is taken from chapter five of the book Army on its Knees that is reviewed in this edition of revive.
=How would routine fasting and prayer affect your lives, both individually and as a community of faith? How would it help you to become more like Christ?
=Are you seeing ‘greater works’ in your community? What is the relationship between these works and the discipline of fasting?
=How are you willing to sacrifice – what appetites are you willing to deny – in order to establish God’s kingdom on the earth?
May God inspire us to enter into the ‘first works’ of Jesus and may the result be a surge of ‘greater works’ in our midst.
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Janet Munn SECrEtAry for SPiritUAL LifE dEVELoPmENt ASSoCiAtE PriNCiPAL iCo
my story
Stephanie Parker Chagas
I
had just returned from an extended trip to Greece. Having been caught up in the confusion of strikes that were happening at the time, I felt a certain relief to walk through the doors of The Cedars, the main house of the International College for Officers and Centre for Spiritual Life Development (ICO/CSLD) in London. I had come in and out of that building daily for the past few months, but this time it was different. My heart was filled with peace, I felt safe, I felt loved, I was finally home.
available
Home! Being the child of Salvation Army officers it’s hard to know where home is. Even though I was born in Brazil, I spent most of my childhood in England. Eventually returning to the country of my birth and having been there for the past 12 years, I had no plans to live in the United Kingdom – at least not for an extended period of time – until unexpectedly, just over a year ago things changed. My soul had been restless for a while. Even though I was deeply involved in many activities at my corps, I was tired and longing for something more, trying to recognise what it was and how to find it. I wanted more from life and from my
‘“THERE MUST BE MORE THAN THIS” WAS A CONSTANT PHRASE THAT ECHOED INSIDE OF ME’
relationship with God. ‘There must be more than this’ was a phrase that constantly echoed inside me.
A cLEAR cALL I started to pray, waiting and searching for a new opportunity – whatever it might be. In November 2010, with the help of a Brazilian friend who was working at the ICO/CSLD, the Associate Principal and Secretary for Spiritual Life Development, Lieut-Colonel Janet Munn contacted me. We had never met, but I had watched one of her lectures online during the World Youth Convention in July 2010 and, consequently, we became Facebook friends. She emailed me and said she had been praying for someone to come and work at the CSLD as an intern. The position was to specifically help with the launch of the Global Call to 24-7 Prayer, just one month away, and my name had scrolled across her mind. As I read those words I was confident they were the confirmation I needed. At the time, the colonel didn’t know that I Revive 15
my story
had a month’s holiday in England starting in two weeks time. Being half British I had no passport or visa issues, so I could stay in the country as long as necessary. I quit my job the next day and had little time to prepare everything for my departure. It was one thing to go for a holiday, but quite another to move away for a year! It also wasn’t easy to leave the ministry I had in the corps, my family and friends, but I knew this was what I had to do. I knew that such a time as this had been ordained by the Lord.
LIfE AT IcO/cSLD Being a journalist my desire is to share the news, and this is what I am doing at the CSLD. I am helping resource Salvationists by providing them with tools that assist them to develop their relationship with Christ as they seek to become more like him. Through the Global Call to 24-7 Prayer, an element of my task has been to encourage others to be part of the Day and Night Cry for Justice (www.saglobal247.org). It has been a privilege to rejoice with Salvation Army locations all over the world developing prayer, creating prayer rooms, starting 24-7 prayer and receiving testimonies of what the Lord has been doing. The ICO/CSLD is an oasis. It is a restful and refuelling layover for those who stay here, allowing them to pause in their journey for personal enrichment and spiritual growth. Through this whole experience I have found ways to nourish the longings of my soul, through a deeper awareness, the practice of prayer and other spiritual disciplines. Some of my richest moments have been in my quiet times with the Lord. 16 Revive
‘I KNOW GOD IS PREPARING ME FOR SOMETHING, WHEREVER IT MAY BE, WHATEVER IT MAY INVOLVE’ It has also been a great experience to learn more about the work of the Army around the world sharing with other volunteers in our weekly spiritual formation group, and learning so much from the officer staff and delegates who attend each ICO session. It is an honour to witness their faithfulness and service to God and others, to learn from their cultures, hear about their challenges and envision their dreams. Many times I have asked myself, ‘why me?’ The Salvation Army is full of talented, inspiring young people – surely there is someone more capable, more extrovert than I am and more suited to accomplish this task! Then I’m challenged to remember that God delights in me and loves me just as I am, because that is who he has created, called and wants to continue to work in and through! ‘Even before the world was made, God had already chosen us to be his through our union with Christ, so that we would be holy and without fault before him. Because of his love God had already decided that through Jesus Christ he would make us his sons [and daughters] – this was his pleasure and purpose’ (Ephesians 1:4,5 GNB)
I am uncertain about what the future holds, what it will bring or where I will establish my home after I leave the ICO/CSLD. However, I know God is preparing me for something, wherever it may be, whatever it may involve. I want to be available – sharing with others what I have learned – trying to make a difference.
for information on serving as a volunteer intern at the international Centre for Spiritual Life development visit: www.SalvationArmySpiritualLife.org or email: IHQ-CSLD@salvationarmy.org Stephanie Parker Chagas VoLUNtEEr iNtErN At tHE iNtErNAtioNAL CENtrE for SPiritUAL LifE dEVELoPmENt
spiritual life
Editor, CAriBBEAN tErritory
Columnist for 2012
‘T
Living out our faith
he prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective’ (James 5:16). Salvationists believe in our 10th Doctrine that ‘it is the privilege of all believers to be wholly sanctified, and that their whole spirit and soul and body may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ’. Being saved is the first stage of the Christian’s journey. With the help of the Holy Spirit, our spiritual lives can be deepened. What we say we believe should be evidenced in our thoughts and expressed in action and speech. We are bombarded by evil on every side, but God calls us into a close and holy relationship with him. As his people we need to guard against contamination by societal norms that conflict with God’s laws. ‘For I am the Lord your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy’ (Leviticus 11:44 KJV). We cannot live superficial spiritual lives, but are compelled to strive daily to overcome the darkness of sin and aim for excellence as Paul encouraged us to do, ‘And yet I will show you the most excellent way’ (1 Corinthians 12:31). God has provided the way and the tools for this special relationship that he shares with us. It is a way of love and gives us the opportunity to mentor others into the Kingdom.
deepening
Major Molvie Graham
our spiritual life We need to get to the root cause of failings and setbacks and deal with them in mature spiritual ways seeking God’s guidance as we do.
United in Prayers of Faith Mentoring Others in the Faith
Prayer remains one of the world’s greatest needs. As we walk A deep spiritual life will enable us to nurture the ‘babes in Christ’ around the streets in our uniforms, the cry still comes, ‘Captain, by teaching and encouraging them, as they seek direction and please pray for me!’ Our trust and confidence in God, who has confirmation in their faith. Like Paul and Timothy’s relationship – never ceased to work miracles for his children, encourages us to seek him. it will ‘bear much fruit’. In recent times in our city – Kingston, Jamaica – God has As God’s people, we need to avoid divisive factors such as ‘the us and them’ syndrome that the General has written about. In Christ poured out his Spirit on corps that are united in prayer and souls are being won for him. we are one! If we unite in prayer, deepen our spiritual lives Good examples of administrating God’s power and are spiritually nourished by God’s Word, he invested in us and sensitivity to the effect of our ‘WE CANNOT will continue to pour blessings on us – uniting us actions on others, can produce growth in the various LIVE SUPERFICIAL as One Army. Our part is to be righteous and our sectors of our work. Additionally, thoughtfulness to SPIRITUAL LIVES’ prayer will be effective. the ideas of visionaries will help the Army. Revive 17
the
prayerhouse ‘ T H E Y A L L J O I N E D T O G E T H E R c O N S TA N T LY I N P R AY E R ’ ( A c T S 1 : 1 4 )
take time
to pray
Prayer is vital for each of the five Salvation Army Zonal Secretaries for Women's Ministries (ZSWM). They are (from left) Commissioners Astrid Herring, Rosemary Makina, Gillian Bosh, Lalhlimpuii and Janet Street. The following comments were given by the commissioners when asked by Revive to provide some advice that would assist women in their praying. my dear sisters in Christ, i want to encourage you that we are not alone our God is able to do wonders in our prayer life if we will listen to his voice. He can change everything for good in the blink of an eye. my favourite prayer song is William Walford’s ‘Sweet hour of prayer’ (SASB 633). Commissioner Rosemary Makina ZSWM - Africa
As i go through the various seasons of life, i have found that patterns and subjects of my prayer life have changed. recently my focus has been more for those who are suffering through illness and physical difficulties. i have found that i pray more throughout the day – when people, concerns, or situations come to mind, i pause and pray. to me, that is Christ saying this person or situation needs my prayers right now. Prayer is important. God does answer prayer! Commissioner Gillian Bosh ZSWM - Americas and Caribbean 18 Revive
take time to stop. remove yourself for a few minutes from the practicalities of life and be quiet before the Lord. this time is for you. Be patient. God’s timing is not always our timing! Commissioner Janet Street ZSWM - Europe
Give specific time to pray and keep a prayer book so that you can list the answers to prayer and give thanks to God for them. Commissioner Lalhlimpuii ZSWM - South Asia Abbot John Chapman’s saying, ‘Pray as you can and not as you can’t’ is important and true. the different stages of a woman’s life, which God has designed, do affect her prayer life. God knows that a mother with young children, or women with other constant demands, cannot
sustain the type of prayer life of a woman who has more control over her time. it’s important to realise that different stages come and go, and God will accept and guide a woman who desires to be in communion with him at every stage of life Get to know how God has formed your personality and how this affects the way in which you can best communicate with him. one thing i found helpful was learning that there were different ways in which people felt that they best connected with God. Some of these are: being in God’s outdoor ‘cathedrals’, discussing Scripture/theology with others, through worship/music gatherings, through contemplation or solitude, or through ‘getting out there’ and doing things for God with others. most people find that they have a combination of preferences, one major way and one minor. Commissioner Astrid Herring ZSWM - South Pacific and East Asia
prayer
Tortilla Moment
i
know that Jesus used ordinary everyday household items to teach deep spiritual truths, that lampstands, yeast and persistent women were all used to impress the eternal into our daily lives, but I was not ready for my tortilla moment when it came along. For weeks now certain food items have been unavailable at our local store. At first it was unimportant, then it moved to be irritating and after a while it became deeply annoying! Without certain items I could not serve the meals we like to eat. In anticipation of the tortilla moment, I need to explain that my husband and I were preparing to lead Self-Denial Sunday in Papua New Guinea (PNG). You think you know what a Self-Denial Sunday is, until you have to lead one in a land that is not affluent and brimming with resources. So that morning, in my quiet time, I asked God to make me sensitive to the whole issue of sacrificial giving. So back to the tortilla moment. If you don’t know what a tortilla is, I should explain, that it is like a floury pancake you fill with meat and vegetables. If they could not be bought at the shops I would make them, how hard could it be? I looked up a recipe on the Internet and went back to the already-barren shop for the ingredients. Flour, yes they had that. Lard or shortening, no they did not have that and did not even know what it was when I
‘WITHOUT CERTAIN ITEMS I COULD NOT SERVE THE MEALS WE LIKE TO EAT’
asked for it! My husband suggested an alternative. I was not sure about it, but since there were no other options I had to take it. And so the baking lesson began. Mix the ingredients together – I managed that – then knead for 10 minutes. I seemed to be working and stretching dough for ages but my watch said only two minutes had passed. Ten minutes seems like a really long time to be doing something so simple. And then it started. As I worked the ingredients together I thought of the millions of women all over the world, working their bread with their hands each day so their families can eat. I was joining with them in something so ordinary – yet essential. For them there is no other option, no shop down the road to provide the ready-made item. There are women here in PNG and on all parts of the globe who will be walking miles today to fetch water (which is not always safe) for families to wash, to clean, to cultivate plants and to prepare food. There are long journeys to be taken when women and men carry their children to someone who may be able to relieve their sickness. And all of that activity takes up an inordinate amount of time and effort. Our Self-Denial money will go to people living just such lives.
The tortillas were not bad for a first attempt. There were still some ingredients left over which would go bad if not used straight away, so I made a second batch. This time I used my 10 minutes kneading time to practise the presence of God, in much the same way as a young monk learned in another kitchen years ago (see The Practice of the Presence of God – by Brother Lawrence). I asked God to bless our Army as we seek to bring relief to those who work with very few resources, praying also that the lesson in sensitivity that I had learned would not be forgotten. God has ways of changing us as we are open to him. If I am attuned to him as I live through any day, God can speak to me and teach me lessons. He can challenge me about my attitude, chide me about my relationships, invite me to make a phone call and prompt me to pray about someone he puts on my heart. God promises that he will be with us when we choose to live in the experience of practising his presence. Lieut-Colonel Chris Webb tErritoriAL SECrEtAry for WomEN’S miNiStriES PAPUA NEW GUiNEA tErritory
Revive 19
Creative
prayer
8ideas
r More Than Gold Praye
F
or the past three years the Athletes Family Homestay programme. Christian Church in the United Members of our congregations will open Kingdom (UK) has been uniting their homes for up to eight days to host under the banner of More Than the members of athletes’ families who Gold in order to make the most of the would normally not be able to afford the opportunities that are presented price of accommodation in London. during the London 2012 Many of our people will also act Olympic Games. The as Games Pastors, providing PRAY FOR Salvation Army is a key THIS NATION TO support to those who may partner in this and a task find themselves in need. BE FILLED WITH A force at territorial As we have done in past NEW PASSION FOR games, The Salvation Army headquarters has been JESUS AND FOR planning a strong Salvation will provide water to JUSTICE Army presence during the commuters and spectators as Games, both in local they wait for transport or walk to communities and around main venues. We also aim to have a strong venues. presence along the Olympic Torch Relay This year the Army will be the first route with our canteen vehicles providing Christian denomination to host an refreshments for people as they wait for Olympic event – the mountain biking – the torch to pass by. which will take place at Hadleigh Farm, On a local level, many corps and purchased 121 years ago by William centres are planning opening ceremony Booth. This is a huge privilege and one we events, games-themed holiday kids clubs, want to celebrate. sports days, festivals with other churches Salvationists are also involved in a and prayer events, to name a few. Some number of other ways – one area is the will also use the opportunity to raise awareness of the various social justice issues which rise around major sports events, including human trafficking and homelessness. We invite you to pray for us…please! With so much going on, we want to see God glorified and his name lifted high! top: testing out the Hadleigh Farm olympic mountain bike course. Left: Salvation Army sports ministry team members providing water at Atlanta olympics.
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Here are five areas of prayer that we would encourage you to use. 1 Planning of the More Than Gold team at tHQ, corps and centres. 2.Places where the games will take place and where the torch will travel to be filled with Christ’s light 3.Participants, including athletes, family Homestay hosts, Games Pastors and the international mission teams from other territories that will come and witness for Jesus on our streets. 4.Power of God to move throughout the territory as corps and centres seize every opportunity to get involved in the olympic celebrations, speaking and living the love of Jesus. 5.Purpose, pray for this nation to be filled with a new passion for Jesus and for justice. Pray also for the Church in the UK to emerge after the Games as a more united, active and prayerful body of people. God is doing a new thing in the UK and many believe that through the activities of 2012 we will a see breakthrough and transformation in Jesus’ name!
Sarah-Jane Alley morE tHAN GoLd CoordiNAtor
Creative
prayer
Standing at the Door Revelation 3:20
W
hen visiting an historic abbey in the United Kingdom, I was intrigued to find this door tucked away just inside the main entrance. Do you notice the small door within the door? It caused me to ask a number of questions. Why choose such a design? What was its purpose? How practical was it? How often was it used? Did anyone ever get stuck in it?
My imagination started running away with me. Was the smaller door used to let the cat out at night? Was it for the children to escape through? Was it actually a security measure so that visitors could state their business or letters and packages
‘DO WE WANT GOD TO FULLY OPEN THE DOOR OF HIS HEART TO US?’
8ideas be passed through rather than opening the main door? It would have been an excellent safety measure, reducing the risk of those on the other side coming under attack. But then I thought about the position of the smaller door. It must have been strategic. It would have been difficult to conduct a conversation through the door. The only way to see each other’s face would be for both parties to kneel or crouch down. It would also have been difficult for an opponent to catch the guard unaware or to force the door open in order to gain entry. A soldier would not pass through the small doorway easily. In terms of danger, only small obstacles could be thrown through the gap. Therefore, those inside could be deliberate in who or what they chose to let in or keep outside the entrance. Perhaps the smaller door is not such a silly idea after all!
It reminded me of Jesus’ words recorded in Revelation 3:20 – ‘Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.’ (NLT) We often relate this verse when we are leading seekers to Christ and inviting them to share at the banquet table with Jesus and other believers. However, I believe the challenge and application of this verse is to those who are already believers and followers of Jesus. How often do we hold back on giving him our all? When Jesus knocks on our door, how much of our commitment do we give him – enough to just get the task done or our whole being? When we face difficult circumstances, how much do we share with God – a small portion or the whole story? When Jesus convicts us of sin and we seek his forgiveness, how much of our sin do we give him – the portion we are not ashamed to confess or the full measure? I guess it comes down to this. How much of our lives are we willing to give to God? Will we open our heart wide or do we only want him to be partially aware of what is happening? What about from the opposite perspective? How committed are we to knowing God? Do we want God to fully open the door of his heart to us or do we just want a part of his revelation because we don’t know what it is he will reveal to us or require of us? It is a personal decision as to which door we open to God, but I know which door he would desire. May my life be lived with a door wide open to you Lord!
Lieut-Colonel Jennifer Groves UNdEr SECrEtAry SoUtH PACifiC ANd EASt ASiA ZoNE, iNtErNAtioNAL HEAdQUArtErS
Revive 21
Creative
prayer
8ideas
Come&See
C
ome and See is a series of 12 Bible studies which have been compiled to fit in with the chosen theme for Women’s Ministries in 2012. These studies came about after a request was made from Africa for a Bible study resource. The Centre for Spiritual Life Development (CSLD) partnered with the World President of Women’s Ministries, Commissioner Sue Swanson, and a group of women with a particular interest in Africa in the forming of a working party to produce this resource. Lieut-Colonel Karen Shakespeare, (the then Executive Assistant to the Secretary for Spiritual Life Development), currently the Principal of SALT College in Nairobi, co-ordinated the group. As the studies were intended for use in Africa they were written in English and translated into Portuguese and French. While the studies were being written it became clear that they were applicable to all women and did not need to be restricted for use in Africa, therefore in January 2012 they were circulated to all territorial presidents and
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WHILE THE secretaries for Women’s STUDIES WERE BEING They are suitable for Christmas, Easter or Ministries (TPWM and WRITTEN IT BECAME Harvest. TSWM) around the CLEAR THAT THEY WERE Each study follows Army world. Since the same three-stage then they have been APPLICABLE TO ALL format. Firstly, the study translated into Spanish WOMEN considers ‘What the Bible and German. Says’, followed by ‘Our lives One of the great things or Our world today’ and, finally a about these Bible studies is the ‘Discussion’ section. cost – they are free! You simply need to As Commissioner Sue Swanson invites ask your divisional director for women’s us to Come and See in 2012, we pray that ministries to contact your TPWM and she this resource will be widely used to bring will e-mail a copy to you. women into a deeper knowledge of our So what are the studies about? living God. If you haven’t already used The studies pick up on the theme of Come this resource, why not gather a group of and see, and the invitation is given to women around you and explore together Come and see the world God made, Come the exciting reality that we can each Come and see God’s deliverance, Come and see and See the amazing things God is doing – God’s awesome work in our lives plus nine and join in! more studies. They start with the Old Testament and follow through Scripture to the last study which is Come and Major Julie Forrest see…then go and tell! As they progress to PErSoNAL ASSiStANt the resurrection of Jesus, the studies can to WorLd PrESidENt of WomEN’S miNiStriES be taken in a timeline order or can be At iNtErNAtioNAL HEAdQUArtErS explored at various seasons in the year.
PRAGUE, czEcH REPUbLIc 12-14 OcTObER 2012
FORWARD!
IN CONFIDENCE, UNITY AND POWER
Led by ThE GENERaL
With Commissioners Robert and Janet Street International Europe Zone
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God is the friend of silence . . . the more we receive in silent prayer, the more we can give in active life.
Prayer is the exercise of the spirit as thought is the exercise of the mind.
motHER tERESA
i'm the Lord's maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say. mARY – Luke 1:38 (TM )
mARY F SmItH
faith is not a leap in the dark but into the light of God.
if my life is surrendered to God, all is well. Let me not grab it back, as though it were in peril in his hand but would be safer in mine.
CommISSIonER bEttY mAtEAR
ELISAbEtH ELLIot
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