ISSN 1176-5143
ADVENTURE M AY 2 0 1 7
HIS WORD How can we encounter God through the bible?
GOE 2 Y A W AZIN G MA SIDE IN
INSIDE FROM WORD TO ACTION
BUILDING A BIBLE READING HABIT
IMAGINATION & THE BIBLE
editorial What is the point of reading the Bible? Is it something that Christians are supposed to do? I think people who are not followers of Jesus could also read the Bible. Is reading the Bible primarily about gathering information about how people are supposed to live so as to please God? Is it a kind of workshop manual for fixing and repairing things? Or is it to be read first and foremost because of what it tells about God and who He is? I believe it is the latter. If we read with this awareness we will read the words looking at the wider context to help our understanding of how we live as followers in the light of God’s relationship with us. In this way we come to the word of God with hope, seeing the Bible as good news, as truth that sets us free to live joyfully as his followers, despite the realities of life circumstances that may tell a different story. Reading the Bible is important simply because God reveals himself in its pages and continues to speak life to today’s realities if we nurture 2 www.sunz.org.nz
the conditions to be listening well. Despite these lofty claims it is obvious that all of us at times struggle to make the time to turn the pages and discover the author behind the words. A 2016 survey of Bible reading among teenagers in New Zealand highlighted the importance of involving other people in reading the Bible. Parents, friends, and Bible reading groups all feature as essential ingredients for growth and maturity in understanding the Bible and fruitfulness as a disciple. In this edition of the Adventure we explore how the Bible really can be ‘a lamp before your feet and a light for your journey’ (Psalm 119:105).
WAYNE FRASER National Director
al
contents Features 4
FROM WORD TO ACTION
10
BUILDING A BIBLE READING HABIT
12
IMAGINATION & THE BIBLE
19
THE RIGHT SOIL
Wayne Fraser
Aaron Douglas
Andrew Shepherd Wayne Fraser
Interviews 8
Q&A
25
LIGHT FOR THE PATH
26
OUT AND ABOUT MAY
From our recent camping season Eugene Fuimaono
Children’s Ministry 15
WAY2GO MAGAZINE
Resources 28
RESOURCES FOR LIFE
May 2017 3
FROM WORD TO ACTION BY WAY N E F R A S E R Natio n al Direc to r, SUNZ
4 www.sunz.org.nz
A core Christian belief is that God speaks to us in scripture. And the biblical message seeks a response from us. A young Christian student from the Philippines was very apprehensive on her first visit to Britain— the culture was unfamiliar, she had no friends and very little money. Leaving the airport her eyes were drawn to a large billboard with huge letters saying ‘TAKE COURAGE!’. In her anxious state these words were a “sign” and an encouragement. She thought: ‘it’s good that the British welcome me with this message’. Afterwards she learned that Courage is a brand of beer. The young woman’s circumstances contributed to a unique view of the world. Crossing a cultural boundary, she was unfamiliar with some features of the local landscape and having to learn lessons about communication. This story illustrates that reading is both a science and an art. So too, is reading the Bible. Understanding the Bible is a science because over time the Christian community has developed widely accepted principles to guide interpretation. It is also an art because working out the personal implications of a passage requires recognising the influences of worldview, cross-cultural communication, and how people communicate in general. Recognising literary styles The Bible was written by many different authors over a very long time, using different styles of writing such as narrative, poetry, law, letters, parables, and prophecy. For example the Psalms are poems that reflect on various life events, using descriptive writing with different and sometimes graphic images to describe the author’s circumstances and responses to those circumstances. God has used a kaleidoscope of personalities and varieties of writing to elicit a response to His revelation of himself. May 2017 5
Different literary forms have different purposes and we need to seek to understand the authors’ intention and the historical context. We read a newspaper editorial with a different frame of reference to a factual police report or an advertisement — each serves a purpose and is best understood when we recognise the kind of writing. Similarly, knowing the literary form of a Bible passage will influence how we interpret and respond to it. Start by observing what is written and how it is written. A very good resource to learn more is ‘How to Read the Bible for all it’s Worth’ by Fee and Stuart.1
particular context. Fresh light may be cast on scripture as people from different cultures and life experiences bring their insights together. Through community our understanding may be enriched and blind spots corrected. Responding to God Reading is not an end in itself. God is expecting a response. Eugene Peterson says the outcome of reading and encountering the Bible is to ‘bring about the kind of understanding that involves the whole person in tears and laughter, heart and soul, in what is written, what is said’.2 Encountering God through His word will have an impact on our lives when we act on what we discover. The most important question we can ask when reading the Bible is not ‘what does it mean?’ but ‘what can I obey?’” — because asking that question means we are prepared to participate in the life that God’s word calls us to. Doing will encourage us in worship, in mission, and in holiness.
...reading and encountering the Bible is to ‘bring about the kind of understanding that involves the whole person in tears and laughter, heart and soul, in what is written, what is said.
God has spoken and continues to speak. As communities of His followers, let’s encounter His word together in life-changing ways. Let’s put His word into action that makes a difference in our world and marks us out as people of the Book.
Interpreting in our own context Every encounter with the Bible is an interpretation. We react to the Bible as if we are standing in front of a mirror. The meaning of the text arises as we read and in respond in our
A USEFUL RESOU RC E A useful resource I have found for engaging creatively with scripture in fresh ways is the Multi-Sensory Bible series (available at www. sunz.org.nz/multi-sensory). Two examples of activities are ‘Quote Cards’ which enable participants to encounter scripture by identifying with characters and exploring the context more deeply and a method called ‘Godly Play’ which leads people into the story through creative wondering. The series also provides many ways to introduce people to the breadth of the Bible, with ‘living scripture’ activities to provoke a personal response leading to action. 6 www.sunz.org.nz
1.
Fee GD and Stuart D. 2014. How to Read the Bible for
all It’s Worth, Zondervan, (4th ed). 2. Peterson E. 2006. Eat This Book: A Conversation in the
Art of Spiritual Reading (p125). Hodder & Stoughton.
ER WINT CAMPS REGISTER ONLINE
2017
W W W. S U C A M P S . O R G . N Z
May 2017 7
Q&A
We asked parents how their kids enjoyed our recent camping season.
Jessica was really keen to be with other Christian young people and to have the opportunity to study God’s word. She loved meeting new friends and she also loved the adventure side of it.
Tim had a fantastic week and came home with a ‘fat soul’. It was also fantastic my nephew who can be handful, is coming along to SUNZ’s camps and really enjoys them too. Thanks again, we so appreciate all you do for not just our kids, but for the kids of NZ.
8 www.sunz.org.nz
to be ung e od’s ng new ved the
Our daughter is greatly looking forward to two camps in Wanaka and Te Anau. She loved Te Anau this year so much she’s back for both camps in 2017.
David had a brilliant time at the surf camp, he came home buzzing from his adventures and telling us about the fantastic leaders he had. Matthew didn’t want to come home! He had such a ball. It was great to hear his comment “everyone was nice to each other”. He especially loved the sailing an experience we have not exposed him to.
It was great to see Emma involved as a leader this year and James. He, too, has made new friends and the local kids are continuing to meet together.
*Names have been changed to protect the identity of campers.
May 2017 9
building a bible reading habit– RECLAIMING OUR INTERGENERATIONAL ROOTS Yo uth Co n sultan t, SUNZ BY AARON DOUGLAS
We all know how hard it is to kick a habit — whether just a minor character flaw or an addiction. What about picking up a good habit though? How hard is that? Scripture Union New Zealand (SUNZ) values Bible reading so highly that basically everything we do is aimed at getting people into the Word of God: daily Bible reading guides; creative multi-sensory resources that engage heart, mind and body; books to deepen understanding; support for churches; camping ministries and training events. 10 www.sunz.org.nz
Getting people to engage with the Bible is relatively simple, but for Bible reading to turn into a regular-and-often habit requires some commitment. Some good strategies can help us persevere on a life-long journey of Bible engagement: • Let go of the guilt. Our pastors, Sunday school teachers and youth leaders have all told us that we should read our Bible every day/regularly. There is no point in beating ourselves up about past non-commitment or failed attempts.
• Step into the story. Move from seeing the Bible as ‘Basic instructions before leaving Earth’ toward seeing one interconnected and coherent story of the creator of the universe who wants a one-on-one relationship with us. Become an active participant in the story rather than reading it as a textbook for learning. • Walk before you run. So many of us start Bible reading with plans that require more of us than we can realistically sustain. Start with small commitments. Try a reading plan that covers the Bible in three years rather than in six or twelve months. Choose a readable translation over a technical one. As you grow you will find your capacity for engaging with the Bible increasing. • Create space. Physical space where you are comfortable and other demands do not distract you is important in reinforcing your new habit. The other space we need to create is in our timetable. The demands upon our time vary in relation to stages of life, but one thing that is vital in maintaining a good habit is guarding the time for that habit.
• Know yourself. Some of us need variation and creativity to sustain a habit. Others need the same routine with familiar resources. There is no one right way — find what works for you. • Find a friend. The Bible was not primarily written for individual devotional reading. It is a communal sacred text. If you are struggling with Bible reading, then engage with others who are discovering God through their reading and engagement in the story. The greatest feedback I can receive about SUNZ camps is that young people are still reading their Bible weeks and months after camp. Whether it is through our resources, the habits we model on our camps, or through creative training events, the SUNZ vision is to see a generation immersed in God’s story and living it out in proclamation of the Good News of Jesus Christ.
May 2017 11
IMAGINATION & THE BIBLE — LEA RNING FRO M NEUROSCIENCE BY ANDREW SHEPHERD Co -Direc to r, A Ro c h a Ao tearoa New Zealand
I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God - what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2 (NRSV) Recent discoveries in the field of neuroscience show that our brains are not ‘hard-wired’ like computers, but rather have a tremendous plasticity, that is, ability to change and adapt. As the neurons in our brains fire in response to our embodied experience, they wire together. Our neural pathways are constantly being connected and strengthened in response to our physical encounters and emotions. This then shapes the way we see and react to events and consequently determines our engagement with the world around us. The cycle through which our bodily experiences and emotions shape our minds which then determine our behaviour and responses to others is known by scientists as a feedback loop, and accords with the biblical understanding of human identity. The apostle Paul, aware that worship of the Living God doesn’t involve merely words, instructs believers to offer their ‘bodies as living sacrifices’. Paul recognises that having our 12 www.sunz.org.nz
whole lives engaged in worship is dependent upon the state of our minds — that is, how our mind interprets and images the world around us will determine how we live in it. Accordingly, elsewhere, Paul states we should have the ‘same mind that was in Christ’ (Phil 2:5). Reading the Bible is one of the central practices that helps shape Christ-like minds. But how? Fundamentally, Scripture is a narrative that recounts a love story between the Living God and the whole of creation that, through love, has been brought into being. Like all stories, Scripture operates through awakening our imagination. Often when we think of the word imagination we think of something as fictitious. But arguably it is the ability of the human mind to create a mental picture of something other than our immediate reality which makes us human. Indeed, it is the capacity to imagine different possibilities which allows humans to
‘An awareness of the plasticity of the brain and the power of imagination should lead us to seek more creative ways to engage with Scripture.’
shape the world around them – both for ill and good. As we read the Bible our imaginations are brought into play. We are caught up in a drama which affirms the goodness of creation and the primacy of God’s love, and are invited to give up our self-interest and greed and have it replaced with love for neighbour and generosity. Through reading Scripture, our imaginations (our image of the world) by the work of God’s Spirit are gradually rewired to cohere with how God sees/imagines the world. We are, literally, ‘transformed by the renewing of our minds’. Often the Bible is approached as though it was a textbook or manual with information that needs to be memorised, and facts stored, to download to others later. Within such a paradigm, reading Scripture becomes a lifeless intellectual exercise. An awareness of the plasticity of the brain and the power
of imagination should lead us to seek more creative ways to engage with Scripture — in particular, ways of reading the Bible that take seriously both our embodiment and our emotions. People in our fast-paced world, bombarded by images and saturated by information, are increasingly looking for ways to ‘unplug’ and ‘disconnect’— seeking time, space and silence to help find themselves and gain perspective. To find our true selves and our place in the world we would do well to heed the encouragement of the Psalmist: to take ‘delight’ (an emotion) ‘in the law of the Lord and meditate on it day and night.’ (Psalm 1:2). Dr Andrew Shepherd is the National Co-Director of A Rocha Aotearoa New Zealand (see: www. arocha.org.nz) and is involved in the leadership of E3 Expeditions.
May 2017 13
ega M Makers
Unearth some timeless treasures
INVENT DESIGN DISCOVER EXPLORE
REGISTER AT www.supakidzcamps.org.nz Step inside the inventor’s workshop and discover what the Mega Machine does. Concoct your own incredible inventions and meet new friends. Make some mega discoveries about God’s mind blowing love.
10 – 14 July 2017 Auckland – Houghton’s Bush Camp, 75 Motutara Rd, Muriwai Beach Cost: $205 Contact: Andrew Ramsbottom Phone: 09 379 9363 Email: andrew.r@sunz.org.nz When: Where:
Post your registration forms to: SUPAkidz Camps, PO Box 7, Invercargill 9840 14 www.sunz.org.nz
Meet new friends as you take the roller coaster ride down the Nile River into the heart of Ancient Egypt. Discover something of God in the highs and lows of Joseph’s multi-coloured life - carved out in the shadows of the great pyramids.
2 – 5 October 2017 Edenview Campsite – Edendale, Southland Early Bird paid before 19 September $110, after $140 Contact: Nigel Winder Phone: 03 214 1834 Email: nigel.w@sunz.org.nz When: Where: Cost:
Post your registration forms to: SUPAkidz Camps, PO Box 7, Invercargill 9840
Visit www.sunz.org.nz/supakidz-camps for more camp info or to register online.
nd ved
and 110,
The Right Soil BY WAY N E F R A S E R National Director, SUNZ
The gospel story commonly known as the Parable of the Sower is not actually about the one sowing seed. Rather, it considers the condition of the different soils on which the seed falls. In this agricultural image the soil may be hard, rocky, crowded, or rich and fertile. Our interpretation of this parable does not need to focus on the one distributing the gospel of the kingdom of God, but on those who receive the word of God and the response to that message. The quality, longevity and fruitfulness of any encounter we have as we read, talk about, and reflect on the Bible will be determined by the condition of the receiver — that is me and you!
The conditions that best produce fruitfulness start with hearts that are receptive or welcoming, soft not hard. Familiarity produced by ‘well-trodden’ readings breeds a kind of indifference that makes fruitfulness impossible. On the road to Emmaus Jesus had to correct this kind of reading with two disciples whose selective remembering caused them to miss the truth about Jesus. Similarly, tradition or ‘handed down truth’ on important issues can bind followers of Jesus rather than set us free. Where is indifference or familiarity restricting my understanding of God’s word? A receiver’s heart needs to allow the seed to sprout roots that are deep enough to be a source of strength. Storms test which trees have deep roots and can stay upright — and those which don’t may be uprooted. The depth of the roots of the gospel in our lives is tested when times are tough: when we don’t agree with what we see around us, when the words of the Bible don’t seem to be true, when prayer seems unanswered. Satan may take advantage of these shallow roots and cause followers to stumble and trip up. Genesis chapter 3 introduces us to the subtlety of believing a partial version of God’s words and lies distorting the truth. In this illustration fear replaces love and the gospel is reduced to just information on how we are supposed to live instead of what this tells us about God. What fears may be replacing God’s love in my life? When followers begin their journey with joy but rely on emotion only, there is not enough depth to persevere. The Bible can be hard reading in places and more than a dose of emotion is required to keep going. The words 20 www.sunz.org.nz
must be well chewed and digested, internalised so that it involves us. Being a Christian at school or in a hostile work environment is testing and requires hanging in there. Buying into a consumer or ‘claim your rights’ kind of gospel will not produce the roots deep enough to stand well.
A receiver’s heart needs to allow the seed to sprout roots that are deep enough to be a source of strength. Storms test which trees have deep roots and can stay upright - and those which don’t may be uprooted. The depth of the roots of the gospel in our lives is tested when times are tough. Am I relying on emotion rather than deep roots developed through determination in order to persevere? There is competition for God’s words in our lives that may need to be intentionally eliminated. This may come in the form of worries, riches, and the pursuit of pleasure. Luke includes a reminder that the enemy who is determined to undermine our fruitfulness may steal the seed away by drowning out God’s voice with a cacophony of other sounds, undermining our pursuit of him.
What competes for my attention and distracts me from God’s word? There are many things that may work against us being receptive to God’s word, yet inherent in the Word is the ability to displace the enemy’s work and change things. Even a seed as small as a mustard seed (and that is very small) in the right conditions can grow into a tree and be fruitful. God is able to work outside the text to prepare the soil, the environment, for receiving the seed. Invite him to work in your life and prepare a rich and fertile space.
Lord God open my ears, my mind, and my heart to receiving your words. Sustain me in the journey of faith. Help me to grow in faith so that my relationship with you is not shallow and weak, but is deep and strong. Grant me a faith that can move mountains of doubt and oceans of fear. Teach me to triumph over temptation. Help me to believe in you, even when the testing storms come. Lord, I am yours. Take me as I am. Shape me. Make me. Mould me into the fruitful follower you desire. Through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
May 2017 21
Bible Jamming A fun way you can engage with the bible as a group. BY NEVILLE BARTLEY Yo uth Min isty L ead er, SU NZ
Here is a technique that you can use to help young and old get into scripture in a new and fun way. You do have to be prepared for it to get a bit loud as you progress through each step, but it is well worth it. I have even seen this work really well with people for whom English is their second language and I have even seen it in a group where several different languages were used, but that was really crazy and very funny. 22 www.sunz.org.nz
This is even a technique that a family could use to spend time in the scriptures together. The key is that although it is fun and different, by the end of the exercise you have all heard the same scripture numerous times and in numerous ways, which helps it to be grasped by those involved. It then helps to lead in to a great discussion time about the scripture you have been jamming. Why not give it a go.
BIBLE JAMMING free resource When musicians ‘jam’ they play a song over and over ‘til it’s in the groove, thus the title of this approach to getting into a Bible passage. Cut out this page and play this game with your youth. You’ll be surprised at their responses! Start in whichever way seems normal (first round is the most familiar to many) and use at least 4 of the suggestions below. It is good to have a passage that has maybe a few verses more than the size of the group and it seems to work well in groups of 5 to 10 people. 1st Round: One person reads the passage through, out loud. 2nd Round: Everyone reads the passage, a verse each around the group (people can pass if they really seem uncomfortable). 3rd Round: Someone starts and the next person picks up when/where the first stops (“handing over”). 4th Round: “Cut in” on (interrupt) one another mid-verse or wherever! 5th Round: Anyone cuts in OR hands over to each other.
6th Round: Read only the dialogue (leave out narration or thoughts. This round can be skipped if people struggle). 7th Round: Reading random verse(s) until someone reads the last verse. It is good if they read verses or parts of verses that stand out to them and it doesn’t matter if someone has already read it. You can then lead into a discussion time about the passage using questions you have pre-prepared or by using the verses that are read in round 7. It is always good to explain the whole process with a new group before you start and remind them what is next at the start of each round. It works very well with narratives but have a play around and see what works with your group. Remember it is meant to be engaging, fun and can get quite loud but don’t hold back. Have fun.
May 2017 23
E3 Canterbury Date: 10-20 December 2016 Cost $500 Start: Christchurch
Help shape the future of Scripture Union NZ as a voting member Scripture Union NZ (SUNZ) is an organisation which depends on volunteers for our day-to-day mission. We deeply appreciate the many ways people are actively supporting our mission: as volunteers in camps or schools ministries, SUPAkidz clubs, Bible reading promotion, SUNZ training and other roles; through financial and prayer support; as users of SUNZ resources. Supporters of SUNZ can also make an important contribution to the future shaping of SUNZ’s mission by becoming a voting member. Voting Members commit themselves to being a guardian of SUNZ’s Statement of Faith and Values and to turning up and voting when required. Membership is renewed every three years. If you would like to apply to become a voting member please go to www.sunz.org.nz/membership to find the membership link.
light for the path H O W B I G I S YO U R Y E S ? BY EUGENE FUIMAONO
1 Samuel 15: The Lord rejects Saul as King When God says ‘Go!’ it’s always very exciting. I remember when I first encountered God, I instantly became a new man. I was fearless, emboldened, and did exactly as God commanded me without fail. When God said ‘Go!’ I would set off instantly without doubt. This chapter of King Saul’s life mirrors one of my earliest and hardest lessons from God which can be summed up in five words: ‘obedience is better than sacrifice’. At times God’s word to us will feel unnecessarily costly, and we can find ourselves reasoning with God to make things easier or more beneficial for Him and us — and that distracts us from His command. It’s difficult to have complete trust in God, and to trust whether we heard Him right in His seemingly unreasonable requests. From the example of Saul, I can identify three barriers to obedience — which can hopefully help us avoid them! • Fear of people (verse 9) Sometimes people will lead you astray, whether through harmful words, or even
through encouragement. In this case Saul, being king, was convinced that it was better to look after his soldiers than the will of God. • Rationality (verses 13 and 20) Saul reasoned that God would approve of his actions because he was making a rational, educated, and good decision based on logic. He had convinced himself that what he was doing was God’s will. • Pride (verses 21, 24, 30) In these verses Saul fails to accept any real error that he may have caused. He consistently lays responsibility on his army. He attempts on both occasions to get Samuel on board with him so he can save face with his people. When God says ‘Go!’, how big is our ‘Yes’? Are we committed to saying ‘Yes!’ to God against people, against logic, and even against our better judgement? For me, as the chorus of the song ‘I’ll just say yes’ by Brian Courtney declares, there is peace when I say ’Yes!’. May 2017 25
out &
about
WELLINGTON JA M UE L E N R I Q U EZ
This year is rolling around quick and we are almost halfway already! This period is one of the busiest periods for us at SUNZ. We are right in the middle of WAY2GO conference season and this year we are holding these annual children’s ministry events at Invercargill, Auckand and Wellington over next few weeks. We are busy in office organising the setup of these events, processing registrations and making sure that the conferences go smoothly! At this time we are also gearing up for our upcoming winter camps season in July. This year we have 1 kids camp and 7 youth camps. We have very recently opened up registrations for these camps so we are busy getting the word out and letting everyone know that they can start booking their place on camp.
In between all of this we have been preparing for our AGM this year which will be held in August. This year Scripture Union will be celebrating its 150th year in ministry around the globe. We are hoping that all Scripture Union volunteers and supporters in NZ can join us at our AGM locations this year to celebrate this milestone, as we show our gratitude to all that they have done in Scripture Union. Please pray for us during this time as all our staff team prepare for these events, that all the time spent planning and the busy organisation will result in excellent events on the day. Please pray for any registrations, that we will have good attendance and that those who attend will have an incredible time. Thank you for your prayers!
26 www.sunz.org.nz Ponui Camp changeover time at Kawakawa Bay
OTAGO/SOUTHLAND NI G E L W I N DER
Staff have taken a well-earned break after a busy summer and are ready for a full programme of camps, training, preaching and equipping churches in their ministries to children and young people. We are in a time of transition with Paul Humphreys beginning his role as the South Island Camps Facilitator. Welcome Paul! Ben Necklen is still with us a couple of days a week acting as the youth camps Safety Advisor and coordinator of the E3 Expeditions. Both Aaron and I have been busy preaching
at numerous churches. The first Children’s Ministry network meetings have happened this year with loads of fresh Easter ideas well received. Aaron has also been meeting with students involved in their school Christian groups helping them reflect on their purpose and practice. Term 2 for me will be dominated by the national Way2Go Children’s Ministry Training days in Invercargill, Auckland and Wellington.
AUCKLAND A NNE T T E O S B O R NE
It has been a great start to the year. Our summer camping season was celebrated with a time of food, celebration and prayer at our annual Thanksgiving BBQ. Our SUPAkidz clubs are well into the year. Paul visited Green Bay SUPAkidz club and loved seeing the kids as investigators with their Investigators Inc. notepads, asking questions about who Jesus is. The focus in Auckland shifts to our upcoming WAY2GO Children’s Ministry Conference on
the 10th June. We are aiming for around 300 people to attend. Preparations are well underway and registrations are rolling in. Our next SUPAkidz camp is 10th – 14th July, with Annette Osborne and Paul Dadd codirecting. And a brand new camp is being launched, catering for Intermediates. Andrew Ramsbottom is working with the SUNZ Youth Department to shape what looks like an exciting programme. May 2017 27
Have a look online at our range of books and resources www.suresources.org.nz
E X P LO R E TO G E T H E R P U R P L E B O O K
Another fantastic resource book in the Explore Together series. With twelve brand new sessions with themes such as Good Friday and John’s vision of a new heaven and new earth in Revelation, this resource book will help you and your community engage with the Bible afresh.
Buy Explore Together Purple Book by calling us on freephone 0508 423 836
D I A RY O F A D I S C I P L E : LU K E ’ S S TO RY ( H A R D B AC K )
Diary of a disciple: Luke’s story is a contemporary children’s Bible retelling of Luke’s Gospel. Written in a quirky, contemporary, accessible style, Diary of a Disciple offers a way into the Bible for the next generation. Every page of this book bursts with doodles, drawings, and discovery. Friendly and fun-filled, this ever-quirky Diary of a Disciple is perfect for 8-11 year olds, and brings the Gospel to a whole new generation looking for exciting stories to dive head-first into.
Buy Diary of a Disciple: Luke’s Story by calling us on freephone 0508 423 836 28 www.sunz.org.nz
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The Premium Value line of NLT Bibles includes the Life Application Life Topics Index and the One Year Reading Plan. The Bible’s deluxe TuTone, long-lasting LeatherLike cover with fine Bible paper, gilded edges, a Smyth-sewn binding, ribbon marker, maps, and a presentation page make it perfect for personal use or gift-giving.
T E E N S L I M L I N E B I B L E ( N LT )
The popular Teen Slimline Bible in the New Living Translation is now available for the first time with thumb indexing to help teens find passages quickly. The presentation page, cover design, and page edges creates an overall theme using Psalm 91:1, which encourages teens to depend on God to be their shelter when they go through difficult times or need rest. Includes a 53-page dictionary/ concordance that helps teens locate passages on various topics, 8 pages of full-color maps, charcoal ribbon marker, and thumb indexing tabs.
May 2017 29
Order one of these NEW bibles at 0508 423 836 M Y B E A U T I F U L P R I N C E S S B I B L E ( N LT )
My Beautiful Princess Bible is the perfect Bible for princesses of all ages! This one-of-a-kind Bible with special features from bestselling author Sheri Rose Shepherd was created for girls ages 3 and up. The pink and purple interior, along with the over 500 highlighted Bible verses, will have God’s princesses excited about reading God’s Word! Girls will love the 24 pages of full-color inserts including Sheri Rose’s love letters from God and beautiful prayers that will encourage them to communicate with their Father in Heaven. Sheri Rose also writes about 10 of her favorite girls in the Bible, 14 of her favorite promise verses, how to become God’s princess, and so much more! Every feature, including the 66 book introduction sentences and the very special content for girls found throughout this Bible, was uniquely created to engage girls with the Word of God and to instill truth in their hearts. YOUTH BIBLE GLOBAL EDITION (CEV)
Youth Bible Global Edition. The Contemporary English Version: a clear and accurate translation. Includes: maps, weights & measures, dictionary footnotes at the end of each book and verse finder lists.
30 www.sunz.org.nz
Adven
The long wait is finally over Check out out the more resources check online resources on our online store at: at:
www.suresources.org.nz www.sunz.org.nz The new to web store is now liveonline so bestore sure for to take a look Be sure take a look at our a selection of resources. We continually add atwonderful the wonderful selection of resources. to will our be growing selection of books and resources be We adding a growing selection of ebookssoover
sure to visitmonths, the site often. the coming so be sure to visit the site often.
May 2017 31
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S TAY I N T H E L O O P
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PO BOX 760, Wellington 6140 | 0508 423 836 | info@sunz.org.nz He rama tãu kupu ki õku wae | Your word is a lamp to my feet. Psalm 119:105 SUNZ is a member of the Scripture Union International Family