FAITH LIFE REALITY
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VOX
Issue 10 April - June 2011
VOX | April - June 2011 | 1
editorial Let’s talk! I love communication! That shouldn’t come as a surprise; I’ve been a journalist for over 22 years! But my passion for communication goes deeper than typing words on a page. At its heart is the longing to connect, to relate and to create understanding. All of us hate the feeling of talking to a brick wall. Whether we are trying to share the good news of what Jesus has done for us, to suggest our teenage child might want to tidy their room or to resolve a conflict with a work colleague… our efforts may seem futile and frustrating. The journey to communication can be painful. We can’t assume that because we’ve spoken words they’ve been understood or “heard”. Doing the hard work of listening is just as important as expressing our own point of view.
“Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” James 1:19 Seeing the spark, the moment of dawning comprehension when our words begin to penetrate a mind or experiencing the same illumination in our own understanding when we appreciate someone else’s perspective brings joy and relief. This interchange is at the very heart of our vision for VOX magazine. We are thrilled to publish a discussion between two Irish Christian leaders as they wrestle through differences of opinion about the “Gospel and Mission” (page 14). This debate was made possible because two friends were willing to believe the best of one another and to listen carefully to the other viewpoint, while clearly expressing their own. Like you, we also face frustrations when communication fails (No Comment – TDs fail to respond, page 12). But that is no reason to give up. Let’s get serious about communication with each other, with our neighbours and with God!
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VOX MAGAZINE FAITH LIFE REALITY
April - June 2011, Issue 10 ISSN: 2009-2253
contents 14 16
COVER STORIES The Gospel and Mission – Can we talk? Welcome to your new life – stories from Teen Challenge graduates
Publisher Solas Publishing Editor Ruth Garvey-Williams editor@voxmagazine.ie Advertising Jonny Lindsay advertising@voxmagazine.ie Layout and Operations Jonny Lindsay Directors Tom Slattery (Evangeical Alliance Ireland) Mike Mullins (OM Ireland) Dr. Abimbola Afolabi (Oasis of Love) Subscriptions Ireland (32 counties): €10 for four issues / €16 for eight issues Overseas: €15 for four issues / €24 for eight issues All cheques should be made payable to Solas Publishing. Solas Publishing Ulysses House 22 - 24 Foley Street Dublin 1 Tel: 01 443 4789 info@voxmagazine.ie www.vox.ie Disclaimer The views expressed in letters and articles are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Solas Publishing, Evangelical Alliance, OM Ireland or Oasis of Love. The acceptance of advertising does not indicate endorsement. Print Beulah Print, Drogheda VOX magazine is a quarterly publication, brought to you by Solas Publishing, a joint project of Evangelical Alliance Ireland, OM Ireland and Oasis of Love.
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FEATURES AND INTERVIEWS No comment – Irish TDs fail to answer Fighting for Freedom – tackling child trafficking in India Shining the light over Cork – celebrating three years on air VOX Sport: Play Ball
VOX Views Holding fast to the Lenten fast? Individualism and the Church – God does not appoint supermen or women.
REGULAR FEATURES VOX: Shorts It’s all Greek to me VOX: World News Your VOX: Letters Web Watch
19 25 26 29 30
Faith, Life, Reality – My Story Family Focus (NEW!) VOX: Reviews Event Listing VOX: P.S.
Equippers Ireland presents
Register today!
‘But Ye beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith...’ Jude 1:20
Trabolgan Holiday Village East Cork June 24th - July 1st
Summer Fire Conference 2011 Tel: (021) 4273696 • 086 3923717 / 021 4373480 Email: judith_summerfire@hotmail.com or dbrookchurch@eircom.net www.summerfireconference.com www.trabolgan.com VOX | April - June 2011 | 5
VOX:SHORTS A resource for tough times!
“Journey to Wellness – five keys to spiritual wellbeing” is an exciting new booklet in magazine format that tells the stories of people who were at their wits' end and how God brought them hope. Author Graeme Wylie has worked with many people who are wrestling with suicidal thoughts. He has concluded that five spiritual factors contribute to people feeling unhappy about their lives, often to the point of becoming depressed or suicidal: low self worth, personal insecurity, a sense of guilt or failure, inner emptiness and lack of purpose in life. The new booklet addresses each of these issues from a spiritual perspective and shows the provision God has made to meet our fundamental need. Each point is illustrated with the personal story of someone who was in despair until they found a meaningful relationship with God. The booklet includes an article about depression by Christian psychiatrist Dr Steve Critchlow and features resources available to people struggling with suicidal thoughts. Churches, individuals and Christian groups can order quantities of the booklets to help those struggling in these tough times. For details and an order form email graeme@chooselife.ie Check out www.chooselife.ie for more information. 1
Inishowen embraces Amazing Grace Ireland’s largest peninsula is celebrating its Christian heritage by marking the historic connection between Lough Swilly and John Newton, author of Amazing Grace. Motorists entering Buncrana are now greeted with signs saying, “Welcome to Amazing Grace Country”. And the town’s council and tourist office have set in motion a plan to attract tourists to the area by promoting the story. Once a foul-mouthed slave trader, John Newton’s life was turned around when his ship was crippled by a violent storm in the Atlantic Ocean. He cried out to God for mercy but thought his sins were too great to be forgiven. When all hope seemed lost, the Greyhound found refuge in Lough Swilly on April 8, 1748. “About this time I began to know that there is a God that hears and answers prayer,” Newton wrote in his journal. Eventually becoming a clergyman and a prolific hymn-writer, Newton went on to pen one of the world’s best-loved
songs, Amazing Grace to described his own journey to faith in Jesus. Buncrana’s connection with Amazing Grace was first publicised in 2006 when OM Ireland Director, Mike Mullins (then living in the town) began to share the story. Mike was instrumental in persuading film company Walden Media to hold the first Irish pre-screening of their film Amazing Grace in Buncrana and the OM Ireland team worked to launch the website www.amazinggrace.ie Building on these achievements, the Inishowen Tourist office and Buncrana Town council have now embraced the story as their own. Speaking on Newstalk radio, Donegal North West TD and spokesperson for the project, Padraig MacLochlainn said, “We all love the hymn, Amazing Grace. It means so much to so many people. This is an incredible story. It is literally about John Newton moving from the dark side over to the light.”
Summer Institute at IBI
Listen to author, speaker and VicePrincipal of Regents Theological College, Keith Warrington, on the subject of “Healing and Suffering” at IBI’s Summer Institute. Date: 17 – 18 June 2011 Venue: Irish Bible Institute, Ulysses House, 22-24 Foley Street, Dublin 1 Cost: €100 Book Online at www.ibi.ie
6 | VOX | April - June 2011
Christian holidays omitted from EU diary
The European Commission has admitted its error in producing a diary that contained the important feast days of most major religions, except Christianity. Christians were angered because the diary section for December 25 is blank and the bottom of the page for Christmas Day is marked only with the message: "A true friend is someone who shares your concerns and will double your joy.” The publication of the diary caused a significant controversy, with Christian organisations and a number of politicians expressing anger and astonishment. In a statement, the Commission said the publication of the diary excluding Christian holidays was a “regrettable omission” and a correction has now been sent out.
Images: Heidi O’Sullivan
Not For Sale Sunday Over 150 people gathered outside the GPO in O’Connell Street in Dublin to mark “Not for Sale Sunday” on March 13. Organised by Irish anti-trafficking group “Tirzah”, the event sought to raise awareness of the plight of those affected by human trafficking and sex slavery in Ireland. With music from Discovery Gospel Choir and George Ann, the programme also featured presentations from Reuben Coulter, CEO of Tearfund and TD Lucinda Creighton. Special guests included Sarah Benson from Ruhama and Marrion Walsh, the head of the Anti-Trafficking Unit. Tirzah Coordinator Jeanne Whelan said, “We want to challenge
people not to turn away or leave it to someone else to help end the suffering of victims. We need to break the silence in which this evil thrives. Our hope is that together we can help end human trafficking in Ireland.” Born out of the Evangelical Alliance Ireland’s social justice working group, Tirzah aims to stop all forms of human trafficking in Ireland by creating awareness, challenging attitudes that allow this injustice to flourish, campaigning for legislative change and restoring the lives of victims. TIrzah (a Hebrew word meaning “beloved”) was launched in autumn 2010. For more details visit www.tirzah.ie
Divorce for political gain?
Guatemalan President Alvaro Colom and his wife Sandra Torres have filed for divorce so she can stand for election to succeed him, according to media reports. Guatemala's constitution bans close relatives of the president from standing in presidential elections. In March, Sandra Torres announced she would be the governing party candidate for president and the couple submitted a petition for divorce to the courts. The main opposition candidate Otto Perez Molina of the right-wing Patriot Party - accused the couple of seeking to defraud the system.
Christian Aid Week: 15-21 May 2011
Christian Aid is calling on churches, communities and individuals in Ireland to give their time, money and voice to help the world’s poorest communities during the annual fundraising week in May. Check out a wide range of resources online at christianaid.ie
Thousands unite to record the Bible Young people across Ireland took part in an innovative project to record the whole Bible in time for St Patrick’s Day. Christian festival, Summer Madness, launched the project to mark the 400th anniversary of the King James Version bible and to highlight the relevance of the Bible to today’s young people. Youth groups, schools and churches across the country signed up to record different chapters of the Bible using online recording site audioboo.com. A school in Limerick opted for 1 Chronicles (including those infamous first nine chapters) while the Presbyterian youth department tackled all 150 Psalms. Derry and Raphoe Church of Ireland recorded Song of Solomon, CFC in Belfast chose Romans and Ballynahinch Baptist read the book of Job. Thrilled with the enthusiasm with which people took part in the project, John Kee from Summer Madness described it as “a brilliant way to celebrate St Patrick’s heritage in a unique and contemporary fashion”. “We will compile [the recordings] into one complete audio Bible that will be freely available to anyone to download or listen to online,” he added. Find out more at www.summermadness.co.uk VOX | April - June 2011 | 7
VOX:SHORTS
Attitudes to government spending
With Western governments frantically trying to cut billions of dollars, euros and pounds from their budgets, a survey in America asked evangelical Christians what they would prefer to see cut from the budget. The (surprising?) top choices among evangelicals for the chopping block were economic assistance to needy people around the world (56 percent), government assistance for the unemployed (40 percent), and environmental protection (38
percent). In fact, evangelicals were more supportive of funding cuts in every area except military defence, terrorism defence, aid to veterans and energy. At VOX magazine, we’re wondering what our readers think. If you could cut three areas of our Government’s budget, what would they be? If you could protect any area of Government spending, what would you protect? Write to us now at editor@ voxmagazine.ie or comment on The Conversation at www.vox.ie
Products spotted online: good, bad or off-the-wall…
what do you think? Of 80 million Easter Eggs sold each year, not one mentions Jesus… until now. The Real Easter Egg is the first Fairtrade chocolate egg to explain the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection on the box. It also supports charity and development projects – with a donation for every egg purchased. Check out realeasteregg. co.uk Vatican cigarette lighter complete with St Peter keychain from romegiftshop.com Jesus Monopoly board sold in Russia - Four players compete by throwing a dice and trying not to be caught in the trap of one of the deadly sins. Sold in Russian toys stores for the equivalent of €1.50.
Headed for extinction?
Researchers have concluded religion could be headed for extinction in Ireland! A study by mathematicians shows that people claiming “no religion” are the fastest growing minority in a number of countries around the world. Using census data from nine countries, the research team applied a mathematical model to predict the future of religious affiliation. “For decades, authors have commented on the surprisingly rapid decline of organised religion in many regions of the world,” the report states. “The model predicts that in these societies the perceived utility of religious non-affiliation is greater than that of adhering to a religion and therefore predicts continued growth of non affiliation, tending towards the disappearance of religion.” Australia, Austria, Canada, the Czech Republic, Finland, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Switzerland were the focus of the study. Ireland’s 2011 Census data will be published later this year. In 2002, 138, 300 registered “No Religion” in the census. This figure grew to 186, 300 in the census of 2006. Is religion going the way of the Dodo?
GOING DEEPER. CHECK OUT THESE RESOURCES… New articles and devotional materials at the all-new VOX web site
Visit our new VOX website www.vox.ie for a whole range of new articles, resources and devotional material. View VOX articles online or engage with discussions on The Conversation.
Faith expressing itself in love
How can the Irish church “be a force for renewal in a way which is both attractive and compelling”? Jonathan Reid’s paper “An Applied Theology of Evangelical Social Action for Today’s Ireland” is well worth a thoughtful read. Download it today from www.ibi.ie/Papers.php 8 | VOX | April - June 2011
Love Wins?
The debate continues to rage following the publication of Rob Bell’s controversial book about hell, Love Wins, that prompted some evangelical leaders to brand him as a universalist. Here’s a chance for you to take a close look at the debate and make up your own mind. Why not write and tell us what you think? Email editor@voxmagazine.ie thegospelcoalition.org Review by Kevin DeYoung, American Pastor (largely critical)
sojo.net Review by Julie Clawson, American author (largely positive)
shoredfragments.wordpress.com – In depth and on-going review over the course of several blog posts by Scottish Baptist minister, Steve Holmes (balance of positive and critical comments)
VOX:WORLD NEWS
Sudan’s surprisingly peaceful referendum
Joseph Noel, General Secretary of the Fellowship of Christian University Students in Sudan, wrote this special report for VOX magazine about the recent referendum to divide his country: “It’s a historical moment to witness such a peaceful referendum …” - this is how many international representatives responded during the announcement of the referendum result on February 7, 2011 in Khartoum. God surprised the whole world by giving the people of southern Sudan the most peaceful referendum in the history of the world – against all political predictions and analysis. "Many were expecting bloodshed in Sudan and even some went further predicting terrifying scenarios for the future of the country. As result many southern families living in the north, relocated their families to the south or to neighbouring countries. "However, the Christian believers in Sudan began praying and interceding for the situation and asking for support from the Christian family all over the world. Rejecting all those predictions,
we cried out to God for peace in Sudan no matter what the result of the referendum. "Southern Sudan voted with almost 98% for cession and yet everything remained quiet with no fighting or any violence. Instead people moved to talk about what is next and here was the bigger surprise - everything continued to go smoothly! "God answered the petition of His Church all over the world that uttered prayers for Sudan!"
Image: Reuben Coulter, Tearfund
Customs seizes bibles - Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan authorities have refused to release 15,000 Bibles seized by customs. The State Religious Affairs Committee and Justice Ministry officials ordered the Bible Society to return the books to Russia at their own cost as "there is no need to import Bibles into Uzbekistan since there's an electronic version on the Internet." However, since the average income in Uzbekistan is about $10 a day, Internet access is unavailable to the average person.
Villagers flee at gunpoint - Laos
Scores of terrified villagers faced starvation in the jungles of Laos after they were driven from their village at gunpoint in February for refusing to give up Christianity. Laotian authorities reportedly destroyed crops to prevent food from reaching the group of over 60 impoverished Christians in a rugged terrain of Saravan province. Village officials also instructed surrounding villages not to help or provide food for the group, and one man has already died.
Shabhaz Bhatti, a brave man
David Turner, director of Church in Chains, expressed shock and sadness at the assassination of Pakistan Minister for Minorities Shabhaz Bhatti. "He was a brave man who devoted his life to the cause of religious freedom in Pakistan, “David said. “He was outspoken in calling for changes to the blasphemy law and it is this stand and his support for Asia Bibi that has led directly to his death. Like many others, I pray that his death will not silence the voice of those who call for freedom and tolerance in Pakistan." When David met Shabhaz at a conference in London in October 2009, Shabhaz told him, "Christians in Pakistan are being attacked, imprisoned and killed under the pretext of committing blasphemy and the blasphemy charges being brought against Christians are false. The blasphemy laws have created intolerance, disharmony and a sense of insecurity among minorities. "Religious freedom is very close to my heart. I live for religious freedom and am willing to die for this cause. I want to work for legislation so that no-one will suffer discrimination." As Pakistan’s only Christian minister, Shabhaz Bhatti had received death threats. He was shot dead by gunmen and the Taliban claimed responsibility for his murder.
It’s all ελληνικά to me :: Lessons from a Greek Teacher FAITH WILL BE ENERGETIC Sometimes we are quite safe translating a Greek word from the New Testament directly into English: for example aroma = aroma and kamel(os) = camel. At other times we must be careful because, despite some enthusiastic preachers, dunamis does not mean ‘dynamite’. Occasionally we have a happy coincidence between a Greek word and its modern English form. When Paul speaks of “faith working through love” Galatians 5:6 (the NIV “expressing itself” is a weak translation) the underlying verb is energeo and it’s not hard, or incorrect, to see in it our word “energise”. This is very helpful in understanding the relation between faith and works. Faith is the one thing needful for salvation but such
faith, unless it is a mere notion, will be active, energised by love. And when we keep this in mind we see that Paul and James (James 2: 17,18) are not at cross-purposes over salvation by faith after all. Likewise the same word occurs in Philippians 2:13, where again it explains that salvation will show itself by 'energy' and in 1 Corinthians 12:11 where it helps us understand how spiritual gifts are the work of the Holy Spirit. Warren Nelson, originally from Drogheda, Co. Louth, taught at the Irish Bible School in Co. Tipperary. He now enjoys active retirement and DIY near Tullamore.
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YOUR VOX letters to the editor The onus is on us In response to a letter in your spring edition "Not as good as before" I would like to make it clear where I believe the 'onus is'. As Christians the onus is on us. The onus is on us to understand others, the onus is on us to make no distinction, the onus is on us to be all things to all men for the sake of the Gospel and the onus is on us to love unconditionally. Easier said than done but this is what is asked of us and we have the wisdom and love of God at our disposal. What we need to do is prayerfully make the first move.
Star Letter! In each issue of VOX we award a prize of a €25 One4all voucher for our favourite letter. It could be you!
Maeve Ayo Galway
Unrealistic expectations are killing us (Handling our Finance in Tough Times, VOX magazine Jan- Mar 2011) I am of an age group that can remember the Second World War. Everyone suffered some deprivation at that time. Gradually products like rubber based goods, imported fruit (oranges, bananas, etc.) were no longer available. Tea, sugar and petrol were rationed. No private cars were allowed and, living in a country area, that meant little visiting or shopping. We never went on holiday. Christmas presents were small - a pair of gloves or a new pen with a few sweets. Was I an unhappy child? Far from it: I was very happy as far as giving and receiving was concerned. What has happened to us as a nation? We all know instances where a young child finds the box a gift comes in more interesting than the gift. Unrealistic expectations are killing us. As Christians we are following the crowd, keeping up with the Jones', instead of being in the world but not of it with its enticements. Modifying expectations would cost nothing. It would be a good way to economise. Joan Bradley Dublin
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How to live “more simple” (not 2B taken 2 serious) Feed your dog leftovers, instead of Pedigree Chum. Make it a reverse call when you ring your mum. Give your cat just water (or something of that ilk) But if she’s good, on Sunday, the dregs of your All Bran milk If you have some parents who come for Sunday Roast Tell them “Sorry. Cutbacks. We’ve only beans on toast” If you have some children who surf upon the net Tell them they’re deluded. “It’s not invented yet.” They just might not believe you. Direct them to St Paul That man seemed pretty happy when he had nothing at all. (Philippians 4:22) Peter Brabazon Callan, Co Kilkenny VOX magazine welcomes “Letters to the Editor” (ideal length 150-200 words) in response to articles and features or relevant issues facing Ireland in the 21st century. Send your contribution to Your VOX, editor@ voxmagazine.ie or mail to The Editor, VOX magazine, Solas Publishing, Ulysses House, 22-24 Foley St, Dublin 1
THANKS FOR HAVING YOUR SAY! We are so grateful for every reader who took the time to complete our recent survey. It was encouraging to hear so many positive comments and we also value the constructive criticism. Please watch out for new contributors and other developments over the coming months as we respond to your suggestions! Check out our new website – www.vox. ie which has been created with your comments in mind. Feel free to send more suggestions, comments and criticisms to us (editor@ voxmagazine.ie) as we seek to serve as a voice for Christians in Ireland. Congratulations to Edwina Dewart (Dublin), Bob Murphy (Kilkenny) and John Duffy (Belfast) who won copies of the DVD KJB: The Book that Changed the World!
Image: Caroline Connaughton
I am passionate about freedom, whether it is for girls who are in sex slavery in India or girls anywhere who do not feel free in who they are. When I was on holiday in India, I heard through an organization called Freedom Firm about young girls who had been trafficked into prostitution. It seemed to be the ultimate slavery, one of the most extreme forms of oppression. Freedom Firm was looking for someone to fundraise and be involved with the girls’ rehabilitation home, and I felt peace from God about staying to help. I began as a fundraiser and eventually my role was to manage the field work, the team of local investigators and social workers who identify and rescue girls from brothels and ensure that they receive the appropriate care in the days and years that follow. For many girls, desperation caused by poverty makes them vulnerable to trafficking. Laxmi was only ten years old when she was enticed onto a train to Mumbai with the promise of a job in a clothes factory. Her family was desperately poor and she thought she could earn money to help her family survive. Instead she ended up as one of the thousands of child prostitutes in Mumbai. It is estimated that 500,000 girls are trapped in sex slavery in India. Fortunately, a couple years later, when she was twelve years old, an undercover team of investigators found her, and with the help of the police, raided the brothel and rescued her. Laxmi endured abuse that we can hardly fathom and her physical freedom was the beginning of a long road. She initially entered a government institution and eventually she came to the Freedom Firm aftercare home where we had the opportunity to walk with her in her journey to healing and re-integration. It is truly remarkable how far Laxmi has come, now living independently and working in a good job in a call centre. Over the last five years, Freedom Firm has helped rescue 125 girls from more than ten cities and towns in India. Central to the work is ensuring that brothel keepers and traffickers are arrested and charged. If you pull a girl out, the brothel keeper will lose money, their “investment”, but if a brothel keeper is put behind bars, it may cost them their entire business. With enough arrests and prosecutions we are certain that the cost of forcing young girls into prostitution will eventually outweigh the monetary incentive. In September I begin a doctorate in law in Minneapolis, USA. I’m not sure where God will lead me after that, but am excited to use my legal skills to continue to fight against injustice.
Photos by Tearfund partner, Freedom Firm
In 2006 Irish law graduate Debbie Walker visited India for a two-week holiday. Confronted by the horrific reality of child trafficking, she ended up spending four years working with Freedom Firm, a Christian charity supported by TearFund and other Irish aid agencies. Debbie shares:
Run for freedom in the women’s mini-marathon on June 6 2011 and raise vital funds to set trafficked women free. Deadline for entry 27th April. Full details at www.tearfund.ie/fundraising or contact Cliona at 01 8783200. VOX | April - June 2011 | 11
NO COMMENT! TDs have nothing to say… yet!
40 DAYS OF LENT
Holding fast to the Lenten Fast? I gave up chocolate for Lent each year for most of my childhood. Actually I should clarify that. I gave up chocolate for Ash Wednesday each year for most of my childhood. I very often broke it on the Thursday, usually because I forgot I‘d given it up the day before. So I’d go off chocolate again on the Friday… and so on and so forth. I don’t know if this is the same for everyone but we were always allowed to break the fast on St. Patrick’s Day. One year someone told me that it was also allowable to break the fast on your birthday if it fell in Lent. Mine almost always does . Oh, and there’s Mother’s Day. You can break the fast on Mother’s Day too. It got to the stage that I ate more chocolate during Lent than any other time, apart from Christmas! The only year I did stick to it, I decided to keep any chocolate I was offered so I could have it over the Easter holidays. With all the chocolate I’d collected over the 40 days AND my Easter eggs I’m amazed I ever came out of the sugar coma!!! Doesn't really equate to abstinence, does it?! Over the years my attitude to Lent has changed. I always try to give something up. And I even try to stick to it. But I think it is a great time for reflection and devotion to God. I was taught that the whole point of giving something up was that when you missed it or wanted it, it should remind you of what Jesus gave up and suffered for us. Sometimes I need that. Sometimes I need that longing for something I love to remind me of the longing of the One who loves me, that I love Him more. Not just for the next forty days; but for the rest of my days. In the meantime, I’m off for a cup of coffee and a…… Rich Tea biscuit :o! Annmarie Miles comes from Tallaght in Dublin and is married to Richard, from Wales. She works for Focus on the Family and loves to cook, sing, read, talk and eat! Follow Annmarie's blog at www.auntyamo.wordpress.com.
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Our political map has changed dramatically since the General Election. At VOX magazine, we wanted to find out what our new TDs had to say about key issues that affect and concern our readers. Throughout March, we contacted more than 25 TDs from all of the major political parties and in constituencies ranging from Dublin to Galway and from Donegal to Cork. As we go to press, we have not received a single reply and only one acknowledgement (thank you Michael McGrath, Cork!) to all our emails. VOX Editor Ruth Garvey-Williams commented, “There can be many good reasons why our TDs don’t answer our questions. It would be easy to get upset and assume the worst… however we want to keep trying, to keep talking and to find ways to engage with our politicians as we seek to rebuild Ireland. “At VOX, we want to encourage Christians in Ireland to start speaking to their local politicians. And we hope, in time, our representatives will speak with us – not just out of courtesy, but recognising that we are in this together!” The questions we asked… 1. How will you ensure that our laws protect the weakest and most vulnerable members of our society – the elderly, the ill, the handicapped, the mentally ill and children at risk? 2. Corruption and lack of accountability both in government and in the private sector have caused serious damage to our nation and undermined people’s confidence in their leaders. What will you do to increase accountability and promote integrity for those in positions of power? 3. Many Christians are concerned about the trend in Europe to limit freedom of conscience through laws, which appear to discriminate against people of faith. How would you answer these concerns? 4. How can members of faith communities in Ireland help and support our nation towards recovery? Why not take your copy of VOX magazine to your local TD and ask for a response? Or write to them with your own questions? Why not write a letter of encouragement to your local politicians and assure them of your prayers?
Castledaly Manor Christian camp, retreat and conference centre
A recently renovated 18th century house and stable block, Castledaly Manor is the perfect setting for church weekends, retreats, camps, midweek breaks or weekends away.
Accommodation for up to 100 people in double rooms, family rooms and dormitories Spacious grounds for peaceful walks, outdoor games and activities Commercial kitchen and dining room Lounge and coffee bar with open fires Conference room with seating for 60 (can extend to 100) Close to Athlone town, Moate, Clonmacnoise, Birr Castle, Glendeer pet farm and much more - from lake lands to bogs and turf cutting.
Location Castledaly Manor is 112km from Dublin and 96km from Galway. Only 5 minutes drive from exit 7 on the M6 motorway. BCM camps Castledaly Manor is the venue for BCM Ireland’s regular summer camps for children and young people. Contact us to find out more.
For further information or bookings call 090 648 2222 or 059 913 5859 or email info@bcmireland.ie VOX | April - June 2011 | 13
gospel & mission SEAN MULLAN REPLIES:
JONNY GRANT WRITES:
The conference was challenging and troubling. Dr Joel Edwards came with a clear understanding of the trends that challenge how we do mission. Sean Mullan’s pointers were a reminder not to shrink back into the comfort of our church programmes but to engage with the needs around us. The troubling aspect for me was the lack of emphasis on what I understand to be primary to our mission - reaching out with the good news of Christ. Whatever the setting it is vital that we state clearly what we are about. This highlighted for me a growing tension, if not polarisation, between what some call the demonstration of the gospel and the proclamation of the gospel. It seems, for some, that a demonstration of the gospel is the only means by which we “should” do mission. To feed the hungry, to care for the sick, to speak out for the oppressed are the means for mission, which is far more engaging than preaching the gospel! In other words we must demonstrate God’s love but don’t spoil it by opening your mouth.
Our message has no meaning without action and our action has no direction without a message. I am not arguing that demonstration is wrong. In fact, all scripture makes it clear that care and compassion is vital. Anyone who does not do these things ought to examine their lives very closely for fear they are not in the kingdom! What I do think is that these two truths - demonstration and proclamation - need to be held firmly in each hand and pulled together. One can’t exist without the other. Our message has no meaning without action and our action has no direction without a message. The local church must care for the needs of the city or neighbourhood but this can’t be separated from the proclamation of the gospel. John Piper at Lausanne said, ”We should be concerned about all suffering especially eternal suffering” – It’s not enough to ‘be Jesus’, we must proclaim Jesus. We can feed the hungry but yet they can miss out on the greatest feast to come. They may have a home but miss out on the eternal home. But as much as I like Piper, Jesus mission statement is perhaps better - ‘…to preach good news to the poor... proclaim freedom for the prisoners... recovery of sight... release the oppressed ...proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’ Luke 4:18-19 14 | VOX | April - June 2011
I feel the kind of unease I would feel if, having preached a sermon on not committing adultery I was asked why I had neglected the command on not murdering. Can we please talk about the challenge of doing justice? I am concerned that we never really think through the implications because of our concern that proclamation will be neglected. In contrast the New Testament seems to have a different balance of concern. There is no "proclamation" equivalent to Jesus' devastating parable in Matthew 25, nor to 1 John 3. So I am wondering how faithful we are to the scripture when we warn of the danger of neglecting proclamation each time we are challenged about doing justice? My experience is that, far from neglecting proclamation evangelism, doing deeds of justice has given me opportunity to proclaim the gospel to probably a few hundred people who I would never have even met otherwise. I am struck by the limited number of commands to proclaim the good news in the New Testament. There are of course the great commissions and the initial sending out of the disciples to proclaim and passages like Luke 4. But it seems that Paul, John, Peter and the others were not overly concerned with exhorting believers to word evangelism.
Far from neglecting proclamation evangelism, doing deeds of justice has given me opportunity to proclaim the gospel Why is this? I do not think that it is because they did not think it was important and essential. It just seems it wasn't necessary. All people are by nature good news proclaimers - if something good happens to us we tell others - not because we have to but because we want to. So Paul and others knew people would proclaim the good news and therefore exhortation was superfluous. This begs the question why do we have to tell people to proclaim the good news? Why don't they do it naturally? Has the gospel ceased to be good news for us? By turning the gospel into a message primarily for unbelievers, we have made it into something that is good news for "them" - the other crowd - but not for us - the in crowd, who are already "sorted." And if it is no longer good news for us then we stop telling it. If doing deeds of justice comes in as a valid means of "copping out" of telling people then it can become the focus of concerns. But my contention is that if people are neglecting telling the good news the problem is that it is no longer good news for them. It's into that area that the surgeon has to insert the knife, not into deeds of justice.
The Urban Nation conference in January gave church leaders an opportunity to grapple with mission in 21st century Ireland. Dr Joel Edwards, International Director of the Micah Challenge, outlined new “competencies” he said were needed for mission in today’s world. Hear Dr Edwards' full message at www.ibi.ie/resources.php. Following the conference, Jonny Grant (Cork) and Sean Mullan
(Dublin) began a dialogue about the Gospel and Mission in Ireland. They agreed to publish their discussions in VOX magazine as they struggle with one issue that appears to divide Irish Christians. At VOX, we are grateful that two leaders can wrestle through differences while showing respect for one another!
JOIN THE CONVERSATION… What do you think? Visit our website vox.ie and add your comments under this article in The Conversation or write to editor@voxmagazine.ie
JONNY GRANT ANSWERS:
The gospel is not just a message for the ‘outsider’: it is also for the ‘insider’. I am a firm believer that we must preach the gospel to ourselves every day. It’s not just a set of beliefs to tip you into the kingdom or a ‘ticket’, which you put in your pocket to cash in at the pearly gates. The gospel is the means by which we enter the kingdom (Matt 4:17) and is also the motivation for those who are in the kingdom (Matt 5ff ). Any kind of justice without the gospel as a motivation is ‘works’. It is only by recognising the sheer magnitude of God’s grace that I will want to serve.
If the gospel brings us into the kingdom then we need... to keep that central and not confuse the idea that demonstration will bring people into the kingdom.
So let’s preach the cross and set the gospel out clearly at the beginning of any conference on justice so that we see why we need to do it. I agree that if the good news has so affected me I will want to pass it on. If I have to be pushed into it, or cajoled into it, then maybe it has stopped affecting me. I do not agree that the gospels and the letters do not exhort us to evangelism. There are not many commands. Rather as we read through the New Testament we see they were proclaiming the good news – therefore we ought to do the same. From my experience we need to be encouraged and reminded of our calling. People will naturally feel it is easier to demonstrate the gospel than proclaim the gospel. If the gospel brings us into the kingdom then we need to be encouraged to keep that central and not confuse the idea that demonstration will bring people into the kingdom. In their book Total Church, Timmis and Chester say this about the relationship between evangelism and social action: 1. Evangelism and social action are distinct activities. 2. Proclamation is central - social action without proclamation is like a signpost pointing nowhere. 3. Evangelism and social action are inseparable - People often talk about evangelism being the priority but evangelism cannot be separated from social action because mission takes place through relationships. (See 1 Thes. 2:8)
SEAN MULLAN RESPONDS:
I think we agree: • The gospel message must be announced verbally • Deeds of justice and mercy are a vital part of the church's mission • The church needs to work at getting both things right - it must not compromise proclamation because it is not socially acceptable I still feel uneasy because I don't see a response to the challenge - "How am I, and my church, engaging in gospelgenerated deeds of justice and mercy in my community?" which was the central question of the conference. My contention is that according to the New Testament it is not an optional extra- it is integral in gospel communicating. You seem to suggest [working justice and mercy] is easy because it's socially acceptable and culturally popular. I don’t think so. I think most churches never seriously engage with the issue. It involves moving well outside our comfort zones: sacrificing time, money and energy without immediate tangible returns for the church. So we neglect it. Moreover deeds of justice and mercy are both a primary indicator that the gospel has penetrated our hearts and a means by which it further penetrates our beings. The New Testament nowhere warns about the danger of neglecting proclamation for the sake of justice and mercy. Nor does it draw tidy lines between the two activities.
If deeds of justice and mercy are being used as an excuse... the real question is: “What’s wrong that people would want an excuse to avoid sharing the gospel?”
If proclamation is not being done by the church this is a serious problem. But if deeds of justice and mercy are being used as an excuse to avoid proclamation the real question is: “What’s wrong that people would want an excuse to avoid sharing the gospel?” The answer is NOT “too much emphasis on doing justice and mercy.” Instead I suggest we need to examine these questions: Why has the gospel ceased to be good news to people and what needs to be done to reverse that? How do we equip people to be good news proclaimers in a cultural climate that is hostile to all "absolutist" messages? VOX | April - June 2011 | 15
Welcome to your new By Keith Flynn
From the gangs of New York to the streets of Dublin, the work of Teen Challenge spans more than 50 years and has spread across many countries around the world. For over a decade, homeless people, addicts and former criminals have found new hope and new life thanks to the work of Teen Challenge Ireland. Paul’s story
Places of refuge
I grew up in crime. This life went on for 20 years and I spent many of these years in prison. I was shot twice and left on an operating table to die. In my prison cell I cried out to God, "If you are who you say you are and you came to take my sin then please show yourself to me." A Teen Challenge staff member came to see me in prison. I was brought to the visit with my hands and feet in shackles and chains and with two prison officers, one in front and one behind. Eventually I left prison to go to the Teen Challenge house “Tiglin”. There the assistant manger met me with a big hug. “Welcome to your new life,” he said. I was taken out of darkness by the love of God in Jesus and I now have a wonderful future working with a local church.
Tiglin Men’s Centre and Shechem House provide help and sanctuary to the homeless, addicted and destitute of Irish society. Residents undergo a 16-month programme aimed at helping them become mentally sound, emotionally balanced, socially adjusted, physically well and spiritually alive. The programme includes lectures, character development, relational guidance, social skills and recreation. Teen Challenge strives to help the ‘whole person’, not just the substance abuse. This type of holistic approach is in short supply in Ireland, according to the government’s National Drugs Strategy. Biblical principles help to teach a whole new way of living by addressing family relationships, work attitudes, self image, peer pressure, temptation, community relationships and a variety of other life skills.
"I now have a wonderful future" 16 | VOX | April - June 2011
Expanding Tiglin was once part of Glanmore Castle. Teen Challenge initially purchased one half of the property. Last year, the charity bought the remaining half, the old “An Oige” Youth Hostel.
Teen Challenge strives to help the 'whole person', not just the substance abuse. This purchase will enable the centre to expand to further develop its re-entry to society phase, focusing on skill development, training and employment experience for students.
More than soup and a sandwich The Teen Challenge bus, modified as a mobile drop-in centre, continues to work in various locations across Dublin city centre every week. Staffed by trained volunteers who have a heart for the homeless community, this service
life!
"I wrapped myself in drink and drugs and I needed them just to feel normal."
provides an opportunity for addicts and homeless people to drop in for tea, coffee, soup and sandwiches. As funds allow it, clothes, sleeping bags and toiletries are also provided. However, the aim of the bus is to provide more than just soup and a sandwich. Volunteers seek to offer advice, information and encouragement as well as access to services.
Graduation! On March 12, Teen Challenge held a graduation service for six men and four women who had completed the 14-module Teen Challenge studies (usually taking nine months). Of these students, six also graduated the complete 16-month programme, now ready to re-enter society renewed and restored.
Jessica’s story I served three years of a long prison sentence but I believe God was with me in that prison. When I went to Teen Challenge I found the love of God in what Christ did on the cross. I now have a hope and a future that I never thought was possible.
Stephen’s story I wrapped myself in drink and drugs and I needed them just to feel normal. I became depressed and suicidal. I thought the lifestyle was great but I was thrown out of home and hit rock bottom. I went into Teen Challenge nervous and shy. I learned about the love of God and the staff members showed me this love. I had never experienced this type of love in my life. God changed me and I am so thankful. My life has started again.
Get involved! Teen Challenge Ireland is a registered charity, which relies on continued support from both private and public bodies as well as individuals and community groups. Visit www. teenchallenge.ie for more information or email info@teenchallenge.ie. One upcoming fundraiser is a sponsored walk in the Mourne Mountains. Visit the website for more details or contact Keith on 0879196429.
What is Teen Challenge? Teen Challenge Ireland helps individuals to become productive members of society by providing effective Christian faith-based solutions to life-controlling problems. First started in the 1950s, Teen Challenge began as one man’s dream to reach out to the gangs of New York. David Wilkerson’s work led to the opening of a rehabilitation house and has since spread across many countries around the world. Read the full story in the book, The Cross and the Switchblade. Teen Challenge Ireland began in the late 1990’s as a bus outreach in Dublin. An 8-bed rehabilitation centre for women, called Shechem House, was set up in 2004 in County Kildare. In 2008, a 19-bed men’s rehabilitation centre was opened at the former Tiglin Mountaineering Centre in County Wicklow.
VOX | April - June 2011 | 17
Are you speaking the Love Language of the one YOU love?
Don’t let Love get ‘lost in translation’! Buy The Five Love Languages at store.family.ie
Focus on the Family Ireland, Unit 11 The Plaza, Main Street, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 T: 01 806 6288 | E: info@family.ie |W: www.family.ie
Don't just memorise God's Word.
Put it into practice. Be part of a Zest4Kidz team in 2011 bringing hope to children in desperate circumstances. We have ongoing projects in India, Uganda & Belarus. For more information visit www.zest4kidz.com or email info@zest4kidz.com
18 | VOX | April - June 2011
Faith, Life, Reality My Story
Do you want to share your story in VOX magazine? “My Story” is an opportunity for ordinary people living in Ireland to talk about their journey to faith or the impact God has in their daily lives.
Anna Daly is producer / presenter on Life FM Radio magazine programme “On the Level” and her husband, Brian, is Station Manager. For “My Story” Anna shares how Christian radio transformed their lives. It all started 13 years ago. We were just drifting and our lives revolved around our own desires. We were both habitual cannabis users, living day to day, with no vision or purpose. We also had lots of baggage, which we took into our relationship. We felt we were unworthy and God would not be interested in us. We started listening to Christian radio and over the course of four months we heard stories of people who were in a relationship with Jesus. We began to ask the question: who is this Jesus who forgives sinners and could He forgive us? We both individually came to a decision point in our lives. We knew that to follow Jesus we had to give Him everything. One night I had been smoking. I was thinking what do I have to do to follow God? Can I be a dope smoker? I felt frightened. I didn’t know how to pray and so I prayed the Lord’s prayer over and over and cried out to God. "If you are who you say you are, you have to help me. I want to give everything to you. All my life.” The following morning, God spoke to me, "You are never going to smoke again.” I knew I had been set free. I felt like I had been lifted to a higher place - the weight had gone. All this was before we had spoken to any other Christians! God has given us a vision and a purpose with Life FM. We know Christian radio works. My highlight has been seeing this vision being partially fulfilled, with thousands of listeners hearing about the love of Jesus, just like we did!
My top five... Web Highlights from VOX readers www.ecosia.org I use this as my search engine. God calls us to be caretakers of this wonderful world and this helps a wee bit as they donate 80% of advertising revenue to rainforest protection. www.scholar.google.com Brilliant for decent research and history articles, Google Scholar provides a search of literature, books and articles online. www.hotmail.com Allows me to keep in touch with my friends and family and with news further afield. www.facebook.com Many friends in Kosovo are on Facebook and this enables me to keep in regular contact as well as with what’s happening at 93.1 Life FM.
www.mcfc.co.uk It’s not always been easy to be a City fan but they were 1 of 7 football clubs that were established by Christians to keep fellas out of trouble. Although times have changed, I got back into supporting them to keep my son and daughter away from the Red Devils. although our main chant should be “We love you Jesus we do…” Daithi Mac an Bhiocaire lives in Cork and is a passionate supporter of 93.1 Life FM Radio.
Want to share your story in VOX magazine? Write to editor@voxmagazine.ie or Solas Publishing, Ulysses House, 22-24 Foley St.Dublin 1. VOX | April - June 2011 | 19
Individualism and the Church
T
The Apprentice is a popular TV show. Candidates are split into two teams and perform a task to test their entrepreneurial and collaborative skills. Each episode ends with the candidates with ashen faces looking at the grim face of businessman Bill Cullen, awaiting the final verdict, “You are fired!” It is good fun to watch (perhaps) but the contradiction is that contestants have to collaborate knowing that in the end only one will be hired and receive a six-figure salary. Other reality TV shows, like The X Factor, Survivor and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here are similar. Let the best person win! In real life the situation is much the same. The best person makes the promotion and gets the highest salary. How different this is to Christianity where new believers stand before God who, without exception, looks each one in the face with a heavenly smile and says, “You are hired!” From that moment there is no collaboration to beat the competition but partnership as a permanent member of the team. Contrary to society, where the goal is to be better than others, we are serving a God who is familiar with each of our CVs and who is able to use us, no matter what our capabilities and background. Christians are not called to be better than others but to be part of a company of saints and a royal priesthood. We are to participate according to our own gifts and abilities. But although many in the Christian community would support the notion of the universal priesthood of all believers, putting it into practise is a different matter. It is a little bit like George Orwell’s book Animal Farm. Soon after the animals had freed themselves from the yoke of the brutal farmer, celebrating
20 | VOX | April - June 2011
There is no room for individualism in God's Kingdom. their new-found freedom with the slogan “All animals are equal,” some animals took the lead and the slogan became “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” Orwell’s book is a parody on communism but there seems to be a parallel with leadership in the Christian community. Within churches the division is between those who minister (the pastor, the minister, or the elders), and those who are being ministered to. This division between clergy and laity takes many forms. Years ago I encountered an essay on Christian ministry written in the 1920s for a primary school audience. It featured primary school kids Peter and Paul and praised Peter’s dreams of becoming a medical doctor. But it then pointed out that Paul’s desire to become a missionary was even more praiseworthy. I encountered a similar notion a few months ago, when I spotted the slogan “Shepherds of Souls” on a poster aimed at attracting young people into the ministry of a major denomination. I have been a Christian for many years now and have found myself in a number of different churches. In one church, as a last resort, the elders approached the pastor and gave him the ultimatum: either stay and cause a split in the church, or leave. With the sincerest of intentions, this pastor had dismantled lay ministries in the church because he felt the people involved did not have the theological and ministerial qualifications and that he was the only proper man for the job. How many Christian churches have a strong top-down hierarchy of leadership, with one person at the top in full command, who—despite his utmost diligence and dedication—is unable to involve other people in the church in ministries and in key church decisions?
How many Christian leaders, whose ultimate goal is to serve God and to minister to others, fail to realise that in their zeal they exclude other believers and even God Himself? They minister with so much dedication and emotional attachment that they cannot tolerate active participation in leadership from others. How many churches only ‘allow’ God to act in certain ways because other ways are seen to be invalid or irrelevant by the leaders? There is no room for individualism in God’s Kingdom. It stunts the growth and functioning of other people and thereby stunts the growth of the church itself. Leading a church is not an autocracy in defence of the gospel. It is not about collecting bullet points on one’s CV with God. Nor is it about ministering to poor believers, who have gone through many trials during the week and who are staggering through the church doors on Sunday morning, needing comfort from smooth-talking and divinely-smiling ministers. This is turning Christians into zombies. Christ is the shepherd, but leading a church is not about shepherding souls. Leading a church is about ministering with people. The Christians in the church are sons and daughters of God (Hebrews 2:11), therefore they are brothers and sisters of the church leaders and they are fellow priests (1 Peter 2:9) in the order of Melchizedek with Christ as the High Priest (Hebrews 7). We need church leaders who are servants under the supervision of Christ and who are able to be team players. Leadership is about involving all Christians in the church in all aspects of leadership and ministry. Leaders should not worry about their own inabilities, but they should be scared of their own individualism.
Leading a church is about recognising that God does not appoint supermen or superwomen to lead His Church, but men and women with limited abilities who are able to recognise the gifts and abilities in other Christians that they themselves do not have and who are willing to be led by Christ Himself. Only then can the full potential of the Church be realised and the Word reach the ends of the Earth. Peter van der Burgt lectures in physics at NUI Maynooth, debates religion and science with members of Christians in Science Ireland, and traverses mountains and bogs with the Irish Christian Hillwalking Club.
Leading a church is about recognising that God does not appoint supermen or superwomen VOX | April - June 2011 | 21
CRACKLING TO LIFE IN
CORK
Celebrating its third anniversary in March 2011, Cork’s Christian radio station 93.1 Life FM is going from strength to strength. The station aims “to provide Cork's Christian Community with a unique, family-friendly radio station that reflects the ups and downs of real life” along with music and programmes reflecting Christian values. Staffed almost entirely by volunteers and supported by donations (one hour on air costs 20 Euro) the station has developed a strong following in Cork as well as online listeners (www.lifefm.ie). Speaking to VOX magazine, the team shared highlights from three years on air. One Saturday, I was putting up partitions in the room that was to be the studio. I had sent texts to people to help but no one came. I remember crying to God and asking Him was I a fool? Was anyone ever going to use these studios? Now I am amazed at the people working here. Brian Daly, Station Manager One of my personal highlights as producer of magazine show "On The Level" is the interaction with many people from the community and the nation. Terri Kruschke, Producer Radio involves sowing seed, knowing that most fruit will not be seen this side of eternity; but the many opportunities we have to talk with people about the lifechanging power of Jesus - both on air and in the studio - is astounding! Roger Basick
"I remember crying to God and asking Him was I a fool?" 22 | VOX | April - June 2011
I started work at Life FM after a miscarriage. I was broken after the loss of my child and had little confidence in myself. But God helped me believe that He could use me. One Saturday morning I received a phone call from a lady who recognised my voice and remembered my life story. I was able to listen to her problems and point her in God's direction. It was such a privilege! When first volunteering I had no radio experience. But I believed that God had called me to do it so I knew He would lead the way and He has never let me down from day one! Anne Marie Maguire The last three years have been jampacked with great things – so much so that it’s hard to pick out highlights. The development of the contributors really sticks in my mind. We’ve seen volunteers
grow spiritually, technically and in proficiency. It’s a blessing to work with so many talented people. It still astounds me (though it really shouldn’t) how God has always brought the right people to us at exactly the right time! Barry Curran, Production Coordinator Presenting “Outside the Box” has been a rollercoaster. We have laughed until we've cried. We are learning loads. It is a real joy to get to grips with a whole new skill set in such a warm and supportive environment. Life FM is an oasis of prayer in a stressridden world. The team prays diligently every morning. I thought volunteering was just about giving. That couldn't be further from the truth. Life FM has given me way more than I could ever give them - prayer support, community, a place of belonging and just great craic! Isla Jeffers Meeting the various guests as they share their life stories has been a highlight. At times it was tough for them to communicate their stories and sometimes it was tough for us to find the people for the show and get the programmes done on time but it was always rewarding. It has been great to find a place to develop my sense of humour and to be part of a community that cares for the people of Cork. I am more up to date and informed about current affairs than I've ever been. Joy Cantwell Moore One highlight was getting to interview legendary commentator Michael O'Muireacheartaigh of RTE fame. I also enjoyed the recent election coverage and the live debates I conducted on air with key candidates from Cork South and North Central. Joe Seward, News and Sport I like hearing the finished article on air after following the whole process from pre-production. Eric Higgins I have enjoyed seeing the station become a reality. I am really looking forward to our first, to be annual, Life FM fundraising dinner dance at The Montenotte Hotel, Cork on the May 20 2011. Daithi Mac an Bhiocaire
Images: Daithi Mac an Bhiocaire
VOX:SPORTS
Play Ball! BASEBALL IN IRELAND? ARE YOU SERIOUS? Yes, there are a handful of adult and little league clubs in Ireland. When moving here five years ago from Boston, USA, I wouldn’t have dreamed of getting involved. My wife is from a little village called Garristown (where??) and as a carpenter/ missionary, most friends told me to blend in and not be so American… don’t wear a baseball cap, stop chewing gum and calling people “dude”. However, I have clearly seen the fruit of God using you and all your character to be real and build relationships with people. Then He opens up opportunities to speak truth into their lives. Besides, the Irish say, “Sure Boston is just the next parish over!” It all happened when an Irishman asked me to get involved if he started a baseball club in Garristown. I said, “Sure.” The first night of practice 30+ boys and girls showed up in the lashing rain and we said, “Play ball!” I told him, ”Coach, if they show up next week I’ll fully commit.” Well they did and brought friends. See, if you give a kid a bat and say, “I want you to hit this ball real hard”, the grin that appears next is menacing. Maybe I should start importing piñatas? Anyway the following spring some 70+ kids joined the club and five made the National Irish team. Along with the adult team we brought our families from all over Ireland and nearly filled an Aer Lingus flight to Boston/Rhode Island to play 10 days of intense/friendly games with Wickford R.I. little league. It was a blast. Talk about building a bridge into relationships for Christ. “Yes, baseball has been very, very good to me.”
"The first night of practice 30+ boys and girls showed up in the lashing rain"
Kevin McDonough lives in North County Dublin with his wife Emer and three children. He is part of a church planting team in Skerries called Cornerstone and coaches baseball and basketball.
VOX | April - June 2011 | 23
Exciting new development at YWCA Coolnagreina in Greystones due to open in Spring 2012 25 spacious en-suite bedrooms, accommodating up to 75 people Conference room, library, numerous workshop rooms and living space Excellent catering
Our vision is that “anyone who comes here will experience the love of God through new, strengthened or revived faith in the Lord Jesus Christ." "Coolnagreina allowed us to feel completely at home and cared for while we learned and grew as a group" (Kathryn Long Alwood)
www.coolnagreina.ie
ZESTLIFE COUNSELLING SERVICE
ZestLife is a family counselling service dealing with family relationships. From counselling couples to raising children we can help.
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We specialise in dealing with teenage challenging behaviour and working with parents, schools and young people to maximise potential in young people Phone 01 2943799 or 0872539989 for an appointment.
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24 | VOX | April - June 2011
Family Focus Many husbands and wives who had spent years struggling through marriages they thought were loveless discovered one or both spouses had long been showing love through messages that weren’t getting through. In seven new radio broadcast, now available to download as podcasts from www.family.ie, Focus on the Family Ireland discusses the importance of using the appropriate “love language” in our relationships. With more than 30 years of experience as a marriage counsellor, Dr. Gary Chapman has heard it all. He has helped couples at every stage of marriage and at pivotal points in their relationships—from those just discovering the joys and trials of marriage to those who are ready to call it quits.
Speaking the right language
After many years of counselling, Dr. Chapman noticed a pattern: everyone he had ever counselled had a “love language,” a primary way of expressing and interpreting love. He also discovered that, for whatever reason, people are usually drawn to those who speak a different love language than their own. Of the countless ways we can show love to one another, five key categories, or five love languages, proved to be universal and comprehensive: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service and physical touch. The 5 Love Languages has helped countless couples identify practical and powerful ways to express love. Find out more from www.5lovelanguages.com
An enormous “THANK YOU” from Team Hope
Celebrating the work of Dublin Christian Mission
You’ve done it again! Last Christmas you collected an amazing 180,000 shoeboxes, overflowing with gifts of hope and love, which we have delivered right into the hands of needy children in Africa and Eastern Europe. You made it possible for the children in the Ukrainian village of Mayori. It was just another freezing winter’s day. Laden down with Team Hope shoeboxes, our team carefully felt their way along the dark corridor of an empty barracks where families have squatted. Natasha welcomed the team into her home which has no bathroom or running water. Her husband, her four boys, two daughters and little grandson all live in two rooms. The four boys were soon playing with their new toy cars - toys they’d never had before. Nastya, at ten years old, was delighted with her new T-shirt that fitted her perfectly. Your generosity has ensured that this scene was repeated in homes, schools, churches, community centres, hospitals and orphanages all over Moldova, Romania, Ukraine, Croatia, Lesotho, Mozambique, Burundi and Congo. Your gifts reminded these children and their families that they are not forgotten. They bring the love of God in a tangible way. They bring the message of Jesus, the best Christmas gift of all. They bring hope to families who have little hope in this life. But we don’t just help children like these at Christmas time. Team Hope is there all the year round, helping with their feeding, education or health. Visit www.teamhope.ie or call the Team Hope office in Dublin on 01 294 0222 to find out more or to learn how you can help.
“So much of what we have planned for, envisaged and agonized over has become a reality before our eyes,” says Billy Swann, Director of Dublin Christian Mission. Announcing an evening of celebration on Saturday May 7 at The Exchange, Lower Gardiner Street, Dublin, Billy described some of the highlights of recent years. Over 120 volunteers support a wide range of programmes across the city including The Light House, which opens three times a week to provide food for 60 to 120 homeless people each evening and distributing up to 2,000 items of clothing every month! Children’s programmes and homework clubs are serving over 300 young people every week with around 50 teenagers involved in Junior Leader training. Summer camps run for 10 weeks each year. The largest camp serves 150 people with more people on the waiting list. Weekly Bible studies and discipleship groups are helping to support new believers, many of whom are now established members of local churches. “The list continues… God continues to do incredible things,” Billy added. Come and hear many more stories of the work of Dublin Christian Mission at the Celebration Evening, which will also feature speaker Rev John Woodside and worship led by Robin Mark. The evening will start at 6:30 pm for food with the praise time starting at 7:15 pm. For more information visit www.dcmlive.ie
VOX | April - June 2011 | 25
VOX:REVIEWS
UNBROKEN Laura Hillenbrand
THE BURNING WORD JOHNNY DUHAN
Unbroken is in a word (albeit made-up) unputdownable. From the author of Seabiscuit comes an incredible story of ‘survival, resilience, and redemption’. In May1943, an American B-24 bomber crashed into the Pacific Ocean and disappeared. Louis Zamperini was one of only three crew to escape. And so begins an extraordinary Second World War odyssey. Zamperini stole and fought his way through childhood. Encouraged to take up running by his older brother Pete, Louis became one of the fastest men in the world, likely to have broken the four-minute mile long before Roger Bannister. All that was interrupted by war and a struggle for survival adrift in the Pacific for an incredible 47 days. After fighting off madness, starvation, thirst, leaping sharks and coping with enemy planes shooting at them, Louis and his pilot are eventually picked up by the Japanese. The brutality of the Japanese POW camps is legendary and Louis becomes a target for savage treatment at the hands of one guard. Louis survives the camps and returns home to his family. But even this isn’t a happy ending. Louis is eventually broken, not by the camps, but by the aftermath. Like many POWs the trauma of returning is too much—he suffers horrifying flashbacks, attempts to drown his memories with alcohol and watches his marriage disintegrate. Here the book reaches its climax. At a Billy Graham meeting Zamperini finds ultimate redemption that only God can give. He is transformed, his marriage rescued, his flashbacks gone and he travels to Japan to meet his former guards—embracing them and speaking of forgiveness. It’s no surprise this was named as Time magazine’s top book of 2010. Unbroken is a perfect read for virtually anyone—even if you aren't drawn to war stories, you will be engrossed in a captivating tale of survival.
There are musical moments that stay with you, like my first time hearing the sonorous tones of Leonard Cohen while still at secondary school. That voice and those powerful lyrics drew me into Cohen’s world of wonder as I listened over and over to Songs from A Room. Johnny Duhan’s latest offering, The Burning Word, had a similar effect as I listened to a softer voice and sparser lyrics than Cohen’s, but no denying the same intensity of feeling and spiritual passion that both artists share. Duhan’s best known song is The Voyage recorded by Christy Moore but the tone of the new album is intimately sacred with the title track setting the mood. The album’s artwork shows a dove emerging from the fire, emblematic perhaps of the genesis of many of these songs, expressions of beauty forged out of adversity and pain. The artist acknowledges this when he remarked that for this enterprise he had to “dig deep and open up to fresh ways of expressing myself.” A stand out track is his version of Emily Dickinson’s This World Is Not Conclusion while his own song The Coat is a warm reflection on the comfort of faith in perilous times. Create your own musical moment by listening to The Burning Word entering the mesmerising world of one of Ireland’s foremost songwriters.
Mark Loughridge describes himself as: husband of one, father of three, pastor of two (churches in Donegal). Passionate about communicating the greatness of God and His love and encouraging Christians to think! 26 | VOX | April - June 2011
Gerard O’Shea is from Limerick and when not working with people who have an Intellectual Disability he spends his spare time writing poetry and blogging (www.dewofhermon. blogspot.com).
ALL FOR YOU Andrew Feeney Put this album on REPEAT! It doesn’t happen for me often, but every now and again I come across an album that I instantly like. Where I love all of the songs on the album and it doesn’t take a few listens to get into the music. Andrew Feeney’s All For You is one of those albums. It hooks you instantly. Musically this is great. The songs vary from being upbeat to slower and more mellow. Andrew wrote all the songs and the lyrics are powerful. It is easy to see they come from a place of being in God’s presence. As a worship leader at Discovery Church in Galway, Andrew has a heart that leads others to enter into God’s presence. He has the heart, gifts and talent to stand alongside well-known Christian artists such as Chris Tomlin, Shawn Mc Donald and Matt Redman. All For You is an album that can’t fail to please. At the very least it would be a tool to encourage your heart and a source to draw you into the Lord’s presence. You are reminded of what God has done, who He is today and what life is really about …“It’s all for You!” This is an exceptional album. In my opinion every Christian should own a copy. It is an easy 5 stars! Megan is originally from Donegal and now lives and works in Galway.
GOSPEL VOICES 2011
Gospel choirs, bands and artists launch new gospel compilation CD Hundreds of gospel music fans gathered at Victory Centre, Dublin in January for the launch of an Irish gospel music compilation album GOSPEL VOICES 2011. Participating artists took the audience on a musical trip around the world, with sounds from across Africa, the US, Europe and Ireland. Setting the pace of the evening, Victory Gospel Choir gave a powerful delivery of Byron Cage’s Presence of the Lord is here; Esosa, Zimbabwean singer brought Ár nAthair [the Lord's Prayer] and Dublin Gospel Choir delivered their upbeat sounds with Faith. Gospo Remix had people on their feet with a mix of favourites from their 2008 and 2009 albums, while Adeniyi Allen-Taylor, who is with no doubt one of the best saxophone players in Ireland, played and sang a selection of contemporary worship songs, including some Nigerian gospel. There were performances from upcoming Irish artists like Khanyah, Rebecca Ryan and new Christian rock band The Proof. Throughout the night of great music, entertainment and fun, the gospel message towered – a message of hope, inspiration and life that was emphasised further by MC Mark Fennell and Brother Richard of the Dublin Gospel Choir. ‘The feedback has been great’, said Florence Mutesasira, one of event organisers. ‘Many were amazed at the level and diversity of music talent and skill that is available in Ireland.” The GOSPEL VOICES 2011 album features 14 songs. Profits from the album will go towards supporting Irish charity Teenline Ireland. VOX | April - June 2011 | 27
Spaces available.
TEAM Authentic Youth are looking for new members for their Youth Ministry Team 2011/12. If you are 18-25yrs old come join our full time volunteer internship year from Sept ’11 - June ’12. Speak to approx. 3,000 students, facilitate up to 30 school retreats, join with us on at least 3 camps throughout the year and learn about the many aspects of our work.
ns o Application Deadline: June 10th 2011 i s s i k Price: €1000 d m ry wor nce n a e t i ps in is exper ski lls Location: Dublin, Ireland m a m C al hip on i Contact: Jude for an information pack c t i t a s c der c i a r n P u a Tel: 086 1645 960 e m l m n i o a Email: jude.barry@scriptureunion.ie G pc o l e Dev
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Dublin 89.9 Galway 91.7 Limerick 89.8 Cork 90.9 Waterford 90.1 28 | VOX | April - June 2011
Photo: Christian Aid/Nell Freeman
VOX:ADS&EVENTS Events Calendar What’s happening, where and when?
April
Christians Connected Connect with other Christians - Connect with God 15 - 17 April Waterford City www.christiansconnected.org Word of Life Bible Conference 15 - 16 April Lucan, Co. Dublin www.wordoflife.ie Dream 2011 25 - 27 April Johnstown House Hotel, Enfield, Co. Meath www.agireland.org
May
Spring 2011 - Christian conference for the whole family 6 - 8 May Portumna, Co. Galway 090 6489110, linda@hallerfamily.co.uk Dublin Christian Mission Evening of Celebration Saturday, 7 May, 6:30pm The Exchange, Lower Gardiner Street, Dublin www.dcmlive.ie
4:48
CHALLENGE 26 –28 August 2011 4 Provinces 4 Mountains 48 Hours
Carrauntohill Mweelrea Lughnaquilla Slieve Donard
PUT THE BOOT INTO POVERTY. Join Team Poverty in a 48-hour climb of the 4 highest mountains in each of Ireland’s 4 provinces. Help raise much needed funds for Christian Aid’s work.
Register NOW 01 611 0801 eventsireland@christian-aid.org www.christianaid.ie/trekking ROI charity no. CHY 6998 Company no. 426928 NI charity no. XR94639 Company no. NI059154 The Christian Aid name and logo are trademarks of Christian Aid. Poverty Over is a trademark of Christian Aid. © Christian Aid, 2010
Christian Aid Week 15 - 21 May www.caweek.org/praywithus Tearfund Charity Golf Day Monday, 16 May Roganstown Golf Course, Swords, Co. Dublin www.tearfund.ie Life FM Fundrasing Dinner Dance Friday, 20 May The Montenotte Hotel, Cork www.lifefm.ie
July
Summer Madness - Christian youth festival 1 - 5 July King's Hall, Belfast www.summermadness.co.uk
The amazing tale of the birth of the King James Bible. The extraordinary story behind the most extraordinary of books. Acclaimed actor John Rhys-Davies (Lord of the Rings, Indiana Jones) leads us back into a darker time to discover this fascinating tale of saints and sinners, power and passion, as the greatest translation of Holy Scripture merges into a world and culture that would never quite be the same again.
Urban Soul - active citizenship programme for youth 5 - 8 July Dublin www.urbansoul.eu New Wine Summer Conference Sligo 10 - 15 July www.newwineireland.org
Watch the trailer and find out more at www.kjbthefilm.com Buy a copy - UK£12.99 at www.amazon.co.uk. KJB church screening licence packs available, contact office@1aproductions.co.uk VOX | April - June 2011 | 29
VOX:P.S.
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Doubting Tom
Wouldn’t doubt ya, Tom! Only two of the twelve apostles have names and reputations strong enough to be a part of modern parlance. “You Judas,” is a title reserved for betrayers. And the dubious sceptic is a “doubting Thomas.” No doubt, Thomas would prefer his epithet to that of his companion. But a recent reflection from the woman of my life made me realise that Thomas’ bad press is unjustified. I propose we rename him, “Honest Tom.” Even readers who don’t know the Scriptures will probably know the Thomas story. Not part of the group who first saw Jesus alive after he was crucified, Thomas stated he would not believe Jesus was alive unless he saw the crucifixion wounds and touched them.
I propose we rename him, “Honest Tom.” Often read as a statement of defiance – “I refuse to believe” – it could just as easily be read as a statement of self-awareness. Perhaps Thomas was saying that he knew himself well enough to know what he would require in order to believe the unbelievable. Thomas knew where he was as regards the faith issue and wasn’t afraid to say so. His friend Peter did not have a similar self-awareness. A few days earlier Peter had rejected Jesus’ warning that he would deny him. “Never” was his response. But within hours he was doing just that – not once but three times. Peter’s words, though admirable, were not backed up by an understanding of where he was. Thomas, on the other hand, was under no illusions about his own spiritual resources. “Here’s what it will take for me to believe!” And that’s exactly what Jesus gave him.
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Starting point Maybe there are lessons to be learned in the Thomas approach. In Ireland when asking for directions I have more than once been told that, “If I was going to ‘such and such’ I wouldn’t start from here.” That is all well and good but not a lot of help! And when it comes to the possibility of starting, or changing, a relationship with God we tend to take the same approach. “I’m not really religious.” “That’s not for people like me.” “I’m not in a good place.” “I don’t think God would be too impressed with me right now.” The Thomas way presents an alternative approach. “Here’s where I am right now.” “Here’s what it would take for me to believe and commit.” The Thomas approach certainly didn’t faze Jesus. He turned up a second time, looked at Thomas and told him, “Come on; look and touch.” It was what Thomas needed. Complete belief and absolute commitment followed: “My Master! My God!”
...a little bit of straightforward inner honesty might be just the point at which to start If you ever get tired of the waffle that so often passes for honest reflection these days, then consider that maybe God feels the same. And a little bit of straightforward inner honesty might be just the point at which to start, or restart, a process of engaging with Him. Sure, where else are we going to start from? Sean Mullan has been working in church leadership for many years. He is developing a new project in Dublin City Centre called "Third Space".
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Take a look at courses available at the Irish Bible Institute. Download the latest Certificate, Diploma and BA course applications at www.IBI.ie
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