VOX January 2016 by VOX Magazine

ISSUE 29 / JANUARY - MARCH 2016

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BUILDING PEACE… TEARING DOWN WALLS

Homelessness: “NO PARENT WANTS TO SEE THEIR CHILDREN LIVING ON THE STREETS.”

CH AP EL BA ND IS NU MB ER ON E JAN - MAR 2016 VOX

Welcome to

Wunder land It is a land like no other , full of Wonder and delight, where the forgotten toys learn how to bring the real Wonder of Christmas to Jonathan and Luke. Their adventures bring them into conflict with the ‘bathroom frogs’, who will stop at nothing to find out the secrets of Wunderland...

Storyteller: Rev Baden Stanley

Artist: Darren Nesbitt

Comics available to purchase (€5 each) from Footprints Bookshop, Dun Laoghaire or from Baden the StorytellerTel: 087 948 4407 E-mail: wunderlandtrust@gmail.com www.facebook.com/WunderlandTrust www.wunderlandtrust.com 02

VOX JAN - MAR 2016

EDITORIAL

Just do it! ack in the 1950s, my grandfather was the editor of a small Christian publication that encouraged former soldiers to become active in their Christian faith. “Simple Simon” was the author of a popular column in the magazine, and although his identity remained a secret, I discovered that Simple Simon was actually my grandfather using a pseudonym! In all “innocence,” Simple Simon had the habit of asking those awkward questions about life and faith that make Christians feel uncomfortable. “If you are so concerned about it… why not do something about it?” Simple Simon would ask. I’m pretty sure my grandfather coined the phrase “just do it” well before Nike created their first pair of trainers!

WORDS, WORDS, WORDS, I’M SO SICK OF WORDS… IF YOU’RE IN LOVE, SHOW ME! - ELIZA DOOLITTLE, MY FAIR LADY It’s the age-old criticism of the church - all talk, no action - or worse still, hypocrisy - saying one thing and doing another. As I was pondering the eclectic mix of topics found in the pages of the newest VOX magazine, it struck me that so many of the stories have one thing in common: the people concerned are passionate about something. And they’ve allowed that passion to compel them to action. Whether it is working for peace in the heart of Belfast (Building Peace, page 12) or finding an attractive way to share the Christmas story (Journey to Bethlehem, page 14); whether it’s tackling extreme poverty (Caught between Worlds, page 22) or finding homes for the homeless in Dublin (From anger to action, page 30), each story demonstrates what happens when people are willing to use their energy, creativity, and time to make a difference. One of the qualities of Jesus I love the most is His compassion - that ability to suffer with those who are suffering. But compassion is not enough. It is time for the church to turn compassion into passionate action. Because when we do, the result is breathtakingly beautiful!

Suicide Prevention and the Church How can churches respond to the tragedy of suicide? Can we be more effective in suicide prevention? Join us to explore these vital issues with top speakers from the area of mental health and suicide prevention. DUBLIN Saturday 30 January 10am - 4pm Apostolic Church, 67a Pearse Street, Dublin 2 CORK Saturday 6 February 10am - 3pm Grace Christian Church, 53 MacCurtain Street, Cork SLIGO Saturday 20 February 10am - 4pm Calry Church, Sligo Cost? €20 per person (including lunch), €10 for students and concessions

Ruth Garvey-Williams Editor (editor@vox.ie)

How do I book? Visit www.vox.ie for info and links to the booking site or email info@vox.ie. See Page 18 for more details. JAN - MAR 2016 VOX

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BUILDING PEACE…

JANUARY - MARCH 2016, ISSUE 29 ISSN: 2009-2253 P UBLISHE R The VOX Team EDI TOR Ruth Garvey-Williams editor@vox.ie LAYOUT & A DV E RT I S I N G Jonny Lindsay jonny@vox.ie LAYOUT KRISTA KIRBY OP ERATION S Tara Byrne tara@vox.ie P ROJEC T A DV I S OR Tom Slattery SUBSC RIP T I ON S Ireland & UK: Min. €8 for four issues Overseas: Min. €17 for four issues All cheques should be made payable to 'VOX Magazine'. V OX Mag a z ine Ulysses House 22 - 24 Foley Street Dublin 1 Tel: 01 443 4789 | info@vox.ie | www.vox.ie

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CAUGHT BETWEEN WORLDS

CONTENTS 12 26 38 14 17 18 22 24 28 30 32 36 20

DISC LA IME R

The views expressed in letters and articles are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the VOX Team or our partners. The acceptance of advertising does not indicate endorsement.

P RINT Ross Print, Greystones, Co. Wicklow VOX magazine is a quarterly publication, brought to you by a passionate team of volunteers.

OUR PARTNERS:

JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM

06 08 10 16

COVER STORIES Building Peace… Tearing down walls - “I long for the walls to come down, not just the physical walls, but the sectarian walls in people’s hearts and minds.” From anger to action - “Each one of those homeless people is God’s beloved child. No parent wants to see their children living on the streets.”

Fire by Night - number one in the EP charts for the Chapel Band. FEATURES AND INTERVIEWS Journey to Bethlehem - Christmas Tree Festival connects with the local community. Exploring Faith and Culture. Highlights from Rubicon 2015. Suicide Prevention and the Church - “This tragedy touches us all.” Caught between worlds - Pondering the disconnect between rich and poor with Fields of Life. My Story - A terrible accident left Billy Weekes in a coma and facing life in a wheelchair… this is his story! At the heart of the city… with a big heart for the city - Welcome to Dublin Central Mission. New leadership for Plumbline Ireland and a new challenge for Graeme and Fran Wylie. Passing on the Baton - the importance of mentoring Responding to the Legacy of Cromwell - dealing with the wounds of the past.

VOX VIEWS Suffering and the Church - How long will we live as if we do not know? With Lydia Monds from the Bishops’ Appeal. Creating a porn-free culture - exploring the elephant in the church. With Jonny Campbell from Love for Life.

REGULAR FEATURES

19 VOX: World News 41 Your VOX: Letters to the editor 44 The Soapboxer 46 VOX: Shorts

Confessions of a Feint Saint Reviews Event Listing VOX: PS with Seán Mullan TM

IRELAND 04

VOX JAN - MAR 2016

A N N A M A RI A LORE TO, AG E 7, PHILIPPIN E S, PH 574

KNOWN, LOVED AND PROTECTED Compassion connects children living in the vulnerability of poverty with a sponsor. Each sponsor enables a child to be loved and nurtured in their local church project. Here they are empowered to reach their full potential and taught about God’s love for them. When you know and love a child, you do anything to protect them.

CHANGE A CHILD’S LIFE TODAY

www.compassion.ie

COMPASSION IRELAND CHRISTIAN CHILD DEVELOPMENT Suite 3 Eden Gate Centre, Delgany, Co. Wicklow. Charity No. CHY 19426, Registered Company No. 493955

JAN - MAR 2016 VOX

VOX SHORTS

Prayer vigils raise awareness of gender-based violence On Saturday 28 November, 15 vigils took place across all 12 Church of Ireland Dioceses as part of the Mothers’ Union All-Ireland ‘16 Days of Activism against gender based violence’. The vigils were a powerful gesture of solidarity with women at home and across the world that are suffering as a result of gender-based violence. Beginning on November 25 (the International Day for the

Wunderland Comics

A new comic series aims to bring Bible stories to life for children through beautiful illustrations and engaging characters. Rev Baden Stanley from Christ Church, Bray, is the storyteller and creator of Wunderland. He said, “I was first inspired to write the Wunderland stories over 13 years ago and am delighted that our first set of comics is now available. The illustrations by Darren Nesbitt are stunning and capture the excitement and adventure in a unique and magical way. Our aim is to bring

Elimination of Violence against Women) and ending on December 10 (Human Rights Day), individuals and groups used the campaign to call for an end to all forms of violence against women. Figures from the World Health Organisation show that, globally, an estimated 23% to 37% of women suffer violence from an intimate partner and that 38% of all murdered women are killed by their partner.

wonder to a generation of children, many of whom are forced to grow up too quickly. We use familiar Bible stories and give a deeper insight into the people and events of ancient times.” Baden and his team plan to visit churches and schools all around the country during 2016. The Wunderland Comics are available to order through the website, www.wunderlandtrust. com, at €5 each or €30 for the first seven issues (including the Advent bumper edition).

Growing churches Parenting skills

In 2016, ACET Ireland is launching a new initiative for parents and those who work with parents. Their Parent/Teen Communication Skills Course will be specifically tailored for migrant communities for whom there are particular challenges in terms of raising teenagers within a different cultural context. The course will be delivered in conjunction with staff of ACET Northern Ireland and is accredited to the Open College Network (NI) at Level 2 (similar to FETAC Level 5-6). For more details contact Richard Carson at richard.c@acet.ie.

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Evangelist Canon J. John was the keynote speaker at the National Evangelism Forum in November 2015. He had this to say, “The church is a living organism. All living things grow. If the church is not growing, we have to ask why. “The church is not growing for one of three reasons: 1. It is dead (in which case you have two options - bury it or see God resurrect it). 2. It is sick (in which case it needs healing. A mission won’t solve it; you have to deal with the sickness!) 3. It has growth-restricting barriers (if your seating capacity is 100 but you have 110 people, you won’t grow any more).

VOX MAGAZINE

#notsponsoredby

With its combination of humour and thought-provoking discussion, “The Graveyard Shift” podcast creates a weekly feast for those with 50 minutes to spare. Tune in to hear Scott Evans and Greg Fromholz chat about current events and issues. And while here at VOX we love the serious stuff, the standout has to be the “notsponsoredby” series looking at a wide range of crazy, so-called “Christian” products. From action figures and toilet seats to toasters and guns (!), the range and general “bizarre factor” are cause for hilarity but also some concerns. A recent topic of discussion was the Christian version of Bratz dolls called “God’s Girlz.” “Why do people need to buy these? Is it just money making?” asked Greg. “It is not a question of why people would want to buy these, it is that somebody feels the need to sell them,” replied Scott Evans. Check out the podcast each week on www.scottevans.ie/podcast.

The Future of Our Past

The events of 100 years ago have helped to create conflicting accounts of our past. This conference looks at 1916, the Easter Rising, and the Battle of the Somme in their historical context and considers how we can move forward, reframing our conversations about the future. The conference takes place on Thursday 21 January, 9.30am - 3.30pm, at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre, Fisherwick Place, Belfast, Northern Ireland. Speakers include: Dr Fearghal McGarry from Queen’s University, Belfast, journalist and novelist Ruth Dudley-Edwards, and the Very Rev Dr Trevor Morrow, former Presbyterian Moderator and retired minister from Lucan, Co. Dublin. Conference Fee: £20. Enquiries: Email: info@presbyterianireland.org.

Check out the “Concordance on steroids” For the serious Bible student or teacher, the wide range of digital study tools available from Logos Bible Software is pretty mind-blowing (although the price is too!). With search tools, language tools, crossreferences, images, infographics, a footnote tool (instant, no-hassle footnotes for all your Bible essays), and more, it is certainly worth checking out at www.logos.com - one disc can replace a whole library of books.

Future in the Faith

Summer Madness recently conducted a survey of over 1,000 people about their individual faith journey. The survey of people from a wide range of ages and church backgrounds revealed that 84% came to faith before the age of 25, including a staggering 56% before the age of 14. Only 1% described coming to faith after the age of 46. For the under 17s, the biggest single influence in finding faith was a residential camp or other Christian event (33%) while family still played a huge role (25%). For those aged 18-35, church preaching had the greatest influence (19%) closely followed by residential camps/Christian events (16%). For the over 35s, church preaching came top (37%), with Alpha and similar courses emerging as another influence (15%).

JAN - MAR 2016 VOX

WORLD NEWS

UNITED TO SERVE

Greece’s churches come together in response to the refugee crisis

In Athens, church members are volunteering to help the steady stream of refugees passing through this gateway city to Europe. Whether it’s Filipino or Greek congregations taking turns preparing 500 portions of food for people at a transit camp or a handful of Afghan believers working after dark to unload a 23-tonne container of donated items, the church in Greece has rallied around the refugee crisis. “This crisis has tremendously helped church unity,” explained Fotis Romeos, general secretary of the Greek Evangelical Alliance. This summer alone, more than 300,000 refugees journeyed through Greece. “From the very first day, churches have been mobilised all over Greece,” Fotis said. “We don’t have time to preach but we are preaching very loudly with our smiling faces and our love.” With tears in his eyes, one pastor talked about the men, women and children he’s encountered passing through Greece: “It’s so sad. They are not even sure of their future. They thought they were coming to a better place, but is this really a better place? God has put this compassion in our hearts.” Gabby Markus from OM Greece and chair of the steering group for the Evangelical Alliance relief effort commented, “[This is] a tremendous opportunity for the church to serve and build its relationship with the community.” Together, OM and the Greek Evangelical Alliance have arranged a rotating schedule of churches providing meals for one of the main refugee camps and OM is running one children’s programme each week. OM Ireland has already sent out three team members to volunteer with the relief efforts. More volunteers are urgently needed, especially anyone with the ability to speak Arabic, Farsi or Dari, anyone who carries an international driver’s license and people who are willing to share Christ’s love and compassion with others. An OM Europe project called Safe Passage focuses on meeting refugees at all their initial entry points, providing information as well as water, food and essentials. To give to OM’s relief efforts, or for more information about how to get involved, please contact OM Ireland at info.ie@om.org or telephone 090 662 3964. 08

VOX JAN - MAR 2016

ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS

Church in Chains has launched a report at Leinster House detailing the persecution of Christians in China, Egypt, India, Iran, Nigeria, and Pakistan. The first copy was presented to Ruairí Quinn TD. The briefing document “Actions Speak Louder Than Words” was compiled in response to feedback received from members of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade in May 2015, when Church in Chains made presentations on the topic of “Persecution of Christians Worldwide”. The briefing includes sections on the main religious freedom issues in the country and individual cases of persecution. It also raises a series of questions for the countries concerned. • If China guarantees freedom of religion, why have authorities demolished over 35 church buildings and removed crosses from over 1,200 church buildings in the past year? • When will Egypt facilitate citizens who wish to exercise their right to change religion? • What steps will the government of Pakistan take to address the long-standing major issue of the misuse of the blasphemy laws? • What action does the Indian government propose to halt the ongoing violent attacks by Hindu extremists against Christian and Muslim minorities? The ambassadors of China, Egypt, India, Iran, Nigeria and Pakistan were invited to attend a meeting of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on 16 December to respond to these questions.

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JAN - MAR 2016 VOX

YOUR VOX

Letters to the editor

Star Letter

of VOX we In each issue all of a €25 One4 ize pr a d ar aw r. tte le ite ur r favo voucher for ou u! It could be yo

SCOTT EVANS’ ARTICLE “STOP IMITATING, START INNOVATING” (VOX MAGAZINE: OCT - DEC 2015) INSPIRED MANY ONLINE COMMENTS FROM READERS. HERE’S WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY: FAITH VOX MAGAZINE

Stop

IMIT ATIN G,

Start

INN OVA TING !

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

FINDING A UNIQUELY IRISH MODEL OF MINISTRY By Scott Evans

An interesting topic. I have found myself many times thinking about these things. I loved your point about Ireland having more in common historically and religiously with France, Spain, and Italy, yet our media and social culture being so hugely impacted by the USA, UK, etc.

ANNA

VOX OCT - DEC 2015

everal years ago, a mission agency invited me to give a cross-cultural training day to a short-term mission team

categories. The first is the established ways of engaging with ancient approaches mainline denominations (like the Catholic to worship, particularly Ignatian meditation Church and the Church of Ireland) who and lectio divina (a traditional Benedictine have experienced a severe decline in both practice of Scripture reading, meditation working in the south east of Ireland. As attendance and influence over the past 30-40 and prayer), and it has transformed my own someone who is passionate about mission years. devotional life and my ministry to students. and loves teaching young adults, I was The second category is the ‘imported’ In a world that has become so noisy, my delighted to be involved and that they denominations: church plants or Christian first instinct is to raise the volume of my wanted an Irish youth worker to prepare communities based on models that are ministry with louder worship music and to them for outreach. thriving elsewhere. Some follow Willow pack my talks with more stimulating media. I put a lot into my preparation. Over our Creek’s seeker-sensitive model, some What I now realise is that in a world of sessions together, we covered the history follow Saddleback’s ‘purpose-driven’ ethos overstimulation, silence is golden. and legacy of Catholicism and Protestantism and countless others. And yet, from the While the world competes for our in the Republic, the religious experience of conversations attention with rock-splitting winds, the Irish teen and approaches to mission and or attendees, I’ve had with church leaders it seems that the majority earthquakes and fires, I feel like Elijah discipleship that I had seen work and that I of these approaches don’t gain the same finding God in the ‘sound of sheer silence’ had seen fail. traction here. (1 Kings 19:12). It’s counter-cultural and After four hours of teaching and There is a cultural disconnect — feels counter-intuitive and it has turned my conversation, I Skyped with the missionary particularly when it comes to reaching youth ministry upside-down. supervisor who had asked me to facilitate and young adults. The question that I find As with all personal stories, this is the training, and he had one burning myself asking these days is, “What does descriptive rather than prescriptive. I’m not question about what we had covered: innovative Irish ministry look like?” saying that we all need to start meditating or “Did you tell them that ‘fanny-pack’ means If ‘traditional’ churches tend to that all churches should seek silence. That something different over there?” perpetuate what has been done before and would be both ridiculous and hypocritical. This, of course, is a valid concern. ‘imported’ churches tend to imitate what is What I am saying is that we will never be Transatlantic differences in slang have done elsewhere, what does it look like for able to imitate a perfect model for Irish led to some very embarrassing moments us to innovate for the sake of the Kingdom ministry. It must be born and crafted here, for well-meaning mission teams. What is here? in our blood, sweat, tears and prayers; in more of a concern, however, is when we What I often forget about ministry our experiments assume that slang is the primary difference models that have succeeded elsewhere is that spectacularly. that work well and that fail between Ireland and other English-speaking they are not developed in a vacuum. They Have you ever experienced one of those countries around the world. are the result of blood, sweat, prayers and distinctly Irish moments? It’s something I We may share the same TV shows, have never seen or heard of happening gossip about the same celebrities and anywhere else in the world. It usually read the same books and magazines happens in a pub in the wee hours but, when it comes to faith, we WHAT DOES INNOVATIVE IRISH MINISTRY LOOK LIKE? when someone come from different places. While starts singing an old song, an ancient tale of love or loss most people would acknowledge or both, and a sacred silence falls on that Christianity has lost its place of those gathered. It feels like what the privilege in the English-speaking world, tears over years of trying and failing to reach ancient Celtic Christians called a ‘thin place,’ Christians from the United States, Australia a community. As tempted as I am to imitate that rare space where the distance has closed and the United Kingdom are figuring out their methods, I find myself reminded that between Heaven and Earth. how to do ministry in countries where my calling is to make my own mistakes as I Somewhere in our cultural psyche exists Protestantism is in decline. try, fail and try again to do ministry in my a longing for these thin places, a longing In Ireland, we’re struggling to figure context. that causes us to burst into song. These out what it looks like to do and be church A few months ago, I had the privilege moments cannot be imitated nor can they be in the void left by the waning influence of of helping a friend lead a retreat in a Dublin replicated but the potential for them exists, the Catholic Church. In terms of religious girls’ secondary school. After the break, he just below the surface, in each of us. My gut experience, upbringing (and baggage), Irish asked the students to leave their seats and feeling is that innovative Irish ministry will culture has more in common with Spain, lie on the ground for a guided meditation, only thrive when we stop looking elsewhere France and Italy than it does with the US, something I had never experienced before. for ideas and, instead, tap into the latent the UK or Australia. Inwardly, I scoffed at the idea of teens being longing that has been here along. One of the findings of VOX’s Young interested in such a thing but, much to my Adults’ Survey has given me much food surprise, they left their seats and filled the for thought. Just over half of the 748 floor in complete silence. As I lay at the front respondents, despite being from different of the room, after relaxing my body and contexts, counties and denominations, focusing on my breathing, I found myself Scott Evans works as a named the ‘irrelevance of the Church to engaging with my friend’s gracious words chaplain through Holy Trinity modern life’ as one of the three biggest about the love and goodness of God with Rathmines. He has written spiritual issues facing their community. The a freshness I hadn’t felt in months. It was three books, Closer Still, more I think about this, the more sense it only when he invited us to ‘remember a time Beautiful Attitudes and makes. when you were a little girl’ that I was jolted Failing From The Front and is 1/3 of the team In my experience, one can (with out of the experience of spending time in on The Graveyard Shift podcast. Connect with crudeness and inexactitude) divide silence and wonder! him at www.scottevans.ie / @notscottevans. Christian movements in Ireland into two Since that day, I have been exploring new

OCT - DEC 2015 VOX

TAKING A SECOND LOOK

I enjoyed reading your article. I think the point you’re making is, ‘How do we make the church relevant to young people?’ I think a lot about that too because I have a young boy, I teach in a primary school with a Catholic ethos, and I am also trying to help out with children’s liturgy in my parish. I don’t know much about the ‘imported’ end of things. However, I think Rick Warren’s book “The Purpose-Driven Life” has been of huge benefit to me in bringing me closer to God. The book doesn’t refer to any “fanny packs” at all (!) which is great for Irish readers. It has guided me on this journey of getting to know God and of developing my faith. Perhaps without it I would still think of the church as an outdated institution with no relevance to my life. Many of the people who attend church feel they should go just to be safe/just in case, or out of habit or cultural or family norms. There is not much opportunity for regular folk to participate in their local church or parish life (unless there is Alpha maybe). Was it you who used that phrase “take a second look” at God and Jesus? How would you get middle-aged people like me to take a second look at the church in their cosy, homely parish, and reassess their thinking about the whole reason for it? Do you think the Alpha series is the only realistic way in rural parishes?

UNIQUELY IRISH

Great article, Scott; love the “thin places.” I agree that the Irish model will be uniquely Irish.

ANDREW MCNEILE

A GROWING CHURCH

Worth noting there are some churches experiencing substantial growth. Lighthouse Church in Navan, an AGI Church, has grown from a handful of people to several hundred in the space of a few years. It’s mostly with an imported model along with a bit of an Irish flavour. There are pros and cons to the methods but it is certainly getting people attention in a town that traditionally has not

experienced church growth. DAVID ROSSITER

STILL LOOKING ABROAD

A great article. Unfortunately some Christian denominations in Ireland are not going to change their church model, they will continue to look abroad for ideas, resources and money. I find many Christian denominations in Ireland VERY frustrating.

ANDREW PARLE

MARGARET SOROHAN

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PUT YOURSELF IN THE PICTURE Find out how your church can reach those in greatest need. Invite a Tearfund speaker to your church call Emma Lynch on 01 878 3200. www.tearfund.ie

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JAN - MAR 2016 VOX

REALITY

BUILDING PEACE... TEARING DOWN WALLS BY RUTH GARVEY-WILLIAMS

traddling the so-called Peace Wall that stands between the Falls Road and the Shankill Road in Belfast, the City Life Centre is dedicated to pursuing peace in a place where sectarian violence remains the norm. With its indoor football pitch, pre-school, and the “Wholly Ground” coffee shop as well as the church sanctuary for New Life City Church, this building has become a place of hope. It seems fitting that there is a rainbow in the sky as I drive up. Sharing a cup of coffee with Pastor Jack McKee, I sense I’m truly on “holy ground”. Over 30 years in ministry, Jack has challenged terrorist commanders, faced murder threats and raids on his home, as he has sought to protect the innocent. He is passionate about seeing peace and transformation in his community - on both sides of the wall.

VOX JAN - MAR 2016

Born and brought up on the Shankill Road, Jack found faith in Jesus Christ as a teenager. Serving in the UDA, he saw colleagues killed and experienced devastating grief when his best friend was shot dead at home. After studying at the Elim Bible College and pastoring a church in County Down, Jack returned to the Shankill in 1982. “In some respects, Bible college teaches you how to do church, not how to be church,” Jack admits. “As a young Christian, I read the Bible and anything written by David Wilkerson. His books made a huge impact on me and showed me that even people caught up in gang warfare can have their lives changed. I knew there was an answer to Northern Ireland’s problems, and it couldn’t be found in a normal church. Too often, churches

become dinosaurs and fail to connect with the realities of life.” For 10 years, Jack pastored a church in the northern part of the Shankill and turned a large cinema into a youth and community centre. “My whole focus became young people who have been victimised and brutalised by the paramilitaries. We were seeing young people come to faith in Christ and were trying to filter them into local churches, but the churches could not cope. The young people were used to the streets and they were not used to church. It was a huge culture shock.”

I KNEW THERE WAS AN ANSWER TO NORTHERN IRELAND’S PROBLEMS, AND IT COULDN’T BE FOUND IN A NORMAL CHURCH.

VOX MAGAZINE

An incident in 1992 stands out as an probation officer asked me if I knew why this choices. There have been great success example of the tragedy of violence. “When man had been in jail. He told me he was in stories as well the Ormeau Road bookmakers shop was for David’s murder. I just sat and cried. We as the tragedies. attacked by loyalist paramilitaries, five had become friends. I liked him. It was all so “Paramilitaries still control these people were killed and nine were injured. A pointless. Afterwards, we talked about it and communities. They still beat young men young fella in my church was watching this we cried together.” and even shoot them, but you never hear on the news and started to cry. He asked, The centre is a place of hope where about it. People want us to believe we have ‘Why do people do that and call themselves hundreds of people from both sides of the peace. It is better than 15 or 20 years ago, Protestants?’ He could not understand. wall can come to play football, enjoy coffee, but it does depend on where you live. Some Inevitably, there was a retaliation for the or engage in one of the many programmes. people in this community have not seen the attack, and that young man was one Even today, the gates between the two benefits of peace.” of those killed!” communities are locked every night at 6pm. Jack describes an incident a few weeks In 1993, Jack launched New Life City For those from the Falls Road wanting to ago when a young man was badly beaten by Church. It wasn’t an easy time. “I buried play football of an evening, it means a long two carloads of paramilitary members. He more young men connected with our church drive around to find an open gate. Jack is managed to pick himself up and make his than any other local church,” Jack shared. lobbying to have the gates open for longer, way to the centre. As he was loaded onto a “There were young men murdered by local but so far the “gatekeepers” (usually the stretcher, the staff asked him, “Why did you paramilitaries. We were leading them to paramilitaries on both sides) have not been come here?” He answered, “I knew it would Christ and then having to bury them. I knew willing to allow it. be open and I knew I’d be safe here.” I needed to do something about what they In the no-man’s land between the gates, “I long for the walls to come down, not were facing.” the church has established a space dedicated just the physical walls but also the sectarian That “something” meant speaking out to peace. The “cross of crosses” marks all walls in people’s hearts and minds,” Jack against the violence toward the youth, shares. “I’m struggling to put it into and as a result, Jack was sentenced words because it almost seems like to death and had his home attacked. an unreachable goal. Advised to leave Northern Ireland, “I long for peace in a real sense, I LONG FOR THE WALLS TO COME DOWN, NOT JUST he stayed and instead established the not just the absence of violence but a THE PHYSICAL WALLS BUT ALSO THE SECTARIAN genuine relationship with God and the City Life Centre in a former warehouse straddling the peace wall. realisation that the church does have WALLS IN PEOPLE’S HEARTS AND MINDS For Jack, it can be very emotional the answer. Sadly, too often, we try to working with former paramilitaries and condemn people into church, but that seeking to bring about change. “I was and doesn’t work. We’ve got to love people still am angry when I meet people who were the years of violence, while a monument into church. We have to be there for them at responsible for some of the deaths. There declares “peace” in English, Irish, and their darkest moments. was a young man, David, who was like a Scottish. “The problem is that the church spends young brother to me. He was murdered by so much trying to get the world to live like the UVF and some culprits were put in jail. A BETTER WAY Christians. Leave them alone! It is a much “We do work schemes with people who “It can be very difficult to resolve the tougher challenge to get Christians to have been in jail. After serving 16 years, one issues and the hurts of the past,” Jack says. live like Christians!” guy came out of a prison and was working “Whatever has happened, the message of the with me in the office. Then one day the cross is a message of hope. We’ll never undo what happened, but we can make sure we don’t go back there again.” Running personal development programmes with young men, Jack helps to provide positive role models and encourages them to make better You can read Jack’s story in his new book, “What does it take?” available on Amazon, or to order from www.newlifebelfast.org, or from the publisher, www.mauricewyliemedia.com.

JAN - MAR 2016 VOX

JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL IN ST. JAMES’ CHURCH, CRINKEN St. James’ Church in Crinken, Shankill, Dublin found a special way to celebrate its 175th anniversary in December. The church held a Christmas Tree Festival, entitled “Journey to Bethlehem,” featuring more than 40 Christmas trees, each one decorated by local schools, community groups, and businesses. The trees helped to re-tell the traditional Christmas story in new and innovative ways. Each tree represented a different Bible verse. There were six-foot natural fir trees as well as others that were sculpted from books, tins of food, balloons, guitars, and even vacuum cleaners. Businesses and groups chose materials that were appropriate to their work (e.g. the car repair garage used tyres to create a tree representing a journey). Festival organiser Glynis Good described how the project had

brought the church together and helped to build relationships in the community. “It was rather wonderful sitting down with different businesses to look at their Bible verse and consider how they could interpret it,” she said. Olly Adams added, “The festival was a success before anyone even stepped through the doors of the church and even if no one had come!” In fact, there was a huge influx of people over the weekend of 4 6 December. Rev. Trevor Stephenson commented, “The crowds were amazing, and the community was moved and blessed by experience.” Here in VOX magazine, we’re bringing you just a taste of a wonderful exhibition.

THE CARPENTER’S TREE

Created by Space Plus Ltd. “When Joseph woke up he did what the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary home as his wife.” (Matthew 1:24) Space Plus created a simple treeshaped furniture piece, made from timber, to represent the skilled carpenter that Joseph was. Another important characteristic of Joseph highlighted in this verse is that he obeyed God’s word. To illustrate this, a number of Bibles form part of the tree sculpture.

THE SONG TREE

Created by Everest Music and Piano Centre If music is food for the soul and “My soul glorifies the Lord” (Luke 1:4655), then at Everest Music, we can help our community feed their souls and glorify the Lord!

THE JOY TREE

Created by Fleurtique Flower Shop, Florence Road, Bray “I bring you good news, which will cause great joy for all people.” (Luke 2:10) The giving of flowers has a long history dating back to ancient Egypt, when they were used as symbols of beauty, love, and friendship. This tradition has continued to the present day to celebrate occasions of great joy. The joy of God’s great love for us is symbolised in this tree by fresh and dried flowers.

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THE PRINCE OF PEACE TREE

Created by Ruth Lockhart, Visual Artist, ruthlockhart.wordpress.com “For to us a child is born…and He shall be called the Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) The colour white is symbolic. In times of war, a white flag is flown as a sign of surrender. The lanterns are reminiscent of the “Light of The World,” which is another name given to Christ.

THE CHOIR OF ANGELS

Created by art student Louis Oakes, IADT “Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others, praising God.” (Luke 2:13) These three angels are eight feet tall and have been made using corriboard.

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THE CELEBRATION TREE

THE JOURNEY TREE

Created by The Balloon Company, Dargle Centre, Bray “And when they saw the star they were overjoyed.” (Matthew 2:10) Special occasions in life are to be celebrated. The Balloon Company is where people come for balloons to celebrate important moments. This tree celebrates the coming of Jesus to Bethlehem.

Created by Castle Service Garage, Bray “The shepherds said to each other, ‘Let us go to Bethlehem to see this thing that has happened.’” (Luke 2:15) The shepherds’ journey would be different today… “Let’s go check this out for ourselves - jump in; it won’t take long!” A much easier trip by car than on foot.

THE REFUGEE TREE

Created by the Shankill Community Refugee Task Force “‘Take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt,’ the angel said.” Matthew 2:13 The flight to Egypt of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus turned the family into refugees. The ribbon tree journeyed on a symbolic walk from Shankill beach to the famine graveyard in Loughlinstown, where members of the community tied white ribbons to represent the many lives lost by refugees. It represents the stark reality experienced today, but with the emergence of hope. Jesus came to offer salvation and hope to all. We want to perpetuate that hope and a warm welcome to refugees arriving in Ireland.

THE STOREHOUSE TREE

Jesus said, “Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34) After the festival, the food in this tree was made into hampers for those in need. The Bibles remind us that our spiritual needs are as important as our physical ones. The Storehouse is a food bank at Crinken Church, which works together with local agencies and community organisations.

THE PRAYER TREE

Over a cup of tea or coffee, visitors to the exhibition had the opportunity to write a prayer and hang it on a special tree in the church hall. After the festival, the church members committed to pray for each person who had placed a prayer on the tree.

THE HOMELESS TREE

THE UPSIDE DOWN TREE

The Bridge Cafe, Bray Our tree represents how God’s love turned the world upside down through Jesus. “God showed how much He loved us by sending His one and only son into the world.” (1 John 4:9)

Lying inside a sleeping bag as people leave the church, this tree says, “I’m not in the brochure, but Jesus Christ came for me as much as for you.” It is a stark reminder of the reality of homelessness in our society.

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R E X O B P THE SOA

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BY DR KEN BAKER

WHAT DOES EQUALITY MEAN?

nce, on a bus in Turkey, the police removed a man There used to be a synagogue prayer that ran like this: from the seat in front of me. They stopped the bus, Blessed are you, Hashem, King of the Universe, walked up the aisle, and pointed to him. He got off. for not having made me a Gentile. As the bus pulled away, I asked what it was about Blessed are you, Hashem, King of the Universe, and the driver shook his head, drew a finger across his throat for not having made me a slave. and said “Kurd.” I was shocked and scared. Blessed are you, Hashem, King of the Universe, In Galatians, Paul counters different kinds of prejudice in for not having made me a woman. the church with an argument The Christian’s radical that is still valid today: the affirmation of equality principle of equality. Gentiles in Christ is a deliberate were being treated as rejection of this attitude. So THIS IS ALL RACIAL, ECONOMIC, AND GENDER second class because they when men exclude women BARRIERS AND ALL OTHER INEQUALITIES ARE REMOVED weren’t Jews. Paul insisted from significant participation IN CHRIST. GOOD, GOOD NEWS… THE VERY BEST! that any racial prejudice in the life and ministry of violated the essence of the the church, they negate the gospel. essence of the Gospel. Similarly, any expression Some say the equality of social class superiority (the free over the slaves) or gender Paul defends here is only in the “spiritual” sphere: equality superiority (men over women) violated the truth of the before God. But Paul’s argument responds to a social crisis Gospel. All the divisions and prejudices are abolished in in the church: Gentiles were being forced to become Jews Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male to be fully accepted by Jewish Christians. Paul’s argument nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus (v. 28). is that Gentiles do not have to become Jews to It seems to me that there are only two ways of participate fully in the life of the church. doing “church.” One is the “law” way. The other is And, of course, neither do females have to equal the “grace” way. And according to Galatians, the become male or one race become another to “law” way is obsolete. earn full participation in the life and ministry of Paul contrasted the past experience of the the church. to Jewish people under the Mosaic law (Galatians Paul totally equalises the status of male and 3: 23-25) to the privileged position of “grace” female, Jew and Gentile, and slave and free in people who are all united in Christ (Galatians 3: Christ. If a Gentile may exercise spiritual leadership 26-29). in church as freely as a Jew, or a slave as freely as a The new vertical relationship with God results in citizen, why not a woman as freely as a man? new horizontal relationships with one another. All racial, economic, and gender barriers and all other inequalities are removed in Christ. This equality and unity is not an add-on Dr Ken Baker is an author and pastor or a sideline. It’s centre stage. It’s the very heartbeat of what living in the Midlands of Ireland, “Gospel” means. seeking to develop fresh expressions of the Equality in Christ is the starting point for how we live kingdom of God. together. If the church does not express this in its life and ministry, it is not faithful to the Gospel.

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FAITH

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EXPLORING FAITH AND CULTURE

RUBICON 2015 This year’s Rubicon conference in Rathmines, Dublin, brought together a wide range of speakers from different perspectives to explore the interplay between faith and culture. VOX Magazine brings you a roundup of some of the most memorable quotes from a thought-provoking day. Find out more at www.wearerubicon.com.

Rev Scott Sauls from Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee, and author of “Jesus Outside the Lines” was the keynote speaker. Here are a few things he had to say: Someone described 2014 as the year of “outrage.” We get mad about everything. There is an epidemic of “outrage pornography” - tearing down our ideological opponents. Both outrage and pornography objectify people and both are addictive. Reducing people to a caricature diminishes us all.

And here are a few quotes from other speakers, including our very own VOX editor! “If Jesus walked into our churches today, who would flock to Him? I suspect that for all their flaws and failings, the under 35s would be among the first embrace Him. I believe it is time we listened to the prophetic voice of young adults within the church!” Ruth Garvey-Williams, Editor of VOX Magazine

Grace means that God has reached across the lines of difference to us. The hope of the world rests on the shoulders of a first-century, middle-eastern, Jewish, dark-skinned man who never spoke a word of English and who spent most of his life homeless. His life began in an animal stall and ended up on a trash heap. Because of God’s grace, we Christians should be the least offensive and the most difficult-to-offend people on the face of the earth. Grace plays itself out through reconciliation. “Us against us” should not exist inside Christianity! “Us against them” occurs when the rift opens between the church and the world. That breaks the heart of God. How many people fall in love with Jesus because someone lectured them about their ethics? How do your convictions lead you to treat those who are different to you? People of faith have been taught that their job is to go out into the world and criticise people. In fact, we are forbidden from taking that posture. Jesus invites us to embrace people before they agree with us. It is imperative for a follower of Jesus to be able to deeply disagree and deeply love at the same time.

“Consumerism and individualism have filled the gap that was previously filled by the church. The Christian faith has a critical role to play. It is time to reclaim the prophetic voice of the church and to speak into the issues that our society is struggling with. Christians need to show leadership in issues such as trafficking and debt.” Sharan Kelly, CEO, Tearfund Ireland “Home is not a place; it is a work in progress. Home is less about a piece of soil. It is about a piece of soul. Home it is not where you are from. It’s where you are going. It’s what you are becoming.” Daniel Ramamoorthy - entrepreneur, radio presenter, financial advisor, and musician. “41,000 people go to Electric Picnic. If something is the cutting edge of cultural and artistic expression, why are we [Christians] not there? When we live out the Gospel well, it is not just good news for us; it is good news for everyone.” Scott Evans - author and university chaplain “I’m both a priest and an activist. The link for me between faith and justice is the concept of dignity - recognising every single human being as a child of God. If I’m not working throughout the week to make that a reality, what I say on Sunday morning is empty words.” Fr. Peter McVerry JAN - MAR 2016 VOX

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DUBLIN

Saturday 30 January 10am - 4pm Apostolic Church, 67a Pearse Street, Dublin 2 Keynote speakers: Gerry Raleigh, National Office for Suicide Prevention Joanie Reilly, Counsellor/Psychotherapist

S U IC ID E P R E V E N T IO N AND THE CHURCH

very loss of life to suicide is tragic and leaves in its wake a tsunami of grief affecting family, friends and the wider community. And the church is not immune. People within our churches are facing mental ill health, depression and despair, while others are caring for family members who are suffering from mental and emotional anguish. The launch of Ireland’s new strategy for suicide prevention, “Connecting for Life,” in 2015 was a call to arms for communities to work together to reduce the tragic loss of over 500 lives a year to suicide across the Republic of Ireland. In Northern Ireland, the suicide rate is close to 300 people a year. Across the island, Christians are working in a range of ways to address and respond to this reality. But so much more is possible and many churches feel ill-equipped either to support those who feel suicidal or to care for those bereaved by suicide. VOX Magazine editor Ruth Garvey-Williams is chair of an award-winning community suicide prevention group in Donegal and a passionate campaigner for Christian engagement in this vital area. “This tragedy touches us all. So many of us have lost family members or friends to suicide. We know people in our communities who are grieving the death of a loved one. And many of us care for relatives or church members who are suffering from chronic mental illness. “In the face of a stark reality, we can feel helpless and clueless, but that does not have to be the case. I’ve found it immensely helpful to receive training and to be equipped with tools personally, in our church, and in our community to help people who are in despair. There is hope!” “My vision is for churches all over Ireland to be informed, equipped, and inspired to engage effectively in suicide prevention alongside their local communities, to see lives saved and families restored, to comfort those who mourn and bind up the broken-hearted! That is why we at VOX Magazine have organised a series of one-day suicide-prevention conferences in January and February - bringing together people engaged in this vital work to help us.”

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CORK

Saturday 6 February 10am - 3pm Grace Christian Church, 53 MacCurtain Street, Cork Keynote speakers: Pastor Brian Synnott, church leader and professional counsellor Barry Condon, church leader and founder of Suaimhneas, a support group for people suffering from depression

SLIGO

Saturday 20 February 10am - 4pm Calry Church, Sligo Keynote speakers: Dr Stephen Critchlow, Consultant Psychiatrist, speaker, and author Joanie Reilly, Counsellor/Psychotherapist Other speakers Other speakers will include Stephen Bradley, Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing, and Christian counsellor Linda Rowett. The programme will include opportunities for discussion, questions and practical examples of how churches around Ireland are involved in suicide prevention. Workshops will be offered on a range of subjects (depending on venue and demand) including: • Supporting those bereaved by suicide • Understanding self harm • Equipped to care - listening skills • Working together with your community • Supporting a family member with chronic mental illness What does it cost? Each event costs just €20 per person (including lunch) with concessions available for students, the unemployed and senior citizens. Who is it for? These events are designed for church leaders and individual Christians who are concerned about suicide or have been affected by suicide and want to know how Christians can respond. Note: While we recognise that an event of this nature can stir up painful memories/emotions, and we will have people available on the day who are able to talk and pray with people as needed, the conference is not designed for those who are currently experiencing distress or mental ill health. The Samaritans offer a 24-hour helpline on 116 123 (ROI) or by visiting www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch (includes Northern Ireland). You can contact a Christian counsellor by visiting www.iacc.ie and many churches can provide additional support. How do I book? Visit www.vox.ie for all the information you need along with links for booking. Get further information via email (info@vox.ie) with “Suicide Prevention Conference” in the subject line, or telephone the VOX office on 01 443 4789.

CONFESSIONS OF A FEINT SAINT

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All Rev’d Up By Annmarie Miles ’ll be honest. I never thought would happen. I never believed this day would come. Mr Feint Saint was right, which is usually the case. He was right about us, too, way back when I changed my mind about marrying him. I thought marriage was the wrong decision and that it was over between us. He was hurt but confident; disappointed, but sure of what was ahead. Here we are, 17 years later, arriving at another one of those moments that he knew would come even though it was nowhere to be seen on the horizon. Mr Feint Saint never doubted it. A faithful man. A very faithful man. I am immensely proud of him, though oftentimes, he drives me nuts (and of course, I never return the compliment). I am blessed, really and truly blessed, to be his wife, his partner in this new chapter in our lives. The chapter that sees Mr Feint Saint becoming Reverend Feint Saint. I know that he has the highest regard for his calling, for the office he will hold. He will treat it with huge respect, and he will not fail to do his very best. Isn’t that all you could want, all you could ask of anyone in any job? Married life has been hard at times. We have gone through a number of challenging and heartbreaking seasons. From what I hear, life in ministry is a sure-fire way to walk yourself into stressful and hectic times. Yet we are stronger than ever and ready to grab this thing with both hands. We’re going to work hard for God and His people, work well with God and His people. Who would have thought, though, eh? Me… the pastor’s wife. As I write, I’ve a list of pastor’s wives whom I know here in front of me. All different, all gifted in various ways. All functioning in their unique styles. How do I live up to that list of examples? I’ll be different too; starting later in life than most of the pastor’s wives I know. Having come through my own unique route. My marriage is different. My husband is different. What on earth can I bring? Who knows; maybe I’ll surprise myself and be really good at it! Stranger things have happened… Haven’t they??? Don’t answer that!

“Who knows; maybe I’ll surprise myself and be really good at it ! ”

Annmarie Miles is originally from Tallaght, now living in her husband Richard’s homeland, Wales. If you’d like to read more between VOX Magazines, her blog is called Just Another Christian Woman Talking Through Her Hat. The Long & the Short of it, her first collection of short stories, can be found at www. annmariemiles.com/books, or you can pick it up in Footprints bookshops in Dublin. JAN - MAR 2016 VOX

REALITY

SUFFERING AND THE CHURCH: HOW LONG WILL WE LIVE AS IF WE DO NOT KNOW? BY LYDIA MONDS

‘People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money…always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.’ 2 Timothy 3:2a and 7. ecently, I gave a talk at a conference for faith-based NGOs from around the EU. I gave a rant. After working in the development sector for nearly seven years, mainly within the Church, I have reached a point where I am unable to talk without ranting. I think this is an inevitable result of being exposed to chronic, catastrophic human suffering on a daily basis. My frustration does not stem solely from the injustices endured by the majority of the world. Anger has crept in as time and time and time again the reality of our compliance in others’ suffering is not given the urgency and attention it deserves. It is hidden in plain sight or, even more unnerving, seen but collectively ignored, even though the relentless consumerism of the minority is the primary reason for pandemic suffering. Today, we have more access than ever to news of what is happening in other parts of

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the world. We are confronted with inequality and injustice that are the life experience of the vast majority of the world. And we cannot pretend that we do not know. Yet we demand more choices in our supermarkets; good-quality products at reduced prices; taller, fancier coffees with the best roasted beans; faster, more intelligent technologies; and we do so on the backs of slaves. And we cannot pretend that we do not know. Currently, our knowing creates a response to give a little more, buy a little more fairtrade, and when the guilt is appeased, slip back into regular habits that don’t tug on purse strings or conscience. But what if our knowing became an allpervading truth to us? What if we allowed the Truth, who is Christ, to permeate our thoughts, our hearts, our decision-making, our lifestyles, our knowing about the others on whose backs our lifestyles are built? The Church is a generous donor. We are moved by the plight of others. The above observations should not negate the pockets of hope seen in individuals and parishes all around the country. But it should challenge

us to push for our response to go deeper, to ask why such suffering prevails, and to be willing to make changes within ourselves that go beyond compassionate giving to changed lifestyles and to prophetic outrage, speaking out against those systems and structures that benefit the few and that keep the many poor. We pray for and give to the 60 million people who are either internally displaced or who have fled their countries because of conflict, persecution or natural disasters. We are aghast at those living in temporary settlements for years on end, in a state of limbo, their lives on hold, hopelessness chipping away at their resolve. And yet the Magdalene Laundries of our time, the Direct Provision Centres in our own country, remain unchallenged by the collective Church, left to the few parishes who share community with the people ‘living’ in these centres. We pray for and give to people in Bangladesh who have had to flee their homes because of rising seas, land erosion and floods. Yet we fail to connect the

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dots that their fleeing is partly and directly we falter in our response to the resulting caused by our overconsumption and our refugees. excessive, relentless emissions. Many of As we pray for and give to needs them flee to the cities where they live in worldwide, we need to recognise our own squalor and are exploited, often to the point interconnectedness, our own compliance of slavery, by the garment industries, the through relentless consumerism that same ones that provide our clothes. perpetuates the suffering and displacement We pray for and send money to people of millions around the world. We are in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Ethiopia, amputating limbs and then, in our who are becoming displaced from their land as thousands of hectares are deforested by multi-nationals to grow cash crops that will be exported for WE ARE AMPUTATING LIMBS AND THEN, IN OUR our food - food that we then waste at such a rate that it is estimated Western COMPASSION, SENDING THE EQUIVALENT OF countries throw away the equivalent STICKING PLASTERS. of what the entire continent of Africa produces in a year. We pray for and send money to people compassion, sending the equivalent of who are displaced in the Democratic sticking plasters. Republic of Congo due to lack of All of us are on a journey. None of us governance and ongoing civil war. Five have arrived. million people have died since the late 1990s The Church’s response cannot be a and millions more have been displaced and token gesture. And it certainly cannot live in destitution and in fear of militia. Due remain fragmented. Imagine if every to a total breakdown in governance, up to single church denomination in Ireland 80% of women have been victims of sexual decided that at every level - individual, violence. These wars are exacerbated by the parish, diocesan and centrally - the main mass mining of DRC’s natural resources issue it would preach, address, live, was to provide the minerals (cobalt, gold, tin) for the rights of the dispossessed. Imagine needed for our phones, our electronics and if everyone who makes up the Church our jewellery. laid down their own needs and interests We pray for and send money to and collaborated to see Kingdom values impoverished communities in South established in our local housing policies and Africa who did not flee when international global refugee responses. mining companies set up shop on their What if our priority was to see people’s doorsteps and are now living in areas ten dignity valued above the economy - an times more toxic and radioactive than Chernobyl because of uranium dumping. This is for the armament industry, a trillion-dollar industry that keeps Western economies wealthy whilst devastating communities and entire countries. And then

economy that is so precarious, it wants a property bubble to sustain it and is willing to allow thousands of people to go homeless rather than reign in banks and landlords and protect the most vulnerable? What a prophetic and Christian act if we could speak with a united voice into that crisis, spending ourselves on behalf of others. The Church must model what it believes. And as we stop pretending that we do not know, our cry for change must challenge us and move us to respond in a way that we become the answer to our own prayers. We must be willing to curb our lifestyles and to demand that production and supply of goods promote peace, through food security, land rights and fairly obtained, fairly traded products. May God bring us peace. But may He also keep us restless and hungry for the peace of all people. May we go deeper in our compassion to a place of solidarity, where our collective ranting is a voice for all who are disconnected, either by chronic poverty or by chronic greed. The time has come for the Church to reclaim the cry ‘Disturb us, O Lord.’

Lydia Monds is the Education Advisor for the Church of Ireland Aid and Development Programme, Bishops’ Appeal.

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between CAUGHT WORLDS RICHARD SPRATT FROM FIELDS OF LIFE PONDERS THE DISCONNECT BETWEEN RICH AND POOR AND WONDERS WHICH IS WHICH…

s we all watched the unfolding horror in Paris and Brussels on our TV screens, we were shocked, upset and sickened to the pit of our stomachs. If we are honest with ourselves, perhaps even more so than if the stories had been about Baghdad, Beirut or Syria. Perhaps this is understandable. There is something that resonates when we know a person in our street who dies suddenly. We naturally feel loss more acutely because we have history with them, we know them and therefore have developed more of a sense of relationship and connection. Cynically, though, it may also be because fear and uncertainty has struck closer to

home and unsettled the safety nets, home comforts and structures that we have built around ourselves, cocooning ourselves from the fragilities and dangers of today’s world. Similarly, when the victims of extreme poverty and injustice in the world today do not have faces and names, when we don’t know their children and appreciate their funny personality traits and idiosyncrasies, then somehow, we learn to coexist in a world where such a disconnect between the rich and the poor is acceptable and seemingly unchallenged. It shouldn’t be the case. For those of us involved in Christian mission and development, there are times when it can feel like being caught between two opposing worlds where an underlying

SOMEHOW, WE LEARN TO COEXIST IN A WORLD WHERE SUCH A DISCONNECT BETWEEN THE RICH AND THE POOR IS ACCEPTABLE. 22

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Alex Gason (centre), the new Regional Development Officer for the Republic of Ireland

battle rages - a battle of wills, priorities and values. It can be a confusing, lonely and frightening place, especially when we have come to know and love people living in unacceptably impoverished conditions. We must guard against “the poor” becoming an abstract concept but rather see them as human beings made in God’s image for whom Christ died. The lines that define poverty sometimes get blurred and fade to grey. Sometimes as I travel throughout Central East Africa, I am left wondering exactly who is poor. The “religion,” which tries to convert me on a daily basis, says “Taberna Ergo Sum,” meaning “I consume, therefore I am” (my sixth-form Latin has counted for something). I am acutely aware of my own spiritual poverty and what I have been robbed of living in the developed world. I am constantly persuaded to consume certain things that often I don’t need in order to have identity, to constantly strive for more

at the expense of shalom and contentment, and to accumulate debt to fund all of it. Perhaps if we rediscovered real friendship, real community and what it is to serve those around us, we might see radical transformation in our own land, our own churches and, subsequently, beyond our borders. I would suggest, and I am speaking to myself first, that when there is radical transformation in how we live our own lives here, only then might we see real transformation occur in the developing world. Our heart and mission at Fields of Life is to encourage young Africans in Christ and to attempt to break down the poverty barriers, which are as much mental, social and spiritual as they are material. We believe young people, especially if educated, empowered and built up, can be entrepreneurial, can lead, can become contributing members of their communities and nations. We believe they can influence, shape and start to break down some of

Fields of Life is committed to sharing the Christian faith by collaborating with local communities and churches in East Africa to bring about positive change through the provision of quality education, clean water, health promotion and other community based projects. From its headquarters in Northern Ireland, this Christian development agency is passionate about seeing local partners strengthened and empowered to be the drivers of change in their own communities.

the systemic causes of poverty in subSaharan Africa. We believe they will be the generation to break through. We are delighted as an organisation that Alex Gason has joined the Fields of Life family as Regional Development Officer for the Republic of Ireland. Why not drop him a line to connect and grab a coffee with him to explore some of these issues as we seek to support the church be salt and light in some of the most challenging places in Central East Africa? You can contact Alex on alex.gason@fieldsoflife.org. Richard Spratt joined Fields of Life in 2009, taking up the role of Chief Executive in 2011. He travels extensively throughout Central East Africa and is passionate about communicating how God’s kingdom can challenge the injustice and poverty that exist in our world today. JAN - MAR 2016 VOX

MY STORY “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.

BILLY’S STORY

As a teenager, Billy Weekes suffered a devastating head injury in a motorcycle crash. Told he would never walk again, Billy soon confounded the doctors with his determination. And as he battled to recover physically, his life was transformed through his newfound faith in Jesus Christ. Billy’s journey has not been an easy one, but through it all, he has maintained a keen sense of humour and a ready smile. VOX editor Ruth Garvey-Williams met up with Billy and his wife, Lorina, in their home in north Dublin.

ell us about your accident.

I was transferred to the National When I was 16, my brotherMedical Rehabilitation Centre in Dun in-law asked me to collect him Laoghaire. I used to communicate through and drop him home. My mother did not my dad. He would say the alphabet until he want me to go out on the motorbike so late. reached the first letter of the word I wanted But I argued with her and stormed out. I to say. My dad used to say to the family, “no was going down Constitutional Hill at 75 matter how long it takes, he’ll be back.” miles an hour with Eugene on the back of Ken Lindsey, who was the minister at the bike. There is a bend on the hill and Dublin Central Mission, had heard that I after the bend there are traffic lights. I had to was in hospital and he came to visit me. He swerve to avoid the cars told me, “Billy, do you waiting at the lights and know that Jesus Christ I hit the curb. died for you?” He used Eugene flew over I WAS IN A COMA FOR FIVE MONTHS. to say, “We’ll bow our my shoulders and I heads now and say a went down with the prayer.” I would keep bike. I was knocked one eye open, thinking unconscious and an ambulance took me to that people in the ward would be looking the Mater Hospital, where I was in a coma at me. I was embarrassed because I wasn’t a for five months. Christian at that time. Eventually, the nurse told my parents, I had intensive physiotherapy to “You needn’t come up. If there is ever a straighten my legs, and they took me to the change, we’ll phone and let you know.” But swimming pool to loosen my bones. They my dad told her, “As long as Billy is here put a rubber tube around my neck and in the hospital, we’ll be here.” And that’s nudged me out into the pool. Somehow what they did. They visited me every day, the rubber tube was pushed up and I went sometimes twice a day, even in the snow! under. I was only under the water for maybe I woke up on Christmas Eve, still 20 seconds, but to me, it seemed like hours. semiconscious and calling out for my People say that when you are drowning, Mammy. Then I woke fully on Christmas your whole life flashes before your eyes. Day. That didn’t happen to me but I heard a voice that said, “Don’t panic; just hold your You’d suffered a terrible brain injury and breath and don’t panic.” So I did. you were not able to walk, talk or use your Eventually, they got me out and pulled hands. Tell us about that time. me up on the side. All I can remember is

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breathing the air back into my lungs. The physiotherapist was very beautiful and I’m just sorry that she didn’t have to give me artificial respiration, because I would have liked that! [Billy grins]

What did your doctors say about the future? They called me into a room and said, “Billy, you are not to cry, but everyone who is after having an accident of your type has not walked away from it. They end up in a wheelchair for the rest of their lives.” I just said, “That’s until now, but I’m going to be the first one, and to prove it, I’m going to come back to this hospital and give you back the wheelchair.”

It was over a year before you could go home. What happened then?

When I came out the hospital, Ken gave me a Bible, and I read that Bible completely through. I used to read a chapter and then I’d go out for a walk. I would come back, read another chapter and go out for another walk. Using my walking aid, the first week I walked as far as the first pole. The second week, I made it to the second pole and the third week, I walked to the third pole. I used to say to myself, “How can I fall when God the Father is in front of me, Jesus Christ is behind me, and the Holy Spirit is on either side of me?” One day I met two blokes who knew me before my accident. I was singing The Fields

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of Athenry. They tried to want her to be really like my mother!” siblings were selling the house (and all my give me drugs, and I heard When our TV stopped working, I belongings). I ended up homeless. a voice saying, “Don’t take phoned Sky to cancel my subscription. I had to stay in a B&B in the centre of them; just keep singing Lorina answered the phone. I told her Dublin. A friend took me to social welfare. and walk on.” So I turned my password stands for “Praise the Lord”. Eventually, Simon Community found me a around and walked away, Immediately, she answered, “Hallelujah!” home. When we got married, Lorina wrote but I was filled with I asked, “Are you a Christian?” She said, to a housing association, and finally we hatred because they were “Yes,” so I asked her, “Will you marry me?” found this place. trying to give me drugs. [Billy grins!] I thought, “No matter Tell us about the High Hopes Choir. how long it takes me, I’m It took time and amazing generosity from I support the Simon Community gonna get yous.” friends but you made it to India, met Lorina, because they helped me. We heard they Before I turned into the gate, I heard and eventually decided to get married. But wanted people who had been affected by the voice again saying, “Billy, forgive them things were not smooth sailing. Tell us what homelessness to sing in a choir on an RTE the same way I have forgiven you.” So I said, happened when you returned to Ireland. documentary. We went along and it was “Okay, Lord, I forgive.” My mother was suffering from fun. We were raising awareness of the work In the hall in our house there was a dementia and was transferred to a nursing of Focus Ireland, St. Vincent de Paul and framed picture that said, “Blessed is the home. I came home and found that my the Simon Community. The first major man who makes performance was on the Lord his trust.” the Late Late Show. I looked up at that Now we practice every I’M GOING TO COME BACK TO THIS HOSPITAL AND GIVE YOU BACK THE WHEELCHAIR. Monday, and we even and said, “Lord, I’m making you my performed at Electric trust.” Picnic this year!

What does Jesus mean to you?

I love him so much. I have a “Jesus” hat and I wear it all the time. He is my Lord, my master, my king - He is everything. I like to make up acronyms, and the first one I made up was for JESUS ( Jesus Eternally Saves Us Sinners). I wouldn’t be able to do anything without Jesus. I tell people, “Don’t follow me - I used to be lost - follow the one who found me, Christ Jesus!”

Tell us about Lorina.

I was praying to meet someone. Then I read “Our Daily Bread” and it said, be specific with your prayers. I prayed, “Lord, I want to meet someone to be my wife. I want her to be a Christian and to be from another country. I want to meet her the same way my brother met his wife, through a phone call. And I JAN - MAR 2016 VOX

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FROM

ANGER TO ACTION

STANDING IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE HOMELESS AND THE MARGINALISED IN OUR SOCIETY

Fr. Peter McVerry was the keynote speaker at Tearfund Ireland’s recent conference on “Poverty and Urbanisation” and a special guest at the Rubicon conference in November. Through the Peter McVerry Trust, he has been responding to the needs of homeless people in Ireland for the last 40 years. Today, he is more concerned than ever before about the growing crisis. Here, VOX Magazine brings a summary of what he had to say at the two conferences: 26

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ou cannot love someone who is whom owning a home is an unreachable Landlords are interested in maximising suffering unnecessarily without dream. Homelessness is the most extreme profits. They are not social workers. Putting being angry with the causes of and visible consequence of a dysfunctional homeless people into the private rental their suffering. When channelled housing system and rough sleeping is sector is a recipe for disaster. properly, anger can be productive. We have the most extreme and visible example of In a family, they all share whatever an enormous homeless problem [in Ireland]. homelessness. rooms are available to them. Each one of I get angry at the way homeless people The outlook for the future suggests those homeless people is God’s beloved are treated. I get angry when we marginalise a red alert. It is predicted that 25,000 child. No parent wants to see their children people and write them off, when we look homes will be repossessed over the next living on the streets. down on people and tell them they are 12 months. Five new people are becoming The core value of the Gospel is solidarity. second-class. For me, love and anger are two homeless every day. Even more worryingly, Jesus dreamt of a world where no one would sides of the same coin. the number of families who have become be hungry and not be fed, where no one When I was 30 years of would be thirsty and not be age, I went to live in the city given a drink, where no one of Dublin. I became angry would be naked and not be EACH ONE OF THOSE HOMELESS PEOPLE IS GOD’S BELOVED CHILD. at the housing conditions. clothed, where no one would Kids were leaving school at NO PARENT WANTS TO SEE THEIR CHILDREN LIVING ON THE STREETS. be in hospital and not be the age of 12. By the time visited. they got to 16, they were The little that you can do going to prison. I said, for homeless people means so “I want to do something much to them - I find joy in about this.” homeless has increased substantially. that. More and more homeless people come I began working with homeless people In 2013, 20 families a month became in and I can’t solve the problem - even then, when I came across a nine-year-old kid homeless. In 2014, that rose to 40 families they will say “thanks for listening to me” sleeping on the street. We opened a small a month. In the first six months of this year, that gives me joy. hostel for children in the city. One thing led 60 families a month became homeless and One of the things homeless people have to another. I never planned anything in my now the numbers are increasing month on taught me is to be grateful. I continue to life, and I look back and I’ve spent 40 years month. receive so very much. God is the giver of the serving the homeless. Those families are being accommodated gifts and I’ve received so many gifts. Now we run 14 hostels and have in hotel bedrooms. We are dealing with one Too often, the church has proclaimed a about 130 apartments where we can give a family: two parents, an 18-yearhomeless person a key to the door. We have old, a 16-year-old and three three drug-treatment centres and a drop-in younger children who were all centre. living in a single hotel bedroom I’m both a priest and an activist. I’m an with no cooking or laundry activist who sees his role as a priest as central facilities. The three younger to activism. The link for me between faith children have to get two buses and justice is the concept of dignity. Every to their school, which is on the single human being is a child of God. If I’m other side of the city. At times, not working throughout the week to make they have to leave because the that a reality, what I say on Sunday morning hotel is fully booked. The stress is empty words. on relationships is enormous. Housing is a fundamental right, because The stress on the children is without adequate housing, your other enormous. Focus Ireland has fundamental rights are almost impossible to described the situation as a child access. For a society, providing housing for a welfare crisis. population is one of the core functions of a Today, there are 700 families government. living in hotel bedrooms. That Fr. Peter McVerry, Sharan Kelly (Tearfund), Ruth The homelessness crisis we have today equates to 1500 children living Garvey-Williams (VOX) & Lydia Monds (Bishops’ Appeal) is not primarily due to the recession but to in appalling situations. Other Image: Maxwell Photography a dysfunctional housing policy. During the families have put their children Celtic Tiger, the number of homeless people into care. One couple was living in doubled. Today, the crisis is getting worse by their car and the Gardaí were going to take God of the law: obey these laws and you’ll the week as a result of reliance on the private the car away because it did not have its NCT be rewarded. Young people are searching sector to provide social housing. in order. We have a huge problem! for a God of compassion and a God who [Things will not change] unless the So often, homelessness is accompanied cares. People were absolutely enthralled by government makes a conscious decision to by hopelessness. People see no way out. what Jesus said. They did not come to listen invest in housing. How is the government Some families have been in a hotel bedroom to Him laying down laws but because He going to house 120,000 families in the next for two years. Other homeless single people talked about a God who cared for them. five years? are going from hostel to hostel. Many of If people are walking away, we have to ask There is a growing divide between those the people coming to us are in total despair. ourselves, what God are we preaching? who own their own home and those for Some are suicidal. Find out more at at www.pmvtrust.ie.

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FAITH

AT THE HEART OF THE CITY

â&#x20AC;¦WITH A BIG HEART FOR THE CITY!

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known side to the work of DCM - caring for the elderly through two sheltered housing units and a high-dependency nursing home, focusing on dementia care. The units cater for 130 residents aged from 65 to 102! With 60 members of staff, the centres provide a wonderful sense of community. The two sheltered housing complexes help ensure independent living for residents but in a caring and supportive environment.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

or 120 years, the Methodist Church in Abbey Street has been welcoming, serving and supporting people in inner-city Dublin. Known as Dublin Central Mission, this church is passionate about meeting the needs of its diverse neighbourhood. Thousands of people live within a half-mile radius of the building, providing opportunities to build community and to connect with people from the homeless to young professionals working in the offices nearby. Today, the building looks out on the hub of the Luas network, set to become the junction between the capital’s Green and Red transport lines. New minister Rev Laurence Graham [Ed: VOX readers may recall Laurence talking about his previous ministry in Cork and Kerry] described DCM as “a scruffy, well-used place but a ‘heartsome,’ homely place, which people love.” On a Sunday, Abbey Street Methodist Church is a vibrant multi-ethnic congregation of Christians from all over the city who gather to worship God. For many folks who have arrived in Ireland from difficult situations in their home country, DCM has become like a family. Laurence believes that the unity between different nationalities is a beautiful picture of the power of the Gospel and an example of

what God can do in other parts of Ireland - uniting local people with the “new Irish” who have made their home here. Throughout the week, the centre is a hive of activity. It is home to a huge number (around 25) of self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Gamblers Anonymous, along with a drop-in coffee morning, dance classes and a weekly Healing Service, to mention just a few. Four nights a week,

THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE LIVE WITHIN A HALF-MILE RADIUS OF THE BUILDING.

volunteers from the church go out to provide soup, sandwiches and warm clothing for homeless people in the Abbey Street area. Tucked away in an odd corner of the building (and there are many of those) is a clothing store used to provide practical help for the homeless or for others who are in need. And upstairs, a long row of secondhand books raises much-needed funds for an orphanage and other overseas mission projects. There is also another, perhaps lesser-

“We are hoping to refurbish the Abbey Street building to improve accessibility and the welcome people receive,” Laurence said. “When you walk in the front door at the moment, all you see is a door and the stairs. You would not necessarily even know it is a church.” With the upheaval of the Luas extension, work has been delayed, but Laurence hopes this will give time to consider the best options for the church. “At the moment, we are trying to strengthen links between all the different parts of our ministry. On Sunday in our prayers, we are remembering the work with the homeless and the leftovers from the sheltered housing are being used to make soup for the homeless as well,” Laurence said. “I heard a sermon 20 years ago from Donald English, a former president of the Methodist Church in Britain. He said, ‘If you read the Gospels, when Jesus went into a crowd, the crowd became a gathering of individuals because each person felt they had an individual encounter with Him. Jesus never did crowds.’ “We strive to follow Jesus’ model of mission and treat people as individuals, whether it is someone attending AA, a Filipino nurse who has just arrived in Ireland, or an elderly person suffering from Alzheimer’s.” “When I started coming here, the word ‘humble’ came to mind. This congregation is working away quietly and consistently to help, not just those who need it, but those who need it the most.” Find out more about the work of DCM at their new website, www.DublinCentralMission.ie.

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FAITH

Trevor and Diane Hill (centre), new leaders of Plumbline Ireland

NEW LEADERSHIP FOR PLUMBLINE IRELAND

... AND A NEW CHALLENGE FOR GRAEME AND FRAN WYLIE ith churches in Galway, Carlow, Kilkenny, Athlone, many great victories and our share of sad disappointments. Our Arklow and Lurgan and ministries such as counselling, disappointments don’t make the front pages of our newsletters. suicide prevention and leadership development, One of the things that stands out with Graeme and Fran is that they Plumbline Ireland reached a significant milestone in are ‘stickers.’ I’ve seen many come to Ireland to ‘change the nation,’ September when founders Graeme and Fran Wylie handed over the and within a few years, they are nowhere to be seen. I commend to leadership to Trevor and Diane Hill. you a man and a woman who came and stayed!” But it wasn’t retirement that brought about the change. After In 1971, Graeme’s church sent him out as a missionary to ministering for 35 years France, and that’s in Ireland, Graeme where he met Fran. and Fran are headed to They were married France as missionaries! I FELT THAT THE BEST GIFT I COULD GIVE WAS TO MAKE WAY FOR SOMEONE ELSE. and in 1980, they felt “I’m not exactly God calling them hanging up my boots, to move to Galway. but two and a half years The couple worked ago, I had a flash of insight - Plumbline didn’t need me to lead it to build Galway Christian Fellowship before eventually moving to anymore,” Graeme shared. “I felt that the best gift I could give was Roscommon and pioneering a number of other ministries. They to make way for someone else.” have overseen the growth of the Plumbline “family” - supporting At a special event in Athlone, leaders from across the country and mentoring many young leaders, including Trevor and Diane gathered to mark the transition and to commission the two couples Hill. for their new roles. “We started the Irish Christian training centre in Galway, where Paying tribute to Graeme and Fran’s years of service in we had ten young people who joined us. Trevor and Diane joined Ireland, Simon Matthews, who heads up Plumbline UK, said, us at that time,” Graeme shared. “We’ve laughed together; we’ve cried together. We’ve seen Trevor recalls, “We met at a midweek meeting in 1989.

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Graeme and Fran Wylie are commisioned for their new phase

Something happened at that meeting. This man intrigued me. We body of Christ in a much bigger domain. There are strengths and came down to Galway in April, and after the Sunday-morning weaknesses we have and we know we are in this together! The service, we asked Graeme and Fran every question under the sun. challenge is for the rising generation to take hold of the baton!” They answered every question we had. I realised I wanted to be Simon Matthews from Plumbline UK encouraged Trevor and like this couple. Our friendship has lasted through all these years. Diane in their new role. “Be who God has called you to be. You are We haven’t always seen eye to eye, but it has never stopped us from not stepping into somebody else’s shoes. You are stepping forward having each other’s back.” into what God has called you to do. This is a new day, so let us be Trevor and Diane spent the next seven years training under releasing and welcoming as we move forward into the future.” Graeme and Fran’s leadership before moving to Athlone, where they founded River of Life Church. A NEW CHALLENGE “There is no other part of the body of Christ we’d rather be Giving thanks for all those who worked alongside them in journeying with than River of Life,” Trevor shared. “You have been developing Plumbline Ireland, Graeme explained that he and Fran with us in our darkest times. This day isn’t just about us, but it is would be returning to where their ministry began all those years every bit as much about you - together with God and one another, ago - in France. making a difference!” “Things happened quickly,” Graeme said. “I saw a programme Those dark times included on RTE about the Irish in the illness and death of Trevor the south of France, and and Diane’s precious son Peter. God began to tug at our YOU ARE NOT STEPPING INTO SOMEBODY ELSE’S SHOES. YOU ARE heartstrings. France is one of Graeme recalls how the couple held on to God in the midst of STEPPING FORWARD INTO WHAT GOD HAS CALLED YOU TO DO. the most unevangelised parts their grief: “There are so many of the world, but exciting who get disappointed and things are happening. These discouraged when hard things times of upheaval and social happen in life. Trevor and Diane said, ‘God, we are choosing to love change are a time of opportunity for the kingdom of God. you even when we don’t understand.’” “We realise that part of the Irish destiny is to be a missionary people. I want to say again how honoured, blessed, and grateful HONOURED AND HUMBLED we are for the privilege of being sent as Christ’s ambassadors to “This new responsibility comes with fear and trembling but another nation.” also a nervous excitement at the possibilities,” Trevor shared. “We Trevor added, “Who in their right mind, at retirement age, are honoured and humbled to be asked to lead Plumbline. We would even contemplate what you are about to do? But it doesn’t are not the answer for Ireland but we are part of the answer. We surprise those of us who have known you and loved you. Today we are kingdom-minded and we recognise and seek to recognise the salute you!” JAN - MAR 2016 VOX

FAITH

PASSING ON THE BATON THE IMPORTANCE OF MENTORING BY SUSIE HARRINGTON

In the VOX Young Adults’ Survey, we shared comments from many young Christians who are asking for mentors - people to invest in their lives. At a leadership event in Belfast in October, Susie Harrington gave seven practical tips to help leaders “pass the baton”. Here VOX magazine brings a summary of her message, which encourages us to build a culture of mentoring in churches across the island of Ireland.

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iles Monroe said, “True leaders don’t invest in buildings. Jesus never built a building. They invest in people. Why? Because success without a successor is failure. So your legacy should not be in buildings, programmes, or projects; your legacy must be in people.” We were created to multiply who we are, to continue to replicate what has been birthed in us and pour that into other people. We were born to mentor others. If we don’t, God says, “Why not?” Consider these seven tips as you seek to release others to be who they were created to be.

“I’M ENOUGH WITH GOD”

take time to invest in yourself by positioning yourself in places where you are drawing investment - both from other people but vitally from the presence of Jesus through your intimate time of worship with Him. The danger as seasoned leaders is that our testimony of faith, of God stretching us and us allowing Him to stretch us is from years ago. When did we last do something outrageous or illogical with God? The people we are leading need to see us doing the outrageous things so always be on your own faith journey. Remember to be kind to yourself, give yourself time to be led by still waters. Life and ministry is often a rat race so do the things that are good for your body, soul and spirit remembering that this journey of leadership is a marathon not a sprint.

It is important for you to know that you are unique. God has gifted you with your own character, calling and gifting that He has worked hard at developing in you RUN YOUR OWN RACE through your life story. You are the precious Stay in your own lane! So often we gift of God to the people in your world so compare ourselves and we want to jump don’t be afraid to into someone give away what has else’s lane. God has been given to you. an amazing race In order to for you - a lane THE PEOPLE WE ARE LEADING NEED TO SEE invest in others all carved out that you need is to stay US DOING THE OUTRAGEOUS THINGS SO totally fits your one step ahead of style, gifting and ALWAYS BE ON YOUR OWN FAITH JOURNEY. the people that character, so don’t you are leading. So get sidetracked

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support people to become who they were created to be.

WHO’S IN YOUR HOUSE?

One of the greatest gifts we can ask for as leaders is discernment. Discernment enables us to know who to invest into. I believe God is calling us to invest in people and to be those leaders who are the unnamed, unknown, faceless warriors in the faith who raise others to greatness. It is really important to look around you and ask, “Who is in my house?” Make it your priority to say hello to the children that are in your church. It is at an early age that their opinion of church gets formed and their opinion of leadership is experienced. You never know who is in your house!

KNOW YOUR CAPACITY AND YOUR CALLING

by other people’s ministry. Don’t get into HOLD LOOSELY TO WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN competition or comparison. GIVEN Some of us are called to be pioneers and So often, we have fought for what we cut the first track through the thick jungle, have achieved, we’ve battled for the arena others are inheritors who create a path and in which we minister. Because we’ve had to others enhance using the path that’s become work so hard, the temptation is to cling on to a road and building a six-lane highway for our territory, our title and our influence. the masses to Sadly, in follow. Know my experience, your race; if we will not WE CONSTANTLY NEED TO GIVE OPPORTUNITIES TO know your let it go, God OTHERS THAT WE WOULD PREFER TO TAKE OURSELVES. will unclench calling! But always our hands, remember to slowly, finger take time to by finger so stand on the sidelines and cheer on the next that we feel we are left with nothing. It’s generation following behind you. so much better to hold things with open hands so that when God asks us to release REFUSE TO BE THREATENED something we can. Then we will have empty There are some amazing talented young hands so He can fill them again. leaders rising up that are more gifted, more talented and have more of everything than LOOK FOR DIAMONDS IN THE COAL you. As a leader you have to choose whether Diamonds reside in the black dust of we are going to be intimidated, whether the coalface - they are there but you need to you’re going to hold onto what you have or look for them. As leaders, we need to look whether you’re going to create platforms for for the potential in people, even if it is buried other people that will go further than you. in pain, rejection and hurt. We need to look Your ceiling needs to become their floor. with the eyes of Jesus to see the beauty We constantly need to give opportunities to amongst the ashes and to see what God is others that we would prefer to take ourselves saying over the people that we are leading. so that we can eventually do ourselves out It helps as leaders to have other trained of a job. professionals such as counsellors to help and

Knowing who you are, what God has called you to and what you can give is crucial for you to stay focused and to know where and who to input. The enemy would love to dilute your influence so that you get distracted with other things. Where is your sphere of influence? Mentor into your calling because if you go outside of it, you will lose something incredible and the people you are mentoring will get a diluted version of you. If we are each true to what God has called us to then the multifaceted wisdom of God will be made known to each generation, each sphere of influence and sector of our community You can’t lead where you haven’t gone yourself!

Susie Harrington co-leads a local church in Suffolk with her husband Trevor as well as “M Power” - a ministry training college and “BE” - a women’s ministry conference. Her passion is to help people realise their full potential in every area of their lives – relationships, family, friendships, work and ministry, so that they can become agents of change within their world. JAN - MAR 2016 VOX

REALITY

CREATING A

Porn-Free CULTURE BY JONNY CAMPBELL

t’s the elephant in the room,

everything from neurological science to Russell Brand’s social media is sounding off about the harmful effects of porn and our super-pornified culture. So here’s the million-dollar question. Is a porn-free culture possible? Is it an unrealistic pipe dream, a soundbite to stir the idealist or a genuinely realisable future? Could all our kids, our marriages, our relationships, our churches and our communities one day be free from the pervasive visual assault of porn? At Love for Life, we believe it is possible. We’re passionate about change in our society. We’re not persuaded that a generation of 15-year-olds educating themselves about sex through watching porn will produce a generation of happy, healthy, and flourishing relationships. We want young people to respect themselves, the value of those around them and the inherent beauty of sex itself. We believe this can happen better in a porn-free culture. Here are three things we can do today to make it happen.

isn’t it? Maybe it’s the elephant in your church! Depicting sex is hardly a new thing. The practice can be observed in ancient Aboriginal art. Make no mistake, however, ASK THE QUESTIONS the birth of the Internet in Let me ask you a question. The shirt or 1993 produced the almost jumper you’re wearing. Where did it come from? IT’S THE NEW ‘NORMAL’. I don’t mean River Island. I mean what country unavoidable saturation of contemporary culture. It feels was it made in? No reaching for the label. If like our every shady and not-soyou don’t know, it’s not surprising. Generally shady nook has been flooded by speaking, we don’t know. We don’t know the porn. Once it was difficult to source; now name of the worker who made it. We don’t know what they got hardcore porn can be difficult to avoid. paid, or what their breaks are like, or where they sleep, or where We’re bringing up the first generation of their family is. We don’t know because clothes, chocolate 15-year-old boys in which a third or more are and copies of magazines appear in the shops, and when they accessing porn every week, swallowed by oh-sodisappear, they simply replenish. There’s nothing visible behind alluring windows into a dizzying world of instant the shelf and there never has been. From birth, this is simply gratification and a never ending buffet of visual the daily rhythm of consumption that we’re used to. stimulation at every click. That’s not to mention What about “do not conform to the pattern of this world, but the seeping down of this more extreme world be transformed by the renewing of your mind”? into everyday content of music videos, glamour Isn’t it essentially the same with porn? The content magazines, and mainstream movies. It’s the new appears and there’s nothing behind the screen but wires and ‘normal’. processing chips. Nobody’s daughter, no drug use, no danger, The thing is… now the alarm clock is going no coordinated exploitation… Except, of course, that is exactly off. Sure, the world might long to press snooze again, what the world of porn is like! but the ringing keeps getting louder. Way beyond Encouraging people to ask questions about how they value Christian sexual ethics and worldview, nowadays and think about those involved - people (not things) on the

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screen - and how they got there brings the truth into disturbing and uncomfortable focus. Asking the right questions exposes the nature of what is really happening. At Love for Life, we sometimes ask about who is in the room when porn is made. Upon reflection, some young people will realise: “a sound guy.” “Oh, and a director.” “But… everything looks so spontaneous! Actually, now I think… it couldn’t be.” Porn is not spontaneous sex nor enjoyable sex, and it teaches us nothing about real relationships or true intimacy. Jesus was the master of the right question at the right time, not always desperate to hammer people with right answers. His strategy is an underused weapon.

to share with those struggling. Of course, by using the Internet to get informed, we are using the primary weapons of immediacy, accessibility, and community of the porn producers against them! Let’s get reading, sharing, and exploring!

PICK A FIGHT

In Judges 6, God’s people are in hiding. Oppressed and brutalised by GET INFORMED Mideon, they have taken to clefts, The church will not be part of the battle we’re called mountains, and caves. They felt hopeless, to by hiding or hoping the problem will go away. We overrun, defeated - until God’s messenger need to be profoundly aware of what’s out there, how to inspires Gideon to pick a fight. He gathers his safeguard our technology, how addiction happens and confidence, takes aim at two idol strongholds and be equipped with the tools and vocabulary to get to grips tears them down. In doing so, he also provokes the anger with reality. of the community around him. The temptations We live in a world full of facing young people contradictions and a kind of neurotic PORN IS NOT SPONTANEOUS SEX NOR (and older people) anxiety about strong moral stands or and the mixed ENJOYABLE SEX, AND IT TEACHES US NOTHING statements. Anyone insisting upon messages about sex and truth or moral clarity is ABOUT REAL RELATIONSHIPS OR TRUE INTIMACY. objective relationships are agerunning the risk of being branded old. At the same time, ‘offensive’ or ‘intolerant.’ However, for the vehicles through our young people, their relationships, which these are and their future, it simply has to be delivered evolve, and it’s very difficult to pastor, protect, worth sticking our heads above the parapet. Make no or guide people without understanding their world. mistake, one day the Kingdom of God will come in its Love for Life is part of a community of agencies fullness and the culture then will be entirely porn-free. pursuing a porn-free culture. We’ve held conferences We’re called to herald, invite, and usher in that reality and hosted training days for teachers, youth workers, every day until then. and professional counsellors. We work closely with the We can imagine the world of love, relationships, and Naked Truth Project and Ian Henderson, who recently sex differently. In a porn-free culture, it’s much happier, took the ‘porn debate’ to the House of Lords. Their work healthier and more whole. was resoundingly commended. Let’s ask the right questions, get informed and, like There are also so many online resources at our Gideon, get to the front line. disposal that can help. Check out www.loveforlife.org.uk and www.x-it.today for more information. Could your Jonny Campbell is a church partner with us in running an event? programme developer for Other great resources include www. Love for Life. The charity nakedtruthprayer.com or www.fightthenewdrug.org. works with over 30,000 Check out particularly the statistics that reveal the extent young people a year in schools, of the problem. There are amazing videos on the basic community groups, and churches in both neuroscience of addiction and great practical resources Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. JAN - MAR 2016 VOX

REALITY

RESPONDING TO THE LEGACY OF CROMWELL

hirley Bowers is an Englishwoman who has prayed around the island of Ireland for many years. Her book From History to Hope recounts how God led her, as a representative of the people of Huntingdon, England, to ask forgiveness for the wounds inflicted by her historic townsman, Oliver Cromwell. Shirley was in Dublin in November to meet Archbishop Diarmuid Martin and Dr Micheál Ó Siocrú, author of God’s Executioner. Lúc Verling met up with Shirley to hear her story.

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.

I was a very shy, insecure person. My father always introduced me as the ugliest baby ever born. I grew up believing I was this ugly child. But then in the 1980s, God started to point out things in my life and how He could heal them. He showed me how forgiving my father would release the burden. And that’s what happened to me. Before my father died, he actually said, “I just want to say I’m sorry.” I asked, “What for, Dad?” because (by then) years had gone by. “For everything. I just want to say I’m sorry,” he replied. Forgiveness is key. Then, we started praying for our town because disunity in Huntingdon was very deep. I started to recognise that if God can heal me of my past, and if my past had affected me and left consequences, then that’s the same for a family, a church, a town, or a country.

HOW DID UGANDAN PASTOR JOHN MULINDE ENTER YOUR STORY?

John came to our church. He was talking about the blood shed on the land of Uganda and how they’d prayed for the cleansing of the land. I visited Uganda, and at a conference, I saw people come together asking forgiveness for what they’d done and for what their ancestors had done. What God did for me personally, I saw happen between nations and tribes and people. Pastor John said, ‘Look into your history.’ I discovered that Oliver Cromwell was born in Huntingdon. I read a book about what had happened in Ireland and knew I needed to do something. Then I met an Irishman who wanted to retrace Cromwell’s steps, and he invited me to come with him. So on September 11, 2002 [the anniversary of Cromwell’s invasion of Drogheda in 1649], we set off with a letter from the churches of Huntingdon saying they were sorry for what had happened. We waited outside every town to be invited in - the opposite to invasion.

TODAY YOU ARE DUE TO MEET WITH DR MÍCHEÁL Ó SIOCRÚ OF THE DOWN SURVEY PROJECT AND LATER WITH ARCHBISHOP DIARMUID MARTIN. WHAT IS YOUR HOPE FOR THESE MEETINGS? I want to honour [Dr Ó Siocrú] for what he’s done with the Down Survey Maps - how the land changed from Catholic to Protestant ownership during that time of Cromwell. I want to thank him, but I also want to share the original letter of apology that I brought in 2002. I’ve always felt that I needed to meet the Archbishop tell him, “I’m sorry your people suffered so much.”

WHAT OF THE NORTHERN IRISH PEACE PROCESS?

WHAT GOD DID FOR ME PERSONALLY, I SAW HAPPEN BETWEEN NATIONS AND TRIBES AND PEOPLE.

We did a trip around Northern Ireland back in 2009/10, and again, we carried letters with us because we felt they’d suffered the consequences of what we had done to Ireland. I believe that the more we break down any division, any dividing wall, we’re going to bring peace. What was sown all those centuries ago was a religious spirit. It wasn’t about Christianity. And that religious spirit has caused a lot of damage since. I believe we’re about bringing God back into it and saying to people, “God loves Ireland, and He cares enough about you to bring healing to your deepest wounds.” From History to Hope is available online through www.ariseministries.co.uk.

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‘A Sunny Saturday Kicks Off’ 12 poems: Louis Hemmings 12 artistic photos: Dora Kazmierak GARDENING, RESCUE DOGS, MASCULINITY, SPIRITUAL QUESTIONING, PHOTOGRAPHY, HAND-WEAVING AND MORE… Poetry Ireland editor, John Jordan, wrote of Louis’ poems: “… refreshing in a country where so many poets good, bad and indifferent, have been stuck on the horns of the private faith / institutional church dilemma. Should Hemmings keep his faith he will become either an important religious poet, or, just as likely, a manic ranter.”

EU€ 13.50 UK£ 11.00 US$ 17.00 (price includes shipping) from: louis@samovarbooks.com | Avonbeg, Newtownpark Ave, Blackrock, Dublin, Ireland Click and see preview: www.tinyurl.com/ow4mz6f

www.iacc.ie

IACC NATIONAL CONFERENCE

12 MARCH 2016 Time: 9am - 4.30pm Venue: The Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 Cost: €40 for IACC members, €50 for non-members and €45 early bird booking (by 1st Feb). Lunch is included. This Conference is designed for any Christian with a heart to help others, particularly those involved in pastoral care teams, ministers and Christian Counsellors. Best-selling Author and Pastor Jeff Lucas will be our main speaker for the day.

JAN - MAR 2016 VOX

LIFE

“FIRE BY NIGHT”

NUMBER ONE IN THE EP CHARTS FOR THE CHAPEL BAND BY RUTH GARVEY-WILLIAMS

Sitting in the lovely stone chapel in St. Mark’s Church, Dublin, I was blown away by Aisling Glover and sisters Ruth and Abbey Malone. These vibrant young women are three members of the “Chapel Band,” a worship group that shot to unexpected success in the iTunes charts when their EP “Fire by Night” beat the likes of Justin Bieber and One Direction to the number one slot in October 2015. Phil Rowntree, Matty Greer, Michelle Burke and Emi Dragoi complete the seven-person group, which they describe as less of a band and more of a ministry.

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The conversation flows with passion and excitement. These friends are so thrilled to be using their gifts for God and by the unexpected opportunities that have opened up. Here’s a chance for you to eavesdrop...

and said, “We’re gonna do this!” Since May, we’ve been in the church almost every evening, writing, rehearsing, and recording. It was such an amazing experience to see the dreams that God has put onto our hearts come to fruition so naturally. We know each other and we are genuinely friends. That made it so easy.

Abbey: Our young adults ministry in St. Mark’s started in this very room. We began with maybe six young adults who were Aisling: We were all passionate about able to criticise each reaching other young IT’S BEEN AMAZING TO HEAR PEOPLE other well - giving adults. We wanted a suggestions about how place where we could SAY, ‘THAT SONG HAS HELPED ME…’ we could make things bring our friends better. These songs who had never been come from our hearts. exposed to church. As It’s been amazing we grew, we eventually moved downstairs to hear people say, “That song has helped and that’s where we found the space to use me…” or “I want to use this song at my own our creative gifts. church.” We feel so small sometimes but we can contribute to what God is doing in Ruth: We were playing for worship Ireland. every week, using our God-given abilities, and we discovered there were some really SO WHAT HAS INFLUENCED YOUR MUSIC? good singers and songwriters among us. Abbey: Growing up in church, we’ve Daniel, our young adults’ pastor, was in loved listening to Hillsong and Hillsong America visiting different churches. He saw United, and a bit of Kari Jobe. God has worship groups writing music and recording given people like Matt Redmond and Chris CDs and, rather than getting discouraged, he Tomlin a gift to write songs for a generation. was inspired. He met with us back in March

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Ruth: We all love to have the craic and dance, so we all love dance music. We love to have fun while we are worshipping. We are young and we love the new sounds: the synth, the bass and a good solid beat behind it. We are inspired by what is current in the music arena.

community saying, “Look what is possible when God blesses something.”

Abbey: It is all a big learning process - a totally new experience for everyone. In order to produce music in Ireland, each Abbey: None of us really expected this. song has to have a bar code. Then you have It must have been God, because we didn’t to go through a label, so we set up our own Abbey: We wanted it to be “us” and not plan for it! We are just friends doing life music label (Chapel Music Ltd.). Even in the to replicate anything. Ultimately, this is our together. We feel God is blessing us. This process of mixing and mastering the music, sound. We believed that God would God was working. The guy bless our authenticity. This is who we we were working with was are. Emi is our music producer, but an atheist. He was quite he is also a musical genius. He would WHY SHOULDN’T THE CHURCH BE PIONEERING A FRESH SOUND? emotional and said, “There is have five different sounds but we genuinely something in this would choose the one we wanted. music. I can feel a presence.” Ruth: Our heart is to be relevant to people. We want our friends to know God, but we want to be normal. We want to share, “This is how I’ve found God in my life and this is the faith I have.” I don’t want to write lyrics that baffle and confuse someone who has never set foot in a church.

is not what it is always going to be like, but God must be so thrilled that our song went number one! He gave us our creativity and originality. Why shouldn’t the church be pioneering a fresh sound? Friends that I haven’t seen for years contacted me to say, “Yous are at number one!!”

SO WHAT COMES NEXT FOR CHAPEL BAND?

Aisling: When we were writing words, we would think about how we could take the meaning and make it more accessible to our friends.

Ruth: There is something to be said for living normal life in a supernatural way, seeing God doing great things through the “everyday.” The day after we hit number one, I was in a school teaching and Aisling was in college and Abbey was at her placement!

Ruth: Late 2016, we’re hoping to do a full album with all original songs. Definitely we’ll be looking at more writing and recording, and we’ll continue to be invested in Chapel Group as our “home” - regularly leading worship and being part of this community.

TELL US WHAT IT WAS LIKE MAKING IT TO NUMBER ONE IN THE CHARTS. Ruth: Our huge success was such a surprise - we were shocked. Coming up on the day it was released, we were totally consumed with doing our launch night. We didn’t have time to think about how the EP would do. If it had bombed, we would have been okay.

The whole experience was a big risk, but it was a risk from a safe and solid foundation. Our church was so behind us. The leadership of our church supported us 100%; they invested in every way and stood with us. They were such an encouragement. In many ways, this EP wasn’t just about seven people but about the whole of our Chapel Group

Abbey: At the moment, we are enjoying the success of the EP and we are excited about that. We are planning for the future and looking at how we can continue to give excellence.

You can follow the Chapel Band on Facebook and Instagram. Their EP and singles are available to download from iTunes and Google Play. Watch out for them at Christian conferences such as “Dream” later this year!

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Training Leader 1st of 4 Training Sessions

Training day for those serious about teaching the Bible to children.

Rory Bell is director of Teaching and Training Ministries, an organisation that equips ordinary people to teach the Bible to children. Rory and his wife, Kim, have worked in a number of different sized churches in a range of contexts both in South Africa and the UK. He has conducted extensive training in churches and theological colleges in South Africa, Singapore, Dubai, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Germany, Oslo and throughout the United Kingdom. TnT Ministries publishes Mustard Seeds Bible teaching resources.

Training Outline Get REAL with Ministry Explore a Biblical model of ministry that takes seriously the need to build relationships, teach the Bible, model the gospel and see young lives radically changed by the power of God’s Word and His Spirit.

TnT Ministries in partnership with

Get REAL Ministry Working

Saturday 23 January 2016 Venue: Swords Baptist Church The Riasc Centre Feltrim Road, Swords, Co Dublin

Bring your whole team and be encouraged, enthused and equipped!

A group discussion around the principles from Session 1 and how they might apply at your church given the resources you have. This is a great session for both teams and individuals.

Get a REAL Lesson Together Learn to unpack a Bible passage and get it ready for age-appropriate teaching. You will leave this session with a complete lesson including a warm-up activity, ideas for visual aids and a consolidation activity.

10:00am to 4:00pm, €20 per person (includes refreshments - bring your own packed lunch)

BOOKING ESSENTIAL

Book online: www.tntministries.org.uk/ireland

Email: bookings@tntministries.org.uk

Mobile: +44 772 266 3703

TnT Ministries (Registered Charity No. 1102864) Unit 6 - Endeavour House, 2 Cambridge Road, Kingston-upon-Thames, KT1 3JU Telephone: 0208 549 4967

go dtaga do ríocht . . . your kingdom come

Compassion Projects 2016 DIY & Gardening Projects Welcome Packs for Women’s Refuge Want to get involved? liffeyvalleyvineyard.ie

Volunteers welcome.

mob: 086 3034178

Thanks very much for Saturday. It’s changed my whole approach to lesson planning. Great stuff!

It was such a great help for me and all the team I lead. I wanted to say a massive thank you on behalf of our Youth and Junior Church team for your input to our children’s ministries on Saturday. We are so grateful for the teaching, encouragement, discipline, validation, wisdom, food for thought and wealth of ideas we now have to put into practice.

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REVIEWS

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As Family We Go

Brave New World

Having toured extensively and performed with some of the biggest names in Christian music during the past few years, Rend Collective are at long last getting the recognition they so richly deserve. Four superb albums in five years is no mean feat by any standards, but it is their fifth recently released album that is putting this incredibly hard-working band on the map. As Family We Go, released in August, is currently riding high in the Christian music charts, and deservedly so. If you are a bit tired of the bland, same old, formulaic music that is rolled out by the record companies and are looking for something that will excite you and restore your faith in Christian music, then this is the album for you: ten sublime tracks that alternate between power and gentleness. For me, the opening track, Celebrate, is worth the purchase price alone. Listen to it on repeat, with the volume up, and then tell me that you don’t want to see this band live. This is an anthem to celebrate our faith and our heritage. Other stand-out tracks include You Will Never Run Away, The One and Only and Never Walk Alone, each one assuring us that God is always by our side. 2016 looks set to be the breakthrough year for this exciting band; make sure you don’t miss them when they roll into a venue near you, and grab a copy of As Family We Go, a real contender for my album of the year.

Amanda Cook is an award-winning songwriter and worship leader at Bethel Church. As a part of Bethel’s muchacclaimed worship group, she has written many worship anthems, including You Make Me Brave, Closer, I Will Exalt and Shepherd. The new album, Brave New World, marks her first venture as a solo artist, and it is a beauty. This is music for your quiet time, music to soak in. It is an essential worship album of 13 beautiful, soft and subtle tracks that create an atmosphere of holiness and worshipfulness. It is difficult to pick a favourite track but you will most likely find yourself playing Mercy and Highest Praise over and over again, and the two instrumental tracks Flagship and Brave New World will definitely take you to a higher place.

Rend Collective

Amanda Cook

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Asia Bibi (Pakistan)

2016 Lent Prayer Project

Remember the Prisoners Begins Ash Wednesday (10 February) Weekly email with a Prayer Profile of a Christian prisoner News and prayer points

Reﬂecting God's love by welcoming, serving and supporting those who need it most.

TERM Seminar Rethink evangelism and discipleship What is TERM?

You want to share the gospel—but how do you do it? Quote John 3:16 ? Give out gospel tracts ? Tell people that God has a wonderful plan for each person? Sometimes these approaches are met with blank stares or harsh criticism. And, of those who do profess Christ, many fall by the wayside or show no evidence of understanding. Some believers are plagued by a nagging doubt — does the gospel have the power to truly change lives? So the question is, how do we communicate the main message of the Bible accurately and clearly so they can understand? Where do we start? Does the Bible provide any guidelines?

For more information: www.DublinCentralMission.ie ! Mount Tabor, Sandymount Green, Dublin 4, D04 YT68 T 353 (1) 2605772 E info@DublinCentralMission.ie Registered Charity No: 20002220, Dublin Central Mission Ltd. Registered in Ireland No 469469.

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TERM is a time to stop and rethink evangelism in the context of our diverse, ever-changing world. The seminar looks into Scripture to see what it has to say about sharing the gospel clearly. In the process, an approach springs to light that Jesus himself used. Learn why The Emmaus Road Message (TERM) has proven so effective—whether we are engaging the confused, the seeker or the hardened.

Module A — Evangelism Rethink Module B — Lifestyle Rethink : The Written Letter

In the YWCA Hall, North Road, Monaghan Saturday 16th April 2016 9.00am—5.00pm Contact details : 087 6103295 info@monaghanywca.ie

REVIEWS

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Liberation Praise Robin Mark

Anyone who has attended a worship event led by Robin Mark will have experienced worship in its truest and deepest form. This Northern Irish worship leader and songwriter creates an atmosphere of praise without the props, smoke and lights used by so many of his contemporaries. Just like his worship events, his recordings present us with worship in its purest and rawest form. Simple. Beautiful. Liberation Praise is Robin Mark’s latest release, and it doesn’t disappoint. The one thing I love about Robin Mark is his voice, his accent, his Irishness, and it shines through in the 13 tracks on this album. There are some beautiful studio tracks here, but for me, the live recordings make the album shine. The title track is a great example. The chorus, “This is Liberation Praise. Singing Liberation Praise. We are captives freed by grace; this is Liberation Praise. It was for freedom we have been set free and so we sing, A song of liberation to our Saviour King. Who the Son sets free shall be free indeed, Singing Liberation praise,” will be raising the roof at venues across the world in 2016. Robin Mark and band will be performing at Bangor Elim on January 16, 2016, so grab a ticket while you can, and make sure you grab this album too.

Music Review by Vincent Hughes from UCB Radio, an Irish Christian radio station that broadcasts 24/7. You can listen on DAB Radio in Dublin and Cork, on SKY Channel 0214, UPC (TV) Channel 918, and online at www.ucb.ie. Contact UCB Ireland at ucbireland@gmail.com, 01 4299899, or find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Be One

Losing My Religion

Four-time GMA Dove award winner for best female vocalist, Natalie Grant reached the top of the November 2015 Billboard album chart with her new album, Be One. As I write, the album is likely to be in the chart for quite some time to come. It is superb - everything we have come to expect from Natalie Grant. The album opens with the title track, Be One, which sets the tone with its lyrics challenging us to stop waiting for a miracle, but to be one instead. It is an infectious pop song with a melody that will stay with you, but more importantly, a message that will give you some food for thought. The album contains a number of upbeat songs such as Good Day and Never Miss a Beat, but, for me, Natalie Grant is at her very best when she slows things right down. Soulful tracks like King of the World, Clean, the supremely prayerful More than Anything and her beautiful acoustic duet with Steve Green on Nothing But the Blood is why this album is going to be hard to beat in 2016.

Kirk Franklin encourages Christians to accept the flaws of others rather than convict them on the title track of his new album, Losing My Religion. The spoken-word opener sets the tone of this amazing album, which delivers a fresh take on often-heard messages. This is about as honest and hard hitting as song lyrics get. He points a finger at himself, and at the same time asks some very pertinent if not uncomfortable questions of those of us who embrace “religion.” There are 13 brilliant tracks on this album, and given the cultural seismic changes that have occurred and are occurring still in Ireland, there is a message in each track for those of us who are not adverse to a little selfexamination. Kirk Franklin’s musical genre may have never appealed to you before, but I would urge you to join the many thousands who have already put Losing My Religion at number 1 in the Christian music charts, and give this album some serious listening.

Natalie Grant

Kirk Franklin

JAN - MAR 2016 VOX

EVENTS

VOX MAGAZINE

Events Calendar What’s happening where and when

January The Future of Our Past Thursday 21 January, 9.30am Assembly Buildings Conference Centre, Belfast info@presbyterianireland.org 100% Real Children’s Ministry Saturday, 23 January 2016 Swords, Co. Dublin www.tntministries.org.uk/ireland Suicide Prevention Conference Saturday, 30 January Apostolic Church, Dublin 2 www.vox.ie

February Suicide Prevention Conference Saturday, 6 February Grace Christian Church, Cork City www.vox.ie Suicide Prevention Conference Saturday, 20 February Calry Church (Church of Ireland), Sligo www.vox.ie

April YWCA TERM Seminar Saturday, 16 April 9am Monaghan www.monaghanywca.ie Amazing Grace Festival 2 - 8 April Buncrana, Co Donegal www.amazinggrace.ie

March IACC National Conference with Jeff Lucas Saturday, 12 March, 9am Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 www.iacc.ie

Visit www.vox.ie/events for a more up-to-date event listing. (You can also inform us about your upcoming event there.)

Have you reviewed your pension lately? Am I saving enough? How much will I need at retirement? How much can I contribute? Trillium Financial Services will help you find out which pension is best for you and provide appropriate pension advice to suit each client’s financial plan. As a client meets with us, we will go through an assessment and a review of their current pension and expected retirement objectives together. Once we have a clear picture of our client’s retirement fund and tax liability, we can analise which type of pension will meet the client’s objectives. The desired outcome is to have a financial plan that outlines the next steps for the client and serves to guide them toward their financial goals. James Garza, QFA, of Trillium Financial Services, has over 14 years experience in the financial services industry. Mention this advert to avail of a free one-hour pension consultation with James Garza, QFA.

Christian Retreat Centre Greystones, Co. Wicklow

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ideal for: church groups, weekends away, workshops, kids camps, team building, seminars, leadership retreats, midweek breaks and much more.

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REVIEWS

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Love Letter By Séafra Ceall Reviewed by Evelyn Taylor of Footprints bookshop, Dun Laoghaire Before you actually open the book, reading the back cover immediately intrigues you. Ceall certainly throws down the gauntlet! The book is moving, challenging and easy to read. Those who recognise the date on the opening ‘love letter’ will see the poignancy he intends. The author gets us thinking how we respond to letters we receive, leading us to think how we respond to the ultimate ‘love letter’ from Jesus. When we receive a personal letter, do we analyse each word, line and paragraph (no we don’t), or do we accept it as a whole? Likewise, if we ‘look under every leaf’ in the Bible, sometimes we can miss the ‘forest’ that is there to be found. There are gems to be mined by not limiting our interpretation of Bible study. In addition, it has to be admitted that by the use of verses, much of what passes for Bible study has destroyed the original import of whole passages and messages. (p.25) Ceall writes with a certain (tongue in cheek) cynicism, but nevertheless lets the truth shine through (if we let it!). He writes with humour, encouraging us to see the Bible in context, not just picking and choosing our own favourite verse, and asks – How well do we know the one who, by His Holy Spirit, authored the very Scriptures we revere? (p.55). We are encouraged to expand our thinking and not be content with the status quo. …truth cannot be understood from books alone or by any written words, but only by personal growth and development in understanding and that things written even in the Book of Books can be astonishingly misunderstood while one still lives on the low levels of spiritual experience and on the wrong side of the grace on the mountains. (from “Hinds’ Feet on High Places,” p.59) This excerpt encompasses what the book is saying. Buy the book; it’s worth a read – it’ll make you think – it’ll challenge you – it might even change you and hopefully, it’ll leave you smiling.

A Sunny Saturday Kicks Off Poems by Louis Hemmings Photos by Dora Kamierak Reviewed by VOX editor Ruth Garvey-Williams A collaboration of poetry and photography from Louis Hemmings and Dora Kemierak has produced a stunningly beautiful book - in more ways than one. Captured by the sheer artistry of Dora’s images, I’m drawn in by Louis’ skillful use of words. The rich vocabulary provides a sumptuous feast for the senses. With words woven as skillfully as wool, My mother kindled colour schemes is my stand-out favourite of the collection, no doubt influenced by the mention of “dread-dark skies” and “Donegal tinted dyes”. But it is in the honesty and vulnerability of Oh Dear! Here come tears again and Edited, Empty, Purged: A Recalibration that Louis’ poems reach a new depth and resonance. It is rare for people of faith or those who are wrestling with faith to be able to articulate pain and doubt, questioning and despair. I found both words and images to be deeply moving and authentic. In our age of airbrushed, choreographed, Photoshop selfies, it is a blessing to encounter something so raw and real. While I am often cautious and even caustic about the “Christian” contribution to poetry, in my opinion, A Sunny Saturday Kicks Off is a book worth buying. It will move and inspire, disturb and unsettle. It will cause you to ponder and leave you with more questions than answers but that, after all, is the essence of art. JAN - MAR 2016 VOX

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REMEMBERING BY SEÁN MULLAN

h yes, I remember it well! Then there’s the kind of bad “Do you remember when…?” remembering that remembers “those Ah yes, I remember it well. At people” from “that time” as though they least, I think I do. were some kind of lesser beings. If we’d been There’s a lot of us there, we wouldn’t who don’t remember have done that. How so well any more. could they not see the REMEMBERING IS A BIG DEAL IN 2016. consequences of what There are 55,000 people in Ireland with they did? Why didn’t a condition called they stop - and think dementia. Dementia’s again? another name for remembering badly. And Remembering is a big deal in 2016. 55,000 is a lot of people in a population It marks the centenary of two big events of 4.5 million - that’s over 1% of the in Ireland’s story. 1916 was the year that population. And the experts say that number saw nearly 500 people die on the streets of is going to treble in the next 30 years. So Dublin following a rebellion that ultimately

by 2046, there may be well over 150,000 people with dementia. That’s a lot of bad remembering. Bad remembering. There’s more than one kind. There’s the kind that simply forgets the facts. “I’ve no idea where I put my keys/ wallet/wife/whiskey.” Or the promises: “I just forgot to call/text/email/facetime/ whatsapp.” 46

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led to the political arrangements we still have. 1916 was also the year that saw almost 4,000 Irish people die as part of the British army at the Battle of the Somme. Over half of those casualties came from what would soon become Northern Ireland. Many of the others had relatives, friends, or neighbours who, earlier that year, had fought the British

army on the streets of Dublin. Complicated it was and complicated it is. A hundred years on, how do we remember all this well? It’s no simple task. Remembering well involves a kind of inner reenacting, putting yourself in the place of those who have gone before. It means trying to walk their bit of the road, in their shoes, wondering at what they saw and dreamed and feared. It means looking at the detail of their lives, their choices, their pressures and their fears and then wondering what their past says to my present. Remembering well also means realising that we are part of the same story. Too often, remembering is done as though we ourselves are outside the story, able to see it all, sum it up, learn the lessons and move on. But how do you move on if you’re part of the same story? And that’s the point - the story continues. It hasn’t ended yet. None of us knows the end. We look back in hope that we might look forward with a little more wisdom, but we’re all characters in one tale. Heading towards Easter 1916 reminds me of a much older Easter. As the events of that earth-shaking week were coming to their conclusion, Jesus of Nazareth told his band of followers to remember him by eating and drinking. Eating and drinking, is it? Surely you could do better than that? And not eating and drinking special things, but the food and drink of every day - bread and wine could have been found on any table in any home in those times. Remembering well is done in the ordinary, in the everyday, in the humdrum detail of the lives we live every day. To remember well is to remember that we share the journey, share the road, share the table, and share the story.

Seán Mullan has been working in church leadership for many years. He has developed a new project in Dublin City Centre called “Third Space”.

Church Insurance from a broker with a difference

We are a Christian insurance brokerage in business since 1984 and church insurance is an area in which we take a special interest. We have recently negotiated a new scheme especially for churches with the Ecclesiastical Insurance Group offering discounted rates and lower minimum premiums. In addition to the usual covers (property etc.) this very comprehensive policy includes: ✓ Pastoral Care Indemnity ✓ Public Liability Insurance - which unlike many others does not exclude claims arising from sexual abuse (where all reasonable steps have been taken to avoid such abuse) ✓ Employer’s Liability (including volunteers) on a “costs inclusive” basis ✓ Charity Trustee Insurance ✓ Legal Expenses

Many churches find it difficult to identify the risks to which they are exposed, their responsibilities to others and the covers they should have in place. This is where our personal experience gained over many years in local church leadership roles makes us different to other brokers. We use our experience to consult with you personally and build an insurance package specific to your needs. Whether you are a large or small congregation, operate from a private home, rent space or own your own building we can provide advice and solutions for your insurance needs.

For your quotation please contact Rodney Croly at: R.J. Croly & Co. Ltd., 4 Finsbury Park, Dundrum, Dublin 14 Phone: 01-2989166 or 01-2960224 Email: croly@eircom.net

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